Horn glanced at Wang Menglu and chuckled, "Menglu, don't underestimate the journey of alchemy. It's not just about achieving a higher rank; there's always room for improvement and refinement. I'll be glad to help you along the way."
Tang Yuxin, still blushing, spoke up, "Horn, don't pay attention to Menglu's teasing. She just likes to joke around. But, seriously, thank you for offering to guide her in alchemy. It means a lot to us."
Wang Menglu, with an exaggerated sigh, said, "Well, if you put it that way, I suppose I can accept your guidance, Master Horn. But don't expect me to be too respectful; I might still call you Horn."
Horn laughed heartily, "That's perfectly fine, Menglu. Let's focus on your alchemy progress. I'm here to help you improve, not to be addressed with titles."
As the trio continued their banter and walked through the academy grounds, Horn shared valuable insights into alchemy with Wang Menglu. Tang Yuxin, feeling a sense of contentment, joined the conversation with occasional remarks.
The sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the campus. Despite the playful teasing and laughter, a genuine camaraderie grew among them—a bond that transcended titles and designations, reflecting the enduring strength of their friendship.
Horn calmly looked at Cheng Zhi and Liu Na, "If you don't believe it, that's your problem. I have nothing to prove to you. Your threats won't work on me, and I have no interest in wasting my time with you. So, step aside and let us pass."
Cheng Zhi's eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint in them. "You're really courting death!"
Liu Na also sneered, "You're just a small character, yet you dare to be so arrogant. Today, we'll teach you a lesson!"
Before things could escalate further, a voice interrupted them. "What's going on here?"
A figure approached from the side, and everyone turned to see a tall, authoritative man with a stern expression—the academy's security officer.
Cheng Zhi quickly adjusted his attitude, saying, "Officer, this guy is causing trouble. We were just trying to sort things out."
The security officer looked at Horn and then back at Cheng Zhi, "I see. Let's all calm down and explain the situation."
Tang Yuxin stepped forward, "Officer, these two are trying to provoke a fight. We were just minding our own business."
The security officer raised an eyebrow, "Is that so? Well then, let's get to the bottom of this. What happened?"
Cheng Zhi and Liu Na exchanged glances, realizing that involving the security officer might not work in their favor. They reluctantly stepped aside, giving Horn and the others a resentful look.
As Horn, Tang Yuxin, and Wang Menglu continued on the trail, the security officer stayed behind, keeping a watchful eye on Cheng Zhi and Liu Na. The tense atmosphere gradually eased, allowing Horn and his friends to leave the campus without further confrontation.
Horn, Tang Yuxin, and Wang Menglu continued walking, paying no attention to Cheng Zhi and Liu Na's antics. They soon left the college grounds and entered the bustling streets of Linzhou City.
Wang Menglu sighed, "I didn't expect Cheng Zhi to be that shameless. His behavior is worse than I thought."
Tang Yuxin nodded, "Some people are just shameless by nature. Let's not waste our time thinking about them."
Horn chuckled, "True. We have better things to focus on."
As they strolled through Linzhou City, Horn asked Wang Menglu, "So, you're interested in alchemy now?"
Wang Menglu nodded eagerly, "Yes! If I can learn from you, Horn, I might become the first two-star Alchemist on Earth!"
Horn raised an eyebrow, "Two stars, huh? That's an ambitious goal."
Wang Menglu grinned, "Why not? With your guidance, I might achieve it."
Tang Yuxin teased, "Watch out, Horn, she might surpass you one day."
Horn laughed, "I'd be more than happy if that happens."
The trio continued chatting and walking, leaving behind the drama at the academy. Little did they know that the encounter with Cheng Zhi and Liu Na was just the beginning of a series of events that would shape their journey in the world of cultivation and alchemy.
Cheng Zhi, Liu Na, Nie Jiuxuan, and Xu Hu made their way toward the alchemy club, where the incident had taken place earlier. Nie Jiuxuan's eyes were stern, and Xu Hu wore a serious expression.
As they approached, Horn, Tang Yuxin, and Wang Menglu were still walking away from the college, seemingly unaware of the incoming group.
Cheng Zhi pointed at Horn and said, "Master, that's the guy who cheated during the alchemy process. He claimed to refine ten Qi Condensation elixirs at once, tarnishing the reputation of alchemy."
Nie Jiuxuan glanced at Horn, and then at Cheng Zhi. "Calm down, Xiao Zhi. Let's see what happened before making any judgments."
Xu Hu, however, was less patient. "I don't care about the details. If he dared to insult Master Nie and Xiao Zhi, he must pay the price!"
Wang Menglu, who was walking with Horn and Tang Yuxin, sensed the approaching tension. "Horn, it seems trouble is coming our way."
Horn smiled, "Don't worry, Menglu. Let me handle this."
As the two groups crossed paths, Nie Jiuxuan spoke, "Young man, did you really claim to refine ten Qi Condensation elixirs at once?"
Horn replied calmly, "Yes, that's correct."
Cheng Zhi scoffed, "See, Master, he's shameless!"
Nie Jiuxuan looked at Horn with piercing eyes, "Show me the elixirs you refined."
Horn casually took out the ten dark blue Qi Condensation Pills and handed them to Nie Jiuxuan.
Nie Jiuxuan examined the pills, and a hint of surprise flashed across his eyes. He couldn't find any flaw in the elixirs.
Xu Hu, who was watching, frowned, "Are these elixirs really as amazing as they say?"
Cheng Zhi, unwilling to back down, added, "Master, don't be deceived by appearances. There must be some trick."
Nie Jiuxuan, still inspecting the elixirs, said, "Xiao Zhi, I appreciate your loyalty, but I can't find any evidence of deception in these pills."
Xu Hu grunted, "Master Nie, if these elixirs are as outstanding as they claim, then we should give this young man a chance to prove himself. Let him refine elixirs on the spot."
Nie Jiuxuan nodded in agreement, "Very well, young man. If you can replicate this feat now, I'll accept your skill in alchemy."
Horn smirked, "Sure, I can do that."
Cheng Zhi and Liu Na exchanged glances, convinced that Horn was about to expose his trickery.
As the crowd gathered, Horn approached a vacant spot and prepared to refine elixirs once again. The atmosphere was tense, awaiting the outcome of this impromptu demonstration.