At the intersection of several streets, an immensely large and imposing building stood, perpetually shrouded in a faint, fragrant smoke. Above its towering gates, the five ancient, dragon-and-phoenix-styled characters, Alchemists’ Guild, shimmered with a pale silver glow, drawing reverent gazes from passersby. As the headquarters of the Alchemists in the Jia Ma Empire, even the imperial royals would show respect when visiting this place. After all, the residents of this building wielded enough power to shake the entire empire; they were the most esteemed profession on the Dou Qi Continent.
Outside the massive gates of the Alchemists’ Guild, alchemists, who were seldom seen, hurried to and fro, their robes of varying colors proudly declaring their ranks. Standing outside the gates, Xiao Yan gazed up at the imposing Alchemists’ Guild headquarters, unable to resist a nod of admiration. This grandeur was indeed worthy of its position as the leading alchemist guild in the Jia Ma Empire.
“Are you planning to participate in the Alchemists’ Conference?” asked Hai Bodong, looking at the unusually crowded and bustling Alchemists’ Guild beside Xiao Yan.
“Let’s see. If there’s a reward that interests me, I might participate. If not…” Xiao Yan shrugged, indicating he had no intention of going through the trouble if there was no compelling reason.
“Do as you please. For alchemists, this conference is an indispensable event. Many alchemists from other countries have also come to attend.” Hai Bodong nodded, then patted Xiao Yan’s shoulder, saying, “Since that’s the case, go in by yourself. I have some matters to attend to and need to meet some old friends.”
“Is it the Mi Tuo Er family?” Xiao Yan glanced at Hai Bodong with a smile.
Hai Bodong smiled but didn’t answer directly. He waved at Xiao Yan and slowly walked down the left street.
Watching the old man’s figure gradually merge into the crowd, Xiao Yan muttered softly, “It seems he has a deep connection with the Mi Tuo Er family…”
After a moment of thought, Xiao Yan shook his head slightly, dismissing these concerns from his mind. Whether or not Hai Bodong had ties to the Mi Tuo Er family, it was not something that concerned him much. He glanced once more at the ancient sign above the gates and then stepped into the Alchemists’ Guild.
Xiao Yan’s face was still covered by the Ice Silkworm mask, and he wore a robe of a Second Rank Alchemist, making him appear quite unremarkable. As he entered, a rich fragrance of medicinal herbs filled the air, prompting him to take a deep, refreshing breath as he looked around in awe.
The interior of the Alchemists’ Guild was vast, divided roughly into three sections: east, south, and west. In the eastern hall, many square platforms made of greenstone were neatly arranged, with alchemists in long robes sitting behind them. On the platforms were various herbs, jade bottles, and scrolls. It seemed to be a trading area.
In the southern hall, many cauldrons were burning fiercely, with alchemists controlling the fires intently. Surrounding them were lower-ranking alchemists, quietly discussing their techniques.
The western hall, in contrast, was much quieter, with guards standing at the entrance, indicating that only alchemists of a certain rank could enter. Lower-ranking alchemists passing by would cast admiring and respectful glances inside.
Standing at the entrance, Xiao Yan gazed at the bustling hall, momentarily dazed, before shaking his head with a wry smile. He slowly walked into the hall, looking around, and after a brief hesitation, headed towards the trading area. Since his accidental discovery of the suction palm technique in the Birdtan City, he had developed a keen interest in finding treasures among the heaps of discarded items.
As he moved through the eastern area, Xiao Yan strolled between the various platforms, curious about the many rare herbs and other items, even those he had never seen before. Although it was called a trading area, the sellers here did not shout like market vendors. Instead, they lounged in soft chairs, occasionally glancing at the people outside the platforms. They would only rise to speak if they thought the person had something valuable. Most of the time, they remained lazily seated, rarely paying attention to the onlookers.
This laid-back demeanor was not typical of traders. Of course, they were not conventional merchants. What they sought was not money but bartering. To obtain the herbs or pills they needed, one had to offer something equally precious.
As he walked, Xiao Yan saw a variety of rare herbs and pills, including some materials for the Rebirth Purple Pill. Out of curiosity, he asked about them, only to be met with a dismissive look and a request for a Fourth Rank pill. Reluctantly, Xiao Yan retreated.
Though the herbs were indeed rare, exchanging them for a Fourth Rank pill was out of the question. He decided to let Hai Bodong handle it when they returned.
Continuing his slow walk through the trading area, Xiao Yan spotted a pink-colored fire seed offered by a somewhat pale old man. The fire seed, contained in a large, transparent jade bottle, bubbled slightly, exuding a peach-like aura. This Peach Blossom Fire originated from a rare fifth-rank wood-type beast, comparable in level to the Purple Flame, but more docile and easier to tame. Despite being less powerful, it was highly coveted by alchemists.
Many people approached the old man, but his high price kept them from acquiring the fire seed. Standing away from the crowd, Xiao Yan contemplated the fire seed, ultimately deciding against it. With his own Flames, the Peach Blossom Fire was not worth the effort.
As he turned to leave, a familiar silver figure squeezed through the crowd. Under everyone’s watchful eyes, she quickly approached the platform, her eyes gleaming at the pink fire.
“Is it her?” Xiao Yan was startled, recognizing the woman in the silver dress. “She’s here for the Alchemists’ Conference too?”
The woman, Xue Mei, whom Xiao Yan had met in Black Rock City, was the disciple of the Alchemists’ Guild branch chief, Fokelan. She seemed very fond of the Peach Blossom Fire, holding the jade bottle lovingly. Xiao Yan shook his head, thinking she was making herself a target.
Sure enough, seeing Xue Mei’s interest, the old man smiled and asked, “Miss, do you want to trade for the Peach Blossom Fire?”
“Yes, what do you want?” Xue Mei replied, casually asking.
“A scroll of a clear Fourth Rank pill formula,” the old man said with a grin.
“Black…” Xiao Yan muttered, shaking his head. A clear Fourth Rank pill formula was rarer than the Peach Blossom Fire. Undeterred, Xue Mei, after a moment’s thought, nodded, surprising Xiao Yan.
“Is she really willing to give up a Fourth Rank pill formula? Poor Fokelan will be heartbroken…” Xiao Yan mused, impressed by her generosity.
Seeing Xue Mei agree so easily, the old man was surprised. Xue Mei handed over a scroll without much ado, and he quickly examined it, using his soul power to verify it. His face lit up with joy.
Xiao Yan sighed, glanced at Xue Mei, and left without greeting her. As he was about to leave the trading area, he stopped at a corner near the door, where a shabby platform caught his eye. Behind it was a thin, lecherous-looking man, whose table held mostly unremarkable herbs. Seeing Xiao Yan approach, the man perked up, noticing the Second Rank Alchemist badge on his chest.
“Master, what do you need?” the man asked eagerly.
Xiao Yan smiled, “You’re still an apprentice, aren’t you?”
The man nodded, embarrassed, and confessed, “Yes, my alchemy talent isn’t good. I’ve been stuck as an apprentice for years.”
Xiao Yan felt a pang of sympathy, realizing the hardships alchemists faced. With Medicine Elder’s guidance, his path had been smooth. Looking at the man, he realized that advancement in alchemy was not as easy as he had imagined.
Sensing the man’s envious gaze, Xiao Yan sighed, feeling grateful. As he scanned the items on the table, he eventually stopped at a small, unremarkable black fragment in the corner…
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage