Grasping for More, My Rules!

Alchemist Guild, top floor:

Xiao Yan toyed with the Rank 5 badge between his fingers.

A mere two Rank 4 Alchemists had no authority to delegate the qualifications for a Rank 5 Alchemist.

This Rank 5 badge was only granted after Otto and Flank had urgently sent word to Fama, the Guild Master.

Fama had also invited him in the letter to serve as a judge at the next Alchemist Convention.

But by the time that rolled around, he'd likely be in the Central Continent already.

The gilded patterns on the badge shimmered with dark gold highlights under the morning light.

Otto's hands trembled as he held the pill case; the energy fluctuations from the Ice Flame Meridian Opening Pill inside stirred his own Dou Qi into a faint restlessness.

Just this one pill, he dared guarantee, would boost him by at least two minor realms if he took it!

"Master Xiao, are you truly unwilling to consider becoming a Guest Elder of our Alchemist Guild?"

"It's merely a nominal title—nothing required of you."

Xiao Yan waved a hand:

"No need. I have no intention of joining any faction."

Flank and Otto's hearts sank. Though they'd anticipated this outcome, a trace of disappointment still flickered in their eyes:

"If that's the case, we won't force you."

"If Master doesn't mind,"

Flank respectfully offered a Black Crystal Card:

"The top-floor private suite at the Guild will always be reserved for you."

He glanced at the Rank 5 Alchemist robe Xiao Yan wore, the four silver stripes embroidered on his cuffs now seeming so dim:

"Should you ever need anything in the future—"

Xiao Yan casually tossed the badge to Xiao Yi Xian, who caught it and admired it in her palm:

"Nothing so grand as needing anything, but I do require some information."

"Of course, I'll prepare ample compensation."

He tapped the table lightly with a finger; the crisp sound made the two Rank 4 Alchemists' hearts skip a beat:

"I wonder if the Alchemist Guild has any leads on—"

"A Flame Spirit Fire Crystal?"

"Flame Spirit Fire Crystal?"

At Xiao Yan's words, Otto and Flank both furrowed their brows.

They'd heard of this material—a kind of Heaven and Earth Treasure born naturally from the world.

But due to its narrow range of uses and extremely harsh conditions for formation, its quantity was pitifully scarce.

Even their Alchemist Guild had no information on such a herb.

Xiao Yi Xian suddenly tugged at Xiao Yan's sleeve; her Purple Eyes reflected Otto's hesitant expression.

The old man was using Secret Sound Transmission to speak with Flank.

But in Xiao Yan and Old Yao's perception, it was no different from loudly conspiring right in front of them:

"That madman... maybe—"

Flank shot back with a glare:

"Are you insane? With that old fossil's foul temper, wouldn't that just offend Master?"

Before the two could reach a conclusion, Xiao Yan let out a light laugh:

"If either of you has any leads, please be sure to tell me."

"I'm determined to obtain this material, and I'll reward you handsomely."

"Even some guidance on alchemy bottlenecks wouldn't be out of the question—"

"Master, I know!"

Before Xiao Yan could finish, the two cut him off with urgent voices.

What was the most precious thing to an alchemist?

Wealth means nothing to them.

What matters is the path forward!

If Xiao Yan were willing to offer guidance on their doubts and bottlenecks, they might just see a chance to advance—this was not something they could afford to miss.

"Fine, lead the way."

The four figures hurried off. On the streets of Black Rock City:

Everyone who spotted the alchemist badges on them quickly gave a wide berth.

Xiao Yan split his focus, offering pointers to the two alchemists beside him

while silently communicating with Old Yao in the ring:

"Teacher, what do you need this Flame Spirit Fire Crystal for?"

Old Yao's voice came through, heavy with gravity:

"Boy, you're different from those who risk death to absorb Exotic Fire."

"You don't need Spirit Absorption, nor pills to protect your heart meridian."

"So I thought of another Rank 5 Spirit Pill—the Flame Devouring Spirit Pill."

"This pill can greatly stimulate the Exotic Fire, and after merging, you'll reap far greater benefits."

"But most people merging Exotic Fire are desperate to weaken its power."

