The Rise of the Fallen Prodigy

Liam Smith also had no idea what the two of them were talking about.At this moment, he leaned close to Gideon Wilson's ear and asked, "Uncle Wilson, do you know what the family head and Master Aldrich are talking about?"Gideon Wilson also looked puzzled. He shook his head and whispered, "This subordinate doesn't know. The words of the family head and Master Mu are so profound that they are completely unfathomable."Liam Smith suddenly felt a bit disappointed. His gaze then fell on Theodore Smith, who was sitting upright in front of him. Judging from his solemn expression and the look of deep thought, he should know the secret.Before Liam Smith could move closer and ask, Caspian Smith, in the main seat, raised his hand and said sharply, "Silence."As soon as these words were spoken, the main hall, which had been filled with whispers, immediately fell silent. After all, in the Smith family, no one dared to go against Caspian Smith's will.This was the majesty of the head of the family.Seeing that everyone had quieted down, Caspian Smith nodded in satisfaction.Then he turned his gaze to Cassian Smith and said, "Second Elder, didn't you have something to say to Master Mu?"Cassian Smith understood immediately. He immediately clasped his fists and saluted Aldrich, saying, "Master Mu, greetings."Aldrich was quite familiar with Cassian Smith. He slightly returned the salute and asked in surprise, "What's the matter, Second Elder Smith?"Cassian Smith looked a bit embarrassed. He rubbed his hands and said, "I do have a small matter, but I don't know how to bring it up.""Second Elder Smith, I have a deep friendship with your Smith family. Just say what you want. We're all on the same side," Aldrich said."Alright, then I'll say it," Cassian Smith nodded immediately after getting Aldrich's permission. "As everyone knows, Master Mu's alchemy skills have reached a state of perfection. You are a highly respected master admired by countless warriors."Obviously, an old man like Cassian Smith, who had lived for decades, naturally understood the principle that flattery will get you everywhere. He started flattering Aldrich before bringing up the main matter.Aldrich seemed to enjoy it very much. A proud smile appeared on his face. He waved his hand slightly and pretended to be modest, saying, "Second Elder Smith, you think too highly of me. These are just words of praise from everyone.""This isn't just flattery. Everyone truly admires Master Mu," Cassian Smith said."Alright, Second Elder Smith, if you have something to say, just say it," Aldrich liked to hear nice words, but he also knew that Cassian Smith wouldn't flatter him for no reason. He must have something to ask."I heard that Master has been looking for an apprentice in recent years?" Cassian Smith got straight to the point.Aldrich's face changed slightly. He looked at Cassian Smith and said, "That's true. But unfortunately, I haven't found a suitable one in the past few years. I wonder what you mean by asking this, Second Elder Smith?""To be honest with Master Mu, my grandson, Nathaniel Smith, has always hoped to become a pharmacist since he was a child. But he has been unfortunate enough not to meet a famous teacher. Today, since Master Mu has honored us with your presence, I have the audacity to ask Master Mu to take a look at him. If he's not suitable, just forget it. If he is, please accept him as your disciple," Cassian Smith said."Oh?" Aldrich finally understood Cassian Smith's purpose. It turned out that he was paving the way for his grandson.Although he was a bit reluctant, Aldrich didn't refuse. He lazily waved his hand and said, "Since he is highly recommended by Second Elder Smith, this young man must have something special. Let him come out and let me take a look."Getting Aldrich's permission, Cassian Smith was extremely happy. He quickly turned to Nathaniel Smith, who was also immersed in happiness. and waved his hand, saying, "Xing'er, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and stand out so that Master Mu can take a good look at you?""Yes," Nathaniel Smith stepped forward quickly and stood in the center of the main hall. He bowed deeply to Master Mu and said, "Junior Nathaniel Smith greets Master Mu.""No need for so many formalities," Aldrich slightly raised his right hand and said."Thank you, Master," Nathaniel Smith said and then stood up straight.Before Aldrich could speak, he said obsequiously, "To be honest with Master Mu, since I was a child, I have heard my grandfather talk about your deeds. Although I have never had the opportunity to meet you, I have always admired you deeply in my heart. Today, I am really excited to have the opportunity to meet you."Obviously, Nathaniel Smith had acquired the authentic teachings of Cassian Smith.Flattering words came out of his mouth easily.As the saying goes, you don't hit a person who smiles at you. Although Nathaniel Smith's words were extremely clichéd, the effect was still quite good.Aldrich stroked his long beard and smiled, saying, "At such a young age, you are quite articulate. Not bad, not bad."Hearing Aldrich's praise, Nathaniel Smith was even happier. He bowed with his hands clasped and said, "Thank you for your compliment, Master. I really don't deserve it.""Since you want to be a pharmacist, You should also know that the conditions for becoming a pharmacist are very harsh.If you can meet my standards, then you will be my last disciple in the future. But if I'm not satisfied, then I can only say sorry," Aldrich said."I understand, Junior," Nathaniel Smith said with a serious expression.Cassian Smith, who was beside him, didn't forget