SUPREME ARCH-MAGUS

A few days had passed since Kent King's explosive battle in the Royal Arena. His victory over Bai Gao had spread like wildfire across Red Silk City, turning him into one of the most talked-about figures in the Immortal World.

However, there was another event that had captured the attention of many—the divine-quality pill that Kent had refined in the Link Family's alchemy chamber.

This wasn't something that could go unnoticed, especially by the Purple Cloud Alchemy Association, the supreme authority of alchemy in the Immortal World.

On this particular morning, the Link Family estate was graced with an unexpected visitor. The Patriarch Link is already standing at the entrance with all family members.

A grand spiritual carriage, adorned with the symbol of the Purple Cloud Sect [A pagoda like mountain], descended from the sky, landing just outside the main hall of the Link Family residence.

Stepping out was a dignified elder with a long flowing purple robe, a golden badge on his chest signifying his high status within the Purple Cloud Alchemy Association.

His aura exuded wisdom and superiority, and even the air itself seemed to ripple around him as he walked.

The Link Family patriarch, Don Link, immediately stepped forward with a respectful bow.

"Elder Shan!" Don Link's voice was filled with reverence. "It is an honor to have you visit our humble estate. Please, come inside."

Elder Qing Shan nodded slightly before his sharp eyes swept across the hall.

"I have come to meet Kent King."

The moment his words fell, a quiet shockwave spread among the Link Family members.

Elder Qing Shan was one of the King-ranked alchemists in the Immortal World. For him to personally request a meeting with Kent was unheard of!

Lina Link, who stood beside her father, clenched her fists tightly. "This genius bastard… How is he getting so much attention in just a few days? Did that perfect pill really marvellous?!" she thought bitterly.

Minutes later, Kent King entered the hall, his steps calm and steady.

He didn't bow. He didn't show reverence. He simply stood there, arms crossed, gazing at Elder Qing Shan with his usual amused smirk.

The elder's eyes narrowed slightly. "You are Kent King?"

Kent smiled. "Yes, and you are, elder?"

Gasps echoed through the hall. Was he really speaking so casually to a Purple Cloud Elder?!

Don Link coughed awkwardly. "Elder Qing Shan, this is indeed Kent King. Please forgive his… lack of decorum."

Elder Qing Shan ignored the pleasantries. His gaze remained fixed on Kent. "Before coming here, I heard many stories about your true nature. But if you have talent, everything you do is justifiable. I have come to evaluate your pill refinement skills. Show me your work."

Kent didn't hesitate. With a flick of his wrist, he retrieved a small jade bottle, filled with pure white pills that shimmered with an ethereal glow.

Elder Qing Shan reached for the bottle, uncorked it, and took a deep breath.

No impurities…

His expressions shifted as he closely examined the pills.

Then he took one pill and gently crushed it between his fingers.

Perfect texture…

Finally, he circulated a trace of spiritual energy through it, watching how the pill's energy responded.

Absolutely flawless…

The elder's heart trembled.

"Impossible…" he muttered under his breath.

The entire hall fell into silence.

Don Link and Lina watched with wide eyes, eagerly waiting for Elder Qing Shan's evaluation.

Finally, the elder spoke.

"These pills… are beyond what most top-tier alchemists can produce."

Murmurs of shock and disbelief filled the hall.

Lina Link, who had always prided herself on her alchemical skills, felt her legs go weak.

Kent King had never practiced alchemy before coming to the Link Family, yet he had already surpassed master alchemists?

Elder Qing Shan took a deep breath before finally making his offer.

"Kent King, your talent in alchemy is extraordinary. The Purple Cloud Alchemy Association is willing to accept you as a disciple of the Purple Cloud Sect. You will be trained under the greatest alchemists of our time."

A hushed silence fell over the hall.

Don Link's eyes gleamed with excitement. This was an incredible opportunity.

Even Lina, who hated Kent, couldn't deny that this was the dream of every alchemist in the Immortal World.

But then—something unexpected happened.

Kent King laughed. He clearly understood the ploy of the elder.

"So, you want me to be your disciple?" Kent said, his voice laced with amusement.

Elder Qing Shan nodded. "Indeed. This is an opportunity of a lifetime. You will be given access to the most advanced alchemy techniques, rare herbs, and resources beyond your imagination."

Kent tapped his chin, pretending to consider it. Then, with a casual shrug, he replied:

"Nah. Not interested."

The entire hall exploded in disbelief.

Don Link nearly fell off his chair.

Lina's jaw dropped.

Even Elder Qing Shan's calm composure cracked for a split second.

"What did you say?" The elder's voice darkened.

Kent grinned. "I said, I'm not interested. Let me guess… I join the Purple Cloud Sect, and you'll use me like an alchemy slave, forcing me to refine pills for the rest of my life while you take the credit? No thanks."

Elder Qing Shan's expression turned cold. "You underestimate the honor of our association, boy. Alchemy is a sacred path. It is the foundation of all cultivation in the Immortal World. Rejecting us is rejecting a once-in-a-lifetime chance."

Kent leaned forward, eyes gleaming with challenge. "I don't need your sect. I'm not looking to be just an alchemist—I aim to be the strongest cultivator. My focus is on cultivation, not just pill-making. If you really want my pills, then let's talk business. I'll refine them for resources. That's all I need."

The elder's face twisted with anger.

"Arrogant child!" Qing Shan slammed the jade bottle onto the table. "You think you can just barter with the Purple Cloud Alchemy Association?! If you don't join within three months, don't blame us for what happens next."

Kent grinned. "Oh? Are you threatening me?"

The elder's robe fluttered as his energy surged. "I am warning you. The association has many powerful allies. If you refuse our goodwill, we will ensure that no one supports you. No merchant, no noble family, no sect will dare to provide you with resources."

Kent smirked, completely unfazed.

"Then I'll just find my own way."

Elder Qing Shan's fingers twitched, as if tempted to strike Kent down.

But then, as if realizing it would be beneath him, he simply scoffed and turned toward Don Link.

"If he changes his mind, send word to the association. But after three months… We will not support him even if he changes mind. Many talents go wasted because of arrogance. This fool seems to be one of them."

With that, Elder Qing Shan stormed out of the hall, his aura causing the air to tremble.

As the grand Purple Cloud Carriage ascended into the skies, Don Link sighed heavily.

"Kent…" Don Link said cautiously. "Do you realize what you just did? You might have just made enemies out of the strongest alchemy faction in the world."

Kent stretched his arms lazily. "Yeah? So what? I've already made enemies everywhere else and I have enough bad names. What's one more?"

Lina Link glared at him. "You're insane."

Without saying a word, Kent King turned and walked away, already plotting his next move to gather resources—without relying on the Purple Cloud Sect.