Chapter Forty-Seven: Liu Lanzhi’s Poise

Han Feng shook his head as he watched, estimating that these people were merely trying to show their faces; perhaps they never expected to win any rewards from the alchemy trial. After all, those capable of refining lower-grade yellow pills were exceedingly rare, especially in the southern region of Ji Prefecture—almost pitifully few.

The grand event was rare, and although many wished to participate, their master had clearly limited the number of participants from the Miao family. This time, only five from their clan could take part in the trial—not a single one more. Han Feng frowned; picking these five was no easy task. Fortunately, the eldest senior brother was already dead; otherwise, it would have been even more troublesome for him.

Han Feng looked at the tentative list he had drawn up: "Han Feng, Yang Jian, Duan Xiaoyuan, Lu Haitang, Liu Lanzhi." He hesitated. These were, indeed, the five strongest alchemists currently in the Miao family, but Han Feng still felt uncertain.

He picked up a vermilion brush and first circled his own name, then Yang Jian's. "This one is a must," he muttered.

His brush paused at Duan Xiaoyuan's name. Duan was one of the late senior brother's people. Although the senior brother was gone, Yang Jian remained, and after a moment's hesitation, Han Feng circled Duan Xiaoyuan's name too, murmuring, "This one must be chosen as well; otherwise Yang Jian will lose his mind."

Two names remained. His gaze settled on Lu Haitang. Although Senior Sister Lu was usually close to the little junior sister, she was their master's person, so she had to be included. Han Feng thought thus and circled Lu Haitang's name.

Then, Liu Lanzhi—the little junior sister. Han Feng's brush hesitated at her name. Emotionally, he did not wish to remove her, but she had lately disappointed him more and more. He stared at her name for a long while before drawing a large red cross over it, saying, "Although the little junior sister's alchemy skills are first-rate, she is too young. In such a grand occasion, she might not perform as she should. It's better to let her temper herself for a few more years."

Han Feng continued to comb through the list of disciples, pondering who could replace Liu Lanzhi. Suddenly, a name caught his eye—Che Wuyou. His lips curled into a cold smile. Che Wuyou certainly had nerve; after only a few days learning alchemy, he dared to sign up. Did he think himself a prodigy like the little junior sister?

Han Feng looked further down, and when his eyes landed on Cai Hu, they brightened. Cai Hu was usually on good terms with him, and especially since the master had shown favor, Cai Hu had been eager to align himself with Han Feng. Though his pill-refining skills were somewhat lacking, he was, after all, one of Han Feng’s own. So he decided: Cai Hu it would be.

He handed the finalized list to Miao Shilin. Miao Shilin glanced at it and remarked, "Why isn't Lanzhi on it? Her pill-refining abilities are quite impressive."

"Though the little junior sister's skills are not weak, she is too young, and this event will be watched by all. I fear she may not adapt and fail to perform, thus disgracing the master. Besides, she is seriously injured this time and needs proper rest, so I took the liberty of replacing her with Cai Hu," Han Feng replied smoothly.

"Mm." Miao Shilin neither affirmed nor opposed, but since he had given Han Feng full authority, he did not interfere.

Time passed slowly. Today was the tenth day since the Summoning Order was issued—the last day to sign up. Tomorrow the trial would officially begin. Yet the Miao family quarreled endlessly over the selection of participants. This morning, as soon as the list was posted, the disciples erupted.

"What? Lanzhi isn’t on the list? Is Han Feng doing this on purpose?" a disciple exclaimed in surprise.

"Why isn’t my name there either? My pill-refining skills are much better than Cai Hu’s," another protested angrily.

"Han Feng, what are you doing? Why is Haiyuan’s name missing?" Yang Jian glared at Han Feng, furious—Haiyuan was his person.

Han Feng could ignore most others, but Yang Jian demanded an answer. Not only was Yang Jian highly skilled and influential, he was also a madman—someone not to be provoked. "Senior Brother Yang Jian, the list was drawn up by the master. I have no say. If it were up to me, Senior Brother Haiyuan would certainly be included."

"Hmph! Don’t use the master as an excuse. Change the names," Yang Jian said, undeterred. He picked up the vermilion brush, crossed out Cai Hu’s name, and wrote Haiyuan’s above it. Satisfied with his handiwork, he smiled, "That’s settled."

