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

**Chapter 381: The Provocation of the Alchemy Institute** "You’re not Ye Ling Long?" The person asked, momentarily taken aback. Ye Ling Long calmly nodded, "Yes, you've got the wrong person. I'm not who you're looking for." With that, she pivoted on her heel, intending to bypass the group and leave. Everyone behind her was left stunned, unable to process what had just happened, and for a moment, no one refuted her claim. Mu Mian Mian watched Ye Ling Long with admiration, envious of such a skill to tell blatant lies without batting an eye. Just as Ye Ling Long managed two steps and began to feel relieved at shaking off the confrontation, Chen Xiao Shao Ye’s voice rang out behind her, "Ye Ling Long, wait a moment." Ye Ling Long internally sighed, "..." This kid must lack some sense. Scolding him silently in her mind, she prepared to leave using her powers. But Chen Zi Kun raised his voice even louder when he saw Ye Ling Long about to leave, "Don't go! Aren't they looking for you?" The Alchemy Institute group: "..." This shout thoroughly snapped the Alchemy Institute members into understanding. The woman leading them looked as if her eyes were on fire. She raised her hand, pointing in Ye Ling Long’s direction, "Stop her!" Soon, over a dozen members of the Alchemy Institute surged forth, blocking Ye Ling Long's path and surrounding her. Little Hei, cradled in Ye Ling Long's arms, leapt out to the ground. It arched its back, baring its teeth at the crowd, growling lowly, though its diminutive size made the display rather cute. Seeing this, the Formation Institute people were displeased and immediately squeezed into the circle to support Ye Ling Long, confronting the Alchemy Institute crowd, "You guys from the Alchemy Institute are way too arrogant, causing trouble on our Formation Institute’s turf." Influenced by the deans of both institutes, the Formation and Alchemy Institutes had never been on good terms. Zou Guan Qing always disliked the hypocrisy of the Alchemy Institute, leading to the Formation Institute holding little regard for alchemists. Similarly, the Alchemy Institute looked down on the Formation Institute. They received the fewest students yearly, while the Alchemy Institute had the highest enrollment rate—one leading in negatives, the other in positives, a constant clash of disdain. Chen Zi Kun, feeling guilty for his blunder, stood by Ye Ling Long and quietly apologized, "Sorry~ I didn’t know they were here to cause you trouble." His eyes started to brim with tears. Ye Ling Long feared he might cry again, feeling a headache coming on. But thankfully, Chen Zi Kun sniffled twice and held back his tears. Seeing this, Ye Ling Long breathed a sigh of relief. She was quite wary of this young master, clearly a naive and doted child with no sense of caution. "It’s fine, just don’t cry," Ye Ling Long sighed. "You are Ye Ling Long. Why didn’t you admit it earlier? Afraid to confess?" a man and woman confronted her aggressively. Ye Ling Long sneered, "Whether I admit it or not is my choice. Why does it matter to you?" She disliked this woman the moment she spoke. Unlike the pampered young master Chen Zi Kun, this woman had calculating eyes. The man beside the woman began to speak, "We heard Master Hai has immense admiration for a Formation Institute student, so we at the Alchemy Institute wanted to see the person who outshines all of us. No ill intent." "Miss Ye needn't be so guarded." The man’s first words revealed him as more difficult than the woman—a typical wolf in sheep’s clothing, harboring hidden agendas. If the woman's schemes were on the surface, this man's were deeply buried. Ye Ling Long loathed this insincerity more than outright hostility. As expected, his words instantly stirred the Alchemy Institute people's fury. After all, Master Hai overlooked many of their students in favor of a Formation student, even sharing his insights and personal alchemy tools with them. To the Alchemy Institute crowd, it felt like a slap in the face, followed by being ground underfoot. "We refuse to accept this! You, a Formation person, why take our Alchemy Institute resources? Pick your path; if you chose formation, don’t cling to alchemy!" Alchemy Institute members began protesting. Formation Institute members retorted, "What do you mean clinging!" "Exactly, clinging. You’ve chosen formations, yet dabble in alchemy. Genius or not, you can’t master both—be careful or end up aimless in both fields!" … The debate quickly descended into chaos, resembling a flock of noisy ducks. Ye Ling Long grew impatient with the bickering. She had more important matters to attend to and abruptly interjected, "Alright, enough! What you want is a competition, right? How do you want to do this?" "Alchemy, then! Breaking Spirit Pills! If you lose, you’ll hand over Master Hai's alchemy notes and the cauldron!" the leading woman promptly responded, her eyes fiercely determined when mentioning Master Hai’s insights and tools. Mu Mian Mian, always well-informed, quietly informed Ye Ling Long about their opponent, "That woman is Tai Shi Yan, daughter of the Master of the Hun Yuan Immortal Sect. As the sole daughter, she's very pampered and showed immense talent in alchemy from a young age." "It's said the Hun Yuan Immortal Sect sought famous alchemists to tutor her; she's already an Advanced Alchemist at a young age." Hearing Mu Mian Mian's explanation, Ye Ling Long glanced at the young girl with some surprise, "Mian Mian, I'm impressed. You knew about Chen Zi Kun, and now Tai Shi Yan. Quite the wide network you have." Mu Mian Mian blushed, whispering, "I just take an interest in gossip." Ye Ling Long chuckled, saying no more. Knowing their opponent's identity, a hint of interest sparkled in her eyes. If it's a competition, there ought to be stakes. "I can agree to your terms, but you only mentioned my conditions if I lose. What about if you lose? You can't expect me to hand over notes and tools if I lose while you risk nothing." "I won't lose!!!" Tai Shi Yan declared confidently. Ye Ling Long shook her head, "That's not how it works. We haven't competed yet; how can you be sure you'll win? Or are you trying to get something for nothing?" "Ridiculous! Of course, not. If you win, I’ll give you this Soul-Nurturing Herb!" Tai Shi Yan offered. Upon hearing this, the man beside Tai Shi Yan was visibly surprised.