Top-tier Unruly Master

At this moment, Sun Long heard the cultivator on his side secretly speaking in his favor, and he cast a grateful look at the people around him. Seizing the moment before the City Lord spoke, he continued,

"I also agree with everyone's opinion: it's best to have fewer changes and let this session of the Great Alchemy Competition proceed smoothly!"

Hearing these words, Elder Wang began to ponder. He knew very well that Ding Lin's character was clearly beyond reproach, and he didn't distrust Ding Lin's alchemy level either. However, Elder Wang also knew that, at the moment, he was the only one who truly understood Ding Lin. It was understandable that the others had some reservations about Ding Lin.

Nevertheless, Elder Wang remained deeply unsettled by Sun Long's initial vehement opposition. He couldn't comprehend why Sun Long was so strongly opposed. Even if he objected, it shouldn't have been that intense. A hint of suspicion towards Sun Long emerged in Elder Wang's heart — he had never had a good impression of this Vice City Lord, particularly due to his disreputable son, who constantly brought disgrace to the City Lord Mansion.

In fact, Sun Long's son could essentially do as he pleased in Dancheng. This wasn't just something Elder Wang knew; many elders present were aware of it, and even the City Lord knew about some of these things. However, since Sun Long was the only Vice City Lord, the City Lord clearly couldn't say much, and thus turned a blind eye.

"In that case, we shall discuss this matter later!"

The City Lord heard the objections from Sun Long and others, and it was clear he couldn't make a decision now. After all, he wasn't fully confident about the matter. But if, as Vice City Lord Sun Long suggested, the other party not only had character issues but also cheated in the first round of the competition, then awarding the champion reward to them was evidently unwise.

Thus, the City Lord decisively rejected his initial decision. Though he had intended to deliberate with everyone, with such opposition, he could no longer insist on his stance. After all, if the situation was truly as Sun Long described, the losses for the City Lord Mansion would undoubtedly be significant. As the City Lord, all decisions naturally prioritized Dancheng's interests.

At that moment, Sun Long felt a sense of relief in his heart, knowing that as long as the Great Alchemy Competition proceeded normally, his plan could be smoothly implemented, and the Golden Silk Protective Clothing would naturally become his own.

...

Shortly thereafter, the meeting in the City Lord Mansion concluded. Evidently, Sun Long was quite satisfied with this meeting, and something about it amazed him — it was a close call, and the Golden Silk Protective Clothing almost went to Ding Lin. This made him detest Ding Fan even more, and it became clear to Sun Long that Ding Lin must be eliminated.

Sun Long then returned to his mansion and summoned his butler as soon as he entered his room.

"Go send word to Sun Hua, act now!"

"Yes!"

The elder who heard Sun Long's words replied with serious determination before quickly exiting.

By now, Sun Long was growing impatient; after all, the City Lord had already placed significant emphasis on Ding Lin. They had almost awarded the champion reward of the Great Alchemy Competition to him today, which was simply unbelievable! The competition had only just completed its first phase, and Sun Long was determined to obtain the Golden Silk Protective Clothing.

Even cultivators at the Divided Spirit stage would covet such an item. Sun Long wondered why the City Lord would offer such a fine treasure as the competition's champion reward, though it worked to his advantage, as he could find a way to acquire it.

Then Sun Long called in a middle-aged man, whose gentle appearance made him resemble a scholar. Seeing Sun Long, the man respectfully said,

"Greetings, City Lord Sun."

"Good. Do you know why I've called you here?"

Sun Long looked at the man with a cunning glint in his eyes, speaking with serious intent.

The middle-aged man, hearing Sun Long's words, was taken aback, clearly unsure why he had been summoned. Named Zhang Hao, he was one of the participating alchemists in this Great Alchemy Competition. He had only just made it to the second round by refining a Second Grade Medicine Pill. He was originally in his room studying alchemy, but was brought here unexpectedly.

Zhang Hao hadn't expected to be summoned by Dancheng's Vice City Lord. Knowing his mediocre performance in the competition thus far, he couldn't fathom why the Vice City Lord was seeking him out. He had aimed to showcase his alchemy skills in this competition, hoping to catch the attention of a Sect.

If a Sect recognized his talent, entering it for cultivation and alchemy would be a great opportunity. Yet he hadn't expected to be approached by City Lord Mansion officials, let alone the Vice City Lord. This was surprising, and he harbored a hint of hope. If the City Lord Mansion favored him, it would be an even better opportunity.

