The Extreme Alchemist of the Mighty Cauldron

Chapter 524: Gongsun Long

The Gongsun Family was a significant force in Xuan Country and in its heyday was considered one of the most powerful clans. The family’s ancestor had even been involved in the battle for the throne of the Xuan Kingdom.

Although they eventually lost, the Gongsun Family remained unshaken in Xuan Country. They were deeply rooted, their presence akin to a colossal entity.

However, in recent years, the Gongsun Family had somewhat declined. The primary cause was the withering of their young talents. In fact, no exceptional individuals had emerged in the last decade.

For every family, inheritance was imperative. Without outstanding individuals in their younger generation, even a family with the deepest foundation could eventually decay.

Of course, with the Gongsun Family’s present foundation and strength, it wouldn’t falter greatly in the short term. If they were to cultivate a few significant talents promptly, there wouldn’t arise any severe problems.

In recent years, the Gongsun Family had invested considerable effort and resources in cultivating their younger generation, fostering a few individuals of some merit.

One of these individuals was Gongsun Xiao, the most promising figure among the outstanding younger generation of the Gongsun Family, and a favourite of many family elders.

On the way to the Gongsun Family’s branch in Xuan City, Fang Lin had asked Gongsun Xiao why the elders of the Gongsun Family wanted to meet him?

After all, Fang Lin was unfamiliar with the Gongsun Family, and surely they wouldn’t summon him without apparent reason.

After hesitating, Gongsun Xiao eventually divulged the truth to Fang Lin.

Apparently, an elder in the Gongsun Family was a pill refiner and profoundly obsessed with the Alchemy Tao. Upon learning that Fang Lin possessed some knowledge of the Ancient Alchemy Skill, he was greatly interested and, thus, had Gongsun Xiao escort Fang Lin to meet him.

“Fang Lin, my Sir Wu is overly obsessed with the Alchemy Tao and insists on meeting you once. I hope you won’t mind,” Gongsun Xiao said to Fang Lin with an apology.

Fang Lin chuckled, “It’s fine. Since it’s an elder of the Gongsun Family who wants to meet me, I naturally cannot refuse. Besides, I’m also a pill refiner. It’s pretty standard to exchange ideas with a senior.”

The two chatted along the way to the Gongsun Mansion.

Great clans and forces like the Gongsun Family would all have their mansions in Xuan City.

The Gongsun Mansion was situated in a rather quiet area of Xuan City, where disturbance was less likely — ideal living conditions for those who loved peace.

Gongsun Xiao brought Fang Lin directly into the mansion. Since Gongsun Xiao held an elevated position in the Gongsun Family, no one hindered their entry.

However, as Fang Lin was a new face, many in the Gongsun Family cast extra glances his way.

Fang Lin could not help but marvel at the grandeur of the Gongsun Family as he looked around their mansion. “Now that’s a great force,” he thought as he took in the majestic site of even a branch residence of the Gongsun Family.

“Ha, isn’t this Gongsun Xiao? Long time no see.” A somewhat indifferent voice of a man resounded from a short distance as Gongsun Xiao led Fang Lin on a tour of the Mansion.

Gongsun Xiao knew who it was without even having to turn around. His mood instantly soured, and a frown formed on his face.

Fang Lin turned around to see a young man in blue emerging from a courtyard, a half smile on his face.

This man appeared to be about Gongsun Xiao’s age, with broad brows and large eyes, portraying an image of an honest man.

Three young men trailed behind him, although they all appeared to be of a lesser stature than the blue-clad youth. They seemed like his attendants.

Gongsun Xiao turned around to face the blue-clad youth, and with an indifferent tone, asked, “Gongsun Long, when did you arrive?”

Named Gongsun Long, the blue-clad youth first glanced at Fang Lin and then replied with a smiling face, “I arrived this morning, specifically to witness the charm of Xuan City. After all, it’s been two or three years since my last visit.”

Gongsun Xiao’s eyebrows furrowed. He held a strong dislike towards this man named Gongsun Long.

In fact, both Gongsun Xiao and Gongsun Long were among the outstanding young generation within the Gongsun Family. However, both had their petty grievances since childhood. Their respective elders also had grudges against each other. As a result, the two were in competition within the family.

The Gongsun Family sent Gongsun Xiao to Xuan City this time, clearly indicating their high hopes for him. Therefore, they hadn’t hesitated in taking this step.

However, the unexpected arrival of Gongsun Long in Xuan City today had left Gongsun Xiao somewhat uneasy. It was already decided that he would come to Xuan City, so why was there a need to send Gongsun Long as well?

Unable to brush aside the implied meaning behind this, Gongsun Xiao found himself overthinking.

“Let’s go.” Unwilling to deal with Gongsun Long, Gongsun Xiao spoke to Fang Lin, intending to go straight to meet the elder. But, to their surprise, Gongsun Long intercepted them.

“Don’t rush, this gentleman appears unfamiliar. Shouldn’t be a part of our Gongsun Family,” Gongsun Long said, examining Fang Lin with a hint of curiosity.

Gongsun Xiao frowned, “He is Fang Lin, a guest invited by Sir Wu.”

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Long did not move out of their way. Instead, he appeared even more surprised, “So it’s you, Fang Lin, the Pill Refiner expelled from the Crown Prince’s residence?”

“Gongsun Long, don’t go too far!” Gongsun Xiao bellowed, anger surging within him.

Fang Lin remained expressionless, although he too fancied slapping Gongsun Long across the face.

Of course, Fang Lin couldn’t do that. This was, after all, the Gongsun Mansion, and hitting a member of the Gongsun Family, regardless of Gongsun Xiao’s presence, would likely result in his being unable to leave.

Gongsun Long feigned an exaggerated expression, “Isn’t that right? The entire Xuan City is talking about it.”

While speaking, Gongsun Long looked at Fang Lin, his interest piqued, “I heard you offended the Crown Prince and even tried to ingratiate yourself with Miss Dugu of the Dugu Family. Is that true?”

With a forced smile, Fang Lin replied, “Merely rumors.”

Gongsun Long frowned, “Just rumors? I don’t think so.”

“Gongsun Long, what on earth are you trying to do?” Gongsun Xiao roared, startling those nearby.

Gongsun Long crossed his arms in front, a smirk on his face, “I’m not doing anything. It’s just that this Fang Lin, of humble origins and expelled from the Crown Prince’s residence, is now attempting to ingratiate himself with our Gongsun Family. As a member of the Gongsun Family, I cannot allow some unworthy figures to mix into our ranks.”

While speaking, Gongsun Long gave Gongsun Xiao a sideways glance, “You’re also a member of our Gongsun Family, but you seem awfully close to such riffraff. Be careful not to tarnish our family’s reputation.”

Gongsun Xiao couldn’t bear it anymore. Without considering the possible repercussions, he charged at Gongsun Long, ready to physically confront him.

Fang Lin reached out, placing a hand on Gongsun Xiao’s shoulder.

“Let’s not get impulsive here.” Fang Lin said with a cheerful smile.