"Haha... Jiang Chen, who do you think you are? Do you think the alchemists of the Baodan Pavilion would listen to you?"
Jiang Yunhong sneered disdainfully.
Jiang Chen had unexpectedly appeared at a crucial moment, disrupting his chance to enter Lingyun Martial House. For the future of his grandson, Jiang Qianhe had brought Jiang Yunhong to Lingyun City, sparing no expense to secure a prestigious opportunity. After much effort, Jiang Qianhe had finally convinced Zhu Mingyuan, the Chief Alchemist of Baodan Pavilion, to accept Jiang Yunhong as a disciple.
"Jiang Chen, Yunhong is about to formally become the disciple of Zhu Mingyuan, a second-rank senior alchemist. This is a great honor for the Jiang family. Would you like to stay and witness it?"
Jiang Qianhe's voice carried a hint of arrogance, though he tried to hide it.
If Jiang Yunhong became the disciple of such a high-ranking alchemist, his status within the Jiang family would undoubtedly rise. Even if Jiang Chen managed to enter Lingyun Martial House, he would still be just a Bronze Student with no significant future. What chance would he then have to compete with Jiang Yunhong for the position of family head?
"Alright," Jiang Chen replied, his expression calm and unyielding.
Even if Jiang Qianhe hadn't invited him, Jiang Chen had no intention of leaving. He firmly believed in not provoking others unless provoked first. Jiang Yunhong had once attacked him to seize his opportunity to enter Lingyun Martial House. Now, with a chance to confront Jiang Yunhong, Jiang Chen would not let it slip away so easily.
Jiang Chen folded his arms and stood his ground, waiting with the others for Zhu Mingyuan's arrival.
A few minutes later, a middle-aged man in an alchemist's robe approached. It was none other than Zhu Mingyuan, the same alchemist whom Jiang Chen had previously confronted.
"Master Zhu, you're here!"
Jiang Qianhe greeted him with a flattering smile.
"Disciple Jiang Yunhong greets Master Zhu!"
Jiang Yunhong stepped forward respectfully and bowed. As he did, he glanced at Jiang Chen, who stood with arms crossed, unmoved.
"Jiang Chen, why are you just standing there? Hurry and pay your respects to Master Zhu!"
Jiang Yunhong sneered, his voice sharp.
"Jiang Chen, how dare you be so disrespectful to Master Zhu? Kneel down and apologize immediately!"
Jiang Qianhe's expression darkened as he scolded Jiang Chen.
To them, Zhu Mingyuan's status as a second-rank senior alchemist demanded utmost respect. Any perceived disrespect was an opportunity to humiliate Jiang Chen.
Jiang Yunhong and his grandfather's scolding did not faze Jiang Chen. He simply looked at Zhu Mingyuan with a hint of amusement.
"Zhu Mingyuan, they want me to kneel and apologize to you. What do you think?"
Zhu Mingyuan, who had spotted Jiang Chen as soon as he arrived, froze momentarily. He had intended to greet Jiang Chen, but hearing Jiang Qianhe's harsh words, his expression soured.
Jiang Yunhong, oblivious to the change in Zhu Mingyuan's demeanor, continued his tirade.
"Jiang Chen, how dare you address the Master by name? Do you think you can—"
Smack!
Before Jiang Yunhong could finish, Zhu Mingyuan strode forward and slapped him across the face.
The sudden blow left Jiang Yunhong stunned. Even Jiang Qianhe stood in shocked silence. Wasn't Jiang Chen the one who had been disrespectful? Shouldn't Zhu Mingyuan be punishing him instead?
What... was going on?