Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The light vanished as soon as it appeared. It had only taken the span of a few breaths before it faded away, but it shocked the entire alchemy sect once again.
Shen Fu turned ghastly pale. Huge beads of sweat covered his forehead and his heart was filled with recalcitrance and terror. The official disciples that had insulted Fang Lin earlier were muted. They were rendered speechless from the shock of seeing the four saints’ light to the extent that they could not even utter a word. The rest of the official disciples stared at Fang Lin in surprise but envy dominated their aurae.
The two men in black sitting cross-legged on the stone sculptures could not remain neutral anymore at this very moment. Their astonished gazes shot toward Fang Lin. Standing by Fang Lin’s side, Xu Shangao was also rather shocked by this sudden turn of events.
Fang Lin looked at Shen Fu and his supporters in disgust. He said in a loud voice, “Did you see that? I’m the one that gained the favor of the four saints and they heard your words earlier. Be careful, every one of you. The four saints won’t forgive you so easily.”
Shen Fu and his supporters were startled upon hearing that. Even though they found it incredulous, the manifestation of the four saints earlier was truly shocking though one would rather believe it than doubt it. Meanwhile, whoever scolded and insulted Fang Lin earlier felt uneasy.
Shen Fu clenched his fists in rage. He refused to believe the four saints’ punishment though their light did appear when Fang Lin summoned them, so he could not do anything to the annoying kid. Inside his heart, he felt exceptionally jealous of Fang Lin. Why was Fang Lin bestowed with the favor of the four saints? Who does he think he is? How does he deserve the illumination of the four saints’ light?
“Let’s go!” Shen Fu roared in rage. He departed in a rush while his supporters followed closely behind him. They dared not even steal another glance at Fang Lin anymore.
The rest of the official disciples jeered at them. Shen Fu did not come bearing kind intentions. He was planning to make things difficult for Fang Lin originally, but he did not expect things to backfire.
“Senior Brother Disciple Xu, let’s enter the pavilion, shall we?” said Fang Lin.
Xu Shangao nodded his head repeatedly. Both of them entered the alchemy pavilion under the watchful eyes of the numerous official disciples.
There were a total of three levels in the alchemy pavilion. The first level was exceedingly wide and spacious. Fang Lin and Xu Shangao could see rows upon rows of display racks arranged meticulously upon entering. All sorts of items were displayed on the racks.
At the door, an ancient-looking man dressed in green sat cross-legged. He appeared to be dozing off.
Xu Shangao whispered into Fang Lin’s ear, “this is Elder Gu. He is the person-in-charge for the first level of the alchemy pavilion.”
Fang Lin nodded. He bowed in salutation toward Elder Gu and spoke respectfully, “I would like to purchase some medicinal herb seedlings.”
Elder Gu opened his murky eyes ever so slightly and squinted at him. Soon afterward, he pointed at a row of wooden racks nearby.
“Thank you,” Fang Lin said. Soon, he joined Xu Shangao to make their way to the front of the wooden rack. All the medicinal herb seedlings were on display as expected. Every species was labeled with a clear description, so browsing was very convenient.
Fang Lin’s gaze swept past the display rack after he chose two types of seedlings. Then, he walked to the other side of the rack and picked another three types out.
A total of seven rows were used to display the medicinal herb seedlings and Fang Lin chose more than a dozen types. When he figured it should be enough, he returned to Elder Gu once again.
Elder Gu took a look at the selected medicinal herbs and said, “What are you going to exchange these with?”
With a smile, Fang Lin procured the three bottles of Energizing Pills he prepared earlier and placed it before Elder Gu. “I’ll use these three bottles of Energizing Pills. Please examine them, Elder.”
Elder Gu pursed his lips and revealed a look of disdain. “I’ve already seen numerous Energizing Pills. How can a low-grade disciple like you refine such pills? Are you trying to trick me?”
As he was speaking, he uncorked the bottle and poured out a handful of pills to analyze. The contemptuous expression on his face vanished at once as he stared straight at the pills in his palm. The pills were perfectly round without even an ounce of impurity. Moreover, they were immensely fragrant and appeared flawless at just a glance.
