Chapter 763: Chapter 288: Young Man, No Decorum

His friend had told him this was a rare species, one that might just have some miraculous effect.

At the same time, he subconsciously glanced at Xiao Chen, a hint of pity in his eyes.

’This young man obviously didn’t get the message. He didn’t bring a living creature, so he’ll probably be the first one eliminated.’

However, Dai Yongliang noticed that the man completely ignored the other youth.

Nor was he anxiously watching the door like Dai Yongliang himself. Instead, he sat calmly in his chair, looking completely unconcerned.

He couldn’t help but admire him for it.

’No wonder he reached the late-stage Golden Core at such a young age. He’s truly extraordinary!’

’Just this unflappable composure is something I should learn from.’

’It’s embarrassing. I’m older than him, yet I’m the one who’s more impatient.’

"Hmph!"

Seeing that no one responded, the youth didn’t press the issue. He just let out a light snort, crossed his arms, and sat back in his chair to wait patiently.

He hadn’t said that just to show off.

His main goal was to scare off the competition.

Since it hadn’t worked as intended, there was no point in pushing it and making enemies for no reason.

’Besides, it doesn’t matter. I came well-prepared.’

The three of them waited for a short while.

Finally, the sound of footsteps echoed from the back of the room.

A moment later, Alchemist Geng pushed aside the brocade curtain and walked out, beaming. "My apologies, I was busy processing some Spirit Medicine. I’ve kept you waiting."

Hm?

Dai Yongliang and the other youth saw Alchemist Geng’s beaming face and had assumed he was in a good mood.

But his words made them pause.

’Kept *you* waiting?’

To their astonishment, Xiao Chen stood and returned the greeting. "You’re too kind, Pill Master. A short wait like this is nothing to speak of."

Seeing how familiar the two seemed, the hearts of the other two men sank.

Sure enough, Alchemist Geng turned to them in the next moment.

The smile that had been in his voice just a moment ago was gone. His expression turned stern, as if he were interrogating them. "You two look unfamiliar. Do you need something?"

Dai Yongliang quickly cupped his hands to reply, "Greetings...."

But before he could finish his salutation, the other youth cut in, "Lu Rending, Manager of Caiyun Peak, greets the Pill Master."

"I have long heard of the Pill Master’s esteemed reputation and have made a special trip to visit today. My master instructed me to bring a humble gift. I hope you will accept it."

As he spoke, he pulled a gift list from his robes and offered it. "It’s just a small token, hardly a measure of my respect."

Caiyun Peak was a subsidiary peak of the Cloud Sea Sword Pavilion, home to various Honored Guest Elders and managers of the sect.

Dai Yongliang was taken aback, not expecting the youth to cut in so brazenly.

’Young people these days have no manners!’

"Oh."

However, Alchemist Geng merely glanced at the list without reaching out to take it.

Instead, he turned to the other man. "Are you also here to ask me to perform alchemy?"

Dai Yongliang quickly replied, "Your insight is sharp as always, Pill Master. I...."

Before he could finish, Alchemist Geng waved a dismissive hand. "Enough. I have no intention of performing any more alchemy this month. You two should leave."

"Take everything you brought with you. If you leave so much as a single item, you’ll be barred from ever setting foot in here again."

His words were utterly impolite, showing them no face whatsoever.

But as he was a Tier Four Alchemist, the other two didn’t dare to protest, no matter how rude his tone.

"Hahaha, Xiao, let’s not concern ourselves with these idle folk."

Alchemist Geng turned, a smile returning to his face. "Please, let’s move to the tea hall. You can try my Jade Dragon Small Leaf again, and we can discuss business over tea."

As he spoke, he made an inviting gesture, motioning for Xiao Chen to follow him.

’Xiao?’

The two men, who hadn’t left yet, had been wondering about the identity of the white-robed young man.

They couldn’t understand why the alchemist’s attitude towards him was so drastically different, even though they had all arrived together.

But now, hearing the surname "Xiao," they were both stunned. They stared in disbelief at Xiao Chen’s retreating figure.

You see, due to the strong winds these past few days, it had been inconvenient for many cultivators to be active outside.

As a result, many had taken the opportunity to gather in teahouses and taverns.

They would chat about the latest major events.

And with the New Year upon them, it was also natural to reminisce about the major events of the past year.

In these conversations, the name Xiao Chen came up time and time again.

From the auction at the start of the year to the Eight Directions Arena and the new Relic, his name was legendary.

His immense wealth and astonishing power had virtually become synonymous with the strongest Golden Core Cultivator in the Compassion Sea.

By now, you’d be hard-pressed to find a single cultivator in all of Tinglang Market, from the highest to the lowest, who hadn’t heard of Xiao Chen.

However, portraits had yet to circulate widely, and not everyone had had the chance to see the relevant Memory Stone recordings.

That was why the two of them hadn’t recognized him earlier.

Now, prompted by the address "Xiao" and seeing the legendary white robes, they were instantly seventy percent certain.

Combined with the fact that he looked as young as the rumors claimed and was held in such high regard by Alchemist Geng...

...they were now completely convinced. This was the one and only, the famous Xiao Chen!

At this thought, Dai Yongliang quickly reviewed his recent behavior.

He felt his face flush. ’How could I have had such thoughts?’

’It was completely out of line!’

’Thankfully, while my thoughts were improper, I didn’t let it show. Xiao probably didn’t notice.’

But then again, Dai Yongliang felt a pang of regret.

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