Chapter 762: Chapter 288: Young Man, No Courtesy

Perhaps Xiao Chen had set out a bit early.

When he arrived in the alley, the sky was just beginning to lighten, with only a pale sliver of dawn in the east.

So, to avoid appearing overly eager and to ensure he didn’t disturb the resident’s sleep, he deliberately waited a while longer at the alley’s entrance.

He waited until the morning sun had fully risen and early passersby had begun to trickle through the area.

Only then did he walk up to the small courtyard and prepare to knock.

CREAK~!

However, before Xiao Chen could even raise his hand, the gate swung open on its own.

A sturdy, bright-eyed boy poked his head out, blinking curiously as he stared at Xiao Chen.

He then bowed immediately. "Greetings, Senior. Please, come in!"

He clearly recognized the guest who had already visited twice. "Grandpa is in the rear courtyard," he said, taking the initiative. "Please have a seat, Senior. I’ll go announce your arrival."

With that, he scurried off to the back.

Watching the boy’s subconscious footwork as he departed, Xiao Chen faintly detected a peculiar rhythm.

Moreover, a current of Qi Blood Power was clearly surging within the boy’s body, as if he had just finished his cultivation.

’If I’m not mistaken, he must have woken up early for Body Refining.’

This was a process most Body Cultivators had to endure. Only through diligent and arduous training could they fully stimulate and develop their own Qi Blood.

In contrast, someone like Xiao Chen, who primarily relied on Spiritual Objects and Blood Crystals for Body Forging, was an exceedingly rare exception.

After all, this method consumed far too many resources; it was simply extravagant.

Furthermore, not only were items like Blood Crystals difficult to absorb and utilize, but they were also the type of treasure for which there was a price but no market—not a cultivation resource one could simply purchase with Spirit Stones.

"Careful with those! These are all extremely valuable treasures."

"Watch the threshold! Don’t you dare bump it."

Just as he sat down in the front hall, Xiao Chen heard a series of instructions coming from outside the main gate.

A group of people then entered, carrying several large chests.

Judging by the conspicuous, large red flowers on each chest, they were clearly some sort of prepared gift.

A steward in black robes was directing the servants to arrange the chests in an orderly fashion.

He seemed to know what he was doing, as even the positioning and angle of the chests were subject to specific considerations.

Another man, a middle-aged Cultivator in a cross-collared robe, walked into the front hall with a broad smile.

He first craned his neck to look around. Seeing no one else, he took two steps closer to Xiao Chen and clasped his hands in greeting. "I am Dai Yongliang of Huitao Island. A pleasure to meet you, fellow Daoist."

"Are you also here to request Alchemist Geng’s aid in alchemy?"

’I can’t believe it. I thought I came early, but someone was here even before me.’

"Yes, you could say that."

Xiao Chen nodded. He had indeed asked Alchemist Geng to perform alchemy for him.

Dai Yongliang’s heart sank at his words.

’Damn, another competitor fighting for a chance at his alchemy.’

Dai Yongliang then sized up the young man before him more carefully, secretly assessing his competition.

Although the young man didn’t look old, his Cultivation Realm was a notch higher than his own. His aura was as deep and steady as an abyss; he had to be at the Late-stage Golden Core Realm.

’A higher cultivation will surely make him more appealing to Alchemist Geng, making it easier to win his favor.’

However, based on his observation, Xiao Chen didn’t seem to have brought any gifts.

’It’s possible he has something in his Storage Ring, of course, but that still puts him a step behind me.’

’After all, an Alchemist who has seen every treasure imaginable would hardly be impressed by ordinary gifts.’

’They certainly couldn’t compare to the Spirit Beast Egg I specially prepared, or the pair of parrots I had someone bring all the way from the north.’

"Be careful! Don’t swing them around!"

As they spoke, another set of commands rang out from beyond the gate.

Immediately, a young man in raised boots strode in, followed by dozens of servants carrying in even larger mahogany chests.

"Well now, someone actually arrived before this young master."

The young man was clearly surprised to see the two of them in the front hall.

Unlike the polite Dai Yongliang, however, he swaggered into the hall and plopped down on the chair opposite Xiao Chen.

Then he tilted his head back. "Hey, you two are here to see Alchemist Geng, right?"

"Your sources are pretty good, I see."

"Too bad for you, though. You don’t stand a chance!"

He smirked and jutted his thumb toward the courtyard. "Go on, take a look outside."

"Every breathing Spirit Beast in the entire Tingtao Sea—except for the ones that swim—is right here. Every last one of them."

"This month’s Spirit Pill is as good as mine."

"You two can stop waiting. Might as well head on home."

At his words, Dai Yongliang instantly grew tense.

He couldn’t help but look up and stare out into the courtyard.

Even before coming here, he had heard that Alchemist Geng was living in semi-seclusion.

The alchemist had a rule: he would only accept one commission for a batch of elixirs per month, and even then, only if he was in the right mood.

The reason Dai Yongliang had rushed over was that he’d heard a rumor.

Rumor had it that Alchemist Geng doted on his grandson and was trying to acquire a long-term supply of various young Spirit Beasts.

That was why he had specifically asked a friend for help and brought a Spirit Beast Egg and a pair of parrots for his visit, hoping to win the alchemist over.

But from the looks of it, the young man was far more prepared.

The young man was at the Late-stage Golden Core Realm despite his age, and the mahogany chests themselves were incredibly valuable.

Dai Yongliang felt he stood little to no chance.

But after coming all this way, he wasn’t willing to just tuck his tail between his legs and leave.

So, he gave the young man an awkward smile and pinned all his hopes on that pair of parrots.

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