Nearby, several people from the Alchemist Alliance studied Qin An with curious eyes, though fear outweighed their curiosity.
Anyone well informed knew what Qin An had done in the Imperial Capital.
Not only had His Majesty received him in private, but he had also defeated one prodigy after another with overwhelming strength and claimed the top spot among them.
Even the First Prince and Second Prince had seen their prestige diminished by Qin An, indirectly making the Third Prince the greatest winner.
The news had sprouted wings and spread throughout the Great Qian Kingdom.
And those who had heard it knew Qin An's status had already become impossible to challenge.
No one would be foolish enough to oppose him, much less deliberately make trouble for him.
As Qin An stood there, neither the alchemists nor the visitors to the Alchemist Alliance dared meet his eyes.
They feared that one misstep might make Qin An target them or seek trouble with them.
Qin An paid it no mind. He drank his tea, looking entirely at ease.
In truth, he had grown used to such looks long ago.
As his strength rose, so did his standing—and with it came an unmatched air of authority.
He cared nothing for others' stares. He would only do what he ought to do, just as he had never strayed from his true purpose along the way.
As he thought this, slow footsteps approached.
Qin An set down his teacup and turned to study the newcomer, his eyes narrowing slightly.
The moment the Pacifying Distant King appeared, Qin An recognized him and sensed that this visit might not be simple.
How had he recognized the Pacifying Distant King? That was simple enough: one look at his clothes.
Aside from the Pacifying Distant King, there was no second