Chapter 8 (1/2)

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Not long after that, a dozen male and female youngsters dressed in white alchemy uniforms arrived at the alchemy altar, chatting with one another.

Other than Fang Lin, Lu Xiaoqing and the rest of the few junior alchemy disciples were observing them with respectful glances. They seemed to admire the official disciples.

The people in white arrived before the short old man. One of the youths clasped his hands to his chest and announced to the short-statured old man respectfully, “Elder Sun, we’re here.”

The old man nodded at them and pointed to Fang Lin’s group. “These are the junior alchemy disciples that have just joined the sect this year. Take your pick.” Upon saying that, he clasped his hands behind his back and walked to the side.

The dozen official disciples shifted their gazes upon Fang Lin and the rest of the junior alchemy disciples, analyzing Fang Lin and the rest with a judgemental gaze.

At once, the rest of the junior alchemy disciples became anxious, except for Fang Lin. After all, it was a group of official disciples standing before them. The status of these official disciples was higher than theirs as junior alchemy disciples by a whole level.

Fang Lin had a calm expression. Since others were judging them, he would have no qualms about sizing up these official disciples.

Soon, he noticed quite a large number of people looking at him, whether intentionally or not, out of the dozen official disciples. Moreover, they seemed to be watching him with playful, coy glances.

What’s going on? Fang Lin felt puzzled. He was only slightly better looking than the rest of his peers. However, there was no need for them to be looking at him to such an extent, was there?

The leading youth grinned as he took a profound glance at Fang Lin. In the end, he pointed his finger and picked someone else whose face brimmed with surprise and joy at once. The selected youth hastily bowed in salutation toward the leader that had chosen him.

The rest of the people were watching him enviously. It was apparent that the leader held a rather high status amongst the official disciples. It must be an honor to be chosen by him.

“I choose him.”

Another youth was chosen.

“You, come with me.”

“Not bad. Come along with me.”

…

The junior alchemy disciples were chosen by the official disciples one after another. Even Lu Xiaoqing was picked out by a beautiful female disciple. Only Fang Lin stood alone in the same spot and had yet to be chosen by any official disciple up to this moment.

In actual fact, the official disciples seemed to be very interested in Fang Lin earlier, yet they did not choose him in the end.

Fang Lin’s mind was troubled. Could he be that lousy? He felt that there must be something wrong with these official disciples’ foresight. Yes, that must be it.

Noticing the scene in the distance, the short old man shook his head and scoffed. He muttered secretly, “Fang Lin has offended the other boy, Kang Lu, and he still has no idea what is happening even until now.”

Nonetheless, Fang Lin did not mind that much. It’s fine if no one chooses me. I’ll figure out some other way on my own. It’s no big deal.

Meanwhile, the leader suddenly spoke to Fang Lin, “Are you wondering why no one has chosen you?”

Fang Lin nodded as he responded with a puzzled expression, “Why aren’t all of you choosing me then? Did none of you learn that I’m the Withered Tree Revived in the Spring Embodiment?”

The official disciples were rendered speechless at once because Fang Lin was actually so shameless. How could he promote himself in such a manner?

The leader scoffed and retorted, “So what if we know? Someone has communicated it to us earlier, but we won’t choose you regardless. If you don’t wish for a difficult life in the Purple Glow Sect in the upcoming days, it’s best for you to go back and reflect properly on what you should do instead.”

Upon hearing those words, Fang Lin was finally enlightened. It was Kang Lu’s doing! Kang Lu was capable of influencing these official disciples to turn against him. His ability truly shocked Fang Lin.

“Fang Lin, you’re in the Purple Glow Sect. It’s very difficult for you to do anything without proper connections, especially in the alchemy sect. Even if you are gifted with natural talents, you’ll still need to follow the rules. Don’t be self-conceited,” chided the leader. His tone of speech mostly consisted of mockery and disdain.

Fang Lin was not infuriated, but he spoke smilingly instead, “May I inquire your name, respected Senior Brother Disciple?”

The youth grunted softly. Even though he felt contempt to be associated with Fang Lin, he still answered anyway, “There’s no harm in you knowing anyway. My name is Shen Fu.”

Fang Li nodded and muttered to himself, “Shen Fu? Doesn’t sound like a good person’s name at all.”

The group of people was startled by his words. They gaped at Fang Lin as if they were looking at a mentally-challenged man. Shen Fu’s expression dimmed even further. In his anger, he was about to raise his hand to deliver a slap to Fang Lin.

Meanwhile, the short-statured old man interrupted from the side, “Cough cough! This is the holy ground of the alchemy altar. Please be mindful of your words and actions.”

Shen Fu hesitated for a moment, but he did not continue with his strike. Fang Lin looked at him smilingly as if he had predicted that Shen Fu would never perform the deed.

“Fang Lin, what a pity that you haven’t even realized the state of your circumstances. There’s no need for me to take action, but Kang Lu is capable of taking care of you by himself,” Shen Fu ferociously warned Fang Lin.

Fang Lin sniggered and declared, “I’m a bold and courageous person. It’s useless for you to intimidate me.”

Shen Fu grinned coldly. He refused to waste his speech on Fang Lin anymore, so he decided to leave along with the rest of the people.

All of a sudden, a frightful weak voice piped up, “Please hold on, Senior Brother Disciple Shen.”