Chapter 219: Underground Currents
Bang!
In a somewhat dark room, a handsome young man suddenly swept all the bottles and jars off the table.
"Damn you! Why does Cao Ying talk about you all the time?" the young man shouted, filled with jealousy and rage. "I've been the one by her side all this time!"
If any disciple of the Alchemy Tower were present, they would recognize this young man as Song Qing, a disciple of the Grand Elder of the Alchemy Tower.
Staring at Xiao Ze's portrait, Song Qing couldn't contain himself and smashed it with a punch, as if trying to release his inner anger.
"Damn you! Why didn't you stay in your secluded corner? If it weren't for you, I'd still be the youngest elder in the Alchemy Tower!" Song Qing growled. "If it weren't for you, Cao Ying would be mentioning my name!"
Among the young people in the Alchemy Tower, Song Qing was the one who resented Xiao Ze the most. As a disciple of the Grand Elder and with good talent himself, he had quickly risen to the rank of elder, gaining much attention and praise. He took advantage of his position to get close to Cao Ying, the disciple of President Xuan Kongzi, often discussing alchemy with her. This made him feel very proud until Xiao Ze appeared.
With Xiao Ze's arrival, Song Qing lost the title of the youngest elder in the Alchemy Tower. Even Cao Ying frequently mentioned Xiao Ze, which increased his resentment.
Today, during a discussion about alchemy, Cao Ying mentioned that Xiao Ze had become a master alchemist. Remembering the admiration in Cao Ying's eyes when she talked about Xiao Ze, Song Qing clenched his fists in anger. Unable to contain his rage, he slammed the table, breaking it into pieces.
Suddenly, his hanging jade glowed. Trying to calm himself, Song Qing took it and saw some words appear in the light of battle energy.
"Grand Elder, Liu Tian has come to visit you."
Surprised, Song Qing wondered why Elder Liu Tian, one of the eight great elders of the Alchemy Tower, had suddenly come to visit the Grand Elder. Hastily, he straightened his clothes and left the room towards the entrance of the tower.
"Haha, it's Song Qing! Here is an invitation for the alchemist conference. Please deliver it to the Grand Elder," said Liu Tian, handing the invitation to Song Qing before quickly leaving.
Confused, Song Qing wondered why Liu Tian, responsible for the last alchemist conference, was involved again. However, without thinking much about it, he returned to the tower and, when the Grand Elder was available, handed him the invitation.
"Master, this is an invitation for the alchemist conference sent by Elder Liu Tian."
"Hmm," the Grand Elder took the invitation and, using his spiritual power, read the information inside.
"Hmm? The organizer this time is Xiao Ze?" the Grand Elder exclaimed, surprised.
"Xiao Ze? Master, there must be a mistake!" said Song Qing, unable to contain himself.
The Grand Elder looked at Song Qing, noticing his unusual reaction, and handed him the invitation.
After reading it, Song Qing was stunned and exclaimed, "How is it possible for him to organize the alchemist conference? By what right?"
The Grand Elder, frowning, reprimanded him: "Silence! Xiao Ze is a master alchemist of the Alchemy Tower. Do not be disrespectful!"
Terrified by the rebuke, Song Qing calmed down a bit, though he still protested, "But Master, not even you have organized an alchemist conference!"
The Grand Elder, reflecting, thought that if the invitation was delivered by Elder Liu Tian, it could not be false. However, this was unprecedented in the Alchemy Tower, leading him to consider that there might be the support of one or more presidents behind it. Finally, he said:
"Since the invitation comes from Elder Liu Tian, it must be true. We will wait until the day of the conference to find out."
Song Qing, unable to change the situation, could only curse silently, wishing that Xiao Ze would make mistakes and embarrass himself at the conference.
Many elders were as puzzled as the Grand Elder. Some suspected the presidents' support, while others were intrigued by the novelty of a conference organized by a new master alchemist.
Meanwhile, Elder Liu Tian entered an ancient stone tower.
"Old Liu? What are you doing here?" said the tower's owner, a thin old man with narrow eyes who looked somewhat stern.
"Haha, old monster Ling Yun, I bring you an invitation."
"I don't want it, I'm not interested!"
"Don't be so quick to reject it. This conference is different," said Liu Tian, anticipating Ling Yun's response.
"Hmm! Let's see what you're up to," replied Ling Yun, taking the invitation and reading it with his spiritual power.
Bang!
Ling Yun slammed the invitation on the table, showing his crooked teeth and exclaiming angrily, "Xiao Ze! That novice dares to organize an alchemist conference too?!"
"Old Liu, is this a joke?"
"Haha, it's not a joke. The conference will be organized by Xiao Ze, and it's the president's decision," replied Liu Tian with a smile.
Ling Yun, surprised, respected the three presidents of the Alchemy Tower despite his solitary nature. Seeing Ling Yun's expression, Liu Tian laughed even more.
"Hmph! Even if it's the president's decision, Xiao Ze is just a master alchemist. I want to see how he embarrasses himself at the conference!" said Ling Yun.
"Well, hurry and leave. I'll go to that conference," said Ling Yun, dismissing Liu Tian, who walked out slowly, enjoying the moment.
Ling Yun, irritated, broke the teacup in his hand, muttering, "I want to see what makes you think you can organize this conference!"
End of the chapter