On the second day, at the first light of dawn, Xiao Yan left the inn early and inquired about the location of the Alchemists’ Union. Walking down the streets at dawn, he recalled the astonished and fawning expression of the innkeeper when he asked about the Alchemists’ Union. It was amusing and somewhat poignant to see that the noble status of alchemists had indeed taken root in the hearts of people in the Dou Qi Continent. No wonder they all showed such reverence when the Alchemists’ Union was mentioned.
Black Rock City lived up to its reputation as one of the largest cities in the Jia Ma Empire. Despite the early hour, the streets were bustling with activity. The sound of well-organized guards marching, their armor clinking rhythmically, echoed like a morning bell through the air.
Following the innkeeper’s directions, Xiao Yan slowly made his way through several long streets. After a while, he finally stopped, looking up at the imposing building before him. The structure was unique, resembling a giant medicinal cauldron. Around the building, windows were set up like the openings for stoking a fire, and on the high roof, a large cauldron lid descended, covering the room below. On a purple sandalwood plaque outside the building, five ancient, slightly blurred characters glowed faintly: “Alchemists’ Union!”
Xiao Yan murmured softly, “Alchemists’ Union!” He glanced around and noticed that most people passing by the unique building cast a reverent look at the plaque. Some passersby also cast curious glances at Xiao Yan, who stood awkwardly outside the Alchemists’ Union.
Ignoring the gazes, Xiao Yan gently touched the Heavy Xuan Ruler on his back and then strode towards the Alchemists’ Union. As he approached the entrance, two fully armed guards blocked his way. One of them gruffly asked, “Young man, this is the Alchemists’ Union. Do you have a recommendation letter from your mentor?”
“Uh? Recommendation letter?” Xiao Yan was puzzled and asked softly, “Teacher, what is this recommendation letter?”
“… I’m not sure. Each empire in the Dou Qi Continent has its own Alchemists’ Union, and their rules vary. I rarely visited the Jia Ma Empire, so I don’t know about this.”
Shaking his head, Xiao Yan was troubled. Suddenly, a fragrant breeze approached from behind. He sensed that the owner of the breeze did not intend to avoid him. Frowning, Xiao Yan stepped aside.
As he moved, a petite figure rushed to where he had been standing. Ignoring Xiao Yan, the girl turned and called out, “Teacher, hurry up!”
“Ah, girl, why the rush so early in the morning? That old man Frank might not even be awake yet,” an elderly voice responded.
Xiao Yan turned to look at the old man walking lazily towards them. His eyes fell on the badge on the old man’s chest, which featured four silver waves intricately drawn on an ancient medicinal cauldron.
“Fourth-grade Alchemist,” Xiao Yan murmured in surprise. He then looked at the young woman in purple attire. She was in her early twenties, with a pretty face and a surprisingly well-developed figure. She wore a tight-fitting, noble-looking outfit, but there was no badge on her chest indicating her rank.
Her long, dark hair was tied with a purple ribbon, trailing down to her hips. As she moved, it gently tapped her round, firm buttocks, drawing the attention of many men. Noticing Xiao Yan’s gaze, the girl frowned and gave him a dismissive look. Turning to the guards, she said, “Move aside, do you find blocking the way fun?”
“Miss Lin Fei, are you here to take the First-Grade Alchemist exam? Master Otto is indeed one of the strongest alchemists in Black Rock City. In just three years, he has made you a real alchemist,” one of the guards said, stepping aside.
“Don’t worry, once I become an alchemist, I won’t forget you,” she smiled, then glanced at Xiao Yan. Finding nothing remarkable about him, she redirected her attention. “Come on, teacher, let’s go.”
“Alright, let’s go, girl. Don’t embarrass me today, or that old man Frank will never let me hear the end of it,” the old man, Master Otto, laughed.
“Master Otto!” The guards bowed respectfully.
Smiling, Master Otto stepped forward and paused when he saw Xiao Yan. For some reason, he felt something different about the youth, though he couldn’t put his finger on it.
“Relax, teacher, it’s just making a pill. Is it really that hard for your diligent student?” Lin Fei giggled, tugging at Otto’s arm.
Otto patted her head affectionately and smiled kindly at Xiao Yan before leading her inside.
“Teacher, why are you so nice to him? It’s not like you,” Lin Fei asked, puzzled.
“Ah, I feel there’s something different about that young man, but I can’t tell what. Maybe it’s just my imagination,” Otto shrugged.
Shaking her head, Lin Fei followed Otto. “Young man, did you find the recommendation letter?” one of the guards asked Xiao Yan, clearly skeptical.
“Sorry, I don’t have it,” Xiao Yan sighed, noting that the girl hadn’t been checked either.
“Miss Lin Fei’s mentor is Master Otto, a Fourth-Grade Alchemist. You must have heard of him,” the guard said, looking at Xiao Yan like he was a fool.
Sighing, Xiao Yan extended his hand. “What are you doing?” the guards shouted, reaching for their weapons.
Ignoring them, Xiao Yan focused on his hand. A surge of purple flame erupted from his palm, its intense heat shocking the guards.
“Condensing solid flames? A Fourth-Grade Alchemist?” they exclaimed, recognizing that only a Fourth-Grade Alchemist could achieve this. But how could a young man of twenty do it?
“Sorry, I’m not a Fourth-Grade Alchemist, but I can summon these flames,” Xiao Yan said, noticing the crowd gathering. Sighing, he extinguished the flames and asked, “Can I enter now?”
“Of course, sir, please come in!” the guards bowed, flustered.
Xiao Yan sighed inwardly, entering the building. Being too modest, he now lacked the badges of both the Alchemists’ Union and the Rank Union. He stepped into the building, home to the most prestigious profession in Black Rock City.
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