Chapter 24: I Want to Compete with You in Alchemy!

The sudden appearance of the young man was none other than Tang Sheng, Jiang Chen's acquaintance from Lingyun MartialAcademy.

"Brother Jiang Chen, I didn't expect to meet you here."

Tang Sheng walked through the entrance, quickly approaching Jiang Chen with a respectful expression.

"Gasp! Isn't that Tang Sheng, the young master of Baodan Pavilion?"

"Who is this kid? Even the young master of Baodan Pavilion is treating him so politely!"

The audience, recognizing Tang Sheng, erupted in astonished whispers. Zhu Mingyuan's already grim face darkened further.

"You're the young master of Baodan Pavilion?" Jiang Chen raised an eyebrow in surprise. He hadn't expected Tang Sheng to hold such a prestigious position.

"Yes," Tang Sheng replied with a smile. "My father, Tang Xinghai, owns this Baodan Pavilion."

Turning to Zhu Mingyuan, Tang Sheng's expression hardened. "Master Zhu, what's going on? Why were you about to throw Brother Jiang Chen out?"

"This kid doesn't even have an alchemist badge and wants to apply for an alchemist position. He's clearly here to cause trouble," Zhu Mingyuan scoffed coldly. "I had no choice but to take action."

"Our Baodan Pavilion doesn't require an alchemist badge for applicants," Tang Sheng retorted, his tone sharp. "I know Brother Jiang Chen's alchemical skills very well. Having him join us would be an honor. I'll speak to my father about this personally."

Tang Sheng knew Jiang Chen's potential. He had seen the genius that even Su Lingxiang, the renowned alchemist, had praised—a talent potentially worthy of becoming a disciple at Yanqing Xuanguan. How could Baodan Pavilion afford to lose such an opportunity?

"Tang Sheng, what's the meaning of this?" Zhu Mingyuan's face twisted. "Your father gave me full authority over alchemist recruitment. I suggest you don't interfere."

Tang Sheng's eyes narrowed. "If I insist on hiring Brother Jiang Chen?"

"As long as I'm here, I won't allow anyone to jeopardize the reputation of Baodan Pavilion's alchemists," Zhu Mingyuan snapped. "Unless he can refine a first-grade pill right here and now to prove his skills. If you insist on recruiting him without proof, then it's either him or me!"

"Are you threatening me, Master Zhu?" Tang Sheng's expression darkened.

"It's not a threat," Zhu Mingyuan replied coolly. "I'm acting in the best interests of Baodan Pavilion. My stance won't change, even if your father were here." He then turned his cold gaze to Jiang Chen. "If you want to join, prove your worth."

Jiang Chen curled his lips into a smirk. "I've changed my mind."

A wave of disdainful laughter rippled through the room.

"He chickened out!"

"So much for his arrogance!"

"All talk, no skill."

Zhu Mingyuan sneered. "What happened to all that bravado? Realized you're not up to the challenge?"

Jiang Chen's eyes flashed, his voice cutting through the noise. "I didn't back down. I just lost interest in applying for a regular alchemist position."

The room fell silent.

Jiang Chen's next words stunned everyone.

"Zhu Mingyuan, I want to compete with you in alchemy. If I win, I'll take your position as chief alchemist of Baodan Pavilion!"