Chapter Eighty-Five: Master Xuan

By the time they returned home, dinner had already passed. Xuan Xuan came back from eating out, highly satisfied, while the two brothers, Wan Qi Weihao and Wan Qi Weihan, were even more excited, towing a car full of things they liked. To avoid being scolded by their father, they cleverly brought Xuan Xuan along, and since she remembered their mention of snacks at lunch, she followed them home.

She sat on the sofa, munching on treats as she watched the two brothers divide up their haul on the floor.

“This is yours, that’s mine,” Wei Han declared, pushing items around.

“And who is this for?” Wei Han had bought things not only for himself but also for others who came to mind while shopping. Now, back home, he couldn’t quite recall who he’d intended some items for. After thinking for a moment, he said, “For little sister.”

Xuan Xuan craned her neck to see—a large, vivid green baseball cap. Her face darkened; she had no intention of wearing a green hat.

Weihao was also sorting through his things on the floor. It was rare to get the chance to go out with Wan Qi Lianhao, so naturally, he’d bought a lot.

“This one’s for little sister too, right?” Wei Han pulled out another item.

Xuan Xuan looked over. It was a small doll she could dress up and style. Her face fell further. Did they think she was that childish?

Completely disappointed in Wei Han’s taste, she started to idly survey the living room. The two brothers sat thickly on the carpet, while Xuan Xuan was placed on the sofa before the coffee table, which was piled with snacks.

She stood and headed for the bathroom. After a few steps, she realized she was in front of Wan Qi Lianjun’s bedroom. Xuan Xuan frowned; there was a strong scent of fragrant grass.

She entered. The room’s style was minimalist, but what didn’t match the image of a single man was the vanity table.

Xuan Xuan paused. She’d been back in the imperial capital for some time, but never once had she heard mention of the mother of Weihao and Weihan. Could this have belonged to her? Otherwise, why would such a vanity be here?

Frowning, she moved closer. The vanity was neat and spotless, as if still in use. There was a box atop it, made of sandalwood, heavy and smooth—probably polished by Wan Qi Lianjun’s hands over time.

The scent of fragrant grass emanated from the box. Xuan Xuan lifted it—it was weighty. Opening it, she found a ring. Her brow furrowed; she now knew that, in the Federation, although rings were common jewelry, they more often symbolized love.

“Xuan Xuan, come here.” She was about to check if the box had a hidden compartment when someone called her. She turned to see Wan Qi Lianjun standing at the door.

Xuan Xuan put the box back and walked over. Wan Qi Lianjun scooped her up.

“Aren’t your brothers playing with you?” he asked. He doted on Xuan Xuan more than his own sons, perhaps holding to the belief that sons should be raised strictly and daughters generously.

Xuan Xuan shook her head, curling up in his arms. There was still a trace of that scent, not just from the box—he must have come into contact with something recently.

Wan Qi Lianjun carried Xuan Xuan back to the living room. The two brothers were now sitting stiffly on the sofa, clearly a little afraid of their father.

Sitting with Xuan Xuan on his lap, Wan Qi Lianjun handed her her favorite snacks and looked at Wei Han. “Tomorrow, go tell your third uncle you don’t want the amusement park.”

Wei Han lowered his head and mumbled his assent.

But Xuan Xuan noticed Wei Han’s eyes turning red. She remembered him standing at the amusement park entrance, saying he’d let her play all day by herself. She called out, “Uncle.”

Wan Qi Lianjun looked down at her, his voice gentler. “What is it?”

“The amusement park is my gift to Brother Han,” Xuan Xuan said, looking up at him.

“Oh?” Wan Qi Lianjun patted her head and nodded. “Alright.”

Wei Han immediately lifted his head, a smile blooming at Xuan Xuan.

She returned his smile. He really did look best when he was smiling.

“Pack up your things and rest early,” Wan Qi Lianjun told the brothers. Then, carrying Xuan Xuan, he added, “I’ll take you back.”

Xuan Xuan pointed at the treats on the table. Wan Qi Lianjun’s eyes, for once, showed a hint of a smile. “Alright.”

He let Xuan Xuan pack up the snacks before sending her back to the small house where Wan Qi Lianhao lived.

He took her straight to her bedroom before going to Wan Qi Lianhao’s study. Xuan Xuan washed up on her own, then logged into StarNet, realizing she’d almost forgotten about the thirty people and her new apprentice.

