Chapter 214: Damn It, Brother Bai Misled Me!
The Imperial Capital, Royal Plaza.
The venue for the Alchemist Conference.
Xiao Bai and Xiao Yan met Otto, the president of the Black Rock City Alchemist Guild, at the Alchemist Guild. He led them through the heavily armed troops surrounding the plaza into the heart of the event, where the view opened up dramatically.
The circular plaza was lined with seats for ordinary spectators on either side and opulent VIP seating opposite. At its center, thousands of bluestone platforms stood densely packed.
"We still have some time before it starts. Let's head to the VIP room first and introduce you to some key figures. This will be useful for your future!" Otto glanced at a nearby sundial and smiled at Xiao Yan.
Xiao Bai shot Xiao Yan a teasing look, recalling the son-in-law joke from days ago. Xiao Yan, annoyed, rolled his eyes.
Seeing no objection, Otto led them to the VIP area.
"That's Lord Fama, president of the Jia Ma Empire Alchemist Guild. He's nearing sixth-rank status, with a reputation rivaling Gu He's!" Otto pointed to an elderly man in a purple alchemist robe in the front row.
As if sensing their gazes, Fama turned, his cloudy eyes half-closed. After a moment's scrutiny, he smiled and waved. "It's Otto! Come talk!"
"Lord Fama, it's been years, and you still look so energetic!" Otto stepped forward respectfully.
"You're not bad yourself—fourth rank, great progress," Fama chuckled, his gaze shifting to Xiao Yan with a nod. "This kid, Yan Xiao, right? He did well on the internal test!"
His eyes gleamed as they settled on the black-robed Xiao Bai. "Forgive my ignorance. This young man is…?"
"Bai! Just here to join the fun!" Xiao Bai, feeling Fama's subtle scrutiny, shrugged, pointed at Xiao Yan, and smiled calmly.
Fama glanced at Xiao Bai meaningfully, suppressing his shock. "The Alchemist Guild welcomes every alchemist of good will!"
"Who are you threatening, old man?" A sneer echoed from afar, drawing closer. The VIP guests' faces changed as they turned toward the source.
An elderly man in a blue robe strode over, stood beside Xiao Bai, and glared at Fama.
"Old Bing, I heard you've been in seclusion for two years. What brings you here today? Could it be…" Fama's gaze lingered on Xiao Bai and Xiao Yan, surprise on his face.
The VIP guests recognized the newcomer: the long-absent Dou Huang master of the Mitel family, Hai Bodong.
The guild elder, initially furious, sat back down in a huff.
"If it weren't for Mr. Xiao Bai wanting to take a look, who'd bother with your shabby place?" Hai Bodong grinned, pulled Xiao Bai to a nearby chair, and waved. "Don't be polite with this old man. He'd be honored to have you here!"
"…!" Fama exclaimed, "Mr. Bai?"
Fama's eyes flickered as he studied Xiao Bai. From their brief exchange, he knew Xiao Bai was exceptional, but his close ties with the aloof Hai Bodong were unexpected. "Did you solve Queen Medusa's seal?" he asked, stunned by Hai Bodong's vitality.
"Hehe. Of course it's solved!" Hai Bodong smacked his lips, glancing at Xiao Bai with lingering fear, but didn't mention it was that woman who resolved it.
"Haha. Old man Hai, Mr. Bai, you're early!" An old laugh rang out, and the crowd turned, surprised.
What wind had blown all these old monsters out today?
A white-haired old man in a linen robe, followed by two women—one mature, one young—approached.
"Boy, who's this Brother Bai of yours, and why's he so chummy with all these big shots?" Otto whispered to Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan shrugged. He knew Hai Bodong, but this linen-robed old man looked extraordinary. Since when was he close to Brother Bai?
The old man, Jia Xingtian, sat down, his eyes sweeping over the group with a nostalgic sigh. "It's been decades since we old folks gathered like this, right? If Yunshan were here, it'd be complete. I miss those young days!"
"Yunshan passed on the sect leader role and secluded himself. Who knows if he's still alive? There are fewer of us old-timers left," Fama added somberly.
Xiao Bai listened speechlessly. Yunshan, passed away? He's on a whole different level now!
After their reminiscing, Jia Xingtian turned to Xiao Bai, chuckling. "Mr. Bai, the herbs you requested are ready."
Xiao Bai perked up, but seeing Jia Xingtian's hesitation, he frowned, waiting.
"I couldn't find the Phantom Grass, even after scouring the imperial inventory. I hope you'll forgive me," Jia Xingtian said.
"Still nothing?" Xiao Bai's disappointment showed, but he waved it off. "If there's none, so be it. Send the rest over!"
"Thank you for your understanding, sir!" Jia Xingtian relaxed, his gaze warming. He waved to the mature woman behind him. "Mr. Bai, these are my great-granddaughters. The younger one, Yue'er, you met last night. This is her sister, Yaoye!"
"Ye'er, this is Mr. Bai. His cultivation and methods are extraordinary. Treat him with respect. His guidance could benefit you greatly!"
"…!" Xiao Bai.
Methods? He hadn't shown any techniques to Jia Xingtian, had he?
He glanced at Hai Bodong, who looked odd. Did this old guy spill something last night?
"Yaoye, greetings, sir!" The cool, elegant woman smiled, captivating nearby nobles.
