dognovel Chapter 1164 - 1163: Alchemist
Chapter 1164 - 1163: Alchemist
"So... are you an Alchemist?"Zhou Jieming asked first.
Among the four, he was the one who desired elixir pills the most.
The situation of the Zhou Family was quite similar to Li Zhentong's; Li Zhentong was pushed out of the Divine Realm circle, while Zhou Jieming was pushed out of the Judge Committee circle.
Fully understanding the meaning of "strength reigns supreme," even if he about to break through the mid-divine level to the upper-divine level, family strength wasn't great enough, it was all just empty talk, useless to them.
Tang Rao glanced at Zhou Jieming and said, "That's right."
After tasting success in Alchemy, Tang Rao felt that those who could practice alchemy were incredibly precious. Naturally, he had to take advantage of his own strengths to enhance his value.
"So, what grade of elixir pills can you make now, young friend?"
Zhou Jieming's gaze had already betrayed his intentions.
"Fifth or sixth grade, more or less."
Tang Rao seemed dissatisfied with his ability to create fifth to sixth-grade elixir pills.
What? Fifth to sixth grade?
Zhou Jieming was almost scared to death.
They had considered third or fourth grade, but never thought a young man of around thirty like Tang Rao could make fifth to sixth-grade elixir pills.
"Fifth to sixth grade is difficult?"
Saying such things too often might make others question their lives.
Zhou Jieming was questioning his life now.
"It's difficult, indeed. There are very few in the Divine Realm who can make fifth to sixth-grade elixir pills."
Zhou Jieming blurted out quickly.
"So being an Alchemist is really sought after."
Tang Rao mused thoughtfully.
"In that case, I'll head off first. We can talk about life another time."
Tang Rao began to leave, causing everyone except Mr. Wen to become anxious.
An ordinary Alchemist they didn't mind, but fifth to sixth grade they had to take seriously.
This was a gamble concerning their lives.
"Wait, you've already won the second competition, just one more to go. We're judges, your seniors, willing to offer some guidance. Since you're participating, you must care about the results, right?"
Several tried to play on emotions and reason, aiming to build a good rapport with Tang Rao.
Yet Tang Rao wasn't buying it.
When it comes to the competition, I can handle it myself. So many eyes are watching, you can't just cancel my qualifications publicly. Plus, the rank I want, I can achieve myself, I don't need you for that.
What Tang Rao had thought of, the seasoned veterans likely thought of too.
"Tang Rao, young friend, weren't you coming to visit my Wen Family? My son has already prepared a meal, just waiting for your arrival."
Mr. Wen felt lucky being more familiar with Tang Rao, and having invited him earlier, his words felt more proper than the others.
"Sure, Mr. Wen. Your little maid is quite charming, I also want to see her dance today."
Tang Rao jokingly made a harmless remark, yet the surrounding people took it seriously, assuming Tang Rao was enamored by beauty. Speaking of beauty, that was one thing they weren't lacking.
"Maid? Tang Rao, young friend, I have over a hundred maids on my island, all radiant. Feel free to visit, we have everything—better than the Wen Family."
The speaker was evidently the strongest among the Judge Committee.
"No, no, no, you misunderstood. I only favor the one from Mr. Wen's family, the rest don't interest me much."
Tang Rao was a man of principles, not someone who easily developed feelings for others.
"But you should see, wouldn't it be great if there's one identical or better than the Wen Family's?"
Mr. Wen wasn't pleased upon hearing this.
He could tolerate others trying to woo his guest, considering forming friendships wasn't bad. But mentioning maids prettier than his, or saying something identical was irksome, sparking malicious competition.
This was highly unethical.
"Lao Li, you're out of line. Everyone knows your place is superior, starting above us. We're all brothers; why promote malicious competition and foster hatred?"
Foster hatred?
Upon Mr. Wen uttering this term, Tang Rao knew he was being earnest.
Tang Rao hoped to get along with this group of old men, these old scoundrels united could be a formidable force.
"I say, fellows, why don't we have a meal together? I'll treat you."
Choosing one household would offend the others; once the quarrel ceased, if Tang Rao acted as peacemaker, it would better demonstrate his generosity.
"That works, since you're all competing anyway. It's settled, Tang Rao, young friend knows how to handle things!"
Tang Rao loved hearing this; it pleased him greatly.
"I'll treat you to something special, something you've never tasted before."
Tang Rao arranged the meeting spot at the Tingzhou Li Family.
As the host, Tang Rao naturally dictated the venue.
"Sounds good, we'll finalize the results and come by later, alright?"
The judges needed to compile and publicize the final results.
Tang Rao returned excitedly to the Tingzhou Li Family, where Li Zhentong was present. After watching Tang Rao's performance, he rushed back. As Tang Rao entered, Li Zhentong happened to appear before him.
"Good son-in-law, I, Li Zhentong, admit I underestimated you. The second match was truly thrilling, I thought it wouldn't reach the third round. You turned the tide, sending our Tingzhou Li Family into the third round—I can't help but admire."
Li Zhentong was eased out due to his lack of flexibility and strength, subject to bullying.
Tang Rao, with his strong abilities and persuasive speech, naturally commanded more influence.
Tang Rao felt it necessary to inform Li Zhentong about tonight's guests at the Li Family, providing Li Zhentong a chance to interact with formidable individuals he hadn't encountered much.
Moreover, Tang Rao wasn't interested in these people.
"It's minor; the four judges from this competition will dine at the Li Family. I'll prepare everything at Qi Qi's island, are you attending?"
Tang Rao asked.
Though the Li Family now belonged to the Tang Family, Tang Rao felt it appropriate to respect his father-in-law.
"Four judges, you mean Zhou, Wen, Li Fan, those four?"
Li Zhentong knew their names better than his own.
Those four were notable figures in the Divine Realm, typically high and mighty, unlikely to dine at the Li Family.
Was it for Tang Rao's sake?
That seemed unlikely; despite Tang Rao winning, he was merely a lower divine, viewed with disdain by those at the divine peak.
"Yes, precisely those four. They insisted I dine at their homes; being only one person, unable to split, going to one would offend the remaining three. Hence, I invited them here."