Tang Yuxin expressed her disgust at Cheng Zhi's condescension, her frown revealing her displeasure. Similarly, Wang Menglu was unimpressed and found Cheng Zhi's arrogance distasteful.
"You two have the opportunity to witness Mr. Cheng practice alchemy. Consider it a blessing from your past life!" Liu Na remarked, dismissing Tang Yuxin and Horn's lack of enthusiasm.
"Why don't you express your gratitude to Mr. Cheng quickly? If he's pleased, he might reward you with some of the elixir he refines!" she added, disregarding their apparent disinterest.
"I'm not interested in alchemy," Horn replied calmly. The challenge of alchemy no longer held his interest since he could already refine supreme Immortal Level elixirs in the Immortal World.
Tang Yuxin, however, tugged on Horn's sleeve, reminding him to maintain a polite demeanor. Cheng Zhi's expression shifted slightly in response.
Liu Na, showing no regard for Tang Yuxin and Horn, coldly remarked, "I don't think your friend understands Mr. Cheng's alchemy at all. Master Cheng is Mr. Nie's genuine one-star Alchemist apprentice. Not just anyone can act arrogantly in front of him."
Wang Menglu apologized on behalf of her friends, requesting Cheng Zhi not to hold it against Horn.
Cheng Zhi dismissed the incident, waving his hand. He assured Wang Menglu that he would let it slide. However, when he addressed Horn, he expressed disdain.
"Brother, it's normal for you to want to show off in front of your woman. It's a pity you offended the wrong person. I am not someone you can step on," Cheng Zhi remarked, assuming Horn was trying to save face in front of Tang Yuxin.
Horn remained indifferent, simply stating the truth. Liu Na continued to defend Cheng Zhi, asserting that Horn should be grateful for Mr. Cheng's generosity.
"In Linzhou, Mr. Cheng is a well-deserved alchemy genius. You're not even worthy of carrying his shoes!" she declared.
With a smile, Liu Na turned to Cheng Zhi and said, "Mr. Cheng, please come this way. There's no need to waste our time on someone so insignificant."
Leading Cheng Zhi, Liu Na proceeded to the alchemy club of Linzhou Immortal Martial Academy.
After seeing Cheng Zhi and Liu Na walk away, Wang Menglu approached Horn and attempted to offer some advice. She acknowledged his stubbornness but urged him to be more discerning in different situations. Wang Menglu emphasized the importance of not offending Alchemists, as one never knows how many powerful individuals might support them. She also promised to find an opportunity to mend the relationship between Horn and Cheng Zhi.
Tang Yuxin, echoing Wang Menglu's sentiment, expressed that Menglu was acting for Horn's own good. She gave him the option to leave if he truly didn't want to encounter Cheng Zhi again. Despite their brief acquaintance, Horn had a favorable impression of Wang Menglu.
Horn agreed to follow Wang Menglu, and upon reaching the alchemy club, they found a modern medicinal cauldron used for alchemy. The club had a small number of members due to the rarity of Alchemist talent on Earth.
Inside the club, Cheng Zhi was surrounded by a dozen members who seemed to have become his devoted followers. Horn observed the scene from a corner chair, curious about the level of Alchemists on Earth. Tang Yuxin sat beside him.
Cheng Zhi raised his hand to address the members, instructing them to begin refining the elixirs they were most familiar with. He pledged to provide guidance and point out any shortcomings. However, he mentioned that he had limited time and could only stay for three hours.
"Everyone, hurry up and get started!" Cheng Zhi's command reverberated through the alchemy club with an air of arrogance. The club members, filled with excitement, began preparing their medicinal materials and igniting the flames to initiate the elixir-making process.
Cheng Zhi, with a haughty demeanor, walked around the club, offering suggestions and improvements to the alchemists. His attention was notably focused on Wang Menglu and Liu Na. Time ticked away, and while most members experienced failures, they felt a sense of progress.
Amidst the attempts, Wang Menglu successfully refined a Qi Condensation Pill. Despite the common loss of medicinal power during the refining process, Wang Menglu's achievement was noteworthy. Cheng Zhi commended her skills, predicting that she would soon become a one-star Alchemist.
In a decisive manner, Cheng Zhi announced that he would personally demonstrate the refinement of a one-star Qi Condensation Pill. The members, including Wang Menglu and Liu Na, eagerly anticipated the upcoming demonstration.
No more words were exchanged as Cheng Zhi prepared to showcase his alchemical prowess.
Cheng Zhi displayed remarkable skill while refining the Qi Condensation Pill, maintaining an air of confidence throughout the process. After a little over half an hour, he successfully produced two light blue Qi Condensation elixirs, elevating his elixir success rate to an excellent level. The members of the alchemy club praised Cheng Zhi enthusiastically, showering him with flattery.
Wang Menglu couldn't help but feel envious of Cheng Zhi's prowess, acknowledging that she fell short in comparison. Horn, however, remained composed, smiling and shaking his head at the situation. This drew the attention of Liu Na, who confronted Horn and accused him of laughing at Cheng Zhi. The other club members followed suit, hurling insults at Horn and demanding an apology.
Amidst the commotion, Cheng Zhi expressed irritation at Horn's perceived disrespect. Horn, maintaining his calm demeanor, signaled for Wang Menglu to join him. Wang Menglu, a loyal friend, readily walked over to Horn and Tang Yuxin.
Liu Na continued her tirade against Horn, belittling him and questioning his audacity to mock Cheng Zhi. Horn stood up and faced Cheng Zhi, stating, "I'm not laughing at you." Cheng Zhi and Liu Na assumed Horn was about to apologize, but before he could finish speaking, Horn redirected his attention to the other club members, declaring, "I'm laughing at all of you."
Horn then bluntly asserted that, in the realm of alchemy, the members present were all subpar.