Chapter 304 Questioning
Amidst laughter and joy, Han Yue chatted with Xiao Ling for a long time before he suddenly remembered that he had a younger sister next to him.
She turned around, patted Han Xue's shoulder gently, and introduced her to Xiao Ling and the others: "This is my sister, Han Xue."
Then, Han Yue said to Han Xue, "You should have heard the identities of these people just now. They are my good friends when I was in Canaan College. They are all top geniuses in Canaan College."
Xiao Ling then turned his gaze to Han Xue behind Han Yue and looked at her carefully. Han Xue's face was indeed somewhat similar to Han Yue's, but their temperaments and styles were different.
Han Xue gives people a fresh and refined feeling. Compared with Han Yue's coldness, she is more smart and lively.
The two sisters standing together are like two fresh flowers with different styles but equally charming, making people unable to help but take a few more glances.
Xiao Ling smiled slightly and said to Han Xue in a relaxed tone: "Haha, Miss Han Xue, nice to meet you. I heard Senior Sister Han Yue mention you before when we were in the inner courtyard."
Han Xue looked at Xiao Ling's handsome face and couldn't help but blush. She nodded and responded, "Hello, Xiao Ling. Although this is our first meeting, I often mention you to you."
"Oh, then what did your sister say about me?" Xiao Ling asked with a bit of curiosity and joking tone.
Before she could finish her words, Han Yue interrupted Han Xue with a chuckle. She rolled her eyes in Xiao Ling's direction and said, "My father already knows you are coming and is waiting for you in the manor. We will hold a banquet next, so come with me."
Xiao Ling nodded and replied with a smile: "We are here to visit the Han family, so we should naturally meet our uncle."
Xiao Ling's meaningful words made Han Yue's pretty face blush. It was clear to her what Xiao Ling meant.
Led by Han Yue, they walked along the path in the manor and headed towards the banquet hall. The surrounding scenery was beautiful, with birds singing and flowers blooming, which made people feel happy.
Xiao Ling and Han Yue walked side by side, while Han Xue, Xiao Yixian, Qing Lin and Zi Yan followed behind, admiring the beautiful scenery of the manor as they walked.
……
In the spacious hall of the Han Family Manor, a middle-aged man in an exquisite brocade robe noticed the arrival of Han Yue and several young people. His eyes were immediately attracted to them.
This middle-aged man is Han Yue and Han Xue’s father, and the head of the Han family, Han Chi.
Han Yue had mentioned to him before that these friends were all outstanding figures in Canaan College, and Han Chi was somewhat skeptical at the time.
But when he saw these young people in person, especially when he felt the vague aura emanating from them, he couldn't help but reveal surprise in his eyes. He immediately stood up and took the initiative to step forward to greet them.
His voice was filled with a hearty smile, and he said enthusiastically: "Haha, welcome all the young talents from Canaan College to our Han family. I heard my daughter mention you, and I would like to express my gratitude for your care for her in the college."
"Xiao Ling, nice to meet Uncle Han. Senior Sister Han Yue and I have a good relationship in the college. We help each other and it's not a matter of who takes care of whom." Xiao Ling took the initiative to step forward and bowed politely.
Xiao Yixiang and Qinglin followed closely behind and greeted Han Chi. Even Zi Yan was gently pressed on the head by Xiao Ling and followed suit.
Seeing that these young people did not have the arrogance that is common among gifted people, Han Chi's eyes showed admiration. He smiled and nodded, then said to Han Yue: "Yue'er, take these young friends to their seats. I have asked someone to prepare the banquet."
Han Yue smiled and responded, then led Xiao Ling and the others to the already arranged banquet table. The table was filled with a variety of delicious dishes, as well as various exquisite snacks and fruits. It was obvious that the Han family had put a lot of effort into this banquet.
"Please take a seat. You're welcome." Han Yue warmly invited them to sit down, and then she sat down in the seat next to Xiao Ling.
Xiao Ling and others were also not restrained. They took their seats and prepared to enjoy the banquet carefully prepared by the Han family.
Han Chi smiled warmly, and his eyes swept over Xiao Ling and the others one by one, with a tone of appreciation: "Haha, I heard from my daughter that you are all outstanding students in Canaan College, especially Xiao Ling, your cultivation must be very impressive!"
As the head of the Han family, Han Chi himself has a strength close to Dou Zong, but even so, he can still feel an indescribable pressure when facing these young people. Especially Xiao Ling, who gives him the feeling of a deep and bottomless spring, mysterious and unpredictable.
Xiao Ling responded modestly: "Uncle Han, you are too kind. I just used the resources of the academy and reached the Dou Zong realm by chance."
Han Chi's eyes were filled with admiration when he heard this. He nodded, expressing his approval of Xiao Ling's humility and strength. He knew that being able to reach Dou Zong level at this age was not just about relying on resources, but also required a combination of talent, hard work, and opportunity.
"You are young and promising. You are really to be feared." Han Chi exclaimed, and then turned to the other people, "You are all outstanding people. You can stand out in Canaan College. Your future achievements will definitely be limitless."