When she entered the lab, she saw Old Ji occupying the spot that had once belonged to Shi Zishan, who now occupied the next table. The entire laboratory no longer had the lively atmosphere of her first visit; the air was thick with tension. No one dared speak in front of Old Ji.

As soon as Xuan Xuan entered, Old Ji’s eyes lit up and he rushed over. “Teacher Xuan.”

“Teacher Xuan,” Shi Zishan echoed.

Old Ji shot Shi Zishan a glare. He called her teacher, and Shi Zishan followed suit—did that mean they were equals now? Had he forgotten he wanted Shi Zishan to call him senior brother? Xuan Xuan suspected he’d forgotten entirely.

Shi Zishan quickly corrected himself, a little embarrassed. “Master Xuan.”

“Just call me Miss Xuan. All of you,” Xuan Xuan replied, feeling awkward. She was still young and didn’t want to be called master. She glanced at the others.

Only then did they recover from the shock of Old Ji calling Xuan Xuan ‘teacher’ and greeted her respectfully. “Miss Xuan.”

Despite Old Ji’s shortcomings, there were clear advantages—this group was well-behaved, saving her a lot of effort.

Xuan Xuan looked down at the group. The large lab was set up like a classroom, and her current standing gave her a commanding view.

“Have you finished reading the books given to you?” she asked. “If not, you can leave now.”

After witnessing her abilities last time, none dared to slack off. Even though the books differed from the Federation’s knowledge in many ways, no one questioned her; all had obediently finished reading.

“If you have any questions, ask now. You’ll get half an hour with me each day; I’ll drop in at random times,” Xuan Xuan said. She didn’t need to spend too much time training them, as she wanted to focus on her mech research. She simply didn’t have time to spare.

She’d barely finished speaking when Old Ji’s eyes widened at her. Only half an hour? That wasn’t enough.

Xuan Xuan forced a smile. “If there are no questions, I’ll leave.”

Old Ji jumped up from his seat. “I have a question! I do!”

Xuan Xuan paused, looking at him.

Although he thought the time was short, it was better than nothing, so he hurried to ask, “How can we make a potion reach its maximum effect?”

He’d heard from Shi Zishan about the plants Xuan Xuan used in her potion. None were particularly unique, yet their own potions only doubled the growth rate at best, while Xuan Xuan’s results were miraculous.

She nodded. “What the Federation lacks most right now is an understanding of energy—how to grasp and utilize it.”

Old Ji looked at her, puzzled. What did potions have to do with energy? But he held his tongue, listening.

“Potions are also a form of energy. Their types, attributes, and potency—if you can master the properties and strength of each potion, you’ll be able to unleash their greatest effects.” She glanced at them. “Once you’ve mastered the book, start training your mental power. I’ll also try to awaken your magical—well, your abilities.”

A wave of shock swept through the lab. Awaken abilities? Was that possible?

Even Old Ji and Shi Zishan exchanged glances; no one had expected potions and abilities to be interconnected.

Xuan Xuan looked at them; some, like Shi Zishan and Old Ji, had natural talent for abilities. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have taken them on.

On the Mata Continent, no one could be a great potion maker without being a mage. That was also why she couldn’t break through to the divine rank.

“That’s all for today. The book mainly covers plant types, attributes, and uses. Once you understand it, we’ll start making potions,” Xuan Xuan announced, ignoring the group as she left.

Zhan Yu was waiting for her at the entrance to the Green World. Xuan Xuan needed to check the materials for converting magic crystal properties. Zhan Yu had collected some, but not all, so she’d messaged him to wait for her after logging in.

Even in a crowd, Zhan Yu spotted her instantly. It wasn’t that her white clothing stood out, but those eyes were imprinted on his heart. No matter when she appeared, he could always find her.

He waved her over.

Xuan Xuan looked around. Kuang Shao wasn’t there today. Without his flamboyant red, she actually felt a little out of sorts.

“Where’s Kuang Shao today?” she asked.

Zhan Yu appeared puzzled. “I don’t know either.”

“He didn’t stick to you today?” she said. That was unusual.

“No,” Zhan Yu replied seriously.

He certainly wasn’t going to tell Xuan Xuan that he’d accidentally let it slip, and now Kuang Shao was being held by his old man, who was both lecturing him and making him repair mechs.

Of course, maybe it wasn’t accidental. Zhan Yu thought his mind must be muddled—he couldn’t quite remember. Spending every day with Yan Huo, he was quite pleased to have Kuang Shao out of the way for once.