CHAPTER 41: CHAPTER 39 THE IDENTITY OF REVERENCE

With just a single swipe, the Purple Pattern Gold Card in Ye Chen’s hand suddenly increased by one hundred thousand Gold Coins—a fortune so vast that it likely equated to the maximum combined annual income of all the Ye Family’s properties in Luofeng City.

True to the reputation of alchemists, they indeed wield vast wealth, with riches that provoke aching envy.

On the other hand, others were envious of Ye Chen, who, in the blink of an eye, acquired one hundred thousand Gold Coins. Since the Purple Pattern Gold Card could already overdraft one hundred thousand Gold Coins, he had a total of two hundred thousand Gold Coins at his disposal—an astronomical sum.

If they knew that the Purple Pattern Gold Card originally contained seventy thousand Gold Coins, their jealousy would likely be even greater.

Faced with such an astronomical sum, Ye Chen merely nodded slightly, without revealing the immense excitement common to most people, a composure that made Master Li Yun esteem him all the higher.

Gaping at all this, Ye Ao couldn’t help but step forward and ask, "Master Li Yun, may I ask who Mr. Qian is?"

Even the three elders and other clan members were filled with curiosity—just who was this mysterious Mr. Qian?

Master Li Yun shook his head, "I’m sorry, I’m not too clear on that myself. Perhaps young friend Ye Chen knows more than I do. The only thing I can confirm is that Mr. Qian is a Second Star Alchemist or above."

Second Star... an Alchemist?

Just the title itself was enough to impose a feeling of pressure on everyone. The present Master Li Yun was merely a One-star Alchemist, and yet he was greatly respected by all factions, possessing immense wealth. If one were a Second Star Alchemist, wouldn’t that imply even greater power and influence?

With that thought, the Great Elder couldn’t help but cautiously ask, "Ye Chen, this Mr. Qian is...?"

Not to mention the other clan members, even Li Yun himself was quite curious about the true identity of the mysterious Mr. Qian, and in the room, perhaps only Ye Chen knew best.

Ye Chen looked indifferently at the Great Elder and others, and scoffed, "Sorry, my master’s identity is not to be disclosed."

Hearing this, everyone nodded as expected, but the looks they gave Ye Chen were now tinged with a mixture of surprise and subtle awe.

Alchemists, no matter where or when, are revered figures held in high esteem—that much was evident from Master Li Yun, where a mere One-star Alchemist in Luofeng City was held so highly. And a Second Star Alchemist, even more so, commanded respect and was a sought-after ally in the Royal Family.

As an alchemist must possess many mysterious methods, the recent extraordinary feats exhibited by Ye Chen could now be explained—no wonder he had advanced so rapidly in such a short time.

In the world, there is likely no one aside from alchemists capable of such feats.

And the disciple of a Second Star Alchemist...

Just the thought alone was enough to inspire awe, a status even more fearsome than a One-star Alchemist’s, one that no one would dare to provoke lightly.

The three elders sighed silently, their gaze toward Ye Chen filled with complexity. Perhaps from this moment on, Ye Chen would return to his former glory.

The looks from others were filled with envy and jealousy—a disciple of a Second Star Alchemist, even if Ye Chen had been useless, with a Second Star Alchemist as his support, he could soar to great heights, as even Innate Strong People would not dare to provoke him carelessly.

Ye Ao, Xia Wei, Huan’er, Ye Zimei—although these individuals were shocked, their joy for Ye Chen was genuine and heartfelt.

Only Ye Zhengyang’s look towards Ye Chen was brimming with poisonous envy, fists clenching tightly...

Why! Why should Ye Chen, this failure, receive the favor of a Second Star Alchemist, while he, Ye Zhengyang, never had such an opportunity? In every aspect, he was many times better than the failure Ye Chen. It should have been him that was chosen.

Observing Ye Chen, who remained calm and unfazed under everyone’s sudden reverent gazes, Master Li Yun could not help but sigh inwardly; this young man’s nature was extraordinary, truly not of common stock—he was destined to soar upon meeting the storm, bound to undergo a Dragon Transformation!

Then Li Yun turned to the three elders and said, "Elders, considering Ye Chen is Mr. Qian’s disciple, I wonder if, in consideration of me, you could refrain from punishing young friend Ye Chen?"

The three elders were startled and hastily waved their hands, saying, "You jest, Master Li Yun. How could we dare to punish young friend Ye Chen?"

What kind of joke is that? Not to mention that Master Li Yun personally spoke on behalf of Ye Chen, compelling them to take the matter seriously, just the presence of a mysterious Second Star Alchemist Mr. Qian behind Ye Chen was far beyond what they could afford to offend.

