To be mocked by a Female Alchemist who was a full decade or two younger than themselves, all these pampered alchemists from Dan City were heavily affronted.

Yet the moment they heard Ye Lingyue threaten to retire them en masse, these ordinarily imposing alchemists of Dan City became anxious.

Alchemy in Dan City might be perilous, but the annual salary granted by the court was extremely generous; without Dan City, where else could they find such high remuneration?

"Sir, my illness has healed."

"Sir, it was just a minor ailment."

"Sir, I'm still young and would like to contribute more to the court; let me continue alchemy despite my illness."

Instantly, these alchemists all forgot they had earlier agreed to resist Ye Lingyue together.

"They're all spineless fence-sitters," muttered Cauldron Master Wang to himself with a cold snort.

Upon hearing Cauldron Master Wang's voice, the alchemists fell utterly silent.

It seems this one was the mouthpiece of the Alchemist Mansion.

Ye Lingyue feigned a sip of tea as a hint of contemplation flickered in her dark eyes.

This Wang Alchemist was about fifty, his hair salt-and-pepper, and his Alchemist Robe embroidered with eight cauldrons; with more white in his eyes than pupil, he spoke to others with his nostrils flaring, clearly someone narrow-minded, arrogant, and petty.

As for Cauldron Master Wang, he too glanced over at Ye Lingyue several times, noting her beauty and slender figure, her innocent, inky eyes, and her spotlessly clean Alchemist Robe embroidered with six cauldrons.

A fourteen-year-old Sixth-rank Alchemist, how could this be?

He recalled being only at the Second or Third Rank when he was fourteen and already being recognized as a genius by the Alchemist Association.

Indeed, as Brother Chou said, this little girl had merely relied on her master being Long Yu to feign qualifications and obtain the false title of a Sixth-rank Alchemist.

"So you are the Alchemist Ye sent by the court; as Brother said, young and ignorant, presumptuous and unreasonable."

"Brother?"

Ye Lingyue arched her brow.

"The Chief Chou from the Imperial Hospital is my brother. I am currently acting in the role of Cauldron Master," said Cauldron Master Wang arrogantly, even patting his chest to make sure Ye Lingyue got a clear view of the eight Cauldron Seals on his robe.

His words were a bare attempt to intimidate Ye Lingyue, to encourage her to back off.

Implicitly his message was crude and clear: "I have powerful backers in the court, my cultivation surpasses yours, don't even dream of becoming the Cauldron Master."

"Oh, you mean the former Chief of the Imperial Hospital... Chou Alchemist? So you're Cauldron Master Wang, temporarily filling in for me. You must have had a hard time these days, but since I'm here, it's time for you to hand over the Cauldron Master position," said Ye Lingyue with a sarcastic smile.

Ye Lingyue's meaning was even simpler: Your backing can't even save himself, I care not if you own eight cauldrons or how many; I'm here now, don't linger unnecessarily, scoot over to where it suits you better.

Cauldron Master Wang had never expected Ye Lingyue to be so frank, demanding the position of Cauldron Master right to his face.

"You! Such impudence at your tender age; what are you, but a mere Sixth-rank Alchemist? Since when was it your turn to assume the role of Cauldron Master?" Cauldron Master Wang was almost infuriated to death by Ye Lingyue's words.

He glared at Ye Lingyue, and the whole Alchemist Mansion resonated with a buzzing sound.

It was as though a large bell had tolled, emitting a dull echo.

Everyone in the Alchemist Mansion felt a ringing in their ears and an uneasy breath.

With a popping sound, the teacup in Ye Lingyue's hand exploded, splashing hot water and leaving a few yellowish tea stains on her pristine white Alchemist Robe.

This Cauldron Master Wang, his mastery in Spiritual Power Cultivation is quite impressive.

Ye Lingyue could tell that the cultivation technique he practiced seemed to be a kind of spiritual power intimidation method.

Indeed, one must have some real skills when wandering the world.

Daring to be a Master in Dan City, a place teeming with dragons and snakes, Cauldron Master Wang's strength seemed to be even better than Chief Chou, who served as Deputy Chief in Xia Capital.

But is that enough to intimidate her, Ye Lingyue?

Ye Lingyue's pupils contracted, and from her sleeve swiftly emerged an object.

All the Alchemists took a glance and saw that it was a snake the size of a finger.

Yet no sooner had the tiny snake touched the ground than a cloud of smoke arose, and with a whoosh, Ye Lingyue also disappeared.

Above the Alchemist Mansion, a towering Alchemy Beast Triangular Flood Dragon, as tall as several stories, materialized. The creature, alive with realism, shot forth two beams of chilling light from its massive, cavernous eyes.

The Three-horned Dragon thrashed its tail vigorously, and before long, multiple gusts of wind swept through, shattering the spiritual power intimidation technique pre-emptively deployed by Cauldron Master Wang.

Atop the head of the Three-horned Dragon stood none other than Ye Lingyue.

That was a Seventh-rank Alchemy Beast, the handiwork of Master Long Yu.

Cauldron Master Wang had a grim look on his face; he never expected Master Long Yu to care for his disciple so greatly, gifting her even the treasured Puppet Square Beast.

Moreover, controlling an Alchemy Beast so lifelike required immense spiritual power, and Ye Lingyue's control over it also proved her considerable strength.

With this Three-horned Dragon at her command, Ye Lingyue was as if she had an Eighth Rank Alchemist by her side; Cauldron Master Wang attempting any harm against her would no doubt be as difficult as ascending to heaven.

"Cauldron Master Wang, you have quite the nerve, to dare raise a hand against me. Are you planning to defy the Imperial Decree, committing the most heinous betrayal?" Ye Lingyue, holding up the Imperial Decree, declared with righteous indignation.

When it came to a sharp tongue, Cauldron Master Wang was no match for Ye Lingyue. Moreover, with the Imperial Decree in her hand, using it like a cold arrow, she was certain to infuriate Cauldron Master Wang to no end.

Cauldron Master Wang reacted quickly too; being accused of 'committing the most heinous betrayal' could lead to the decimation of one's entire family if not careful.

"Alchemist Ye need not misunderstand, how would I dare defy the Imperial Decree. It is simply that you are new to Dan City and unaware of its rules. Every new Master must pass the challenge of the Alchemist Mansion before they can officially take up their position. I was merely trying to test the strength of Alchemist Ye," Cauldron Master Wang added with a forced laugh.

As soon as he finished speaking, the group of Alchemists behind him immediately echoed in agreement.

A rabble of layabouts.

Ye Lingyue glanced coolly at them, holding her tongue and smoothly retracting Little Jiao back into her sleeve as she descended to the ground.

"Oh, the rules of the Alchemist Mansion are quite innovative indeed. So, what exactly is the challenge that Cauldron Master Wang has mentioned?"

Ye Lingyue was well aware that whether one was a Martial Artist or an Alchemist, respect comes through strength.

The young girl took the bait, just as expected.

Cauldron Master Wang rejoiced inwardly.

"Alchemist Ye, please come with me; the challenge awaits inside."

Saying so, Cauldron Master Wang, uncharacteristically warm, led Ye Lingyue towards the Alchemy Field of the Alchemist Mansion.