"Oh, I see," the three exchanged puzzled glances at Ji Yuewu's explanation. It was evident they didn't believe her casual dismissal, but she remained unbothered, her expression calm and aloof.
Clearing his throat, Duan Huaming spoke, his tone tinged with pride, "I've been working tirelessly on refining Foundation Establishment Pills, and yesterday, I finally succeeded in creating one." He retrieved a pill from his storage pouch, holding it up with a smug smile while subtly glancing at Ji Yuewu.
"A Foundation Establishment Pill! Senior Brother Duan, that's incredible. You're bound to become a third-grade alchemist soon!" Liu Yueru exclaimed, her tone full of admiration and envy.
Li Yuedu also offered his congratulations, though his expression was more strained, betraying his discomfort.
To Duan Huaming's disappointment, Ji Yuewu only gave a faint acknowledgment of his accomplishment. Her indifferent demeanor left him disheartened. Didn't she realize how remarkable it was for someone his age to refine a Foundation Establishment Pill?
At that moment, Xiao Chen stepped into the hall. Startled to see so many people present, he paused briefly before offering a polite bow. "Xiao Chen greets Senior Brothers and Sisters."
Ji Yuewu's eyes brightened slightly, her frosty demeanor softening a fraction as she gave him a gentle nod.
Duan Huaming and Li Yuedu, however, were both annoyed. While they tolerated each other as rivals for Ji Yuewu's favor, they considered Xiao Chen, a disciple without spiritual roots, unworthy of even dreaming about her.
Liu Yueru, meanwhile, didn't spare Xiao Chen a single glance, treating him as if he didn't exist.
"Senior Brother Duan mentioned that Junior Brother Xiao is attempting to refine Foundation Establishment Pills. Such ambition is truly admirable. Did you, perhaps, succeed like Senior Brother Duan?" Li Yuedu asked, his tone mocking.
Ji Yuewu frowned slightly but said nothing, her gaze resting on Xiao Chen with a hint of expectation.
Xiao Chen's brows furrowed briefly. At this stage, he didn't want unnecessary attention, especially while still grappling with his Foundation Establishment challenges. Keeping his tone neutral, he replied, "The process is indeed challenging. My efforts were merely to familiarize myself with the techniques; I haven't succeeded. Today, I came simply to fulfill my promise and return the Foundation Establishment Pill."
Though she hadn't expected much, Ji Yuewu's eyes dimmed slightly at his response. With a soft sigh, she quelled the faint sense of disappointment she felt. For reasons she couldn't fully explain, Xiao Chen often occupied her thoughts since their previous interaction.
As Xiao Chen handed her the pill, a faint gleam of light reflected off its pristine surface. "Thank you for your generosity, Senior Sister. The pill is returned as promised," he said before turning to leave, ignoring the mocking expressions of Duan Huaming and Li Yuedu.
"Hah! I told you lending him the pill would be a waste. As if he could ever refine a Foundation Establishment Pill!" Duan Huaming sneered, his disdain evident.
Li Yuedu nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Such mediocrity, yet he dares to harbor inappropriate thoughts about Senior Sister Ji. How absurd."
Liu Yueru chuckled, clearly amused by Xiao Chen's perceived humiliation.
"I'm feeling tired today. Please excuse me, Senior Brothers and Sister," Ji Yuewu said flatly, lifting a cup of tea and signaling the conversation was over.
Understanding her temperament, the trio exchanged glances and left reluctantly.
Once they were gone, Ji Yuewu opened her palm, revealing the pill Xiao Chen had returned. Its smooth, milky-white surface emitted a faint glow, and her lips curled into a subtle, captivating smile. "A mid-grade Foundation Establishment Pill. It seems those three fools couldn't see through even this. Xiao Chen, what else are you hiding? I'm genuinely curious."
As Xiao Chen flew back toward the medicine garden, his face was grim. "Careless. By giving her a mid-grade Foundation Establishment Pill, I've revealed too much. If she investigates, my secrets might be exposed."
With a sigh, he muttered, "Well, what's done is done. If this gets out, I'll have to flee. Still… I don't think she's that kind of person." Resolving to move forward, he quickened his pace.
Moments later, Xiao Chen sensed two auras rapidly approaching from behind. Pretending not to notice, he maintained his course.
"Xiao Chen, stop!"
The cold voices of Duan Huaming and Li Yuedu rang out. Xiao Chen halted mid-flight and turned, his face impassive. The two descended, Liu Yueru following behind with an expression of gleeful anticipation.
"What can I do for you, Senior Brothers and Sister?" Xiao Chen asked politely, landing and cupping his hands in greeting.
Duan Huaming's face darkened. He despised Xiao Chen's calm demeanor, viewing it as an affront. To him, someone without spiritual roots had no right to act as an equal.
"Let's not waste time," Duan Huaming said coldly. "Xiao Chen, stay away from Junior Sister Ji. Her talent in cultivation and alchemy makes her a core disciple chosen by the Sect Master. She is far above the likes of you. If you want to continue living peacefully in Falling Cloud Valley, you'd best heed my advice."
Li Yuedu remained silent, but the icy contempt in his eyes spoke volumes. Liu Yueru, meanwhile, smirked as if enjoying the show.
Xiao Chen's expression hardened. "I may only be a registered disciple, but my status is no less than yours. I'm no servant for you to command. If anyone here harbors intentions toward Senior Sister Ji, it's certainly not me."
Though his tone was calm, Xiao Chen's words carried an unyielding edge. His confidence, bolstered by his rapid progression to the fifteenth level of Qi Refinement, left him undaunted by their threats.