"Hey, what's the commotion here all about?" A young woman dressed in a red dress walked out, hands behind her back and a sly expression on her face.
It was Senior Sister Stella.
"Greetings, Miss Stella!" All of the guards hurriedly saluted.
"Rise!" Stella raised her hand in a mature, experienced manner. When she looked at Alex, she deliberately put on a surprised expression and said, "Little brother, why are you still outside?"
Alex understood now. The girl had purposely not issued him an invitation just to see a good show.
As a result, she must have waited near the door, but when she saw that Charles was about to give his invitation to him, she immediately stepped out.
When they heard her words, the guards naturally realized that Alex was truly one of the guests tonight, so there was no longer any need to bother about little details like why he did not have an invitation.
"Master Alex, apologies for our lacking manners," all the guards said in unison to Alex, who was gazing sternly at Stella.
Stella stuck out her tongue at him and quickly ran over to Mia, who just arrived, and said, "Wa, Little Sister, you're very beautiful!" which made the shy girl blush.
Meanwhile, Charles was puzzled. It seemed like he was a third wheel who unnecessarily interrupted romantic mischief between Senior Sister Stella and Brother Alex.
His eyes focused on Alex, and he couldn't help but look at him in admiration.
As everyone entered the hall, several students from the Outer Courtyard were seated quietly, exchanging talk.
In the center, a Young woman was playing a tune. It was a nimble and fresh tune that was filled with elegance.
The students who were listening naturally noticed the presence of Alex and the other three, and many of them looked in awe.
"Sorry, little brother, I forgot to give you the invitation?" Stella sighed in a sorrowful manner.
Alex shook his head and said, "If you hadn't harbored evil intentions and had not failed to issue me an invitation, there wouldn't have been any issue."
"What evil intentions, you must not wrong an innocent person!" Stella quickly shook her head vigorously. She was definitely not going to admit to such a crime. "I had just forgotten. Forgotten, okay?"
"Little Sister Mia, don't you agree with me?" She asked Mia, acting like a spoiled child.
Mia, who was usually shy, tried to maintain a cool demeanor.
"I think it's sti.ll senior sister's fault," said Mia, biting her lip in nervousness, causing Stella's eyes to lighten up and pinching her cheeks.
Soon, the four of them arrived at the Main Hall. There were close to a hundred tables here, but they weren't the usual round tables. Instead, they were long tables, which would be able to comfortably accommodate one person at a time.
This setting allowed each guest their own table. These tables were arranged in rows of five, from the doorway of the Main Hall and further in. Obviously, the further in your table was, the higher your status was.
"Okay, bye little brother," Stella said, since she needs to address an urgent matter.
Alex gave a short nod and, without thinking much, headed to the first row since the seats in the first row are for the top five.
"En?"
"Ah!"
Seeing Alex stride towards the front, those who had already occupied their seats all revealed respectful expressions.
The four people who were already seated in the first row all smiled. Some of them wore mocking smiles, while there were some who were genuinely smiling .
However, very soon their gaze became focused on Mia who sat in 9th position. This young girl was really beautiful. Though she seemed very shy, this was also a kind of temperament!
Some even had dirty thoughts, but they were not shameless enough to force others so they thought of trying their luck after the end of banquet.
"Hahahaha, I've made you all wait!" At this moment, a clear laughter was heard all of a sudden as a tall man strode out of the inside door of the Main Hall. He had an aura of a leader and wore purple robes.
This was not a ruler in terms of power, but in terms of a kind of confidence in himself.
"Greetings, Senior Brother Salmon!"
Everyone stood from their seats. Now that the host was here, the guests would of course have to stand up and pay due respects.
"Sit, everyone, please be seated!" Said Salmon, his eyes swept over his guests, and gave a satisfied nod when everyone attended the banquet.
"Let me tell you frankly why I have invited you..." Salmon revealed a confident and calm smile, discussing the Young Alchemy king position and the benefits of joining his group for the upcoming competition in 25 years.
Martin laughed heartily and said, "Of course, we would join the group of Senior Salmon. Thanks for giving us this valuable opportunity."
Many expressed their interest, with only ten of the top twenty, including Charles and Aiden, showing intent to join. Others, like Alex, simply ate without expressing any commitment.
At that moment, a loud shout echoed from outside.
"Junior Brother!" The Eldest disciple of Alchemy Pavilion Lord, Grayson, appeared at the doorway of the Main Hall. He was a handsome man with a tall, sturdy figure and an exceptional bearing.
All smiles, Grayson strode towards Salmon, looking more like a friend than a rival. Salmon also stood up, and they warmly embraced each other.
" Senior brother what are you doing here "
"My junior Brother is hosting a banquet. I, as the senior Brother, must, of course, come to show my support," Grayson said, smiling.
Salmon couldn't help but frown slightly. The reason he hosted this banquet was to gain the will of the people and gather support for his ascent to the position of Young Alchemy King.
"Hehe, then I'll thank you, Senior Brother!" He said in a very false manner, though his face still wore a dazzling smile.
Grayson paused and said, "I've also brought some guests with me!"
"Oh, and who might that be?" Ethan asked casually, but one could see the nervousness in his eyes.
"Elders, please!" Salmon called towards the doorway.
Everyone turned to look at the guests—four Outer courtyard Elders and ten Guest Elders walking inside the hall, Alchemist badges hung on their chests. This sight changed the expressions of everyone present.
Innate Rank alchemists! All of them were Innate Rank Alchemists, and one of the Guest Elders was even a King Rank Alchemist.
"Junior brother, you should already know about them. These four Elders are from the Alchemy Pavilion, and the other ten are the Guest Elders affiliated with the Alchemy Pavilion, once disciples of the academy.
And most impressive is Senior Sebastian, the only disciple of Inner Elder Ethan, who reached the same rank as his master in Alchemy." Grayson wore a dazzling smile.
On the other hand, Salmon's face showed despair. The Alchemy Pavilion has one Pavilion Lord, four Inner courtyard Elders, ten Outer courtyard Elders, and a hundred Guest Elders.