Heaven-Dominating Martial Emperor

"You... what is the meaning of this?" Murong Dai froze, still not quite understanding.

"From now on, I have nothing more to do with the Treasure Gathering Chamber of Commerce."

Ye Chen gave the bewitching woman in the red dress a cool glance before turning away, ignoring her completely.

Murong Dai stood there, stunned, as if she couldn't believe what she had just heard.

He Daoyun had been about to come over and offer his congratulations, but when he saw this, he stopped in his tracks. He had a bad feeling about this.

He had thought that after this round of Alchemy, Ye Chen would have completely won Murong Dai's approval.

And for the Treasure Gathering Chamber of Commerce to have made an acquaintance of such a young Sixth Grade Alchemist was an astonishing boon.

But unfortunately, Murong Dai's earlier actions had been far too offensive.

Now that Ye Chen had proven himself, it was clear he wanted nothing more to do with the Treasure Gathering Chamber of Commerce!

Hongyu Pill Venerable composed herself. As an Alchemist, only she could truly understand how many exquisite details had been packed into that seemingly simple Alchemy process.

She let out a long breath, her eyes, as bright as a field of stars, glittering with extraordinary light!

As the most renowned Alchemist in the eastern part of the dynasty, she had never imagined that there was another Alchemist this young in these lands.

And what's more, in terms of sheer technique, he might even surpass her!

This revelation sent a shock through Hongyu Pill Venerable.

'Why have I never heard of someone like him before?'

"Your Alchemy Skill is extraordinary, truly astonishing."

"I wonder if I might have the chance to get to know you?"

Hongyu Pill Venerable moved with graceful steps, approaching Ye Chen with a charming smile.

"Of course," Ye Chen replied with a faint smile.

Although he had given up his position within the Treasure Gathering Chamber of Commerce, he had forged a positive connection with someone of Hongyu Pill Venerable's stature.

'Perhaps this is what they call a blessing in disguise?'

"In that case... perhaps we could find a place to chat at length?"

"There are some matters regarding the Alchemy Dao that I would very much like to ask for your guidance on," Hongyu Pill Venerable said forthrightly.

She showed no signs of being too proud to ask, despite her esteemed status, and very frankly requested Ye Chen's guidance.

He Daoyun, standing to the side, stared with wide-eyed astonishment.

'Who in the eastern part of the dynasty could possibly command such deference from Hongyu Pill Venerable?'

'This young man is absolutely extraordinary!'

"It's getting late. I shouldn't impose any further."

"How about tomorrow? If I have time, I will come and pay the Pill Venerable a visit."

Ye Chen said with a smile.

"Pill Venerable?"

"In your presence, I am hardly worthy of such a title."

Hongyu Pill Venerable smiled and shook her head. She didn't offer her name, only blinking her bright eyes as she said, "Let's save the proper introductions for the next time we meet."

"Very well," Ye Chen nodded.

Outside the window, a sliver of dawn was already tearing through the night sky.

The night was fading; dawn was fast approaching.

Even Ye Chen hadn't realized he had been out for so long.

Just as Ye Chen was about to leave, a fragrant breeze washed over him, and a figure in a red dress blocked his path.

It was Murong Dai!

"Stop right there!" Murong Dai's expression was grim.

"What is it now?" Ye Chen asked coolly.

"What is the meaning of this?"

Murong Dai held up the Elder Token, her voice filled with displeasure. "Are you trying to use this to force me to bow my head and beg you to stay?"

At her words, Ye Chen's brow furrowed.

'Why does this crazy woman always come looking for trouble with me?'

"Threaten you? I just don't want to be involved with the Treasure Gathering Chamber of Commerce anymore."

"Let's leave it at that. Just pretend I was never here."

Ye Chen shook his head, no longer willing to waste his breath on this unreasonable woman.

Murong Dai gritted her teeth, her anger rising. "Do you have any idea what you're doing?"

"As far as I know, you've offended the Xu family. If it weren't for the protection of our Treasure Gathering Chamber of Commerce, they would have made a move against you long ago!"

"Ridiculous!" This time, it was Ye Chen who scoffed. "When have I ever needed the Treasure Gathering Chamber of Commerce's help?"

"If you hadn't interfered, I would have dealt with that trouble myself long ago!"

"Don't act like you did me some huge favor. It's good enough that you're not making things worse."

Ye Chen had completely lost any interest in continuing the conversation.

He ignored Murong Dai's ashen face and walked straight out.

In the hall, the remaining few were silent. The atmosphere was heavy and oppressive.

Ye Chen's last words had been harsh, and even He Daoyun felt a sting of displeasure.

After all, he had stepped forward with genuine enthusiasm, risking offending the Xu family because he didn't want one of their own to be bullied on their territory.

Ye Chen's words were a harsh blow.

But there was nothing to be done. Murong Dai had offended Ye Chen first. It was only natural for a high-spirited young man to have a temper.

"Hongyu Pill Venerable, what is your assessment of that boy's Alchemy Skill?"

Murong Dai was silent for a long moment, her thoughts unreadable.

After a while, she suddenly spoke, breaking the silence in the hall.

"From what I saw, judging solely by his technique for refining the Sixth Grade Realm-Breaking Pill, he is significantly better than I am."

Hongyu Pill Venerable stated frankly.

Her words stunned both Murong Dai and He Daoyun.

There were very few people in the entire Great Hong Dynasty who could earn such praise from Hongyu Pill Venerable regarding the Alchemy Dao!

And yet, this young man had actually done it!

"In my opinion, that young man is hiding his true depths. He is by no means a simple character."

"If possible, Miss Mo, it would be best for you to personally apologize for your earlier words and actions. That is the only way this rift can be mended."

Hongyu Pill Venerable said gently.

"Hongyu Pill Venerable, you want me to apologize to that boy?" Murong Dai's expression changed. She couldn't bring herself to do it!

"That is, of course, up to you, Miss Mo. I am merely offering a suggestion."

Hongyu Pill Venerable shook her head, not wishing to stay any longer. "It's getting late. I must be going back to rest."

"And before I sleep, I plan to carefully study the recording of his process to learn from that young man's Alchemy techniques."

Her parting words struck Murong Dai like a heavy blow.

Making an enemy of such a gifted young Alchemist would be an absolutely massive loss for the Treasure Gathering Chamber of Commerce!

But for her to bow her head?

'I already bowed my head and apologized earlier, but he didn't appreciate it in the slightest! He just threw down the Token and left!'

Murong Dai's heart was a maelstrom of anxiety, her expression shifting indeterminately.

'He wants me to swallow my pride and beg him to stay? In his dreams! No one can make me, Murong Dai, bow my head!'

"Elder He! Release the news at once. Announce that that boy has absolutely no connection to our Treasure Gathering Chamber of Commerce anymore!"

Murong Dai took a deep breath, her gaze turning sharp as she spoke slowly.