374 - Rebirth of a Star: Another Day, Another Drama

Chapter 374: The Anger of Master Hai Master Hai stepped forward decisively, confronting Ye Linglong. "Are you an alchemist? Is your surname Ye? Did you sell a batch of Spirit Breaking Pills a few days ago?" He bombarded her with a series of questions, leaving Ye Linglong somewhat bewildered. After a moment, she nodded. "Yes, I did sell a batch of Spirit Breaking Pills recently." Hearing this, Zhou Guanqing immediately sensed trouble. He quickly pulled his apprentice behind him, saying, "What’s your problem, Hai? This is my apprentice. Stay away from her." He then shot a glare at Hai and hastily dragged Ye Linglong away without even bothering with formalities. Master Hai was left standing there, his face filled with anger. Back at the Array Institute, Zhou Guanqing finally released Ye Linglong and, with a serious expression, warned her, "My dear apprentice, you must keep your distance from that Hai fellow. He’s full of schemes and not a good person. Don’t fall for his tricks, you hear?" Ye Linglong chuckled, nodding. "I understand, Master. I'm not some prized possession." Zhou Guanqing shook his head vigorously. "You don’t get it. Someone like you is very much a prized possession." He deeply regretted showing off his talented apprentice to that Hai character, particularly since he had discovered she was a profound-level alchemist. If he’d known, he wouldn’t have bragged about her. Now, he was sure that Hai would try to snatch his student away. Beset with this worry, Zhou Guanqing quickly decided, "I can't let that guy steal you away. You can’t stay here. I'll give you a pass to the library. Go study the array formations there." Thinking it was the best option, Zhou Guanqing thrust an intricately carved token into Ye Linglong's hand. "Yes, go now. Since your alchemy level is already profound, there’s no reason for your array skills to lag at yellow level. Quickly, go improve them." He prepared to take her to the library immediately. Ye Linglong protested with a chuckle, "Master, no need to rush. I still have friends at the Body Cultivation Institute. At least let me inform them." Zhou Guanqing was impatient by nature and hurriedly led her to the Body Cultivation Institute. "No time, I'll take you there. What if Hai shows up in the meantime? Quickly say a few words and head to the library." Thus, Ye Linglong found herself dragged straight to the Body Cultivation Institute by Zhou Guanqing. Upon arrival, they noticed everyone was anxiously waiting outside the assessment area, their expressions grave. Zhou Guanqing brusquely approached a burly man. "Xiao He, get my apprentice’s friend out here." The man was momentarily taken aback by Zhou Guanqing’s appearance, unsure if it really was him. "Master Zhou?" Zhou Guanqing was displeased. "What, you don’t recognize me once I’m cleaned up?" Actually, it was more than just cleaned up; he seemed like a different person altogether. Still, Xiao He didn’t dare comment, only casting a curious glance at Ye Linglong standing behind Zhou Guanqing, wondering when Master Zhou had taken on an apprentice. "What's your apprentice's friend's name?" "..." Zhou Guanqing drew a blank. Ye Linglong quickly interjected, "Feng Li." The mention of this name caused everyone’s expressions to change dramatically as they turned their gazes to the large, closed door. Xiao He broke out into a cold sweat, a bitter smile stretching across his face. "Right now, Master Zhou, it’s probably not possible to call him out." Zhou Guanqing frowned. "Why not? Is he not from your institute?" Xiao He replied, "He is, but..." His gaze turned toward the door as he explained the situation—that Feng Li had entered the highest difficulty challenge and hadn’t emerged yet, with no news from inside. This left only one conclusion: Feng Li was still undergoing the assessment and hadn’t yet been defeated. Xiao He added brightly, "Master Zhou, he’s a promising body cultivation talent. No one since our institute's founding has lasted this long in the highest challenge." Realizing Feng Li wouldn’t be out anytime soon, Zhou Guanqing felt restless. Unless his talented apprentice entered the library, he couldn't relax. With the division of the institute yet uncertain, anything could happen. What if Hai managed to lure his apprentice away during this time? That alchemist was known for being convincing. Ultimately, Zhou Guanqing promised to take good care of Ye Linglong’s friend and swiftly escorted her to the library. The library was located in the deepest part of the Celestial Spirit Academy. As soon as Ye Linglong entered, she felt a spiritual sense sweep over her before an ancient voice demanded, "Token." Zhou Guanqing presented the token, which was examined by the spiritual presence. "Only one person can stay." In response, Zhou Guanqing explained, "I’m leaving now. Only my apprentice will stay. Please take care of her for the next month." After a month, the institute's matters would be settled. "Fine. She stays, you may leave," the ancient voice agreed. After a few final words to Ye Linglong, Zhou Guanqing withdrew, leaving Ye Linglong to explore the vast library alone. ... In the Alchemy Institute, Master Hai returned with a grim expression, causing several teachers to become anxious. It had been a long time since anyone had seen Master Hai upset. Normally, he was gentle and rarely lost his temper, but when he did, it was terrifying. "Master Hai!" "Master Hai!" Colleagues greeted him. Master Hai looked at them calmly before speaking, "Was it Wang Er who handled the recruitment this time? Bring him to me." At this, one teacher's face turned pale, sweat beading on his forehead. "Master Hai, did Wang Er do something to anger you?" Master Hai fixed his gaze, calm yet imposing, on the teacher, causing him to tremble. "Oh, Wang Er is your relative, isn’t he? It’s bad enough he flaunts the Alchemy Institute’s name, but now he’s gone and altered the recruitment list himself, sending an alchemy prodigy to the Array Institute. Quite impressive." At this accusation, the teacher’s knees buckled, and he knelt, consumed by one thought: Damn that Wang Er! He’s ruined me!