Mu Chen's brows knitted tightly, his voice carrying a measure of suppressed fury.
"What is the meaning of this?"
Fa Ma did not answer. Instead, he slowly turned, his gaze settling on Xiao Yan.
His clouded eyes shone with inexplicable delight and warmth, as though he had discovered some rare treasure.
"Mu Chen..."
He spoke softly, his voice hoarse yet carrying unquestionable authority.
"Have all those years at the border still not worn away that impatient temper of yours?"
"President Fa Ma, this brat gravely injured my son. Even ten thousand deaths would not atone for it!"
Mu Chen gritted his teeth, his fists cracking as they clenched beneath his green robes.
"Why are you stopping me?!"
Fa Ma still did not answer. He merely walked slowly toward Xiao Yan, a meaningful smile appearing on his aged face.
He studied Xiao Yan from head to toe, his gaze lingering briefly on the face concealed by the Thousand Illusion Mask before finally settling on the flames in his right palm, which had yet to die out completely.
"The Nether Flame of a Fifth-Order magical beast, the Netherflame Leopard, and the Azureflame Eagle's Qingyun Flame!"
Fa Ma murmured to himself, the delight in his eyes growing stronger.
"Just as I thought..."
He abruptly raised his head and stared intently at Xiao Yan, a hint of urgency entering his voice.
"Young friend, have you come to participate in the Alchemist Tournament?"
Xiao Yan hesitated briefly. Looking into the old man's kindly eyes, he swiftly weighed his options.
Fa Ma.
President of the Jia Ma Empire's Alchemist Guild, a Peak Fifth-Grade Alchemist, and a Dou Huang expert.
Though his name was not as renowned as Gu He's, he held an esteemed position among Alchemists and had extensive connections.
*Now that he had taken the