Chapter 48: Chapter 48: Ke Xu
Although Ji Chen’s cultivation is currently only at the Seventh Layer of the Vein Condensation Realm.
Relying on the advantage brought by his Nine Spirit Veins, he is confident he can contend with a typical Spirit Transformation Realm expert.
Moreover, with various trump cards and methods like the Supreme Scripture and the Cyan Emperor Sword, even if he encounters a Fourth or Fifth Layer Spirit Transformation Realm expert, even if defeated, protecting himself would not be an issue.
Besides, in Ji Chen’s view, although the Profound Domain is vast with many prodigies, among the younger generation, those who have achieved the Fourth or Fifth Layer of the Spirit Transformation Realm are absolutely few.
This also means that in the Ancient Ruins of Emperor Ye, there aren’t many who could truly pose a threat to him!
"Haha, apologies everyone, I’m a bit late."
At this moment, from outside the courtyard, came a burst of laughter.
Soon after, a man in blue walked in with a smile, entering the pavilion, he slightly raised his hand and cupped his fist towards those present.
"Ke Xu?!"
Initially, curiosity appeared on everyone’s faces, but when the man in blue came closer, they couldn’t help but be surprised.
Clearly, they recognized the newcomer’s identity.
"I’ve long heard of Brother Ke’s great name, never thought I’d have the pleasure of meeting you today, truly an honor!"
"Brother Ke, to achieve Third Grade Alchemist status at such a young age is truly admirable!"
Everyone stood up, cupping their fists with respect for him.
Third Grade Alchemist?
From their words, Ji Chen also learned of the newcomer’s identity.
Though surprised, Ji Chen did not expect there could be such a young Third Grade Alchemist in the Profound Domain.
Ke Xu, reputed to be the youngest alchemy talent in the entire Alchemy Master Alliance, at just twenty-three years old, becoming a Third Grade Alchemist, truly a standout in the younger generation of the Profound Domain.
Even the Eldest Princess Qu Luoning, hailed as a genius of both Pill and Martial Arts, has only just reached Second Grade.
"Please, everyone, take a seat, no need to be so polite. Speaking of which, becoming a Third Grade Alchemist involved quite a bit of luck." He said smiling.
Though he said so, Ji Chen saw no trace of modesty on his face, instead a hint of arrogance was evident.
Indeed, Ke Xu had recently passed the exam at the Alchemy Master Alliance to successfully advance to Third Grade Alchemist.
"Eldest Princess, two years have passed, yet your grace remains unchanged."
Under everyone’s gaze, Ke Xu stepped forward, coming before Qu Luoning, slightly cupping his fist.
Ji Chen could tell, it seemed this Ke Xu had some other intentions towards the Eldest Princess?
"Young Master Ke, coming from afar, you must be tired, please sit and rest." Qu Luoning spoke indifferently, seemingly uninterested in Ke Xu.
And it was indeed so.
Two years ago, they met at the Alchemy Master Alliance headquarters; even then, Qu Luoning could see Ke Xu was a deeply scheming person, leaving an impression similar to that of a gentlemanly villain.
Yet Ke Xu continued to pester her, often sending gifts with an intention of forming an alliance through marriage.
To which Qu Luoning naturally refused to accept.
Unexpectedly, for her mother’s birthday, he still came.
Despite Qu Luoning’s slightly cold demeanor, Ke Xu seemed already accustomed to it.
He shrugged indifferently and then scanned the entire scene.
Finally, his gaze fixed on a position next to Qu Luoning.
"Might my friend be willing to move, allowing me this spot?" He asked with a gentle smile.
And the one occupying that position was, without doubt, Ji Chen.
Upon hearing this, he was momentarily taken aback, then slightly frowned.
Clearly, Ji Chen could see Ke Xu had intentions toward the Eldest Princess, also recognizing the Eldest Princess’s cold response to Ke Xu.
Should he yield this seat or not?
He couldn’t help but smile wryly, he was merely here to sit casually, how did he unknowingly get dragged into trouble?
After contemplating, Ji Chen finally spoke, "Apologies, I’m quite comfortable here, there’s still a few empty seats around, why not find one, Brother Ke?"
With these words, Ke Xu’s smile froze instantly.
All those present were surprised as well.
The Eldest Princess too.
In her opinion, for Ji Chen to avoid trouble, the wisest choice would naturally be to stand and give up the seat.
Normally, most people would also choose this course.
Yet he neatly refused.
"This guy..."
Everyone around showed an intrigued expression.
Evidently, they could also tell Ke Xu was obviously interested in the Eldest Princess, and thus targeted Ji Chen’s position.
Because where he sat was closest to the Eldest Princess.
Whether Ji Chen didn’t understand Ke Xu’s intention towards the Eldest Princess, or simply didn’t want to stand and yield the position?
However, regardless of the reason, due to his refusal, the atmosphere had already become tense.
As a Third Grade Alchemist, it wouldn’t be an understatement to say, with such an identity, Ke Xu is not someone ordinary people could afford to offend, they would more or less give him some face.
Not to mention Ji Chen, even if it had been a prince of the Chu Kingdom, should Ke Xu ask, one would obediently get up.
"Look, isn’t there an empty seat over there? And the wine and fruits laid out remain untouched." Ji Chen suggested, indicating a vacant seat to his left.
Ke Xu had a stern expression, his eyes flashing with cold light.
Yet, to avoid embarrassment, he finally snorted coldly and found a seat on his own.
"This friend appears quite young, but to be sitting here, you must not be simple in identity, may I know your name?"
Unsurprisingly, shortly after sitting down, Ke Xu directly put Ji Chen on the spot.
The implication being, to test his name and background, for future trouble.
"I am Ji Chen, as for my status, I dare not compare with Brother Ke, merely a playboy Young Sect Leader." Ji Chen smiled.
Playboy Young Sect Leader?
Upon hearing this, Ke Xu frowned.
He clearly didn’t believe it.
Because at a gathering of this level, those present were either noble or wealthy. In his view, if it were true he’d simply be a playboy, he wouldn’t qualify to sit here.
Qu Luoning smiled and then said, "Young Master Ji is the Young Sect Leader of the Lingyun Sect within our Chu Kingdom, but besides that, he also holds an identity similar to ours, being an Alchemist, moreover, a Second Grade Alchemist."