After all, Dancheng's City Lord Mansion is different from other city lord mansions, it is obviously a very powerful existence. Furthermore, it should be known that Dancheng is essentially a city where everyone worships alchemy, clearly making the spiritual material resources here extraordinarily abundant. Staying here is obviously very advantageous for Zhang Hao.

"How do you feel about your performance in this Great Alchemy Competition? Do you think any sect will take notice of you?"

At this moment, Sun Long looked at the other party with a gaze seemingly full of mockery as he asked the question.

Hearing Sun Long's words, Zhang Hao couldn't help but feel a bit despondent. Clearly, his performance in the Great Alchemy Competition was quite mediocre, not even reaching an average level. He hadn't expected this year's Great Alchemy Competition to have so many alchemy masters, it was simply unexpected, especially that Ding Lin, who was nothing short of monstrous, refining a Supreme Quality Medicine Pill in less than half an hour.

This is simply unbelievable! It's known that some powerful forces already have their eyes on Ding Lin, while someone like himself, akin to a tiny ant, plainly lacks the ability to attract others' attention or to possess such skill. At this moment, a great sense of loss crept into Zhang Hao's heart, although this was only the first round of the competition, with two more rounds to go. Still, even at this first round alone, one could already see the strength of the alchemists participating in this Great Alchemy Competition.

Clearly, there were far too many masters, something Zhang Hao obviously hadn't anticipated. Consequently, Zhang Hao said despondently to Sun Long:

"There are too many masters, and I'm too insignificant!"

Upon hearing those words, Sun Long couldn't help but smile blandly, evidently very pleased, as it seemed he had found the right person. He then spoke with great assurance to comfort the other:

"Don't lose heart, Alchemist Zhang Hao. I think your alchemy level is quite good. You must understand that being an alchemist is already an impressive existence, after all, in the Cultivation World, alchemists are highly respected. It's certainly a rare profession and extremely important to cultivators."

"City Lord Sun, please don't comfort me! Although I am indeed an alchemist, which cultivator doesn't have aspirations, which alchemist doesn't wish to become a Grade Nine Alchemist? But for me, this is really too difficult! Even when I return to my hometown, I don't have many cultivation resources..."

At this moment, hearing Sun Long's words, Zhang Hao couldn't help but feel incredibly despondent, clearly facing a very unfavorable situation. It was evident that wanting to advance further would be very difficult. Although it's said that being an alchemist is a very respected profession, it also depends on who one faces. Zhang Hao clearly understood that facing someone like the Vice City Lord, he felt no sense of superiority. After all, we are talking about the Vice City Lord whose cultivation far exceeds his own, and although the Vice City Lord is not an alchemist, many alchemists serve him, any one of whom could likely surpass him.

"Well then! I'll be straightforward! Are you interested in our City Lord Mansion? We would like to invite you to join us!"

At this moment, Sun Long observed the other party's demeanor, making it clear that it was time to discuss serious matters. He wanted the other person to clearly recognize reality, and apparently, they did so better than he had imagined. Consequently, Sun Long directly said.

"Really? Really? Am I dreaming?"

Upon hearing Sun Long's words, Zhang Hao felt an enormous shock in his heart, not expecting the Vice City Lord to personally invite him to join the City Lord Mansion. This was simply too astonishing! It was something he wouldn't even dare to dream of, yet here it was, happening right before his eyes.

"Don't get too excited yet, we are willing to let you join, but there are conditions! You must put in the effort!"

Looking at the visibly excited Zhang Hao, Sun Long could not help but say quite confidently.

"I agree to any conditions! I will definitely strive!"

Upon hearing Sun Long's words, Zhang Hao couldn't help but remark earnestly. Clearly, to be allowed to join the City Lord Mansion, he would do anything! After all, entering the City Lord Mansion meant gaining a significant amount of cultivation resources, which would obviously be very important for Zhang Hao, as his goal is to become a Grade Nine Alchemist. Clearly, these resources are crucial.

At this moment, Sun Long couldn't help but find it amusing seeing the other party's appearance, then spoke with an air of skepticism:

"If you can achieve first place in the second round of the competition, I can let you join the City Lord Mansion. Can you do it?"

Upon hearing these words, Zhang Hao was stunned for a moment, having entirely not expected this condition, which required him to achieve first place in the second round. This was a rather daunting task! Immediately, Zhang Hao's expression became unpleasant, for he was acutely aware that achieving even the top ten, let alone first place, was a tremendously challenging task.

After all, in this year's Great Alchemy Competition, there were simply too many masters, and even if other masters were not counted, just Ding Lin's existence alone made it entirely impossible for him to secure first place! After all, Ding Lin could refine Supreme Quality Medicine Pills, and his alchemy level was unquestionably extraordinary!