NOVEL NEXT Chapter 51: Zhao He Is Definitely Not Human
As Zhao He made his way towards the stage, a circle of people surrounded him, offering flattery and praise. “Despite Master Zhao He’s age, he has managed to create a super first-class elixir recipe. Only great masters can compare to Master Zhao He in this achievement!” “In the realm of the ten countries, there are few great masters. Master Zhao He is undoubtedly a legendary figure.”
“Indeed, he’s a great master!” When Zhao He heard these praises, a proud smile crossed his face.
Becoming a Great Master was an honor highly regarded among alchemists.
Another person chimed in, “If only I could become Master Zhao He’s apprentice, I would consider myself fortunate for the rest of my life. I’d wake up every day with a smile, even in my dreams!”
Zhao He’s ego inflated further. Suppressing his smile, he put on a dignified facade as he ascended the central stage. With a sly sidelong glance, he peered arrogantly at the crowd. He basked in the adoration and attention he was receiving from the nobles of the imperial city. He knew that he had achieved this status by stealing the Nuanxin Yiqi Pill recipe.
Yun Qiao from the Yun family was well aware that his prescription had been stolen, and that’s why he couldn’t approach the Yun family. But the prince, unaware of this fact, had extended an invitation.
Zhao He planned to immediately ally with Prince Feng Tianqi after receiving the title of Alchemist. He was confident that he could deceive the prince.
“Ninth Sister, did you know? Based on Master Zhao He’s accomplishments, the elder of the Dan Pavilion himself is overseeing this award ceremony. This is a unique honor in the history of Tianzong Kingdom.” Jun Xiaolei looked at Jun Jiu, her eyes filled with curiosity.
“Sister Jiu, are you really sure he is a liar?” she inquired earnestly.
“Believe it or not,” Jun Jiu replied with indifference.
“I believe you!” Jun Xiaolei nodded quickly, placing her trust in Jun Jiu. Though Jun Jiu was aloof, she believed her words implicitly.
Xiao Wu interjected with a mischievous thought: “I see through it, she’s another fan of your face! She wants to charm your owner as well.”
At this moment, the elder of the Dan Pavilion made his way to the stage. He nodded in Zhao He’s direction, his expression amicable. Everyone in the audience was amazed. “This is the most senior elder of the Dan Pavilion. His name is recorded in the annals of the Danzong. It’s a rare honor to have the esteemed elder present at this award ceremony,” people whispered.
Zhao He, standing on the stage, gleefully absorbed all the compliments and attention. Yet, he was aware that his current status was built upon the stolen Nuanxin Yiqi Pill recipe.
Yun Chongjin, standing among the crowd, was privy to this knowledge. He knew Zhao He’s prescription had been stolen but lacked concrete evidence. This put him in a tough spot.
Yun Chongjin frowned, unsure of how to proceed. He couldn’t allow Zhao He to gain any more prestige, especially when Zhao He was publicly acknowledged by the Dan Pavilion. Jun Jiu, intending to leave, was halted by Yun Chongjin. He stopped her with a purpose in mind. What was his plan?
Jun Jiu’s memories flashed, reminding her of Yun Qiao, the sickly second son of the Yun family and Yun Chongjin’s younger brother.
Suddenly, Yun Chongjin stepped onto the stage, his gaze fixed on Zhao He, filled with contempt. “How can a liar be awarded the title of Alchemist? This is an insult to our entire profession!”
The crowd was shocked by Yun Chongjin’s bold statement. The young master of the Yun family had just accused Master Zhao He of being a liar. This was a shocking revelation.
If it had been anyone else, they would have been jeered and ridiculed, for how could a renowned alchemist like Zhao He be a liar? However, because it was the young master of the Yun family making these claims, the crowd hesitated.
Zhao He saw this as an opportunity. He put on a show, appearing shocked and aggrieved. “Young Master Yun, how could you accuse me without evidence!”
Yun Chongjin’s accusations had drawn the attention of the entire Dan Pavilion. Yun Chongjin remained composed, his gaze penetrating Zhao He’s facade of deception.
Zhao He was nervous, as he realized that Yun Chongjin had no concrete evidence. Even if the girl who had presented the Nuanxin Yiqi Pill recipe was present, he could easily dismiss her claims. This recipe was his, and he intended to keep it that way.
Zhao He regained his confidence and launched into a passionate speech. “Young Master Yun, I, Zhao He, am a loyal citizen of the Tianzong Kingdom. My loyalty to the country supersedes my personal interests. My life’s work has been dedicated to serving the kingdom. How could you tarnish my reputation in this manner!”
Zhao He’s words resonated with the audience, swaying their opinion in his favor. They looked at Yun Chongjin with growing distrust and resentment.
Jun Jiu watched the situation unfold, her arms crossed. Zhao He was indeed a master of deceit. She had originally intended to leave but found herself intrigued by Yun Chongjin’s actions. Why had he chosen to confront Zhao He in this manner?
A memory resurfaced in Jun Jiu’s mind, recalling Yun Qiao, the frail and sickly second son of the Yun family and Yun Chongjin’s younger brother.
Amid the commotion, Feng Tianqi made his presence known. He leaned against the railing, drawing the attention of the crowd. Jun Yunxue stood beside him, creating a picture of elegance and beauty. Feng Tianqi, with admiration in his eyes, addressed the audience.
“Yun Chongjin, are you so desperate to steal Master Zhao He away from me that you would resort to
such malicious tactics to damage his reputation?” he declared.
Jun Yunxue also chimed in, “Indeed, Yun Chongjin. I didn’t expect such behavior from you.”
The crowd was taken aback. The young master of the Yun family and the prince were both competing for Zhao He’s favor, but their underhanded tactics had left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth.
Zhao He, seizing the opportunity, feigned shock and grief. “Young Master Yun, how could you do this to me? I, Zhao He, am a humble alchemist, serving the kingdom is my lifelong dream. To have my life’s work questioned like this is truly heartbreaking!”
Zhao He’s words stirred the emotions of those in the Dan Pavilion, garnering sympathy and support. He turned the situation around, making it appear as though he were the victim.
Xiao Wu, flabbergasted, muttered, “This guy has no shame. He’s shameless to the core!”
Jun Jiu remained silent, her eyes fixed on the unfolding drama. The more she watched, the more her desire for revenge burned within her. Feng Tianqi and Jun Yunxue, whom she once considered friends, had played a significant role in her downfall.
Looking down at the scene, Feng Tianqi continued to play the role of a concerned prince. “Yun Chongjin, you went to great lengths to tarnish Master Zhao He’s reputation just to gain his favor. You’ve gone too far,” he accused.
Jun Yunxue added her voice, “Yun Chongjin, you are indeed disappointing.”
The crowd’s sentiments shifted further against Yun Chongjin. He found himself caught in a web of lies and accusations. Upstairs, Yun Qiao watched helplessly.
As the young master of the Yun family teetered on the brink of being cast out by the furious crowd, Jun Jiu stepped forward. Her cold voice cut through the commotion, reaching the ears of everyone present. “Zhao He, do you dare to swear on your life that you are the true creator of the Nuanxin Yiqi Pill recipe?”