Before long, they neared the Association. Seeing the entrance nearly clogged by the crowd, Xiao Yan helplessly shook his head. He waved lightly to Hai Bodong and Uchiha Madara behind him, then slipped into the crowd. His body moved through it like a fish entering the sea, weaving through in an uncanny manner.
After Yao Lao had trained his evasion skills in the Magic Beast Mountain Range, Xiao Yan saved himself quite a bit of trouble in situations like this.
Sidestepping past the people ahead, Xiao Yan pushed off with his foot and finally entered the Association's doors. He let out a long breath of relief, then turned around to see Hai Bodong following closely behind him, his eyes slightly narrowed as though sleepwalking.
Beside Hai Bodong, Uchiha Madara appeared like a ghost. Even Hai Bodong was startled, unable to understand how he had kept up.
Hai Bodong was one thing—he was a Dou Emperor, after all. But for this Uchiha Madara to move so silently... he might truly be the one I know of! Xiao Yan thought. He walked into the Association and made a round through the main hall before preparing to enter the eastern district. Yet just as he stepped onto the stairs, he ran into Otto and the others coming down. Both sides were briefly stunned upon meeting.
"Come with me, little fellow. The competition isn't being held at the Alchemist Association..." Otto said with a smile, patting Xiao Yan on the shoulder.
Xiao Yan smiled and nodded, greeting Frank as well as Xue Mei and the other young woman beside him.
Uchiha Madara curiously looked around. This place was rather different from what he had imagined. It was not particularly grand or resplendent, either.
"Little fellow, the Black Rock City Association is counting on you