No one could have anticipated that a man of such legendary stature would possess such integrity! How could he be so forthright and principled?

Mrs. Jenkins, too, wore a look of embarrassment.

While she had extended an invitation to the Pill Alchemist Association, she had not anticipated Goodwin's personal appearance.

She had presumed that being the matriarch of the Jenkins family for twenty years had earned her some respect within the ancient martial arts world, prompting Goodwin to accord her a measure of deference. Yet, everything unfolded in stark contrast to her expectations.

But on second thought, she believed no one else in the Jenkins family could have coerced Goodwin into making a personal appearance.

When Mrs. Jenkins considered this, she felt a sense of relief return.

“Masters are often cantankerous. I shall not engage in an argument. It suffices that he is here to support my dear Barbara," Mrs. Jenkins muttered to herself, her mood restored.

As long as Barbara benefited, she would find contentment.

"This elderly gentleman possesses a most peculiar temperament," someone couldn't resist but whisper, their words dripping with curiosity.

“It's true. The competition officially starts today. He is a special visitor to the Jenkins household and as such, he should act appropriately. Why does he have to act so superior the moment he enters the room?"

Goodwin's actions and words incited a wave of dissatisfaction among the onlookers.

"I had believed him to be a genuine grade-eight pill alchemist, only to discover that he is but a former one. Who knows how much power he still has?" someone jealously grumbled.

"Diminishing strength for a pill alchemist? I've heard such tales before, usually arising from catastrophic accidents during the creation of high-grade pills. The consequences, I've been told, can be dire. There was once a pill alchemist who was reduced to nothing but a pitiable wreck!"

"What? Could the Mr. Gregory on the stage be nothing but a wreck?"

“It's possible!" The onlookers kept talking about this.

Unbeknownst to them, these whispers and doubts reached Maria's and the others’ ears.

Grover, filled with worry, turned to Maria, his voice Laced with worry.

“Miss Maria Jenkins, has Mr. Gregory truly lost a significant portion of his strength? A grade-eight pill alchemist... Alas, I hope Mr. Gregory is faring well.”

Grover, born into a life of hardship, had been forced by circumstance to engage in shady dealings.

However, since aligning himself with Maria, he had shed his ruthless exterior and rediscovered his compassion.

Maria, in her characteristic nonchalant manner, lazily responded, “Indeed, Mr. Gregory's strength has waned, but only ever so slightly. He now stands as a pinnacle seventh-grade pill alchemist, with the potential to transcend and reclaim his eighth-grade status at will, should he so desir

“I see..."

Grover found himself rendered speechless by this revelation. What?

Was Goodwin truly not in dire straits?