"Thank you for your kindness, Elder," Nan Gong Huan didn’t think too much about it and stored the badge away. In her eyes, badges of any rank were the same—as long as they allowed her to purchase magical herbs.

  "To be honest, I have a favor to ask," Elder Xue said with a serious expression.

  Seeing how straightforward Elder Xue was, Nan Gong Huan also straightened her expression and said, "Please, go ahead."

  "In one year, there will be a grand Seven Nations Potion Masters Conference. This event is held once every ten years, and next year it’s Feng Xuan’s turn. I hope to see you there," Elder Xue’s expression couldn’t help but show a hint of anticipation. The Seven Nations Conference was a competition that countless potion masters aspired to attend!

  The Seven Nations Potion Masters Conference? Nan Gong Huan’s eyes sparkled. Such a large-scale event must have impressive rewards!

  "I’ll definitely make time to attend," Nan Gong Huan agreed.

  Elder Xue laughed heartily and patted her shoulder, "Good! If you need anything else, feel free to come to the certification association anytime."

  As long as this child was given the opportunity to grow, her future achievements would undoubtedly be remarkable!

  "Thank you, Elder," Nan Gong Huan bowed respectfully.

  Just as Nan Gong Huan was about to leave, Song Xi Ran stood up and said, "Miss Black Lotus, this is my token. If you ever need anything in the future, you can come directly to the palace to find me."

  Song Xi Ran took out a white, smooth snow marten-shaped jade pendant and placed it in Nan Gong Huan’s hand.

  The snow marten was the symbol of the Feng Xuan royal family.

  As expected of something from the royal family, the jade pendant felt warm to the touch and contained a spirit seed, which would be extremely beneficial to the body if worn long-term.

  Nan Gong Huan understood that Song Xi Ran was trying to win her over, and the value of this jade pendant was undeniable. It could save her a lot of trouble in the future.

  "Thank you, Your Highness," Nan Gong Huan accepted the pendant. "I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave now."

  "May we meet again," Song Xi Ran nodded, watching as Nan Gong Huan turned and left.

  Only after Nan Gong Huan’s figure disappeared did Song Xi Ran sit back down.

  "Teacher, that Miss Black Lotus is truly remarkable," Song Xi Ran praised sincerely. If she hadn’t seen it with her own eyes, she would have thought it was a lie.

  "She is indeed extraordinary. By the way, what were you about to say earlier?" Elder Xue also sat back down.

  Song Xi Ran’s expression turned bitter. "As you know, two days ago, the Yun Xing Sect announced its entry into the world. The old sect master said that the Purple Star had descended upon our Feng Xuan Empire, so he sent a junior from his clan, Kong Tong Yu, to the palace. That girl did a divination for me and said that a woman holding the Pure Light Ribbon would appear, controlling my life and death. Moreover, this woman seems to be related to the Purple Star and is currently in Jianglou City."

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  Elder Xue reassured her, "Your Highness, you are blessed by heaven. There’s no need to worry. Besides, the Pure Light Ribbon is still kept in the treasure vault of the Feng Xuan Royal Academy. No one possesses it. If it is indeed taken, we can simply ask the academy who took it."

  These words eased Song Xi Ran’s mind a bit. "You’re right, Teacher. I must be overthinking it."

  "However, what you said about the Purple Star’s appearance is quite interesting. It’s likely that various forces will fight over her," Elder Xue brewed a new pot of tea, watching the tea leaves swirl and sink in the water, lost in thought.

  …

  After obtaining the badge, Nan Gong Huan and Dong Yan Cuo immediately went to the herbal medicine shop next to the association, the largest magical herb shop in the city.

  As they entered the shop, Nan Gong Huan restrained Dong Yan Cuo’s hands to prevent him from touching the herbs, while stuffing some candies and snacks into his hands.

  The glutton’s eyes darted around, almost as if he wanted to devour all the herbs in one gulp.

  "Be good, I’ll take you to eat something delicious later," Nan Gong Huan patted him, and Dong Yan Cuo finally settled down.

  "Respected Potion Master, what kind of herbs do you need?" The shopkeeper greeted them with a smile. Only potion masters would come into this shop.

  Nan Gong Huan didn’t hold back and started pointing, "This, this, and that... pack two portions for me."

  Most of them were low-level magical herbs, not very expensive. Apart from the herbs for refining advancement potions, there were also some for her grandfather’s health.

  "Right away!" The shopkeeper efficiently began packing.

  Just as Nan Gong Huan was considering whether to buy more, a noblewoman dressed in luxurious clothing walked in.

  The noblewoman spoke as soon as she entered, "Shopkeeper, the usual prescription, prepare two portions for me. It’s urgent."

  Hmm? Shen Ye Rong?!

  Nan Gong Huan’s gaze fixed on the noblewoman. Wasn’t she Shen Ye Rong, Nan Gong Qian’er’s mother?

  Right, Shen Ye Rong was a fourth-grade potion master, so it wasn’t surprising to see her here. In the city, she held great prestige.

  "Uh, Madam Shen, we only have two portions of Red Candle Leaves left, and they’ve just been bought by this young lady. We’re restocking, and it’ll take about an hour. Could you please wait? I’ll have someone deliver them to your residence later," the shopkeeper said hesitantly. It was indeed the young lady who came first.

  "Oh?" Shen Ye Rong glanced at Nan Gong Huan, a hint of disdain flashing in her eyes, though she quickly hid it.

  A little girl, trying to compete with her?

  "I’ll take those two portions of Red Candle Leaves. If you want them, you’ll have to wait a bit longer," Shen Ye Rong waved her hand lightly. In Jianglou City, even the city lord had to show her respect.

  And if this junior had any manners, she wouldn’t compete with a senior potion master like her.

  "First come, first served. I was here first. Are you planning to rob me in broad daylight?" Nan Gong Huan wouldn’t back down, her tone firm.

  If it were anyone else, she might have given in if they had an urgent need, but this was Shen Ye Rong, and that made all the difference!

  "This..." The shopkeeper was terrified. He kept signaling to Nan Gong Huan with his eyes. That was a fourth-grade potion master! She couldn’t afford to offend her!

  Shen Ye Rong frowned, her expression turning displeased. "Little girl, don’t make things difficult for yourself. By seniority, you should call me ‘senior.’"

  "Do you deserve it?" Nan Gong Huan sneered, a glint of cold light flashing in her eyes beneath the veil. It was this poisonous woman who had planted the gu in her grandfather’s body. She would never let her off!

  These three words finally angered Shen Ye Rong. She lowered her head to look directly at Nan Gong Huan, her gaze filled with danger.

  "With just one word from me, you won’t see tomorrow’s sun!" Shen Ye Rong said furiously, still maintaining her noble demeanor, but the threat was clear.

  "Cuo Cuo," Nan Gong Huan simply called out, and a breeze brushed past her ear.

  In an instant, Dong Yan Cuo flashed forward and slapped Shen Ye Rong with a loud crack. The force was so strong that it sent her flying out of the shop, tumbling down the steps!

  This happened so suddenly!

  "Ugh!" Shen Ye Rong, caught completely off guard, spat out a mouthful of blood that drew a perfect arc in the air before she crashed heavily to the ground. Two of her teeth flew out, and her cheek swelled up and split open. This slap was far more brutal than any of the previous ones!

  The shopkeeper was stunned, trembling as he hid behind the counter, peeking out with half his head, terrified.

  This girl was crazy! She actually dared to hit Madam Shen in public!