Gazing intently at the white jade box before him, Xiao Yan’s face filled with excitement. His hand, trembling slightly, reached into it, eager to grasp the small jade bottle. Seeing Xiao Yan’s action, Gu Te’s muddled old eyes flashed with a hint of mockery.
As soon as Xiao Yan’s hand touched the small jade bottle, his heart tightened suddenly. The place where he touched was bone-chillingly cold. In just a blink, a thin layer of ice had covered his palm, and it seemed to be spreading rapidly.
The sudden change made Xiao Yan’s face slightly pale. With a flicker of thought, strands of purple-colored Dou Qi swiftly traveled through several meridians in his body, finally reaching his arm. Instantly, a faint purple flame rose from his elbow, resisting the coldness for a moment before gradually melting it.
Shaking his arm slightly, he flung off the moisture. With his hand wrapped in a faint purple flame, Xiao Yan grabbed the small jade bottle again. This time, his expression remained calm as he lifted it.
Beside them, watching the purple fire rise from Xiao Yan’s arm, Gu Te’s face showed a hint of surprise. “A strange flame? No, not quite…”
After sensing the power of the purple flame once more, Gu Te shook his head slightly and gave the young man in front of him a deep look. He muttered to himself, “Well, I’ve underestimated him. This kid is no ordinary person.”
Ignoring Gu Te’s gaze, Xiao Yan carefully examined the small jade bottle emitting a continuous cold aura. He cautiously opened the cap, revealing about half a bottle of milky white liquid inside. On the surface of the liquid, there were faint signs of ice formation. Taking a light breath of the cold air, his body shivered violently. The purple fire Dou Qi in his body circulated rapidly for a moment, finally forcing out the icy chill from the top of his head.
Reaching up to touch his head, Xiao Yan was surprised to find a thin layer of ice crystals covering it. He couldn’t help but let out a gasp. The Ice Spirit Cold Spring truly lived up to its reputation as a rare treasure. It was no wonder that during the process of absorbing a strange flame, this item was essential. From this, Xiao Yan could vaguely sense the terrifying power of the strange flame, which required several rare items to increase the chances of success even by a little.
Carefully examining the Ice Spirit Cold Spring for a while, Xiao Yan only put it back into the white jade box after Elder Pharmacist confirmed it in his mind.
“You have what you came for. Leave now if you’re done…” Staring at the Ice Spirit Cold Spring that Xiao Yan had stowed away, Gu Te’s face twitched, and he waved his hand to dismiss him.
Having obtained what he needed most, Xiao Yan felt a sense of relief. He cupped his hands in thanks to Gu Te and said, “Thank you, Master, for your assistance. If there’s a chance in the future, I’ll come back to do business with you.”
“Hmph, only when you have something valuable to offer. Otherwise, I won’t see you,” Gu Te retorted, not mincing his words.
“Of course. If I don’t have anything worthwhile, I wouldn’t dare to disturb you.” Xiao Yan smiled and nodded. Glancing around the room, he asked casually, “Master Gu Te, do you have any rank three magic cores?”
“Rank three magic core?” Gu Te rolled his eyes, “Do you think I would collect such low-grade things?”
Xiao Yan stared at Gu Te’s disdainful face, speechless.
“Boy, do you need a magic core? I don’t have any rank three, but I do have a rank five one. How about it? Do you want it? Hehe, just give me another bottle—oh, no, half a bottle of Co-Sourced Purple Crystal Essence, and I’ll trade it to you!” Rubbing his hands, Gu Te’s disdain instantly vanished, and he looked like a cunning old fox.
“Hehe… Master Gu Te, you really like to joke. That bottle of Purple Crystal Essence was all I had. I can’t give you more,” Xiao Yan shook his head and laughed dryly. Though a rank five magic core was extremely valuable, it could be obtained with strength. However, Co-Sourced Purple Crystal Essence, which relied on luck, wasn’t so easily obtainable. Moreover, having a rank five magic core would be useless to Xiao Yan right now; it would just attract unwanted attention.
