Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension

Chapter 201 The Tide Will Rise

"Ah, how truly joyous and congratulatory!"

No sooner had Zhao Sheng spoken than Ge Chen's gaze became unspeakably scheming, his face turning cold in an instant:

"All thanks to your good fortune! The great kindness and virtue of Taoist Zhao, Ge here will never forget in this lifetime!

Hmph, allow me to repay your 'great kindness' in the future!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the volume in the Condensation Hall instantly dropped by more than half, leaving only the sound of whispered conversations.

At this moment, everyone's focus was centered on the two Foundation Establishment Alchemists.

In the Alchemy Master Association, there were nearly a hundred alchemists, but only a scant eleven or twelve had advanced to the Foundation Establishment Realm.

It could be said that any Foundation Establishment Alchemist was a core strength of the Association, and also held extremely high status on Nine Virtuous Isle, being existences best not provoked if possible. Your next read is at My Virtual Library Empire

At the sight of two prominent Foundation Establishment Alchemists at loggerheads, the atmosphere in the great hall instantly became strange.

Hearing Ge Chen's sarcastic words, Zhao Sheng didn't care one bit, chuckling, "Taoist Ge, you overstate things! The matter from last time has already been judged by the alliance, there's no need to mention it again."

Hmph!

Ge Chen snorted coldly, suppressing the resentment in his heart for the moment, and turned his head to look at Jin Dancheng beside Zhao Sheng, asking with a forced smile, "This one looks unfamiliar, could it be a junior of Taoist Zhao? I have deep ties with your elder, and should indeed get closer in the future.

By the way, what's your name?"

Feeling the cold malevolence in the other's gaze, Jin Dancheng's scalp tingled and his heart began to pound.

Being targeted by a Foundation Establishment Realm alchemist for no reason wasn't a laughing matter, especially since this person's master was the Alchemy Master, Xu Chong.

Moreover, Xu Chong was a False Core Master,

meaning not only did he hold an extraordinary position within the Alchemy Master Association, but he was also famous throughout the entire Nine Virtous Isle, holding an exceptionally revered status.

To avoid trouble, Jin Dancheng could only bow respectfully, "Junior Jin Dancheng, greets Senior Ge!"

At this point, Zhao Sheng was just calmly watching from the side without making any superfluous moves.

He knew that any word or action from him at this time would only be pouring oil on the fire.

He stood alone, fearless of Ge Chen. But Jin Dancheng had the Jin Family and tens of thousands of clan members to support, and would not dare to provoke Ge Chen.

Zhao Sheng had lived for years and had long seen through the ways of the world, his heart exceedingly clear.

In this life, if he were still to dwell on the temporary loss of face, then he might as well have lived all these lives in vain.

Ge Chen turned his head to Zhao Sheng, with ill-intent, "Taoist Zhao, I see this Taoist Jin has decent potential and wish to take him as a registered disciple. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Sheng finally frowned slowly, his tone becoming indifferent, "No!"

Ge Chen had expected a harsh retort, but received only a definitive 'no,' which was simply... unimaginable!

"Hmph, just because you say no, it's no? This disciple, I have decided to take him!"

Having dropped the tough stance, Ge Chen then fixed his gaze on Jin Dancheng, asking coldly, "To become my disciple, I guarantee you an upgrade to Foundation Establishment!"

With these words, there arose a hubbub among the crowd.

At that moment, most of the alchemists in the hall looked at Jin Dancheng with envy, jealousy, and resentment.

Everyone knew that Ge Chen's words were far from empty, as there were only six on Nine Virtuos Isle capable of refining Foundation Establishment Pills, and they, master and disciple, were two of them.

"This... this...."

It had to be said that Jin Dancheng truly felt tempted, but due to his nature, he still had some reservations.

Seeing Jin Dancheng sneaking peeks at him, Zhao Sheng sighed softly in his heart.

No matter what decision Jin Dancheng ultimately made, he wouldn't be angry at all.

Because the relationship between him and the Jin Family was merely a transaction without any deep friendship forged.

After hesitating for a long while, Jin Dancheng finally shook his head, saying gently, "Thank you for your kind consideration, Senior Ge! I truly dare not accept. I am of meager talent and dare not aspire to join your auspicious threshold. Please withdraw your gracious offer, Senior Ge!"

Before Jin Dancheng had finished speaking, the same thought surged in everyone's mind, "Is this person a fool?!"

At that moment, Ge Chen's assured expression suddenly froze on his face, rage burning within him.

Zhao Sheng, after hearing this, also couldn't help but be startled. Then he looked meaningfully at Jin Dancheng.

At this instant, everyone failed to understand why Jin Dancheng refused Ge Chen's offer, including Zhao Sheng himself.

"You... say that again!" Ge Chen looked incredulously at the timorous Jin Dancheng, his words sharp and severe.

"I apologize! I deeply appreciate your kindness, Senior, but please forgive me for not abiding by your words!" This time, Jin Dancheng's stance was more resolute than before.

"Hehe! Please understand, Taoist Ge. Dancheng has already acknowledged a master. Although his master has just passed away, as the saying goes, 'A day as a teacher means a lifetime as a father!' He's... just too filial. This child is too stubborn, which is not good," Zhao Sheng said with much emotion and a laugh.

Without waiting for Ge Chen to express his anger, Zhao Sheng called Jin Dancheng over, "Dancheng, let's go."

Then he cupped his hands around the crowd, saying aloud, "Fellow Daoists, take care! I must take my leave first."

Having said that, Zhao Sheng took Jin Dancheng and turned to leave, paying no attention to Ge Chen behind him, seething with resentment.

On their way back, Zhao Sheng couldn't help but ask Jin Dancheng, "Why did you refuse just now?"

Jin Dancheng smiled wryly, shaking his head, "I don't know what issue you and that person have, but if I accepted him as my master, I doubt I'd live long enough to reach Foundation Establishment."

Zhao Sheng paused for a moment, then fell silent, choosing not to pursue the matter.