Under the night sky, four shadows darted silently, a heavy silence lingering among them. “Hey, Elder Pharmacist, did we waste an entire night only to return empty-handed?” Finally unable to hold back, Hai Bo Dong asked, his toes lightly tapping on the rooftops. Beside him, Jia Lao also nodded, for it was not in his nature to return empty-handed.
“How could it be empty-handed? We have now ascertained that man’s true identity. At least we have some insight,” said Elder Pharmacist Fa Ma, shaking his head with a sigh as he noticed the discontent in Hai Bo Dong.
“Just knowing his identity is useless. He will still compete in the tournament tomorrow. With his strength and years of experience in alchemy, winning the championship won’t be too difficult,” Jia Lao frowned.
“Hehe, don’t we still have Little Rockfire and the other two young ones? They must have their own tricks up their sleeves. Perhaps there will be some unexpected twists tomorrow,” Fa Ma said with a smile, glancing at Xiao Yan behind them.
“Stop playing dumb. While Little Rockfire and the others are not weak, that man is the vice president of the Outcast Empire’s Guild. And he came prepared. Their chances of winning are very slim,” Jia Lao spoke gravely. “If that man wins, not only will your guild’s reputation plummet, but the Jia Ma Empire will also be mocked on the continent.”
“Most importantly, if he becomes the champion, he will draw more attention. Then, even if you want to intercept him, you will be hesitant,” Hai Bo Dong added.
Xiao Yan, lagging behind, listened quietly to the three elders’ arguments, knowing it was best not to interject at this moment.
“I am well aware of Xue Er’s strength. Getting into the top three is not hard, but winning the championship would be challenging even without that unexpected man… As for Liu Ling, Gu He indeed taught him a lot, but he is at a disadvantage due to his youth and lack of experience compared to Yan Li,” Jia Lao analyzed, frowning. “Among the three, only Little Rockfire can compete with that man. However, I am certain that today, Yan Li also held back. In the final round tomorrow, Little Rockfire might be at a disadvantage.”
Fa Ma’s face was somber, his eyes flickering. “Ah, Old Hai, you should think of a solution. That man’s participation already violates the rules, so you don’t need to stick to those rigid rules. Do what needs to be done, just don’t let that man win the championship.”
Hai Bo Dong sighed, and Fa Ma, taking a deep breath of the cool night air, slowed his pace. Nodding slightly, he said softly, “Yes, something must be done. The Alchemist Guild of the Jia Ma Empire has been passed down for so many years. It cannot fall into disrepute on my watch.”
“Hehe, it’s good you understand,” Hai Bo Dong and Jia Lao both breathed a sigh of relief, smiling.
Fa Ma pondered for a moment, then turned to Xiao Yan with a smile. “Young man, I assume the strength you displayed today wasn’t your limit, right?”
Xiao Yan, taken aback, looked up at the smiling Fa Ma and hesitantly replied, “Why do you ask, Elder Fa? Indeed, I did hide a bit.”
“Haha, I knew it! Young people these days, they all like to keep things under wraps,” Fa Ma laughed, then patted Xiao Yan on the shoulder. “This time, the championship match against Yan Li may depend on you.”
“Elder Fa, you jest. Although I don’t want to diminish anyone’s achievements, that man is a vice president of a guild. For a newcomer like me, surpassing him will be difficult,” Xiao Yan shook his head, sighing.
“Of course, it’s not all on you. Since that man has broken the rules first, I can’t be blamed either.” Fa Ma smiled faintly, then turned to Hai Bo Dong and Jia Lao. “You two go back first. I’ll take Little Rockfire to the guild; there are some matters I need to discuss with him.”
Hai Bo Dong and Jia Lao, surprised, exchanged a glance and nodded, then departed, disappearing from Xiao Yan’s sight in a flash.
Xiao Yan, looking at the two departing figures, turned to Fa Ma, puzzled. “Elder Fa, what is this about?”
“Hehe, come with me,” Fa Ma smiled, then led the way towards the Alchemist Guild in the center of the city. After a brief hesitation, Xiao Yan followed.
