The entire hall suddenly filled with the rich, sweet scent of fresh medicinal herbs, a fragrance that hinted at the possibility of success. Wen Ran sat on the ground, his body steady as he recreated each step with precision, his wrist moving in smooth, well-coordinated motions. His focus was sharp, and every action was executed with the utmost care. As he crushed the herbs and mixed the ingredients, even the old man was taken aback by how talented Wen Ran was. For once, the old man felt a flicker of hope, a momentary belief that maybe, just maybe, Wen Ran was the perfect disciple he had always dreamed of.
But that hope would be short-lived.
Wen Ran, filled with determination, carefully opened the lid of the small furnace, but as soon as the lid was lifted, the fire within surged uncontrollably. The flames were wild, too strong, and too untamed. The fire roared with deadly intensity, and before Wen Ran could react, the herb mixture inside the furnace was reduced to ash.
