Chapter 1204: The Alchemist Guild

Knowing that the ruthless man in the Jibei Swamp would show no mercy once he made a move, Zhang Xuan did not dare to linger. Leaving the Master Teacher Hall, he headed straight for the Alchemist Guild.

Logically speaking, the ruthless man would not act so quickly, but... with the death of Qingtian Huang and the exposure of his identity as a Heaven's Acknowledgement master teacher, the man must have felt a strong sense of urgency.

Once that fellow could break free from the swamp's shackles, the first person he would kill would surely be Zhang Xuan.

Thus, he had to prepare in advance and strike first. This was not only for his own safety but, more importantly, to prevent these master teachers who guarded humanity from dying inexplicably.

The Gold Origin Cauldron is now at the Half-Embryo Soul realm. If I could fuse the Golden Crystal Mystic Stone into it, its grade would surely increase significantly. Even if it doesn't reach the level of a high-grade saint artifact, its quality would improve, making it easier to break through to the true Embryo Soul realm!

As he walked, he pondered.

The Golden Crystal Mystic Stone was part of the treasure obtained from Wu Yangzi. After giving a portion to Luo Qiqi, he still had one piece left... but he had never had the time to fuse it into the Gold Origin Cauldron.

Now that he had decided to go to the Jibei Swamp, it was best to arm himself in advance.

The Alchemist Guild was about four or five kilometers from the Master Teacher Hall. Before long, he arrived at its entrance.

As for alchemy, he had only been assessed as a six-star at the Master Teacher Academy and had not even obtained a seven-star badge. Taking out his badge, he pinned it on his chest and stepped inside.

The Alchemist Guild in Qingyuan City was as bustling as those in other places. Countless people came daily to purchase weapons, an endless stream.

The highest grade sold here was low-grade saint artifacts. For higher grades, one needed to place a special order or pay a hefty price, though such items were usually in short supply.

Master Zhang? Is it really you?

Just as he was about to ask for the location of the Alchemist Guild's president, he heard an exclamation. Turning around, he saw Chu Xiang, whom he had met earlier at the Prodigy Guild, standing not far away, his face full of excitement.

Young Master Chu Xiang...

Zhang Xuan smiled.

This fellow had helped him before, so he could not ignore him now that they met again.

Thank you, Master Zhang, for your prior arrangement. The injuries to my soul have now fully healed! Chu Xiang bowed deeply.

At the Prodigy Guild, because Master Zhang had put in a good word, Fairy Ziyan had done her utmost when performing for Jun Duwu, allowing his injuries to be repaired. Now he was completely recovered.

It's nothing...

Zhang Xuan shook his head.

It was just a word, nothing significant. It was a pity about that high-grade essence spirit stone of his... Actually, if he had watched me dance, he would have recovered even faster!

I heard about your hall-breaking feat... It was truly amazing...

After expressing his gratitude, Chu Xiang was filled with excitement and admiration.

It's nothing, just a casual breakthrough, a casual breakthrough...

Zhang Xuan shook his head helplessly.

The hall-breaking had caused quite a commotion, its sound echoing throughout Qingyuan City. Since Chu Xiang already knew him, a little inquiry would reveal everything; there was no hiding it.

Casual breakthrough...

Chu Xiang rolled his eyes.

The Qingyuan Empire's Master Teacher Hall had stood for countless years without incident. Then you come along and succeed in breaking through, throwing the branch into chaos and forcing the hall master to resign... If that's 'casual,' wouldn't other master teacher halls be scared to death?

Master Zhang, are you here this time because you find the Alchemist Guild displeasing... and plan to break through here too?

Seeing that he didn't want to say more, Chu Xiang recalled something and looked at him.

Since arriving in Qingyuan City, this Master Zhang hadn't had a single peaceful day. First, at the Spirit Awakener Guild, he caused the entire building to run around... then he broke through the hall. Now he was here—could he be up to something again?

Ahem!

Not expecting that someone as upright as himself would leave such a bad impression, Zhang Xuan coughed awkwardly: Actually, I'm an honest man. How could I do such a thing? You're overthinking...

Honest man?

Chu Xiang's mouth twitched. He had seen many honest men, but this was the first time he had seen one so 'honest.'

If you're not here to break through, then you must be here, like me, to observe Master Lin Jie's alchemy demonstration.

Master Lin Jie?

Yes, he is an alchemy master from the Qianchong Empire, at the Half-Eight-Star level. He is just passing through, and President Qin specially invited him to give a lecture, gathering all seven-star alchemists from Qingyuan City... I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation.

Chu Xiang said.

You're a seven-star alchemist?

This fellow, who even had a private room in a brothel, was thought to be a playboy, but unexpectedly, he was a seven-star alchemist.

Of course! I have extremely high talent in alchemy... Chu Xiang said proudly. If you have any questions about alchemy, Master Zhang, feel free to ask me. Given our relationship, I will answer truthfully without hiding anything!

I will.

Knowing that the other meant well, Zhang Xuan nodded. As it happens, I have a favor to ask. Could you trouble yourself to take me to see the president of the Alchemist Guild?

You want to see President Qin? That's simple...