The two sped through the air, reaching the Alchemist Guild in minutes without disturbing anyone.
“Let’s go,” Fa Ma said, leading the way into the guild. Though it was late, the guild was still brightly lit. The guards, though indifferent, stood vigilant, watching everyone entering and exiting. When they saw Fa Ma approaching, they froze, then tensed, their eyes filled with respect and awe.
Smiling at the guards, Fa Ma urged Xiao Yan to follow, then stepped into the guild. Hearing Fa Ma’s urgent tone, Xiao Yan shook his head, then followed, receiving many curious glances from the guards.
Inside the guild, they quickly moved through several large areas, with alchemists stepping aside respectfully. By Fa Ma’s side, Xiao Yan enjoyed the treatment somewhat undeservedly.
As they climbed the stairs, the alchemists in the hall began whispering.
“That young man seems to be the Rockfire from the tournament today.”
“It seems he is highly valued by the president…”
“Of course, he is one of the few who can compete with that gray-robed youth from the Outcast Empire. He deserves the attention.”
“If he wins the championship, he might become the youngest elder of the Jia Ma Empire’s Alchemist Guild.”
“Ah, true heroes emerge in youth. I’ve spent my life in the guild and only reached the level of a steward…”
Following Fa Ma, they reached the highest floor of the guild, stopping before a room. Fa Ma pushed the door open, and Xiao Yan followed, finding the spacious, yet simple room, with bookshelves and an old table standing alone.
“Sit down,” Fa Ma said, taking a seat behind the table.
Xiao Yan nodded, pulled out a chair, and sat, staring quietly at the smiling Fa Ma.
After a moment, Xiao Yan smiled. “Elder Fa, if there’s something, just say it. If it’s within my capabilities, Little Rockfire will not refuse.”
“Hehe, I’m sure you can guess. I brought you here because I want you to win the championship,” Fa Ma said.
“I also want to win, but…” Xiao Yan sighed, spreading his hands helplessly.
“I know…” Fa Ma nodded, stroking his beard. “Tomorrow’s competition isn’t overly complex. It will rely on each person’s true abilities and hidden tricks.”
“In that round, everything, including materials, must be self-prepared. Tomorrow, the guild will not provide any formulas. You will have to rely on your own collection, and you must have the necessary materials to make the medicine. If not, you’ll be out of luck,” Fa Ma said, shrugging.
“Damn it,” Xiao Yan muttered, opening his mouth wide. If Fa Ma hadn’t given him a heads-up, he would have been at a severe disadvantage. The highest-level formula he could make was a third-grade one, far below Yan Li’s and Liu Ling’s collections.
“Though this test has a bit of luck involved, luck is also a part of strength. So…” Fa Ma smiled. “I guess Yan Li has a fourth-grade formula and, as a vice president, he should have all the necessary materials.”
“Fourth-grade? Shouldn’t he be able to make fifth-grade medicines?” Xiao Yan frowned.
“He could, but the failure rate would be too high, making it unsuitable for such a competition.”
“But even a fourth-grade formula… I don’t think I can manage. I’m not joking when I say the highest formula I can handle is a third-grade one, and many of those lack the necessary materials,” Xiao Yan sighed.
“Hehe, I can guess… That’s why I called you. I need you to surpass Yan Li. I can help with the formula and materials, but… you must be confident in making it!”
“…I need to see the grade and requirements of the formula.”
Hearing this, Xiao Yan felt a bit pleased. With the Alchemist Guild’s resources, the formula would not be ordinary. To learn it for free would be a great boon.
“This formula won’t disappoint you. Though it’s only fourth-grade, its value is no less than a fifth-grade formula, perhaps even greater,” Fa Ma smiled, walking to a bookshelf and retrieving a black scroll.
“Here, take a look. I think you’ll like it.”
Xiao Yan carefully took the scroll, unrolling it slowly. His eyes scanned the information, and after a moment, he sucked in a breath.
“Too valuable…”
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage