Chapter 328 Rejecting the Invitation, Treasure House
In the center of the hall, as the elixir was refined, Xiao Ling quickly put the Poria Green Pill into his pocket. Then, he also put the Lingcui Ding and Tianyao Kui into his storage ring.
At this time, Xuan Kongzi in the stands also walked towards Xiao Ling at a leisurely pace with an approving smile on his face.
"Haha, Xiao Ling, congratulations!" He chuckled and said, "Being able to refine an eighth-grade four-color elixir has fully demonstrated your extraordinary strength in alchemy. On behalf of Danta, I am now going to award you the badge of an eighth-grade alchemist. I hope you can continue to realize your potential and go further and further on the road of alchemy."
As soon as Xuan Kongzi finished speaking, applause broke out from the crowd around him, and everyone celebrated the birth of this new eighth-grade alchemist.
Especially those young female alchemists in Danta, including Cao Ying. They clapped their hands particularly loudly and looked at Xiao Ling with eyes full of admiration, as if they couldn't wait to throw themselves into Xiao Ling's arms.
Xiao Ling had a faint smile on his face and bowed to Xuan Kongzi to express his gratitude. Then, he turned around and nodded slightly to those who applauded him to show his gratitude.
Xuan Kongzi walked up to Xiao Ling, patted him on the shoulder, and said earnestly: "Don't let the success in front of you go to your head. You have unlimited potential and a bright future. You and Ying'er are about the same age, so you can communicate more. You have not been in Shengdan City for long, so let her take you around and familiarize you with the environment."
If Xiao Ling was not already an outstanding eighth-grade alchemist, he would have wanted to accept another disciple.
However, although they cannot become master and disciple, it would be a gratifying thing if he could match his disciple and Xiao Ling together.
"Thank you President Xuankong for the reminder. I will continue to work hard." Xiao Ling nodded in response. Regarding Cao Ying's matter, he just smiled slightly and did not respond directly.
Seeing this, Xuan Kongzi just smiled and didn't continue the topic.
With a wave of his hand, he took out a badge and two robes and handed them to Xiao Ling.
"This is your eighth-grade alchemist badge and two alchemist robes. These two pieces of clothing are made from materials found on eighth-grade magical beasts, and they have a certain calming and soothing effect." Xuan Kongzi introduced.
A miniature Danta is carved on the badge.
Above the mini tower, eight golden stars are dotted in between, their light flickering like the brightest stars in the night sky, making people unable to help but take a few more glances.
As for the two robes, they each have their merits.
One is purple and gold, with golden patterns cleverly inlaid on the purple background. It is gorgeous yet solemn, giving people a noble and mysterious feeling.
The other one is black and gold. On the black robe, the golden pattern is faintly visible, as if telling a deep story, giving people a calm and profound impression.
Xiao Ling took the badge and robe, feeling the delicacy and exquisite craftsmanship they contained. He gently stroked the small tower on the badge, and the eight golden stars seemed to be winking at him, appearing vivid.
"I will treasure this badge and robe." After putting away the robe and badge, Xiao Ling said with a smile, his eyes revealing gratitude for this recognition.
Xuan Kongzi nodded, his eyes full of expectations for the younger generation, "I believe you will not let us down."
At this time, Tian Leizi and Xuan Yi were walking towards Xiao Ling, and Cao Ying followed closely behind Xuan Yi, with a slightly slower pace. Behind them, there were also several elders from Danta.
"Xiao Ling, come and meet them. This is Xuan Yi, and this is Tian Lei Zi. They are the other two giants of Danta. As for that one, he is the grand elder of Danta..." Xuan Kong Zi introduced them while gestured to Xiao Ling.
Whenever Xuan Kongzi introduced someone, that person would give Xiao Ling a friendly smile.
"Greetings to President Tian Lei Zi, President Xuan Yi, and all the elders..." Xiao Ling responded to each of them one by one.
