Was Qian Ying in the great hall?
Bai Shengyi couldn't help but look up, her gaze sweeping over Qin Si, who remained silent at the highest point, and finally landing on a woman in a silver robe that shimmered like starlight, her eyes a striking red.
"Indeed, you have courage." Qian Ying, crossing her legs, ignored everyone else and focused on Bai Shengyi, asking, "Do you know what kind of path you've chosen?"
Alchemists found Qian Ying rebellious and capricious, while pharmacists deemed her methods impure and opportunistic. It was safe to say that both circles, whether alchemy or pharmacy, viewed Qian Ying as a charlatan seeking attention, and treated her with considerable hostility.
Qian Ying, in a rare moment of benevolence, offered the young girl a piece of advice to consider carefully.
"Naturally."
A smile played on Bai Shengyi's lips, her voice soft yet firm.
"This is my path."
She never feared gossip or cared about others' opinions, for the path she walked was for herself.
Bai Shengyi couldn't help but recall her time studying spiritual healing in the Federation. When she had wanted to integrate 23rd-century Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture into it, she had also been met with disapproval. Yet, she had ultimately succeeded, and those who had once mocked and ridiculed her could only watch as she received accolades.
"Oh! I like your attitude!" Qian Ying said with a charming smile. "If that's the case, then..."
"Wait a moment!"
"Who are you?" Qian Ying's face darkened, displeased.
These new students had a lot of nerve, daring to interrupt her!
"Forgive me, Esteemed One, but I am Bai Murong, Bai Shengyi's elder sister. I was forced to interrupt you because... Bai Shengyi promised Grandpa before coming to the academy that she would promote the Bai family's medical texts. I fear it might not be appropriate for her to take you as her master."
Bai Murong finished, bracing herself.
"Murong! What are you doing..." Li Shiqing frowned deeply, pulling at Bai Murong, but Bai Murong paid her no mind.
She had just learned from Li Shiqing about the special status of Qianxiao Peak. How could such a good opportunity be given to Bai Shengyi!
Thinking this, she turned gently, taking Bai Shengyi's hand with an air of familial warmth, her tone laced with a righteous disapproval: "Ayi, how could you deceive the Esteemed One? You clearly told Grandpa that your favorite was still pharmacy."
"Is that so?"
Bai Shengyi withdrew her hand.
"Slap!"
A resounding slap landed on Bai Murong's left cheek.
"Slap!"
The symmetry was now complete.
She grabbed Feng Wuya's small handkerchief, wiped her fingers, and looked up coldly, "Who are you?"
Arrogant! Insolent!
Wild and captivating!