Gu Te

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

Black Rock City truly deserved its status as one of the Jia Ma Empire's foremost major cities. Even in the early morning, its streets were bustling with activity. All kinds of people walked through them, while peddlers' cries and women's scolding rang together beneath the skies of Black Rock City.

However, whenever Xiao Yun passed by, the previously noisy streets would become incomparably quiet. The people on the road retreated to both sides as though pushed away by an invisible force. Whether peddlers or women, they all looked at Xiao Yun with fear and curiosity in their eyes.

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 rooted 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 only hoped to find Gu Te through the Alchemist Association. Without revealing his identity as an alchemist, he likely would not even be able to enter the Association's gates.

Still, Xiao Yun had long grown accustomed to such looks. Following the route described by the innkeeper, he strolled leisurely through 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 ran inside to report his arrival. After all, throughout 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 the badge of a Fifth-Tier Alchemist, was already an immensely important figure.

Thus, the moment Xiao Yun entered the Alchemist Association, two elderly men walked toward him.

Xiao Yun casually glanced at the alchemist badges on their chests and found that both old men were Fourth-Tier Alchemists.

"This junior, Otto (Frank), greets Master." Although the two men's ages combined could nearly equal ten Xiao Yuns, the rules among alchemists dictated that the more accomplished came first. Unless there was a master-disciple relationship, status could only be determined by one's alchemy. Xiao Yun was a Fifth-Tier Alchemist, while the two of them were only Fourth-Tier Alchemists, so they could only call themselves juniors before him.

"You two need not be so formal. This one is called Xiao Yun. You may simply call me Xiao Yun." Xiao Yun clasped his hands in greeting. He was not an arrogant person. If others gave him respect, he was willing to return it.

"So it is Master Xiao. Forgive our disrespect." Upon hearing Xiao Yun's words, the two immediately understood his identity. There was no longer any need to wonder whether he was pretending to be a Fifth-Tier Alchemist.

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

Seeing that the two still continued to call 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 oddball? His temperament is extremely strange. Relying on the fact that his elder brother is Pill King Gu He, his foul temper has offended quite a few people. I am worried that Gu Te's bad temper might offend you." Though Otto agreed, he still explained Gu Te's character to Xiao Yun, concern evident in his voice.

"It is no matter. 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 simply indicated that he had a good temper, so Otto need not worry.

"Very well, but you must be careful. If Gu Te learns that you possess some fine treasure, he can resort to any means necessary." Hearing Xiao Yun's words, the worry on Otto's face deepened. In the Jia Ma Empire, who did not know of Gu Te's bad habits? Virtually no one was willing to trade with him.

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

Looking up at the strange building before him, Xiao Yun said in surprise, "This is Gu Te's residence? Its exterior is actually so... unique." He had originally wanted to call it 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 the place he lives in is strange as well. Master Xiao, please follow me. There are many traps in this building. I will lead you inside."

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

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

Bang!

Otto kicked open the wooden door, 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 apologetically at Xiao Yun. "Gu Te is just like this, always acting paranoid."

Xiao Yun nodded and slowly entered the room. His gaze habitually swept across the interior. When his eyes passed over the display counters filled with items, a hint of shock appeared on his face.

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

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

"Heh, heh, brat, what are you looking at? Thinking of stealing my treasures?" Seeing Xiao Yun's expression, Gu Te hurriedly leaped over and glared at him fiercely.

"Uh... I was only looking. I will not rob you." After Gu Te said that, Xiao Yun scratched his head somewhat awkwardly. Just now, he really had wanted to put all these treasures into his Storage Ring. Fortunately, he was a friendly and kind person, so he promptly suppressed the greed in his heart.

"You cannot even look! And you still want to rob me?" Hearing Xiao Yun's words, the ferocity on Gu Te's face grew even stronger. A powerful aura spread from his body throughout the room.

"Be more polite to Master Xiao Yun. He is a Fifth-Tier Alchemy Master!" The instant Gu Te's aura erupted, Otto hurriedly flashed in front of him, placed a hand on his shoulder, and said 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, one that represented 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 shall not disturb you any longer. You may conduct your trade with him. I will wait for you downstairs."

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