“Since Master Gu Te doesn’t have a rank three magic core, I’ll go to the auction house then. Goodbye,” Xiao Yan smiled and turned to leave. Under Gu Te’s displeased gaze, he opened the door and walked out.
“Little brat, I don’t believe you…” Gu Te plopped down on his chair, frowning in confusion, “Xiao Yan? Where have I heard that name before? Where was it…?”
In the room, the scruffy old man, scratching his head, was deep in thought.
Otto turned around, seeing Xiao Yan walk out with a smile. “Got it?” he asked, surprised.
“Yes, thanks to Master Otto. If not for your help, I might have had to search the entire world for this Ice Spirit Cold Spring,” Xiao Yan replied, bowing in gratitude.
“It was nothing. These treasures are just decorations here. With his abilities, they’re of no use to him. Letting them fall into the hands of someone who needs them is a good deed,” Otto chuckled, shaking his head. Looking at the young man, he couldn’t help but feel amazed. After knowing Gu Te for many years, he knew the old man wouldn’t give up anything without a worthy exchange. He hadn’t expected much from bringing Xiao Yan here, but the boy had managed to secure the item, which piqued Otto’s curiosity about what he had used to sway the miser.
Though curious, Otto didn’t ask. He wasn’t a novice and knew the unwritten rules of transactions. So, even though his curiosity burned, he wisely avoided the question.
Xiao Yan, seeing Otto’s silence, didn’t bring it up either. They both knew the other was aware and laughed as they left the cluttered building.
“Do you still need a rank three magic core?” As they left, Otto asked, hearing Xiao Yan’s casual mention.
“Yes,” Xiao Yan nodded, smiling, “I’m leaving Black Rock City today to visit the eastern border of the empire. I need to prepare everything I need here.”
“Going to the border?” Otto was taken aback but quickly nodded. “How about this: follow me to the Alchemist Guild. I’ll send someone to the auction house to get you a rank three magic core, saving you the time.”
Xiao Yan was tempted by the offer and agreed, “That would be very kind of you, Master Otto.”
“Of course, since you’re registered with our Alchemist Guild, you’re one of us. Helping you is no trouble,” Otto shrugged, smiling.
Otto’s words carried a subtle gesture of goodwill. Xiao Yan hesitated briefly but nodded. The Alchemist Guild was a formidable entity, rivaling the Yunlan Sect. Being connected to them could be beneficial, especially for future alchemy. The guild’s trading system was also convenient, so Xiao Yan had no objections.
Upon returning to the Alchemist Guild, Otto instructed someone to buy a rank three magic core and invited Xiao Yan to the living room to wait.
In the spacious room, Otto handed Xiao Yan a cup of tea and asked, “Xiao Yan, how long will you be at the border?”
“Maybe half a year,” Xiao Yan replied.
“Half a year… Will you go to the capital afterward?” Otto tapped his fingers on the table, smiling.
“The capital?” Xiao Yan was surprised but nodded, “Of course, the Yunlan Sect is near the capital, so I must go.”
Otto’s smile broadened, his gaze softening. “Indeed, the Alchemist Conference will be held in the capital in six months. If you have the time, consider attending. It would be very beneficial.”
“Alchemist Conference?” Xiao Yan was puzzled.
“It’s a grand event, gathering alchemists from across the Jia Ma Empire and even other empires. Missing it would be a shame.”
“Oh?”
“If you decide to attend, come to the Alchemist Association in the capital. Both Frank and I will be there,” Otto said, noting Xiao Yan’s interest.
“I’ll definitely come if I’m free,” Xiao Yan nodded, accepting the invitation.
Pleased, Otto nodded and discussed some points to note for the conference. While they chatted, the person sent to the auction house returned with the rank three magic core, which he respectfully presented to Xiao Yan.
The value of a rank three magic core was at least 200,000 gold coins, but Otto waved off the payment, explaining that the guild’s resources were vast.
Grateful for the free magic core, Xiao Yan chatted a bit more before taking his leave, planning to depart Black Rock City that day.
Otto saw Xiao Yan off, smiling as he watched the figure disappear. “Xiao Yan, I look forward to seeing you at the Alchemist Conference. I hope you shine brightly there.”
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage