Battle Through the Heavens 166-170

Chapter 166: The Youngest Tier Two Alchemist

“Continue to take the test for a tier two alchemist?”

Xiao Yan’s words not only caused Frank and Ao Tuo to display a dull expression but also caused the two ladies, Xue Mei and Lin Fei, beside him to suddenly pause what they were doing and lift their heads. Their faces were filled with astonishment as they blankly stared at the young man by the stone table.

Within the hall, everyone’s gazes were foolishly staring at the young man. If Xiao Yan’s success in passing a tier one alchemist test just a moment ago caused them to feel amazement in their hearts, then this next question actually caused everyone to feel stunned.

A nineteen year old tier one alchemist was uncommon but there were still many in the Jia Ma Empire. However, a nineteen year old tier two alchemist was truly rare. It should be known that even the Pill King Gu He within the Jia Ma Empire had only just become a tier one alchemist at this age.

If Xiao Yan managed to pass the test for the tier two alchemist today, would it not mean that his achievements in the future would be even greater than Pill King Gu He.

“Oh god… we might be witnessing a monster rising from the Alchemist Association at Black Rock City.” Everyone in the large hall exchanged glances with one another and immediately said with a soft, bitter laugh.

“You… should not underestimate the requirements for the test for a tier two alchemist. If you want to pass the test for a tier two alchemist, you must not only refine a tier two medicinal pill, but your strength must also reach the Dou Shi level. Dou Shi! Have you achieved it?” Tilting her head, Lin Fei eyed the smiling face of the young man and could not help but knit her eyebrows together as she spoke.

“Dou Shi…” Smiling gently, Xiao Yan watched Lin Fei’s beautiful and moving face and laughed, “ I only want to try. Whether I pass or not doesn’t make much of a difference.”

“You really wish to take another test, this one being the tier two alchemist test?” Looking at Xiao Yan who did not display any expression of giving up after hearing Lin Fei’s words, Frank and Ao Tuo exchanged glances before asking seriously.

“There should not be any problems, is there?” Xiao Yan rubbed his head as he asked with a smile.

“How confident are you?”

Ao Tuo’s expression was slightly serious at the moment. If the young man in front of him really passed the tier two alchemist test, then he was someone with incredible talent. In the future, this person might be a new star in the alchemist scene for Jia Ma Empire who is more overbearing than the Pill King Gu He! For the alchemist scene in the empire, this was undoubtedly great news that would cause an uproar.

“Uh… around fifty percent.” Xiao Yan tightly closed his lips and analysed his success rate for refining a tier two medicinal pill before reporting a number. Since he was afraid of appearing too confident, Xiao Yan reported a somewhat conservative number.

The number may have been considered conservative in Xiao Yan’s hear, but after he reported it, Ao Tuo and Frank trembled slightly. Some of the expressions on the other people’s faces also changed.

There was quite a significant rate of failure when refining a tier two medicinal pill. Even some of the alchemists present did not dare guarantee that they would be able to achieve 50 percent success rate when refining a tier two medicinal pill! However, the young man in front of them actually wore a smile on his face as he said these words. Instantly, the few tier two alchemists in the hall began to call into question this figure in their hearts. Evidently, they did not quite believe what Xiao Yan had said even if he did own a strange type of flame.

“Fifty percent…” After mumbling in her heart, Xue Mei tilted her head and stared at the tall figure of the young man by the stone table. In her heart, she involuntarily whispered, “Isn’t this guy a little arrogant?”

“So? Can I continue taking the test? If it is really not possible, then forget it. After all, I am only making a temporary stop at Black Rock City. If I have the chance, I will go test somewhere else when I have time.” Seeing that Frank and Ao Tuo did not reply, Xiao Yan helplessly shook his head before speaking.

“Wait!”

