Chapter Thirteen: When the Dog Bites

Originally, Chu Qing, who was pulling Chao, along with the others watching the commotion behind, were all left dumbstruck at this moment. After all, though Lin Qingyun had once been the president of the class Alchemy Society, the vice president of the school’s Alchemy Society, and came from the wealthiest family in the class, he had always treated his classmates kindly. This was the first time anyone had seen Lin Qingyun go on the offensive so fiercely.

Even Chao and Li Daoze were slightly taken aback, never expecting Lin Qingyun to be so direct and decisive. Not only did he take the heat aimed at Chao onto himself, but he also launched a biting counterattack.

“You…” Li Daoze’s face flushed red, the sting of Lin Qingyun’s words cutting deep. He raised a trembling finger and pointed at him. “Lin Qingyun, you’re only here because we’re classmates, but if we’re being honest, you didn’t even finish high school, let alone go to college. This gathering is for those preparing to establish the university’s Alchemy Society. It’s not suitable for someone like you, an idle rich kid, to attend.”

Chao looked at Lin Qingyun in utter surprise. Her anger at Li Daoze’s behavior over the last year had been simmering, yet Lin Qingyun’s words were even sharper than she could have imagined. After all, Lin Qingyun hadn’t been back to school for a year; he shouldn’t have known much about Li Daoze’s situation.

“My being here has nothing to do with you, and you have no say in the matter, so don’t flatter yourself. To be honest, I really was blinded by youth back then and failed to see your true, sycophantic nature. Otherwise, I’d never have recommended you as class Alchemy Society president or the school’s vice president.”

Lin Qingyun spoke calmly, then turned to Chao, Chu Qing, and the others. “My apologies, everyone. I was deceived by a petty man and mistakenly recommended this fellow. If he’s caused any disgust over the past year, I ask for your forgiveness.”

Now, aside from the secrets he must keep hidden, Lin Qingyun had only one principle: to act according to his heart, with clarity and ease. He would never waste energy on inner conflict but would simply do as he pleased. If someone challenged him, he would simply take them head-on.

Chao was his true friend. Lin Qingyun confronted Li Daoze for Chao’s sake, and after seeing Li’s true colors in just a few words, he saw no need for further words—action was enough. There was no need for courtesy or pretense.

“Hu…hu…” In just a few exchanges, Li Daoze found all his prepared arguments pierced through by countless verbal arrows. The Lin Qingyun he once found easy to manipulate had become someone entirely different today—unexpectedly formidable.

“Lin…Qing…yun…” Li Daoze gnashed his teeth, glaring at Lin Qingyun. “I was saving face for you. Don’t think you can trample that. This is both a high school reunion and a gathering for the new university Alchemy Society. You don’t belong here—get out now.”

He glared again at Lin Qingyun. “I became president with the school’s and President Zheng’s approval, not because of you, Young Master Lin.”

“Who do you think you are, Lin Qingyun…” The conflict erupted so suddenly, and Lin Qingyun’s words were so sharp that no one had time to react. But as soon as Li Daoze voiced his anger, several of his loyal followers prepared to chime in.

“Boom…” Lin Qingyun gave them no chance, activating the Chiyang Heart Method and channeling it into his eyes.

At the Realm of Lyrical Heart, the senses transcend the ordinary; one’s gaze becomes bright and penetrating. With the heart at peace, the spirit is clear and all-seeing. The ability to see through was versatile, and now, Lin Qingyun’s eyes burned like fire. The sweep of his gaze left none daring to meet his eyes; they all bowed their heads, cowed into silence.

Li Daoze, standing at the front, was close to building his foundation at the Lyrical Heart Realm, yet even he staggered back a few steps in shock.

“Bootlickers, keep quiet. For the sake of our shared past, I won’t make a scene here. As for you…” Lin Qingyun’s eyes flashed like lightning, heat and pressure radiating, silencing those who would have spoken for Li Daoze.

When Lin Qingyun’s gaze finally landed on Li Daoze, Li could feel a chill run down his spine—a pressure he had never known.

At that moment, two luxury hovercars landed beside the group, instantly drawing everyone’s attention.

From the first car, four bodyguards emerged, all exuding a fierce, lethal aura—clearly seasoned men who had seen blood.

From the other stepped Zheng Haoyue, clad in a pure-black suit with a subtle sheen, a bowtie at his collar, his appearance both formal and hinting at hidden strength. Smiling, he descended from the car.

“Everyone’s here. The Alchemy Society gatherings are as lively as ever. Let’s not linger outside—come in and talk.” Zheng Haoyue clearly understood what had transpired at the entrance to his hotel but chose not to address it, instead inviting everyone inside with a smile.

The tense atmosphere eased at once, especially for those allied with Li Daoze; with Zheng Haoyue’s arrival, their confidence returned.

“President…” Li Daoze hurried forward to greet Zheng Haoyue, then shot an angry glare at Lin Qingyun and Chao. “It’s not that I wanted to make trouble. Zhao Chao and Lin Qingyun came looking for a fight, attacking me without reason. Even though we’re now in college, I dedicated myself to the Alchemy Society throughout high school, always carrying out your wishes. But they humiliated me in front of everyone. I can’t accept classmates like that.”