"Haha, little guy, I admire you very much. You just arrived in Zhongzhou, so you probably haven't joined any sect yet, right? Are you interested in joining our Danta? I can let you become a powerful elder of Danta directly. In the future, whether it's medicinal materials, pill formulas, or information on alchemy, our Danta can satisfy you. We will not let your talent go to waste, and will give you the best development environment."
Xuan Yi walked up to Xiao Ling, his eyes revealing admiration for him, and directly extended an olive branch.
The elders around were all surprised to hear this. They didn't expect Xuan Yi to offer such generous conditions. You know, they have put in countless efforts to become the powerful elders of Danta.
But when they thought of Xiao Ling's amazing talent, everyone felt that the invitation seemed quite reasonable. They looked at Xiao Ling curiously, waiting for his answer.
Facing Xuan Yi's invitation, Xiao Ling only thought about it for a moment before giving his answer. "Thank you, President Xuan Yi, for your kindness, but I have some plans of my own and may not be able to stay in Danta forever, so I'm sorry, I'm afraid I can't accept it."
Xiao Ling naturally had respect for Danta. As a holy place for alchemists, Danta's collection of alchemy knowledge was definitely one of the best except for those of the ancient races.
But Xiao Ling never liked being bound. If he joined Danta, he would inevitably be subject to some restrictions. Moreover, there were so many people in Danta that even if he joined, he would not have much say.
If he really wants to join Danta, Xiao Ling would prefer to join Xiaodanta directly, which is the core of Danta. However, with Xiao Ling's current level, he is naturally not qualified.
When the people around heard that Xiao Ling rejected Xuan Yi's invitation, they all showed surprised expressions. They didn't expect that even such generous conditions could not impress Xiao Ling's heart.
Cao Ying also walked to Xiao Ling's side at this time. She did not do so out of selfish motives, but she sincerely felt that for a talented alchemist like Xiao Ling, joining Danta would undoubtedly be the best choice.
"Xiao Ling, are you really not going to consider it again?" Cao Ying asked softly, with a hint of expectation in her eyes. "The resources and platform that Danta can provide you will definitely be a huge boost to your growth. Moreover, if we alchemists don't have a strong force to back us up, we will easily be targeted by those people in the Soul Palace. Danta's power in Zhongzhou is not inferior to that of the Soul Palace, and it will definitely give you better security."
"Cao Ying, I appreciate your concern, and I understand everything you said. As for my safety, I know it myself. Some people have targeted me before, but their final outcomes were not very good. Besides, I still have some unfinished things to deal with, and I must complete them." Xiao Ling looked at Cao Ying's sincere eyes and smiled from the bottom of his heart. His attitude towards Cao Ying unconsciously softened a lot.
Hearing Xiao Ling's words, Cao Ying felt a little helpless, and couldn't help but complain silently in her heart: "How can those little characters you met in the Northwest Continent be compared with these ambitious people in Zhongzhou? You are such a fool."
However, she did not continue to dissuade him. She knew the principle of knowing when to stop, otherwise it would be bad to arouse Xiao Ling's disgust.
Unlike Cao Ying's worries, Xuan Yi and several other experienced elders were not too surprised by Xiao Ling's rejection. They all knew that Xiao Ling was definitely not a reckless person to have come this far, and it was natural for him to have his own ideas and plans.
"Okay, I respect your choice." Xuan Yi smiled and shook his head, saying, "However, Xiao Ling, if you change your mind one day, the door of Danta will always be open to you."
"By the way, you can ask Cao Ying to take you to the treasure house of Danta. If you like any treasure, you can exchange it with something of equal value."
"Thank you very much for President Xuanyi's understanding. I will remember it." Xiao Ling nodded to express his gratitude.
After exchanging a few brief greetings with the elders, Xiao Ling left with Cao Ying. They planned to visit Danta's treasury and pick out some things.
Although Xiao Ling has the Palm of Heaven Bottle that can ripen various medicinal herbs, he does not have many types of medicinal herbs on hand, otherwise he would not have to come to Shengdan City specifically to find the medicinal herbs needed to refine Poria Green Pill.
