The prince calmly replied, "Elder Lo, as the saying goes, one should not get a reward one does not deserve. If I do not make any contributions, I will not be able to accept the Diamond Quarter even if we do end up winning it."

Pele sneered and said, "At least you still have some self-awareness."

The prince shot the former an indifferent glance, before continuing, "Elder Lo must feel that I am not strong enough, but there's a simple solution. Allow me to have a pill concocting match with one of the three current representatives. If I somehow win, I will replace him, while if I lose, I will naturally no longer speak of this matter and not entertain any thoughts about the Diamond Quarter."

By this point, Ezra's true goal was finally revealed.

How could he not know that numerous of the more senior disciples looked down on him because he was new. At the same time, they also felt that Elder Lo was being very unfair.

However, they did not have the courage to raise their objections so publicly like Pele but the truth was that they refused to acknowledge Ezra in their hearts.

If not, Pele would not have managed to garner so much support.

In such a circumstance, for Ezra Zephyr to smoothly keep the Diamond Quarter in his pocket, he would first need to win over the other disciples. But because he was only a new disciple without any experience, trying to convince them with the potential of the peak selection ceremony champion was clearly an impossible fantasy.

Therefore, he would use the most direct and effective method.

No argument could beat the hard truth of reality.

~UPROAR~

Sure enough, Ezra's words caused another wave of noise to rise in the hall, every disciple dumbstruck once again.

No one had expected Ezra to have such charisma. He actually intended to use one of the three participants as an example!

Was he crazy?

One must know that Bob, Blaze and Pele were all Medium Yellow Grade alchemists. Where had Ezra found the courage to suggest facing them in a concocting match?

In the Naran Continent, alchemists are divided into 4 ranks. Yellow Grade, Black Grade, Earth Grade and Heaven Grade. All four have 3 stages namely, lower, medium and upper.

Bob, Pele and Blaze were stunned. Soon after, they looked at each other, seeing the amusement in each other's eyes.

They too had never expected Ezra Zephyr to be so naive.

Just below Elder Lo, Mubarak was also quite amazed as he let out a helpless chuckle. Junior brother Ezra was indeed no kind man and refused to lose out even a little.

But was a counterattack like this a little too reckless?

"Hehe, junior brother Ezra is really something." James Endoro laughed in amusement.

The other diamond belt disciples also chuckled as they nodded. From their appearances, they clearly felt that Ezra was not using his head. This was practically akin to a calf being unafraid of a tiger. Sure, he had courage, but he lacked self-awareness.

Elder Lo was both surprised and amazed as he stared at Ezra Zephyr. The latter's suggestion had once again surpassed his expectations. After some silence, he finally said, "You mean to challenge one of the three to see who is most suitable to participate in the quarter match?"

His gaze flickered in thought as he slowly continued, "Are you certain Ezra? Once I agree, there will be no turning back. If you end up losing, the Diamond Quarter will truly be out of your reach."

The prince nodded with a calm face.

Elder Lo took one deep look at Ezra Zephyr, before he ultimately said, "Since that is your decision, we shall do as you suggested. Which of the three do you choose as your opponent?"

Ezra's gaze slowly shifted under the numerous watching eyes in the hall, no surprise whatsoever as it ultimately paused on Pele.

Since Pele was the one who had kicked up such a fuss, he shall be used to establish Ezra's reputation in Alchemic Rune Peak.

Pele was likewise unsurprised. Instead, he grinned as he shook his head towards Bob and Blaze, and jokingly said, "I can't believe that the day will come when I'm being treated as a soft persimmon.

Ah well, teaching a new junior how to behave is something a senior should do. I shall accept this challenge."

His tone indicated that he felt no pressure at all, but was instead ready to toy with Ezra Zephyr.

Numerous disciples softly laughed around him.

Elder Lo slowly said, "Since that is the case, the match between the two of you shall be held five days later. The victor shall be allowed to become one of the three participants for the quarter match."

Elder Lo's gaze paused on Ezra's figure. He had still decided to give Ezra Zephyr more time because, from a certain point of view, he hoped that Ezra would really be able to create a miracle. If that happened, it would mean that the prince truly did possess the potential that would enable him to stand against the masses.

However, if Ezra were to lose, Elder Lo would not be able to stop himself from feeling disappointed, because it meant that Ezra was merely reckless, and someone with such character could never be destined for greater things.

In the wake of Ezra and Pele's match being settled, the atmosphere in the hall changed once again, numerous gazes filled with pity as they constantly glanced towards Ezra Zephyr.

It was obvious that almost no one believed Ezra would be able to beat Pele. The latter was after all a Medium Yellow Grade alchemist.

In fact, some of the disciples even felt that due to being unable to bear the pressure of so many people objecting to him, Ezra had intentionally found an excuse for him to gracefully leave the stage.

This idea made several disciples secretly nod their heads in approval. At least this new disciple was still somewhat tactful and understood that a Diamond Quarter was still out of his reach.

Elder Lo slowly withdrew his gaze as he sighed softly inside.

"Ezra, I hope that you do not disappoint me…"

In the crowd of those who don't believe in Ezra, there was a certain youngster, a chubby one who had the utmost belief in Ezra. 

Seeing all that in front of his eyes, he unintentionally let out a giggle and mumbled. "They are unaware that his majesty will shock the souls out of them." He was Gill Subzi.