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

The young man who had suddenly appeared was none other than Tang Sheng—the same person Jiang Chen had met upon entering Lingyun Wufu.

When Jiang Chen had first arrived at Lingyun Wufu, it was Tang Sheng who had shown him the way to the registration hall. Though their exchange had been brief, the youth's straightforward demeanor had left an impression.

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

Tang Sheng strode quickly through the doorway, his polite tone directed toward Jiang Chen drawing gasps of disbelief from the crowd.

"Wait… is that Tang Sheng, the young master of Baodan Pavilion?""Holy—since when does the Pavilion's young master greet someone like that so politely? Who is this guy?"

Whispers erupted among the onlookers.

Across from Jiang Chen, Zhu Mingyuan's face grew even darker.

"You're the young master of Baodan Pavilion?"

Jiang Chen raised an eyebrow in surprise. He hadn't expected this chubby fellow to have such a background.

"Indeed," Tang Sheng smiled lightly. "My father is Tang Xinghai, the owner of Baodan Pavilion."

Then, turning toward Zhu Mingyuan, Tang Sheng's voice cooled "Master Zhu, what exactly is happening here? Why are you moving against Brother Jiang Chen?"

Zhu Mingyuan's tone remained frigid."This brat doesn't even possess an alchemist badge yet dares to apply as an alchemist of Baodan Pavilion. He's here to cause trouble."

"Our Pavilion doesn't stipulate that an alchemist must hold a badge before applying."

Tang Sheng's face hardened."Brother Jiang Chen's alchemy skills—I know them well. If he wishes to join Baodan Pavilion, it would be an honor for us. I'll personally explain this to my father."

After all, Jiang Chen was the very pill-refining genius that even Su Lingxiang had been shocked by—a young man who might one day become a disciple of the great alchemical sect, Yanqing Xuanguan.

How could Baodan Pavilion dare shut out such a figure?

"Tang Sheng, what do you mean by this?"

Zhu Mingyuan's face twisted."As the Chief Alchemist, your father entrusted me with full authority to recruit alchemists. I hope you won't interfere!"

"And I," Tang Sheng shot back, his polite demeanor gone, "will never allow anyone unworthy to stain Baodan Pavilion's reputation with their mediocrity."

Zhu Mingyuan's expression turned venomous."Unless he can refine a First-grade pill before me, proving his ability…Otherwise, if you insist on bringing him in—Baodan Pavilion can have him or me. Not both."

His words carried more than defiance—they dripped with threat.

"Master Zhu… are you threatening me?"

Tang Sheng's face sank, his tone now sharp.

"I speak only for Baodan Pavilion," Zhu Mingyuan said coldly. "Even if your father were standing here, my answer would be the same."

Then, his gaze locked on Jiang Chen."Boy, if you want to join Baodan Pavilion, show us what you can do."

Jiang Chen's lips curved into a faint smirk.

"I've changed my mind," he said lazily. "I don't want to apply as an alchemist anymore."

A burst of mocking laughter filled the hall.

"Hah! Look at that—he's scared.""So much for that big talk earlier. The moment he's asked to prove himself, he folds.""Knew it. Just another loudmouth brat."

Zhu Mingyuan sneered."What's wrong? Weren't you very arrogant a moment ago? Where's that courage now?"

"Who told you I'm scared?"

Jiang Chen's cold voice silenced the hall.

"I'm not applying as a mere alchemist…" He stepped forward, eyes locked on Zhu Mingyuan like a blade.

"I'm taking your position."

The room went dead quiet.

"Zhu Mingyuan," Jiang Chen said, his tone like thunder,"I challenge you to an alchemy duel. If you lose, you hand over the title of Chief Alchemist of Baodan Pavilion—to me!"