Tyrant Sky Martial Soul

Chapter 1252: Chapter 1252: Inexplicable Hatred

”Perhaps. I have never claimed to be a Yellow Rank Senior Pharmacist. However, back when I was in the Heavenly Dragon Continent, the Apothecary Association branch there could only issue me a Yellow Rank Senior badge.”

Ling Xiao truly didn’t want to play the role of a meek pig and devour fierce tigers, but there simply had been no opportunity for him to raise his alchemist rank.

An Lian was utterly shocked. He stared at Ling Xiao and said, ”I’m a man of my word, always keeping my promises. Since I’ve lost to you, I’ll slap myself four times in front of everyone.”

”Hold on.”

Ling Xiao called out, ”Four slaps might not be enough, don’t you think?”

”What!”

An Lian’s face grew increasingly grim.

Even Jackson Le Grandmaster seemed slightly displeased. Ling Xiao appeared to be taking things too far, not letting go even when he had the upper hand.

”Fine, then I’ll slap myself ten times.”

An Lian gritted his teeth and said.

”Senior An Lian has misunderstood. As long as you admit your mistake, there’s no need for the slaps. Earlier, I merely wanted to remind the senior not to judge people shallowly through a narrow door crack; it’s too easy to belittle them. Since you already recognize your error, I’m not an unreasonable person.”

Ling Xiao smiled as he spoke.

Forcing An Lian to slap himself wouldn’t bring Ling Xiao any true satisfaction. Instead, it might stir deep hatred in the man, an unnecessary consequence.

Ling Xiao was not someone who pressed his advantage without cause. Unless provoked to an extreme degree, he would not retaliate with severity.

”An Lian, your magnanimity is not even comparable to that of a child.”

Jackson Le Grandmaster chuckled lightly and said.

”Ancestor speaks the truth. I admit my error.”

An Lian recalled his previous attitude, hellbent on humiliating Ling Xiao. Yet Ling Xiao had won and spared him. If he had been forced to slap himself in front of everyone today, he truly wouldn’t have the face to show himself in public again.

”As for the results of today’s test, I believe there’s no need for further elaboration. Ling Xiao took first place with ten formulas. Dan Qing placed second, and Ji Luoyu came third. All twenty-one participants passed the test, which proves that our preliminary list was fairly reliable.”

Jackson Le Grandmaster smiled and said, ”But let me remind everyone—in those rankings beyond the top twenty, there might well be individuals stronger than you. Ling Xiao himself is a prime example of such an exception. He surely isn’t the only one. Today’s test was merely a trial. Tomorrow’s main alchemy tournament will be the true feast. I hope none of you embarrass yourselves or tarnish my name.”

”Yes!”

Those ranked among the top twenty were all seasoned experts, and their confidence ran deep. They would not permit another Ling Xiao to emerge.

Defeated by Ling Xiao in today’s test, they were determined not to lose tomorrow in the alchemy tournament.

”That’s all for today. Go back, rest well, and show your true skills tomorrow!”

”Understood!”

The participants bid farewell to An Lian and Jackson Le Grandmaster before departing.

They understood, of course, that tomorrow would see the arrival of prominent figures in the alchemist community. Thus, their most polished tricks and hidden talents would not be revealed until then.

Losing to Ling Xiao in today’s test wasn’t a big deal; they could reclaim their victories tomorrow.

”Brother Ling, wait a moment!”

Just as Ling Xiao was preparing to leave, Dan Qing intercepted him.

”What is it, Brother Dan Qing? Do you have advice to offer?”

Ling Xiao asked indifferently.

”Advice? I wouldn’t dare. I’m just surprised to see how extraordinary Brother Ling truly is. I must admit I’ve underestimated a gem like you.”

Dan Qing’s smile was insincere, his words dripping with veiled disdain.

”You’re too kind. It’s nothing but a minor skill. I’ve merely read a few more books and gleaned a bit more knowledge; it’s no big deal.”

Ling Xiao responded impassively.

”Haha, Brother Ling is truly modest. But, in my view, you likely had prior knowledge of the test questions, didn’t you? After all, the ancestor favors you greatly.”

A flame stirred in Dan Qing’s heart.

It was a flame of jealousy.

Even with the undeniable results laid bare, he couldn’t reconcile with them, nor believe that Ling Xiao was stronger than him.

Considering that Ling Xiao had been brought here by Jackson Le Grandmaster, Dan Qing became convinced that the ancestor had shared the test details with Ling Xiao beforehand, enabling Ling Xiao to excel.

It was the only logical explanation!

He firmly believed that during the main tournament, Jackson Le Grandmaster couldn’t and wouldn’t do likewise, as the test content wouldn’t be revealed until the three key alchemists announced it.

Without Jackson Le Grandmaster’s assistance, Dan Qing was certain he would outshine Ling Xiao. There was no way he’d lose to an unknown figure like Ling Xiao.

Such is human nature.

When a person accustomed to being the center of attention and achieving top rankings suddenly encounters someone younger who excels far beyond them, their mindset inevitably falters. They search for all kinds of seemingly reasonable excuses to comfort themselves.

A classic case of self-deception.

Ling Xiao smiled faintly; he was all too familiar with this type of behavior.

From the Ling Family to Yunkong City to Moon Hua Sect, every time he—a so-called insignificant figure—achieved notable success, there would always be geniuses emerging to pick at his flaws.

Thus, with Dan Qing’s words, Ling Xiao saw no need for explanation.

He merely smiled and said, ”As long as it pleases you, Brother Dan Qing, you may think as you wish. Goodbye!”

At present, any explanation would fall on deaf ears; instead, it might be misconstrued as desperation.

Such futile efforts were not something Ling Xiao was inclined to invest in.

Better to await the alchemy tournament and let reality silence this fellow completely.

An apt saying goes—don’t bother talking when action suffices.

To slap someone in the face, do it with undeniable facts; the impact is far greater.

With a faint chuckle, Ling Xiao turned and left.

Glaring daggers at Ling Xiao’s distant figure, Dan Qing’s internal flame burned ever fiercer.

”Just wait, Ling Xiao. Not only will I claim the tournament championship, but I’ll also make sure Fengming Piaoxue marries me right in front of you!”

Yet, in the next instant, he saw Fengming Piaoxue chasing after Ling Xiao.

”Ling Xiao, wait! I need to speak with you.”

Like a graceful butterfly, Fengming Piaoxue flitted toward Ling Xiao, her face alight with joy.

Dan Qing felt a sharp, piercing pain in his chest, as though his heart was being mercilessly pinched.

”Ling Xiao, you damn bastard! Stolen love, stolen pride—I swear I’ll make you my sworn enemy!”

The truth was, Dan Qing hadn’t married Fengming Piaoxue, nor had Ling Xiao courted her.

But in Dan Qing’s mind, it was as though Ling Xiao had committed the ultimate crime by stealing her from him. The origins of his fury and hatred were utterly irrational.

”Dan Qing, do you despise him?”

In the now-empty hall, only Jackson Le Grandmaster and Dan Qing remained. Like a ghost, Jackson Le Grandmaster suddenly appeared beside Dan Qing with a smile.

”I wouldn’t dare.”

Dan Qing shook his head.

”It’s wiser not to hate him. He holds no interest in Piaoxue, meaning there’s no fundamental conflict between you two. Provoking him won’t benefit you. You’d do well to avoid it.”

Jackson Le Grandmaster shook his head. Recalling Ling Xiao’s dominance during the long-street battle, he couldn’t help but feel concerned for Dan Qing.

Whoever dared to offend Ling Xiao—could they possibly escape unscathed?