Chapter 247: Exchange of Views

Once again, things took an unexpected turn!

Ye Yuan, as the person directly involved, actually refused the appointment of the Supreme Elder!

The matter took many twists and turns, leaving the elders at a loss.

"Ye Yuan, are you worried about not being able to keep these lads in line? Don't worry, with me here, none of them will dare disobey you!"

Tian Feng hadn't expected Ye Yuan to refuse either, but he quickly realized what Ye Yuan was worried about.

Ye Yuan said, "That's not the reason. Disciple thanks the Supreme Elder for his kindness, but I truly cannot accept the position of Vice Hall Master!"

Tian Feng asked in surprise, "Why is that?"

"Disciple entered the sect to hone his martial arts, which is why I joined the Martial Hall. My strength is low, and I originally intended to compete with my fellow disciples in the Martial Hall. Once I take on the role of Vice Hall Master, it will no longer be convenient to spar with them." Ye Yuan gave a reason that surprised everyone.

"This... Your talent in alchemy is so extraordinary; pursuing martial arts is such a waste!" Tian Feng sighed.

An alchemist only needs to cultivate primal force, without worrying about combat ability. For a martial artist, primal force is merely the foundation for unleashing combat power; their goal is to maximize that combat power!

Tian Feng himself was an alchemist, and seeing Ye Yuan's prowess in alchemy, he naturally hoped Ye Yuan would follow the path of alchemy.

Little did he know, Ye Yuan's alchemy had already reached the pinnacle!

"Thank you for your esteem, Supreme Elder. But for now, martial arts are more important to me. I hope the Supreme Elder will grant my wish!" Ye Yuan said earnestly.

Seeing Ye Yuan's insistence, Tian Feng's face showed a hint of helplessness, and he had to say, "In that case, let it be. However, I will still give you the title of honorary elder. In the Alchemy Hall, your status will be no lower than theirs."

Upon hearing this, Yao Qian's mood, which had just improved, reverted to its original state.

An honorary elder is someone who doesn't have to manage Alchemy Hall affairs but can enjoy the benefits of an elder—a bit like getting paid without working.

In other words, once Ye Yuan accepted this appointment, he would be on equal footing with Yao Qian.

Just half a month ago, Yao Qian had been the reception envoy, planning to receive Ye Yuan into the sect, and had even said that Ye Yuan couldn't even hold onto his core disciple position.

But half a month later, Ye Yuan had transformed and was now on par with him—a real slap in the face.

"Refuse! Refuse!..." Yao Qian silently prayed that Ye Yuan would also reject the elder position.

"Since the Supreme Elder holds me in such high regard, then fine, I'll accept the honorary elder position. However, I hope the sect won't announce my identity or give me special treatment. Let me cultivate as an ordinary disciple."

Reality was cruel; Ye Yuan ended up accepting the appointment.

Ye Yuan knew that being an elder came with many benefits. Since it was only an honorary title, why not?

Within the Nethercloud Sect, elders had many responsibilities but also many privileges.

As an honorary elder, Ye Yuan didn't have to fulfill responsibilities—as a Spirit Liquid Realm cultivator, he couldn't fulfill them anyway—but he could still enjoy the privileges.

Only a fool would refuse!

Ye Yuan had guessed Tian Feng's intentions to some extent, which was why he firmly declined the Vice Hall Master position. Ye Yuan's time was precious, and he didn't want to waste it on sect affairs.

But the honorary elder position came with no such psychological burden.

"Haha, I'm glad you accepted. Otherwise, I wouldn't know how to thank you. Qingfeng, make an elder token for Ye Yuan later, but don't announce it to the disciples." Tian Feng breathed a sigh of relief when Ye Yuan agreed.

Luo Qingfeng acknowledged with a "yes," casting a complex glance at Ye Yuan.

Ye Yuan was the first person in the history of the Nethercloud Sect to be promoted to sect elder at the Spirit Liquid Realm!

Luo Qingfeng was also a smart man; he had guessed some of Tian Feng's intentions and had no objections.

For a declining sect, they were too eager to become strong!

Tian Feng swept his gaze over the crowd and sneered inwardly at the defiant expressions on many faces.

"After I go into seclusion, Qingfeng will take charge. All of you, assist him well! If you have any questions about alchemy, feel free to exchange views with Elder Ye Yuan. I believe he won't disappoint you!" Tian Feng said calmly.

Ye Yuan broke out in a cold sweat upon hearing this, but he couldn't defend himself at such a moment.

Wasn't this old man stirring up hatred against him?

The elders of the Martial Hall were fine, but the hostility from the Alchemy Hall elders was all too obvious!

Sure enough, as soon as Tian Feng finished speaking, Ye Yuan felt waves of intense fighting spirit.

The Alchemy Hall elders were indignant but dared not speak out. If looks could kill, Ye Yuan would have been dead several times over.

A mere初级 alchemist, and the Supreme Elder was comparing him to the elders? How ridiculous!

And although the Supreme Elder said "exchange views," everyone understood it meant "instruction"!

Even if Ye Yuan had truly completed the Seven Profound Soul Control Pill formula, it was probably just a fluke—he happened to know that formula.

As for Ye Yuan's actual skill level, they would never believe it was high!

Ye Yuan might have a formidable master behind him and could recite a few advanced formulas, but he was only in his teens. How profound could his understanding of alchemy be?

...

In the Alchemy Hall's meeting hall, a group of elders crowded around Ouyang Yu, some with reddened necks from arguing.

"Hall Master, I can't swallow this! I've devoted myself to alchemy for over a hundred and fifty years. I dare not claim mastery, but I can't be outdone by a mere teenager, can I?"

"Exactly! I have no objection to the Supreme Elder insisting on Ye Yuan being an honorary elder, but asking us all to seek his guidance? That's going too far!"

"The Supreme Elder clearly looks down on our Alchemy Hall! How can he do this? He himself came from the Alchemy Hall—how can he belittle us so? Are all of us quasi-Alchemy Kings inferior to a初级 alchemist?"

"I want to challenge him!"

"Right, I'll challenge him too! Let's see if Ye Yuan really has three heads and six arms!"

"Count me in!"

...

Everyone spoke at once, giving Ouyang Yu a headache.

But their words struck a chord with him.

Although Tian Feng hadn't named him specifically, he was clearly included.

Ouyang Yu was the Hall Master of the Alchemy Hall and its strongest alchemist, only one step away from becoming an Alchemy King.

Of course, that step was a chasm for him.

Someone of his standing was supposed to receive guidance from Ye Yuan, a初级 alchemist?

What a joke!

Ouyang Yu swept his gaze over the elders and said with a faint smile, "I didn't hear anything."

With that, he turned and left.

The elders were momentarily stunned, then exchanged knowing smiles.