C138 The Guild President Was Shocked

"As expected, he's just not strong enough," Lin Xuan lamented silently.

If only his power were greater, he wouldn't have to fear such challenges.

He knew he needed to prioritize building his strength.

The Pill Dao was merely a tool to enhance his martial arts, he reminded himself.

This was a decision he had made long ago.

Then, Lin Xuan inquired:

"Master Mo, Master Ren Yuan, how did I fare?"

His words snapped the crowd out of their daze.

"Excellent, truly outstanding!"

"Fellow Lin, you've won the contest."

Both Master Mo and Master Ren Yuan lavished him with praise.

Their gazes upon Lin Xuan were complex, the astonishment in their hearts still palpable.

They hadn't anticipated that their decades of dedication to the Pill Dao could be eclipsed by the young man before them.

The realization was hard for them to accept.

"Fellow Lin, Yan, congratulations on achieving the rank of Spiritual Rank First Class Alchemist!"

Master Ren Yuan then declared with clarity.

Hearing this, Lin Xuan nodded, a hint of a smile gracing his features.

He had accomplished his initial purpose for visiting the Alchemists' Guild.

Now, it was time to craft pills and amass a wealth of resources for his training.

Mo Ruyan's face was alight with joy; her persistent efforts had finally paid off, bringing her immense relief.

Yet her attention quickly shifted back to Lin Xuan, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and admiration.

After a brief pause, Master Ren Yuan added:

"Fellow Lin, your aptitude for alchemy surely outstrips that of us seasoned practitioners.

Have you ever considered joining our Alchemists' Guild?

We're known for our generous support of Pill Dao prodigies like yourself."

"What would be my responsibilities if I were to join the Guild?

My commitment is to the martial path, and I use the Pill Dao solely as a support for my practice. I can't afford to devote too much time to it."

Lin Xuan responded firmly, not rushing into an agreement.

"You're set on the martial path? And see the Pill Dao as just a support?"

"That's a shame," they murmured.

The crowd was taken aback, struggling to grasp his perspective.

With such innate talent for the Pill Dao, why would he choose to concentrate on martial arts?

Among their peers, alchemists hold a status significantly higher than that of ordinary martial artists.

A wave of regretful sighs immediately swept through the crowd.

Mo Ruyan felt as though she had been struck by lightning, standing frozen in place with a newfound pallor on her face.

The joy that had filled her heart vanished just as quickly.

Upon hearing these words, Master Ren Yuan felt his heart jolt once more.

Lin Xuan's statement made it clear that he hadn't dedicated much time to the Pill Dao.

Yet, his achievements were remarkable.

This was a testament to his extraordinary talent in the Pill Dao.

Master Mo had his own moment of clarity.

Both masters were deeply shaken once again.

But what troubled them was...

Despite his exceptional Pill Dao talent, Lin Xuan was resolute in pursuing the martial path, using the Pill Dao merely as a support.

They were at a loss for words.

However, Master Ren Yuan was quick to come to terms with this reality, smiling as he said:

"With your talent, there's no conflict between your martial arts and the Pill Dao. You're still welcome to join our Alchemists' Guild.

Rest assured, the Guild treats its members with considerable leniency.

The obligations are minimal. We have a mission board within the Guild where you can pick up tasks and earn rewards upon completion.

If you're not present at the Guild daily and don't take on missions for an extended period, you're essentially free of obligations.

Naturally, should the Guild face a crisis, as a member, you are expected to come to its aid unconditionally.

That is your most significant duty, but I trust you can accept that."

He had encountered Lin Xuan outside the Alchemists' Guild and witnessed his prowess through the Shadow Preserving Stone.

At just sixteen, Lin Xuan had already reached the third level of the Condensation Spin Stage, a feat unmatched in Fengyun City.

Moreover, once Lin Xuan took action, his effortless palm strike instantly eliminated several of Fengyun City's top talents who were in the late stages of the Condensation Spin Stage.

With such formidable power, he could even contend with those weaker in the Spirit Opening Stage.

Master Ren Yuan had encountered innumerable prodigies throughout his career, yet Lin Xuan's ability to transcend realms in combat was something he had never witnessed before. Lin Xuan's martial arts prowess was clearly among the elite in all of Cangyuan Country. Even when compared to his remarkable alchemical aptitude, his martial arts talent shone just as brightly, if not more so. Understanding Lin Xuan's dedication to martial arts came easily to him, and he found himself deeply impressed by Lin Xuan's extraordinary gifts. Indeed, Lin Xuan was a rare talent in both martial arts and the Pill Dao.

Master Ren Yuan had never before encountered such a peerless genius, but today, he was seeing one with his own eyes, and a subtle smile graced his face. "I can accept that," he said.

Lin Xuan turned to face Master Ren Yuan, who, recognizing the question in Lin Xuan's gaze, elaborated, "When it comes to the treatment of geniuses, I spare no expense. You'll receive significant discounts on medicinal pills, ingredients, and pill formulas, among other things. Additionally, I'll arrange for a first-class alchemist to mentor you. Fellow Lin, someone of your caliber is beyond my purview to decide for. Please, give me a moment to summon the Guild President. It just so happens he's currently within the guild premises."

Master Ren Yuan then addressed Sun Jingyun, who was standing nearby, "Sun, would you please fetch the Guild President?"

Sun Jingyun, who had discovered Lin Xuan, had no desire to claim undue credit for the find, nor was he interested in such recognition. "Certainly, I'll go at once," he replied, his face lighting up with excitement as he turned to depart.

Just then, a cool voice interrupted, "No need, I'm already here."

The room fell silent as everyone turned toward the source of the voice. A tall, middle-aged man in a black robe entered through a side door. A silver Pill Tripod and a five-pointed star adorned his chest, signifying his status as an Earth Rank alchemist of the lower grade, just like Master Mo and Master Ren Yuan. However, the aura he exuded was far more imposing than that of the other two masters.

Trailing behind him was an alchemist of low-grade Earth Rank, cloaked in a black robe.

His visage bore the marks of age, his presence not as commanding as the middle-aged man before him.

"Guild President, Vice President Zhou."

"Greetings to the Guild President and Vice President Zhou."

Upon the arrival of these two figures, a hush fell over the crowd.

They then bowed in reverence to the Guild President and Vice President Zhou.

Observing the scene, Lin Xuan joined in the gesture of respect.

In that moment, their statuses became clear to him.

They were none other than the President and Vice President of the Alchemists' Guild.

"Please, rise."

A voice, steady and serene, cut through the silence.

One by one, the assembly straightened to their full height.

All eyes converged upon the two dignitaries.

Lin Xuan's gaze, too, settled on the Guild President and Vice President Zhou.