Chapter 49: Chapter 49: The Gift Presentation Segment
Lingyun Sect?
Never heard of it!
Initially, upon hearing Qu Luoning’s introduction, Ke Xu’s heart was filled with disdain.
Clearly, among the Ten Countries of the Profound Domain, the Chu Kingdom was the weakest overall.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that in the entire Chu Kingdom, including the Royal Family, there wasn’t any force truly worth his attention.
Thus, upon learning that Ji Chen was merely a Young Sect Leader from some sect in the Chu Kingdom, he couldn’t help but sneer.
However, when Qu Luoning mentioned that Ji Chen was also a Second Grade Alchemist, Ke Xu frowned and looked at Ji Chen again, with a hint of surprise on his face.
Evidently, he had never imagined that the other party would also be an Alchemist.
And even hold the status of a Second Grade Alchemist!
To know, before this year’s assessment, he himself was only a Second Grade, not much nobler than Ji Chen.
Most importantly, he could see that the person named Ji Chen before him was at least several years younger than himself!
When did the Chu Kingdom have such an Alchemy Dao genius?
However, despite his surprise, Ke Xu’s face quickly regained its usual arrogant expression.
After all, he was now a Third Grade Alchemist. In terms of status and other aspects, this was far beyond what Ji Chen could compare.
He spoke, "I didn’t expect Brother Ji to also be a fellow in the Alchemy Dao, this is truly a bit surprising."
"Achieving Second Grade Alchemist at such a young age is indeed not easy, but in the path of alchemy, the most important thing is to avoid being too impatient. Brother Ji, do not lose yourself by rushing too much for success."
His tone was as if he was admonishing a junior.
At his words, Ji Chen couldn’t help but chuckle.
Because, in his view, Ke Xu’s accomplishments were not enough to qualify him to utter such words before him.
Not to mention his previous life’s identity.
In terms of current achievements, Ji Chen could already refine Fourth Grade Elixirs, but he deliberately concealed it to avoid attention. Otherwise, in this year’s assessment, there would be no problem for Ji Chen to become a Fourth Grade Alchemist.
"Brother Ke should worry about yourself first; being only a Third Grade Alchemist at your age, I reckon when I reach your age, I wouldn’t be limited to that." Ji Chen smiled.
Although he didn’t want trouble, he wasn’t afraid of it either.
Now, Ke Xu was clearly intending to treat him as an easy target, so naturally, he wouldn’t treat the other politely.
"Such a big tone!"
Sure enough, upon hearing Ji Chen’s words, Ke Xu’s face immediately darkened, he rose, his face clearly showing anger.
"Everyone, today is the Queen’s birthday, please calm down."
Before he could say anything, the Eldest Princess stood up beside him.
Seeing this, Ke Xu could only snort coldly and return to his seat.
All around, everyone held their breath, not daring to speak.
Such an atmosphere made them involuntarily tense.
Obviously, with two genius Alchemists confronting each other, if they accidentally got involved, it would be a very troublesome matter.
"Dong..."
Just then, a loud drum sound echoed deep in the Imperial Palace.
This was the signal that the Queen’s birthday celebration was formally beginning.
Soon, led by Qu Luoning, Ji Chen and his party quickly got up and left, heading to the place where the birthday banquet was held.
Not long after, they arrived at a square.
Ji Chen found his seat, only to discover that he was arranged in the VIP seats.
At the front of the square, on a high platform, was the seat of Emperor Chu and the Queen of Chu.
On both sides of the platform, two rows of tables were set up. Led by the Eldest Princess, VIPs like Ji Chen were arranged to sit here.
Besides him, those seated were naturally either wealthy or influential.
Among them was Ke Xu, seated across from Ji Chen.
"Today is my birthday. Many present come from various sects or families of the Profound Domain. I offer everyone a toast. If there is any lack of hospitality, please forgive me."
At the frontmost high platform, beside Emperor Chu, the elegantly dignified Queen of Chu rose gracefully, wearing a Phoenix Crown.
With a smile, she raised her cup toward the crowd.
As the Empress of a kingdom, a model for the world, despite being in middle age, she appeared as if only in her thirties, possessing breathtaking charm, with features similar to Qu Luoning.
It is evident that when young, the Queen of Chu must have been a beauty of extraordinary allure.
After the Queen raised her cup, Emperor Chu smiled and raised his, toasting as well.
He seemed convivial, yet gave an impression of unspoken authority.
This was the Chu Kingdom’s strongest current force, Emperor Chu Qu Wentian!
It is rumored that a few years ago, Emperor Chu’s cultivation had reached the peak of the Ninth Layer of the Spirit Transformation Realm.
In recent years, no one knows whether he has taken that step to reach the Returning Ruins Realm level.
But without a doubt, in today’s Chu Kingdom, in terms of strength and status, no one could compare with this Emperor Chu.
After brief speeches, Emperor Chu casually chatted with the guests, mostly about trivial topics.
Soon, it was time for the gift presentation stage.
This was also the most anticipated part of the birthday banquet.
Especially at the Queen’s birthday banquet, many present were renowned figures in the Profound Domain, famous for years.
The gifts they brought were naturally not simple.
"Li Family from Qingcheng, wishes the Queen an endless long life, presenting a thousand-year-old Lingzhi!"
"Zhang Family from Yu City, wishes the Queen an endless long life, presenting a High Level Yellow Tier Martial Technique!"
"Wuji Sect, wishes the Queen an endless long life..."
As time passed, representatives from each sect and family came out orderly, presenting gifts they brought.
Whether it was a thousand-year Lingzhi or a High Level Yellow Tier Martial Technique, such gifts were enough to surprise everyone present.
Especially those guests seated in ordinary seats, seeing these gifts taken out, their eyes nearly turned green with envy.
Undeniably, the gifts given by these major forces were immensely valuable for those of medium and small powers, especially things like a High Level Yellow Tier Martial Technique, which could even change the fate of a sect.
"Ke Xu pays respects to Emperor Chu, Queen of Chu, today I come in my personal capacity, wishing the Queen an endless long life, presenting a Third Grade Elixir ’Beauty Pill’."
Soon, it was Ke Xu’s turn, only to see him walk out from his seat, not forgetting to cast a cold smile toward Ji Chen.
After speaking, he took out a Jade Bottle to show everyone.
The bottle contained an elixir, precisely the Beauty Pill he spoke of.