The Extreme Alchemist of the Mighty Cauldron

Chapter 1602: Chapter 1699: What Virtue, What Ability?

Cheng Jinhai was feeling incredibly nervous and uneasy at the moment, his complexion turned pale. Had he not continuously reassured himself beforehand, he probably wouldn’t have dared to follow Fang Lin to the top of Tang Tower.

It’s no joke, those seated here were at the very least influential figures of considerable status, like the Sect Master of the largest sect in the southern part of Tang Country who was sitting here right now.

Cheng Jinhai’s Heng Long Mountain, in the southern part of Tang Country, was only a mid-tier power. Across the entire Tang Country, it ranked even lower, amidst the third or possibly even fourth-tier powers.

Cheng Jinhai certainly had no right to set foot here, and even gazing up at this place from below would require a heart filled with reverence.

At this moment, Cheng Jinhai was following Fang Lin, having ascended the Tang Tower and arrived at the gathering area for the many guests.

Fang Lin appeared calm and collected; he glanced over those seated with an unperturbed gaze, neither too arrogant nor overly modest.

The prominent personages present were also looking at Fang Lin. They had already known that Fang Lin would come here to observe the battle and were prepared to face him.

However, when Fang Lin approached them, there was still some inner perturbation.

The Tang Emperor personally stepped forward, cupping his hands towards Fang Lin with a smile, “Master Fang, I have been waiting for you for quite a long time.”

Fang Lin returned the gesture with a fist and palm salute, his posture very modest, showing great respect to the Tang Emperor.

Regardless of how much Fang Lin detested the scheming and rivalry between the Tang Emperor’s two sons, he still held the Tang Emperor himself in high regard.

At least, during the battle in the Extreme North Land, the Tang Emperor had not appeared, which already afforded Fang Lin tremendous face.

If the Tang Emperor had also been present in the battle to encircle the Sky Swallowing Palace, Fang Lin wouldn’t have been so courteous to the Tang Emperor.

“Your Majesty the Tang Emperor is too kind,” Fang Lin said with a smile.

Cheng Jinhai also followed Fang Lin in saluting the Tang Emperor, his face full of awe.

The Tang Emperor also took notice of Cheng Jinhai behind Fang Lin and smiled slightly, “I presume this gentleman is the esteemed Mountain Master Cheng of Heng Long Mountain?”

Upon hearing that the Tang Emperor actually knew him, Cheng Jinhai hurriedly responded, “I am Cheng Jinhai, paying respects to Your Majesty the Tang Emperor!”

Cheng Jinhai secretly rejoiced in his heart; it seemed that he, Cheng Jinhai, had some reputation after all, for even the Tang Emperor knew his name.

But then Cheng Jinhai thought about it, how could the Tang Emperor know of him, just a minor Mountain Master of Heng Long Mountain?

He assumed it was likely because he followed Master Fang Lin, which was why the Tang Emperor came to know him.

Thinking this, Cheng Jinhai felt even more convinced that his decision to follow Fang Lin was very wise; otherwise, how could he have had the chance to attend such an event and meet the Tang Emperor and so many important figures?

This would be something Cheng Jinhai wouldn’t even dare to dream of in the past.

At this time, the Heaven King of East Pole and Dragon Haotian also came over to exchange warm greetings with Fang Lin, their demeanor very eager.

But Fang Lin handled it with ease, neither too enthusiastic nor cold, perfectly balancing his conduct and conversation.

The various dignitaries silently observing Fang Lin all nodded to themselves in approval. Without mentioning anything else, just Fang Lin’s composed demeanor, which many young people lacked, was impressive on its own.

Youngsters like Fang Lin, who stand amidst such an assembly and face so many prestigious figures without showing the slightest hint of stage fright, are indeed a rare breed, as composure and grandeur are not traits that can be developed overnight.

The so-called important figures present are all well-versed in worldly matters, seasoned and slippery. Even the slightest movement, a simple glance, or a common phrase can be meticulously interpreted by them for hidden meanings.

Many influential individuals also wished to approach Fang Lin for a conversation or a greeting, but with the Crown Prince and the other two right in front of Fang Lin at the moment, naturally, it wasn’t their turn to speak with him.

After the greetings with the Crown Prince and his companions were over, other attendees gradually stood up and took the initiative to exchange pleasantries with Fang Lin.

Among them were some from the Alchemy Tao World, acquaintances from the Pill Alliance, heads of major families, as well as notable figures from the Qing Nation and Tang Country.

However, some showed no interest in greeting Fang Lin, such as members of the royal family of Qing Nation, a few individuals sent from Yuan Country, and a handful of family heads from Alchemy Tao houses.

These people, due to personal grudges with Fang Lin or enmities with the Sky Swallowing Palace, disregarded Fang Lin’s presence and even bore a hint of hostility towards him.

Fang Lin didn’t mind; if you don’t care about me, I can’t be bothered with you.

“Master Fang, please take your seat over here, the competition is about to begin,” said the Crown Prince.

Fang Lin nodded and took a seat in the very last row.

The Crown Prince felt somewhat embarrassed: “Master Fang, your place is in the front row, seated together with me.”

At these words, the faces of the other significant figures in attendance showed a slight change. After their arrival, they had simply found empty seats and sat down.

However, no one had dared to take a seat in the first two rows without knowing if it was appropriate for them to sit there.

Especially the front row, which was certainly reserved for the Crown Prince, Dragon Haotian, and the Heaven King of East Pole—who else had the status to sit alongside these three giants?

And yet, Fang Lin was directly invited by the Crown Prince to take a seat in the front row, which indeed showed a marked difference in treatment.

“Hmph! By what virtue and ability does Fang Lin deserve this?” The Crown Prince of Qing Nation murmured discontentedly, his voice low but still crystal clear in such a confined space.

As a representative of the royal power, and with the Qing Emperor in seclusion, the Crown Prince was the highest authority in Qing Nation and, therefore, rightly in the front row watching the event.

Fang Lin glanced at the Crown Prince of Qing Nation. Although unaware of the fellow’s identity, Fang Lin could guess it from his black dragon robe and his seat in the front row.

“And by what virtue and ability are you, Crown Prince? Without your title, what right would you have to sit here?” Fang Lin retorted unreservedly, not willing to let the comment slide.

Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince of Qing Nation glared at Fang Lin furiously, while the two royal guards behind him exuded a threatening aura towards Fang Lin.

Cheng Jinhai, currently Fang Lin’s attendant, displayed his firmness by defiantly staring back at the two royal guards without any sign of weakness.

It was a joke. With so many important figures around, he, Cheng, needed to show some backbone, or else he would be looked down upon.

“Fang Lin, do you dare to challenge me to a duel?” The Crown Prince of Qing Nation stood up, his demeanor fierce as he fixed his gaze on Fang Lin.

Everyone was taken aback, not expecting the Crown Prince of Qing Nation to make such a move, openly challenging Fang Lin and seeking to duel with him?

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