Hearing Xiao Yan’s words, Frank quickly spoke. What a joke. This was an insane opportunity for the Alchemist Association in Black Rock City to show face among those of the same occupation. Thus, he would not allow Xiao Yan to run to other cities to take the test. If that were the case, it would be like giving the opportunity to others for no reason!

“Someone, immediately prepare the tier two alchemist test!” When Frank exchanged another glance with Ao Tuo, the two of them found excitement in each other’s eyes. After which, he waved his hand and gave the order.

Hearing this, a few alchemists behind him hurriedly moved and swiftly walked toward a side door in the hall. On the side door were the words ‘Tier Two Alchemist Test Venue’.

“Alright, I will let you take the test. Little boy, you better not be deceiving us two old men.” Frank clapped his hands as he turned around and said with a laugh to Xiao Yan.

“I will do my best… Oh yes, I heard that registering with the Alchemist Association after the test will let one receive some special privileges from the Association?” Xiao Yan walked from the stone table and asked with a smile.

“Hehe, correct. When an alchemist refines medicinal pills, they usually require some extremely unique and rare plants. A person, however, cannot run all over the place to gather all these things. Hence, after you have registered at our Jia Ma Empire Alchemist Association, you will be able to enjoy the right of exchanges… For example, when you are refining a certain medicinal pill and you lack one of the medicinal ingredients which another alchemist happens to possess, under the consensus of both parties, our association will help you complete this transaction. Of course, the prerequisite is that you must be able to take out something that the other party is satisfied with to complete the transaction.” Frank nodded his head as he said with a smile, “Naturally, if your tier is higher, you would be able to enjoy even more rights. Thus, in order to exchange something which you need from others without many obstructions, you will need to work hard to raise your tier.”

“It really is something good…” A little bit of joy appeared on Xiao Yan’s face as he nodded his head. This measure taken by the Alchemist Association would undoubtedly save the time required by an Alchemist to roam around to find ingredients. Moreover, it just so happened that Xiao Yan lacked some things right now. After he passed the test, he would definitely get Frank to help him check. If someone else really had the ingredients he needed, he would put in the utmost effort to exchange for them.

“Alright, the preparations for the test for a tier two Alchemist have been completed. Follow me.” Tilting his head, Frank watched the few alchemists taking turns to exit the small room. After he saw them nod their heads, he then spoke the words with a smile.

“Okay.” Xiao Yan nodded and subsequently followed Frank into that small room. Ao Tuo, who was behind him, also followed closely. When he was about to enter the door, he turned around and he said with a smile said to everyone outside who were extending their necks, “The examination for a tier two alchemist is different from a tier one alchemist. Thus, all of you cannot just carelessly enter. Just wait outside. There will soon be an answer.”

“Teacher… please let me go in and take a look.” Hearing Ao Tuo’s words, Lin Fei’s face became anxious as she rushed forward and tugged on Ao Tuo’s sleeve while speaking like a spoiled child.

“This has always been the rule of the Alchemist Association. Even I cannot do anything about it. You should just wait outside.” Helplessly shaking his head, Ao Tuo gently shook his sleeves, shaking Lin Fei off and forcing her to take a small step backwards. After that, he quickly went behind the door and closed it tightly with a loud slamming noise.

“Hmph. What’s the big deal. If you don’t let me take a look, then so be it.” Eyeing the door that was tightly shut, Lin Fei snorted arrogantly and mumbled with dissatisfaction.

Turning around, Lin Fei looked at the pretty and impassive face of Xue Mei and approached her. After which, she softly whispered beside the latter, “Do you think the guy will succeed?”

“How would I know? Didn’t he say earlier that he is fifty percent confident? That seemed to be quite good.” Xue Mei said indifferently after glancing at Lin Fei beside her.

Lin Fei curled her lips as her pretty figure jumped to sit on top of the stone table. Her long legs that were revealed under the purple-colored dress created a mesmerising snow-white angle, causing the gazes of some of the men in the hall to be unable to resist the temptation and glance over.

