Fang Linzhou knocked, but no one answered.
It was silent inside, as though no one was there.
Yet Fang Linzhou showed no impatience. He simply lowered his head respectfully and waited outside the door.
Half a quarter-hour later, a cool voice came from within.
"Come in."
Only then did Fang Linzhou breathe a sigh of relief and push the door open.
Lu Qingyan rested her arms on the desk, her hands clasped together.
She looked calmly at Fang Linzhou with her distinctive pale-green eyes.
"What is it?"
Fang Linzhou cupped his fists.
"Great Elder, a disciple named Li Chuan in the Outer Area recently broke through to Mid Gang Force."
"He has now advanced to the Core Area. I came to report the news."
Lu Qingyan's expression did not change.
Li Chuan's breakthrough to Mid Gang Force might have seemed impressive to others.
But in her eyes, what did Mid Gang Force amount to?
Fang Linzhou studied her expression and chose his words carefully.
"I've also heard that Li Chuan became a First-Rank Alchemist."
As he said it, Fang Linzhou could not tell whether he was imagining things.
He had the faint impression that the Great Elder's expression had shifted slightly.
Fang Linzhou pressed on while the iron was hot.
"Great Elder, Li Chuan may appear to have a Sixth Grade Root and an unremarkable background."
"But he displayed excellent character during the selection."
"Now, half a year after joining, he has become a First-Rank Alchemist. That shows some talent for the Alchemy Path."
"His martial progress has not been slow, either. In fact, he was the fastest in the Outer Area."
"With a little cultivation..." Fang Linzhou paused. "He might have a chance of reaching True Origin."
Lu Qingyan did not answer. She looked at Fang Linzhou calmly.
"That