Just then, Maria heard footsteps coming for her door. "Mom, someone is coming. We'll talk later, okay?" Maria said into the phone.

“Uh, sure. I think I'll accept the invitation. That way, we can talk face to face."

After that, Julie reluctantly hung up, while Maria squinted her eyes to see who it was.

A few seconds Later, Doris walked into Maria's room.

“Miss Maria, Mrs. Jenkins asked me to inform you that all the members of the family under the age of 30 are to participate in the race competition that will take place in three days.”

"I see. What competition is that?" Maria asked, feigning ignorance. Doris almost burst into laughter, seeing that Maria had no idea about it.

“It is a competition of ancient martial arts skills. Mrs. Jenkins divided the competition into two matches, according to the type of talent. There will be the Literary match and the martial match. Members who have the talent of weapon forging, pill alchemy and medicine will participate in the literary match. Those with the talent of physical combat will participate in the martial match. The top three winners of both matches will be rewarded with a Lot of resources."

"Really?" After hearing that, Maria was a Little interested. She needed more materials than what she was getting if she had to cultivate Isla.

“So, I'm going to take part in the martial match, is that it?"

“Not quite!" Doris answered as though she had been waiting for that question, a smile growing on a face.

“Miss Barbara explained that you have successfully made a Concentration Pill. Congratulations, you're qualified to participate in the literary match," Doris said smugly.

Doris was acutely aware that Maria's real talent as a pill alchemist was Grade Nine and above.

However, the cruel twist of fate deprived Maria of the resources, guidance, and support needed to nurture her talent. Left with a mere half-set of Energy Practice Formula as her guide, Maria was forced to tread this path alone, like a Lone wolf in a desolate wilderness.

Maria's cultivation condition was dire, evoking a sense of pity even in Doris’ heart.

Maria participating in the martial match would be like being thrown into a lion's den, facing formidable warriors who would waste no time beating her!

However, Barbara, with her own hidden motives, had suggested that Maria participate in the literary match instead.

Doris suspected that Barbara's intention was to overshadow Maria in front of the entire family. By doing so, Barbara aimed to sow seeds of inferiority within Maria, ensuring that her talent as a pill alchemist would never be acknowledged.

That way, what had transpired between Barbara and Maria would seem unbelievable even if word got out.

Doris chuckled to herself, relishing in Maria's perceived misfortune, all the while pretending to pity her predicament.

“Should I partake in the literary match? Are you certain?" Maria's face wore an unusual expression.

Assuming Maria was merely frightened, Doris smiled and replied, "No worries, Miss Maria. Refusing to participate in the competition won't incur any punishment from the family. However, any member who declines to participate, regardless of the reason, will be publicly named and shamed on the day of the competition, in front of the entire family."

So, declining the competition would result in making a fool of themselves in front of the whole family?!

Pride was not at all new or unexpected among young people! Doris believed that Maria, driven by her dignity, would undoubtedly swallow her uneasiness and partake in the competition, come what may.

"Well... Very well, I shall ponder upon it," Maria replied, her response remaining ambiguous.