When Gu De heard Li Yun's words of 'dispose of him as you wish,' his face instantly paled drastically. He looked at Ye Chen with terror, trembling from the depths of his heart.
He truly had no idea who this youth was, to actually make his teacher, the Two-Star Alchemist Master Li Yun, abandon him without the slightest hesitation, leaving him at the other's mercy.
Not just Gu De, even the others present were quite shocked by everything unfolding before their eyes.
This youth looked to be only sixteen or seventeen years old, still young, even a mere brat wet behind the ears in the eyes of many, someone they wouldn't even glance at. Yet, it was this very youth whose request made a prestigious figure like Master Li Yun value it so highly, abandoning his own disciple Gu De without a second thought.
One must know how exalted the status of a Two-Star Alchemist was. Even Martial God Realm existences would treat them with utmost courtesy, not daring the slightest neglect.
Seeing the leopard through the tube—one could imagine just how immense the impact of all this was on everyone present.
Hua Shaoyang was stunned, staring dumbly at Ye Chen. He had originally thought Ye Chen was just a country bumpkin, at most acquainted with Vivian. How could he have expected him to know Master Li Yun, and from the looks of it, they weren't just casually familiar.
Who exactly was he? Why would even Master Li Yun protect him like this?
Suddenly, he remembered how he had previously mocked and berated the other party, and a chill ran down his spine.
That pretty receptionist was also filled with shock, never imagining that Ye Chen actually had this kind of relationship with Master Li Yun. No wonder his tone was so bold when he first arrived, directly asking for Master Li Yun to come out and see him. So they really were familiar.
"Young Master—" Vivian's alluring red lips parted slightly, revealing pearly white teeth. Her bright, beautiful eyes were wide open, looking quite playful and adorable, but she just stared dumbly at Ye Chen, still reeling from the shock of everything before her.
Although she knew Ye Chen was an extraordinary young expert—his solo suppression and slaying of two Xiantian demonic beasts in the Demonic Beast Mountain Range proved that much.
But strength was strength. Alchemists were proud, especially a Two-Star Alchemist like Master Li Yun, who had the confidence to stand as equals with Martial God Realm existences. No matter how talented Ye Chen was, he shouldn't be regarded by Master Li Yun as if he were a friend.
Yet facts spoke louder than words. What lay before her was proof of everything.
Seeing Vivian's adorable expression, Ye Chen couldn't help but pat her head. Though just a youth, he smiled like a mature adult, without any of the awkwardness a youth his age should have. "What's wrong? All stunned, huh?"
Vivian nodded foolishly, still not fully recovered.
Ye Chen chuckled. "Now's not the time to space out. I'll leave this guy for you to deal with."
"Ah—" Vivian exclaimed in surprise, finally snapping back to reality. Hearing Ye Chen's meaning—that he wanted to hand the authority of disposal to her—moved her, but she hurriedly waved her jade-like hands in polite refusal, shaking her head. "Young Master, that absolutely won't do. Please, you should handle it."
"It's fine. If I say you handle it, then you handle it. Don't worry, I'm here. I doubt this guy would dare do anything to you," Ye Chen said.
For some reason, looking at Ye Chen's sunny smile always gave her a very reassuring feeling. Vivian's pounding heart gradually calmed, and she no longer refused.
But at this moment, she hesitated. Because no matter how morally bankrupt Gu De was, he was still an alchemist after all. Having practiced alchemy for decades, he had made many friends and possessed a vast network of connections, with many owing him favors.
Even though Ye Chen's intervention this time could teach him a harsh lesson and make him lose all face, when it came down to it, Ye Chen was merely a friend she'd met by chance. He could help them this time, but might not necessarily help them the next.
Once they taught Gu De a lesson, it would mean completely incurring his enmity. If Gu De later sought revenge, it would be extremely disadvantageous for the current Yang family.
There were too many considerations. After pondering for a moment, Vivian shook her head at Ye Chen. "Young Master, please let Master Gu De go. Don't blame him. Let's consider this matter settled, alright?"
Hearing Vivian say this, Gu De immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
Ye Chen, however, frowned. "Miss Vivian, after how Gu De treated you, why not take this chance to teach him a lesson?"
Vivian smiled bitterly. "Young Master, I truly appreciate your kindness. Thank you so much. I just want to turn major issues into minor ones, and minor ones into nothing."
Ye Chen clearly saw a trace of worry mixed in Vivian's brows. He was a smart person; after a moment's thought, he understood everything. Vivian was probably afraid of Master Gu De's future retaliation and didn't dare to teach him a lesson.
