Chapter 61

The next day, Wen Lan arrived at the Marshal’s residence.

Chu Ning and Qin Zheng did not make an appearance; instead, Xia Ye received Wen Lan alone.

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“Your Highness, you’re saying that by simply taking this pill, my mental potential could possibly reach S-rank?” Wen Lan held the Xisui Pill in her palm, staring at it in disbelief.

She had thought that the Fifth Highness possessed some kind of royal secret technique that could truly elevate her mental potential to S-rank. But now—

She had spent decades devoted to the art of alchemy, yet she had never heard of a pill capable of raising a female’s mental potential rank. Such a pill simply couldn’t exist…

“Yes,” Xia Ye confirmed.

“The pill in your hand is called the Xisui Pill. It cleanses the body of impurities, enhances physique, and unlocks hidden potential.”

“I know you don’t believe it, but since you’re already here, why not give it a try?”

Hesitation flickered in Wen Lan’s eyes.

“By the way, the effects of the Xisui Pill kick in quickly. I’d recommend taking it in the bathroom,” Xia Ye added.

“I’ll be waiting outside.” Without giving Wen Lan a chance to respond, he controlled his electric wheelchair and left the room.

As soon as Xia Ye exited, the door automatically closed behind him.

Wen Lan glanced at the door, hesitated for a moment, then placed the pill in her mouth.

The moment it slid down her throat, she frowned—then bolted toward the bathroom.

Now she understood why the Fifth Prince had specifically suggested she take it there.

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Half an hour later, after scrubbing herself clean from head to toe three times over, Wen Lan finally emerged from the shower, gripping the doorframe for support.

She walked to the mirror and, at the sight of her own reflection, froze.

She had… gotten younger!

Her skin was smooth and delicate, as flawless as a peeled egg, radiant and soft to the touch.

Her hair, too, had become more lustrous—thicker, darker, and gleaming with vitality, just like a young girl’s.

Wen Lan covered her face, barely holding back an excited laugh.

That Xisui Pill—it had completely transformed her, as if she had been reborn, returning to her youthful self.

Upon reaching A-rank, her lifespan had been extended, and her youthful appearance had been preserved—despite being over fifty, she looked no older than thirty.

But now, the Xisui Pill had refined her features even further, making her look even younger.

As a woman, who could possibly resist the allure of such a miraculous beauty-enhancing pill?

At that moment, Wen Lan made up her mind.

Even if the Xisui Pill couldn’t raise her mental potential, she would still be willing to collaborate with the Alchemy Sect.

Of course, this would only be a side endeavor—after all, she was still bound by her lifelong contract with the military.

After retrieving a fresh set of clothes from her spatial ring and changing, Wen Lan admired herself in the mirror for a little longer before finally pulling out a mental potential tester.

Her heart pounded with anticipation as she put the device on.

For the first time, she began to think that perhaps the Fifth Prince’s words were true.

The Xisui Pill had purified the impurities in her body, significantly improving her physical condition.

It was well known that proper care before the age of twenty could enhance one’s innate mental power.

Though she was long past twenty, was it truly impossible for mental potential to change after that age?

With bated breath, Wen Lan pressed the test button.

A moment later, her eyes widened in shock.

“It’s—S-rank!”

“My—my mental potential has actually increased!”

“Haha—hahaha! I—I have a chance to become a high-level alchemist now! Hahahaha—!”

Wen Lan lost all composure, laughing uncontrollably.

She reveled in her joy for quite some time before finally regaining her senses.

“Wait, could the test have malfunctioned? I need to try again.”

With utmost care, she placed her finger over the device’s activation button, hesitated for a second, then pressed it once more.

One long, drawn-out second passed.

When the new test results appeared, still showing S-rank, Wen Lan burst into laughter again.

“It’s real! No mistake this time!”

This time, she composed herself much faster.

After tidying up, she stepped out of the bathroom.

Once back in the room, she took a deep breath to calm her emotions before heading to the door.

Outside, Xia Ye was still waiting in his wheelchair.

When Wen Lan opened the door, his devilishly handsome face curved into a gentle smile.

“Your Highness—” Wen Lan’s eyes gleamed with gratitude.

“From your expression, I take it you’ve already confirmed the results?” Xia Ye asked with confidence.

“Thank you for this opportunity, Your Highness. Please—” Wen Lan stepped aside, making way for him.

Xia Ye guided his wheelchair into the room.

Once inside, Wen Lan gave him a deep bow.

“I, Wen Lan, greet Your Highness!”

“The Xisui Pill’s effects are astounding—I have successfully advanced to S-rank mental potential.”

“From this day forth, I shall follow Your Highness and the Alchemy Sect, and I will not fail Your Highness’s trust!”

A satisfied smile played at Xia Ye’s lips.

“Then I welcome you to the sect.”

Wen Lan’s eyes shone with excitement.

“Your Highness, about the Xisui Pill—” she couldn’t help but ask eagerly. Now that she was part of the sect, it shouldn’t be a problem to inquire.

“The Xisui Pill belongs to the Sect Master—my wife,” Xia Ye replied. “You’ve experienced its effects firsthand.”

Wen Lan’s eyes widened in shock.

“Chu—oh no, I mean, the Sect Master actually possesses such an incredible pill?!”

First, the Yunling Pill. Now, an even more miraculous Xisui Pill.

Who exactly was Chu Ning?

“The Alchemy Sect is far more powerful than you imagine. In time, you’ll come to understand,” Xia Ye said, offering no further explanation.

“Understood.” Wen Lan suppressed her curiosity, deciding to follow Xia Ye’s lead and learn more gradually.

“Wen Lan, the Alchemy Sect has an important task for you. If it’s convenient, you should return to the Military Alchemy Division to complete your transition as soon as possible. Once you’re done, return to the Marshal’s residence—our Sect Master wishes to see you personally.”

Wen Lan’s heart stirred.

“Understood. I will handle the handover immediately.”

Without delay, Wen Lan left for the Military Alchemy Division and contacted Zheng Yuan.

When Zheng Yuan heard that Wen Lan had truly advanced to S-rank, his voice trembled with disbelief.

“So you’re saying… the Fifth Prince really has a way to elevate A-rank females to S-rank? H-how is that possible?”

Wen Lan averted her gaze.

“This involves the Alchemy Sect’s secrets—I can’t disclose it,” she replied. “Director Zheng, as per the tripartite agreement we signed earlier, I now officially belong to the Alchemy Sect.”

Zheng Yuan was momentarily stunned.

“Ah, right, I almost forgot about that,” he said, smoothing over the awkwardness.

“Since the contract terms have been fulfilled, we’ll proceed with the handover as stipulated. You can handle the formalities with the Deputy Director now.”

“Also, Wen Lan, best of luck in the Alchemy Sect. May you reach S-rank and become a top-tier alchemist soon!”

Wen Lan’s eyes softened.

“Thank you, Director Zheng.”

After ending the call, Wen Lan immediately summoned the Deputy Director and completed the transition procedures.