As the most powerful alchemist force in Zhongzhou, Danta must have a rich reserve of medicinal materials. Those rare medicinal materials that are rarely seen in the outside world are all in Danta's collection. Xiao Ling thought that if he could use his extra medicinal materials to exchange with Danta for some medicinal materials that he didn't have, it would definitely greatly enrich his treasure house.
In this way, his medicine refining materials would be more diversified, which would be of great benefit to his medicine refining journey.
Looking at the backs of Xiao Ling and Cao Ying walking away, Xuan Kongzi stroked his chin thoughtfully and whispered to Xuan Yi and Tian Leizi beside him: "Do you have a feeling that Xiao Ling's method of refining medicine just now is a bit like the shadow of Yao Chen's refining medicine in the past?"
"Now that you mention it, I remembered it. I didn't pay much attention to it at the time. Now that I think about it, Xiao Ling's medicine refining technique is indeed a bit similar to Yao Chen's." Tian Lei Zi nodded in agreement.
When Xuan Yi heard this, she immediately became a little agitated. She said anxiously: "Could this kid have any relationship with Yao Chen? I have to go ask him." As she said that, she prepared to chase after him.
However, just as Xuan Yi was about to take a step, Xuan Kongzi stopped him with his hand, "This may just be a coincidence, or we may be overthinking it. The methods of refining medicine are somewhat similar, and this situation is not uncommon. Don't rush this matter. If Xiao Ling is really connected with Yao Chen, considering our relationship with Yao Chen, he is unlikely to hide anything from us."
After hearing Xuan Kongzi's words, Xuan Yi was still a little unwilling, but he had to give up for the time being. The three of them had a deep friendship with Yao Chen. If Xiao Ling was really related to Yao Chen, they felt that Xiao Ling would not hide it from them.
"Haha, I think you just don't want me to disturb your good disciple and Xiao Ling's relationship. This is really your usual style. You can't hide your little thoughts at all." After saying this casually, Xuan Yi didn't stay for long. His figure flashed, ripples appeared in the void, and then he left this place.
Tian Leizi also joined in the teasing and said with a smile: "Haha, Xiao Ling is indeed a good guy. If Cao Ying can seize the opportunity, I think he is a good choice."
After saying this, he turned around and returned to his residence.
Xuan Kongzi shook his head and said to himself helplessly: "Can my thoughts be seen through so easily? I really don't understand. Forget it, let the young people do as they please. Let's see if they have the fate..."
……
Xiao Ling and Cao Ying walked out of the hall side by side. As soon as they stepped out of the door, they saw a young man in a black robe standing there, looking like he was waiting for someone.
The man was quite handsome, around 25 years old, and wore a badge issued by Danta on his chest, which was inlaid with seven brilliant purple-gold stars, indicating that he was a seventh-grade alchemist.
When the man in black robe noticed Cao Ying and Xiao Ling, they also saw him and couldn't help showing a hint of surprise on their faces, obviously surprised that he appeared here.
"My name is Song Qing... I've heard that a young eighth-grade alchemist appeared in the northern region of Zhongzhou before. Seeing him today, I can see that his reputation is well-deserved. Mr. Xiao Ling was able to come here from the remote northwest continent and achieve such success. He is truly a role model for our generation!"
Cao Ying and Xiao Ling did not stop, but the man in black stepped forward, stretched out his hand to Xiao Ling with a smile on his face.
"Haha, you're flattered." Xiao Ling smiled slightly. Although the black-clad man in front of him concealed it well, he still caught a hint of hostility and a subtle fear from the other's eyes. And the source of this hostility seemed to be Cao Ying who was standing next to him.
"This evil woman is indeed a disaster for the country and the people..." Xiao Ling could only silently complain in his heart about this discovery. He and Cao Ying had just known each other for a short time, but she inexplicably attracted some hostility, which really made him speechless.
However, Xiao Ling didn't take such a small character too seriously. They were not at the same level at all, and the other party couldn't affect him at all.