Understanding the real reason, he patted the young girl's head and gave a gentle smile. "I understand your concern. Are you worried about this guy seeking revenge later? Don't worry about that, right, Li Yun?"
The last sentence was directed at Li Yun.
Facing Ye Chen's inquiry, Li Yun could only offer a helpless smile, looking kindly at Vivian. "Miss Vivian, being able to know him will be your greatest fortune. Gu De will not seek revenge against the Yang family. You can rest assured on that point; I guarantee it."
"Thank you, Master Li Yun. Thank you, Young Master." Vivian immediately relaxed. With Master Li Yun's guarantee, even if Gu De had ten times the courage, he wouldn't dare retaliate against the Yang family.
But what she was even more grateful for was Ye Chen's intervention. Without him, how would a figure like Master Li Yun bother with such trivial matters?
Subsequently, Master Li Yun directly issued an order, coldly shouting, "Guards! Expel Gu De from the Alchemist Heart Palace. In my capacity as Master of the Alchemist Heart Palace, I hereby announce that from this moment on, Gu De is permanently expelled from the Alchemist Heart Palace. He is no longer a member, and everything concerning him has nothing to do with the Alchemist Heart Palace."
With Master Li Yun's declaration, Gu De was effectively completely expelled from the Alchemist Heart Palace.
The entire hall stirred with commotion.
Gu De hurriedly begged for mercy. "Teacher, no! Please, venerable teacher, for the sake of our master-disciple bond, don't punish your disciple like this."
But Li Yun paid him no heed. Guards from the Alchemist Heart Palace had already stepped forward, forcibly seized Gu De, and began expelling him, leaving behind only a string of Gu De's pleas and cries of 'no'.
Many in the hall sighed with emotion. This mysterious youth truly possessed great influence, to have an alchemist expelled like this. He was truly formidable.
Vivian was even more grateful, but she still felt a bit of worry. With Gu De expelled from the Alchemist Heart Palace, what about the Huaqing Pill?
Although Ye Chen had helped her teach Gu De a lesson, she felt too embarrassed to ask for his help again.
Li Yun glanced at the concern on Ye Chen's face, then smiled slightly and said to Vivian, "Miss Vivian, you came to the Alchemist Heart Palace this time to request a Huaqing Pill to treat Old Master Yang's illness, correct?"
"Yes, Master Li Yun," Vivian replied respectfully, quickly bowing. "This humble girl earnestly requests Master Li Yun's assistance. My grandfather needs the Huaqing Pill."
Master Li Yun said, "Although the Huaqing Pill has decent detoxifying effects, for Old Master Yang, I'm afraid its efficacy might not be ideal."
Hearing this, Vivian immediately grew tense. "May I ask, Master Li Yun, what would be best then?"
Master Li Yun glanced at Ye Chen and smiled. "You needn't worry about that. Old Master Yang is also a key general of our kingdom, and a Martial God Realm existence at that. He cannot be allowed to come to harm. When the time comes, I will personally visit the Yang residence to prescribe the right medicine. There shouldn't be any major problems."
"Thank you, Master Li Yun! Thank you, Master Li Yun! The entire Yang family will be eternally grateful!" Vivian was overjoyed, bowing deeply in thanks.
The hall was immediately filled with gazes of envy and jealousy. Everyone sighed at how the Yang family had stumbled upon incredible luck, to actually have Master Li Yun promise to personally visit the Yang residence to treat Old Master Yang's injuries and illness. What an immense honor.
Moreover, once word spread of Master Li Yun's involvement, even many forces opposing the Yang family would immediately retreat, fearing to offend this newly promoted Two-Star Alchemist and Master of the Alchemist Heart Palace.
It had to be said, the Yang family was truly fortunate.
After expressing her thanks, Vivian, brimming with joy, naturally dared not disturb Master Li Yun and Ye Chen any further. She also wanted to quickly relay this wonderful news back to the residence to inform everyone.
Before leaving, Vivian approached Ye Chen. Her fair face was tinged with a shy blush, as if lightly rouged, exceptionally beautiful and captivating. A pleasant fragrance wafted over, refreshing to the heart and mind.
Ye Chen looked at the girl's peculiar expression. "What's wrong? Is there something else?"
"Young Master, could you close your eyes? I want to give you something," the girl said shyly, her eyelashes lowered, not daring to look at Ye Chen.
Though puzzled, the youth complied and closed his eyes. The next moment, a soft, warm sensation imprinted itself on his cheek. The girl's shy words sounded by his ear: "Young Master, thank you. This is my gift to you... and also my first kiss—"
Touching his cheek, watching the girl's shy, gradually receding figure, Ye Chen was stunned...