Chapter 1803 - 1806: Chu Xiaotian, the Chosen One
Chapter 1803 - 1806: Chu Xiaotian, the Chosen One
In the banquet hall, Shen Qiang, who had been chatting happily with the stunningly beautiful mixed-race beauty Nalan Tianyu, had stopped smiling. The previously lively banquet hall was now unusually quiet. Aside from those cultivators secretly taking pictures and livestreaming on their phones, everyone else was staring intently at Shen Qiang, who was surrounded by beauties, and Chu Xiaotian, who stood beside Shen Qiang with a proud look on his face."Look, it's actually Chu Xiaotian! Wow, this is going to be exciting. Chu Xiaotian is no ordinary person. He's recognized as one of the top three young alchemists in the cultivation world, ranked sixty-second on the top Alchemist list, and he has countless famous figures under his belt. He's truly a favored son of the heavens!"
"The young star Chu Xiaotian! He's acknowledged by the alchemists as a promising late bloomer for advancing to Medicine King. Ever since he gained fame three years ago at the Elixir Pills Conference, he's not only refined countless pills but also used his Pure Flame Refining Technique to topple numerous renowned alchemist masters, earning him the title of a peerless genius!"
"This person truly has skills. His family-inherited alchemy technique, with his father being Chu Jingxiu of the Thirty-two Skillful Hands, produces supreme Green Spirit Pills. If it's about alchemy, even Shen Qiang can't compare to such a gifted prodigy as Chu Xiaotian!"
People's eyes were bright with excitement, whispering amongst themselves. Unlike Shen Qiang, who only made money from alchemy and never showcased his real skills in formal occasions, this Chu Xiaotian officially ventured into the cultivation world as an alchemist three years ago, using the Elixir Pills Conference as a springboard.
Although his journey and experiences weren't as colorful as Shen Qiang's, his act of challenging several master alchemists at that time caused quite a stir. Therefore, in the alchemist circles, Chu Xiaotian is quite prominent.
"Shen Qiang, an alchemist roams the Jianghu relying on both medicinal and alchemical skills. But you? What skill is there in living off a woman?" Chu Xiaotian said coldly, "Didn't you just hook up with the Young Master of Medicine King Valley, Qin Yurou? Oh, so everyone has to wait for you to start the banquet. Is that what you call skill?"
The people in the hall looked at Shen Qiang without saying a word, since, according to their initial understanding, Shen Qiang was probably about to lose his temper.
But to their surprise.
Shen Qiang smiled slightly and said calmly, "It's not a skill, but if you're capable, go ahead and try!"
Instantly, Chu Xiaotian was stunned.
The many cultivators present burst into secretive laughter.
"Indeed, if you can, go ahead! I can't comment on Shen Qiang's character, but he certainly has beauties admiring him from all over. Xu Nan from Wan Xin He Sheng, Bai Jiao from Cheng Xinyi, the idol-level beauty Kang Luoying, one of the three goddesses in the cultivation world, Qian Dai. And lately, there's been talk about his ambiguous relationship with Song Weiyin. Tsk tsk, which of these women isn't picky? If he had no real skills, could he win them over?"
"Haha, those sour grapes are really sour. Not to mention, this Qin Yurou, beautiful as a heavenly fairy, even at the last Elixir Pills Conference was a fleeting, yet dazzling beauty, an immortal-like fairy. Haha, if someone could win the favor of such a lovely lady, what fool wouldn't pursue it?"
"The issue is, if Qin Yurou truly fancied Chu Xiaotian, she would have been with him long ago, wouldn't she?"
Although their murmurs weren't loud, everyone present were cultivators and clearly heard every word.
Feeling cornered and ashamed, Chu Xiaotian fumed in rage, "Hmph, if I were willing to join Medicine King Valley, Qin Yurou would be mine!"
Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes lit up.
There was a story here, written in each other's gazes.
But before they could begin to think about it.
Shen Qiang, sitting at the table, glanced at him indifferently and then calmly said, "You're interesting. Just now you said living off a woman isn't a skill, and your next sentence was how you wanted to marry into the family. Between us, who's really living off a woman, huh?"
Instantly, among the cultivators present, someone burst into hearty laughter.
"Really amusing, wanting to become a live-in son-in-law, then realizing you can't, because the lady likes Shen Qiang, and then calling Shen Qiang's living off a woman not a skill. Such audacity!"
"Hilarious, full of flaws yourself, yet thinking others are the fools. Check yourself before saying such things!"
"Sigh, having the guts to compete for the spotlight with Shen Qiang is admirable, but sadly, this intelligence is the real issue."
Hearing the mocking words of those who weren't alchemists, Chu Xiaotian's face flushed with rage, "I have not become a live-in son-in-law!"
"Couldn't become one." Shen Qiang raised his eyebrows calmly and said, "Because you know, she likes me."
Instantly, Chu Xiaotian angrily shouted, "Shameless! Despicable! Low-life! Heartless bastard, you're morally corrupt! While others have one girlfriend, look at you. If Qin Yurou likes you, she must be blind."
Hearing this, Shen Qiang remained internally calm, without a ripple, "Even if she's blind, she still doesn't like you. Just how useless are you?"
"What did you say?" Chu Xiaotian raged, "Say that again, if you dare!"
"Even if I say it countless times, it's the same, she wouldn't like you even if she's blind. Just how useless are you?" Shen Qiang's eyes were calm.
Chu Xiaotian's face turned livid with anger, fists clenched, and as he seemed ready to step forward, a middle-aged man in his forties beside him hurriedly restrained him, saying, "Young master, calm down, you must never act rashly. Shen Qiang is a devilish leader, aiming to provoke you into a duel so he can use those vile tricks to kill you!"
Hearing this, Chu Xiaotian gritted his teeth and shouted fiercely, "Shen Qiang, there's no need to argue pointlessly. This is the Elixir Pills Conference. Among alchemists, the best pill and most skillful hand prevail. You think you're so great? Daring to call me useless?"
"Then do you dare to have a Dan Fighting with me!" Chu Xiaotian took a step forward, eyes locked on Shen Qiang, and challenged loudly, "If you don't dare, then apologize to me publicly!"
Shen Qiang laughed upon hearing this.
At this point, several other young alchemists gathered around.
Each with a haughty expression.
"Shen Qiang, you might have some reputation in the cultivation world, but in the alchemist circle, you're just a dabbler, while Chu Xiaotian is a favored prodigy. When it comes to Dan Fighting, you're far behind."
"Every trade has its rules. The grievances among alchemists should be settled through Dan Fighting. Whoever is more skilled is right."
"I bet this dabbler won't dare to compete."
Listening to these words, Shen Qiang smiled, "I thought the cultivation world would remember the outcome of the Dan Fighting between Yu Xinghuo and me. I didn't expect you all had already forgotten the pain."
Hearing this, Chu Xiaotian took a proud step forward and coldly said, "Yu Xinghuo was just a hollow name. I didn't think defeating him would make you so arrogant! Don't forget, I, Chu Xiaotian, am ranked 62nd on the top Alchemist list, a presence you, Shen Qiang, can only look up to!"
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