Novel Full Chapter 1605: 1702: The Scent of Conspiracy
Chapter 1605: Chapter 1702: The Scent of Conspiracy
Fang Lin not only did not retreat a single step, but he even easily blocked all of Ying Tianzheng’s offensive moves.
No matter how fierce and sharp Ying Tianzheng’s offensive was, Fang Lin responded with unchanging defense against all changes, standing firm as Mount Tai.
The more Ying Tianzheng fought, the more something felt off. Fang Lin had actually blocked all of his offensive moves without showing the slightest sign of panic or disorder.
This made Ying Tianzheng highly skeptical. Is Fang Lin really just a Pill Refiner? Could it be that his actual proficiency lies in Martial Arts?
However, Ying Tianzheng immediately shook the thought off in his mind. It was absolutely impossible. A person’s energy is limited. Even if one were truly a genius in both Alchemy and Martial Arts, they would have to make a choice between the two. Devoting oneself to Martial Arts would inevitably stagnate one’s Alchemy Tao proficiency, and focusing on Alchemy would mean their Martial Arts prowess would only be mediocre.
If one were too greedy and tried to excel in both, they would end up being subpar in both areas.
Ying Tianzheng acknowledged that Fang Lin was a genius, but only as a talent in the Alchemy Tao. However, the Martial Arts prowess Fang Lin was displaying now also shocked Ying Tianzheng, and he couldn’t help but start to have doubts.
Fang Lin remained calm and composed throughout, effortlessly handling Ying Tianzheng’s fierce offensive. Although he seemed to be at a disadvantage, he managed to steadfastly defend his stance, not giving Ying Tianzheng any chance to take advantage.
The dignitaries above Tang Tower, all being astute observers, could naturally discern the actual situation of the bout between the two.
The two royal experts who accompanied Ying Tianzheng exhibited a touch of worry and confusion. It was evident that they felt their Crown Prince would have a difficult time securing victory.
“Master Fang’s Martial Arts prowess is indeed remarkable. How did he cultivate it? Despite having such high Alchemy talent, he also possesses an astonishing level of Martial Arts ability,” a Sect leader couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.
The Head of the Ling Family sneered from the side: “Perhaps he abandoned Alchemy and devoted himself solely to Martial Arts.”
Another Family Head from an Alchemy Tao lineage added: “If that’s the case, it’s hard to say whether he retains the ability of a Five Cauldrons Pill Refiner.”
Many Grandmasters of the Alchemy Tao World nodded in agreement, obviously sharing the same thought.
Whether it’s Martial Arts or Alchemy, both are like sailing against the current; if you don’t advance, you will fall behind.
If a Pill Refiner neglects Alchemy practice for a long time, their proficiency will naturally regress.
These Grandmasters of the Alchemy Tao World, seeing Fang Lin display such astonishing Martial Arts ability, all assumed that Fang Lin had forsaken the path of Alchemy for Martial Arts. Therefore, they began to doubt whether Fang Lin still maintains the Alchemy proficiency befitting a Master of Pill.
“If Master Fang no longer possesses the ability of a Five Cauldrons Pill Refiner, then this Grandmaster title seems inappropriate,” the Head of the Ling Family said with a laugh.
Upon hearing these words, everyone understood what the Head of the Ling Family was implying; he was probably considering how to strip Fang Lin of his status as a Master of Pill.
Although whether Fang Lin held the Grandmaster title was of little significance, losing that status and the Five Cauldrons Pill Refiner identity would mean Fang Lin might no longer enjoy his current high profile in the Alchemy Tao World or the reverence of countless Pill Refiners.
“I have a suggestion, why not have Fang Lin undergo a test after their bout is over to see if he still has the strength of a Five Cauldrons Pill Refiner. If he doesn’t, I hope the two of you will revoke his Five Cauldrons status and announce it throughout the Alchemy Tao World,” suggested an old Pill Refiner with white hair, looking toward Dragon Haotian and the Heaven King of East Pole, speaking in an unhurried tone.
At these words, many in the Alchemy Tao World who were present felt a stir in their hearts. It seemed that this was targeting Fang Lin. At this critical juncture, if Fang Lin really lost his Five Cauldrons Pill Refiner status, it would be an unimaginably huge embarrassment.
After all, countless people outside the royal capital were waiting to watch the summit duel of the Alchemy Tao World. If Fang Lin lost his Five Cauldrons status at such a time, it would be like being mocked by the entire Nine Countries.
Such a tactic, while it wouldn’t do much to Fang Lin, would definitely damage his reputation.
“This proposal is admirable, we agree.” No sooner had the white-haired elder Pill Refiner finished speaking than several Family Heads of Alchemy Tao clans immediately voiced their agreement in unison.
The East Pole Heaven King looked at Dragon Haotian with amusement and let out an uncourteous snort of laughter, clearly mocking Dragon Haotian, the shared head of the Alchemy Tao families.
Dragon Haotian’s expression was quite unpleasant as he glared at the Family Heads; these fellows must have conspired in advance to present such a united front, while he himself was completely unaware of their scheming.
“The reputation of a Pill Refiner allows no desecration. If Fang Lin has indeed given up on Alchemy Tao, then he should accept the alchemy test to show how much skill he has retained.”
“The rules of the Alchemy Tao World, just like those of the Martial Arts World, must be adhered to precisely, without any ambiguity.”
“Since the people of the Alchemy Tao World are gathered here today, and with us as witnesses, it would be good for Fang Lin to undergo a test.”
····
Not only a few Family Heads of the Alchemy Tao clans, but also several Sect heavyweights spoke up in agreement.
However, most people remained silent, not getting involved in the troublesome matter; after all, Fang Lin was not someone just anyone could afford to provoke, and if one truly moved against Fang Lin, they had to consider the consequences carefully.
Beneath the imperial city, the contest was intense, while above Tang Tower, a conspiratorial atmosphere lingered.
“There is no need for this!” Dragon Haotian finally spoke up, directly rejecting the proposal of the several Family Heads.
“Chief of the Dragon Family, these are the ancient rules of the Alchemy Tao World, why do you disagree?” the Head of the Ling Family asked directly.
Dragon Haotian glared at him: “Even if we are to test Fang Lin, it can’t be right now.”
“I think this moment is quite fitting, to have all Martial Artists and Pill Refiners in Tang Capital as witnesses would truly be fair and transparent,” the Head of the Ling Family said with a smile, not backing down in the face of Dragon Haotian’s glowering countenance.
The East Pole Heaven King, idly cleaning his ears, lazily added, “Then let’s just do things according to the rules.”
Upon these words, the several Family Heads were all inwardly pleased, thinking that as long as they put forward the suggestion, the East Pole Heaven King would mostly nod in agreement.
If even the East Pole Heaven King nodded in agreement, then any opposition from Dragon Haotian would be futile.
Dragon Haotian shot a fierce look at the East Pole Heaven King; he was quite clear about the old man’s intention in agreeing, which was to exacerbate the conflict between the Dragon Family and the other Alchemy Tao clans.
Meanwhile, Fang Lin below in the imperial city was still unaware of what was being discussed in Tang Tower, thinking that the fight with Ying Tianzheng was becoming somewhat uninteresting.
“Is this all you’ve got?” Fang Lin sighed lightly, performed the Heaven Step from the Confucian Sect, employed One Force Subdues Ten Groups, and executed a move that broke myriad spells.
ps: Fourth update here, time to eat, will continue tomorrow, seems not many days left of the New Year’s festivities.