Chapter 340: Inauguration Ceremony

Chapter 340: Inauguration Ceremony

In the early morning, inside Xiao Ming's new residence.

Xiao Ming sat in the living room, cradling a cup of tea in his hands, completely absorbed in studying an alchemy recipe. Moments later, his gaze lifted and met the sight of a graceful figure emerging from one of the rooms, and a smile spread across his face as he approached her.

The graceful figure was none other than Xiao Yi Xian, who also smiled upon seeing him, eagerly throwing herself into his arms.

"Xian'er, will you accompany me today?" Xiao Ming asked, his fingers tenderly stroking her flowing purple hair.

"Hmm, there's no need to ask. As your partner, how could I miss such an important occasion?" Xiao Yi Xian replied, her smile radiant. Her gaze then shifted to Medusa, who sat quietly in the living room behind Xiao Ming. Curiosity tinged her voice as she asked, "Will Medusa be joining us as well?"

Xiao Ming's eyes briefly shifted to Medusa before he responded, "Medusa is uncertain about when Xiao Cai's consciousness will awaken, so she prefers to stay by my side for now."

Medusa, who had been sitting silently, briefly cast a glance in their direction before averting her eyes.

Xiao Ming's thoughts then turned to Qing Lin. "By the way, where is Qing Lin? I intended to invite her as well."

"Little sister entered seclusion to rapidly break through to the Dou Ancestor Realm. She won't be emerging for some time," Xiao Yi Xian explained.

"I see..."

...

"Hahaha! Old Monster Liu, long time no see!"

"Old Qian! Let me introduce you, this is..."

"..."

"Haha, after the ceremony today, let's find a place to catch up."

"..."

In a luxurious palace, a group of women dressed as maids gracefully moved through the crowd, holding trays adorned with enticing fruits rarely seen outside for people to enjoy.

However, despite the delicacies on display, most of the guests were engrossed in their conversations, paying little attention to the fruits before them.

Most of these people were dressed in alchemist robes, and their tiers varied. The highest among them was in the eighth tier, and there was more than one.

At this time, so many high-tier alchemists could gather together, naturally because today was Xiao Ming's inauguration ceremony.

"Hey, Old Lin, I've been outside the tower for too long and I also went into seclusion for a while, so I'm not familiar with Xiao Ming. I mean, is this Xiao Ming really as amazing as the legend says? Is he really only eighteen years old? He's going to take a seat as one of the Eight Great Elders at such a young age?"

A green-clothed old man looked at the lively crowd next to him and suddenly asked his companion curiously.

The gray-bearded and kind-looking Old Lin beside him was somewhat impatient and said, "Can't you tell from this gathering? Do you think the Association Head and the others are joking around?"

"I'm simply astonished. After all, I haven't even heard of such a person, let alone seen him."

Cao Ying exchanged a few more compliments, all the while contemplating the information she had acquired.

If both women were Xiao Ming's partners, it meant that Xiao Ming liked not only one type of girl. Cao Ying could tell that the temperament of the two was completely opposite.

Moreover, the purple brocade woman, Medusa, was very similar to her in appearance and temperament. Red-haired, with a cool temperament and a charm that attracted all eyes. If she had to compare herself to Medusa in those aspects, she knew she would pale in comparison!

Realizing that her bewitching and alluring attitude might not catch Xiao Ming's attention, Cao Ying contemplated a change in her approach.

On the other hand, Xiao Yi Xian, though speaking superficially on the outside, had her own thoughts running through her mind.

Noticing the exchange of compliments between Xiao Yi Xian and Cao Ying, Xiao Ming felt a subtle chill and quickly coughed to redirect the conversation. "Ahem, Miss Cao Ying, when will Old Xuan arrive?"

Taking her gaze away from Xiao Yi Xian, Cao Ying seemed unaffected and offered a warm smile. "Master will join us once everyone has arrived," she replied smoothly.

Xiao Ming nodded in understanding.

Just then, a black-clothed man stepped forward and greeted Xiao Ming with a smile. "Song Qing... I have heard of Mr. Xiao Ming's outstanding performance in the Eight Great Elders Candidate Competition. Today, seeing you in person, it's truly well-deserved."

Xiao Ming acknowledged the greeting with a nod. Although the black-clothed man before him concealed his true intentions well, Xiao Ming could detect a hint of hostility in his eyes.

Cao Ying also noticed this, and her expression momentarily flickered with disgust. She couldn't tolerate Song Qing's animosity towards the person she had developed feelings for.

Delicately parting her red lips, Cao Ying spoke, "Mr. Xiao Ming, allow me to introduce Song Qing. He is the disciple of the First Elder Qiu Ling and the youngest candidate for an ordinary elder position in the Pill Tower. He is indeed a genius within the Pill Tower, but naturally, he can't compare to you," she smiled, her eyes gleaming.

Although Cao Ying's words appeared to be praising Song Qing, the underlying implication was clear: he should know his place. This not-so-veiled implication caused Song Qing's smile to falter for a moment, a flicker of discomfort crossing his face.

Amused by the situation, Xiao Ming turned his head away, choosing not to engage further with Song Qing.

The vast disparity between their positions made any comparison meaningless. Cao Ying's deliberate words were meant to undermine Song Qing and create distance between herself and him, preventing any association between them.

Unbeknownst to Cao Ying, her actions also caused Xiao Yi Xian's attitude to soften a little more toward her.

From that moment on, Cao Ying consciously ignored Song Qing, ceasing to mention him in their conversation. Instead, she directed her attention to Xiao Yi Xian. In the previous exchange, she realized that Xiao Yi Xian held a special place in Xiao Ming's heart. Cao Ying sought common ground and shared ideas with her. The conversation between the two became more fluid, and laughter rang out from time to time.

It had to be said that Cao Ying's approach had become cleverer.

Meanwhile, numerous individuals approached Xiao Ming. He responded politely to each person until Xuan Kong Zi and the First Elder made their appearance.

Their arrival signified the imminent commencement of the inauguration ceremony.

The ceremony itself was brief, with Xuan Kong Zi providing Xiao Ming with some reminders about important matters, and within ten minutes, the inauguration ceremony concluded.

The subsequent phase involved introductions.

Elderly men and women surrounded Xiao Ming, their presence accompanied by a bevy of attractive young women. These young women, eager to capture Xiao Ming's attention and win his favor, made their intentions known through their alluring gazes and flirtatious gestures.

Fortunately, with the presence of Xiao Yi Xian and Medusa, and with Cao Ying skillfully handling the situation at his side, Xiao Ming was able to swiftly handle the persistent advances of the shameless elders and squeeze his way out of the crowd.