Chu Xiang walked forward. Follow me!

Yes! Zhang Xuan followed closely behind.

With an introduction, he could save himself a lot of trouble.

Following behind him, Zhang Xuan learned the name of the Alchemist Guild president: Qin Chong, a peak seven-star alchemist.

Soon they arrived at the president's office. After being announced, the two entered.

President, this is Master Zhang Xuan, the seven-star master teacher who successfully broke through the hall a few days ago!

Chu Xiang introduced.

So it's Master Zhang. Qin offers his greetings...

President Qin quickly stood up.

A master teacher who could succeed in breaking through the hall had reached an incredible level in both strength and insight, not to be underestimated by an alchemist like him.

President, you're too kind!

Zhang Xuan clasped his fists.

After they took their seats as host and guest and exchanged pleasantries, President Qin's face showed concern: May I ask what brings Master Zhang here? Our Alchemist Guild has always been law-abiding, and I strictly discipline my subordinates...

Chu Xiang couldn't bear it anymore: President, Master Zhang is not here to break through the Alchemist Guild...

That's good! President Qin breathed a sigh of relief.

Hearing their conversation, Zhang Xuan was speechless.

He had only broken through the Master Teacher Hall, and now he was being misunderstood like this... He was really honest and truthful... Why wouldn't anyone believe him?

I came here because I have a matter to trouble you with, President Qin.

Knowing that explanations would be futile, Zhang Xuan shook his head helplessly and looked over. I have a mid-grade saint artifact that I want to fuse with a Golden Crystal Mystic Stone to enhance its power. Would you have the time to help refine it?

May I ask, Master Zhang, what kind of weapon is this mid-grade saint artifact? Does it have sentience? What cultivation level has it reached? Hearing this request, President Qin paused and looked at him.

It's an alchemy cauldron, at the Half-Embryo Soul realm, with sentience! Zhang Xuan introduced.

This...

President Qin looked embarrassed: To be honest, Master Zhang, if this cauldron were only at the initial Spirit Embryo realm, I might be able to exert myself and help refine it, fusing the Golden Crystal Mystic Stone... but Half-Embryo Soul is beyond my strength. I'm afraid it's difficult for me to accomplish.

President, don't worry. I will guide you during the process. As long as you follow the steps, there won't be any problems!

Thinking that this was what the other was worried about, Zhang Xuan smiled.

To be honest, he naturally had to personally observe and guide the refinement of the Gold Origin Cauldron; otherwise, he wouldn't feel at ease entrusting it to anyone else.

Your guidance? President Qin looked at him with slight doubt. Is Master Zhang also an alchemist?

Yes, I've studied a bit and have now reached six-star! Zhang Xuan replied.

He had read all the alchemy books in the Master Teacher Hall and had completed them through the Heaven's Path technique. His understanding of alchemy had already reached the peak of seven-star, even comparable to some early eight-star alchemists.

However, he had never specifically learned to forge artifact bodies; at most, he could hammer out a lump of iron. Afraid that his own refining might damage the Gold Origin Cauldron, he had sought President Qin's help.

Six-star alchemist? President Qin and Chu Xiang exchanged glances, both frowning.

In alchemy, the gap between six-star and seven-star was significant. With such a low level... he wanted to guide me?

Was he joking?

Oh, actually, my understanding of alchemy has reached seven-star; I just haven't come to be assessed yet...

Seeing their strange expressions, Zhang Xuan explained.

I see...

President Qin suddenly understood. In that case, please come with me to the alchemy hall, Master Zhang. Only the earth fire there can melt a mid-grade saint artifact and the Golden Crystal Mystic Stone.

Good!

Zhang Xuan nodded.

In the Alchemist Guild, most of the flames used for alchemy were drawn from earth fire. Even among earth fires, there were differences in intensity. The Golden Crystal Mystic Stone was inherently difficult to melt, and the Gold Origin Cauldron, having reached the Half-Embryo Soul realm and undergone lightning tempering, could not be melted by ordinary flames.

The three soon arrived at the alchemy hall. By then, it was packed with people, each wearing a shiny badge—all seven-star alchemists.

This...

Zhang Xuan frowned.

He had thought that the alchemy hall President Qin mentioned would be empty, allowing him to reforge the Gold Origin Cauldron. But looking around, there were hundreds of seven-star alchemists...

Oh, Master Zhang, please don't be offended. This is the only alchemy hall capable of melting the Golden Crystal Mystic Stone. Coincidentally, Master Lin Jie is about to give a lecture on alchemy here. If you can wait, why not listen to Master Liu's lecture? He is a quasi-eight-star alchemist with an astonishing understanding of alchemy. Attending his lecture will surely advance your understanding by leaps and bounds!

Seeing his displeasure, President Qin quickly explained.

I'm afraid I don't have that much time... Zhang Xuan shook his head.

The ruthless man could kill at any moment. He needed to upgrade the Gold Origin Cauldron as soon as possible to deal with everything. Listening to someone lecture on alchemy here... he really didn't have the time.

What? From your tone, listening to my lecture is a waste of your time?

Before he finished speaking, a displeased voice rang out.