Facing Dong Yancuo's impressive performance, Nangong Huan took out a piece of candy, personally unwrapped it, and stuffed it into his mouth.

This seemingly simple act opened a new world for Dong Yancuo. He savored the sweetness on his tongue, staring at Nangong Huan's hand for what felt like an eternity.

The mocking laughter around them abruptly ceased, leaving only the chirping of fledglings on the eaves.

“Nangong Huan!” Ye Wanjun, gritting his teeth and holding his face, glared at her, his expression a mix of pain and fury that could only be described as ice and fire.

“Damn it... Nangong Huan, you’ve gone too far!” Ye Wanjun's lackeys quickly helped him up, indignantly defending their master.

“Our young master only said one thing to you; is it really necessary to go this far?”

“You hit him so hard; you must compensate!”

As the clamor of his followers filled the air, Nangong Huan smiled and turned her gaze toward them, a cruel smile that silenced their chatter once more.

At that moment, a tall woman dressed in red walked past Ye Wanjun, her steps unyielding. She cast a cold glance at his disheveled state and uttered two words: “Waste.”

Ye Wanjun's eyes nearly bulged out as he looked at the red-clad woman, furious as he pointed at her, “Sister, I’m your brother!”

However, the woman ignored him completely, striding directly to an elder guarding the pavilion. She clasped her fists and announced, “I, Ye Sang, challenge the peak of the Three Spirits.”

The elder quickly arranged for her to face a guard at the peak of the Three Spirits.

Hearing the challenge level, Nangong Huan, who had just lined up, involuntarily glanced over. Ye Sang's aura was formidable, and her strength was at the initial stage of the Three Spirits.

Although Nangong Huan didn’t know much about the Ye family, she had heard of Ye Sang’s reputation, who had dominated the disciple trials last year.

Thinking to learn a thing or two from her experience, Nangong Huan paused to watch Ye Sang’s challenge.

Ye Sang was a summoner; she summoned a rare spirit beast, a double-headed four-winged Ancient Sky Bird, embodying both fire and wind elements.

Just as the challenge began, Nangong Huan caught sight of two familiar figures—Nangong Qian'er and Wei Yuwu, who approached hand in hand, looking quite intimate.

“Tch, a pair of hypocritical fools putting on a show,” Ye Wanjun's disdainful voice echoed in her ears.

Nangong Huan raised an eyebrow at him; his face radiated contempt for anyone not from the Ye family.

Noticing Nangong Huan looking at him, Ye Wanjun curled his lip, snorted, and turned his head away.

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“Sister Huan, you’re here too!” Nangong Qian'er walked over to her, a gentle smile plastered on her face.

Nangong Qian'er’s eyes betrayed her jealousy; remembering the slap she received earlier from Nangong Huan made her seethe. But the thought that Wei Yuwu had annulled his engagement with this “ugly girl” brought her some pleasure.

She couldn’t help but display a smug expression; her mother had always said that the position of the legitimate daughter of the Nangong family would eventually be hers! Everything the legitimate daughter should have would be hers!

One day, she would strip the spirit beast from that ugly girl! Even if it meant killing her, if she couldn't have it, neither could anyone else!

Raising her chin, Nangong Qian'er scrutinized Nangong Huan. She suddenly noticed that the “ugly girl” seemed a bit different today; perhaps it was just her imagination, but the dark spots on her face appeared to have faded somewhat.

Wei Yuwu's expression was noticeably troubled as he glanced at Dong Yancuo, his gaze darkening as he recalled the earlier events.

“If I’m not here, should I be in your courtyard’s dungeon?” Nangong Huan said with a meaningful smile, recalling that she had first awakened in this very place.

Nangong Qian'er’s smile faltered slightly, but she forced out, “Sister is really joking. With your strength, you should be able to enter the Spirit Refinement Pavilion today.”

“Unfortunately, if I get in, you won’t be able to,” Nangong Huan shrugged, explaining that the rules of the Spirit Refinement Pavilion allowed only one person from each family to enter at a time to ensure the energy generation speed inside the pavilion.

At that moment, the previous disciple from the Nangong family had just exited.

Nangong Qian'er’s brow furrowed, sensing trouble, but she still managed to smile and said, “It’s alright; I’m already very happy that Sister Huan can go in. I can wait a little longer.”

Given the challenge rules, most disciples chose to face opponents slightly stronger than themselves to ensure a safer chance of entering for half an hour. Being able to stay in the Spirit Refinement Pavilion for half an hour was already a significant benefit.

So in Nangong Qian'er’s mind, even if Nangong Huan could enter, it would only be for half an hour, and waiting a bit longer wouldn’t hurt.

“Is that so?” Nangong Huan’s smile deepened.

“Next, Nangong Huan,” the elder called, and she stepped forward immediately.

“I, Nangong Huan, challenge the mid-stage of the Two Spirits,” she declared, clasping her fists.

Upon hearing the words “mid-stage of the Two Spirits,” the elder paused in surprise.

He scrutinized Nangong Huan, noticing that her current strength seemed to be at the mid-stage of the One Spirit.

“Are you sure?” the elder asked, his expression peculiar as he confirmed again. Although defeating a stronger opponent would allow her more time inside, the failure rate was considerably high.

“I’m sure,” Nangong Huan replied, her tone firm.

The elder then arranged for her to face a guard at the mid-stage of the Two Spirits, and the two took their positions.

With the shout of “Challenge Begin,” Nangong Huan raised her right hand high, releasing waves of energy that appeared harmless.

The guard opposite her drew his shield and sword, preparing for defense.

Ye Wanjun rubbed his eyes, confirming he wasn’t mistaken before scoffing, “She’s overestimating herself!”

His lackeys echoed in agreement: “Ye Shao has sharp eyes! That Nangong Huan is just asking for trouble!”

Nangong Qian'er felt a tightness in her chest, recalling her mentor who had been killed—also at the mid-stage of the Two Spirits. If Nangong Huan succeeded, she could stay for an entire day! That would mean she had no chance today!

“Qian'er, why are your palms sweating?” Wei Yuwu noticed the perspiration on her hands and offered her a handkerchief.

“I’m just feeling nervous for my sister,” Nangong Qian'er quickly made up an excuse, feigning concern. “Sister is too impulsive; she told me yesterday that besides her, no one else should think about entering the Spirit Refinement Pavilion.”

Wei Yuwu frowned, his dislike for Nangong Huan intensifying. Not only did she bully Qian'er at home, but she also wanted to block all the disciples’ paths.

Suddenly, Ye Wanjun’s mocking voice rang out, “From what I see, it’s you who thinks that—besides Miss Qian'er, no one else can take my genius’s title!”

He exaggerated his tone, his fingers delicately pinching as he performed the act of jealousy and arrogance to perfection.