Nalan Yanran silently observed Yun Yun, who was chattering away.
If this had been in the past, upon hearing Yun Yun's words, she would have confidently thumped her chest and declared, "Teacher, don't worry! The top spot in the inner sect competition will undoubtedly be mine!"
Back then, she would have scoffed at the so-called three-year agreement and dismissed Xiao Yan as nothing more than a waste, unworthy of comparison.
But that was before.
Over the past month, after witnessing the astonishing talent of the Little Fairy Doctor and experiencing the recent attack, Nalan Yanran's mindset had undergone a complete transformation. While she hadn't sunk into self-doubt, her former pride had certainly diminished.
Now, as Yun Yun brought up the Inner Sect Competition, Nalan Yanran couldn't help but glance at the Little Fairy Doctor beside her.
With Junior Sister Xian'er around, how could she possibly claim first place?
'Teacher, this time, I'm afraid I will disappoint you,' she thought sadly, remaining silent.
Yun Yun, having spoken at length, noticed Nalan Yanran's lowered head and lack of response. Puzzled, she wondered, 'What's wrong with this girl today? Why does she seem so off? Is she feeling unwell?'
Concerned, Yun Yun asked, "Yanran, what's the matter? Are you feeling sick?"
Nalan Yanran shook her head and replied half-heartedly, "Teacher, I'm fine."
Beside them, the Little Fairy Doctor, with her keen intuition, immediately grasped the turmoil in Nalan Yanran's heart.
'It seems Senior Sister Yanran has been deeply affected by me,' she thought, recalling how her senior brother had looked similarly disheartened when she had broken through to the Dou Master realm.
Sighing inwardly, the Little Fairy Doctor resolved to conceal her cultivation level more carefully in the future. Otherwise, she feared she wouldn't be able to enjoy her time with Senior Sister Yanran.
To spare Nalan Yanran further discomfort, the Little Fairy Doctor hesitated for a moment before rising to take her leave. "Sect Master, Senior Sister Yanran, it's getting late. I should head back now."
Yun Yun, momentarily taken aback, turned her attention to the Little Fairy Doctor and urged her to stay. "Must you go so soon? It's still early."
The Little Fairy Doctor shook her head gently. "Teacher enjoy his afternoon tea, and I need to prepare it for him. I'll visit again another day."
Nalan Yanran glanced at her junior sister, understanding her intentions. Hesitating, she began, "Junior Sister..."
The Little Fairy Doctor smiled warmly. "Senior Sister, I'll come see you tomorrow."
Yun Yun, hearing this, felt her affection for the Little Fairy Doctor grow. 'This girl never forgets her teacher. Such a good and caring disciple!'
Stepping forward, Yun Yun took the Little Fairy Doctor's hand and spoke kindly, "Since Elder Gu He has sent you to study with Yanran, don't feel restrained. Treat this place as your home. If there's anything you don't understand, just ask your senior sister. If she dares to bully you, tell me, and I'll set her straight."
The Little Fairy Doctor glanced at Nalan Yanran, who looked thoroughly embarrassed, and replied with a smile in her eyes, "Thank you Sect Master but senior sister has treated me very well during this time."
Behind them, Nalan Yanran felt a wave of shame. 'Teacher! Can you please hold back! How could I possibly bully junior sister? You'd better pray to the heavens that she doesn't one day lose her temper and accidentally maim your precious disciple with a single palm!'
After giving a few more instructions, Yun Yun finally let the Little Fairy Doctor go. Watching her leave, Yun Yun couldn't help but praise, "What a lovely girl!"
Turning back to Nalan Yanran, Yun Yun said, "Yanran, you must get along well with her. The more I see her, the more I like her."
Nalan Yanran, relieved that the Little Fairy Doctor had left, remained silent. If Little Fairy Doctor had stayed any longer, Yun Yun's continued praise would have made it impossible for Nalan Yanran to face her in the future.
Noticing Nalan Yanran's lack of response, Yun Yun frowned. "Yanran, what's wrong with you today? You're acting so strangely. Aren't you happy that I've returned?"
"No," Nalan Yanran shook her head, hesitating before adding, "Teacher, could you please stop praising me in front of others, especially... in front of Junior Sister Xian'er..."
Yun Yun was momentarily taken aback, then chuckled. "I never thought you'd become so shy, Yanran. It's only been a month since I last saw you."
Nalan Yanran placed a hand on her forehead, speechless. 'Teacher, it seems I need to broaden your understanding of what a true genius is.'
Determined to enlighten Yun Yun, Nalan Yanran decided to share the story of the Little Fairy Doctor's extraordinary abilities. It was time for her teacher to realize that the so-called "talented disciple" she had in mind was, in reality, nothing special.
After gathering her thoughts, Nalan Yanran began recounting everything she had witnessed over the past month regarding the Little Fairy Doctor's prowess. When she finished, she said dejectedly, "Teacher, compared to Junior Sister Xian'er, I am truly no genius."
Yun Yun, however, was utterly stunned. 'A five-star dou master? That girl has already broken through to the five-star dou master? This... is beyond belief!' For a moment, Yun Yun couldn't process what she had just heard. 'Could such a genius truly exist on this continent?'
Seeing Nalan Yanran's downcast expression, Yun Yun's heart ached. It was clear that her disciple had been deeply affected by the Little Fairy Doctor's overwhelming talent.
'If what Yanran says is true, anyone would feel the same way,' Yun Yun thought, suddenly understanding Nalan Yanran's distress.
Feeling a pang of guilt, Yun Yun realized she had been so preoccupied with gathering ingredients for the Emperor's Pill that she had neglected Nalan Yanran.
Stepping forward, she embraced her disciple and comforted her softly, "Yanran, don't worry. Once the Emperor's Pill is refined, I'll help you find all sorts of rare treasures to boost your cultivation. I promise, your strength will improve."
Yun Yun had made up her mind. After completing her current tasks, she would dedicate herself fully to nurturing her precious disciple.
Hearing Yun Yun's comforting words, Nalan Yanran's spirits lifted slightly. "Teacher, have you gathered all the ingredients for the Emperor's Pill?" she asked.
Yun Yun nodded. "Yes, everything is ready. I'll take them to Elder Gu He for refinement tomorrow."
…
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