“Ugh, I thought that it was already very impressive for us to be able to become a tier one alchemist within two years. Unexpectedly, this abnormal guy suddenly appeared. It is still alright that he is a little younger than us but he actually possesses the qualification to take the test for a tier two alchemist. Isn’t this too much of a blow to others?” Tilting her head, Lin Fei faced her rival for a number of years and helplessly said.

Hearing this, a different undertone surfaced on Xue Mei pale expression. She sighed quietly and whispered, “It is indeed quite a blow to others.” The original appearance of this chapter can be found at N0v3l.B1n.

“Back then, didn’t you say that no one among the younger generation in Black Rock City could surpass you? Now that someone has appeared, I recall that you said back then, It was something like accompanying…” Lin Fei’s crow-black eyes rotated as she suddenly spoke.

“I’m sorry but he isn’t someone from Black Rock City.” A faint crimson color surfaced on Xiao Mei’s pretty face as a cunningness flashed across her pretty eyes before she told Lin Fei with a sweet smile.

“You win…” Lin Fei softly snorted as she combed through the black hair on her forehead as she laughed, “But with that guy’s talent, you would not lose out. Although your teacher is one of the key figures in Black Rock City, you should also know that to be able to teach such an abnormal student, just think how strong his teacher must be.”

“Not interested. If you like him, take him for yourself. Isn’t Grandmaster Ao Tuo’s reputation as an alchemist on par with my teacher? Moreover, your father is also the governor of Black Rock City.” Xue Mei smiled and said. Her indifferent tone, however, caused Lin Fei beside her to clench her teeth.

“Che… the people who are chasing me can form a queue up to fifteen kilometers outside the city. I don’t have the leisure to throw myself at him.” Lin Fei prettily rolled her eyes as she laughed in a spoilt voice.

The faint laughter caused Xue Mei to raise her eyebrow. Her gaze turned toward the door and her fist secretly tightened. She whispered, “They’re coming out.”

“The examination has already ended?” Hearing this, Lin Fei’s mind was shaken as she hurriedly turned her gaze toward the door.

Following a crunching sound from the door, it was gradually pulled open. Frank and Ao Tuo were first to exit. The exchanged a glance with each other before sighing softly and shaking their heads.

Seeing their actions, Lin Fei and Xue Mei frowned. Did he fail?

“This young boy’s talent in refining medicine is really frighteningly outstanding. Ugh… it’s not possible not to be impressed.”

Lifting his head, Frank waved his hand and smiled. “Looks like our Black Rock City Alchemist Association has given rise to the youngest tier two alchemist in a hundred years…”

Chapter 167: The Incredible Treatment for Alchemists

Seeing the faces of Frank and Ao Tuo which were filled with amazement, all the throats of those in the hall could not help but roll gently. Looking at the manner of these two, the young man had obviously passed the tier two test.

“What a frightening person…” Everyone looked at each other as they sighed gently in their hearts. A nineteen years old tier two alchemist. This could be considered as a new record in the Jia Ma Empire.

“This guy… actually managed to succeed? At nineteen, he has actually reached the Dou Shi level? How is this possible?” Opening her red lips, Lin Fei softly mumbled with astonishment.

Beside her, Xue Mei also nodded her head slightly. Wasn’t this guy far too monstrous?

Seeing the shocked expressions of everyone in the hall, Frank and Ao Tuo also faced each other and smiled bitterly. After observing Xiao Yan refining a medicinal pill at close proximity, both of them could not help but feel amazed at the talent in refining pills that Xiao Yan had demonstrated.

Although it was Xiao Yan’s first refinement using the medicinal formula provided for the test, his outstanding control of the flame was not inferior to any true tier two alchemist. Moreover, when he was refining the medicine, he was extremely accurate in refining the essence of the medicinal ingredients. If this was a very experienced tier two alchemist, Frank and Ao Tuo would not feel much surprise. However, the guy in front of them was merely nineteen years old…

When they were at his age back then, they were still just beginning to learn how to differentiate medicinal ingredients under the guidance of their teachers.