Moreover, Xiao Ling knew very well that Song Qing was just a cowardly, hypocritical licker, and Cao Ying had no interest in him at all. It would be a waste of one's thoughts to have emotions because of such a person.
"Xiao Ling, Song Qing is the favorite disciple of the Grand Elder of Danta, and he is also one of the youngest elders in Danta. Maybe in the future he can become one of the eight youngest elders in Danta's history. He is also a leader among the young generation of Danta..." Cao Ying said with a moving look in her eyes and a hint of an inexplicable smile.
After hearing Cao Ying's words, there was no obvious change on Song Qing's face, but a subtle look flashed in his eyes.
With his achievements, he and others do have something to be proud of, but in front of a peerless genius like Xiao Ling, such achievements seem to make him look like a clown.
"It is true that a good teacher produces good students." Xiao Ling responded with a smile, but did not continue the topic. Instead, he started walking again and headed towards their destination.
Seeing that Xiao Ling had already started walking, Cao Ying no longer paid attention to Song Qing beside her. She quickly caught up with Xiao Ling, and the two of them chatted as they walked, and the atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant.
Seeing Xiao Ling and Cao Ying about to leave, Song Qing couldn't help but speak up to keep them: "Ying'er, I invited you to discuss alchemy techniques before. I wonder when you are free?"
"Sorry, Song Qing, I have to accompany Xiao Ling from now on, and I don't have time to discuss alchemy with you. There are so many elders in Danta, any one of them is better than me, you can definitely go to them." Cao Ying didn't even turn her head, her tone was cold, as if she was getting rid of an insignificant person.
Then, Cao Ying turned to Xiao Ling, showing a charming smile, and her voice became much gentler: "Xiao Ling, let's go quickly. There are many treasures in the Danta treasure house, and I don't have many opportunities to go in. This time, it's all thanks to you."
"Haha, if you like something, I can help you exchange it. It will be regarded as a reward for leading me." Xiao Ling responded easily.
"What are you talking about? I'm not coveting your things." Cao Ying retorted softly.
"I didn't think so, you misunderstood..." Xiao Ling explained.
The figures of the two people gradually faded away, and the sound of their conversation gradually became blurred and finally disappeared into the air.
Only Song Qing was left standing there alone, looking humble and helpless like an abandoned stray dog.
……
Xiao Ling and Cao Ying chatted as they passed through several corners and passages. Their pace was relaxed, they talked and laughed, and their relationship gradually became familiar.
After walking for a while, they came to the door of a room. The two doors of the room were open at this time, and through the doors, they could see the reception desk inside.
At the front desk, an old man with white hair and beard was concentrating on reading a thick book, and seemed to have completely ignored the arrival of Xiao Ling and Cao Ying.
Xiao Ling keenly sensed that this old man was very powerful, even stronger than the Skyfire Venerable he knew. But the sense of unfathomable danger was not as strong as the feeling given to him by the three giants of Danta.
According to Xiao Ling's guess, this old man should be a high-level Dou Zun who has not yet started to compress his Dou Qi. Here, he should be in charge of managing the treasure house.
Cao Ying noticed Xiao Ling's gaze and explained softly, "This is the elder of Danta and the manager of the treasure house. We all call him Mu Lao. He is one of the most skilled alchemists in Danta, and his knowledge of medicinal materials is outstanding."
Xiao Ling nodded to show his understanding. He stepped forward and said politely, "Hello, elder. We came to the treasure house to select treasures for exchange after Chairman Xuanyi agreed."
When Mr. Mu heard Xiao Ling's voice, he looked up with a hint of surprise in his eyes, as if he did not expect someone to interrupt his reading.
But he quickly regained his composure, closed the book in his hand, and said to the two with a smile: "Oh, it's Miss Cao Ying, this must be Master Xiao Ling, right? You are really young and promising! Welcome, come in and take a look, there are many good things here, I hope you can find what you like."
(End of this chapter)