An Uninvited Guest

Qing Mu stood to one side, smiling as he quietly watched Su Tian.

Even with his discerning eye, Qing Mu was genuinely astonished by Su Tian's talent for alchemy.

In less than two short weeks, Su Tian's alchemy skills had advanced so rapidly that he was already close to becoming a First-Rank Alchemist.

Recalling his own early days of studying alchemy and comparing them with Su Tian's progress, Qing Mu felt helpless and bitter.

"This little fellow always manages to produce unexpected miracles."

Qing Mu shook his head, a wry smile appearing on his aged face.

"Perhaps the final hope for that plan will rest entirely on this little fellow's shoulders."

At that thought, a strange gleam flashed through Qing Mu's eyes, and the corners of his mouth curved almost imperceptibly.

Su Tian, however, noticed none of this.

At that moment, all his attention was focused on the small lump of paste-like substance in his hands.

That small lump of paste-like substance displayed Su Tian's progress in alchemy to the fullest, bearing witness to every little advance he had made.

From knowing nothing about alchemy to standing on the verge of becoming a First-Rank Alchemist, every trial Su Tian had endured had become the finest reward for his unrelenting efforts.

"First-Rank Alchemist... I'm almost there..."

Su Tian drew a deep breath, anticipation shining in his eyes as he forcibly suppressed the surging joy in his heart.

He had looked forward to becoming a First-Rank Alchemist for far too long.

Now, the moment to reap his rewards was finally approaching.

If I keep progressing like this, perhaps within a week I'll be confident enough to become a First-Rank Alchemist for certain!

Su Tian murmured inwardly, determination appearing in his eyes as his hands slowly clenched.

As long as he could become a First-Rank Alchemist, even if he lost his usefulness to the Great Elder, his status as an alchemist could still secure him a sliver of hope for survival among the Snake-People Tribe.

That had been Su Tian's objective from the very beginning.

I need to push a little harder. If I'm right, the Snake-People Tribe's retaliation might be coming soon.

Su Tian did not believe that, after he had reduced Hei Man and Base to such miserable states, the Snake-People Tribe would let him off so easily once they learned of it.

Thus, he had already prepared himself to stay on guard.

Strength is the power to control my own fate!

Su Tian took a deep breath and silently resolved to use every possible means to improve his strength as much as he could.

Turning around, Su Tian looked at Qing Mu behind him, a grateful smile appearing on his face.

"Senior Qing Mu, I have fulfilled my task. I've successfully extracted the final substance we needed from this iron jade leaf. Please examine it!"

With that, Su Tian respectfully held out both hands and passed the small lump of paste-like substance to Qing Mu.

Looking at what Su Tian handed him, Qing Mu could not help showing his gratification. He was clearly very pleased with Su Tian's performance.

After all, Qing Mu had never taken a single disciple in all these years.

Su Tian could therefore be considered his first disciple.

Thus, setting all other factors aside, the astonishing speed of Su Tian's progress had truly exceeded Qing Mu's expectations.

"Not bad. You haven't even become a First-Rank Alchemist, yet you can refine iron jade leaf to this degree. Even I couldn't manage this much back then."

Qing Mu accepted the small lump of paste-like substance and examined it carefully, then let out a long sigh and shook his head helplessly.

Although Qing Mu was speaking the truth.

Looking at the respectful Su Tian before him, he still felt rather helpless.

"Are all young people so astonishingly gifted these days?"

"You flatter me, Senior Qing Mu. I was merely lucky!"

Naturally, Su Tian could not simply accept Qing Mu's praise. He quickly waved his hands and replied modestly.

After all, in some respects, the achievements that had so astonished everyone were indeed inseparable from Qing Mu's guidance.

Otherwise, Su Tian probably would not even have been capable of stepping through the doorway to alchemy.

Thus, he could only attribute Qing Mu's praise to Qing Mu himself.

"You little fellow really do surprise me time and again."

Seeing that Su Tian showed not the slightest arrogance at his praise, Qing Mu shook his head and could not help wondering whether a mature soul resided within Su Tian's body.

Had Su Tian known what Qing Mu was thinking, he probably would only have laughed despite himself.

Having read so many fantasy novels, Su Tian remembered their twists and turns very well.

In circumstances like these, he could not display even a trace of pride. He had to remain humble, or he could easily provoke some brainless fools.

Now that he was in Temple City, Su Tian naturally understood the importance of keeping a low profile. Even before Qing Mu, he would not show the slightest arrogance.

"It's all thanks to your excellent guidance, Senior Qing Mu. What should I learn next?"

Su Tian smiled faintly and considered for a moment before looking at Qing Mu, respectfully cupping his hands and asking softly.

In response to his question, Qing Mu merely smiled. "There's no hurry. I've already made arrangements for your next lessons."

"However, in your current condition, you probably shouldn't continue studying alchemy. Rest and recover for now. Your Dou Qi seems severely depleted. Continuing like this would have harmful effects on your body."

With only a brief assessment of Su Tian's current condition, Qing Mu explained everything clearly.

"Once your Dou Qi has recovered to its peak, I'll continue teaching you alchemy."

"Thank you for your guidance, Senior Qing Mu!"

Hearing this, Su Tian hurriedly cupped his hands respectfully and offered his thanks in a solemn voice.

Qing Mu's next words, however, left him stunned.

"If I'm not mistaken, did you have some trouble with those fellows from the Snake-People Tribe earlier?"

"Uh... I did have a few clashes with them not long ago. How did you know, Senior Qing Mu?"