“He really is a guy who makes others feel inferior… Now, I am more and more curious as to which grandmaster actually managed to teach such an outstanding student?” Frank bitterly laughed.

“Ah, this young boy’s talent for refining medicine may be outstanding but an outstanding unpolished gem will not become something great without meticulous cutting and polishing… That mysterious teacher of his must be very great. At the very least, if Xiao Yan was to be taught by both of us, he would not be able to achieve this effect.” Ao Tuo acknowledged his inferiority.

“But that Purple Flame of his, it is indeed not a ‘Heavenly Flame’. Although it is much stronger compared to a normal flame, it is not that potent or exotic…” Frank said doubtfully as he frowned and recalled the way Xiao Yan refined medicine from earlier. This chapter was first shared on the NOv3l-B1n platform.

“Haha. Indeed, it doesn’t seem like a “Heavenly Flame’ but that doesn’t really matter. There are many strange people and occurrences in the Dou Qi continent. There will always be some mysterious things that are not discovered by others. Although the Purple Flame is strong, it is only slightly stronger than the Dou Qi Flame belonging to Alchemists of a similar tier. It is undoubtedly much weaker when compared to a ‘Heavenly Flame’.” Ao Tuo said with a smile.

“Yes.” Nodding his head, Frank tilted his head, faced the interior of the room and said, “Young boy, once you’ve packed up your things, you can come out.”

Following Frank’s voice, the figure of Xiao Yan slowly walked out of the room. He lightly brushed away some of the medicinal powder that had landed on his ordinary garments before his gaze swept across the faces of everyone in the hall and smiled.

Seeing Xiao Yan looking over, all the alchemists in the hall also returned a friendly smile. Although their identity meant that they held top statuses in Black Rock City and that anyone who saw them during an ordinary day would respectfully greet them, the medicinal refining talent the young man in front of them displayed caused them to be afraid of slighting him. After all, this young man might well become an alchemist grandmaster greater than Frank or Ao Tuo in the future.

When he saw Xiao Yan coming out, Frank waved his hand toward one of his subordinates. The latter hurriedly walked out of the hall. A moment later, he returned with a jade plate that was carrying an exquisitely made black colored long robe.

“This is the special apparel for a tier two alchemist. Before the material was used to make this long robe, it was first soaked in a medicinal pool that was cultivated by the Alchemist Association. Thus, you should not look down on it. After wearing it, the cloth material that was soaked in the medicinal liquid will come into contact with the air and release a strange scent. This strange scent will help the wearer maintain an alert state at all times. Additionally, under it’s stimulation, the skin of a person will become somewhat sensitive. When this happens, it will help the alchemist to have slightly better control of their flame when refining medicine.” Frank received the jade plate and proudly announced in detail the effect of the long robe, “At the same time, it also possesses immunity to some poisons. Moreover, after being specially made by the Alchemist Association, the defensive ability of this Alchemist’s long robe is even stronger than ordinary armors. If it were not for the the costliness of making it, resulting in the impossibility of making it in bulk, the Empire would have already snatched it and used it to equip its soldiers…”

Hearing the introduction by Frank, Xiao Yan was also a little amazed. He did not expect that this magnificent looking long robe would have so many coveted abilities.

“No wonder so many alchemists join the Alchemist Association. This kind of treatment really attracts people…” Xiao Yan received the long robe and swept his eyes over it. He noticed an alchemist badge was placed near the chest region. On the badge was an ancient looking medicinal cauldron with two mercury like ripples on it that continued to twist slightly, like they were something alive.

Panning his palm over the pitch black robe, Xiao Yan felt a gentle sensation that was like the tender skin of a lady. It was extremely beautiful.

