Chapter 632 - 639: The Planting Competition

Compared to the flustered Demon Cultivators around her, Song Wanning was remarkably composed. Every move she made seemed deliberate and confident, without the slightest hint of panic.

In fact, she was quite similar to the other members of the Human Clan.

The Flower Clan Leader keenly sensed that Song Wanning’s aura was different. He stared at her pensively for a moment before retracting his gaze.

Among the crowd that had gathered, more than a dozen were Human Cultivators.

Most of them were able to complete the basic planting task.

But of the hundred or so Demon Cultivators who had stepped forward, only about twenty seemed to know what they were doing. The rest were a flustered mess, prompting the onlooking Demon Cultivators to break out in jeers and laughter.

Soon, everyone’s attention landed on a particular Demon Cultivator.

"Wait, isn’t that the Demon Race’s Alchemist, Xicheng?"

"That’s right. He’s said to be a young Alchemist from the Wolf Clan’s newest generation. He can already concoct Fifth-grade Elixir Pills!"

"He’s that incredible? He looks so young!"

"You’re telling me! The Wolf Clan hasn’t stopped bragging about him!"

"Looks like he might just win this competition!"

"Not necessarily. Those from the Human Clan look pretty good too. Maybe one of them will win?"

Among the Demon Race, Pill Masters were exceedingly rare. Thus, even this prodigy from the Wolf Clan, who was merely a Fifth Grade Alchemist, was already the center of attention.

Most people were now betting on the Wolf Demon, with the members of the Human Clan being the other likely candidates.

Li Qingya unhurriedly planted the flower before her, every movement exuding a captivating allure.

She found a moment to observe Song Wanning’s progress, and a dark glint flickered in the depths of her eyes.

Before long, everyone finished their work, the flowers now planted in the provided soil.

A few Human Cultivators had brought nutrient solutions and Spiritual Spring Water. After being watered, their flowers instantly perked up, looking completely revitalized.

The few of them wore satisfied expressions, certain they had seized an early advantage.

’The final round will definitely be between us.’

"Go and inspect them one by one."

The Flower Clan Leader’s expression was grim as he ordered the flower demons to inspect each person’s work.

Song Wanning stood waiting at the very back. To her side, Li Qingya suddenly struck up a conversation.

"Your planting technique is truly impressive, fellow cultivator. May I ask if you are a Pill Master?"

Her smile was polite and tinged with curiosity, making her seem genuinely interested.

Song Wanning glanced back at her and gave a noncommittal nod.

Li Qingya paid her cool demeanor no mind and continued to chat with a smile. However, she knew when to stop, careful not to become bothersome.

Song Wanning studied her for a few moments longer. ’There’s something odd about her getting close to me.’

’Especially with that mysterious act she put on at the beginning. She doesn’t seem like the type to strike up a conversation with just anyone.’

’I’ll keep my guard up and play along for now.’

’I’d like to see what she’s really after.’

Soon, the flower demons arrived in front of Song Wanning.

Seeing Song Wanning’s smile, the flower demons’ cheeks flushed, and they performed their inspection with extra care.

When they found that the flower had successfully taken root, their eyes lit up with even more delight.

"Congratulations, you passed!"

The flower demons were beaming. Compared to the other Demon Cultivators, Song Wanning’s beauty was truly striking.

Just standing there, she was like a breathtakingly beautiful painting.

Her beauty was entirely different from their Clan Leader’s; it possessed a sharp, striking edge.

Song Wanning was amused by this. She returned their sentiment with a smile, then watched as the group moved on to inspect Li Qingya’s plant.

"Congratulations, fellow cultivator, you’ve passed as well!"

"Great!"

Li Qingya let out a sigh of relief upon hearing the result.

’I need to get to the next round so I can get closer to Song Wanning and earn her trust!’

So, for the rest of the time, she played the part of a layperson who was deeply interested in Alchemists, asking Song Wanning all about Alchemy.

Li Qingya had always been a superb actress; otherwise, she would never have been able to deceive all those people in her Sect.

She slipped into the role with ease now, especially with her flattery, which was so natural and understated that it was genuinely pleasant to listen to.

Song Wanning’s smile deepened as she played along with the performance.

’I’ve always understood one thing: when someone’s behavior makes you feel *too* comfortable, something is usually wrong.’

’Their goal is simple: to cater to me.’

’So, what is her intention for getting close to me?’

While Song Wanning was still lost in thought, the second round began.

The task was the same, but the flowers were rarer and more difficult to cultivate.

Song Wanning continued to plant at her unhurried pace, showing not the slightest trace of eagerness to win.

Dozens of people had been eliminated in the previous round.

This round, only a little over thirty people remained, including more than a dozen Human Cultivators.

Facing the new challenge, everyone was secretly vying for the top spot.

The Flower Clan Leader had promised that regardless of whether anyone ultimately succeeded in awakening the Flower Clan’s junior, the prize would still be awarded!

’So, as long as I win the competition, the Soul-shaping Flower is mine!’

The remaining contestants were all giving it their all.

But planting flowers was a tedious business. The surrounding Demon Cultivators had been watching with interest at first, but now they were so bored they had started to yawn.

People began to chat in twos and threes, the conversation drifting to gossip about the Flower Clan’s past upheaval.

The Flower Clan and the Flora Clan had always been one and the same, yet ten thousand years ago, something suddenly happened, and they had parted ways ever since.

What was even stranger was that both the Flower Clan and the Flora Clan became reclusive, rarely involving themselves in worldly affairs.

They never even got involved in the great upheavals of the Demon Race.

Yet now, for the sake of a single junior, they had suddenly invited everyone to a competition. No matter how you looked at it, the situation was bizarre.

"I heard a rumor that an elder from the Flora Clan seduced and then cruelly abandoned one of the Flower Clan’s flower demons, turning around to marry a human. That’s why they had a falling out!"

"Really? I heard the Flora Clan’s leader wanted to implement drastic reforms, and it ended up forcing the entire Flower Clan to pack up and leave."

"No, it was the Flower Clan that developed treacherous ambitions. They tried to seize control of the entire Flora Clan, and that’s why they were kicked out!"

"That’s not right either. It was..."

Everyone had heard a different version of the story, causing those listening to roll their eyes, utterly speechless.

With so many rumors flying around, not a single one seemed to be accurate.

The Flower Clan Leader sat in the seat of honor, listening to their unrestrained gossip. The chill in his eyes deepened.

’If it weren’t for Little Eighteen, I never would have agreed to open the barrier and let these... creatures in.’

’Now it seems they’ve truly sullied the lands of the Flower Clan.’

He suppressed his anger, and his gaze fell once more upon the contestants.

With a single glance, he could already tell that a few people had succeeded.

And indeed, after the flower demons finished their inspection, ten people had advanced to the third round.

"Congratulations to you all for successfully advancing to the third round."

"However, the third round will not be held here, but within our Flower Clan’s forbidden grounds. As for those who have been eliminated, you are now dismissed!"