Chapter 701 - 708: First Place in the Grand Competition, No Suspense

He made one mistake after another, unable to keep his attention from drifting to Song Wanning.

The sight of her fluid, effortless movements only made him more flustered.

Feng San’s talent in alchemy had always been highly acclaimed. Ever since his time in the Lower World, he had been a priority for both his sect and his family to nurture.

Even after ascending to the Immortal Realm, he was immediately noticed by Mu Zixu and accepted as a True Disciple.

He met his match in his rival, Lan Yue, but their bouts had always ended with a mix of victories and defeats.

But Song Wanning’s appearance made him aware of an insurmountable chasm. The pride he had held for so long was shattered in an instant, and a profound sense of powerlessness and shock struck him to the core.

The higher you stand, the harder you fall.

And Feng San was feeling every bit of that pain now.

As for the current competition, the outcome was already certain.

Once his fighting spirit dissipated, his mental state faltered. If he didn’t resolve this properly, it would affect his future cultivation.

"Junior Brother Mu, that boy Feng San’s temperament still needs a great deal of tempering."

The Sect Master sighed, offering a piece of well-intentioned advice.

Mu Zixu, of course, had also noticed Feng San’s strange state, and his expression darkened slightly.

Forget Feng San—he himself was reeling from the blow, feeling utterly miserable.

Beyond his apprehension toward Song Wanning, what he felt most now was regret.

’With a talent like Song Wanning’s, I never should have given up on her just because of a minor Heart Demon...’

’And the girl I had such high hopes for back then is long gone.’

’It just proves I made a huge misjudgment.’

At that moment, another idea began to form in Mu Zixu’s mind.

’Back then, Song Wanning wanted to receive my lineage’s teachings, and I refused. Perhaps now... I can give her a chance...’

...

The third round soon came to an end.

What should have been an exciting Alchemy Dao competition had lost all suspense due to Song Wanning’s stellar performance.

All eyes were on her, leaving the other contestants completely overlooked.

The Deacon Elder inspected everyone’s Elixir Pills one by one and quickly reached a verdict.

Song Wanning took first place with an overwhelming advantage.

Although her Elixir Pills were not of a high tier, their quality was superb—every single one was of supreme grade.

This was an incredibly rare feat.

Moreover, everyone understood this was only due to the limitations of Song Wanning’s cultivation. Once her cultivation level increased, the tier of her Elixir Pills would naturally follow.

It was only a matter of time.

Second place went to Lan Yue. Feng San, due to his lapse in concentration, had his cauldron explode, landing him in last place.

Surprisingly, Ouyang Lin secured third place.

Situ Yue finished near the bottom, her expression unpleasant.

But her talent was truly no match for the others, and she could only resentfully accept her defeat.

"Since the victor is clear, there is no need for a fourth round."

The Sect Master declared, using the outcome of this stage to finalize the top three.

This time, no one raised any objections.

The gazes directed at Song Wanning were simply filled with adoration.

Everyone from the Daoqing Lineage was overjoyed, while those from Mu Zixu’s lineage were all dejected and crestfallen, having suffered a heavy blow.

Song Wanning stood surrounded by the crowd, her face wreathed in smiles.

Seeing Mu Zixu’s frustrated and defeated expression, in particular, brought her immense satisfaction.

’She knew she was being petty, but who asked Mu Zixu to target her like that?’

...

The crowd quickly dispersed.

With a dark expression, Mu Zixu led his disciples away. Before he left, he shot Song Wanning a deep, meaningful look.

The look was incredibly complex, leaving Song Wanning rather baffled.

’I thought Mu Zixu would be furious and lash out at me, but he had no real reaction. What does that mean?’

It wasn’t just Song Wanning who was puzzled; Daoqing, too, was baffled by Mu Zixu’s response.

’That’s not how a guy with his personality should react!!’

"My girl, Mu Zixu is definitely plotting something. You absolutely must not leave the Sect for a while!"

"I’m worried he’ll try something against you!"

A cold glint flashed in Daoqing’s eyes. If Mu Zixu really dared to make a move, he wouldn’t hesitate to use lethal force in return.

Even if the Sect found out later, they wouldn’t be able to say a thing!

"I understand!"

Song Wanning nodded, not letting her guard down.

Now that she was in the Immortal Realm, she didn’t know if the Heavenly Dao would still protect her.

’If I really push Mu Zixu to his breaking point, I’ll be the one who ends up unlucky!’

’So, focusing on my cultivation is what’s most important.’

So, she said her goodbyes to Mo Yang Immortal Venerable and Feng Jiuxiao and was about to leave when the Sect Master called out to her.

"Young lady, come with me."

The Sect Master beamed at Song Wanning, looking more and more pleased the longer he looked.

’This girl’s performance was simply astounding. The Wuji Sect has struck gold!’

’Once she’s fully developed, she’s sure to shake the entire Immortal Realm.’

Song Wanning was a bit confused but followed him anyway, eventually arriving at the Treasure Pavilion.

"Sect Master, this is..."

She stared at the Sect Master, surprised. Items in the Treasure Pavilion could only be redeemed with contribution points, and the rewards for the competition had already been distributed. Why had they come here?

"Come, follow me inside."

The Sect Master led Song Wanning into the Treasure Pavilion with a broad smile.

The moment Song Wanning stepped inside, she found herself in a world of starlight.

Countless orbs of light floated in mid-air, resembling a vast and breathtakingly beautiful starry sky.

The Sect Master reached out, and one of the orbs of light flew directly into his hand.

"This is a Heart Protection Mirror, a defensive Immortal Treasure personally forged by the previous Sect Master. It can withstand a full-powered strike from a Daluo Golden Immortal..."

This defensive Magical Treasure was incredibly powerful, but due to its extremely high point cost, no one had ever been able to redeem it.

Now, the Sect Master was giving the Heart Protection Mirror directly to Song Wanning.

"On behalf of the Sect, I gift this to you. I hope it will keep you safe!"

The Sect Master’s gaze was firm, filled with high hopes for Song Wanning.

In today’s competition, Song Wanning had thoroughly proven her strength. She was worthy of the Sect’s dedicated nurturing.

From now on, whenever good resources became available, they would be sure to give her a share.

Song Wanning was somewhat overwhelmed by the favor. ’A Daluo Golden Immortal...’

’That’s the same level of cultivation as Mo Yang Immortal Venerable...’

’This Heart Protection Mirror... it’s far too valuable.’

But she didn’t refuse. Instead, with determined eyes, she accepted the Heart Protection Mirror.

"Rest assured, Sect Master. I will not fail to live up to the Sect’s investment in me!!"

’With the Heart Protection Mirror, I won’t have to fear him, even if I have to face Mu Zixu!’

Song Wanning pressed her lips into a smile, feeling a heartfelt gratitude toward the Sect Master.

The Sect Master gave her a benevolent smile. "Junior Brother Mu can be rather extreme in his actions at times. As the Sect Master, there are some matters that are difficult for me to intervene in."

"But if you ever find yourself in danger, you must tell me. I will absolutely see that justice is done for you!"

His meaning was already perfectly clear.

If the Sect Master were to intervene in some of Mu Zixu’s lesser actions, it would seem like he was making a mountain out of a molehill.

Song Wanning would have to endure those on her own.

But if Mu Zixu truly made a move against her, she absolutely had to inform the Sect.

The Sect would most certainly see that justice was done!

These words once again demonstrated how much the Sect cared for and valued her.

Song Wanning understood, and a warmth spread through her heart.

She looked up, smiled, and answered with solemn gravity, "I will!"

’A battle between me and Mu Zixu is inevitable.’