"With you, it's the opposite—you're strengthening it."

"Still, no matter how you look at it, this move is extremely dangerous. To others, it'd even look like suicide."

"In the end, the choice is yours."

Xiao Yan didn't hesitate:

"Teacher, to get stronger, you have to pay a price."

Old Yao in the ring said nothing, but a faint, gratified smile flickered across his face.

Two incense sticks later:

After weaving through three dark alleys lined with Soul Bewildering Arrays, the three stopped before a three-story wooden building covered in withered vines.

Otto pulled out a bronze token and pressed it against the door ring. The wooden door creaked open slowly.

They went straight up to the third floor:

"Otto! Flank! You two old bastards show up uninvited again!"

"And you've brought two brats with you?"

Otto straightened himself:

"Old Drunkard!"

"This master here is a Rank 5 Alchemist."

"He's here to trade for something. Show some respect!"

Before Otto could finish, he was cut off by a pungent wave of alcohol.

Gute swept his gaze over Xiao Yan's youthful face, let out a scoff, and waved a hand:

"Scram. Wherever you came from, go back!"

"Don't waste my time if you've got nothing better to do."

Xiao Yan glanced at him, then calmly pulled out a vial of Companion Purple Crystal Source.

He uncorked it lightly, and a strange fragrance instantly filled the wooden room.

Gute's eyes flashed with sharp light, and his voice lost all composure:

"This... this is..."

"Companion Purple Crystal Source!?"

He lunged forward, reaching for the vial in Xiao Yan's hand.

But Xiao Yan simply lifted his hand, dodging the grab:

"Twenty drops of Companion Purple Crystal Source for one Flame Spirit Fire Crystal."

"Do you have one here?"

Gute retreated back to the counter, his gaze fixed on the Companion Purple Crystal Source with undisguised longing:

"You want a Flame Spirit Fire Crystal?"

"I do have one!"

"But twenty drops? You think I'm a beggar?"

He spat out a mouthful of alcohol foam and raised three fingers.

"At least 30 drops."

"Heh, don't you—"

"Deal."

Xiao Yan couldn't be bothered to haggle with him.

Either way, these were just resources he had little use for.

But Gute was stunned. Snapping out of it, he immediately waved his hand:

"No, no, 30 drops is too few. Too few."

"At least 35 drops!"

Flank and Otto furrowed their brows, and even Xiao Yi Xian shot him a hostile look.

Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes, a strange tone creeping into his voice:

"Fine."

"No, no, 40! 40 drops!"

Greed flickered in Gute's eyes. He had caught on.

Xiao Yan was desperate for the Flame Spirit Fire Crystal—perfect for a good squeeze!

"Enough, you old bastard!"

"Know when to stop!"

At Gute's words, Flank and Otto erupted in fury.

Xiao Yan was their guest, yet Gute dared to demand an exorbitant price right in front of them.

How could they face the master with any dignity left?

Even Xiao Yi Xian's gaze turned icy as poison mist slowly rose from her hand:

"This business of yours—aren't you being a bit unscrupulous?"

Gute sneered, utterly unperturbed:

"Unscrupulous? Hah!"

"This is my rule!"

"You'd better get this straight—you're the ones begging me!"

"Take it or leave it. If not, get lost!"

"Might as well tell you—in all the towns around here."

"This Flame Spirit Fire Crystal? Only I have stock!"

At that, the three of them seethed with rage.

Xiao Yi Xian could barely hold back from striking.

But Xiao Yan gently grasped her hand.

Startled, she turned to see a brilliant smile on his face:

"Heh, looks like luck's on my side today."

"Not only do I get the Flame Spirit Fire Crystal for free, but there's a batch of heavenly treasures thrown in."

The Dark Gold Flame exploded outward!

The Heavy Black Ruler slammed into the floor with a thunderous crack:

"You didn't think I'd follow a bandit's rules, did you?"

"Or do you take me for some easy mark?"

Xiao Yan's Four Wings spread wide like blades, a cyclone of Strange Fire swirling around him:

"I've heard your rules."

"Now hear mine—the third time you haggle."

"I'll cut off your hands."