Chapter 7452
The Sect Master Invites You
The phrase "seventy-two seconds" is particularly precise, so accurate that it makes one's heart tighten, one's spine go cold, and one feel a subtle chill throughout the body.
In the next instant, everyone's gaze, like searchlights, filled with shock, awe, and disbelief, all turned toward the young man in the corner of the exhibition hall.
Xiao Chen remained calm throughout, his hands in his pockets, as if the mess before him and the surrounding noise had nothing to do with him. That composure made him seem even more unfathomable.
He doesn't know alchemy?
The thought had barely surfaced when it was ruthlessly extinguished by everyone. If one could accurately predict the exact time of the explosion and understand the underlying logic of the intertwining of spiritual power and medicinal properties, this would already surpass the level of ordinary top alchemists and be considered as having grasped the essence of alchemy!
Qin Xianglan instinctively covered her mouth, her beautiful eyes wide with shock. She never imagined that Xiao Chen's seemingly arrogant and absurd assertion would come true in such a tragic and dramatic way.
He was absolutely right!
Could it be that Xiao Chen not only possesses extraordinary talent and surpasses his peers in supernatural ability cultivation, but also has such terrifying insight and attainments in the path of alchemy? This completely overturned her definition of "genius." This is not just a genius; it is clearly defying the heavens!
The overseas Chinese woman next to Xiao Chen, who had previously spoken harshly, now had her cheeks burning hot, her head almost drooping to her chest. Her previous contempt and mockery had vanished, leaving only deep-seated shame and embarrassment.
Looking back now, her rude remarks just now were nothing more than self-inflicted humiliation.
Not only her, but several other high-ranking members of the Dan Sect who were originally calm and collected in the VIP area also turned pale, felt like they were sitting on pins and needles, and were extremely uncomfortable.
They had previously looked down on Xiao Chen for his arrogance and ignorance, but now they had been thoroughly humiliated and didn't even have the confidence to refute him.
At that moment, all the shock, astonishment, and disbelief were clearly etched on everyone's face.
Recalling the devastation caused by the explosion, many people were still shaken and instinctively took a half-step back, their gazes towards Xiao Chen filled with genuine fear.
That statement, once considered wild talk, now seems undeniably accurate, like a divine oracle.
Chen Shouzhou remained silent for a long time, his aura gradually subsiding. Finally, he slowly stepped down from the viewing platform, walked through the swirling dust, and walked step by step toward Xiao Chen.
This time, there was no trace of condescending scrutiny or disdain on his face. Instead, his eyes held an unprecedented solemnity, along with an undisguised sense of inquiry and apprehension.
If this child truly possesses the ability to predict the fortunes and misfortunes of the alchemy path and to understand the properties and spiritual power of medicines, then it will be a revolutionary variable for the alchemy sect and even for the entire supernatural world's supply and demand pattern of pills.
This person cannot be judged by common sense; he must be treated with utmost care, and even... we must do everything we can to win him over.
He stopped in front of Xiao Chen, extended his hand, and spoke with an unusual calmness and formality, devoid of any arrogance befitting a person in a superior position.
“Mr. Xiao, I apologize for my previous neglect and disrespect. May I ask, sir, how exactly did you foresee this 'seventy-two-second' ordeal?”
As soon as he said this, the entire exhibition hall fell silent. All eyes and attention were fixed on Xiao Chen, and even breathing became cautious as everyone awaited his answer.
Xiao Chen glanced at Chen Shouzhou's outstretched hand, then looked up to meet the other's probing gaze. He simply curled the corners of his lips slightly and calmly uttered two words: "Common sense."
"common sense?!"
Upon hearing this, many people stumbled and nearly fell, their faces filled with absurdity and shock.
Predicting an oven explosion with a precision down to the second—is that common sense?
If such common sense truly existed, wouldn't everyone in the world be able to become a master of alchemy, and the Alchemy Sect wouldn't need to spend huge sums of money researching the Spiritual Whirlpool Furnace! Chen Shouzhou gave Xiao Chen a deep look, his eyes complex and unreadable. He vaguely guessed that Xiao Chen might have some unique secret technique that he was unwilling to reveal.
He didn't press further, slowly withdrew his hand, and nodded, saying, "Since Mr. Xiao is unwilling to say more, I, Chen, will not delve any deeper."
"Very well, then I'll tell you." Xiao Chen paused for a moment, then slowly spoke, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable certainty.
"So-called common sense is nothing more than the basic skills of alchemy. You are obsessed with using tools to replace your true nature, and you have lost the essence of alchemy. You cannot make real elixirs, so naturally you do not understand these things."
"What may be an instinctive judgment for me is an obscure and incomprehensible fantasy for you."
He was not afraid of revealing his knowledge of alchemy at all; on the contrary, he wanted to deliberately show his talent.
Only by becoming a dazzling enough target can one attract the covetousness of the Prison Clan, and by using oneself as bait to lure and kill the Prison Clan, this is not a bad shortcut.
While these words could barely explain his accurate prediction, many people still looked at him with deep doubt in their eyes.
Some people think he's incredibly arrogant and doesn't respect any alchemists in the world; others think he's just bragging and that he guessed right by chance.
But Chen Shouzhou believed most of it. He nodded solemnly and said, "I see. I've learned something." He then extended an invitation, his tone earnest.
"It's quite a coincidence that I, Chen, specialize in the 'Blazing Sun Technique,' which belongs to the fire element. I have some insights into the art of fire control. If you have some free time later, would you be willing to come over and discuss this further with me?"
A barely perceptible ripple flashed across Xiao Chen's eyes; these were the words he had been waiting for. He suppressed his certainty, his face remaining calm and composed: "Vice Sect Master Chen, you are too kind. It is my honor to communicate with the Sect Master."
"Good! Look at me, I haven't even asked your full name yet." Chen Shouzhou smiled and his tone became even more amiable.
"Xiao Chen".
"Mr. Xiao, I will have someone come to invite you later."
The two kept their conversation brief, as it was inappropriate to discuss confidential matters in front of others.
Afterwards, Chen Shouzhou returned to the stage, gave a few formulaic summaries to calm the guests, and announced that the alchemy demonstration was suspended so that everyone could rest for a while and then try again after Shen Moxuan had adjusted his state.
An explosion in the furnace is not uncommon in the process of alchemy. Having learned from the previous lesson, although everyone was still wary, they accepted the arrangement and secretly thought that the success rate should be higher next time.
Before long, an elderly man dressed in the robes of a Dan Sect official slowly walked up to Xiao Chen and Qin Xianglan. He was the same man who had greeted them at the entrance of Mingxin Manor earlier. He bowed slightly, his attitude respectful: "Gentlemen, Sect Master Chen invites you."
"Thank you for your trouble." Xiao Chen nodded slightly.
The two followed the old man through several quiet internal corridors, eventually arriving at a garden-like courtyard in the backyard of the villa.
Far from the hustle and bustle, lush with vegetation, this place is elegant and tranquil, reminiscent of a secluded paradise.
The moment Xiao Chen stepped into the courtyard, his eyes suddenly brightened, and he instinctively stopped, not because he was amazed by the scenery, but because he was captivated by the various spiritual plants and medicinal herbs planted and arranged within. (End of Chapter)