"What did you say?!"
The old man could hardly believe his ears.
In an instant, anger flared across his face again.
"How dare he! Does he intend to seize it by force? Do they think the Immortal Medicine Sect is so easily bullied?!"
After years of cultivation, the Immortal Medicine Sect had long become a vast and deeply entrenched power. If they were to truly resist the army, they were not without a fighting chance.
However, the sect's manpower was currently limited, and it would take time to mobilize various factions.
San Mu gently advised, "Master, a wise man knows when to yield."
San Shi earnestly said, "Master, remain calm."
The two exchanged a glance, prepared for a barrage of persuasion. To their surprise, the old man nodded solemnly in the next moment.
"You have a point. Then I shall heed your words."
San Shi and San Mu: "..."
They had overestimated him.
Meanwhile, Feng Yinwan was still being questioned by Feng Wuxi about the alchemy secrets. The old man had already approached her.
"Sanqing, come here for a moment. I need to discuss something with you."
Seeing his hesitant expression, Feng Yinwan's demeanor turned serious, and she immediately stepped forward.
"Master, what is it?"
He was acting so mysteriously.
Confirming that no one nearby could overhear, the old man rubbed his nose and said sheepishly.
"Disciple, this Jade Lingzhi Grass... do you have any use for it?"
Feng Yinwan's brow twitched upon hearing this, and two words flashed in her mind—
Trouble.
She was too familiar with that tone. It was exactly the same as when he had given her an IOU back then!
Therefore, her beautiful eyes darkened, and she decided to strike first.
"Master, what are you saying? Jade Lingzhi Grass is a rare immortal herb in the world. Alchemists fight to get their hands on it, so how could it be useless?"
"Speaking of which, I recently acquired a new pill recipe that uses Jade Lingzhi Grass. It can be used to refine a top-grade longevity pill. I was just thinking of refining it upon our return to give to you, Master."
"What do you think, Master?"
The old man wanted to speak, but he was so touched by Feng Yinwan that his voice trembled.
"Good disciple, I never expected you to be so filial to your Master..."
Feng Yinwan nodded, "Rest assured, Master, I will not forget your teachings."
Having been preempted with a promise of her own, the old man returned empty-handed, not even managing to ask for the Jade Lingzhi Grass back.
San Shi and San Mu watched with concern, "Master, what about Prince Mo's side..."
"I will speak with him personally."
He said this and led the two out. His expression appeared much more serious. Feng Yinwan watched him for a moment before turning to Jian Ye beside her.
"Has there been any news from the sect?"
The competition had ended, but the secret auction would not officially begin until tomorrow, and the various medicine sects needed to strengthen their connections. Thus, they still had a few more days to stay.
Knowing she was concerned about Feng Jinchan, Jian Ye immediately nodded.
"Miss, there has been no news yet."
No news meant no trouble.
Feng Yinwan let out a sigh of relief and looked up at Feng Wuxi.
"Shall I see you out?"
She had asked all she needed to. Waking Feng Yueli was still a top priority, so he would be returning to Jinzhou today.
Feng Wuxi didn't say much, nodding and walking out with her.
Along the way, Feng Yinwan meticulously reiterated the usage of the Qi Awakening Pill. To her surprise, she was met with a scoff.
"If you're so worried, why not come back with me?"
He accused her of being heartless with his gaze.
Feng Yinwan assessed the situation. The people of Wuxi Pavilion had indeed treated her well. However, she had more important matters to attend to.
"Chenchen's condition cannot be delayed. Please send a message for me to Yuping. After things are settled, I will come to pick her up."
Unexpectedly, Feng Wuxi raised an eyebrow.
"I'm afraid I won't be able to deliver that message."
He glanced at her with a rather infuriating smirk.
"I forgot to mention, your little maid returned to the capital with me. She's currently guarding your tomb in the imperial mausoleum."
"Feng, Wu, Xi!"
Her heart immediately sank.
Feng Yinwan's gaze, filled with murderous intent, was unmistakable.
"I asked you to take good care of her! Is this how you did it?!"
He, however, was unfazed.
"What's the rush? She recognized it wasn't you early on. Returning to the capital was her own choice. I've already sent people to protect her."
Feng Yinwan was furious and wanted to scold him, but the words caught in her throat.
Feng Wuxi was right. She knew Yuping's temperament well. The young girl was stubborn, and her determination to confirm this matter would likely have been unwavering in her decision to return to the capital.
She had made arrangements in advance, but Yuping also had her own choices.
Fine. As long as she was safe, that was all that mattered.
With a sigh, she decided not to speak further. As she was walking, her forearm was suddenly grasped by Feng Wuxi.
Feng Yinwan frowned, her eyes widening as she saw two rows of silver-armored soldiers lined up ahead. For a moment, her expression froze.
It was... the Cold Armor Cavalry!
A surge of blood rushed through her chest.
The moment that deep, cold voice echoed from the hall, memories sealed in her bones and blood resurfaced.
"I am willing to abide by your sect's rules, solely to obtain the Jade Lingzhi Grass."
"Your Highness, why must you have this particular item?"
The old man was perplexed.
While Prince Mo had indeed brought his cavalry, he showed no hostility. His conversation with him just now had only stated his intention to obtain the Jade Lingzhi Grass.
According to the Immortal Medicine Sect's established rules, he should not have refused. However, the Jade Lingzhi Grass was currently...
"Princess Chaonan is gravely ill, and only Jade Lingzhi Grass can cure her. I must find this item."
The air seemed to thin the moment these words were spoken.
Feng Wuxi instinctively glanced at Feng Yinwan's face. Upon closer inspection, he only saw a cold glint on her delicate features.
The old man did not know who Princess Chaonan was. He furrowed his brow, and then heard San Shi whisper an explanation in his ear.
"Master, that Princess Chaonan is the daughter of Prince Dingnan. The Emperor has betrothed her to Prince Mo."
The old man's brow furrowed even deeper. "What betrothal? Didn't Prince Mo already have a wife?"
"Master, you may not know this, but Prince Mo's wife fell off a cliff and died three years ago. A year of mourning has passed. If it weren't for Princess Chaonan's serious illness, they would have already proceeded with the wedding."
The old man paused for a long moment, then understood.
"So, he's asking for this immortal herb to marry a new wife?"
San Shi pondered for a moment and found no way to refute it. "You could say that."
"Pah! Scumbag!"
"Among our medicine sect disciples, we don't remarry even if our wives pass away. After only three years, he's already thinking of marrying a new wife? No, he cannot have this grass!"
San Shi moved closer, intending to say that she didn't have it in her hands either. But before he could speak, a graceful figure had already stepped in.
Her steps, though seemingly light, were remarkably steady, indicating her martial prowess.
Ignoring everyone else, the woman's gaze locked directly onto Ye Tinglan.
"Does Your Highness truly wish to obtain it?"