Li Daoze played the aggrieved child seeking justice from a parent, acting as though he was ashamed to be associated with Lin Qingyun and Zhao Chao. His eyes even glistened with tears for effect.

Clearly, Li Daoze was both pledging loyalty to Zheng Haoyue and trying to use his influence against Lin Qingyun.

“Qingyun, it’s been a long time. For my sake, let’s clear up any misunderstandings. The Alchemy Society has always been united, and only through unity can we go further. Let’s go in and talk.” Zheng Haoyue gestured invitingly.

As a scion of a prominent family, Zheng Haoyue was nothing like the arrogant, dissolute heirs of popular imagination. He possessed both pride and real ability, along with relentless drive.

“I’ll pass. I only came to see Chao, nothing more. I quit the Alchemy Society long ago—after all, I didn’t even finish high school, and you’re all discussing university matters and future prospects. I won’t intrude.” Lin Qingyun was all too familiar with Zheng Haoyue’s tactics. Even without the decades of experience from his previous life, he’d seen enough through his parents in this life.

With people like this, unless there was a true conflict, there was no point getting angry. So Lin Qingyun simply declined, unwilling to waste time on pointless conversation.

Zheng Haoyue smiled faintly, saying nothing, but his gaze on Lin Qingyun grew more intrigued. If not for Lin Qingyun’s recent actions—slapping Zhang Baole and winning the Foundation-Building Pill—he wouldn’t have cared at all.

“This is supposed to be a class reunion. Disgusting. President, let’s go.” Chao shot Li Daoze a glare, clearly having no intention of staying.

Seeing them about to leave, Li Daoze glanced sideways.

“Zhao Chao, Lin Qingyun, you think you can just insult people and walk away? Not so easy. Today, you both owe President Li an apology before you go.”

“That’s right, especially you, Lin Qingyun. Do you think this is your family business? That we’re your employees, to be bossed and berated at will? Let me tell you, we’re all students at Haicheng University’s Alchemy Department now. You, the pampered heir who didn’t even go to college, act so arrogant. I doubt anyone in the Alchemy Department will ever join your Lin Group.”

“After all that bluster, you think you can just leave? Apologize to President Li first…”

At this, several more people stepped forward, aiming their barbs at Lin Qingyun and Chao.

Haicheng University’s Alchemy Department was among the nation’s best, its graduates highly sought after by the state, pharmaceutical companies, great families, and powerful factions alike—true children of destiny.

At this moment, in their eyes, Lin Qingyun had insulted the entire Haicheng University Alchemy Department, and only by apologizing to Li Daoze would he be allowed to leave.

“What do you flunkies want? Apologize to him? And now I’ve offended the whole Alchemy Department? As if he represents them!” Chao bristled, stepping out to face them down.

After Zheng Haoyue’s intervention, Lin Qingyun had lost all interest in staying. He’d intended to leave with Chao, but hadn’t expected this bunch to push things even further.

More importantly, Lin Qingyun was no longer just an ordinary high school graduate, nor merely a novice alchemist like these university freshmen.

He’d noticed Li Daoze signaling the others—it was obvious this wasn’t a spontaneous outburst, but a deliberate move by Li Daoze.

Was this a full break, or did Li Daoze intend to use Zheng Haoyue’s influence against him? Or perhaps something else…

Whatever Li Daoze’s intentions, Lin Qingyun had no interest in engaging now.

“So, you’re all students of Haicheng University’s Alchemy Department now—very impressive. Looks like if I’m not one of you, I’m not even allowed to speak. You want me to apologize?” Lin Qingyun looked straight at Li Daoze, ignoring the hecklers.

Clearly, these were the people Li Daoze had recruited during his year as vice president and class president of the Alchemy Society. As they spoke for him, Li Daoze held his head high with pride, while Lin Qingyun remained utterly unperturbed.

“Lin Qingyun, can’t you see? Everyone’s had enough of your arrogant, domineering, spoiled ways. I invited you to this reunion out of kindness, and this is how you repay me—by attacking me personally.

“Now I’ve been accepted by Professor Qian Shanming, a senior alchemist at Haicheng University, as his disciple. I’ll be working with him to develop several new Lyrical Heart Realm elixirs. As a true alchemist, reputation means more to me than you can imagine. You can’t tarnish it with a few insults. We’re no longer kids—we must all bear the consequences of our actions.”

At this, Li Daoze lifted his chin and gazed at Lin Qingyun with pride. “Today, in front of all these future alchemists, you attacked and humiliated me without cause. You owe us an explanation. As everyone said, we are not subordinates of your Lin Pharmaceutical Group, and never will be. In our eyes, your so-called status as heir of the Lin family means nothing.”

As he spat out those words, Li Daoze felt as if he were glowing. He’d never felt so empowered. From now on, who would dare mention those days when he trailed after Lin Qingyun? Lin Qingyun had only inherited some family assets, with an uncertain future, while he—Li Daoze—would become a true alchemist, perhaps even an advanced one.

He would lead his family to glory—something Lin Qingyun, a mere rich kid, could never match.