Su Tian could not help feeling puzzled by Qing Mu's words.

Qing Mu had not been present when he fought Hei Man and Base, so how had he learned about it?

Faced with Su Tian's questioning, Qing Mu merely smiled faintly.

"You needn't be too alarmed. Those fellows from the Snake-People Tribe smell truly foul. Naturally, I'm very familiar with their scent."

"I see."

Understanding seemed to dawn on Su Tian, and he quickly nodded.

As for whether he actually believed Qing Mu's explanation, only Su Tian himself knew for certain.

"Never mind. Just concentrate on recovering your Dou Qi. I'll stand guard here. If those loathsome fellows dare come looking for trouble again, I'll deal with them for you."

Qing Mu waved a hand without saying much more about it. He simply looked at Su Tian with a kindly smile and spoke softly.

Anyone else seeing that expression would probably have thought Qing Mu was taking painstaking care of Su Tian, protecting him in every possible way.

Su Tian appeared to feel the same way. Hearing Qing Mu's concern, he showed his gratitude and hurriedly bowed respectfully.

Then Su Tian took a deep breath and sat cross-legged on the ground. With his eyes lightly closed, he soon entered a state of cultivation, and the energy in the air flowed steadily into his body.

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh..."

In an instant, a faintly howling surge of energy stirred around Su Tian.

Watching him begin cultivating, Qing Mu's eyes flashed with a strange gleam.

But that gleam quickly vanished without a trace.

Looking again, one could see only concern in Qing Mu's eyes. It seemed to come straight from his heart, giving an impression of utter sincerity.

Rest assured. Until that plan comes to fruition, no one will harm even a hair on your head!

A quiet murmur sounded within Qing Mu's heart.

Meanwhile, at the Snake-People Squad's camp in Temple City.

Base slowly appeared, an exceptionally burly figure standing before him.

At the same time, an immensely powerful aura spread from that burly figure. Upon closer examination, it was far stronger than Hei Man's!

A hideous scar stretched across the burly figure's face, running from the corner of his left eye to the right corner of his mouth.

His already sinister features looked even more terrifying and gloomy because of that scar.

"Deputy Commander Hei Meng, I've settled Captain Hei Man in the tent. However, his Dou Crystal has already been... by that human brat..."

Base followed closely behind the burly figure, hesitating slightly. A cold, vicious gleam flashed through his eyes before he spoke in a low voice.

The burly figure before him was none other than the elder brother of Base's captain, Hei Man!

Hei Meng!

Hei Meng was also one of the Snake-People Squad's three deputy commanders, and possessed the strength of a Three-Star Dou Ling.

Although he ranked last among the three deputy commanders.

Compared with Hei Man, he was still exceptionally powerful. Even ten Hei Mans together would have been no match for him.

Moreover, Hei Meng was fiercely protective of his own.

Now, his own younger brother had had his Dou Crystal forcibly destroyed by a human brat, leaving him utterly crippled from that day forward.

To Hei Meng, such an act had undoubtedly plunged Hei Man into torment like that of purgatory.

Within the Snake-People Tribe, only endless humiliation and torment awaited Hei Man after such an outcome. At the thought of it, murderous intent surged wildly through Hei Meng's heart.

"Are you certain everything you said earlier was true?"

Hei Meng abruptly stopped, a ruthless expression appearing on his hideously scarred face as he spoke coldly.

Following behind him, Base naturally knew those words were directed at him.

"I swear on my life that every word I said was true!"

Shame and fury instantly appeared on Base's face as he spoke through gritted teeth. "That human brat destroyed my Dou Crystal too! You examined it yourself, Deputy Commander. You know I haven't deceived you!"

Naturally, Hei Meng believed what Base had told him.

Otherwise, he would not have chosen to take action personally.

He was doing this to avenge Base and Hei Man, though, in truth, what Hei Meng wanted was to vent his fury on Hei Man's behalf!

"You dared do such a thing to my brother on our Snake-People Tribe's territory. Whatever gives you your confidence, I'll make you pay for this!"

Hei Meng narrowed his eyes, savage murderous intent appearing on his sinister face.

The hideous scar on his face slowly writhed like a centipede brought back to life.

"Lead the way! Today, that human will die!"

"Yes, sir!"

Hearing Hei Meng's words, delight flashed through Base's eyes. He hurriedly nodded and, forcibly enduring his internal injuries, moved ahead of Hei Meng and led him swiftly toward Su Tian's location.

Brat, you dared destroy my Dou Crystal. I don't have the strength to kill you, but someone else will take your life!

Base did not possess the strength to exact revenge himself. With Hei Meng's help, however, killing Su Tian would be effortless, given his strength as a Three-Star Dou Ling.

At that thought, Base felt immensely exhilarated.

By then, Su Tian had also emerged from his cultivation. Feeling his Dou Qi restored to its peak once more, he felt refreshed and invigorated.

"Senior Qing Mu, shall we continue studying alchemy now?"

Qing Mu smiled and nodded. Just as he was about to speak, his expression suddenly changed, and an icy look appeared on his kindly face.

"Hmph! Do these bastards from the Snake-People Tribe really dare run wild right in front of me?"

As soon as he finished speaking, a powerful aura erupted from Qing Mu's body. Before Su Tian could react, it forced him backward.

At that moment, a burly figure charged into the courtyard.

But upon sensing the powerful aura Qing Mu had unleashed, the figure's sinister face changed dramatically. "A... a Dou Wang expert?!"