Ao Feng naturally knew what kind of character his disciple Buluo was.
Arriving on the scene and seeing that Jia Wen was also there, Ao Feng naturally assumed the two were arguing about something, just like before, and that Buluo had probably suffered a loss against Jia Wen.
Jia Wen was younger than Buluo, but his Alchemy Technique improved very quickly, soon catching up to Buluo. He won the championship in the last Alchemist Competition, which made Buluo jealous. Buluo always felt that Jia Wen relied on the Imperial Family's resources and would find trouble with him for no reason, so the two were very much at odds.
It wasn't that Ao Feng hadn't tried to persuade Buluo, but honest advice was hard for Buluo to hear.
After all, Buluo was his only disciple, and his talent was not bad. He also had the potential to reach Sixth Rank Alchemist in the future. As long as he didn't cause any major trouble, Ao Feng would just let him be and wouldn't say much more.
This time, Ao Feng was mistaken. Before he could even speak, he heard Buluo complaining to him. He became interested in what Buluo said afterward.
Ao Feng had been studying Alchemy Technique for over fifty years. He had actually discovered the phenomenon where many low-rank Pills had slightly different Pill Formulas but the same effect. Naturally, he had suspected that Pill Formulas were not set in stone, but for Pills of Fourth Rank and above, he hadn't found any instances where Medicinal Ingredients could be substituted.
Ao Feng felt he had a grasp of the situation, and he took this opportunity to scold Buluo a few times, though he knew it likely wouldn't have any effect.
"If you put this much effort into studying alchemy properly, you wouldn't have lost the championship in the last Alchemist Competition to Jia Wen."
Zhao Li saw that as soon as Ao Feng appeared, everyone in the hall bowed to him, understanding that this was the person in charge. However, seeing that Jia Wen had gained some insight, he decided to add fuel to the fire and continue guiding him, considering it his good fortune.
Zhao Li ignored Ao Feng and spoke to himself.
Seeing that Zhao Li was still talking to himself, ignored by a young man, Ao Feng felt a bit of anger in his heart, thinking this young man was truly ignorant of proper etiquette.
Just as Ao Feng was about to speak and scold him, what Zhao Li said entered his ears, making him stop. His brow furrowed as he began to think. Soon, he gained some insight and was greatly shocked, looking at Zhao Li with a hint of awe.
This is definitely not a young man. He is likely an old senior with profound Cultivation Level and a Face-Preserving Technique.
Seeing that Zhao Li had no intention of speaking, Ao Feng didn't dare to disturb him. He stood aside and listened attentively to what Zhao Li said, unconsciously glancing at Jia Wen with some envy.
Buluo originally thought that with his teacher here, Zhao Li wouldn't dare to speak so arrogantly and boastfully anymore.
Unexpectedly, seeing his teacher being ignored, he was about to curse out loud but was stopped by the quick-witted Ao Feng.
Ao Feng's heart tightened. He felt that Buluo was indeed too reckless and wilful. He secretly resolved that he really should educate his disciple properly, hoping it wasn't too late.
Half an hour passed in a flash. Jia Wen slowly woke up and bowed to Zhao Li, "Thank you, senior, for your guidance. Please come to my Imperial Family as a guest; I will certainly treat you well."
Only then did he notice the crowd surrounding him, feeling puzzled.
Ao Feng felt a little anxious. He had only been listening from the side just now, but he had already gained quite a bit of insight. If he could receive guidance from the senior, perhaps he could quickly enter the Sixth Rank.
Seeing that Jia Wen wanted to invite Zhao Li to the Imperial Family as soon as he woke up, he also felt a bit anxious. Without waiting for Zhao Li to speak, he lowered his posture and spoke first.
"Senior, we have been poor hosts, please forgive us. I am Ao Feng, the Vice President of the Alchemist Guild. May I know why senior has come to our Alchemist Guild? We will certainly fulfill your request."
Zhao Li nodded at Jia Wen. This young man was quite good; the guidance hadn't been in vain.
He then explained his purpose to Ao Feng. He had come for something in the first place, and now that the main person was present, it was perfect.
"I heard on the street just now that you are holding an Alchemist Competition. I'm somewhat interested and have come to inquire."
