Exiting the corridor, Xiao Yan happened to bump into Otto and the others who had been waiting for him. They exchanged a few laughs and casual conversation. During their chat, Xue Mei interjected a few times, her gaze towards Xiao Yan slightly peculiar. Lin Fei, on the other hand, hesitated to speak much. Whenever Xiao Yan’s gaze swept over, her face would flush red. Clearly, Xiao Yan’s previous performance had truly shocked this usually fiery girl, and her long-time idol, Liu Ling, quietly crumbled in her heart, replaced by the image of that quiet, slender youth. After a brief conversation with Xue Mei and the others, Otto forcefully ended their discussion, then led Xiao Yan out of the square and quickly back to the guild, where he arranged a quiet, secluded room for him to recuperate. Xiao Yan’s pale complexion was truly worrying. Gazing at the closed door, Xiao Yan could only shake his head helplessly. He glanced at the green pill in his hand, which Otto had given him. Judging by its color, it was at least a grade three pill. It seemed that Xiao Yan’s victory had indeed delighted Otto greatly. A pill of this level was considered precious to him, yet he handed it over casually.
Sitting cross-legged on the soft bed, Xiao Yan popped the pill into his mouth. Feeling the surge of pure energy spreading through his body, he slowly closed his eyes and began to nourish his spirit. Although he had held up until now, this assessment had truly drained all of his energy. The transition between the three flames required an immense amount of soul power. If not for his excellent state earlier, Xiao Yan might have fainted from soul exhaustion before the third flame even completed its transformation…
The time for recovery passed in a flash, spanning over five hours. When Xiao Yan awoke from his meditation, he glanced out the half-open window and realized that the sun, which had been high in the sky, was now about to set, and the air was gradually becoming colder. Exhaling slowly, Xiao Yan rubbed his forehead, feeling the fatigue and drowsiness in his mind dissipate. He was somewhat surprised; he had expected it would take at least a day to recover most of his energy. To think that just five hours were enough to almost fully restore him, thanks, no doubt, to the pill Otto had given him.
Bracing his hands on the bed, he exerted a little force, and his body leaped off, landing steadily on the floor. Clapping his hands lightly, he felt quite satisfied with his recovery speed.
“Creak…”
Shortly after Xiao Yan got off the bed, the door was gently pushed open. Looking up, Xiao Yan saw a pretty young girl in an alchemist apprentice’s robe, carefully holding a basin of water as she entered the room.
“Mr. Rock Python, Master Otto asked me to take care of you here…”
The girl appeared to be around fourteen or fifteen, with a small and delicate figure. Her tight-fitting robe accentuated her slender waist and slightly protruding chest. Though still innocent, there was a unique charm about her. At this moment, her fair, pretty face was tinged with a blush, and her bright, big eyes, fixed on Xiao Yan, gleamed with enthusiasm. She had managed to sneak out earlier to watch the competition, and had clearly seen how Xiao Yan defeated Yan Li, turning the tide of the entire event. For a girl of her age, Xiao Yan was undeniably a hero and idol. Even that once-ordinary face now seemed full of allure. Being suddenly summoned by Otto to look after this place, the girl felt a small thrill, especially when she recalled the envious glances from her friends. The fire in her eyes intensified.
Xiao Yan, feeling awkward under such intense scrutiny, cleared his throat, rousing the girl. With a smile, he took the basin from her. “Thank you, but I can manage on my own.”
“Oh…” Despite a slight disappointment, the girl did not dare to refuse. She obediently handed over the basin and stood to one side, her eyes unblinkingly watching Xiao Yan.
Being watched while washing up was rather uncomfortable, so Xiao Yan hastily splashed some water on his face and, with a sigh, asked, “Little Miss…”
“My name is Xun’er,” the girl blushed and said.
Chuckling, Xiao Yan said, “Miss Xun’er, could you lead me to President Fama?”
“Of course, please follow me,” Xun’er responded cheerfully, content with the task and led the way out.
