Gu Te

The next morning, as the rising sun slowly climbed in the east and cast down its first rays, Xiao Yun, who had risen early, left the inn. Before leaving, he had also asked around about the location of the Alchemist Association.

Black Rock City truly deserved to be called one of the Jia Ma Empire's foremost major cities. Even early in the morning, its streets were bustling with activity. All kinds of people moved through the roads, while vendors' cries and women's curses echoed through the sky above Black Rock City.

However, whenever Xiao Yun passed by, the previously noisy streets became incomparably quiet. The people on the road retreated to either side as though some invisible force were pushing them away. Whether vendors or women, they all looked at Xiao Yun with fear and curiosity.

There was no special reason for it. Xiao Yun had merely put on his Alchemist robes. Five lifelike silver ripples were embroidered upon the ancient and exquisite garment. On the Dou Qi Continent, the noble status of Alchemists had long been deeply ingrained in people's hearts. That was why the passersby looked at Xiao Yun with such fear.

But Xiao Yun truly had not worn these clothes just to show off. He merely hoped to find Gu Te through the Alchemist Association. Without revealing his identity as an Alchemist, he probably would not even be able to enter the Alchemist Association's doors.

Still, Xiao Yun had long since grown accustomed to such gazes. Following the route the innkeeper had described, he strolled leisurely down the streets and soon arrived at the Alchemist Association.

When the guards at the entrance saw the badge on Xiao Yun's chest, they immediately bowed respectfully. Someone even hurried inside to report it. After all, in the entire Jia Ma Empire, aside from Pill King Gu He, only Fa Ma, the president of the Alchemist Association, was a Fifth-Tier Alchemist. Xiao Yun, wearing a Fifth-Tier Alchemist Badge, was an unimaginably important figure.

Thus, the moment Xiao Yun entered the Alchemist Association, two elderly men came forward to greet him.

Xiao Yun casually glanced at the Alchemist Badges on their chests and found that both elders were Fourth-Tier Alchemists.

"Junior Otto—Frank—greets Master." Although their combined ages could nearly equal ten Xiao Yuns, among Alchemists, the accomplished were honored first. Unless there was a master-disciple relationship, rank was determined by one's skill in alchemy. Xiao Yun was a Fifth-Tier Alchemist, while the two of them were merely Fourth-Tier Alchemists, so they could only address themselves as juniors before him.

"You two need not be so formal. My name is Xiao Yun. You may simply call me Xiao Yun." Xiao Yun clasped his fists. He was not an arrogant person. Since others were willing to show him respect, he was willing to return it.

"So it is Master Xiao. Please forgive our discourtesy." The two immediately understood Xiao Yun's identity upon hearing his words, and there was no longer any need to wonder whether he was impersonating a Fifth-Tier Alchemist.

After all, the Alchemist Associations across the Northwestern Continent shared some information with one another. Xiao Yun had taken his Fifth-Tier Alchemist assessment at the Alchemist Association in Canaan City, and the other Alchemist Associations had long learned that in the Black-Corner Region, there was a genius named Xiao Yun who had become a Fifth-Tier Alchemist at only thirteen years old.

Seeing that the two still insisted on calling him Master, Xiao Yun could not be bothered to say anything more. He merely asked one of them to introduce him to Gu Te.

"Master Xiao, why are you looking for that eccentric? His temper is terribly strange. Relying on the fact that his elder brother is Pill King Gu He, his foul temper has offended quite a few people. I'm worried that Gu Te's bad temper might offend you." Although Otto agreed, he still explained Gu Te's character to Xiao Yun, his tone somewhat worried.

"It is nothing. I heard that Gu Te has collected many rare treasures. I came this time only to exchange for one of them."

Xiao Yun did not mention the Ice Spirit Cold Spring to Otto. He merely indicated that he had a good temper and that Otto need not worry.

"Very well, but you must be careful. If Gu Te learns that you possess any fine treasure, he is capable of using any means to get it." Upon hearing Xiao Yun's words, the concern on Otto's face deepened. In the Jia Ma Empire, who did not know about Gu Te's bad habits? Virtually no one was willing to trade with him.

A moment later, Otto brought Xiao Yun to a halt before a strange building in the southern part of the city.

Looking up at the peculiar building before him, Xiao Yun said in surprise, "This is Gu Te's residence? Its appearance is actually so... unique." He had originally wanted to say ugly, but he had come to exchange something with its owner. It would not be good if Gu Te overheard him.

Otto nodded calmly and said with a smile, "Gu Te is just that sort of person. His temper is strange, so naturally his residence is strange as well. Master Xiao, please follow me. There are many traps inside this building. I'll lead you in."

With that, Otto stepped forward, pushed open the door, and led Xiao Yun inside.

After avoiding several traps within the building, the two finally arrived before a wooden door on the top floor.

Bang!

Otto kicked the wooden door open, and an aged voice immediately sounded from within. "Otto, what are you doing here? Eh, why did you bring someone else? What exactly are you trying to do?!"

Rolling his eyes, Otto smiled awkwardly at Xiao Yun. "Gu Te is just like this. He is always acting like a madman."

Xiao Yun nodded and slowly walked into the room. His gaze habitually swept across the interior. When his eyes passed over the display counters holding various items, a trace of shock appeared on his face.

"Oh, there are quite a few good things here. Fireheart Seven-Leaf Flower, Blood Crystal Grass, Blue Rock Heart Stone..."

Seeing rare treasures that were usually difficult to encounter all stored within this somewhat shabby little room, Xiao Yun could not help sighing. Gu Te's collection was truly quite extensive.

"Heh, heh, brat, what are you looking at? Are you trying to steal my treasures?" Seeing Xiao Yun's expression, Gu Te hurriedly jumped over, glaring fiercely at him.

"Uh... I was only looking. I won't steal them." After Gu Te said that, Xiao Yun scratched his head somewhat awkwardly. Just now, he truly had wanted to put all those treasures into his Storage Ring. Fortunately, he was a friendly and kind person, so he promptly suppressed the greed in his heart.

"You are not even allowed to look! And you still want to steal them?" Hearing Xiao Yun's words, the fierceness on Gu Te's face grew even stronger. A powerful aura spread from his body and filled the room.

"Be more polite to Master Xiao. He is a Five-Tier Alchemy Grandmaster!" The instant Gu Te's aura erupted, Otto hurriedly moved before him, placed a hand on his shoulder, and spoke in a low voice.

"Hm? A Fifth-Tier Alchemist?" Hearing Otto's words, Gu Te immediately withdrew his aura and looked toward Xiao Yun. He saw the badge on Xiao Yun's chest, the symbol of a Fifth-Tier Alchemist.

After persuading Gu Te, Otto turned around and smiled at Xiao Yun. "Master Xiao, now that I have brought you to Gu Te, I will not disturb you any longer. You may trade with him. I will wait downstairs."

With that, Otto walked toward the doorway. As he left, he patted a spot on the wall with his palm. Immediately, a wooden door slowly rose, and moments later, the entire room was sealed off.