Upon hearing this, Ao Feng felt embarrassed and said sheepishly,
"Senior is joking. That is just a small competition to encourage the younger generation. If you are interested, how about being a judge?"
Zhao Li pondered for a moment. He originally just wanted to raise his Alchemist rank and participate in the competition to win the championship and get in touch with people from the major powers. He didn't expect this unexpected turn of events, but it wasn't bad; he could still achieve his goal. He immediately agreed.
With the matter settled, after Ao Feng explained the details of the competition to Zhao Li, he had someone prepare a separate courtyard for Zhao Li.
Seeing that Zhao Li was about to leave, Buluo carefully apologized to Zhao Li, afraid that if Zhao Li was unhappy, he would be finished.
He had absolutely no temper towards someone his teacher had to treat with respect.
Zhao Li found this initially arrogant, later respectful behavior somewhat amusing. He shook his head and casually dismissed Buluo.
Walking out of the Alchemist Guild, he found the streets crowded with pedestrians, all looking towards the Alchemist Guild.
Zhao Li understood. The events just now had likely already spread. Perhaps it wouldn't be long before he received invitations from the major powers. This was the treatment of a strong person.
The experiences of the past two years had made Zhao Li realize that his original ideas were ultimately unrealistic. In the cultivation world, there would naturally be classes, which could not be changed. However, if he could provide the common people with an opportunity to advance and change the general atmosphere, it would be enough.
Fortunately, there was still time, so Zhao Li was not in a hurry. Zhao Li looked at the crowded street and walked towards the courtyard the Alchemist Guild had prepared for him.
...
"Buluo, you really need to temper your wilful nature. This time, you will face the wall and reflect for three months."
In the Alchemist Guild, in the Vice President's private office, Ao Feng spoke earnestly to Buluo at length. Seeing that Buluo was somewhat downcast, he didn't relent and confined him for a period of time.
Buluo didn't take this seriously in his heart. He just felt he had bad luck, but he wouldn't always encounter someone like Zhao Li, whom he couldn't afford to offend. However, he agreed readily.
"Understood. This disciple knows his mistake and will definitely correct it in the future."
Seeing this, Ao Feng felt helpless and could only give up. He left by himself, preparing to visit Zhao Li, hoping to receive guidance from the senior.
...
"Imperial Brother, we must seize this opportunity. Perhaps it can help us take another step forward and truly become the leaders of the Jia Ma Empire."
Jia Wen rushed back to the Imperial Palace and clearly reported Zhao Li's matter to Jia Wu, also explaining his thoughts.
"Brother Wen, let's go talk to Imperial Father. It's better for him to step forward."
Jia Wu thought for a moment and felt it was better for their father to come forward.
Imperial Father had abdicated early to focus on cultivation and break through to Dou Emperor, but Jia Wen was dedicated to studying Alchemy Technique and had no interest in the throne, so it was passed to Jia Wu.
Although he had ascended the throne early, he was still a young man after all.
The two exchanged glances, reached a consensus, and left together.
...
Things similar to what happened with the Imperial Family were also unfolding in the Cloud Mist Sect, the Xiao Family, the Mitel Family, the Nalan Family, and the Mu Family.
Zhao Li naturally didn't know about these matters, and even if he did, he wouldn't care. He was just observing; ultimately, he would leave.
Early the next morning, the sun climbed over the mountaintops, painting the horizon with a layer of red.
At Zhao Li's current realm, even without deliberately cultivating, his Cultivation Technique ran on its own, and his progress wasn't much slower. However, the habit he had cultivated over decades kept him practicing daily.
After finishing his cultivation, Zhao Li stepped out of his room, and a servant immediately handed him the Calling Cards received the previous night.
Zhao Li took them and saw, as expected, that they were from the influential powers within the Jia Ma Empire.
Seeing the Xiao Family's Calling Card, a thought stirred in Zhao Li's mind. If he had taken the Ancient Emperor Tuoshe Jade, which was passed down in the Xiao Family, early on, he wondered how things would have developed later.
Suppressing the thought, Zhao Li chuckled softly. Having one piece of the Ancient Emperor Tuoshe Jade was the same as having seven. If the Xiao Clan's jade were taken, he imagined the Seven Ancient Clans wouldn't be peaceful.
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