Following the girl, Xiao Yan found himself greeted by friendly smiles from passing alchemists. When the stairs were crowded, they would often clear a path for him. Such courteous treatment made him feel somewhat uneasy.
“Mr. Rock Python, you must have a lot of clout. Normally, they are all so stern and would never make way for us,” Xun’er laughed softly as they walked through another corridor.
Smiling at her playful comment, Xiao Yan thought about the reality of the world. Respect and awe were always reserved for those with strength. In the past, he had never received such treatment at the Alchemist Guild. Following the girl through several corridors, they finally stopped outside a spacious room. Xun’er whispered, “This is the President’s study. He should be inside. You can go in now, Mr. Rock Python.”
“Thank you, Miss Xun’er,” Xiao Yan nodded with a smile.
“You’re welcome…” She smiled sweetly, turned, and after a few steps, spun around with a smile. “Mr. Rock Python, you were really handsome today… Haha, goodbye.”
Watching the girl skip away like a little deer, Xiao Yan was taken aback, then chuckled and shook his head. This competition had indeed garnered him quite a bit of popularity, making even this ordinary face attract the admiration of a young girl. But alas, this identity and name were false.
Shaking off his thoughts, Xiao Yan knocked on the door. Hearing Fama’s voice from inside, he pushed it open and entered. Inside, Fama, Hai Bo Dong, and Jia Lao were seated by a desk, all smiling warmly at Xiao Yan.
“Congratulations, young man,” Fama greeted with a smile.
“Don’t tease me,” Xiao Yan walked in, chuckling. “I nearly lost my life this time.”
Fama laughed lightly and, without further ado, stroked his ring, producing a violet-silver scroll in his hand. He ran his fingers over it, smiling. “With effort comes reward. This is the formula for the ‘Spirit Melding Pill,’ a grade six elixir. From now on, it’s yours.”
With that, Fama flicked the scroll, sending it flying towards Xiao Yan.
Taking the scroll with some excitement, Xiao Yan couldn’t help but examine it. It was violet and silver, with a slightly cool touch. Intricate patterns and ancient symbols adorned its surface, giving it a beautiful and elegant appearance. Carefully unrolling it, he skimmed through the information, confirming it matched what Otto had told him. He breathed a sigh of relief.
“I advise you not to read the formula with your soul power right now. Otherwise, you’ll pass out. Even for me, reading a grade six formula leaves me dazed for a while,” Fama cautioned, seeing Xiao Yan’s excitement.
“Haha, understood,” Xiao Yan nodded, tucking the ‘Spirit Melding Pill’ formula carefully into his ring. Looking up, he saw Fama handing him a purple metal badge, feeling a bit puzzled.
“This is the honorary elder’s token of the guild, another reward for the champion. With this, you can receive assistance from any branch of the Jia Ma Empire,” Fama explained. “I know you dislike being tied down by positions. This honorary elder role doesn’t require anything from you, it’s just a title. If you wish, you don’t have to listen to anyone’s commands, including mine.”
Nodding, Xiao Yan accepted the token.
“Well, young man, with your rewards in hand, you can now explore the guild or the imperial capital. Even though the competition is over, the capital will remain lively for a while. You’re a famous person now, and many will line up to meet you. Haha,” Fama joked.
Xiao Yan shook his head wryly, glancing at the three men. “What do you plan to do next?”
Hai Bo Dong laughed, exchanging a glance with Fama. “We plan to discuss the consequences of breaking the rules with our friend Yan Li…”
“Poor guy, he won’t be coming back,” Xiao Yan remarked, shaking his head. He doubted Yan Li could escape Fama and the others.
“Since you have plans, I won’t keep you. I have some business to attend to as well. Farewell,” Xiao Yan bowed to the three and left the room without delay.
“Let’s go… I’ve been quite annoyed by that fellow. It’s time to settle the score,” Fama stood, smirking, as he watched Xiao Yan leave.
Hai Bo Dong laughed, standing up. The three exchanged glances, and as their bodies trembled, a fierce wind erupted in the room, scattering papers everywhere. By the time they settled, the three men had vanished.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage