NOVEL WEB Chapter 346: Each Has Their Own Plans
Chapter 346: Each Has Their Own Plans
After about a month, Xu Lian and Ning Meixue, who had been enjoying their fulfilling lives as Dao companions at an estate outside the imperial city, received a message from their master, Chi Sui. The vacation was over, and he instructed them to come to his residence to prepare for their return to the exclusive cultivation resource zone.
Xu Lian and Ning Meixue had no choice but to leave the estate and return to the imperial capital. For the past month, they had been living quite contentedly, spending most of their time at the estate and only occasionally visiting their families.
Imperial Capital
Chi Sui’s Residence
Xu Lian and Ning Meixue arrived one after the other. Since their relationship as Dao Companions had not yet been officially announced, they kept a certain distance in public, appearing no different than a typical senior-junior relationship among fellow disciples.
Seeing Ning Meixue glowing with vitality and radiance, Zhao Ming frowned and asked, “Junior sister, where have you been for the past month? I’ve visited Marquis Ning’s residence several times looking for you, but the Marquis said you were rarely at home.”
Ning Meixue smiled sweetly and replied, “Didn’t I tell you? It’s rare for me to return to the imperial capital, so I wanted to spend more time with my close friends.”
Zhao Ming pressed further, confused, “Who are your close friends? I don’t recall you ever mentioning them before.”
Ning Meixue’s expression darkened slightly as she retorted, “What do you mean, Senior Brother? Are you interrogating me like a criminal and investigating my whereabouts?”
Zhao Ming quickly backtracked, “No, junior sister, please don’t misunderstand. I was just asking casually. If you don’t wish to answer, then forget it.”
Zhao Ming had pursued Ning Meixue for years, but her attitude remained enigmatic. She had neither rejected him outright nor accepted him completely, always keeping a certain distance and never really getting close to him.
Just as Xu Lian was about to speak, Ning Meixue gave him a subtle look and told him to be quiet.
In truth, Xu Lian felt that there was no need to bother with Zhao Ming anymore. He and Ning Meixue could already publicly declare their relationship as Dao Companions. However, Ning Meixue felt that the timing wasn’t right.
As Ning Meixue saw it, even though Junior Brother Qin Feng had shone brilliantly at the Fifth Prince’s Banquet, it was still uncertain whether Qin Feng would gain Master Chi Sui’s favor. Zhao Ming might still become an obstacle in Qin Feng’s path.
Before Qin Feng gained the trust of both Master Chi Sui and the Fifth Prince, and before Qin Feng secured control over the exclusive cultivation resources, Ning Meixue couldn’t decide whether or not to eliminate Zhao Ming.
Thus, she decided to avoid any conflict with Zhao Ming for now, lest he grow wary.
Clearly, her intention to kill Zhao Ming hadn’t faded away. If Zhao Ming obstructed Qin Feng’s path, she wouldn’t hesitate to find an opportunity to get rid of him!
Xu Lian couldn’t help but inwardly marvel at how much she cared for Junior Brother Qin Feng – although Qin Feng would never know. After all, Xu Lian had already made up his mind to eliminate Qin Feng and take his place completely.
Once Qin Feng was gone, he would be Qin Feng, and Qin Feng would cease to exist. Only he would be able to experience Ning Meixue’s kindness, and her affection would belong to him alone.
Just as Zhao Ming, thinking himself witty, was recounting some amusing anecdotes from the imperial capital during this period and Ning Meixue was responding half-heartedly, Chi Sui, the alchemist, emerged.
Noticing Ning Meixue’s radiant appearance, Chi Sui smiled and asked Zhao Ming, “When are you two getting married? As your master, I must have a sip of the ceremonial wine.”
Zhao Ming was taken aback, unsure why his master had asked such a question. He hesitantly replied, “It shouldn’t be happening anytime soon, should it?”
Chi Sui patted his shoulder, his expression turning serious. “You better hurry up. If you let Meixue down, I won’t forgive you.”
Zhao Ming could only answer with a submissive “Yes.”
Xu Lian and Ning Meixue exchanged a glance, both slightly startled. A sage was indeed a sage, especially one who was also a top-tier alchemist-his insight was truly remarkable. Chi Sui had clearly noticed something, but he had mistakenly assumed that it involved his eldest disciple, Zhao Ming, unaware that it was actually another disciple.