“Tsk tsk… an alchemist is undoubtedly the most prestigious job in the Dou Qi continent. Just this long robe would likely have cost over a hundred thousand gold coins to manufacture.” Xiao Yan flipped the black colored long robe around and looked at it in a very attached manner. After which, he removed his ordinary rough outer garment and pulled it over his body. Instantly, the black robe touched his skin, causing him to feel refreshed and comfortable much like he was dipped in a mist of water. A strange fragrance also stealthily entered his nose and his exhausted mind was suddenly much more active.

After a year of tough training, Xiao Yan’s figure had also gradually grew. Although his face still appeared thin, it had a faint elegant feeling now that he had put on this appropriate black long robe. The last bit of tenderness on his face was also perfectly concealed.

Seeing that Xiao Yan had appeared as though he had completely changed into a new person after putting on the Alchemist long robe, Frank and Ao Tuo smiled and nodded. Clearly, they were quite pleased with Xiao Yan’s current image.

Within the hall, Xue Mei and Lin Fei who were staring at Xiao Yan and noticed the change in him and surprise flashed across their faces. In their examination, they paused longer on Xiao Yan’s smiling face a while longer without anyone noticing.

“Excellent…” After personally experiencing the benefit the Alchemist robe brought, Xiao Yan nodded and let out repeated praises.

Seeing Xiao Yan’s satisfied manner, Frank smiled. The influence that an alchemist could create was really too big. In order to gather those with great ability to this prestigious occupation, the Alchemist Association had really put in a great amount of effort.

“Alright, the examination is already over. Everyone, please disperse.”

Frank faced the hall and waved his hand. After which, he turned to Xiao Yan and said with a smile, “Do you have time? If you do, I would like to chat with you.”

Hearing this, Xiao Yan smiled and nodded his head as he said, “It’s just as well. Chairman, I have some things that I also need to ask for. I hope you’ll be able to help.”

“Haha. Xue Mei, Lin Fei, the both of you should follow the others who passed the test to go and take the tier one alchemist badge and long robe. We still have some things to do so we cannot accompany you.” After smiling to Xue Mei, Frank exchange a glance with Ao Tuo before the two of them led the way out of the hall.

Watching this obvious inferior treatment, Lin Fei could only helplessly nod her head. With dissatisfaction, she grimaced at Frank’s back and muttered, “Bias!”

“Let’s go. Stop complaining. He has the qualifications to make teacher biased. If you are dissatisfied, you can immediately go and take the test for a tier two alchemist.” Xue Mei said with a smile as she got up and walked toward the exit of the hall.

“Hmph… what’s so great?” Lin Fei softly snorted. Her footsteps followed Xue Mei but her voice obviously lacked the confidence. She was barely adequate to take the test for a tier one alchemist. A tier two test… it was not as though she was as full of herself as she appeared.

“Xiao Yan, please take a seat,” In a tidy study, Frank told Xiao Yan with a smile.

Randomly taking a seat on a chair, Xiao Yan did not beat around the bush as he said, “Grandmasters, if you have any questions, please ask. If the questions are not too intrusive, I will not hide anything.” As he said this, a cunningness flashed across Xiao Yan’s eyes; what was or wasn’t too intrusive was determined by him.

“Hehe, what a crafty and alert young man.” Frank shook his head and laughed. After living for quite a few decades, Frank naturally understood the meaning behind Xiao Yan’s words.

“Since you have already registered with the Association, we naturally needed to perform some administrative work. Ah… regarding the part of your teacher in the registration information from earlier… it seems somewhat incorrect. In my memory, there doesn’t seem to be an Alchemist Grandmaster in the Jia Ma Empire called Yao Lao.” Frank asked with a smile as his hand waved at the information that Xiao Yan had registered with earlier.

“I’m sorry but before I left, my teacher had told me not to reveal any information about him. However, he has never registered with the Association.” Xiao Yan spread his hands out as he replied.

Hearing this, Frank and Ao Tuo shook their heads helplessly. It appeared that trying to get information of his teacher from this kid’s mouth appeared nearly impossible.

