Chapter 221: Everyone with Their Own Thoughts
In a secret room, Xiao Ze absorbed the energy from his surroundings. The aura emanating from his body was vast and heavy. Anyone facing him would feel as if they were in front of a vast ocean rather than a human cultivator.
"Ah, after organizing my alchemy techniques, I feel relaxed and have achieved a breakthrough effortlessly," said Xiao Ze. "I have reached the end of the Dou Zong path. Now I must prepare to surpass the Dou Zong and become a Venerable."
Feeling the vast energy within him, Xiao Ze showed an expression of satisfaction.
Suddenly, there were knocks on the secret room's door. From outside, Qing Lin's soft voice was heard, "Young master Xiao Ze, today is the day of the alchemists' exchange, you asked me to remind you..."
Before Qing Lin could finish speaking, the door had already opened.
Having just finished his cultivation, Xiao Ze's eyes still had a faint seven-colored glow, leaving Qing Lin momentarily mesmerized.
"Thank you, Qing Lin," said Xiao Ze, patting Qing Lin's head. "You are my most considerate maid. I don't know how I would manage without you."
Qing Lin's face quickly turned red, "Young master Xiao Ze, don't say such embarrassing things. I have already prepared the clothes you will need today."
With Qing Lin's help, Xiao Ze put on a long white robe decorated with clouds and golden edges.
Qing Lin watched him, noticing how his elegant demeanor and the mysterious glow in his eyes made him even more impressive. Unknowingly, she became absorbed in looking at him. Xiao Ze, noticing this, smiled and gently pinched her cheeks, "What are you thinking about, little one?"
The blush on Qing Lin's face deepened, turning red up to her ears. ... In the great hall of the black tower where the alchemists' exchange was held, the alchemists sat alone or conversed in groups, creating a rare lively atmosphere.
Elder Liu Tian looked from above and smiled. Normally, those who did not attend the exchange had come this time. Clearly, they were very interested in the event organized by Xiao Ze. It was not known if they came to congratulate or to cause trouble.
Each elder present brought one or two disciples or young members of their family. This, along with the presence of the usual absentees, made this year's exchange much more crowded than previous ones.
Liu Tian knew that few really came to share alchemical knowledge.
The elder looked far at his disciple Song Qing, who was conversing with Cao Ying.
The elder shook his head. Although Song Qing was very enthusiastic, seeing Cao Ying's indifferent response, it seemed that his disciple did not have much chance.
Cao Ying looked around the hall, not seeing Xiao Ze. Moreover, Song Qing's constant chatter annoyed her a bit, so she only responded intermittently.
Song Qing, noticing the situation, felt jealous. Although Cao Ying was not necessarily thinking about Xiao Ze, Song Qing was already convinced of it.
Dan Chen gently caressed the fire mark on her hand while following her cousin Dan Xuan. From time to time, she looked around the hall, searching for a familiar figure, and bit her lips upon not finding him.
Suddenly, Dan Chen noticed the entrance of an elder. Although his face was unfamiliar, the powerful energy emanating from his body indicated that he was a master alchemist.
The elder's arrival also attracted the attention of other alchemists in the hall.
"Isn't that elder Ling Yun? He has always been so solitary and now he comes to the alchemists' exchange!"
"It must be because of the specialty of this event."
"Yes, it seems he comes to test Xiao Ze."
Some alchemists whispered, guessing Ling Yun's purpose.
Without paying attention to the looks, Ling Yun leaned on his staff and slowly sat in the seats reserved for the eight great elders. With a piercing voice, he asked:
"Where is Xiao Ze? He just became a master alchemist and already thinks he is superior, is he going to make us wait?"
Although his voice was not loud, it resonated throughout the hall, attracting everyone's attention.
If someone had doubts about Ling Yun's purpose, now it was clear: he came to test Xiao Ze.
Some elders, friends of Xiao Ze, hesitated, but Liu Tian, standing on the stage, smiled and said:
"Ling Yun, I think you are old and your memory fails. We haven't started yet."
Ling Yun, annoyed by Liu Tian's comment, replied:
"Hmph, as the organizer, he should arrive early so we can meet the new master alchemist."
"Hahaha, I think you should discuss this with the presidents," Liu Tian responded bluntly, as in every alchemists' exchange, the presidents were always the last to arrive.
Liu Tian's words left Ling Yun speechless, gripping his staff tightly.
"Hahaha, we are all elders of the Alchemy Tower, there is no need to be so hostile," said an elderly voice suddenly, surprising everyone. Respectfully, they greeted Xuan Kongzi, who had appeared on the stage.
Cao Ying showed an expression of joy, "Master!"
With the appearance of Xuan Kongzi, the other presidents, Xuan Yi and Tian Lei, also made their entrance.
Even the eight great elders showed surprise. All the presidents had come to support Xiao Ze.
Seeing this, the elders began to take the event more seriously.
Finally, Xiao Ze arrived, hearing Ling Yun's challenge from afar, although he did not expect the presence of the three presidents.
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