Chen Shi'an answered respectfully, "Please rest assured, Sect Master. I will work tirelessly and strive to raise my Alchemy to the fourth level as soon as possible."
Hong Qingliu nodded, then turned his gaze toward the black-robed elder standing beside the screen and said with a laugh, "Elder Zhao, don't just stand there. Come and sit."
The black-robed elder nodded slightly, walked slowly over to the tea table, and took a seat.
Hong Qingliu waved to Chen Shi'an as well. "You sit too."
Chen Shi'an hurried to the table and bowed respectfully to the black-robed elder.
He sat down, then poured tea for both Hong Qingliu and the black-robed elder.
Hong Qingliu gestured toward Chen Shi'an. "Elder Zhao, allow me to introduce him. His name is Jing Yuan, and he is Elder Ba Dashan's disciple. At just twenty-eight, he is already a Second-Level Alchemist and a Second-Rank Martial Artist."
The black-robed elder looked Chen Shi'an up and down, then nodded approvingly. "Not bad. Young and accomplished."
Chen Shi'an hurriedly bowed to the black-robed elder again. "You flatter me, Senior."
Hong Qingliu continued, "Steward Jing, this is our Earth Pill Sect's chief retainer, Elder Zhao Shiqing. His Martial Dao cultivation is at the fifth-rank late stage."
Chen Shi'an's heart jolted, and he hurriedly bowed respectfully to the black-robed elder once more. "Jing Yuan pays his respects to Elder Zhao!"
Zhao Shiqing waved a hand. "No need for such ceremony. At your young age, you cultivate both the Alchemy Dao and the Martial Dao, and you have achieved considerable success in both. Your future holds promise."
After they exchanged pleasantries, Zhao Shiqing took his leave first, and the martial retainers guarding the door withdrew with him.
Chen Shi'an was just about to take his leave when a disciple suddenly came to