Alchemist Rank Certification

At this moment, Xiao Yu had no idea that Xiao Yan and Medicine Elder had arrived in Green Mountain Town long ago, back when he had been wanted by the Wolf Head Mercenary Group. They had searched for Xiao Yu in the Magic Beast Mountain Range without success, only to return to Green Mountain Town and hear the news that Xiao Yu had destroyed the Wolf Head Mercenary Group.

Though Xiao Yan and Medicine Elder were curious about how greatly Xiao Yu's strength had improved, considering his astonishing talent and the mysterious way he had bid them farewell, they were not overly surprised.

Xiao Yan and Medicine Elder were now also on their way to Black Rock City.

After finding a nearby town, Xiao Yu spent five gold coins to hire the fastest carriage available and drove it at full speed toward Black Rock City.

After racing along without rest for more than half a day, Xiao Yu finally arrived outside Black Rock City. Looking at the enormous city reflecting a faint glow beneath the setting sun, Xiao Yu could not help but let out a sigh of relief.

After all, traveling nonstop was rather exhausting.

Passing through the massive archway, Xiao Yu officially entered Black Rock City. The noisy clamor made him, after spending two months in the Magic Beast Mountain Range, feel somewhat unaccustomed to it. He tipped the driver a gold coin, then left on foot beneath the coachman's gaze as if he were looking at a god of wealth.

Famished, Xiao Yu first found a tavern and ordered several fine dishes, intending to reward himself properly. After all, taverns were among the best places to gather information about a city.

Sure enough, a piece of news from the tavern caught Xiao Yu's attention.

"Have you heard? Master Frank's and Master Otto's disciples are going to certify as first-tier alchemists again."

"I heard. Once they become honored alchemists, their status will be completely different."

"Oh, come on. With Master Otto and Master Frank behind them, becoming alchemists is practically guaranteed..."

Listening to everyone's discussion, Xiao Yu suddenly remembered that although he had advanced to a third-tier alchemist, he had yet to have his rank certified by the Alchemist Association.

Alchemists held exalted status on the Dou Qi Continent and enjoyed countless conveniences. Xiao Yu could certainly certify himself as an alchemist.

With that in mind, Xiao Yu decided to rest for the night and head to the Alchemist Association the next day to certify his alchemist rank.

Meanwhile, outside Black Rock City, a carriage was also approaching the city.

Inside the carriage sat Xiao Yan and Medicine Elder.

After failing to find Xiao Yu in Green Mountain Town and hearing that he had destroyed the Wolf Head Mercenary Group, the two finally stopped worrying about him and continued along Xiao Yan's path of cultivation.

"Teacher, we've reached Black Rock City."

Looking at the massive city walls outside, Xiao Yan spoke to Medicine Elder with a hint of excitement.

After all, Wutan City was far less prosperous than Black Rock City. Even throughout the entire Jia Ma Empire, Black Rock City ranked among the foremost in scale. Only here was there a civilian aerial merchant association that could cross the Magic Beast Mountain Range and head to the Tagor Great Desert.

Medicine Elder looked at the excited Xiao Yan and said kindly, "Since we've come to Black Rock City, you should take the opportunity to have your alchemist rank certified as well."

Hearing this, Xiao Yan asked doubtfully, "Certify my alchemist rank? Wouldn't that expose my identity as an alchemist?"

Medicine Elder could not help but laugh. "I never told you to hide it. An alchemist's identity is highly valued on the Dou Qi Continent."

Afterward, Medicine Elder gave Xiao Yan a detailed explanation of the influence alchemists wielded on the Dou Qi Continent.

As the two spoke, their carriage slowly entered Black Rock City.

Early the next morning, Xiao Yu got up at dawn. He had the inn attendant bring him water, washed up, and prepared to ask the innkeeper for the exact location of the Alchemist Guild.

But the moment he stepped out of his room, Xiao Yu heard an unexpected voice coming from the hall downstairs.

"Boss, could you tell me how to get to the Alchemist Guild?"

That voice?

Xiao Yu was slightly startled. He then hid behind a pillar by the second-floor staircase and peered down through the gaps. The person asking the innkeeper for directions to the Alchemist Guild was none other than Xiao Yan, whom he had not seen for a long time!

A broad, heavy black Heavy Xuan Ruler was strapped to Xiao Yan's back. The enormous ruler nearly concealed his entire body.

Though he saw only a back view, Xiao Yu recognized him at once. Heavy Xuan Rulers were rare to begin with, and on the Dou Qi Continent, Xiao Yan was likely the only person who carried one around at all times. Under Medicine Elder's demands, Xiao Yan used the ruler's tremendous weight and its ability to slow the circulation of the Dou Qi within his body to temper himself constantly.

Xiao Yu had not expected to encounter Xiao Yan and Medicine Elder in Black Rock City. They had arrived far earlier than they had in the original story.

But after thinking it over, Xiao Yu understood. All these changes had been caused by him. Beginning with the Wolf Head Mercenary Group in Green Mountain Town, Xiao Yan's path of training had quietly changed.

Even his time with Yun Zhi in the Magic Beast Mountain Range had changed. The one who eventually gained Yun Zhi's favor and obtained Purple Flame had become Xiao Yu.

Though he was curious about Xiao Yan's experiences and growth, this was not the right time for Xiao Yu to reunite with them.

Ever since deciding to leave Xiao Yan, Xiao Yu had already planned out his own path. With his physique, he could claim the heavenly treasures he knew of before Xiao Yan did and strengthen himself. If he stayed by Xiao Yan's side all the time, his own growth would be greatly restricted.

The missions issued by the system made that clear enough.

Speaking of missions, Xiao Yu did not know how long it had been since he last heard a mission from the system. He truly missed them.

Taking out the Shadowless Mask and putting it on, Xiao Yu changed his appearance completely with a thought.

"To be safe, I'll use this face from now on."

Xiao Yu touched his cheek. Once the Shadowless Mask's icy sensation came into contact with his face, it transformed into a mask as thin as cicada wings, and his features changed according to his will.

With this appearance, Xiao Yu no longer had to fear encountering Xiao Yan and Medicine Elder.

He waited at the inn a while longer. Only after Xiao Yan and Medicine Elder had gone far away did Xiao Yu head toward the Alchemist Guild.

After winding through several streets from where he was staying, Xiao Yu found a majestic building before him.

The structure had been built in the shape of an alchemist's cauldron. Its fire outlets had been designed as doors and windows, making it look from afar like a gigantic cauldron standing there.

Looking at the magnificent building, Xiao Yu strode toward the gates of the Alchemist Guild.

But as soon as Xiao Yu approached the entrance, two fully armed guards stopped him.

Seeing Xiao Yu's youthful face, one of them muttered, "Why is it another young face? Don't tell me this one has Heavenly Flames too."

The other guard also looked at Xiao Yu strangely, then cupped his hands and said, "Little brother, you need a letter of recommendation to enter."