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"Elder speaks too highly of me."
Dai Chengfeng remained modest. "Your years of accumulated knowledge in pharmacology and your mastery of soul power in alchemy are far beyond my reach. We each have our strengths."
"Here's the deal..."
Dai Chengfeng shifted the topic slightly. "If Elder ever has any questions or uncertainties about alchemy in the future, I will share everything I know without reservation, and we can discuss them together."
"And besides, there is much I may need to seek your guidance on."
After all, Yue Guan was a renowned Title Douluo, and with his close relationship with Gui Mei, befriending him would be equivalent to gaining the favor of two powerful Title Douluos—beneficial in every way.
Even though Dai Chengfeng already had Pope Bibi Dong's protection...
Who would refuse having more allies?
On the other side, Yue Guan's eyes lit up instantly when he heard Dai Chengfeng's proposal.
Given his status, it was naturally impossible for him to truly become Dai Chengfeng's disciple. Therefore, this suggestion perfectly suited his intentions, giving him a reason to approach Dai Chengfeng with questions.
"This kid, Dai Chengfeng, not only possesses monstrous cultivation talent but also alchemical skills that leave one in awe. His interpersonal skills are mature and astute, deeply understanding the nuances of human relationships…"
"Moreover, behind him stands not only the Star Luo Empire but also our very own Pope."
"His future potential is absolutely limitless!"
Yue Guan's thoughts raced as he quickly assessed Dai Chengfeng's value—a promising soul master, an extraordinary alchemist, a prince of the Star Luo Empire, and a trusted confidant of the Pope!
Befriending him would benefit both his advancement in alchemy and his standing in the future, as well as securing interests for him and Gui Mei within the Spirit Hall—advantageous in every possible way!
With this in mind, Yue Guan's gaze toward Dai Chengfeng became even more enthusiastic. He patted his chest firmly, his voice effeminate yet unreserved in expressing his reciprocation. "Good!"
"Chengfeng, you're so straightforward! Just for these words of yours, from now on, your affairs are my affairs!"
"Within the Spirit Hall, or even across the continent, if there's anything you need from this old Chrysanthemum, just say the word! Through fire and brimstone, I won't bat an eyelash! You've got yourself a friend in me!"
Dai Chengfeng looked at the earnest Yue Guan, smiled faintly, and returned the gesture with a respectful bow. "Elder's kindness is overwhelming. Then let's… consider it settled?"
Upon hearing this, Yue Guan flicked his orchid finger. "It's settled! Why do you still call me Elder? That's too distant!"
"In the path of alchemy, the wise are teachers. Your alchemical skills surpass mine by leaps and bounds. If you keep calling me Elder, where would I put my face? Let's treat each other as equals!"
"If you don't mind, call me Old Yue or Old Guan. I'll call you Chengfeng, how's that?"
Yue Guan spoke warmly, completely setting aside his status as a Title Douluo.
Dai Chengfeng was momentarily surprised but quickly realized this was Yue Guan extending further goodwill.
Since he had intended to form a connection with Yue Guan, he naturally wouldn't reject the offer. With a smile, he readily agreed, "Since Elder Guan has spoken so kindly, I'll humbly accept. From now on, I'll dare to call you Old Guan."
"That's the spirit! Chengfeng, you're truly a straightforward person!"
The atmosphere grew particularly harmonious. The two exchanged a few more pleasantries and briefly discussed the art of alchemy.
Their worlds were filled with many differing experiences, and Dai Chengfeng benefited greatly from the exchange.
When Dai Chengfeng noticed that the sky outside was growing dark, he turned to Yue Guan again. "Old Guan, earlier when we discussed alchemy, your insights into soul power-based alchemy gave me much to think about."
"But it's getting late, and I still need to refine another pill."
"However, this formula is a closely guarded secret of the Star Luo Imperial Family, bound by ancestral rules. Thus, I hope you understand…"
Dai Chengfeng didn't finish his sentence but instead looked meaningfully at Yue Guan.
Yue Guan instantly understood what Dai Chengfeng meant. Having witnessed Dai Chengfeng's extraordinary alchemical skills that didn't rely on soul power, he no longer worried about Dai Chengfeng wasting herbs.
His earlier concerns about supervision had long vanished.
Therefore, Yue Guan nodded in understanding. "I understand! I understand! Chengfeng, rest assured—I know the rules."
"You go ahead and use my alchemy room. As for me, I'll step out for some fresh air and dinner."
"Thank you for your understanding, Old Guan." Dai Chengfeng smiled and bowed.
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Soon, Yue Guan had left, and the alchemy room fell silent once more.
Dai Chengfeng took a deep breath and walked back to the furnace, smoothly beginning the refinement of the Great Rejuvenation Pill.
Since this wasn't his first time refining the Great Rejuvenation Pill, Dai Chengfeng was quite familiar with the process. In about half an hour, ten perfectly round, golden-brown pills brimming with vitality fell into a jade bottle in his hand.
After carefully storing the pills and tidying up any traces of his work in the alchemy room, Dai Chengfeng opened the door to leave.
Outside, Yue Guan seemed to have gone for dinner and was nowhere to be seen. Seeing this, Dai Chengfeng headed back to his quarters alone. "I'll thank him next time."
At this moment, the sky was bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, its light outlining the contours of the Spirit Hall buildings.
Back in his residence, Dai Chengfeng pushed open the door and saw warm yellow lights glowing from the dining area, accompanied by the inviting aroma of food.
Queen Zhu Hongxiu of the Star Luo Empire, dressed in elegant attire, sat gracefully at the head of the table, sipping tea. On either side of her sat the Grand Priestess Zhu Hongye and Zhu Zhuqing, clad in sleek black combat attire.
"Chengfeng, why are you returning so late today? Zhuqing has been waiting for you for a long time."
Seeing her son, Zhu Hongxiu's eyes softened with warmth as she set down her teacup.
"Mother, Grand Priestess, Zhuqing..."
Dai Chengfeng walked over with a smile to greet them. "I was delayed by some matters, so I returned a bit late. Were you all waiting for me to have dinner?"
Meanwhile, compared to Dai Chengfeng's natural demeanor, Zhu Zhuqing instinctively recalled the events that transpired earlier in the pool upon seeing him…
For a moment, her lashes trembled slightly, and a trace of barely detectable panic flashed in her usually cold eyes. She quickly lowered her head, taking a sip of tea, avoiding eye contact with Dai Chengfeng.
However, it must be said…
Her expression had softened considerably since their first meeting. At least, she no longer resembled an icy, distant glacier.
This subtle change did not escape the sharp eyes of Queen Zhu Hongxiu. She exchanged a knowing glance with Zhu Hongye, both of them smiling with satisfaction.
And since Dai Chengfeng had returned, dinner soon began.
During the meal, Zhu Hongxiu continued her efforts to bring Dai Chengfeng and Zhu Zhuqing closer together. This time, Zhu Zhuqing appeared somewhat unnatural, even instinctively reducing her interactions with Dai Chengfeng. However, Zhu Hongxiu was pleased.
After all, she had been through similar situations herself.
After dinner ended, night fell heavily, and a bright moon hung high in the sky.
After bidding farewell to his mother, the Grand Priestess, and Zhu Zhuqing, Dai Chengfeng stood alone under the corridor.
The moonlight poured like water, bathing the young man's face.
Memories of the day's events in the pool flashed through his mind…
Hu Liena's enchanting, seductive gaze, her perfect figure; Zhu Zhuqing's mixture of aloofness and fleeting confusion…
For a moment, an indescribable wave of heat surged within him.
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