The Extreme Alchemist of the Mighty Cauldron

Chapter 499: Chapter 499: Going to the Banquet

Fang Lin was standing in the Pill Alliance Lobby, seemingly waiting for someone. Sun Kai and Zhang Detian were both mocking him, as were a lot of other people, they were secretly laughing at him.

“What kind of person is Gongsun Xiao? Would he be bothered with someone like Fang Lin, who comes from the Lower Three Kingdoms?”

“Exactly, he’s even thinking of attending the Talent Banquet, it’s simply laughable.”

“If even someone like him can go, then we all should be able to attend.”

···

Fang Lin’s expression remained unchanged, he was completely indifferent to their words and didn’t take it to heart.

“What are you all standing around here gossiping for? Have you all finished your tasks?” Mo Ziming appeared and rebuked, causing Sun Kai and others to fall silent, not daring to speak anymore.

Everyone knew that Fang Lin was under Mo Ziming’s protection, making many Pill Refiners of the Pill Alliance puzzled and confused.

Mo Ziming was somewhat of an anomaly here. Despite being a steward, he held the status of an elder, and even the other elders would show some respect to Mo Ziming.

The fact that Fang Lin could receive his protection was baffling for them.

Mo Ziming approached Fang Lin, gave him a few instructions, and then left the lobby as he had his own tasks to perform.

A little while later, a figure appeared; it was none other than Gongsun Xiao, immaculate in white robes.

“What? Gongsun Xiao really came?”

“How is this possible?”

“He came for Fang Lin?”

····

Sun Kai, Zhang Detian and the rest were flabbergasted. They were just ridiculing Fang Lin, yet Gongsun Xiao actually came. This slap in their face came too fast.

“Brother Gongsun.” Fang Lin stepped forward, smiled, and saluted Gongsun Xiao.

Gongsun Xiao smiled, “I’ve been slightly delayed, making Brother Fang Lin wait for a while.”

“No worries, Brother Gongsun, I am already very grateful for your presence.” Fang Lin responded.

Without further delay, Fang Lin left the Pill Alliance with Gongsun Xiao, and they headed towards the Crown Prince’s Mansion.

The members of the Pill Alliance were taken aback, all somewhat unable to react. After a moment, someone finally said with a strange expression, “Is Fang Lin genuinely going to attend the Crown Prince’s Talent Banquet?”

Upon hearing this, everyone else simply stared at him. Did they need his reminding? They weren’t blind or stupid. Could they not see what was happening?

Sun Kai and Zhang Detian nearly burst from rage. How did this happen? They both had been in Xuan Country for many years, and not only had they never been invited to the Crown Prince’s Talent Banquet, they hadn’t even met the Crown Prince.

But Fang Lin?

He had only been in Xuan Country for half a month, and now he was going to the Talent Banquet held by the Crown Prince? It was infuriating to compare to him.

The Crown Prince’s Mansion was situated in the south of Xuan City, separated from the rest of the city by a wall, making it inaccessible for common people.

The day of the feast, the outside of the mansion was full of commotion. Many young talents from Xuan Country were gathered there, and the mansion’s steward personally welcomed them into the mansion.

Of course, nobody came empty-handed. Even if it was only a banquet, basic courtesies were expected.

Almost everyone brought a gift, which they handed over to the Crown Prince’s servants. In a short while, many gifts had piled up at the mansion’s gate.

When Fang Lin and Gongsun Xiao arrived, many recognized Gongsun Xiao and greeted him. He returned their greetings with politeness, showing his considerable fame in Xuan Country. Many were eager to befriend him.

Gongsun Xiao also introduced Fang Lin to many, but the moment they heard that Fang Lin was from the Lower Three Kingdoms, they lost interest. Only out of respect for Gongsun Xiao did they continue to lightly converse with Fang Lin.

Fang Lin inwardly scorned them. The talented individuals of Xuan Country were all haughty and condescending towards him, a foreigner from the Lower Three Kingdoms. If it weren’t for Gongsun Xiao’s introduction, they wouldn’t have even bothered interacting with him.

“Gongsun, why did you bring him along?” At this moment, Lu Yunfei arrived, the same person who had appeared with Gongsun Xiao in the past. He was accompanied by an enchantingly attractive woman.

Gongsun Xiao said, “Brother Fang Lin was invited by me. I hope Brother Lu will respect him.”

“Hmph, he’s just a bumpkin from the Lower Three Kingdoms, I don’t need to respect him.” Lu Yunfei cast a sidelong glance at Fang Lin, revealing his disdain.

Upon hearing that Fang Lin was from the Lower Three Kingdoms, the charming woman treated him with contempt and scoffed.

Gongsun Xiao frowned, whereas Lu Yunfei merely laughed and walked towards the Crown Prince’s Mansion with the charming woman.

“Brother Gongsun, it doesn’t matter.” Fang Lin said, looking very relaxed.

Gongsun Xiao looked at Fang Lin, surprise flickering in his eyes. If it were him, he’d have been upset over such disregard. However, Fang Lin seemed surprisingly composed, it didn’t seem forced at all. His gaze was calm without the slightest ripple, indicating he really didn’t care about Lu Yunfei’s words.

“By the way, Brother Fang Lin, have you prepared a gift?” Gongsun Xiao asked.

Fang Lin nodded. He was aware that it was not proper etiquette to attend a banquet empty-handed.

Then, they both moved towards the Crown Prince’s Mansion. When it was their turn, Gongsun Xiao presented a shimmering sword as his gift, which was received personally by the steward of the Prince’s Mansion.

Fang Lin gifted two ancient medicinal herbs. Even though they were not thousand-year-old herbs, they were eight hundred years old. As greeting gifts, they were more than sufficient.

Even though Fang Lin didn’t have an invitation, he had been invited by Gongsun Xiao, and hence, no one from the Prince’s Mansion asked any further questions.

Upon entering the mansion, a vast garden came into view. It was filled with lush greenery and colorful flowers, the air was filled with a sweet fragrance.

In the garden, several unique and skillfully placed rocks were used as decoration, harmonizing with the dazzling flowers, creating a pleasing visual spectacle.

The garden was quite large. At the moment numerous geniuses from Xuan Country were engaged in various discussions. Fang Lin and Gongsun Xiao noticed Lu Yunfei, who was currently engaged in a lively conversation with two talented young men, while holding the enchanting woman in his arms.

Fang Lin also noticed five young geniuses from the Pill Alliance who had arrived at the banquet before them. They were all standing separately, not congregating together. However, each of them was surrounded by a group of people, clearly indicating their popularity.

This was not surprising since these five were the most eye-catching alchemy geniuses within the Pill Alliance, with limitless futures.

Everyone wanted to befriend Pill Refiners, especially genius ones.

“Gongsun, you’ve arrived as well.” a voice sounded, and Gongsun Xiao and Fang Lin turned around to see a man in extravagant clothing approaching leisurely.

Gongsun Xiao expression was devoid of any emotion. There was actually a hint of aversion, indicating that he didn’t get along well with this extravagantly dressed man.