Xiao Yixian and Qinglin smiled slightly after hearing Han Chi's compliment, but didn't say much. Zi Yan curled her lips and thought, "If this uncle knew that Xiao Ling was a Nine-Star Dou Zong, he would be scared to death."
As these words echoed in the air, other members of the Han family could not help but look at him in surprise. This young man, who looked to be only in his early twenties, already possessed an enviable Dou Zong-level cultivation. Such talent was considered the best in Zhongzhou.
The young women of the Han family present all cast admiring glances at him.
After all, who wouldn't be attracted by a man who has both handsome appearance and extraordinary talent and strength?
Han Xue's expression was even more complicated. Her eyes were full of disbelief and an indescribable emotion. At the same time, deep in her heart, she had a new, indescribable feeling about it.
Just when everyone was still shocked by Xiao Ling's Dou Zong strength, Han Yue revealed a bigger surprise: "Not only that, this guy is also a master of alchemy. When I left Canaan College, he was already a sixth-grade alchemist. Two years have passed, I wonder if his alchemy skills have improved to a higher level."
Xiao Ling just shrugged and glanced at Han Yue helplessly, "You are going to reveal all my secrets."
The Han family members in the hall had more complicated expressions on their faces after hearing Han Yue's words. They had heard of the reputation of Canaan College and knew that the students there were all gifted.
Being able to reach the Dou Zong realm at around 20 years old is already a leader among geniuses. Now I heard that he is also a high-level alchemist. This is simply unbelievable.
Although Han Yue said this herself and Xiao Ling did not deny it, the Han family still felt that this was too shocking and difficult to accept. They looked at Xiao Ling, trying to find out more secrets from his calm appearance.
"Since this young friend is a sixth-rank alchemist, why don't you show us your skills so that we can broaden our horizons?" A voice with traces of time sounded in the hall, with a hint of curiosity and challenge in the tone.
The owner of this voice is named Zhu Qian, a fifth-rank alchemist. There is a subtle hint of arrogance in his voice.
He had lived for most of his life and had seen countless alchemists, but a young sixth-grade alchemist like Xiao Ling was indeed rare.
He didn't think that a young man like Xiao Ling, especially one from a remote area like the Northwest Continent, could surpass him in alchemy skills.
As Zhu Qian finished speaking, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly became lively. Everyone turned their eyes to Zhu Qian, trying to figure out what his purpose was in saying this.
Xiao Ling, like everyone else, cast his gaze towards the old man. He looked quite serious, with white hair, and was wearing the iconic robe of an alchemist. On the medicine cauldron badge on his chest, five golden ripples sparkled in the sun, making him particularly eye-catching.
Xiao Ling noticed this old man when he first entered the room. He seemed to be a little arrogant, always half-closing his eyes, as if he was thinking about something. However, this does not mean that he is arrogant, but in Zhongzhou Continent, high-level alchemists are usually like this. Their status does allow them to maintain such an attitude.
Speaking of Zhu Qian's strength, he has just reached the Douhuang level. For a big family like the Han family, this is not a great achievement. But don't forget that he is also a fifth-grade alchemist, and this identity makes him very high in the Han family. This is enough to show how respected and sought after alchemists are in the Zhongzhou Continent.
When everyone's eyes were focused on him, the old man smiled and said, "I heard that you are from the faraway Northwest Continent. The rating of alchemists there is very different from that of our Zhongzhou. If you are rated according to the standards of Zhongzhou, you, a young alchemist, may not even reach the level of the sixth rank."
As soon as these words came out, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly became a little subtle. Everyone's faces showed various complicated expressions. Obviously, they could all feel that Master Zhu Qian seemed to be a little dissatisfied with the achievements of this young alchemist and wanted to find an opportunity to test him.
Then, everyone's eyes turned to Xiao Ling again. Their eyes were full of curiosity and expectation, wanting to see how this young alchemist would respond to this provocation.
Sitting in the main seat of the hall, Han Chi witnessed this scene, and his face became a little gloomy. He originally hoped to establish a good friendship with these young talents through his daughter's relationship with them.
But the current situation seems to be a little out of control, and he is worried that if it continues like this, it may cause these talented young people to resent the Han family.
Zhu Qian's position in the Han family was very important. Although Han Chi was unhappy, he couldn't intervene directly. His eyes wandered between Zhu Qian and Xiao Ling, secretly hoping that Xiao Ling could give a convincing response.
Han Yue sighed softly in her heart. When she introduced Xiao Ling's situation just now, she hoped that the tribesmen would pay enough attention to Xiao Ling, instead of looking down on him because of his low profile. Now it seems that her approach has had the opposite effect.
She turned her gaze to Xiao Ling and was about to say something to ease the atmosphere, but she saw Xiao Ling gently shook his head and gave her a reassuring look.
Seeing this look, Han Yue said nothing more, and thought silently in her heart: "Since he is so confident, let him show his strength. This will also allow the elders in the family to see his true strength."
