The top floor of the Alchemist Guild headquarters was an absolute restricted area.
The air was steeped in the rich fragrance naturally released by century-old medicinal herbs, every wisp worth a fortune. Countless rare books, coveted by alchemists, lined the ancient bookshelves. This was the heart of power in the Jia Ma Empire's alchemical world.
At this moment, however, two figures had joined the one person who was usually allowed into this quiet chamber: Guild President Fa Ma.
Liu Ling, the most dazzling young alchemist in the Imperial Capital, stood by the doorway with his hands lowered, as humble as an apprentice. He even deliberately slowed his breathing, afraid of disturbing the two important figures inside.
And in the very center of the chamber, Su Chen sat quietly.
Across from him sat Fa Ma, president of the Jia Ma Empire's Alchemist Guild and a sixth-tier alchemist.
The old man could make countless factions tremble with a single stomp of his foot, yet he was not as imposing as the rumors claimed. He wore a plain gray hemp robe. His frame was lean, and his graying hair was combed neatly, without a strand out of place.
Only his eyes were different: cloudy, yet as profound as the starry sky.
They seemed able to see through every illusion in the world and reach straight into the Soul Origin.
From the moment Su Chen entered the chamber, Fa Ma had not said a word.
He had only watched him in silence, scrutinizing him.
Liu Ling's heart had long since climbed into his throat. He could feel an invisible aura, formed from pure soul power, enveloping the entire chamber. It weighed upon him like a mountain. Within this domain, Fa Ma was the only god.
But what filled him with utter shock was that