“Alright , since you are unwilling to say, we will not make things difficult for you. There are indeed some strong people within the Jia Ma Empire who do not like others knowing about them.” Letting out a sigh, Ao Tuo mused for a moment before asking, “The last question. About the purple colored flame that you were controlling… you may also know that that flame of yours isn’t a ‘Heavenly Flame’, is it?”

“Haha, it would be good if it was…” Shaking his head with a smile, Xiao Yan half truthfully said, “That Purple Flame is something that I coincidentally managed to obtain from the Amethyst Winged Lion. Don’t ask me in detail on how I obtained it. When I met it in the Magic Beast Mountain Range, it spit flame at me for no reason. If I did not possess something that protected my life, I might have been incinerated by it on the spot. After the incident, I realized that there was an additional Purple Flame in my body.”

“Amethyst Winged Lion?”

Hearing this, both Frank and Ao Tuo momentarily stilled. They then quickly nodded their head as though they had realized something. “No wonder… it is the Purple Flame from an Amethyst Winged Lion. I was just wondering why it had a faint violent and wild character. You are really fortunate to be able to get a hold of this thing. Back then there were also quite a number of Alchemists who were planning on getting hold of its flame. Sadly, they all failed in the end.”

“Ugh, forget it. Basically, we didn’t get you to reveal any information.” Frank waved his hand and helplessly said, “Just tell us your problem.”

“H ha.” Xiao Yan opened his mouth and laughed. He then closed his lips tightly and stared intently at the two of them. He said softly, “I need something. I’m not sure if you grandmasters can help me check if any other alchemist possesses it?”

“What thing?”

“Ice Spirit Cold Fountain!”

Chapter 168: Gu Te

“Ice Spirit Cold Fountain?”

Hearing the name that Xiao Yan spat out, Frank and Ao Tuo clearly stilled for a moment. An instant later, they said in a surprised voice, “Little boy, the Ice Spirit Cold Fountain is an extremely rare and precious Spiritual ingredient. With your current ability, it seems like you should not need this kind of thing.”

With a smile, Xiao Yan vaguely said, “I really need this thing. Grandmasters, do you know anyone in the Alchemist Association who possesses it? If you do, I can pay a large sum in exchange for it.”

“A large sum? Xiao Yan, you should know that this ‘Ice Spirit Cold Fountain’ is something extremely rare that cannot be measured with gold coins. Moreover, even if someone had this thing, you would be hard pressed to take something out to exchange for it.” Frank shook his head and said.

“Hehe, of course I know this. Can you grandmasters please help me check? If there is really someone who possesses it, I may be able to take out something that would satisfy him.” Xiao Yan politely said as he smiled and nodded.

Seeing Xiao Yan’s insistence, Frank pressed his old eyebrows together. He then exchanged a glance with Ao Tuo before helplessly nodding his head.

“Please wait for a moment.” Ao Tuo got up and told Xiao Yan before he turned around and walked into the inner part of the study.

“This old man is the deputy chairman of Black Rock City’s Alchemist Association. Although he is often extremely lazy and seldom bothers to do the work at the association, he’s usually the one in charge of things like business deals.” Frank smiled at Xiao Yan as his gaze followed the Ao Tuo’s departing figure.

Xiao Yan nodded his head with a grin and gently rested his hand on the armrest of the chair. His finger could not help but lightly drum on it. His calm face had a faint trace of urgent expectation.

Slowly lifting his tea cup and taking a sip, Frank casually lifted his eyes and watched Xiao Yan pretending to be calm. He could not help but be curious, “Is that ‘Ice Spirit Cold Fountain’ really so important to him?”

Xiao Yan waited for a long while before Ao Tuo hugged a thick, ancient-looking book and walked out from the inner room. He gently placed it on the table, turned around and shook his head as he faced Xiao Yan. With a helpless voice, he said, “I’m sorry. I’ve searched all the most recent records of the exchanges, but I did not find anyone with the ‘Ice Spirit Cold Fountain’.”