"You..." Han Feng glared at Yang Jian. Cai Hu was his man, and Yang Jian had simply erased him. Han Feng knew Yang Jian was arrogant, but he hadn’t expected him to be so blatant—this was a public slap in the face.

"What? Don’t think nobody knows your intentions. You dare to report Cai Hu with those skills? What, you’re not convinced?" Yang Jian sneered at Han Feng. The people who once followed him now dared to act arrogantly in front of him.

Han Feng’s face turned green. He was now a person of status; Yang Jian was going too far. Han Feng signaled behind him, and a small group immediately stood at his back. In the past, Han Feng had few followers, but since Miao Shilin favored him, he had worked hard, offering many benefits to gather some support.

Yang Jian smirked coldly at Han Feng’s movements; so, more people—who cared? He waved his hand, and a majority immediately stood behind him.

Han Feng looked at his own supporters, then at Yang Jian’s, and his face darkened. He had underestimated how troublesome Yang Jian could be, and also his influence. Who would have thought, after the senior brother’s death, Yang Jian could still command such power? Had he known, he would have simply put Liu Lanzhi’s name on the list. No matter how bold Yang Jian was, he would not dare erase the little junior sister’s name—her influence in the Miao family was second only to the late Yang Cheng.

Yang Jian saw Han Feng’s sour expression and showed off a smug look: "Aren’t you arrogant? Go on, be arrogant." Just as Yang Jian was basking in triumph, a commotion arose among the crowd. He turned to see what was happening, only to witness someone changing Duan Xiaoyuan’s name to Liu Lanzhi’s. Who dared to swap names in front of him?

Liu Lanzhi turned her head, looked at Yang Jian and Han Feng, and, despite her pale face, smiled playfully: "I want to participate in this trial too, so I’m afraid Senior Brother Duan will have to step aside. I hope you don’t mind, Senior Brother Duan," she said, glancing at Duan Xiaoyuan.

"Uh..." Duan Xiaoyuan looked at Yang Jian’s darkening face. Although Liu Lanzhi was always gentle, she had amassed the largest following in the Miao family since Yang Cheng’s death. Despite Yang Jian’s bluster, he actually feared Liu Lanzhi; when Yang Cheng was alive, most disciples followed him, but now?

The little junior sister not only had terrifying potential but was upright and honorable—an ideal heir for the Miao family. If he had to choose, Duan Xiaoyuan would rather follow her. At least she would not mistreat her senior brothers. With these thoughts, Duan Xiaoyuan smiled: "If the little junior sister wants to test her skills, how could I contest with you? I support you."

It was wise not to resist; if Liu Lanzhi grew stubborn, he would lose face. Besides, this was the best time to choose a side—it was better to openly declare allegiance to the little junior sister than wait.

Liu Lanzhi hadn’t expected Duan Xiaoyuan to agree so readily. Her intention in targeting him was to make Yang Jian and Han Feng look bad in front of everyone. She was still angry about the trouble they gave her the night Yang Cheng died, so she had deliberately replaced her own name in public as a warning: she was not to be trifled with, and she would publicly embarrass the two.

But Duan Xiaoyuan’s candor and sincere smile made her feel a little guilty. Though he had often made things difficult for her and Che Wuyou, seeing his openness now, Liu Lanzhi felt apologetic.

She respectfully cupped her hands to Duan Xiaoyuan, earnestly saying, "Thank you, Senior Brother Duan. I was too mischievous—please forgive my youthful ignorance."

Duan Xiaoyuan laughed heartily: "Little junior sister, I watched you grow up. Your character and ability are well known to everyone. Don’t be too modest. I believe in you. Work hard and strive to shine in the pill trial—to bring honor to our Miao Clan."

"Yes, I will obey your guidance, Senior Brother. I won’t let you down. If I am fortunate enough to stand out in the pill trial and win a lower-grade treasure, I will surely give it to you," Liu Lanzhi replied, smiling as if it were the easiest thing in the world.

Everyone present was stunned. Did the little junior sister think a lower-grade treasure was as common as carrots and cabbages? To give it away so casually—that was a lower-grade treasure, after all. In Miao Clan Manor, only Master Miao Shilin possessed one. Its value was self-evident: it could double your attack power. For example, that night, had Liu Lanzhi had such a treasure, she could have defeated Yang Cheng alone and would never have been so badly injured.

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