Encountering Liu Ling

"Teacher, how did it go?"

Seeing someone come out, Yao Yue immediately stepped forward. When she saw that another old man had emerged first, she hurriedly said respectfully,

"Yao Yue pays her respects to Guild Master."

"Hehe, the little princess has grown so much. When you have time, give my regards to your great-grandfather."

Fama said with a gentle smile on his face, wrinkled like old tree bark.

"Yao Yue will definitely do so!"

"Good, good. Everyone else, disperse. Little friend Yao Feng has successfully passed the Second Grade Alchemist assessment!"

"This guy actually succeeded? How old is he!?" Yao Yue covered her little mouth and muttered in disbelief.

The others waiting for the results immediately broke into an uproar. Such a young Second Grade Alchemist had never appeared before...

"All right, if there is nothing else, disperse. This is the Alchemist Guild. Do not disturb the other alchemists refining pills."

Fama's authoritative voice rang out, and the surrounding clamor immediately quieted considerably. Many people sighed and turned to leave. They had cultivated painstakingly for so many years, yet they could not compare to a mere brat. They needed to find somewhere quiet to calm themselves down.

As Fama finished speaking, Yao Feng also stepped out of the room and came before everyone. He had originally wanted to wait until more people outside had left before coming out, but after waiting for a while, he felt that would not be appropriate. After hesitating for a long time, Yao Feng still came out.

Seeing so many gazes fall upon him, Yao Feng felt rather helpless, though he still revealed a faint smile in response.

Seeing Yao Feng emerge, Chemir waved his hand. The pretty maid Yao Feng had met earlier carried a silver tray over to him.

A set of exquisite black robes lay atop the silver tray.

"These are the special robes of a Second Grade Alchemist. The material of these robes is soaked in the Guild's specially prepared medicinal pools. After being worn, the fabric releases a special fragrance when it comes into contact with the air. This fragrance can stimulate one's soul and keep the wearer clear-headed. Moreover, these alchemist robes are specially made and possess considerable defensive power. They are sturdier than ordinary armor."

Chemir took the alchemist robes and handed them to Yao Feng, proudly introducing their various advantages.

Yao Feng thanked him and accepted the robes. He glanced at the alchemist badge on the chest area. Two silver lines adorned the surface of the ancient Medicine Cauldron, representing a Second Grade Alchemist.

His hand brushed over the black robes. They were as soft as human skin, and the material was excellent. However, Yao Feng did not care much about them. The clothes he usually wore were more or less of this quality, so if these black robes were not a symbol of an alchemist, he would not even bother wearing them.

Yao Feng put away the robes and was just about to take his leave when a tall, handsome young man with a somewhat effeminate demeanor approached. Another young man followed behind him—it was none other than Leilei, whom Yao Feng had encountered at the city gates yesterday.

Why is he here?

Yao Feng looked at Leilei, who was staring at him smugly. His instincts told him that this fellow had not come with good intentions.

"This junior is Liu Ling. Greetings, Master Chemir and Master Fama. On behalf of my teacher, Gu He, I offer greetings to you both."

The effeminate young man walked straight to a spot a few steps before Fama and bowed slightly.

"Oh, so you are Gu He's disciple. You have come to the Imperial Capital this time for the Hidden Dragon Ranking as well, I presume?"

Fama smiled as he looked at the young man before him. Gu He's disciple truly had good talent. He looked no older than eighteen or nineteen, yet he was already a Second Grade Alchemist. In the past, even if he were not the best, he would still have counted among the most gifted. Unfortunately, Yao Feng, this monstrous genius, had now appeared, completely overshadowing Liu Ling's brilliance.

"You jest, Master Fama. This junior has long passed the age limit for the Hidden Dragon Ranking. I descended the mountain this time firstly to visit the two masters on behalf of my teacher, and secondly because Nalan Yanran, the disciple of my Misty Cloud Sect's Sect Master, is participating in the Hidden Dragon Ranking. This junior simply accompanied her here."

Liu Ling spoke neither humbly nor arrogantly, showing no timidity despite the disparity in their strength.

However, when he mentioned Nalan Yanran, Liu Ling glanced at Yao Feng beside him, and an indescribable emotion flashed through his eyes.

Watching Liu Ling speak with such ease, even Yao Feng had to admit that this fellow not only had an outstanding appearance and exceptional talent, but was also skilled in social interactions. If his character had not been so poor, Yao Feng might even have wanted to befriend him.

"This young master must be Yao Feng. I am Liu Ling. It is a pleasure to meet you. I did not expect Young Master Yao to be so remarkable in cultivation and also an alchemist. I wonder what grade you are?"

Seeing Liu Ling shift the topic toward him and noticing Leilei's gloating smile in the distance, Yao Feng frowned. It seemed his instincts had been right. Liu Ling had likely been brought by Leilei to deal with him. Liu Ling had long coveted Nalan Yanran as well. Leilei must have fanned the flames and stirred Liu Ling into coming to cause him trouble.

Seeing the dazzling two silver lines on Liu Ling's chest, Yao Feng's eyes lit up. With an inexplicable smile at the corner of his lips, he said,

"Young Master Liu, pleased to meet you. Today was my first time taking an alchemist assessment. I will have to ask Young Master Liu for much guidance in the future."

Upon hearing Yao Feng's words, Fama and Chemir's expressions suddenly became somewhat strange. It seems there is some conflict between these two youngsters.

Seeing this scene, a gleam flashed through Yao Yue's eyes. Her gaze swept between Liu Ling and Yao Feng, and she revealed an expression of eager anticipation.

Naturally, Liu Ling also noticed that something was off about their expressions, but he did not pay it much mind. He was only a minor—no matter how impressive he was, how impressive could he truly be? Alchemy was not something that could be accomplished overnight. Only countless accumulations could lead to success.

"Hehe, of course, of course. If there is anything you do not understand, Brother Yao Feng, you may ask me. I will certainly explain it to you."

Liu Ling smiled smugly. Yesterday, that useless Leilei had come to tell him that some arrogant fellow was walking around with Yanran. He had thought the fellow would be someone formidable, only to discover he was just a brat. He had come all this way for nothing.

Seeing Liu Ling's smug expression, Yao Feng merely smiled and ignored him. A self-righteous fellow like this would sooner or later suffer a setback.

"Guild Master Fama, Master Chemir, I have matters to attend to, so I will take my leave first."

"Very well, little friend Yao Feng. We will meet again another day," Fama said with a gentle smile.

Yao Feng turned and walked toward the main entrance. As he passed Leilei, he clearly saw that smug look on his face and could not help sighing inwardly. I thought this guy would ask his family for help. I did not expect him to bring Liu Ling instead. Is this considered two rivals joining forces?

After stepping outside, Yao Feng glanced at the two guards by the entrance. He knew perfectly well that Leilei, who was neither an alchemist nor someone taking the assessment, had appeared inside the hall. Yao Feng could only sneer. In this world, strength was still supreme.

(The holiday is over, and I ended up cooped up inside writing the whole time. Please vote! (:∇:) This is too hard for me.)