“This thing is really very rare and the requirements needed to preserve it are extremely strict. I remember that there was once a tier four Alchemist that luckily found some ‘Ice Spirit Cold Fountain’ from an extremely cold place. However, due to the inappropriate preservation method, it turned into a white vapor and disappeared…” Ao Tuo felt a little pity as he spoke.

Hearing this, Xiao Yan sighed again, his face filled with disappointment. After lightly shaking his head, he lifted it and smiled bitterly, “If there really isn’t any, then forget it. I have troubled the two of you.”

Upon noticing the disappointed expression on Xiao Yan’s face, Frank helplessly waved his hand. He turned around and softly asked Ao Tuo, “There really isn’t any?”

Ao Tuo patted the thick book in his hand and shook his head, “There really isn’t any.”

“If it isn’t here, I suggest that you go to the auction house to take a look. If you are lucky, you might coincidentally find it.” Frank said in an attempt to comfort Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan bitterly smiled and nodded. In his heart, he was very certain that if it was something the Alchemist Association did not have, he would be hard pressed to find such a rare treasure at the auction house.

“Ugh, since there isn’t anything that I need, I will be taking my leave.” Standing up in a disappointed manner, Xiao Yan cupped his hands together and gestured at the two before turning around and walking out of the study.

Seeing Xiao Yan’s disappointed appearance, Ao Tuo helplessly shook his head. He mused for a while before he suddenly called, “Wait!”

“Yes?” Xiao Yan was stilled for a moment before he turned around and watched the Ao Tuo who was deep in thought.

“Do you really need that Ice Spirit Cold Fountain?” Ao Tuo asked with a frown.

“Yes, I really need it.” Xiao Yan nodded gravely. Looking at Ao Tuo who was deep in thought, his heart pounded slightly. His voice carried a little joy as he said, “Grandmaster Ao Tuo, do you have the Ice Spirit Cold Fountain?”

Beside Ao Tuo, Frank was also staring in a puzzled manner at the former. Clearly, he was also out of the loop.

“Haha, I really don’t have that thing.” Ao Tuo smiled and shook his head. When he saw that Xiao Yan was once again disappointed he could not help but laugh, “But I seem to have seen that thing before at the home of some strange man.” The inception of this chapter’s publication is linked to N0v3l.B1n.

“Oh?” Hearing this, Xiao Yan’s eyes suddenly brightened. He hurriedly asked, “Who is he? Where is he?”

“Uh… I must remind you first that if you are not prepared to pay an extremely heavy price, it is not likely that you’ll get what you need from that guy.” Ao Tuo said with a smile.

“Oh… I’ll try my best… “ Xiao Yan replied hesitantly. Without knowing what kind of conditions might be imposed, he naturally did not dare to appear too confident.

“Old man… you aren’t talking about Gu Te, that old man who values treasure like his life, are you?” Frank, who was pressing his eyebrows tightly together, suddenly said with astonishment.

“Yes, it is that weird old man. The last time I went over to his place, I think I heard him mention the Ice Spirit Cold Fountain. But that old man is really too petty; he was not even willing to let me take a look…” Ao Tuo said with a face full of smiles.

“… If he really does have the Ice Spirit Cold Fountain, I don’t think that Xiao Yan would be able to successfully exchange for it from his hands.” Frank helplessly shook his head. The gaze he used to look at Xiao Yan carried some pity.

“Who is this Gu Te?” Feeling a little uneasy after being stared at by Frank with that gaze, Xiao Yan asked in a perturbed voice.

“That guy is also an alchemist. Although he is only tier three, his exuberant collection is sufficient to attract jealousy from any alchemist in the Jia Ma Empire.” Ao Tuo shook his head and clicked his tongue as he praised.

“He isn’t a member of the Alchemist Association?” Xiao Yan asked with surprise.