Such a figure was considered extremely distinguished throughout all of Xiafeng Country. They might be able to command power in a frontier town like Luofeng City, but facing a Second Star Alchemist, they wouldn’t dare to offend one, unless they had a death wish.

Master Li Yun nodded, "That is very good, I thank the three elders."

"Not at all, not at all!" The three elders also broke out in a cold sweat, their gazes toward Ye Chen full of reverence. They exchanged helpless looks, realizing that in the future, not only could they not target Ye Ao’s lineage, but they also needed to get much closer to it.

Before leaving, Master Li Yun had initially handed a note to Ye Chen to pass onto the mysterious Mr. Qian, as he had some doubts about alchemy he wanted to ask Mr. Qian for assistance with.

But Ye Chen directly told Li Yun, if he had any doubts, to just ask him, as he generally would be able to answer them.

Initially, Master Li Yun was skeptical about Ye Chen’s ability to provide answers. After all, no matter how talented, he was still just a young man with the milk smell hardly off him—how much could he know about alchemy experience? It was only due to Mr. Qian’s association that he felt embarrassed to refuse, so he reluctantly threw out one difficulty.

If Ye Chen couldn’t answer, it could be said there was some difficulty; even an old man like himself, who had practiced alchemy for many years, couldn’t figure it out. This would let him give Ye Chen a way out while also winning his good impression.

However, to his astonishment, Ye Chen actually provided the answer—and his explanation was logical, clear, and concise, strikingly to the point, which left him, an old predecessor who had practiced alchemy for decades, quite shocked.

Unable to help himself, he asked several more alchemy-related questions, and Ye Chen similarly answered each one in detail. Li Yun was first shocked, then looked at Ye Chen with amazement. This youth was too extraordinary; at such a young age, he understood more about alchemy than his older generation did. The way he answered as simply and easily as a real Alchemy Master made it seem as if nothing could stump him.

Afterward, his respect for the mysterious Mr. Qian grew even deeper. If a disciple had such knowledge and insights, what about his Master, Mr. Qian? He must be even more formidable.

For the first time, Master Li Yun truly believed that the mysterious Mr. Qian had to be an Alchemy Master above three stars—otherwise, a disciple couldn’t possibly have such startling knowledge and insight.

Meanwhile, the others in the hall watched Li Yun and Ye Chen, young and old, discussing the art of alchemy. They listened as if it were the book of heaven, because the day was filled with too many surprises, making them numb.

After a long while, Li Yun left satisfied and then exclaimed, "Junior Ye Chen, you have reached such a level in the Dao of Alchemy at such a young age. It is truly surprising. I admit I am far from your equal."

Ye Chen smiled modestly, "Master Li Yun, don’t be too humble. It’s all due to having a good teacher. If not for my teacher, I wouldn’t have reached this point."

In his speech, he respectfully addressed Li Yun as "Master," further endearing him to the other man.

"If only I could meet a wonderful teacher like Mr. Qian," Master Li Yun said with a hint of regret, then bowed to Ye Chen, City Lord Ye, and the three elders, "Junior Ye Chen, City Lord, and three elders, it is getting late, and I have to return to the Royal Capital for some business. I won’t stay in Luofeng City for now, but if you ever come to the Royal Capital, please look for me and I will surely treat you well."

"Master Li Yun is too kind. If we visit the Royal Capital, we’ll definitely look for you," Ye Ao and the three elders nodded and promised.

After bidding farewell, Master Li Yun casually left the Ye Residence, leaving behind the silent people in the hall, who almost all turned their gazes to Ye Chen, who was tidying up three jade boxes—envious, jealous, reverent, and pleasantly surprised.

The three elders now turned to Ye Chen with a pleasant and slightly reverent countenance, "Ye Chen, if there’s anything you need, you may take temporary leave."

"Oh? No more plans for a family trial against me?" Ye Chen glanced at the three elders with a seemingly careless remark.

These words instantly made the three of them feel the heat on their faces, extremely embarrassed, and they hastily shook their heads, "No more, no more."

"Grandfather—" Ye Zhengyang urgently started to say.

"Shut up!"

The one who spoke wasn’t someone else, but his very own grandfather, the Great Elder, with a displeased expression.

Did this unworthy grandson not understand Ye Chen’s current status? A disciple of a Second Star Alchemist—someone they couldn’t afford to offend but should be kneeling before, eager to venerate.

Ye Zhengyang’s face turned from one color to another, and he left in a huff, having lost all face today.

PS: Readers are welcome to follow my public WeChat account. Simply search for "Qianxun Yue" to find it. Inside, you can find introductions and extras about the two books. Aside from reading Chapters, you can take a look—there will regularly be benefits! Ha-ha, now there’s also a plan to gradually invite some cute and beautiful female readers to post photos, sing songs, and hope everyone enjoys it!