As time passed, guests continued to arrive, which surprised Lin Feng.
"I didn't expect the Jia Ma Empire to have so many Dou Ling forces," Lin Feng thought solemnly. "Indeed, one cannot underestimate the heroes of the world. What is described in the original work is only a small part!"
For example, the Nalan family. Who would have thought that they would have such a high-level Xuan-rank Dou Technique passed down through generations? Although it has great limitations, who dares to say that this is all they have?
In fact, he was mistaken. High-level Xuan-rank is almost the limit of the Jia Ma Empire.
If it weren't for the need to ask the alchemist behind Lin Feng to treat the branding poison, the Nalan family might have kept it hidden for another hundred years.
Of course, if the Nalan family still exists a hundred years later.
"Master Guhe's personal disciple, the second-rank alchemist Liu Ling, has brought a copy of Master Guhe's personally written fourth-rank alchemy comprehension."
A congratulatory voice suddenly came, interrupting Lin Feng's thoughts.
"Oh? Guhe's disciple, fourth-rank comprehension, that's interesting."
Looking up, a figure wearing an alchemist's robe appeared in his eyes.
"Greetings, Mr. Lin Feng. My master has gone into seclusion due to a breakthrough, so I have come on his behalf to congratulate you on your behalf." The tone carried a hint of arrogance, but the speaker was clever enough not to disrespect Lin Feng.
"My master said that Mr. Lin Feng is the most likely alchemist to surpass him; even he is surprised by your alchemy talent."
"Haha, thank you for your kindness, Senior Gu He," the speaker bowed slightly towards the Yunlan Sect, "However, surpassing Master Gu He is still extremely difficult."
"Boom!"
The conversation erupted again, a flurry of discussion.
"Master Gu He has actually advanced further! Heavens! Could it be that he's about to break through to the sixth-grade intermediate alchemist level?!"
An elderly alchemist was greatly shocked. For an ordinary person like him with mediocre talent, reaching the fourth-grade alchemist level was already a lifelong effort, let alone Gu He aiming for the sixth grade.
"Your focus is clearly misplaced," a burly man retorted. "Didn't you hear Master Lin Feng say he would surpass Master Gu He?"
"What?! Master Lin Feng is actually confident he can surpass Master Gu He!" The old alchemist was shocked again, his mind reeling.
"Truly a gifted individual! Perhaps in twenty years, the empire will have two great Pill Kings side by side—a truly remarkable story."
"Yes, yes..."
"Damn it!" Hearing everyone think Lin Feng could rival Gu He was bad enough, but no one seemed to notice him, the Pill King's direct disciple.
"Mr. Lin Feng, since that's the case, I'll go inside first." Feeling angry and seeing Lin Feng's much younger face, Liu Ling really didn't want to stay any longer. After greeting Lin Feng, she went inside.
"Hehehe, Brother Lin Feng, this Pill King disciple seems a bit aggrieved," Qing Lin said with a grin after seeing Liu Ling enter the inner room.
"Yes, although she wouldn't dare offend Brother Lin Feng, mentioning her teacher right off the bat shows she's an inexperienced flower," Little Fairy Doctor chimed in.
The three of them—some had endured inhuman hardships, some had grown to their current state through their own efforts, and some possessed catastrophic constitutions.
Therefore, their temperaments were far beyond the reach of ordinary people.
"Hmm, Liu Ling isn't without her merits," Lin Feng continued, watching Liu Ling's departing figure.
"However, it's normal for anyone to lose their composure when encountering a peer far stronger than themselves."
Ignoring Liu Ling, more guests arrived in twos and threes, and Lin Feng greeted them one by one, creating a harmonious atmosphere. Stretching, Lin Feng turned to Qing Lin and Little Fairy Doctor, saying, "It seems no one else is here; let's go in.
" Just as the three were about to return to the inner courtyard hall, a congratulatory voice pulled them back. "Elder Mo Cheng of the Yancheng Mo Family has arrived, bringing a set of fourth-grade pill-refining materials and a fourth-order magic core as a congratulatory gift." "Oh! Yancheng Mo Family, Mo Cheng?" Upon hearing the name Mo Cheng, he glanced at Qing Lin beside him, a strange look flashing in his eyes. "Hahaha, I am Mo Cheng, the guest elder of the Yunlan Sect and elder of the Yancheng Mo Family. I congratulate Master Lin Feng on his advancement to a fourth-grade alchemist and his appointment as an elder of the Alchemist Guild." The newcomer had white hair, wore a red robe, and had a ruddy complexion, appearing very healthy. However, Lin Feng, with his powerful soul force, could sense a slight disharmony about him—yes, it was as if the entire person was pieced together. Recalling the description in the original work, Lin Feng glanced at Mo Cheng's arm without revealing his presence. "I wonder if he has already replaced it with that fifth-tier magical beast arm." The thought flashed through his mind, but he didn't show it on his face. "Hahaha, it's really troublesome for you, senior, to personally come all the way from Yancheng. I'm truly ashamed." "Alas, you're mistaken. It should be my honor to see the rising prodigy of the empire." Seeing Lin Feng's respect, Mo Cheng didn't dare to be presumptuous. "Senior Mo Cheng is too kind. In that case, please come inside with me." He slightly stepped aside, gesturing for Mo Cheng to enter. "Mr. Lin Feng, please." Mo Cheng was an experienced old man and didn't dare to walk ahead of this genius. Who knew if he would hold a grudge? He didn't want to offend a promising genius alchemist for the sake of a momentary difference in status. "Haha, senior is truly humble. Very well, let's go in together then." Lin Feng shook his head and chuckled upon seeing such a madman from the original story—well, half-human, half-beast. However, to everyone's surprise, Mo Cheng's figure suddenly trembled, as if he had suffered some severe injury, his lips quivering. "Elder, Elder, what happened to you?" Among the Mo family's entourage, seeing Mo Cheng's sudden outburst, a black-clad man who seemed to be Mo Cheng's confidant hurriedly stepped forward. Seeing that Mo Cheng did not react, the man quickly looked at Lin Feng, bowing with his hands clasped, "Master Lin Feng, could you please help me see what happened to the Elder?" "Hahaha, this is... This fluctuation, this aura, this serpentine waist, and this undeniable allure... truly, heaven blesses this old man." In Mo Cheng's inner world, he saw the ground littered with the severed limbs of demonic beasts, and rivers of blood. "This is absolutely true, this is definitely the eye technique I've been dreaming of—the Azure Serpent Three-Flower Eye." "Senior Mo Cheng?" Lin Feng tentatively called out, then used a wisp of his soul power to bump into Mo Cheng's head. "Cough cough, Mr. Lin Feng, what happened?" Mo Cheng, jolted awake from his reverie by the soul power, glanced around, his face quickly regaining its composure. "Senior seemed to have experienced a bout of hysteria, so I used my soul power a little." Lin Feng's tone was subtle. "Are you alright, Senior?" "No, no, thank you very much, Mr. Lin Feng." Mo Cheng, who had been plotting something, replied, glancing at Lin Feng. "This is a bit troublesome, but once I obtain the Azure Serpent Three-Flower Eye, and hide deep in the mountains, many years later even the Yunlan Sect will be subjugated beneath my feet, let alone a mere fourth-grade alchemist like you." "In that case, let's go inside together! Please." "Please." (End of Chapter)