C128 Master Ren Yuan

"So you're implying I'm in the wrong?"

Lin Xuan let out a cold laugh and turned to Lyu.

"Just apologize to me, and we can put this whole thing behind us."

Lyu bristled with anger at his words, but the memory of Lin Xuan's formidable palm strike sent a shiver through her, tempering her rage.

Yet, she could not bring herself to apologize to him in front of everyone.

Her eyes sought out Mo Ruyan.

Mo Ruyan, catching her glance, was about to speak when an elderly voice echoed from within.

"What's all this commotion at the Guild's entrance?"

An elder with silvery hair, dressed in a black alchemist's robe, emerged.

Adorning his robe was a Pill Tripod, atop which sat a five-pointed star, both shimmering in silver—a clear indication that he was an Earth Rank Low-grade alchemist.

In the world of martial arts, alchemists were held in higher esteem than ordinary warriors.

Not even experts at the Spiritual Essence Stage would dare to underestimate an Earth-ranked Alchemist.

"Master Ren Yuan!"

"Greetings, Master Ren Yuan."

The crowd, recognizing Master Ren Yuan, quickly bowed in respect.

"What has transpired here?"

Master Ren Yuan surveyed the crowd with a piercing gaze and inquired in a stern tone.

Lyu, standing nearby, hurriedly recounted:

"Master Ren Yuan, this man obstructed Miss Mo's way and has injured many guests of the Alchemists' Guild. He even threatened to correct me. Your timely arrival has surely spared me from his wrath."

With Master Ren Yuan's presence, Lyu's fear of Lin Xuan dissipated.

"Is that the truth?"

Master Ren Yuan asked, his expression unreadable.

Lin Xuan was well aware that Master Ren Yuan was an Earth-ranked Alchemist, yet he remained unphased.

"You're twisting the facts.

I have nothing more to say.

If you take her word over mine, then I shall take my leave."

With a dismissive sneer, Lin Xuan fell silent.

He had lost all interest in the Alchemists' Guild.

If he could replicate the treasures possessed by Master Ren Yuan...

His alchemy talent would be unmatched across the Scorching Sun Domain.

He didn't need to pass any Pill Refiner's certification; he could simply purchase materials and refine pills on his own to gather ample resources for his cultivation.

Upon hearing this, Master Ren Yuan gave Lin Xuan and Lyu a cursory glance, remaining silent before extending his hand towards them.

A fist-sized, dull gray crystal tumbled from a corner above the doorway, landing in his hand.

The Shadow Crystal.

Lin Xuan's face took on a grave expression.

He was familiar with the Shadow Crystal's reputation; it was capable of recording images over a span of time, functioning much like a video camera.

Naturally, it couldn't match the clarity of modern video technology.

But in this ancient world of martial arts, it was quite impressive.

Shadow Crystals were valuable.

Many at the Spiritual Essence Stage couldn't afford such a sizable piece.

Yet there it was, casually mounted above the door.

The Alchemists' Guild truly was wealthy.

Lin Xuan inwardly sighed.

Moreover, with the Shadow Crystal, many matters could be clarified.

Master Ren Yuan channeled a wisp of Spiritual Essence into the crystal.

Instantly, the Shadow Crystal emitted a beam of light, casting a semi-transparent image that replayed the recent events.

Despite the rapid playback, the martial artists gathered could see everything distinctly.

Lyu paled and shook uncontrollably at the images unfurling from the Shadow Crystal.

"Master Ren Yuan, I'm to blame. I shouldn't have been so dismissive!"

"Go and apologize now! And if there's a next time, don't bother returning!"

Master Ren Yuan's voice was icy.

Lyu turned to Mo Ruyan.

Mo Ruyan shook her head, her gesture one of powerlessness.

With Master Ren Yuan and her grandfather both being Earth-ranked Alchemists, her status held no sway.

They were in the wrong, and she had nothing more to say.

The others, upon seeing Master Ren Yuan, recoiled, their fear intensifying.

With reluctance etched on her face, Lyu approached Lin Xuan and murmured:

"Sir, I was in the wrong."

Lin Xuan remained unyielding.

"We had no prior quarrel. Had you apologized earlier, none of this would have occurred."

With that, he dismissed her.

Lyu retreated to Mo Ruyan's side.

Mo Ruyan huffed and led Lyu into the Alchemists' Guild.

"You possess considerable martial arts talent."

Master Ren Yuan lingered, replacing the Shadow Crystal to its original spot. He then turned to Lin Xuan, offering a slight, appreciative smile.

As a being of the Spiritual Essence Stage, his insight far surpassed that of the Condensation Spin Stage warriors, even as an alchemist.

With just a glance, he discerned that Lin Xuan was at the third level of the Condensation Spin Stage.

Yet, Lin Xuan's foundation was incomparably robust, unmatched by anyone in Fengyun City, including those at the Spiritual Essence Stage.

The Shadow Crystal's footage had shown him defeating several late-stage Condensation Spin warriors with a mere palm strike.

He was significantly stronger than most at the peak of the Condensation Spin Stage, likely on par with someone at the early stages of the Spirit Opening Stage.

Despite being an Earth-ranked Alchemist and having witnessed numerous prodigies, Lin Xuan stood out as one of the most exceptional.

He certainly deserved such distinguished attention.

"Master Ren Yuan, I appreciate your compliments," Lin Xuan responded with a smile.

It seemed that, aside from a select few, the Alchemists' Guild was quite impressive.

His eyes briefly met Master Ren Yuan's.

"Name: Ren Yuan."

"Cultivation: Level 1 of the Spiritual Essence Stage."

"Talent: Spirit Grade Cultivation, Spirit Grade Alchemy, Top Grade Strength, High-grade Speed, Top Grade Swordplay, High-grade Gale Attribute, High-grade Sharp Gold, Top Grade Crimson Fire, High-grade Earth, Top Grade Green Wood."

"Martial Arts: Green Elemental Fire Spirit Sword Art (High Rank 7, Initial Perfect Level), Flame Manipulation (Mid Grade Rank 7, Initial Perfect Level), Blazing Fire Palm (Mid Grade Rank 7, Initial Perfect Level), Wind Shadow Technique (Mid Grade Rank 7, Initial Perfect Level)..."

"Concepts: 25% Sword Intent, 40% Artistic Conception of Fire, 40% Artistic Conception of Wood, 20% Artistic Conception of Wind, 20% Artistic Conception of Gold."

"Personal treasure: none."

Lin Xuan stared at the empty attribute panel before him, his heart pounding with shock.

It was the most formidable attribute panel he had ever encountered.

Truly, his status as an Earth-ranked Alchemist was well-deserved—he was incredibly wealthy.

Within the confines of the Drifting Cloud Sect, even the elite upper ranks might pale in comparison to this panel.

A surge of happiness quickly followed.

It was fortuitous that he had amassed over two million energy points.

Now, he was in a position to replicate the numerous talents of others.