Chapter 408: Mang Tianchi's Shock

Chapter 408: Mang Tianchi's Shock

At the edge of the Void Thunder Pool, an elder approached Xiao Ze. Upon seeing Xiao Ze's youthful face, a flash of astonishment and seriousness appeared in his eyes.

Initially, when the elder saw Xiao Ze cultivating a thousand feet deep in the Thunder Pool, he assumed Xiao Ze was some reclusive old monster who had accidentally discovered the Void Thunder Pool. However, after hearing Xiao Ze's words, the elder naturally thought he must be from one of the ancient clans' younger generation.

Now, observing Xiao Ze up close, the elder was deeply impressed by his handsome appearance and the calm demeanor he exuded. Most notably, the elder was struck by the pale silver Thunderfire Robe on Xiao Ze, which demonstrated an incredible mastery over thunder.

"Senior, the Dou Qi Continent is vast and boundless. Not all talents come from the Ancient Clan or the Soul Clan," Xiao Ze said with a light smile. Although the elder hadn't revealed his identity, Xiao Ze was almost certain he was Mang Tianchi from the Lei Clan. Given the elder's casual mention of the most powerful ancient clans, it was highly likely he was from the Lei Clan.

"Oh? You're not from the Ancient Clan or Soul Clan? Then who is your master?" The elder withdrew his gaze from the Thunderfire Robe, internally marveling at the robe's intricacy, which even his thunder mastery couldn't replicate. He scrutinized Xiao Ze, finding it hard to believe anyone could reach such a level at such a young age without a master.

"Senior, we are strangers. It's not very polite to press for details like this. Moreover, if I remember correctly, you seemed to be planning to divert trouble towards me?" Xiao Ze said calmly. Unlike the original story where Xiao Yan was wary of Mang Tianchi due to their power difference, Xiao Ze had no such concerns; in a fight, the outcome wasn't certain.

"Haha, I noticed you were cultivating a thousand feet deep in the Thunder Pool and thought you might be interested in the black lightning as well," the elder laughed, changing his approach to make it seem like he was considering Xiao Ze's benefit by drawing the black lightning towards him.

"I am Mang Tianchi, from the Lei Clan," Mang Tianchi finally introduced himself, albeit hesitantly. Even though Xiao Ze denied being from the Ancient or Soul Clan, his familiarity with the ancient clans suggested he might belong to another ancient clan, making Mang Tianchi uncertain.

"So, you are the headmaster of Jia Nan Academy, who has been wandering for decades, Mang Tianchi?" Xiao Ze responded, catching Mang Tianchi off guard. Xiao Ze ignored his Lei Clan identity and instead brought up Jia Nan Academy.

Since founding the academy, Mang Tianchi had rarely involved himself in its affairs, leaving most duties to Elder Su Qian.

"And you are?" Mang Tianchi asked, puzzled.

"Student Xiao Ze greets the headmaster," Xiao Ze bowed respectfully. Despite Mang Tianchi's earlier unkind behavior, he was still the headmaster of Jia Nan Academy, which had greatly helped Xiao Ze.

"Xiao Ze...?" Mang Tianchi was stunned, finding the name familiar. As he studied Xiao Ze again, his gaze fell on the golden flame mark. "Are you the renowned Deputy Chairman of the Alchemist Association, Xiao Ze?"

"Then why did you call me headm—Ah!" Mang Tianchi suddenly realized, drawing a sharp breath.

"So, you are the same Xiao Ze that Su Qian often mentioned in his letters? Not two different people?" Even with his vast experience, Mang Tianchi was taken aback.

Su Qian had often mentioned a genius from a remote empire in the Northwest Continent, who had climbed his way to the Deputy Chairman of the Alchemist Association.

"Headmaster, the Xiao Ze from Jia Nan Academy is me, and so is the Deputy Chairman," Xiao Ze confirmed with a bow and a smile.

Hearing this, Mang Tianchi burst into laughter. "Who would have thought that the academy I casually founded could produce such an extraordinary genius? Although I doubt the academy had much influence on your success."

"The academy did help me greatly," Xiao Ze replied.

"Haha, no wonder Su Qian praised you so highly. Now that I've met you, I see he wasn't exaggerating," Mang Tianchi said, growing more enthusiastic. He patted Xiao Ze's shoulder. "If you ever need anything, just let me know. I've got your back!"

Hearing Mang Tianchi's words, Xiao Ze smiled. No wonder Xiao Yan had described him as more like a bandit leader than a headmaster.

"Hey, you can control thunder to such an extent that even touching your robe doesn't cause any reaction. That's remarkable!" Mang Tianchi exclaimed, looking at his hand in surprise. He had expected the Thunderfire Robe to retaliate.

"I guess I have a talent for controlling thunder," Xiao Ze said modestly, as if it was nothing special. The Thunderfire Robe did have an automatic counterattack feature, but Xiao Ze wouldn't let it harm the academy's headmaster, even if Mang Tianchi could withstand it.

"Your achievements are truly astonishing. You're probably just a step away from becoming the Chairman of the Alchemist Association, right?" Mang Tianchi asked curiously. Even among the ancient clans, the position of Chairman was highly respected.

"Probably, though the three current chairmen are still quite vigorous and not ready to retire," Xiao Ze replied honestly. It was clear to any discerning eye that he was the likely successor.

"Tsk tsk, you might be the most accomplished student Jia Nan Academy has ever produced," Mang Tianchi said in amazement. With Xiao Ze's current achievements, he was undoubtedly the academy's greatest success. Whether he would remain unrivaled in the future remained to be seen.

(End of Chapter)