Chapter 3 (2/2)

Meng Wuyou persuaded the first elder over and over again, but his efforts were futile as he did not manage to change the results. After all, he was just an ordinary elder in the alchemy sect with limited powers, and the first elder’s decision could not be swayed by him.

As a result, Meng Wuyou felt guilty about Fang Lin’s dismal behavior because he probably resented this matter.

Fang Lin swore by heaven and earth that he did not have the slightest intention to do that. Unfortunately, the kind old man, Meng Wuyou, took the trouble to feel guilty about Fang Lin and had been having difficulty falling asleep for the past month.

Fang Lin spoke kindly, “Elder Meng, why do you look so sad?”

Meng Wuyou felt even more guilty after seeing Fang Lin’s smile. The boy must be feeling very depressed deep inside. It must be hard for him to feign a smile despite the situation.

“Fang Lin, I understand that you are feeling resentful deep inside, but there’s nothing I can do once the first elder has made a decision. It’s best for you to continue practicing and strive to pass the examination and become an official disciple as soon as possible. Don’t procrastinate anymore,” said Meng Wuyou sincerely. He did not wish to see a talented boy like Fang Lin to continue deteriorating anymore.

With a smile, Fang Lin replied, “Thank you for your concern, Elder. I’m not feeling resentment for any particular reason. I’m not procrastinating either. Don’t worry. I have my own plans for the examination.”

Meng Wuyou heaved a sigh and said in rage, “When can our alchemy sect become powerful when the first elder is so jealous of real talent?!”

Fang Lin did not speak because he was not a foolish man. He could tell that Meng Wuyou harbored deep resentment toward the first elder judging by his tone.

“Choose your words wisely, Elder Meng,” reminded Fang Lin gently.

Meng Wuyou took a glance at Fang Lin. Although he was not offended by Fang Lin’s remark, he continued to speak begrudgingly, “The first elder is a narrow-minded man. He can’t stand seeing other geniuses in the alchemy sect. Otherwise, it will waver his status in the sect. What a shallow and superficial man. No wonder the status of our alchemy sect is growing weaker in the Purple Glow Sect day by day!”

“Be careful, Elder Meng. You might hurt yourself with so much resentment in you.”

Meng Wuyou frowned. What is wrong with this boy? It should be you that is infuriated, Fang Lin. Why do you look so carefree and joyous, boy?

“Fang Lin, you are the rare Withered Tree Revived in the Spring Embodiment. I’m sorry that you have to go through being a junior alchemy disciple. Alas, the rules in the alchemy are overly strict. If you don’t pass the promotion examination within five years, you can’t avoid being expelled despite being the Withered Tree Revived in the Spring Embodiment. Seize the opportunity. Don’t continue to behave in such manner anymore,” advised Meng Wuyou patiently. He had high hopes for Fang Lin’s future. As a result, he did not wish to see a genius like Fang Lin to degenerate as such.

Fang Lin’s boyish smile faded when he understood Meng Wuyou’s solemn expression.

“Elder Meng, don’t worry. I’ll be sure to pass the first examination,” said Fang Lin with an absolutely confident tone.

Meng Wuyou looked at Fang Lin in astonishment. He had the same thought as Lu Xiaoqing earlier. How did this boy muster such confidence? In fact, he could no longer be described as confident anymore but arrogant.

The promotion of a junior alchemy disciple to an official disciple was no simple matter. It was so difficult that the majority of the three thousand junior alchemy disciples failed the examination twice. There was a large portion of them that had even taken the examination thrice.

Failing the examination four times was not unheard of. In the almost century-long record of the Purple Glow Sect, the genius that had been promoted the fastest had even taken the examination twice.

Fang Lin had openly declared that he would be promoted in a single attempt. These words sounded incomparably arrogant in the ears of any listener. Beyond being arrogant, it was amusing.

Meng Wuyou was about to criticize Fang Lin in all apparent seriousness to stop him from being so extravagant when he was interrupted by the dull bell that echoed through the entire alchemy sect.

A tinge of helplessness appeared on Fang Lin’s expression at the sound of the bell. On the other hand, Meng Wuyou said, “The alchemy altar lesson is about to begin. Head over there now quickly!”

The alchemy sect organized two alchemy altar lessons every month. It was held once during the middle of the month and another time at the end of the month, specifically for the three thousand junior alchemy disciples.

It was mandatory for all the junior alchemy disciples to attend the alchemy altar lesson. If anyone had the courage to skip the alchemy altar lesson, the person would be punished severely. After three continuous absences, the person would be immediately expelled from the Purple Glow Sect.

Fang Lin had attended the lesson during the middle of the month, but he had fallen asleep during the lesson. As a result, he was ridiculed for that. In Fang Lin’s perception, the lesson was simply meaningless.

However, the rules in the alchemy sect were strict. Fang Lin was well aware that the repercussions would be bad if he missed the lesson.

With a bitter expression, he looked at Meng Wuyou piteously and pleaded, “Elder, is it okay if I don’t go?”

Meng Quyou glared at Fang Lin and spoke in an unpleasant tone, “No! You aren’t allowed to miss the alchemy altar lesson. If you have the courage not to go, I shall pick you up and bring you there myself!”

“Alright, I’ll go then.” Fang Lin pouted as he headed to the location of the alchemy altar lesson unwillingly.

Meng Wuyou gazed after his departing sluggish silhouette and wished that he could give the boy a tight slap. However, he remembered the unjust treatment Fang Lin had received, so he could only heave a sigh.

Throngs of junior alchemy disciples headed to the alchemy altar. By the time Fang Lin made it to the location, the spacious alchemy altar was filled with people. The majority of the junior alchemy disciples were there and Fang Lin was considered rather late.