to chime in, "Naturally, everything is up to Master Mu."Aldrich's expression didn't change at all. He nodded faintly, stood up, and came to Nathaniel Smith's side. He directly reached out and started feeling Nathaniel Smith's body.Seeing Aldrich's sudden action, Nathaniel Smith was obviously a bit flustered. But under Cassian Smith's signal, he gradually calmed down.Most of the Elders present knew that Aldrich was checking Nathaniel Smith's qualifications and wanted to see if Nathaniel Smith was qualified to become a pharmacist. This was the first step to becoming a pharmacist.In just a few breaths, Aldrich had felt all of Nathaniel Smith's bones. Finally, he flicked a white light from his hand, which disappeared into Nathaniel Smith's forehead. His eyes closed slightly, as if he was feeling something.After a while, the white light shot out and was taken back into Aldrich's body.He looked at Nathaniel Smith deeply. Then Aldrich put his hands behind his back, turned around, and sat back in the main seat.Obviously, this fourth - class pharmacist already had an answer in his heart.Cassian Smith couldn't help but be the first to speak and ask, "May I ask Master Mu, what's the result?"Caspian Smith and many Elders of the Smith family around also cast expectant glances.If Nathaniel Smith was really favored by Aldrich, it would mean that Nathaniel Smith might become Aldrich's disciple. By then, the relationship between Aldrich and the Smith family would naturally be further strengthened. For the Smith family, this was all benefits and no harm.On the other hand, if Nathaniel Smith really became Aldrich's disciple, then given some time, Nathaniel Smith would surely be able to become a pharmacist. Even if he couldn't reach Aldrich's level, there was a great chance for him to become an ordinary third - class pharmacist. For the Smith family, this result was also excellent.Aldrich looked at Caspian Smith, then glanced at Nathaniel Smith. He let out a long sigh and said, "Nathaniel Smith's physical qualities are quite good, but his Soul Power is not strong.""So, it means he has no chance to become a pharmacist?" Cassian Smith looked a bit disappointed.Aldrich paused and said, "That's not exactly what I mean. If Nathaniel Smith is really determined to learn the art of alchemy, then as long as he has strong perseverance, he can still achieve something."Aldrich's words were naturally to comfort Nathaniel Smith.At the same time, it also showed that Nathaniel Smith didn't meet his requirements, and he wouldn't accept him as a disciple.The Elders of the Smith family present also looked a bit disappointed. A great opportunity to help the Smith family thrive had slipped away just like that, which was really a pity.Cassian Smith's face also looked a bit unsightly, but he still clasped his fists and saluted Aldrich, saying, "Anyway, thank you, Master Mu.""You're welcome," Aldrich waved his hand.Nathaniel Smith, who had been full of enthusiasm before, now looked like an eggplant beaten by frost, dejected.He saluted Aldrich and then turned around and stood back behind Cassian Smith.For him, this was an opportunity to stand out among the younger generation in the Silvermoon Valley. As long as he became Aldrich's last disciple, with his identity as a pharmacist, he could become the focus of the Silvermoon Valley.But he still failed to seize the opportunity. Nathaniel Smith couldn't help but blame himself a bit."Hmph, what a disgrace," Theodore Smith felt extremely satisfied when he saw Nathaniel Smith and Cassian Smith looking disappointed.Of course, it's not that Theodore Smith was petty. He just wanted to avenge Liam Smith. After all, Nathaniel Smith had been bullying Liam Smith all the time.And Cassian Smith also often disregarded his status, taunting Liam Smith and always having a feud with Theodore Smith. Now that he saw them in a difficult situation, he naturally wouldn't miss the opportunity to kick them while they were down."What did you say?" Cassian Smith was feeling depressed, and now he was a bit angry when he heard Theodore Smith's taunt."Don't you understand what I said?" Theodore Smith sneered. "If you don't have the ability, don't make a fool of yourself in front of Master Mu."Nathaniel Smith also looked unhappy when he heard Theodore Smith's taunt. But as a junior, he didn't dare to talk back and could only stand aside, feeling depressed.Cassian Smith got into an argument with Theodore Smith, "You still have the nerve to talk about us? Everyone in the Silvermoon Valley knows that Liam Smith is a waste. Compared to him, our Nathaniel Smith is much stronger.""You're the waste," Theodore Smith retorted."...""Haven't you two had enough of arguing?" Caspian Smith said coldly, looking a bit displeased.Theodore Smith and Cassian Smith stopped and sat down, glaring at each other.What everyone didn't know was that when Cassian Smith mentioned Liam Smith's name, Aldrich's face obviously changed, but he quickly returned to normal."I'm really sorry for making you laugh, Master Mu," Caspian Smith said a bit embarrassedly."It's okay. I've long heard that the Second Elder and the Third Elder love to bicker on weekdays. You still have a childlike innocence," Aldrich said with a laugh.Aldrich's words obviously gave Theodore Smith and Cassian Smith enough face.Caspian Smith also smiled bitterly and said, "What Master said is true.""By the way, Master, is Nathaniel Smith's qualification really not good?" Caspian Smith asked.As the head of the family, Caspian Smith didn't want to miss any opportunity to increase the family's strength.Aldrich slowly shook his head and said, "Compared to Liam Smith, he's far inferior."