“They’re actually of high-grade quality!” Elder Gu toyed with the pills in his palm. His tone was filled with excitement.
Hastily, he uncorked the other two bottles impatiently. The Energizing Pills were high-grade quality ones as well. Every pill looked identical to one another. There were seven pills in each bottle, so they made up a total of 21 high-grade Energizing Pills.
The astonishment on Elder Gu’s face grew more and more apparent upon examining each of the pills. When he looked at Fang Lin once again, his gaze was different. “Were these all refined by you?” he asked with a look of disbelief on his face.
Fang Lin said with a smile, “Yep, these 21 Energizing Pills were all made by me. If you don’t believe me, I’m willing to demonstrate.”
Elder Gu waved his hand and replied, “I believe you. These three bottles of Energizing Pills are of the highest quality, thus you’ll have some leftovers after exchanging it with these medicinal herb seedlings.”
Fang Lin suddenly chuckled and said, “Are you feeling sorry about that, hence you wish to give us more items as compensation, Elder? I think that you’re a man of exemplary conduct, so you’d never take advantage of us, would you?”
Xu Shangao was dumbstruck by Fang Lin’s words and groaned inwardly because he did not manage to stop Fang Lin’s boldness in time.
Elder Gu was also bewildered for a moment. Then, he looked at Fang Lin with a strange gaze and the expression of a man at a loss of whether to cry or to laugh.
“I heard about a newly-promoted disciple that has provoked much discussion among the sect recently. He also caused a strange phenomenon involving the four saints. The four saints’ light was illuminated once again earlier. I think that was your doing, wasn’t it?” said Elder Gu slyly.
“You got me,” Fang Ling confirmed with a nod.
Elder Gu answered with a grunt. He put the three bottles of Energizing Pills away calmly before saying, “Albeit these three bottles of Energizing Pills being impressive, the dozen types of medicinal herb seedlings you’ve chosen are quite costly too. Therefore, it’s considered an equivalent exchange.”
Fang Lin realized that the old man was shameless. He rolled his eyes instantly and called out, “Elder, your statement is incorrect. Do you know how many martial arts disciples will come looking for me to exchange these three bottles of Energizing Pills if the news were to spread? Aren’t you trying to bully me by exchanging a dozen medicinal herb seedlings with my three bottles of Energizing Pills, Elder?”
Xu Shangao was drenched in cold sweat just listening to the conversation. He did not expect Fang Lin to bargain with Elder Gu. Another person in his place would not have the audacity to do so. Fang Lin was really a piece of work.
Upon realizing that Fang Lin would not give up easily, Elder Gu widened his eyes at once and revealed the superiority of an elder. “Fang Lin, my words matter in this alchemy pavilion. It’s best that you take your items and leave quickly,” he said impatiently.
Fang Lin pursed his lips and answered, “I won’t exchange it then. Please return my items.”
Elder Gu was rendered speechless at once. Hey, I’m the elder of the alchemy pavilion! I’m a very dignified person, alright? How come a young man like you isn’t afraid of me at all? How dare you act so shamelessly?
Xu Shangao noticed Elder Gu’s unpleasant expression. He assumed that Elder Gu was infuriated, so he hastily said, “Please cool down, Elder. Junior Brother Disciple Fang has just been promoted to official disciple status recently. He has yet to learn about the rules of the alchemy pavilion. We’ll be taking our leave now.” Upon saying that, he pulled Fang Lin along as they left the alchemy pavilion.
Elder Gu scoffed softly. Just as he was about to puff up with pride, he watched as Fang Lin turned around again, so he quickly put on a long face.
“Elder, I’m sure I won’t exchange it. Please return the Energizing Pills to me. Otherwise, I’m going to lodge a complaint against you for swindling me!” said Fang Lin innocently.
Elder Gu’s face flushed in rage. He wished that he could just deliver a kick to Fang Lin.