Lin Xuan's words fell, and the arena fell silent once more.
The crowd looked at Lin Xuan, even more stunned than before.
If Lin Xuan wasn't exaggerating on purpose, then his strength had truly reached the terrifying level of the top ten on the Strong List?!
No one dared to believe it.
But since joining the sect, Lin Xuan had never exaggerated.
Every performance he gave was shocking and beyond expectations.
And he always displayed strength that matched his confidence.
He might even be holding back.
Because in the past month, in every duel, Lin Xuan had emerged victorious, never losing.
No matter who his opponent was!
The stronger the opponent, the stronger Lin Xuan seemed, as if he had no limits.
Truly awe-inspiring and terrifying!
Thinking of this, the crowd grew even more horrified.
Zhang Chen was also deeply shaken.
He hadn't expected that Lin Xuan, who had only been in the sect for a little over a month, had already reached such a level of strength.
He didn't even put Wu Jie, ranked ninth on the Strong List, in his eyes.
Such a rate of progress was simply unheard of!
It was something he had never even heard of before.
If he hadn't seen Lin Xuan say it himself, he wouldn't have believed it.
But even witnessing it with his own eyes, he was still utterly shocked, unable to calm down.
Lin Xuan, however, remained calm, letting out a light laugh, completely unfazed.
Then, he took out his identity card.
Seeing this, Zhang Chen snapped back to reality and pulled out his own identity card.
Lin Xuan transferred 20,000 contribution points to Zhang Chen.
Zhang Chen handed the Spirit Gathering Pill to Lin Xuan, a smile spreading across his face.
Though he hadn't made much this time, it was still decent.
And more importantly, if Lin Xuan's strength was genuine, then after his bold statement, Wu Mengna probably wouldn't come around anymore.
He wouldn't be disturbed in the future and could earn even more.
Naturally, he was happy.
Lin Xuan took the Spirit Gathering Pill, glanced at it, and stored it in his storage ring. Then, he said with a faint smile:
"Senior Brother Zhang, I have some interest in the art of alchemy. Would it be possible to purchase some basic alchemy books from the Alchemy Hall?"
Indeed, this was the real reason Lin Xuan had stepped forward to buy this Spirit Gathering Pill.
Though his disdain for Wu Mengna's methods played a part, this was the key point.
As a disciple of the Alchemy Hall and the sect's top alchemy prodigy, Zhang Chen held a significant position within the hall.
By winning Zhang Chen over, Lin Xuan could more smoothly and conveniently acquire various alchemy materials and books, laying a solid foundation.
He wanted to study alchemy to make up for his lack of resources.
But having alchemy talent alone was far from enough; he also needed a foundation in other areas.
Zhang Chen was taken aback by this, then asked seriously:
"Junior Brother Lin, are you serious?"
He almost thought he had misheard.
Lin Xuan's talent in martial arts was already so exceptional that no one in the entire Flowing Cloud Sect could match him.
And now he was saying he was interested in alchemy and wanted to pursue it?
Wasn't that too big a shift?
These were two completely unrelated paths!
Lin Xuan's expression didn't change as he nodded:
"Of course I'm serious. Is it convenient for you, Senior Brother Zhang?"
Only then did Zhang Chen confirm he wasn't hallucinating.
Lin Xuan really wanted to dabble in both paths.
With a complicated look at Lin Xuan, Zhang Chen said:
"It's convenient. Junior Brother Lin, follow me."
He didn't know what Lin Xuan was thinking, nor was he sure if Lin Xuan had alchemy talent or was just acting on a whim.
But Lin Xuan had immense potential and had just helped him.
He had even offended Wu Jie, ranked in the top ten of the Strong List, because of him.
There was no way Zhang Chen could refuse such a small favor.
Then, Zhang Chen led Lin Xuan through a side passage and out of the alchemy room.
Leaving the disciples in the hall exchanging bewildered glances.
They stared in the direction Lin Xuan and Zhang Chen had gone, silent for a long time.
Only when the two figures disappeared from sight did they snap out of it.
They exchanged looks, seeing endless shock in each other's eyes.
Had they heard that right?
Lin Xuan had said he was interested in alchemy and wanted to pursue it?
His talent in martial arts was already so monstrous and freakish.
And now he wanted to step into alchemy?
Could it be that Lin Xuan also had remarkable talent in alchemy?
Thinking of this, the disciples were so stunned they couldn't compose themselves, afraid to imagine further.
Then, they all left the alchemy room.
They wanted to head to the dueling arena to hear news about Lin Xuan.
And to spread everything that had happened in the alchemy room today as quickly as possible.
This was huge gossip, and the more widely it spread, the more satisfying they found it.
Such is the human love for gossip.
It doesn't matter if you're male or female, what category you fall into, or what world you're in.
It's universal.
Meanwhile, Lin Xuan followed Zhang Chen through a wide corridor and arrived at a grand hall.
This hall was also very spacious, even larger than the outer hall.
The air was filled with the fragrance of herbs and pills.
On both sides were rows of bookshelves, lined with various thick books.
There were also some Alchemy Hall disciples sorting herbs or reading books.
When they saw Zhang Chen bring in an unfamiliar disciple, they glanced at Lin Xuan a few times before ignoring him and returning to their own tasks.
Though the rules didn't allow bringing other disciples into this inner hall, Zhang Chen was the disciple of the Alchemy Hall Master and the sect's top alchemy prodigy.
He might even become the next Hall Master.
They didn't dare say anything, afraid of offending him.
Besides, Zhang Chen wasn't overstepping too much.
This inner hall was still a public area, so they couldn't complain.
Zhang Chen ignored the others and said to Lin Xuan:
"Junior Brother Lin, this is the inner hall of our Alchemy Hall. Take a look around first, and I'll prepare the books you need."
"Alright, thank you, Senior Brother Zhang."
Lin Xuan nodded in response.
Then, Zhang Chen walked into a nearby passage.
Lin Xuan watched him leave before strolling around the inner hall.
But instead of examining the herbs and pills, he discreetly observed a few disciples present.
Their attribute panels appeared before his eyes.
"Just as I thought, they all have alchemy talent."
A hint of amusement flickered in Lin Xuan's eyes.
His guess was correct. Those in the inner hall were all core disciples of the Alchemy Hall, most with alchemy talent, and not low-grade either.
Lin Xuan naturally wouldn't let this opportunity slip.
Though none of them matched Zhang Chen, they were rare.
By copying and fusing them, he could still improve.
He estimated that his alchemy talent might even surpass Zhang Chen's.
With that thought, he activated his ability.
"Ding, consumed 10,000 energy points, copy successful. Obtained [Top-Grade Alchemy Talent]."
"Ding, consumed 3,000 energy points, copy successful. Obtained [High-Grade Alchemy Talent]."
"..."
In an instant, everything was copied.
Then, he chose to use them.
A faint warmth flowed through him.
Lin Xuan nodded slightly.
Though his alchemy talent hadn't advanced in grade, it had still improved.
This trip hadn't been a waste.