Yet, would the Jenkins family's meticulously accumulated resources be squandered in vain?

Meanwhile, Isla commenced her own pill refinement endeavor.

She remained focused on creating first-level Concentration Pills. Canaan observed her technique, growing increasingly surprised as he noticed her movements becoming more adept and precise with each passing moment .

Her mastery over controlling the intensity of heat and the selection of medicinal ingredients for refinement was astonishingly precise, akin to that of a skilled third-grade pill refiner.

Despite being at the early stages, Canaan harbored a strong belief that the effectiveness of the pill Isla would produce through her refinement would be no less than 80%!

“She possesses incredible talent. Once the finals conclude, she will undoubtedly secure a position within the top three. This opens up avenues for her to access excellent training resources. From this point forward, we can provide her with proper guidance and nurturing," he remarked, regarding Isla with a sense of relief.

His attention then shifted to Maria. Upon discerning her actions clearly, his brows furrowed involuntarily.

Had Maria not even commenced the process of pill refinement?

She stood there, seemingly lost in contemplation, gazing blankly at the prearranged medicinal ingredients as if thinking about which ones to utilize.

"Goodness! Has she not yet determined the type of pill she intends to create?" Canaan exclaimed, taken aback.

What a mischievous girl she was!

Maria stood as the sole hope for defeating Barbara. How could she display such sluggishness during the final moments?

How could she emerge victorious in the competition without even having a clear idea of the pill she intended to refine?

Canaan was filled with deep regret!

Had he known this earlier, he would have approached Maria privately yesterday, offering his assistance if needed.

Naturally, engaging in such private communication would be considered unfair in the context of the competition.

Yet, as he contemplated the fact that Mrs. Jenkins had already provided support to Barbara in a similar manner, he couldn't help but harbor a secret resentment towards his own unwavering principles

“Damn! If Mrs. Jenkins truly makes unwise use of the Jenkins family's accumulated resources by supporting Barbara, I will forever be deemed the greatest culprit within the Jenkins Lineage! I must ensure the welfare of this family. Curse it all!" Canaan yelled quietly.

Canaan's eyes welled up with moisture and, in an attempt to conceal his emotional turmoil, he bowed his head and feigned deep contemplation, struggling to suppress his tears

In that moment, Canaan unexpectedly caught snippets of Maria muttering to herself.

“Her Styx Pill will be nothing more than a standard variant. I can prevail over her by refining a fourth-level pill with potent effects However, if the judges and elders have been swayed by Mrs. Jenkins’ influence, I may be unjustly adjudged the loser. What about refining a fifth-grade pill? But what if the outcome ends in a stalemate? Forget it. I should instead endeavor to refine a sixth-grade pill."

For a prolonged moment, Canaan stood speechless, his mouth agape.

What in the world was happening?

What on earth was she babbling about?