“Let’s go,” Chi Sui said, waving his hand. As he led the three of them through space, he advised, “We cultivators who practice the art of alchemy exist primarily to refine medicines for the Empire. Changes in political power are just fleeting clouds.
From now on, we shouldn’t stay in the capital for too long, so as not to get caught up in power struggles. As long as we focus on our duties and concentrate on refining the Metamorphosis Elixir, no matter who becomes emperor, they will never mistreat us. Remember this well.”
The three disciples replied in unison, “Yes.” In reality… each of them had his own hidden agenda.
Zhao Ming, the eldest disciple, harbored ambitions of securing Ning Meixue as his own and gaining sole control over an exclusive cultivation resource zone. This would elevate the status and influence of the Marquis Zhao family within the imperial court, allowing them to acquire more cultivation resources and benefits.
Ning Meixue, on the other hand, was solely focused on her relationship with Junior Brother Qin Feng. She was determined to eliminate anyone who stood in her way, while also striving to increase the power and prestige of Duke Ning’s household.
As for Xu Lian, a master of disguise and infiltration, his goal was relatively “simple”. He had only one objective: to exploit the Qian Dynasty’s cultivation resources to strengthen himself.
Back to the Exclusive Cultivation Resource Zone
The thousands of apprentice alchemists and tens of thousands of gardeners who had been on vacation had already returned. They didn’t have the luxury of an extended break – after resting for a few days, they resumed their duties of caring for the rare birds and animals, as well as the precious medicinal herbs cultivated here.
Chi Sui made arrangements and said, “Meixue, you’ll have to work harder from now on. The rare birds, beasts, and medicinal herbs that Qin Feng was in charge of will now be under your supervision. You’ll need to keep a close eye on them.”
“Qin Feng, like Zhao Ming, will now stay by my side to help me refine the Metamorphosis Elixir. Over the years, I’ve neglected to properly teach Qin Feng many aspects of alchemy. By staying with me, I can provide him with more guidance and help him improve his skills.”
Ning Meixue’s heart swelled with joy. It was clear that her master intended to pay more attention to Junior Brother Qin Feng. It was a very promising development.
Xu Lian bowed respectfully, “Thank you, Master, for your guidance.”
Zhao Ming’s expression darkened. For years, he had been the sole favored disciple of Chi Sui. Now, it seemed that his master intended to place equal importance on Qin Feng, which posed a significant threat to Zhao Ming’s ambition of controlling an exclusive cultivation resource zone.
He cautiously interjected, “Master, the fields here are vast, and there are countless rare creatures and plants. Junior sister may find it difficult to manage everything on her own.”
Ning Meixue smiled sweetly, “Thank you for your concern, Senior Brother. Don’t worry, I’ll manage. I’m willing to make the extra effort. Junior Brother still has much to learn about alchemy, so it’s better for him to stay by Master’s side and receive direct instruction.”
Zhao Ming’s heart sank. He slightly frowned as he glanced at her. Why was she speaking up for Qin Feng?
He persisted, “Master, I’ve already learned most of your alchemical techniques. If I have the time, I can teach Junior Brother myself.”
Ning Meixue replied with a laugh, “No matter how skilled Senior Brother is, it’s still not the same as receiving direct instruction from Master. Besides, Senior Brother’s time is limited-he needs to practice alchemy and cultivate his own abilities. How could he possibly manage to teach Junior Brother on top of everything else?”
Zhao Ming became increasingly irritated. Had she lost her mind today? Why was she relentlessly advocating for Qin Feng?
Before Zhao Ming could say anything further, Chi Sui waved his hand dismissively. “I will personally teach Qin Feng. Over the years, I have relied too much on you to teach him, and I have not fulfilled my responsibilities as a master. Fortunately, Qin Feng has proven himself capable of making great progress in alchemy through self-study. I am very satisfied with him.”
Ning Meixue’s heart soared with joy. It was obvious that after Qin Feng’s impressive display of alchemy at the Fifth Prince’s Banquet, Master Chi Sui’s attitude towards him had changed significantly. Chi Sui now regarded Qin Feng as a promising talent and no longer intended to leave his education in Zhao Ming’s hands.