The fifth-grade elixir itself was remarkable. As soon as it was unveiled, its rich fragrance filled the room and astounded the entire crowd.
Eyes widened in shock.
"Could this be a fifth-grade elixir?"
"Definitely, fourth-grade elixirs don't have this kind of fragrance!"
"What an impressive elixir to release upon arrival."
Many guests looked at him, their eyes gleaming with interest.
Naturally, those who could acquire a fifth-grade elixir were not ordinary individuals.
The butler's pupils constricted, clearly not expecting Lin Chen's box to contain fifth-grade elixirs.
He reacted quickly, his gaze falling on Lin Chen, his eyes narrowing in contemplation.
This young man is only at the ninth level of the Earth Spirit Realm, and he doesn't even have an invitation.
He also claimed to be a casual cultivator.
How could someone with such a low status possess a fifth-grade elixir?
"Boy, you dare to steal elixirs from my city lord's palace!"
Greed flickered in the butler's eyes.
After brief deliberation, he concluded that this young man had no backing.
He extended his hand forward and exclaimed, "Bring it here!"
The butler was swift, his hand moving like lightning.
However, Lin Chen was faster.
As the butler lunged, he withdrew his hand, evading the attempt.
"What? You still want to take it by force?"
Lin Chen's eyes turned icy. Not only had the butler refused him entry, but he even tried to seize his belongings.
It was clear that possession of a fifth-grade elixir made it a target for others' desires.
But look at yourself first. You're not even worthy to bully me.
"Boy, cut the nonsense. You stole these fifth-grade elixirs, yet you have the audacity to appear before me. You're courting death!"
The butler was growing agitated. He had tried to seize the elixir, but the young man had reacted too quickly.
After all, this was the main entrance where guests came and went, and many distinguished guests were present.
He failed to seize the elixir discreetly, and he couldn't bring himself to try again publicly.
"Really? Are you certain that I stole this fifth-grade elixir?"
Lin Chen retorted sarcastically.
The butler's repeated accusations had chipped away at his patience.
Infuriated, he declared, "Even if you didn't steal this elixir, you're still not qualified to enter the city lord's palace without an invitation! Boy, get out of here. Esteemed guests come and go here constantly, don't defile this place with your lowly status!"
He intended to accuse the young man of 'stealing' in order to seize the elixir for himself.
After all, this young man had no status or power.
Even if we kill him, what will happen?
Could someone of such a humble status truly possess a fifth-grade elixir?
Unfortunately, the young man's quick reflexes had foiled his plan.
What's more, he was showing a tough demeanor, not at all like soft clay.
How vexing!
"Slap!"
In a flash, Lin Chen struck the butler across the face.
"You're just a barking dog. You only know how to stir up trouble!"
The slap was so sudden that no one present could react.
The butler was sent flying from the impact.
Stunned silence blanketed the room.
He struck someone?
Is this young man mad? He dares to assault someone in a place like this!
This was the city lord's palace of Qixin City.
Today was City Lord Lan Ao's birthday banquet!
So many distinguished guests had come to celebrate, how could he so brazenly assault someone?
Moreover, the victim was the butler of the city lord's palace.
As the saying goes, when you strike a dog, you must consider its owner!
The butler was stunned by the blow. It took him a moment to rise from the ground. Covering his face with one hand, he pointed at Lin Chen with the other. "How dare you strike me? You're seeking death..."
He couldn't comprehend Lin Chen's actions.
How dare this young man!
Lin Chen's eyes sharpened, and without hesitation, he delivered another slap.
This time, the butler had ample opportunity to react.
"Slap!"
Yet, the outcome remained the same!
The butler crashed into a wall, his face contorted in agony.
Though he clearly saw the trajectory of the slap, he was unable to evade it.
"Impossible..."
The butler muttered to himself, "I'm at the Heavenly Spirit Realm, why can't I dodge it?"
Everyone exchanged glances, disbelief etched on their faces.
If the first slap could be considered a sneak attack, this one was a fair and square blow.
The butler still failed to evade it, what did that signify?
A complete suppression of power!
"How dare you act so arrogantly in the City Lord's Mansion? Men, kill him!"
The butler was furious, his reputation shattered.
"What's going on?"
A towering figure approached, his brows slightly furrowed.
This was a grand birthday celebration, yet so many people had gathered at the entrance. It was hardly appropriate.
"Lieutenant General Liu, this man attempted to enter the City Lord's Mansion without an invitation. I told him to leave, but he dared to attack me! He holds the City Lord's Mansion in complete contempt!"
The butler gritted his teeth, his words slurred due to his swollen cheeks.
The newcomer, clad in armor, glanced at Lin Chen.
However, he didn't simply accept one side of the story. Instead, he asked Lin Chen, "What is your account of this incident?"
"While I am merely a casual cultivator, I respect City Lord Lan. Passing through Qixin City, I wished to attend his birthday celebration. It is true that I do not have an invitation, but this pill is my gift for the occasion."
Lin Chen presented the fifth-grade elixir and, raising an eyebrow, added, "But this so-called watchdog has labeled me a 'thief.' I would like to know from whom I stole this elixir."
Lieutenant General Liu listened intently and understood the gist of the situation.
He was well aware of the steward's character.
Not only was he a bully, but he was also greedy.
He must have seen the young man's treasure and desired it for himself.
"Lieutenant General Liu, don't listen to him, this young man..."
The butler attempted to interject, but Lieutenant General Liu glared at him,