Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return

Chapter 1204: Chapter 1204: Ye Fengyun’s Feelings for Han Yan

”Rest assured, I can somewhat guess the things Tian Wenliang did, and with my character, Zhu Tianping, I wouldn’t stoop to such levels. However, Danxin Hall has its own rules, and I act according to them, not intentionally making things difficult for her. It doesn’t matter if it’s Mu Hanyan; even if Gong Hongru came, I would have my reasons.” Zhu Tianping spoke with confidence.

To be honest, after witnessing Mu Hanyan’s astonishing performance at the newcomer’s grand comparison, he truly didn’t have the guts to deliberately make things hard for her. However, abiding by the rules, he had no concerns.

”Following the rules!” Only then did Chu Chang and the others realize, and they exchanged wry smiles.

When it comes to alchemy, it’s even more complex than sword casting and array formation techniques. Without a certain aptitude, learning it would just be a waste of time. Therefore, according to the ancient rules passed down by the Holy Heart Hall, one must pass an assessment before they can begin to study alchemy.

But precisely because alchemy is so challenging, it’s good enough just to recruit disciples. Who would dare to be picky about it? So over the years, those rules have long been forgotten.

Zhu Tianping claims not to make things difficult for Mu Hanyan, yet insists on following the rules, essentially making it difficult for her, just with a legitimate reason so that no one can find fault.

The two sighed inwardly. With this situation, Mu Hanyan likely won’t have the chance to come to their Danxin Hall to study alchemy. However, once that rule is reinstated, it cannot be easily abolished, and for a long period ahead, Danxin Hall will find it harder to recruit any disciples.

”Mr. Zhu, this might not be the best approach, don’t you think?” Ye Fengyun frowned and said.

”Why is it inappropriate? For years, our Danxin Hall has seen a decline in talent, partly because the young disciples are shortsighted and unambitious. But also because we’ve recruited indiscriminately, damaging our reputation. This is a great opportunity to reestablish our rules and let everyone know that our alchemy skills in Danxin Hall are not for just anyone to learn, also restoring our reputation.” Zhu Tianping said robustly.

”Mr. Zhu, I believe you’re just dissatisfied with the Nanyan Commerce, that’s why you’re deliberately making things difficult for Mu Hanyan.” Seeing Zhu Tianping come up with all kinds of reasons and insist on his own way, Ye Fengyun felt a bit annoyed and spoke less politely.

Upon hearing his words, Chu Chang and the others had a flash of understanding, vaguely realizing something.

”Ye Fengyun, what do you mean by that? Could it be you’re moved by Mu Hanyan’s looks?” Zhu Tianping, his little scheme seen through by Ye Fengyun, couldn’t help but become angry out of embarrassment.

Ye Fengyun’s face turned slightly red, and Zhu Tianping’s indiscreet words inadvertently revealed his thoughts.

”Hmph, I just wanted to remind you that Mu Hanyan isn’t as easy to bully as you think. Don’t repeat Tian Wenliang’s mistake and bring humiliation upon yourself.” Ye Fengyun snorted coldly.

”Ye Fengyun, you might be overestimating Mu Hanyan. I admit, she is indeed talented in sword casting and array formation, but human potential is ultimately limited. I don’t believe she has exceptional talent in alchemy as well.” Zhu Tianping retorted, unwilling to concede.

”I’ve already warned you. If you insist on bringing shame upon yourself, that’s your own business.” Ye Fengyun couldn’t be bothered to say more and left after uttering those words.

”Mr. Zhu, there might be some truth in Young Master Ye’s words. That Mu Hanyan might not be as simple as you think. It’s best you reconsider before making a decision.” Though the two mentors, Chu Chang included, were dissatisfied with Zhu Tianping’s personal vendetta, they were helpless due to his superior alchemy skills. In Danxin Hall, he always had the final say, and they couldn’t oppose his decision, so they advised him and left, disappointed.

”Hmph, just a mere junior disciple, no matter how capable, how could she scare you to this extent? I’ll see how she intends to pass the assessment of my Danxin Hall.” Watching their departing figures, Zhu Tianping said with a cold smile.

At this moment, Mu Hanyan, unaware that someone considered her a thorn in their side, walked into Danxin Hall with a relaxed demeanor.

Soon, Mu Hanyan noticed that the number of disciples in Danxin Hall was noticeably less than in Sword Casting Hall and Array Dao Hall, with only seven or eight official disciples. However, the number of external disciples was quite numerous, reaching dozens, and their treatment seemed far better than in other halls, having the privilege to enter the main hall and listen in.

This was evidently because too few people chose to study alchemy. Otherwise, how could they have such good treatment?

”Why are there so few people?” Mu Hanyan asked curiously.

”I only realized after coming to Danxin Hall. Alchemy is far more complex than sword casting and array formation. To learn alchemy, one must not only master the control of the furnace fire like sword casting but also be familiar with various hand gesture changes like array formation. Moreover, there needs to be enough understanding of medicinal herbs, as each has different properties, some complementary and some conflicting. Some rare herbs even have different properties based on age.

It’s said that reaching a certain realm in alchemy allows one to advance further. But this requires not just knowing what it is but understanding the reasoning behind it, needing profound knowledge in medical techniques.

In summary, alchemy is much more complex than other magic skills. Learning alchemy merely for a Trial Token is much more difficult than learning other skills. Without a certain aptitude, it’s basically a waste of time.

So generally, once disciples understand these difficulties, they aren’t willing to continue learning. Many aren’t even interested in trying.” Tang Bufan said with a bitter smile.

”What this junior disciple said isn’t wrong. If it weren’t for us being in Long Yan Academy for many years, having learned almost all kinds of magic arts and wanting to obtain a trial card, we wouldn’t bother wasting time learning alchemy. As for you all, there’s no need to waste time on this so early.” Hearing Tang Bufan’s words, a disciple in front turned his head, also smiling bitterly in agreement.

It was only then that Mu Hanyan noticed that the number of official disciples studying alchemy was not only low but most of them were not young anymore. It turned out to be because they have been in the Academy for many years, making other trials less accessible, leading them to ”waste time” in Danxin Hall.

As for those outer disciples, it didn’t matter much. They were just listening in wherever they went, often just lurking outside windows. Here, at least they had a proper place to stand, merely to gamble on their luck, to see if they had the talent for alchemy.

Once she understood, Mu Hanyan wasn’t disheartened, instead, her eyes shone brightly.

The more complex alchemy is, the more complex the Heaven and Earth Rules it contains. Whether for her future ascension in cultivation or in her comprehension of the Star Falling Eight Desolate Sword, it would be advantageous.