Ya Fei pushed the door open and entered, her gaze sweeping across the hall as her red dress swayed.
When she saw Nalan Yanran and Yao Yue standing on either side of Xiao Yan, her steps faltered, and a flicker of surprise crossed her alluring face.
Their eyes met. The three women regarded one another, and an inexplicable tension seemed to begin brewing in the air.
They all seemed to have guessed why the others had come and what they wanted...
Yao Yue's amethyst eyes narrowed slightly, her slender fingers unconsciously tightening around her medicine pouch.
A trace of unease surfaced on Nalan Yanran's cool face, but she remained composed.
Ya Fei pressed her red lips together, a hint of amusement flashing in her beautiful eyes.
This fellow certainly is in demand.
President Fa Ma stood stroking his beard, his clouded eyes moving between them as an odd smile emerged on his aged face.
Those old fellows really can't sit still anymore...
What are they after, each sending a young woman from his own family?
He cleared his throat, then took a brand-new Alchemist Robe from his sleeve. Four golden stars were embroidered on it, gleaming in the sunlight.
"Young friend Yan Xiao, you passed today's assessment. This is your fourth-grade Alchemist Robe."
"The Alchemist Tournament begins in three days. I hope you will make certain to attend! Your presence may well leave a bold mark on the history of alchemy in the Jia Ma Empire!"
He pressed the robe into Xiao Yan's hands and patted his shoulder with a withered palm. Then he glanced once more at the young women before him, each with her own distinct charm, a teasing note entering his voice.
"Young man, make the most of it."
With that, he turned and left with an