To Huang Mao, if the other party were a Dragon Family elder or someone similar, he might have shown a little respect.
After all, no matter what, the Dragon Family of Zhejiang Province, even if just a branch of the Kyoto Dragon Family, would surely have blood ties to anyone who became an elder.
If he truly offended an elder to death, it might provoke the backer behind them.
But a retainer was different; he was an outsider, after all!
How could the esteemed Dragon Family offend a genuine second-grade alchemist for an outsider?
"This..."
Hearing Huang Mao's words, Sun Zhiqian found himself in a dilemma.
He was well aware of Zhou Qianyuan's temperament.
Being proud and arrogant, if two alchemists were invited at the same time, Zhou Qianyuan would undoubtedly turn around and leave.
It seemed this matter today would be difficult to handle!
"Miss Long, what do you think... perhaps your retainer could rest at the hotel for now?"
For his grandson's illness, Sun Zhiqian had no choice but to look at Long Yuling and start negotiating.
There was no other way. Regardless, Zhou Qianyuan was a legitimate second-grade alchemist.
As for this Dragon Family retainer, he looked no older than twenty-something, certainly not even a first-grade alchemist!
He knew very well which one to prioritize.
"In that case, we'll pay another visit another day!"
"Lin Chen, let's go."
Hearing Sun Zhiqian's words, Long Yuling quickly waved her hand.
No matter what, she could never leave Lin Chen alone, could she?
The support of the Sun family was important, but for her now, a hundred Sun families couldn't compare to Lin Chen!
"Wait!"
Just as Long Yuling was about to leave, Huang Mao blocked her again.
"Miss Long, my grandfather would like to invite you to join us. I wonder if you would grant him this face?"
Huang Mao narrowed his eyes, a peculiar gleam flickering within them.
The Dragon Family of Zhejiang Province had both wealth and influence.
If he wanted to conquer her, he had to show her his strengths!
And alchemy was something every cultivator yearned for.
As long as he displayed sufficient alchemy talent in front of Long Yuling, he wouldn't worry about her not taking a liking to him!
If he left now, who would he show off to?
"My apologies, Young Master Zhou, but when I left, my father strictly ordered that Lin Chen must not leave my sight.
"Although I would very much like to befriend you, Young Master Zhou, filial piety comes first. Please forgive me."
"Goodbye!"
How could Long Yuling not know Zhou Hao's intentions?
But Lin Chen now was a first-grade alchemist and was about to break through to the second grade.
And Zhou Hao in front of her was, at the end of the day, just an alchemy apprentice. How could he be compared to Lin Chen?
"Wait!"
"Grandfather, since this person is a retainer of the Dragon Family, why don't we give him a chance to observe?"
Seeing that Long Yuling was really going to leave, Zhou Hao became anxious.
This was a rare opportunity to earn favor in front of Long Yuling. How could he let it slip away so easily?
If Long Yuling really left because of his grandfather, how could she ever feel any affection for him in the future?
"Fine, since you've asked, you decide."
Zhou Qianyuan sighed, his expression filled with helplessness.
He truly had no solution for his grandson.
But his grandson's alchemy talent was indeed remarkable, and he was only a bit lecherous. He had never forced anyone into anything against their will, so he could only indulge him, couldn't he?
"Hahaha, thank you, Master Zhou, thank you, Young Master Zhou!"
"Miss Long, Retainer Lin, please come in!"
Upon receiving Zhou Qianyuan's permission, Sun Zhiqian was overjoyed.
He and Long Yuling's father, Long Yixian, were old acquaintances. If he were to turn them away because of this, he would feel bad.
Now that there was a solution that pleased everyone, why not seize it?
"Then, Lin Chen, shall we go in too?"
Hearing Sun Zhiqian's words, Long Yuling looked at Lin Chen beside her.
She knew that going in like this would be a bit awkward for her pride.
But there was no other way. With the Southwest Grand Competition about to begin, they truly needed a strong ally like the Sun family!
"Alright."
Lin Chen sighed, a hint of helplessness in his voice.
He knew that this Zhou Hao wanted to step on him to show off his abilities to Long Yuling.
However, in his opinion, with Zhou Qianyuan, a mere second-grade alchemist, it wouldn't be easy to cure the young master's illness!
Without further ado, Lin Chen fell to the back of the group, unnoticed.
Soon, the entourage arrived at the banquet hall.
"Master Zhou, Miss Long, why don't we eat first? After the meal, we can proceed with the diagnosis?"
Upon reaching the banquet hall, Sun Zhiqian looked at Zhou Qianyuan and proactively suggested.
"No need, Patriarch Sun. Let's examine the young master first."
"If the illness cannot be cured, what qualification would we have to eat?"
Zhou Qianyuan waved his hand, his expression full of confidence.
As a dignified second-grade alchemist, what illness could he not cure?
"Very well, we'll do as Master Zhou commands!"
Seeing Zhou Qianyuan's confident demeanor, Sun Zhiqian's worries eased slightly.
With Master Zhou's intervention, his grandson should be saved, right?
"Miss Long, Retainer Lin, there is various food in the banquet hall. Please feel free to help yourselves if you are hungry. Consider it your own home."
"I'll go accompany Master Zhou first!"
Then, Sun Zhiqian turned to Long Yuling and Lin Chen and instructed them.
Undeniably, these words made Lin Chen and Long Yuling feel a little better.
"You are too kind, Patriarch Sun. Given your actions now, if anything happens later, I will not stand idly by."
Seeing how magnanimous the patriarch of the Zhou family, one of the Five Sects and Four Families, was, Lin Chen felt quite favorably towards him.
Earlier, outside, he had observed the young master's condition carefully.
Although Zhou Qianyuan was a second-grade alchemist, it was unlikely that he alone could resolve the young master's illness!
"Ahem, thank you, Mr. Lin."
Upon hearing Lin Chen's words, Sun Zhiqian almost choked on his saliva.
However, in his opinion, Lin Chen was surely just joking at this point.
If even Master Zhou couldn't cure his grandson's illness, what accomplishments could a young man in his twenties possibly have?
But he was young, it was understandable.
After all, who wouldn't be afraid of losing face when they were young?
Especially in front of a beauty like Long Yuling, it was very normal to boast a little to save face.
Therefore, Sun Zhiqian didn't take Lin Chen's words to heart at all and directly turned towards Zhou Qianyuan.