Chapter 25 (1/2)

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

“It’s an honor to meet you, First Elder!” The group of people saluted the man. Despite Meng Wuyou and Mu Yan being displeased with the first elder of the alchemy sect, they still saluted him respectfully.

Gu Daofeng smiled. His delicate facial features appeared extremely kind and polite as he said, “We have eight more young disciples that have been promoted to official disciples today. In addition to that, the manifestation of the four saints blessed us. It’s truly a grand event for our alchemy sect.”

Old Man Zhou took a step forward. “First Elder, the other elders and I are glad that we haven’t dishonored your commission. We have uncovered these eight elite disciples for our alchemy sect. We would like to invite you to present them with their identity tokens.”

Gu Daofeng nodded ever so slightly. The eight identity tokens that were prepared on the console table earlier flew up and floated right before Fang Lin and the other disciples. After expressing their appreciation, the eight of them extended their hands and received the jade tablets.

Fang Lin took a look at the jade tablet and found that his name was carved on one side while the other side had the carving of an athanor. It signified the identity as an official disciple of the alchemy sect.

He kept the jade tablet carefully. The group of people waited patiently for Gu Daofeng’s briefing. After all, he was the first elder of the alchemy sect, so he would have to give some sort of formal briefing anyhow.

They watched as Gu Daofeng stood up. He looked stunning with his straight posture in addition to his elegant facial features. One could imagine that he was certainly an outstanding man when he was young.

“I’m delighted today. All eight of you are the most exceptional disciples amongst the junior alchemy disciples. You must continue to keep up the good work after becoming official disciples today. Don’t ever slack in your efforts, especially you, Fang Lin. You are the top scorer of this examination and you managed to answer all 300 questions correctly. You are the first to accomplish that in the history of our alchemy sect. The future looks promising for you,” said Gu Daofeng with a smile.

Fang Lin bowed his head in salutation. “Thank you for your praises, First Elder.”

However, in his heart, he was scornful because anyone could rattle out pleasant compliments. Fang Lin was well aware that Gu Daofeng had the intention to demoralize him. He wondered if the first elder would continue his efforts to demoralize him anymore in the future.

Gu Daofeng then shifted his attention to Kang Lu. With a nod, he encouraged, “Kang Lu, you are also the pride of our alchemy sect. I’ve always appreciated your presence. Now that you’ve become an official disciple today, I’ll reward you with a special pass to enter the alchemy academy at will for a month.”

Upon listening to his words, Kang Lu was overjoyed at once. He hastily expressed his gratitude to the first elder.

The rest of the people had rather sour expressions. Kang Lu had not been the top scorer of this examination, yet he was granted such a reward. It appeared to be quite unfair regardless of how one saw it.

It was fine for Fang Lin because he was being rewarded as a top scorer. He was allowed to enter the alchemy academy at will for a year, but what about Kang Lu? Since he was neither the top scorer nor Gu Daofeng’s relative, how could he be allowed to learn at the alchemy academy for a month out of nowhere?

The rest of the few disciples felt disturbed at once. However, they could only vent their jealousy by cursing in their hearts, not daring to express it on their faces.

“Fang Lin, as the top scorer of this examination, you are allowed to enter the alchemy academy at will for a year. On the other hand, I’ll be granting you the Golden Flame Cauldron. It is forged with the golden rock from a volcano. I hope that you can utilize this cauldron well and not disappoint me,” Gu Daofeng said. He flapped his sleeve and unleashed a cauldron shimmering with a golden radiance before everyone. It landed on the floor of the great hall with a loud bang.

Fang Lin’s eyes glowed at once. As an Extreme Alchemist, he could tell at one glance that the Golden Flame Cauldron was extraordinary. The most crucial part was its forging material. It was specially forged with volcanic golden rock which had an exceedingly high melting point and carried a certain temperature on its own, so it could increase the temperature of the athanor quickly.

Everyone including Kang Lu was eyeing the cauldron with deep envy. They felt rather jealous of Fang Lin’s fortune. This was the advantage of being the top scorer. Not only could the top scorer enjoy the advantage of entering the alchemy academy at will for a year, but he was also bestowed with the best quality cauldron by the first elder. The advantages were simply as prestigious as heaven!

Kang Lu ground his teeth in rage. The intensity of the jealousy and hatred in his eyes grew even thicker. In his perception, the Golden Flame Cauldron was supposed to belong to him, yet Fang Lin had seized it.

Meng Wuyou and Mu Yan felt relieved. They were so afraid that Gu Daofeng would be reluctant to give out the Golden Flame Cauldron in an effort to demoralize Fang Lin. Judging by the current situation, the first elder was not going overboard with his intention to demoralize Fang Lin at the moment.

Fang Lin’s expression revealed a slight reluctance when he looked at the shimmery golden cauldron. He looked back at Gu Daofeng and said with open hands, “First Elder, I can’t possibly lift such a huge cauldron though.”

Everyone was stunned for a moment. They did not expect that Fang Lin to speak in such a brazen manner. In fact, even Mu Yan could not hold back her smile.

Gu Daofeng was stunned ever so slightly as well, but he replied with a smile, “That’s okay. I shall present you with the Nine Palaces Pouch.” Upon saying that, a white pouch flew to Fang Lin who deftly caught it.

He had a troubled look on his face as he asked, “How…how do I use this?”

Gu Daofeng cracked a smile. It seemed like he was in a rather good mood. He said, “Put a drop of your blood, then you can use it as you please.”

Fang Lin nodded. He immediately made a small cut and squeezed out a drop of fresh blood from his finger onto the Nine Palaces Pouch. At once, the Nine Palaces Pouch shimmered with a soft glow. Soon, a wave of sensation appeared in Fang Lin’s chest. It felt like his state of mind was linked to the pouch.

“Keep it!” When he opened up the Nine Palaces Pouch, the Golden Flame Cauldron was sucked into the pouch in an instant.