Arc 3: Part 43
The other disciples had often grumbled privately, convinced that it was her innate unique fire that was the sole reason for her recognition and that her actual skills mustn't be that exceptional. However, their opinions were about to change.
It wasn't just that she was more talented than them, but she was also harder working. How could they not acknowledge her superiority?
After their questions, the higher-ups asked Tong Su to summon her unique fire. With a nod, she snapped her fingers, and a surge of golden-red flames instantly leapt to her fingertips.
The room's temperature skyrocketed with the emergence of the burning flame and the surge of spiritual energy. A few of the experienced elders in the room leaned forward uncontrollably as their eyes lit up, "It's the Golden Crow Fire!"
The flame wiggled, transforming into a plump, three-legged little bird. It gave an unhappy chirp, rubbed its head against Tong Su's cheek with fluttering wings, and grumpily tapped her with its wing as if remembering something.
Tong Su laughed, and gently stroked its small head. She spoke in a low voice, "Alright, it's my fault. I didn't play with you at all during the three years of seclusion. Forgive me, okay?"
Only then did the little firebird chirp satisfactorily. It stopped poking her and perched on her shoulder, vigilantly watching the people in the hall.
The image of the flame transforming into a small bird stunned all the disciples. However, the higher-ups were even more excited—their faces shone with crazed delight and their voices, trembling with joy but kept low, exclaimed, "It can even transform!"
"It has intelligence! Heavens, this is incredible, what sort of quality is this!"
"She's currently at the Golden Core stage; with this kind of natural Li Huo assisting her cultivation, there will be no hindrances to her advancing to becoming a God in the future!"
Hearing the praise directed at it, the little firebird seemed to get excited. It fluttered its tiny wings with gusto, puffed up its round chest, and gave a sideways look at Tong Su while making a chirping noise. The pride in its eyes seemingly said, "Look how amazing I am."
Everyone's eyes brightened even more.
As Wen Qing was still reflecting, Elder Xuan couldn't help but speak up in glee.
Chuckling, he said, "Tong Su, I must boldly say — within the entire Alchemy Tower, my knowledge of alchemy is perhaps the most profound. Are you willing to accept me as your master and learn pill refining from me?"
Raising an eyebrow, Tong Su hadn't yet finished her reply when Wen Qing laughed out in mocking exasperation.
"Old Xuan Yan, do you have no shame? Snatching people already? Her talent in artifact refinement is highly exceptional, how could she not join my Artifact Forge?"
Turning to Tong Su, she smiled and said, "Little Tong, don't be upset at my previous attitude toward you. The male cultivator you were with before, he's your senior brother, right? Since you already have a school, I won't talk about taking you as an apprentice. I'll just be straightforward — I, as a Grandmaster, want to take you as my student. However, whether in instruction or treatment, there will be no difference compared to how I treat my direct disciples. What do you say?"
"Wen Qing, you're accusing me, but are you any better than me? Wait, they are senior and junior disciples?"
"—Xuan Yan, your eyesight seems to be failing. Why not refine a pill for yourself?"
"Your words are unfair, Wen Qingqing!"
"Do you have a problem with that, Old Xuan Yan?"
Both parties began to trade words in a heated exchange. To Tong Su, it might seem that their relationship was strained, but all the bickering was done with a smile and a glaring eye.
The relationship between the Alchemy Tower and the Artifact Forge was a complex one. It was a blend of love and rivalry as they jointly managed the City of Independent Cultivators. There was competition, but there was also cooperation.
After the lengthy argument, everyone turned their intense gazes to Tong Su again, "Tong Su, where would you like to go?"
If it were someone else, they'd certainly be either overwhelmed with pride or flustered under the intense pressure from both parties. Yet, Tong Su maintained her calm demeanor and composed smile. Her level-headedness pleased everyone greatly.
Expressing her gratitude, she said, "I am honored by the appreciation from the senior generations and can't thank you enough. However, if you ask me where I'd like to go, I'd humbly like to choose both — practicing the ways of alchemy and artifact refinement."
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