Chapter 1223: Putting the Greater Good First

Chapter 1223: Chapter 1221: Putting the Greater Good First

Elder Xu’s gaze fell upon Zuo Linglong. After observing for a good while, he revealed a satisfied smile at the corner of his mouth.

It must be said, Zuo Linglong, though young, undeniably possesses a true talent in alchemy refining. If carefully nurtured, he surely can become a grandmaster in alchemy someday!

“If that’s the case, let him be my disciple. I can provide some guidance in the art of alchemy refining, which should at least be of some help to him. What do you think of this suggestion?”

Elder Xu spoke straightforwardly; everyone desires an outstanding disciple to inherit their legacy.

Truthfully, he knows the current state within the Elixir Valley. Many here understand some means of alchemy, but their temperament does not suit becoming his close-door disciple. Moreover, even ordinary people, with meticulous cultivation, can reach such levels, so these individuals do not seem particularly superior in his eyes!

Perhaps it’s due to their position in the Elixir Valley, always respected by the officials, and the deference shown by others, they have forgotten their true worth, leading to the current state of the Elixir Valley.

Now, changing this is a difficult matter, since habits are deeply ingrained and are commonplace. Is he to dismiss all the disciples?

Reflecting on this made his expression grow increasingly stern; he waved at the crowd and said coldly, “Why are you still idly standing here? Don’t you have any tasks to attend to? Just loafing around here daily without considering the advancement of your alchemy skills!”

“When the year-end grand assessment comes, if your scores don’t meet the standards, then you all must leave! The Elixir Valley can’t have any mediocrities; otherwise, it tarnishes our reputation!”

Upon hearing these words, everyone immediately nodded, not daring to speak further.

Meanwhile, Wang Zhan smiled contentedly, noting that Elder Xu is reasonable and not as domineering and unreasonable as rumored!

Moreover, from Elder Xu’s gaze, it’s apparent he is not as terrifying as he seems; his words clearly stemmed from sincerity!

It seems he underestimated the people within the Elixir Valley!

As the crowd dispersed, many clustered together, whispering among themselves.

“What happened to Elder Xu today? I noticed he seems greatly changed!”

“Yes, if anyone had such an attitude before, he wouldn’t easily let such matters slide. It’s surprising to find Elder Xu actually defending them, even speaking on their behalf! It’s quite perplexing!”

“Perhaps they knew Elder Xu beforehand? Didn’t you see that individual restrain his presence upon seeing Elder Xu? Anyway, we should steer clear and not offend them in the future, as those individuals are not easy to deal with!”

Wang Zhan and others possess absolute strength, and if they are indeed Elder Xu’s acquaintances, none dare aggravate them, as it would surely invite trouble!

Everyone is resolute, nodding in agreement, maintaining a unified attitude.

On another side.

Wang Zhan and a few others followed Elder Xu into the Great Hall. With everyone departing, the surroundings became significantly quieter.

Wang Zhan stood up, bowed to Elder Xu, and then gratefully spoke, “Elder Xu, thank you for the recent incident. It’s fortunate you were gracious and didn’t hold a grudge against us!”

“But I still owe you an apology, considering our arrival here disrupted your rules, naturally deserving reprimand—this is reasonable.”

“If you hadn’t intervened, I might have truly clashed with them, which would tarnish the Elixir Valley’s reputation and possibly impact the valley in some way—my mistake indeed!”

The Fire Qilin and others remained silent but kept their focus on Elder Xu.

While Elder Xu’s prowess is decent, even without their involvement, with Wang Zhan deploying his trump cards, Elder Xu wouldn’t come out favorably—this outcome is foreseeable!

Yet Elder Xu waved his hand, smiling faintly and speaking, “With such an apology, I find myself at a loss to respond appropriately, and the matter doesn’t concern you much anyway. I’m aware of the prevailing atmosphere within the Elixir Valley, yet remain unable to change it; your appearance is perhaps a catalyst!”

“Didn’t you just say you wanted me to help boost your people’s alchemy skills? Can you do me a favor in return?”

Wang Zhan was momentarily stunned, but since it’s been said, refusal seemed inappropriate. He smiled and nodded, then responded, “Elder Xu, no need for formalities. You’ve helped me greatly, therefore your business is mine too, just say the word. If it’s within my capabilities, I won’t hesitate!”

“Alright!” Hearing Wang Zhan’s words, Elder Xu smiled satisfiedly, then further stated, “I simply wish for you to remain in the Elixir Valley for a while.”

“During your stay, I will continuously impart some alchemical techniques to Zuo Linglong. I believe with his talent, he should master these techniques shortly, enhancing his elixir refining skills!”

“But what I need from you is to help rectify the Elixir Valley’s atmosphere, ensuring these youngsters stop abusing their status, and focus more on enhancing their alchemy skills!”

“Otherwise, if their skills continue to regress, and we older generations are gone, who will carry on the Elixir Valley’s legacy? These kids can’t support its foundation, and we can’t let the Elixir Valley fall into ruin—it’s the sweat of us elders!”

The progress of the Elixir Valley today results from many contributions!

The valley holds numerous elders, many long departed, yet their efforts are what brought the valley this far!

Elder Xu is well aware of this, thus he can’t allow the Elixir Valley to be destroyed by himself or others!

After a moment of hesitation, Wang Zhan shook his head, promptly addressing, “For other matters, I certainly wouldn’t hesitate. But this is your internal affair, and even if I wish to intervene, I doubt I’d be given the chance—likely complicating matters further.”

“I can stay within the Elixir Valley, but this issue must be handled by Elder Xu, akin to your definitive authority within the valley. Surely they heed your words?”

Wang Zhan remembers the earlier scene, where Elder Xu’s single comment caused everyone to promptly leave, which was observed keenly by Wang Zhan!

This proves Elder Xu’s authority, so why would he need an outsider to mediate internal matters?

If word spread, surely everyone would criticize Wang Zhan.

Elder Xu sighed helplessly, then continued, “You may not be fully aware, understanding little about internal affairs here. These individuals do fear me, but their demeanor changes once I’m absent—I grow frustrated thinking of them!”

“Thus, I seek a powerful individual to intimidate and stabilize everyone!”

“However, rest assured I shall always be your steadfast support; if anyone dares trouble you, I shall step forth, ensuring you face no undue hardship!”

“Regarding the Valley Master, you can also be at ease; they are continuously secluded, concentrating on alchemy refining and will never interfere in any valley affair—thus, worry not!”

Wang Zhan’s smile grew increasingly weighty, nodding in agreement.

Since Elder Xu has spoken to such lengths, even entrusting power to him, refusing Elder Xu only leaves him dishonored, effectively undermining Elder Xu!

“Since Elder Xu has high expectations of me, I indeed cannot refuse.”

“But let’s state beforehand, never doubt my means.”

“At any time, I certainly won’t abuse power for personal vendetta; everything will prioritize the larger picture!”

Wang Zhan declared confidently.

“Don’t worry, I may not trust others, but certainly trust you! Anyone recognized by the Ninefold Thunder Sound Tower could not be ordinary!”

Elder Xu spoke a few words directly.

Everyone present began to laugh.

“There is truth in this statement!”