Xiao Bai nodded calmly. "No need to be so formal, Princess. Your great-grandfather overpraises me. I'm just a rustic idler with crude skills, hardly fit to guide you."
"Sir, you're too modest. My great-grandfather spoke of your deeds last night. You're a man of great talent. I'd be lucky to learn from you," Yaoye replied gracefully.
Xiao Bai understood. She wants to be my disciple!
Her talk of talent was a pretext; last night's confrontation revealed little. He turned to Hai Bodong via voice transmission. "What did you tell the royal old man last night?"
"Nothing but praise for your wisdom and bravery. Look, good things are coming—a beautiful disciple delivered to your door!" Hai Bodong teased, looking embarrassed.
"Bullshit!" Xiao Bai glared. This old fox! Becoming a disciple wasn't about learning—it was about status. The royal family was playing its usual game of alliances through marriage or mentorship.
"I only know rough tactics, unsuitable for instructing a lady like you." Xiao Bai shook his head, pulling Xiao Yan forward with a smile. "My little brother's quite talented—a second-grade alchemist at his age. You young folks should have plenty to discuss. Why not exchange ideas?"
Xiao Yan, enjoying the drama, was caught off guard. Facing the cold, beautiful Yaoye, he blinked in confusion. Damn, Brother Bai misled me! He wanted to throttle the culprit.
"This must be Mr. Yan Xiao, right? Hello!" Yaoye, momentarily surprised, extended her hand with a faint smile.
"Uh, hello, Princess Yaoye!" Xiao Yan shook her hand briefly, then pulled back.
"I hope you excel in your studies, Mr. Yan Xiao. I'll host a banquet to celebrate your success!" Yaoye smiled.
"Thank you!" Xiao Yan nodded, smiling.
"I won't disturb you further, sir," Yaoye said, glancing at Xiao Bai before retreating behind Jia Xingtian.
Jia Xingtian's eyes flashed with disappointment. He'd hoped Yaoye's mentorship under Xiao Bai would secure the royal family's future and, perhaps, foster a deeper bond. No such luck.
The group chatted, the atmosphere warming.
Suddenly, a commotion stirred the crowd. Nalan Yanran and Yafei approached, greeting the seniors before turning to Xiao Bai. "Sir, I see you're here. I left Yanran waiting at the door!" Nalan Yanran smiled.
Noticing Xiao Yan, she glared at him with disdain.
"Why the glare? Showing off your big eyes?" Xiao Yan slumped in his chair, rolling his eyes. He no longer felt the rage he once did toward her. Seeing her so often dulled his anger—he'd die of frustration before their three-year agreement if he didn't let it go.
Nalan Yanran sat gracefully, glancing at him. "Whether my eyes are big is none of your business. But if someone doesn't make the finals, don't embarrass me up there!"
"Hehe," Xiao Bai smirked, anticipating her reaction when she learned the truth.
"Sorry, I'll disappoint you. I'm winning this Alchemist Conference!" Xiao Yan sneered, brimming with confidence. He could handle anyone's scorn—except hers.
A cold gaze hit him. Turning, Xiao Yan saw a handsome young man glaring venomously. Scratching his head, he whispered to Xiao Bai, "Who's that guy? Do I know him? He looks like he wants to eat me alive!"
Xiao Bai glanced at the young man, who lowered his head, avoiding his gaze. "His name's Liu Ling, Elder Gu He's disciple—your biggest competitor," Nalan Yanran explained, understanding the hostility.
Xiao Yan's eyes lit up. He realized Liu Ling's grudge stemmed from Nalan Yanran, his ex-fiancée. His face darkened. Though she infuriated him, she'd nearly been his. The thought of her with someone else stung.
"The biggest competitor? Him?" Xiao Yan scoffed.
"Be careful! Don't underestimate him. His alchemy skills are strong, and his teacher's a sixth-rank alchemist!" Nalan Yanran warned, annoyed. Despite Xiao Yan's inexplicable hostility, she let it slide for her husband's sake.
"My Brother Bai's also sixth-rank, and my teacher's eighth-rank! Am I bragging?" Xiao Yan rolled his eyes, muttering, "Long hair, short vision! A woman who only sees the bottom of a well, charmed by any ugly thing!"
Feeling the venomous gaze again, Xiao Yan turned and glared back. Damn, I'm giving you face, aren't I?
"Brother Bai, I'm done slacking. I'm going to crush him!" Xiao Yan whispered.
"Okay!" Xiao Bai nodded, amused by Xiao Yan's sudden fire, then cautioned, "But without strange fire, relying on that purple fire is risky."
"Brother Bai, aren't you also annoyed with Gu He? Help me out!" Xiao Yan's eyes gleamed, aligning himself with Xiao Bai.
"How?" Xiao Bai smirked, seeing through Xiao Yan's scheming.
"Lend me some fire!" Xiao Yan grinned slyly.
"The Fallen Heart Flame?" Xiao Bai caught on instantly.
"Hehe. Just like my teacher lent me Bone Spirit Cold Fire, lend me a bit. It's just for refining an elixir!" Xiao Yan chuckled, eager to try the cultivation-boosting Fallen Heart Flame he'd heard about.
"Okay, but pass today's round on your own. I'll give it to you tonight for the finals tomorrow," Xiao Bai said, smiling.
"Deal!" Xiao Yan's eyes sparkled. "Don't worry, it's just the first round. Any skill will do. Strange fire's too much honor for them!"
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(End of Chapter)