They were aware of her beauty, and as lacking as she was in the ancient martial arts, she was quite popular in the outside world.

Unfortunately for her, she would never gain that same status within the Jenkins family.

It would have been a great opportunity for her to secure her future and make a name for herself. How foolish of her to slight Elton, the only alchemist in their ranks.

Maria's skill level was already pathetic as it was. Without the help of Elton's pills, she had no hope of furthering her cultivation, no matter how hard she worked at it.

ALL at once, the same thought flashed in everyone's minds.

“Does this mean Maria's done with martial arts?"

Elton looked around and was mollified by the sea of horror and pity in the guests' faces.

He had always enjoyed throwing the weight of his position around and remind everyone just how important he was.

Vivian, too, was extremely pleased with this development. Elton's order had become something like the last judgment for Maria, and she was sentenced to utter ruin. How exciting!

In truth, Vivian had been feeling rather apprehensive about the whole affair. Past encounters had taught her that Maria somehow always managed to outdo her enemies and turn the tide in her favor. Vivian couldn't help but wonder if the same thing would happen again.

But Elton himself had forbidden anyone from providing Maria his pills. Vivian doubted that Maria could find another alchemist to supply her with the necessary pills.

At this rate, the chances of Maria ever improving her cultivation were very bleak.

Elton was still buzzing with excitement from his little power play just now.

He took pleasure in deciding the fate of a youngster with just a few words.

"Gonzales," he said. "Is the ceremony supposed to start yet?"

Mr. Gonzales glanced down at his watch. They still had five minutes left.

But he knew how impatient Elton could get, and he couldn't afford to offend the alchemist by displeasing him.

And so, Mr. Gonzales cleared his throat and took a deep breath, bracing himself to announce the beginning of the event.

Just then, however, a lithe figure glided into the hall.

Elton's eyes widened at the sight of beauty before him.

He had never seen a more gorgeous woman in his life.

She looked like she had come straight out of a classical painting! How could one be so beautiful? There was one problem, however. She had a haughty bearing, as though she couldn't care less even if the emperor himself stood in front of her.

Not that it dissuaded Elton in the slightest. He swallowed a Lump in his throat and greedily licked his lips.

“Well, well. And who might this woman be?"