Tang Rao being a super alchemist is something Zhang Wang never mentioned to anyone, but even if he doesn't cause trouble, someone always comes to the Kao Shan Shop to stir things up. Just like before, when the Pill Hall asked about the source of Kao Shan Shop's supply, as soon as Zhang Wang said it was Tang Rao, Tang Rao would surely be invited for tea by the people from the Pill Hall.
"Just say that I made the elixir pills. The mere Pill Hall, if I go, they would all want me to be the Hall Master. Do you believe it or not?"
"I believe it."
Zhang Wang's admiration for Tang Rao was like a surging river, endless. Even if Tang Rao said he grew up eating shit, Zhang Wang would believe it unconditionally.
"Boss, the old guys from the Pill Hall are not looking for you to make you the Hall Master or to do alchemy. Don't be too naïve."
Tang Rao had already stepped onto the interests of the Pill Hall.
Speaking truthfully, if he were just a small alchemist, maybe the people inside wouldn't be too harsh on him. But because Tang Rao is fast at making elixir pills and with high quality, he attracted a large customer base from those needing elixirs, leaving the old guys at the Pill Hall unable to sell theirs. How could those old veterans not hate Tang Rao?
"No problem, trust me."
Tang Rao carried an air of pride and arrogance.
They say not to speak ill of others behind their backs, and Tang Rao fully felt that now.
He shouldn't have spoken behind people's backs.
Just after saying this, the people from the Pill Hall arrived in a flash, standing behind Tang Rao.
"Zhang Wang, long time no see."
Zhang Wang looked at the group of old men, and his head was spinning.
"What's the occasion for the esteemed elders from the Pill Hall to visit us today?"
Zhang Wang, slick as ever, first identified the group's status.
"You still recognize us as elders from the Pill Hall. You used to come and help us old guys by buying some elixir pills, but now that the channels are wide open, elixir pills aren't bought from us anymore. Is it because you look down on us, or what does it mean?"
The folks from the Pill Hall seemed determined to kick up a fuss at the Kao Shan Sect today?
"It doesn't mean anything, just that we found better elixir pills and think yours are like dog shit."
It wasn't Zhang Wang speaking. Zhang Wang wouldn't dare to utter such audacious words.
Only then did the elders of the Pill Hall notice that it was Tang Rao speaking.
A young man they had never seen before.
"Kid, there's nothing for you to do here."
Tang Rao took a step back and said, "It has everything to do with me. Aren't you looking for me?"
Just a moment ago they were asking about the source of the elixir pills, and now they'd forgotten their own words?
"We weren't looking for you; we were looking for the person providing elixirs to Zhang Wang."
The old folks from the Pill Hall could still be detailed in speaking with Tang Rao, which moved Tang Rao to tell the truth to the elders immediately.
"Esteemed elders, I'm the one providing the elixirs to Zhang Wang. Is there an issue?"
The words "honesty" could be easily seen on his face.
But it seemed the old geezers couldn't accept this harsh truth.
"Just a snot-nosed kid like you?"
Hahaha.
They even burst into laughter.
"Yes, it's me. You can question my friend's intelligence, but not my handsomeness and strength."
What Tang Rao disliked the most was people doubting his strength.
"Indeed, weren't you looking for my supplier? Here he is."
Zhang Wang pointed at Tang Rao and introduced him to them.
"You're saying this brat? If you used someone else as a front, we might believe it. But him? He's probably clueless as to what alchemy even is."
That's how dismissive they were.
If it were before, Tang Rao might have had to demonstrate alchemy to these people.
But now speaking to a bunch of old guys, he also needed to put on a bit of a show.
"Zhang Wang, since they don't believe, kick these old folks out. Just looking at them is annoying and keeping them in the Kao Shan Shop can only spoil our business."
Tang Rao only dared to say this after checking the strength of the old men.
Alchemists have a weakness: their strength is hard to improve. They can only rely on their identity as alchemists to garner respect.
Alchemists like Tang Rao, who have good strength and good looks, are rare in the Divine Realm.
Tang Rao's attitude towards the alchemists had already angered these conceited old guys.
"You're called Tang Rao, right? Since you claim to be an alchemist, can you provide evidence? Words alone aren't proof; you must use elixir pills to demonstrate."
So young, an alchemist capable of producing Grade Six elixir pills—it's hard for them to believe.
After all, the best alchemist there could produce up to Grade Six, but only after spending his entire life's efforts.
Given how young Tang Rao was, how could he possibly have the skills?
"Why should I use alchemy to prove I'm an alchemist? If you have to prove you're a man, would you drop your pants for us all to see?"
Though crude, Tang Rao's logic wasn't off. Proving himself gained him nothing, so why should he do whatever they say?
"Such a brat with no manners, the Divine Realm really declines with each generation."
Unable to agree with Tang Rao, the old man resorted to lament about the younger generation—not something new to Tang Rao's ears, who was used to their patronizing ways.
"Looks like you're all from the old generation. Aren't elders supposed to say the younger generation is declining? Then give examples of how we fall short."
"Right, tell us where we fall short."
As soon as Tang Rao spoke, others from the younger generation in the Kao Shan Shop also stood by Tang Rao, confronting the Pill Hall elders.
"You young people, instead of diligently training at home to improve your skills, speak so boldly outside. Do you think gaining strength is that easy? Let me tell you, to reach our level, you're still far off."
Oh, the old guard not only chastised Tang Rao but also roped in everyone standing with him.
"Yes, yes, diligently train to become someone like you who can only produce Grade Four elixir pills? I think that's quite sad, don't you agree?"
Poof.
One old-timer was so infuriated by Tang Rao's words, he spat blood.
"What are you laughing at? You're in the same boat, maxing out at Grade Five, and still subpar! Is this the Pill Hall's pride?"
Anyone Tang Rao insulted wished they could just disappear on the spot.
"And what about you? With your sharp tongue, what grade of elixir pills can you produce? Grade Four or Five?"
The old-timer asked.
Tang Rao saw too many people and wondered whether to speak on it. If he did, he'd invite trouble for himself; if he didn't, Kao Shan Shop's reputation would suffer.
"None of your damn business."