The Extreme Alchemist of the Mighty Cauldron

“It appears that my reputation in the Pill Sect has diminished,” the young man said, touching his nose in embarrassment and stifling a laugh.

Upon hearing this, surprise flashed across Fang Lin’s face. “So you’re Ouyang Jing?”

Seeing Fang Lin’s stunned reaction, Ouyang Jing was nearly moved to tears. He quickly gathered himself and felt relieved that someone still recognized him.

As for Dugu Nian, she showed no reaction since she had no idea who Ouyang Jing was. She was merely curious about his identity as a Second Cauldron Pill Refiner.

“Indeed, it is I. Though we seem to be unfamiliar with each other. I haven’t been in the Pill Sect for a while, so I am not sure what to call the two of you?” Ouyang Jing laughed, devoid of any air of arrogance that would typically accompany one of the Four Elites of the Pill Sect, making him seem refreshing.

Fang Lin responded with a formal salute, “My name is Fang Lin. I am currently a lower-rank disciple. She is Dugu Nian, not a member of the Pill Sect, but hailing from the Dugu Family.”

Ouyang Jing’s eyebrows rose in intrigue as he turned to look at Dugu Nian, surprise coloring his features.

Clearly, Dugu Nian’s association with the Dugu Family made him view her in a new light.

“Fang Lin? I think I’ve heard that name before. Are you the same Fang Lin who shocked everyone with an ancient skill known as the Shaking Three Mountains?” Ouyang Jing gazed at Fang Lin, even more surprised.

Fang Lin responded with a small nod of acknowledgment.

Now it was Ouyang Jing’s turn to be stunned. Although he had been involved with the Pill Alliance previously, he had heard a fair number of rumours about Fang Lin.

The most remarkable of them all was the battle of Alchemy Tao between Fang Lin and Dugu Nian. Whether it was the Micro Gold Pupil skill or the Shaking Three Mountains, both were enough to turn their battle into a significant event attracting public attention.

In no time, Fang Lin’s name was known all over Qian Country. Everybody knew that the Pill Sect had brought forth a young genius in Alchemy Tao, demonstrating astonishing talents and mastery over the ancient skill, the Shaking Three Mountains.

The Pill Alliance is known for its access to information. The emergence of an

Alchemy Tao prodigy like Fang Lin would without a doubt attract their

attention.

One of the reasons for Ouyang Jing’s return to the Pill Sect was to meet Fang Lin and ascertain if he was as formidable as the rumours suggested.

He hadn’t expected to run into him, and even Dugu Nian, on his way to the Bamboo View Gathering.

The image of the pair squatting on the ground, playing with a squirrel, made Ouyang Jing stifle a pervading twitch of perplexion. It was vastly different from what he had heard about them.

“Ouyang, it’s surprising to run into you here, and I’ve admired you for a long time. Finally, I get to meet you,” Fang Lin said with a grin.

Dugu Nian glanced at Fang Lin dismissively. It was just a Second Cauldron Pill Refiner after all. Look at how pathetic you are acting.

Dugu Nian couldn’t understand why Fang Lin was so admiring of Ouyang Jing.

What Fang Lin admired about Ouyang Jing wasn’t his status or identity, or even his position as a Second Cauldron Pill Refiner.

It was Ouyang Jing’s defiance against the suppression of Gu Daofeng and his way of fighting back.

Being in an era that felt alien to him, Fang Lin was eager to make the acquaintance of someone who seemed quite similar to himself.

“You flatter me, Fang Lin. I’m afraid my reputation isn’t something to brag about,” Ouyang Jing said, shaking his head with a smile.

Fang Lin appeared to smile with a meaningful gaze, “Back in the day, I admired your achievements in the Pill Sect, Ouyang. As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t mind telling you that my current situation somewhat mirrors your past experiences.”

Upon hearing this, Ouyang Jing understood the implications behind Fang Lin’s words. He simply nodded, choosing not to comment further.

“You both seem to be heading to the Bamboo View Gathering as well. Why not join me?” suggested Ouyang Jing.

With no objections from Fang Lin or Dugu Nian, the three of them proceeded towards the Ten Thousand Bamboo Forest at the back mountain.

Upon their arrival at the Ten Thousand Bamboo Forest, their eyes were greeted with a verdant expanse of bamboo plants that swayed in the eastern wind.

Being in the heart of the bamboo forest felt like wandering through a sea of green; the air was remarkably fresh.

In his previous life, Fang Lin had a fondness for bamboo. His character resembled that of bamboo – no matter how severe the winds, bamboo remained firm and unyielding.

As they walked, Fang Lin and Ouyang Jing engaged in several discussions, instantly finding common ground. They particularly related over the suppressions they had faced, reflecting their experiences as amusing and worth pondering over.

Dugu Nian was inquisitive about the Pill Alliance – her thoughtful expression tipped Fang Lin off that she was considering undergoing the Second Cauldron Pill Refiner assessment in the near future.

In truth, it wasn’t surprising. Dugu Nian’s skills were indeed worthy of the Second Cauldron rank, but in Fang Lin’s opinion, Dugu Nian still needed more time to consolidate her skills.

Arriving in the depths of the bamboo forest, they saw many others had already assembled, engaged in cheerful conversation.

Ouyang Jing’s appearance caused a ripple of excitement within the gathering.

“Greetings, Ouyang,” said about ten Pill Sect disciples, standing in respect.

Despite his infrequent presence in the Pill Sect, Ouyang Jing’s past renown was deeply established, making him the object of much respect.

Fang Lin noticed that three individuals did not follow suit in paying their respect to Ouyang Jing like the other Pill Sect disciples.

Naturally, these three were the remaining members of the Four Elites of the Pill Sect, including Meng Chaoyang, whom Fang Lin knew.

“Ouyang, we haven’t seen you around in a while.

Ouyang Jing nodded subtly in response, “I haven’t been back in a while. I thought I’d drop by today, all of you continue to glow with vitality.”

“We can’t be compared to you, gallivanting freely outside. We don’t have that liberty,” Meng Chaoyang said with a chuckle.

On the other hand, Ding Xuanji maintained a cold expression, his gaze fixed on Fang Lin.

Initially, Fang Lin didn’t recognize Ding Xuanji and Yu Qiufan. However, he had heard that Ding Xuanji was a rather aloof person, always wearing a cold look. Seeing the man staring at him, Fang Lin mused that the person was likely Ding Xuanji.

As for the seemingly approachable young man, he must be Yu Qiufan.

All of the Four Elites of the Pill Sect were present!

Fang Lin silently marveled. These four were the most outstanding figures in the Pill Sect, each of them held status no less elevated than the Sect Elders, backed by a significant amount of power.

Compared to them, Fang Lin indeed had a long way to go.

Of course, he was not behind in knowledge of Alchemy Tao, but rather in reputation and power.

If it came to Alchemy Tao knowledge, multiple groups of the Four Elites were not worthy of Fang Lin’s attention.

In terms of martial arts, Fang Lin was now capable of taking on all four of them alone.

Fang Lin could see that the relationship between Ouyang Jing and the remaining three Elites was strained.

Especially with Ding Xuanji, who didn’t speak a word to Ouyang Jing. Then again, Meng Chaoyang did have a decent relationship with Ouyang Jing.

As for Yu Qiufan, although he spoke with Ouyang Jing, it felt forced, and his manner radiated insincerity..