When Zi Yan heard what the old man said, she felt that he seemed to have some doubts about Xiao Ling's alchemy skills, and she couldn't help but feel a little unhappy. She was about to stand up and refute, but Xiao Ling gently held her hand, signaling her to stay calm.
Facing the gazes of everyone present, Xiao Ling smiled calmly and said in a calm tone: "Since this old gentleman wants to see me demonstrate my alchemy skills, I just plan to stay in the Han family for a while. During this period, I will refine some pills. If everyone is interested, I will naturally be happy to show you."
Xiao Ling originally planned to keep a low profile, but now it seems that some people in the Han family seem eager to see his strength. In this case, he can only follow everyone's expectations and show off a little.
He originally planned to stay at the Han family for a while, on the one hand to find out the news about the Poison Mist Valley, and on the other hand, he planned to refine some pills.
First of all, he had to refine a Soul-Releasing Pill for Medusa to use. This was something he had promised her before, and Xiao Ling had no intention of going back on his word.
Next, he planned to refine a bone-growing and blood-melting pill in preparation for the resurrection of Yao Tianhuo.
After all, they were about to face a battle with a Netherworld Poison Dragon Scorpion of at least rank seven strength. In order to deal with the worst possible situation, Xiao Ling felt it necessary to be fully prepared.
Anyway, no matter what, I will refine the pills next. Since these people want to see it, it’s no big deal.
Seeing that things had progressed to this point, Han Chi smiled and said, "Haha, since Xiao Ling has this plan, we are naturally happy to see it. The refining of sixth-grade elixirs is not something I often see. However, let's enjoy this banquet first, and we can talk about refining the elixir later."
As Han Chi spoke, the topic of alchemy at the banquet gradually died down, and others stopped asking questions. However, due to the discussion just now, everyone's attention had already shifted from the food to their curiosity about Xiao Ling, and they were all looking forward to the young man's next performance.
……
After the banquet, Xiao Ling, Xiao Yixian, Qing Lin and Zi Yan were led to a quiet courtyard in the Han family manor, which would be their temporary residence.
Han Chi originally suggested that Xiao Ling should have a good night's rest and that the alchemy could be postponed until the next day.
However, Xiao Ling declined the proposal. He knew that he was refining the medicine for his own needs, and the people from the Han family were just guests who came to watch the ceremony.
Xiao Ling couldn't help but find it funny to think that they might have mistakenly thought this was a performance to prove their strength.
As night fell, Xiao Yixian, Qinglin and Ziyan, as well as several senior members of the Han family, gathered at the edge of the courtyard, their eyes focused on the upcoming alchemy demonstration.
Although this courtyard is not very spacious, it is perfect for a small-scale alchemy demonstration.
Only a few high-ranking members of the Han family had the opportunity to observe Xiao Ling's alchemy skills up close. They stood around him, their eyes sparkling with curiosity and anticipation.
The Han family's ancestor originally had no intention of attending the banquet, but after hearing the news, he became very interested in it and came here in person, wanting to personally see how capable Xiao Ling was.
……
In the center of the courtyard, on a carefully trimmed lawn, Xiao Ling sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, concentrating. He adjusted his breathing and calmed his mood to the best state. At this moment, his mind was completely focused, and the noise from the outside world seemed to be isolated and could not cause any interference to him.
Xiao Ling's goal this time was to refine a bone-growing and blood-melting pill, and he planned to go all out to refine a pill of grade eight quality. During his training at Canaan College, he had accumulated a wealth of experience in refining pills, and was already familiar with the refining process of grade seven pills.
As for the eighth-grade elixir, although it was more difficult, he had simulated the refining process countless times in his mind and was confident in his skills.
Xiao Ling estimated that the probability of him successfully refining an eighth-grade elixir was at least 60%.
"call…."
As Xiao Ling's breathing gradually became steady, a trace of heat escaped from his nose, and his eyes flashed with extreme concentration. With a light wave of his hand, a huge bronze medicine cauldron appeared out of thin air and landed on the lawn with a bang.
The surface of the medicine cauldron was carved with intricate herbal patterns. Its heavy body fell on the soft grass with a dull sound. The edge of the cauldron even sank several centimeters deep into the soil, showing its extraordinary weight and texture.
Xiao Ling stared at the medicine cauldron in front of him, took a deep breath, then opened his mouth, and a ball of red-gold flame gushed out of his mouth.
He flicked his fingers lightly, and the flame seemed to come to life, dragging a gorgeous tail and shooting accurately into the medicine cauldron.
Flames instantly erupted within the medicine cauldron, burning fiercely and rapidly heating the originally cold interior of the cauldron.
As the temperature in the medicine cauldron gradually increased, Xiao Ling's palm lightly swept across the void, and the medicinal herbs flew out of his ring as if pulled by invisible threads, and floated around the stone platform. A rough count showed that there were at least hundreds of them.
The refining process of high-level elixirs such as the Bone-Growing and Blood-Melting Pill is extremely complicated. If the soul power is not controlled finely enough, just processing so many medicinal materials will be a huge challenge, not to mention refining and fusing them in an extremely precise manner.
(End of this chapter)