Sixth Master gently pushed a cup of brewed tea towards her, a smile gracing his handsome face. "This is a spiritual tea I had cultivated. It calms the mind and aids in cultivation. If you like it, I can have some sent to your estate."
This kindness surprised Feng Ninghe. She subtly raised an elegant brow, her voice clear and crisp, "I wonder if this spiritual tea is easy to accept."
An unsolicited favor often conceals ulterior motives.
This saying held true for anyone.
Feng Ninghe and Sixth Master had no prior connection, and the spiritual tea before her was clearly no ordinary brew.
Even if she were to accept the tea, she needed to understand Sixth Master's intentions to determine if she could accept it.
Her simple words elicited a hearty laugh from Sixth Master, a hint of admiration unconsciously appearing in his eyes. "The alchemists at Willow Face Pavilion encountered a problem while refining the Youthful Vitality Pill. For some reason, the pill's formation rate has been low."
Feng Ninghe knew precisely where the problem lay.
Without hesitation, she responded, "The Youthful Vitality Pill has a rather peculiar ingredient. Only after placing the Snow Skin Grass for the duration of one incense stick can other herbs be added. Otherwise, the formation rate will easily be low."
Sixth Master's eyes followed with a thoughtful gaze.
After a moment, he nodded with feigned seriousness, "So that's how it is. Miss Feng, you are indeed knowledgeable. Such minor details are precisely what people tend to overlook."
Feng Ninghe's response was simple, "Success or failure lies in the details."
The woman before him carried herself with an effortless grace. Her unadorned face was incredibly beautiful, her eyes holding a hint of aloofness, as if she remained unperturbed by the world's affairs.
This made Sixth Master's gaze deepen with unspoken meaning. "There is one more matter. I wonder if Miss Feng would be willing to answer."
"Please, speak freely."
As she finished speaking, Feng Ninghe raised her teacup to her lips and took a sip. The crisp tea aroma immediately filled her mouth. The mellow fragrance was somewhat unexpected.
"The Heavenly Snow Mountain secret realm was teeming with geniuses, including the renowned King of the Underworld. How did you manage to obtain the Flame Spirit Lotus?"
Sixth Master looked up, his gaze fixed on her. His calm eyes held a sharp edge, as if capable of seeing through people's hearts.
It was no simple feat to snatch the Flame Spirit Lotus from Si Jianye.
Even if the secret realm suppressed spiritual power and limited Si Jianye's cultivation, it was still not comparable to a young girl like her, who possessed no spiritual energy.
This was not the first time Feng Ninghe had answered such a question.
After a moment of thought, she moved her lips and softly replied, "I used a bit of cleverness to obtain it. It's not something worth mentioning, so there's not much to say."
Cleverness?
He did not believe that an ordinary person could employ cleverness against the King of the Underworld.
A smile reappeared on Sixth Master's face. Although he still harbored doubts, he did not press further. Instead, he changed the subject. "I heard you intend to participate in the Hundred Arena Competition. Many people are now focusing their attention on you, curious about your true strength. Do you have confidence?"
Feng Ninghe shrugged her shoulders, her voice calm and collected as she uttered, "If Sixth Master comes to watch, won't you know then?"
Sixth Master readily agreed, "Very well, then I shall be sure to appear at the Hundred Arena Competition on time. I look forward to Miss Feng's performance."
He too felt a surge of curiosity.
This woman before him was sharp-witted and eloquent, not someone who would foolishly court death. Perhaps at the Hundred Arena Competition, she would surprise everyone.
With this thought, he felt a growing anticipation, eager to see how much surprise this woman could bring him.
Their conversation did not last much longer.
As Sixth Master was about to arrange for someone to escort her back before she left, she declined. "Sixth Master, the carriages from Willow Face Pavilion are far too ostentatious. I can walk back myself, so there's no need to trouble you."
She did not wish to be gossiped about all the way back.
Her refusal also surprised Sixth Master.
For anyone else, having the opportunity to ride in a Willow Face Pavilion carriage would be an occasion to lift the curtains and show off, perhaps even making a grand tour of the entire Li Kingdom for all to see.
Yet, Feng Ninghe showed no such desire, even finding it too ostentatious.
This caused a subtle curve to form on Sixth Master's lips, a strong interest burning in his eyes.
This woman was indeed somewhat different.
Su Xian escorted Feng Ninghe out of Willow Face Pavilion. She casually produced a beautifully packaged tin of tea and offered it to her. "Miss Feng, this is a small token of Sixth Master's regard."
Feng Ninghe accepted the tea without hesitation, her voice gracious as she said, "Thank you, Sixth Master."
"Miss Feng, Sixth Master holds you in high esteem. It's the first time I've seen him admire a young lady so much."
As she spoke, Su Xian glanced at Feng Ninghe again, her expression subtly shifting.
Feng Ninghe was beautiful and striking, but beyond that, Su Xian couldn't discern what extraordinary qualities this woman possessed to earn such favor from Sixth Master.
Feng Ninghe met Su Xian's gaze directly, a faint smile on her delicate face. "Sixth Master certainly has good taste."
Her simple words caused Su Xian to knit her brows, a clear expression of displeasure appearing on her face.
To think that Feng Ninghe would readily accept the compliment.
After all, she was merely a cultivation "waste," and Su Xian couldn't fathom why Sixth Master would regard such a person with such high esteem.
However, as Feng Ninghe was a distinguished guest specially invited by Sixth Master, Su Xian could not voice her opinions too much, despite her reservations.
Sensing Su Xian's change in demeanor, Feng Ninghe said nothing more and continued on her way.
From childhood, everyone had considered her a waste, never placing high hopes on her and always belittling her.
She had grown accustomed to people's attitudes and had no intention of offering lengthy explanations.
It was Sixth Master, however, who, upon learning she would participate in the Hundred Arena Competition, showed no contempt or disdain in his eyes, but rather a hint of anticipation.
This anticipation felt more like waiting for her to defeat her opponents.
"Feng Ninghe, it's actually you. What a coincidence meeting you here."
A sharp female voice suddenly pierced her ears, interrupting her thoughts.
The barbed voice, laced with a hint of provocation, successfully made Feng Ninghe raise her eyebrows.
Turning her head, she saw a familiar face before her.
Ning Peilan, dressed in a goose-yellow and pink dress, her fair skin and meticulously applied makeup, her expression arrogant, exuded an air of haughtiness.
Feng Ninghe harbored no particular fondness for this woman and had no intention of engaging. She simply continued to walk away.
Seeing her turn to leave, Ning Peilan became displeased. She strode forward, blocking Feng Ninghe's path, and raised her chin with a muffled哼, "Feng Ninghe, why are you turning to leave upon seeing me? Are you afraid?"
Only then did Feng Ninghe stop and meet Ning Peilan's gaze.
Her eyes were as calm as still water, her clear gaze unruffled.
This icy stare caused Ning Peilan to involuntarily swallow, a flicker of fear creeping into her heart.
However, after a moment, Ning Peilan cast aside her fear. She lifted her head proudly, looking directly at Feng Ninghe. "I told you last time, the next time I see you, I will definitely have a good spar with you. I didn't expect this opportunity to come so soon."