Chapter 30 (2/2)

As Fang Lin nodded, Lu Jiuhe flicked his sleeves and walked into the courtyard with swift steps. Kang Lu and the rest followed closely behind while Fang Lin lagged at the back. No one joined him to walk together, seeming to shun him altogether. Nevertheless, he did not mind at all and shuffled last into Lu Jiuhe’s courtyard.

Upon entering the courtyard, Fang Lin looked around. It was a familiar scene for him. The treatment for high-grade disciples is quite different. My courtyard is considered huge amongst the low-grade disciples, yet it’s simply a latrine compared to this place!

Astonished, he envied Lu Jiuhe’s large courtyard very much.

The size of Lu Jiuhe’s courtyard was almost five times of Fang Lin’s. A large number of medicinal herbs were planted in the courtyard, so it resembled a small-scale medicinal herb institution.

Other than Fang Lin, Kang Lu and the rest were envious as well. However, they were only envious of Lu Jiuhe. The difference in their statuses would naturally affect the treatment they received. As mere low-grade disciples, they could not possibly expect to receive the treatment official disciples enjoyed.

A pavilion with a stone table and stone stools had been built in the middle of the courtyard, adding to the serenity and tranquility of the place.

The group of people followed Lu Jiuhe to the pavilion and took their seats in succession. Fang Lin found a seat last and noticed that he was sitting right opposite Lu Jiuhe.

Lu Jiuhe became provoked for no reason upon seeing Fang Lin’s face. When he heard Kang Lu mention Fang Lin earlier, he had not cared much because he assumed that Fang Lin was but a low-grade disciple. Therefore, he would not be so easily troubled given his status as a high-grade disciple.

However, Lu Jiuhe realized that Fang Lin was an exceedingly difficult person just as described by Kang Lu after meeting him. As soon as they met, Lu Jiuhe was at a disadvantage. Even though he had not lost anything, he found that he was incapable of maintaining his composure before the annoying brat anyhow.

The group of people began chatting leisurely after they sat, except for Fang Lin. It was as if everyone ignored his presence. No one took the initiative to speak to him as if he did not exist.

Nonetheless, Fang Lin did not mind either. After all, his main purpose of being there was the Century Lingzhi. He did not wish to be associated with these people that were close to Kang Lu.

After chatting for a while, they sized Fang Lin up. They realized that he did not mind being in this position at all. On the contrary, he was enjoying the view and admiring the medicinal herbs in the courtyard.

The smile on Lu Jiuhe’s face vanished before he spoke spontaneously, “I heard that you’re the unprecedented top scorer of the junior alchemy disciple examination, Junior Brother Disciple Fang. I believe that you have achieved great attainments with the medicinal herbs. Why don’t I give you a test, Junior Brother Disciple?”

As soon as those words were spoken, Kang Lu hastily chimed in, “Good idea, Senior Brother Disciple. In the past, Junior Brother Disciple Fang’s knowledge surpassed me and everyone else, and he was the champion. Senior Brother Disciple, you mustn’t ask simple questions because those are nothing to Junior Brother Disciple Fang.”

Everyone began to speak one by one as well. They sounded as if they were praising Fang Lin in their own words, but in reality, their words were akin to hidden weapons in preparation to kill him.

Fang Lin did not speak as he watched their performance quietly.

With an encouraging nod, Lu Jiuhe said, “Since that’s the case, I shall think about it properly first. Otherwise, where would I hide my reputation as a Senior Brother Disciple if Junior Brother Disciple Fang can answer my questions so easily?”

Fang Lin finally spoke, “Please feel free to ask away. I’m bad at everything. The only thing that I know slightly more about than the rest is herbology.”

Upon listening to his words, Lu Jiuhe felt even more displeased with him. How dare you be so arrogant before me?! I’m the high-grade official disciple here. I shall let you have a taste of my power in a while.