Luo Qingyi glanced up at her, and his answer was the royal palace of Yue Country.
"While the news of the Hundred Wood Spirit Rhinoceros is still elusive, there is definitely a Juan Yan Hong within the palace."
Feng Yinwan didn't know why he was so certain.
In an instant, the scenes of her mother's遗物 (yi wu - belongings) flashed through her mind again.
Before she could ponder further, Luo Qingyi spoke again.
"I will personally procure the Juan Yan Hong from the palace. For now, you have another important matter."
The "important matter" he mentioned was the alchemy competition held once every three years by the Immortal Medicine Sect.
And Feng Yinwan was the chosen representative for the Xuan Sect this time.
His gaze swept over the bracelet on her wrist, and Luo Qingyi's eyes narrowed imperceptibly.
"Since your mother's passing, I have managed the sect on your behalf. Now that you are more capable, it is time for you to succeed as the Holy Master."
This was something Feng Yinwan had not anticipated.
"Uncle, I never thought of this..."
Outside the Desolate Realm, after witnessing the deaths of her father and brother, it was Luo Qingyi who brought her back to the Xuan Sect and gave her a place to live.
The Xuan Sect had taught her much, and it was an undeniably powerful force, but in her heart, she had never considered possessing this power for herself.
Unexpectedly, Luo Qingyi's expression darkened at her words.
"Wan'er, the Shattered Moon chose you. This is your responsibility."
"For a hundred years, those chosen by the Shattered Moon have invariably become the new Holy Master of the Xuan Sect, without exception."
Luo Qingyi rarely spoke to her in such a serious tone.
Feng Yinwan paused for a moment, then nodded.
"I understand, Uncle."
Hearing her affirmative answer, Luo Qingyi's expression softened slightly. After a pause, he added,
"Your talent in alchemy is extraordinary. I have no doubt about your abilities. To win the alchemy competition this time is the only way to gain everyone's respect."
After three years of cultivating alchemy, Feng Yinwan's mastery already surpassed that of others. This alchemy competition was merely a touchstone for her.
By winning this event in front of the various medicine sects, not only would her strength be displayed, but the Xuan Sect's prestige would also undoubtedly rise.
When she then took over as Holy Master, it would be rightful and no one would dare to object.
Feng Yinwan understood Luo Qingyi's intention. After a moment of thought, she immediately nodded.
"Please rest assured, Uncle."
Luo Qingyi returned to the capital the next day.
Song Qing'an had already left, and the alchemy competition was fast approaching. Feng Yinwan was occupied with preparing for it while also attending to Feng Jinshou's health, leaving her quite busy.
As she was engrossed in filling some pills, two small arms wrapped around her neck from behind, hugging her affectionately.
"Mother~"
Turning her head, she met her son's blinking eyes. Feng Yinwan's lips curved into a smile, her hands still working.
"Didn't I tell you to take your nap? Why are you up again?"
Feng Jinshou tilted his little face. "Mother, I'm not sleepy."
His tone was utterly matter-of-fact.
Feng Yinwan raised an eyebrow.
"Your maternal grandfather has only been gone for two days, and no one can control you anymore, can they?"
Thinking of this, she felt a headache coming on.
With Luo Qingyi gone, and her imminent departure for Yunzhou, only a handful of disciples and attendants would remain in the sect.
At that time, wouldn't this little one be even more unruly?
No, she had to find more people to watch him!
As if feeling guilty, Feng Jinshou's eyes flickered, and he looked at the medicine in her hand.
"Mother, what kind of pills are you filling this time?"
These pills tasted the same as the candy he had given him before, but they seemed to have gotten a bit fatter.
Feng Yinwan had intended to give them to him anyway, and now that they were filled, she handed them to him.
"These are new candies Mother prepared for you. They've gotten bigger and sweeter. What do you think, are you happy?"
Her trip to Yunzhou would take at least seven or eight days, and she was unsure if the poison would recur. She had no choice but to increase the potency of the medicine to ensure his well-being.
Apart from the thin candy coating on the outside, the inside was solid medicine.
Feng Jinshou, however, seemed completely unaware and his little face lit up with a smile.
"Happy! Mother is the best!"
Feng Yinwan had originally wanted to leave Xi Wen and Jian Ye in the sect.
But Luo Qingyi had instructed her before leaving that since this was Feng Yinwan's first appearance representing the Xuan Sect at the Grand Assembly of Immortal Medicine, she could not be without company.
Therefore, the two of them engaged in a fierce discussion about "who would stay to look after the child."
Feng Yinwan was already having a headache, and now listening to them made her head feel like it would explode. Frowning, she directly called a halt.
"Enough."
The hall fell silent for a moment.
Feng Yinwan pressed her faintly aching temples and looked up.
Between the two of them, Xi Wen was more skilled in martial arts, but his mouth was a bit too loose. In comparison, Jian Ye had a more steady temperament and was more meticulous in his work.
It was clear who was more suitable to look after the child.
"Jian Ye, you stay..."
She had only spoken half of the announcement when her peripheral vision suddenly caught a hint of unusual excitement on Feng Jinshou's face.
Feng Yinwan's delicate eyebrows furrowed in suspicion, and she immediately changed her words.
"It's not suitable for you to stay. You'll come with me to Yunzhou, and Xi Wen will stay behind."
As she spoke, she subtly observed Feng Jinshou's expression.
As expected, after hearing this, his little face immediately fell, looking utterly disappointed.
Feng Yinwan's eyes subtly lifted, completely ignoring Xi Wen's protests, and she made a final decision.
"It's settled."
Let him stay and torment each other with the little brat!
With this matter arranged, she could leave with peace of mind.
Changing into a practical outfit in her room, she stepped out to find Jian Ye already waiting outside.
"Miss Wan'er, the carriage is ready."
Thinking that a woman would be delicate, Jian Ye had naturally prepared a carriage.
To his surprise, Feng Yinwan waved her hand.
"No, we'll ride horses."
Firstly, the carriage was slow, and secondly, she had not had a good workout in a long time since arriving at the Xuan Sect.
After three years of seclusion, besides her alchemy secrets, her Qinggong had also become proficient.
Her reappearance now felt like a test of her accomplishments.
She grabbed the reins, mounted the horse with practiced ease, as light as a swallow.
It was this movement that stunned Jian Ye for a second, and the fear of Feng Yinwan that had once dominated his mind instantly resurfaced.
Having spent so much time with Feng Yinwan in the alchemy room, he had been deceived by her graceful demeanor. He had almost forgotten that Miss Wan'er was never a delicate woman!
She not only used needles, but also poison, and now she had even inherited some of the Holy Master's true arts in martial arts...!
Looking at her charming yet resolute eyebrows, and the hint of unrestrained freedom emanating from her radiant beauty,
Jian Ye had only one thought – terrifying!
Without daring to delay, he immediately mounted his horse. Just as he was about to set off, he suddenly remembered something.
"Miss Wan'er, your appearance..."
Feng Yinwan's lips curved into a smile at his words, and in the next moment, her appearance drastically changed.