The Sword God of the Universe-Chapter 542 Rumors

Many eyes turned towards President Qing Ru of Youhai Commerce.

At this moment, Jing Yan was undoubtedly the center of attention, and his attire indicated he was representing Youhai Commerce.

Everyone knew that this would greatly enhance the reputation of Youhai Commerce.

What’s the most important thing for a commerce association?

Of course, it’s business! The bigger your reputation, the more people are willing to do business with you.

"Alchemist number sixty-six is Alchemist Jing Yan. Alchemist Jing Yan is not an internal alchemist of Youhai Commerce, but during this Alchemy festival, Alchemist Jing Yan indeed represented our Youhai Commerce!" Qing Ru said with a gentle smile on her face.

"As for the identity and background of Alchemist Jing Yan, I can’t reveal too much. All I can tell you is that Alchemist Jing Yan came from Lanqu County. Not long ago, I heard a rumor that there is a Great Alchemist King residing in Lanqu County, although I don’t know how true this news is." Qing Ru’s eyes slightly twinkled as she spoke in a casual tone.

Zhou Shangyun gazed intently at Qing Ru.

A Great Alchemist King in Lanqu County? How come I didn’t know about it?

Zhou Shangyun was the Prince of Lanqu County. If a Great Alchemist King were residing in Lanqu County, he, as the Prince, should have known. Of course, it could be possible that the Great Alchemist King did not wish to be disturbed, hence the information was not available. But then, how did Qing Ru come upon such a rumor?

A thought crossed his mind, and Zhou Shangyun immediately understood.

This statement by Qing Ru was probably completely fabricated. However, Qing Ru was indeed very clever; she had said it was just a rumor and the authenticity of the information could not be confirmed.

But, that was enough.

Of course, Zhou Shangyun would not question such conjecture. Qing Ru’s remarks also benefitted Lanqu County. In this way, the name of Lanqu County had deliberately been etched into the minds of all martial artists.

Just as Qing Ru had anticipated, the crowd, after a brief silence, erupted into excitement again.

The Great Alchemist King! That’s a ninth-level alchemist Great Alchemist King!

How high the status of a ninth-level alchemist on the Heavenly Origin Continent could be was exemplified by Hu Donghe, the City Lord of Pill Spirit City.

"President Qing Ru, are you suggesting that Alchemist Jing Yan might be a disciple of the Great Alchemist King?" someone in the crowd loudly asked.

"I really don’t know, and Alchemist Jing Yan hasn’t said much. However, I think, aside from a disciple personally trained by the Great Alchemist King himself, who else could score full marks in both the first and second rounds of the Alchemy festival?" Qing Ru stated with a smile.

"Yes! He must be a disciple of the Great Alchemist King!"

"Alchemist Jing Yan created a new record in the Alchemy festival. If he didn’t have a Great Alchemist King as a master, this would be impossible!"

"President Qing Ru, my Sky Ice Adventure Group would like to explore some cooperation with Youhai Commerce in certain areas. May I know your thoughts?" a male martial artist clad in armor loudly asked.

"Of course, welcome. Our Youhai Commerce will open its doors to all collaborations," said Qing Ru, her beautiful eyes narrowing.

"President Qing Ru, I..."

In just a short time, several large and small forces sought to initiate cooperation with Youhai Commerce, with a majority being adventure groups.

On the Heavenly Origin Continent, adventure groups are the main force in acquiring various resources, and in many cities, adventure groups are significant sellers of resources, while typical family forces are the primary buyers.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I suggest we wait until after the Alchemy festival to visit the headquarters of Youhai Commerce together to discuss the details of cooperation," Qing Ru suggested as she looked around at the warriors.

"Good!"

"Let’s do that!" The crowd responded in agreement.

Of course, the forces now expressing their desire to cooperate with Youhai Commerce were relatively small. The major powers would definitely not casually commit; even if they wanted to collaborate with Youhai Commerce, it would require time for decision-making.

President Bai Lan of Golden Sparrow Commerce was green with regret by now.

If Jing Yan had directly approached Youhai Commerce when he first arrived in Pill Country, Bai Lan wouldn’t have felt such regret. But the problem was, Jing Yan first visited his Golden Sparrow Commerce, and he had not shown Jing Yan the respect he deserved, offering a mere one hundred thousand Spirit Stones as payment, which was practically an insult.

If only his attitude had not been so condescending back then, if he had been willing to offer more compensation, perhaps Jing Yan would now be representing Golden Sparrow Commerce instead of Youhai Commerce.

Regret filled Bai Lan!

Although the second round of the Alchemy festival had just ended, Jing Yan had undoubtedly become the focus of the entire venue, contributing to the soaring reputation of Youhai Commerce he represented.

Damn it!

Bai Lan gritted his teeth, knowing it was too late to consider these matters now. Seeing Qing Ru gaining significant attention, a fierce jealousy ignited in his heart. He felt that Qing Ru had stolen what belonged to Golden Sparrow Commerce. And that darn Jing Yan, why hadn’t he disclosed his identity back then? Had he done so, Bai Lan would never have slighted him.

At this moment, Bai Lan also believed that Jing Yan might indeed be the disciple of the Great Alchemist King. Otherwise, it was not possible for Jing Yan to achieve full marks in the first two rounds. The only possibility was that Jing Yan’s master was the Great Alchemist King. Only a disciple personally trained by the Great Alchemist King could possess such insight.

However...

A sharp gleam flashed in Bai Lan’s eyes.

"President Qing Ru, congratulations!" Bai Lan bowed to Qing Ru.

"Thank you, President Bai Lan. Now you don’t think Youhai Commerce using Jing Yan as a spokesperson was a losing deal, right?" Qing Ru obviously did not forget Bai Lan’s earlier sarcasm.

Now with a chance to hit back, Bai Lan was not going to be soft.

Hearing Qing Ru’s words, Bai Lan’s face darkened and he chuckled awkwardly. Fortunately, he had been through tough times and had thick skin, so he didn’t seem embarrassed.

"Indeed, Alchemist Jing Yan is worth twenty million Spirit Stones. However, in the third round, Alchemist Jing Yan might not succeed. Alchemist Jing Yan is only twenty-three years old; even if he’s been taught by the Great Alchemist King, his alchemy abilities probably aren’t that advanced. If we give Alchemist Jing Yan a few more decades to gradually enhance his alchemy abilities, perhaps he could make it onto the New Talent Pill King List," Bai Lan slowly said.

"I believe Alchemist Jing Yan can make it onto the New Talent Pill King List," Qing Ru said, her confidence in Jing Yan rapidly growing.

She knew for sure that Jing Yan was a sixth-level alchemist. Although there were about fifty sixth-level alchemists participating in the Alchemy festival, only the top twenty could make it onto the New Talent Pill King List. Yet, Qing Ru felt that with Jing Yan’s alchemy abilities, he could definitely rank among the top twenty.

"President Qing Ru’s confidence is really strong. However, I still don’t believe that Alchemist Jing Yan can make it onto the New Talent Pill King List, he’s too young. We all know that alchemy requires time to accumulate," Bai Lan insisted.

He said this with a purpose—he wanted to shift attention to Golden Sparrow Commerce.