Rise of Nightflower (夜華上昇)

3. Regaining Penta-Essence and Nightflower Tome

By the time Su Qingcheng got back home, it was already quite late. She kept the neidan of the first level magic beast in her storage ring as not to arouse suspicion. Quickly, she snuck back into her room through the window and finally removed her cloak with a deep breath. She was a bit sweaty but fortunately it wasn't that bad. She quietly left her room and then a palm gently touched her shoulder, causing her to jump from being startled. Turning around, she saw the concerned gaze of Su Yanran and then relaxed her guard. "I believe sister got my present, right?" Su Yanran spoke sweetly, her voice could cause men's knees to go weak and even collapse. Even Su Qingcheng with her abnormal mental strength (for a fourteen year old) couldn't resist blushing.

"Yes, older sister Yanran, I have received it, and I am grateful for it. Where did Yanran receive such a treasure?" Su Qingcheng bluntly asked, causing an expression of faint shock to wash upon Su Yanran's face. Though she was older than Su Qingcheng by quite a bit, her strength was only that of the peak fifth rank Tianqi Princess. Though out of the three kids Su Yanran was the strongest, it wouldn't be enough for her to roam the continent and acquire this treasure.

"Aii. Su Qingcheng's knowledge is just too frightening. You knew that I gave you the Dragon Hoard Ring," Su Yanran sighed. "Actually, it was a gift from my teacher, Long Po Tian. When I got this ring, I was deciding whether to keep it for myself but I was smitten by your courage to teach that kid, Xiao Tie, a lesson. So I decided to give it to you instead."

"Aren't you afraid I'll lose it?"

"I trust you. Anyway, mother and father have been worried about you. Let us go to eat."

The rest of the day was rather uneventful. Su Qingcheng did not let the matter of her escaping the residence and going to Tang Gu Market slip out. However, though Su Zhan believed her lies easily, Su Ran was much more perceptive. Despite this, Su Ran did not comment or try to break the lie. Eyeing the Dragon Hoard Ring on Su Qingcheng's finger, Su Ran flashed a complicated gaze at Su Yanran. Su Mujian on the other hand was unusually quiet. It should be said that Su Mujian, being the sole son of the direct lineage, was pretty boisterous and proud of his status. However, ever since the day where Su Qingcheng bravely declared the challenge in front of two Tianqi Sage grand elders, even managing to barely resist their pressure, Su Mujian's emotions ran wild. He wasn't sure whether to be happy or sad about this development. Normally, being the sole male, he would become the next Clan Leader, but he was worried that Su Qingcheng could usurp this position.

Unfortunately for him his worries would be for naught as Su Qingcheng herself actually never had an interest in that position in the first place. For now though, Su Qingcheng was just containing her excitement as tonight she would get Yao Meiyue to create the medicine. Later on, after the dinner, Su Qingcheng hurriedly retreated to her room.

Little brat, don't be too excited. That mother of yours is too frightening. If she realizes something, you could be in trouble. Even if she knows about the necklace I'm trapped in... Su Qingcheng frowned when, at this time, Yao Meiyue appeared in her spirit form and looked about frantically. "Fine, then we shall wait until the night, let us prepare our minds for this first..." Su Qingcheng sighed. While we wait, I may as well give you the one year plan.

"The one year plan?" Su Qingcheng's excitement rose. "You mean Master's training regime for me?"

Keke, that's right. After you regain your Tianqi paths and regain your penta-essence power and control, we will begin to acclimate you to the harsh trials of training. After being around you for a time I can impart to you some wisdom from my personal experiences. Also, your abnormal spiritual sense should also give you some foundations to become an apothecary like myself. Don't worry about this for now though. It's critical that you break through to Tianqi Geomancer as soon as possible though.