25. The True Origins of Ning Chuchu

Dean Wang gazed at her with fervent eyes. "It is not just about the books and materials. If you agree to join the special training program and represent the school at the Pharmacist Competition held at the Federal First Comprehensive Academy next year, the academy will provide you with all necessary supplies, including alchemy furnaces, various medicinal herbs, and more!"

"Student Ning, this competition is held annually and is open only to students under twenty from intermediate and advanced academies. The entire event is broadcast live and is a highly anticipated spectacle across the Federation. If you can place in the competition and catch the eye of departments like the Federal Pharmaceutical Bureau or the New Drug Research Institute, you could immediately become a federal official and gain the qualifications to reside on the Central Planet. Of course, our school would also benefit greatly and receive many resources!" Teacher Zhao stepped forward to help persuade her.

"Very well, I will participate. I will spend this month at home brushing up on the fundamentals, and I will join the special training program upon my return. I have already sent the list of herbs I need to Teacher Zhao; I would appreciate it if you could prepare them, Dean." Since Dean Wang and Teacher Zhao had both spoken, and she would indeed be representing the school, Ning Xuan did not stand on ceremony and sent the list directly to Teacher Zhao.

Seeing that Ning Xuan was willing to make requests, the Dean’s aged face bloomed with a smile. "If you have any other requirements, feel free to ask. However, would you be able to share your work with the school occasionally? It would help us understand your learning progress. Of course, if you have any completed works, just let us know, and we will send someone to collect them. How does that sound?"

Ning Xuan could hardly refuse; the school’s request was reasonable, so she agreed.

The Federal First Comprehensive Academy was located on the Central Planet. Since Ning Xuan had arrived in this strange world, she was naturally filled with curiosity. She did not wish to remain trapped in one place; only by venturing out to see the world could she understand the pinnacle of power it held and find a way to return to her original home.

Her family members were high-level cultivators with long lifespans, so she felt no cause for panic.

After settling matters at the school, Ning Xuan and Chen Nan headed home, only to find Ning Chuchu, Ning Fei, and their mother, Ning Zhiqing, waiting at her doorstep.

"Xuanxuan, I truly never imagined that you were actually my daughter!" Ning Zhiqing looked at Ning Xuan with teary eyes, her gaze wide and her lips twitching in an exaggerated performance.

Ning Xuan frowned at the trio. "Have you lost your mind? What is this nonsense?" Given the level of technology in this interstellar age, the idea of losing a child was absurd.

"Sister Xuan, I visited the grandmother of the Bai family during my trip to the A-level planet. She took one look and realized that I was the true daughter of Bai Xiuwen. When I returned and asked Mother, she admitted that she had accidentally swapped us at birth."

"The Bai family and I have already undergone testing; I am indeed of the Bai lineage!" Ning Chuchu produced a document—an identification report issued on the A-level planet.

"Chuchu, so you are the true granddaughter of the Bai family! I always wondered how Bai Xiuwen, a B-level spirit controller, and his wife, a D-level spirit controller, could give birth to an ordinary person with no mental power. So, you are the biological child! This is perfect. Ning Xuan, you little wretch, you even tried to drive us away! This house should belong to Chuchu. Why aren't you getting out?" Ning Fei lunged forward, trying to push Ning Xuan.

Chen Nan clenched his fists, ready to intervene, but Ning Xuan held him back and patted his arm, signaling him to step behind her. Although the social status of low-level women was not high, if Chen Nan injured them, he would be subject to federal law.

"Ning Chuchu, if you are the granddaughter of the Bai family, go claim your identity. Why are you coming here to spout nonsense? My information was recorded by the optical computer, which requires genetic verification. If your family has any doubts, feel free to file a complaint at the Information Collection Center and request a re-test. My parents may be dead, but isn't my aunt still alive and well?" Ning Xuan looked at the trio and sneered.

Ning Xuan used to be dull, ignorant, and cowardly, falling apart at the slightest provocation. Now, with the three of them united against her, Ning Xuan remained completely unfazed and hit the nail on the head.

Ning Zhiqing’s eyes flickered as she gestured toward Chen Nan. "There are some private details involved. Perhaps he should step aside."

"Master, I don't..." Chen Nan looked anxious.

"He doesn't need to leave. Speak," Ning Xuan said, holding his hand and looking at Ning Chuchu.

"Sister Xuan, this is my companion spirit. As you know, genetic similarity determines the similarity of companion spirits. The Bai family’s companion spirit is primarily the Firebird!" A bird appeared above Ning Chuchu’s arm; it was entirely red with a dull, grey head. The bird’s form was hazy, clearly not yet fully manifested.

"Grandmother has already accepted me. If you refuse to give up your current identity, she says she will make you disappear." Ning Chuchu’s words were a mix of truth and lies. She had originally intended to drain Ning Xuan’s essence to help her Firebird take physical form, solving her problem and advancing her power simultaneously. However, the high-level contractor now constantly at Ning Xuan’s side made it impossible to strike.

"You don't know the Bai family, do you? They are a century-old noble house with countless assets. They would never accept a low-level descendant. Even if you hold onto your status, the Bai family will never acknowledge you!" Ning Chuchu looked at Ning Xuan triumphantly. In reality, she had only managed to get an audience with the Bai grandmother because of some business cooperation between Wu Di’s family and the Bai family.

"If that is all you have to say, then get out!" Ning Xuan sneered. The parents of this body were already dead; she would have to be insane to go looking for ancestors.

"Listen, Xuanxuan, the truth is that Chuchu is your younger sister, the child of myself and Bai Xiuwen. We don't need the house; you and Chuchu just need to verify your sibling relationship and have Chuchu registered under Bai Xiuwen and my sister’s names! Once Chuchu enjoys the benefits of the Bai family, she won't forget you!" Ning Zhiqing leaned in close and whispered.

Ning Xuan looked at her as if she were insane. Ning Zhiqing grew angry and embarrassed. "What are you looking at? Don't believe me? What’s wrong with me wanting to find a high-level man to have children with?"

"Are you trying to trick a ghost? My father was a B-level spirit controller who loved my mother deeply. You, an ordinary person..."

"Bai Xiuwen didn't want to, but he was wearing a containment ring during his heat cycle, so I saw an opportunity, didn't I?" As she spoke, Ning Zhiqing glanced at Chen Nan. She had just realized that this man was currently in his heat cycle!

"Aunt, did my mother not beat you to death?" Ning Xuan looked at her with disgust.

Ning Xuan had read parts of Bai Xiuwen’s diary. He had come from a high-level planet but had average strength. Unwilling to be sold off like a commodity by his family, he had fled to a low-level planet, where he met Ning Zhilan. They had fallen in love at first sight, formed a bond, and had a child.