Jiang Chen turned toward the source of the voice.
Standing a few steps away was a boy—sixteen, perhaps seventeen—dressed in a clean alchemist robe. His features were sharp, and the two gleaming stars inlaid on his chest badge announced his rank to the world: a second-rank senior alchemist.
At such a young age?
Even Jiang Chen had to admit—this kid was a rare alchemy genius.
Jiang Chen clasped his hands in courtesy."This brother, i am Jiang Chen, come to Qingxuanju specifically to visit Master Yan Qingxuan. I hope you can help deliver the message."
The boy's gaze sharpened at once.So this is the Jiang Chen that Senior Sister Su spoke of?
Only two days ago, Su Lingxiang had returned from the Wufu and earnestly recommended someone named Jiang Chen to Master Yan. Bai Zixuan had kept that name in mind.
And now here he was—already barging into Qingxuanju.
Can't wait to grovel your way into becoming the teacher's closed disciple, huh?
Bai Zixuan's lips curled. He, Bai Zixuan, had been lauded for his alchemy talent since childhood. At sixteen, he was already a second-rank senior alchemist, yet Yan Qingxuan had only taken him as a named disciple.
And this so-called bronze student? This nobody?
How could he even dream of becoming Master Yan's closed disciple?
"Boy," Bai Zixuan's voice dripped with disdain, "who do you think you are? Do you think you can just stroll in and meet my teacher whenever you like?"
He snorted. "The teacher is currently discussing alchemy with Senior Sister Su. He has no time to see you. Leave."
Jiang Chen's frown deepened."You didn't even bother to report. How do you know Master Yan won't see me?"
"Hmph." Bai Zixuan sneered. "What kind of identity do you think the teacher has? Not everyone is qualified to see him."
Jiang Chen's tone cooled. "Then tell me—what would make me qualified?"
Bai Zixuan's lips twisted into a mocking smile. With a flick of his wrist, a pill recipe appeared in his hand.
"This," Bai Zixuan said, holding it up, "is the incomplete formula for an ancient fourth-grade pill. If you can complete it, I'll consider letting you see the teacher."
He tossed the recipe toward Jiang Chen like one might throw scraps to a beggar.
But in his heart, Bai Zixuan was sneering.Even Teacher Yan hasn't managed to complete this formula. You? A bronze student? Ha! Let's see how you make a fool of yourself.
Jiang Chen caught the pill recipe and gave it a cursory glance.
"Ding! You are observing the incomplete formula for the Fourth-Rank 'Life Renewal Pill.'"
"Ding! Hundredfold comprehension triggered—completing formula."
"Ding! You have successfully comprehended the complete Fourth-Rank Life Renewal Pill!"
The system was as terrifyingly efficient as ever.
In an instant, the complete, perfected formula bloomed in his mind.
Bai Zixuan smirked. "Well? Cat got your tongue? Even if you could complete it, do you even know what the real Life Renewal Pill should look like?"
Jiang Chen looked up, his lips curling in a faint, almost playful smile.
"Not only do I know how to complete it," he said softly, "I could tell you the full properties of the true Life Renewal Pill right now."
Bai Zixuan scoffed. "Big words for someone who hasn't proven anything."
Jiang Chen stepped forward, his voice calm but laced with unshakable confidence.
"Qualifications?" He chuckled. "I don't need you to give me the chance to see Master Yan."
"Because as long as I want…"
Jiang Chen's gaze locked onto Bai Zixuan like a blade.
"Within one minute, I guarantee Master Yan Qingxuan will come out to meet me in person."