"Could it be that the alchemist they mentioned is you, Elder Zhou?"
Upon hearing Zhou Qianyuan's words, Tian Gaofei's heart sank, and an extremely bad premonition washed over him.
Judging by the other party's attitude, it was indeed highly likely!
However, Zhou Qianyuan was already nearing eighty years old. Was he really going to force a marriage with Chu Lian, a girl who was only eighteen?
"Hehehe, Elder Zhou? Young Master Tian, just call me by my name."
"As for the title of Elder, Zhou is not worthy. I am merely a humble alchemist!"
Zhou Qianyuan let out a cold snort, his expression filled with arrogance.
Previously, the Zhou family had approached him, wanting him to serve as a guest elder for the current Zhou family, but he was still considering it.
He hadn't expected to encounter the legendary Young Master Tian of the Tian family here!
He was determined to establish his authority through Tian Gaofei this time!
On one hand, it was to show the entire cultivation world that alchemists were not to be insulted!
On the other hand, it was to leverage the identity of this Young Master Tian to intimidate the Chu family, forcing them to submit obediently!
This way, he could increase his leverage for joining the Tian family as a guest elder and simultaneously subjugate the entire Chu family. It was a win-win situation!
"This… Elder Zhou is too kind!"
"I truly didn't know they were referring to you. If I had, why would I have come here?"
Sensing the sarcasm in Zhou Qianyuan's words, Tian Gaofei forced an awkward smile and apologized to Zhou Qianyuan.
Meanwhile, Chu Yuan, Chu Lian, and the others beside them watched with shifting expressions.
Just a moment ago, they were boasting that no one could interfere.
Yet, in the blink of an eye, they were already groveling.
It seemed that Zhou Qianyuan's status in the southwestern cultivation world was indeed as noble as he had claimed!
"Hmph, Young Master Tian, are you going to retract your earlier words?"
"All of us here heard you personally slander my grandfather just now. Are you expecting to dismiss this with just a verbal apology?"
Zhou Hao, who had learned much from Zhou Qianyuan, stepped forward and questioned Tian Gaofei.
He understood his grandfather's intentions perfectly. After all, he was a distinguished Rank Two Alchemist with high status in Beichuan.
It would be beneath his grandfather to negotiate terms directly.
Therefore, it was most appropriate for him, the grandson, to step in at this moment!
"This… Young Master Zhou, what do you suggest we do to earn your forgiveness today?"
Hearing Zhou Hao's words, Tian Gaofei knew clearly that they were trying to extort him.
If anyone else had dared to treat him this way, with the Tian family's current strength, he, the future successor, would have slapped them twice.
However, facing Zhou Qianyuan, he was helpless.
This esteemed Rank Two Alchemist was someone his father had personally invited with great effort and gifts to become a guest elder of their Tian family!
If he offended him now, his father would likely disown him!
"No, Brother Tian, didn't you say you would help me solve this problem?"
"How is it now…"
Chu Lian was also bewildered.
Earlier, in the Trial Valley, her "Brother Tian" had confidently assured her that no matter who it was, he would help her resolve this trouble.
But now?
After meeting for the first time and before doing anything, he was already begging for forgiveness.
How could he possibly help her solve her problems now?
Judging by Tian Gaofei's current attitude, it would be a miracle if he didn't join Zhou Qianyuan in dealing with their Chu family!
"What 'Brother Tian'? Who is your Brother Tian? Call me Young Master Tian!"
Hearing Chu Lian's address, Tian Gaofei was startled.
Despite being the Young Master of the Tian family and the current apparent heir, the position of successor was becoming increasingly uncertain as the Tian family grew stronger.
The ambitions of several of his brothers had been fully ignited.
If he were to offend a respected Rank Two Alchemist today over a woman, his father would certainly cripple him to appease Zhou Qianyuan.
At that point, not only would his claim to the succession be jeopardized, but his very life might be threatened.
This was something he absolutely could not accept!
"Ah? Brother Tian, you…"
Chu Lian was completely shocked by Tian Gaofei's angry outburst.
She had never imagined that the "Brother Tian" who had doted on her so much would become like this.
"Elder Zhou, I apologize. It was indeed my ignorance before."
"If Elder Zhou spares me today, I will surely repay you in the future!"
Tian Gaofei no longer paid attention to Chu Lian. Instead, he turned to Zhou Qianyuan and bowed deeply.
He knew that his status as the Young Master of the Tian family depended entirely on Zhou Qianyuan's word now.
If the other party insisted on a fight to the death, with his status as a Rank Two Alchemist and a guest elder of the Tian family, he would be truly doomed!
"Enough. Since Young Master Tian is so sensible, I shall not hold it against you."
"Since Young Master Tian is here, why not stay and attend my engagement banquet today?"
Seeing Tian Gaofei back down and apologize to him in front of everyone, Zhou Qianyuan waved his hand dismissively.
For Zhou Qianyuan now, his vanity had been satisfied, and his goal of intimidating the Chu family had been achieved.
He had also seen Lin Chen standing nearby when he entered, so he deliberately put on this display.
He wanted to use Tian Gaofei's identity to not only intimidate the Chu family but also to let Lin Chen know how strong his backing was now!
Back then, at the Sun family, Lin Chen had dared to insult him repeatedly under the protection of Sun Zhiqian.
However, the current Tian family was no longer the second-rate family it once was in Tiandu Province.
Now, the Tian family had integrated most of the cultivation powers in Tiandu Province, and its overall strength was on par with the Five Sects and Four Clans.
In contrast, the Sun family was declining year by year.
In terms of overall strength, the current Tian family might even surpass the Sun family!