702-703 RY has yet to decide and word spreads that RY is looking to accept an apprentice. AL speeds towards the Su Manor to tell SL. Seeing AL, SZ greets him enthusiastically since SJY and MS require treatment, sending for SX. But AL is angered with SX’s presence as he came to see SL.
704-705 AL tells SZ off, while SZ and SX are angry at SL for not mentioning her relationship with AL. AL tells SZ to send for SL and tells a doubtful SZ that SL is skilled enough to contend with LYY. As AL briefs SL on RY, SZ angrily slaps SX for misleading him and since he can’t touch SL due to AL’s protection.
706 SX is shocked over being slapped and runs out feeling wronged. While SL rides off on the DSH that NL had left with her, towards the palace with AL. At the palace, RY is being served by LYY, while 7 other Apothecarist are standing in front of him having their elixirs accessed. Seeing RY is unimpressed, the Emperor is even more certain of LYY’s skills.
707 RY remarks that Dong Ling’s (the current country’s) Apothecarist are even worse than Western Jin’s (neighbouring country). AL and SL arrive in the throne room. RY looks fondly at the dragon in SL’s arms while LYY retorts that the deadline for registering as RY’s disciple candidate has already closed. LYY cries when AL reprimands her, angering him more due to her innocent act.
708 RY intervenes, telling off AL for his temper, hinting that he’s tacitly decided on LYY. LYC and the Emperor are happy, while AL, who already dislikes LYY, continues to recommend SL. RY stares at the dragon before agreeing, and LYY is bitter since although SL’s refining skills are likely to be inferior, her luck is unmatched.
709 Courtiers gossiping on recent events involving SL. They and the Emperor feel that she can’t compare to LYY. The Emperor promised NL (before he left) that he wouldn’t kill her, but is still determined to wed him to LYY. RY scans SL and reveals that she is only a Primary Apothecarist. The crowd feels AL’s recommendation is an insult to RY while LYY is certain of her victory.
710 The crowd are about to congratulate LYY since all the other candidates were eliminated, when RY presents SL and LYY with a list of items and 10 days to retrieve them all. LYY angrily remarks on how SL must’ve curried favour with AL for him to recommend a Primary Apothecarist since the minimum requirement was Intermediate. SL remarks that she’ll win regardless and LYY is angered and cautious since she’s lost so many times to SL before.
711 The Emperor is shocked SL is a finalist, since even Intermediate and Advanced Apothecarists were rejected, and decides to delay pursuing the marriage between LYY and NL until RY’s disciple is finalized. At the Su Manor, SZ is also shocked at the results and wonders how much SL is hiding from him.