“No, that guy’s character is far too weird. His talent for refining medicine is quite good, but he prefers to indulge in collecting various rare and strange ingredients, causing him to remain as a tier three alchemist. The extent of his indulgence has somewhat reached a mentally unsound level. Once he discovers that someone has something good, Gu Te will repeatedly pester the owner, resulting in others becoming very frustrated and getting a terrible headache.” Frank bitterly laughed. From his manner, it appeared that he had personally experienced this.

“Hehe. Back then, it was your fault for being so bored and actually taking out the Purple Blood Ganoderma that took you so much effort to obtain, and brag to others about it. Tsk tsk, but that old man Gu Te is really patient. He actually spent an entire year pestering you. Ha ha…” Seeming to have remembered something interesting from the past, Ao Tuo gloated at Frank’s misfortune.

“Ugh.” Frank’s head was filled with gloomy thoughts as he helplessly shook it.

“Uh… your tier is higher than him but he dares to be so insolent?” Looking at the helpless expressions on their faces, Xiao Yan asked in a doubtful manner.

“Our tier is indeed slightly higher than his, but that guy has an incredible brother. In the whole of the Jia Ma Empire, who would dare offend him?” Frank bitterly laughed.

“Brother? Who?” Hearing Frank’s explanation, Xiao Yan felt very curious. Who in the Jia Ma Empire possessed such an ability that even two tier four alchemists did not dare provoke his brother?

“Who else… Pill-King Gu He.” Rolling his eyes, Ao Tuo curled his lips and said, “If he did not have his brother to support him, all the treasures of Gu Te would have been stolen by people countless times over.”

“Ohh… Gu He? No wonder.” After being stilled momentarily, Xiao Yan nodded his head as realisation struck him. In the Jia Ma Empire, Pill-King Gu He did indeed possess such an enormous ability.

“Luckily, although that old man may be very irritating, his character isn’t bad. It is only that he is extremely stubborn and he hates people who mention Gu He in front of him the most. Although he knows that the reason he is able to survive till now is related to Gu He’s help, if someone mentions Gu He in front of him, he will immediately chase that person away. Thus, you must be very careful not to infuriate him. Otherwise, even if you take out an extremely rare and unique ingredient, you would have a difficult time exchanging it for the ‘Ice Spirit Cold Fountain’.” Frank warned.

“Is he in Black Rock City?” Xiao Yan anxiously asked.

“Ah, yes.” Nodding his head and smiling, Ao Tuo glanced at Xiao Yan and asked, “You really intend to visit him?”

“No choice. I really need the Ice Spirit Cold Fountain. Even if he is going to ask for an exorbitant price, if it is something that I can take out, I’m afraid I will have to be cheated by him.” Xiao Yan helplessly nodded his head and smiled bitterly.

“What a pitiful fellow. Other people want to avoid him like the plague but you are going to his front door.” After patting Xiao Yan’s shoulder with sympathy, Ao Tuo turned his head, faced Frank and said, “Then I will bring Xiao Yan to visit that old man. I doubt you’re very willing to see him.”

“Go. Just go. When you see him, please pass along a message: It would be best that he does not come to our Alchemist Association. I don’t want the branch under my charge to lose every single person because of his habits. If that happens, I will find fault with him, even if he is protected by Gu He…” Waving his hand, Frank mumbled. Obviously, he was still a little afraid of that irritating guy.

“Hehe.” Ao Tuo smiled in a gloating manner before he said, “Let’s go. Follow me, I will lead you to that guy. However, whether you can succeed or not depends on you.”

Hearing this, Xiao Yan hurriedly nodded. He rejoiced in his heart. Luckily, he had conveniently come to take the test for an alchemist. Otherwise, he may have ended up searching all over the place for the Ice Spirit Cold Fountain. Who knows how long that would have taken?

After Ao Tuo left the Alchemist Association, there were many people who respectfully greeted the indifferent looking Grandmaster Ao Tuo along the way. When their gazes reached Xiao Yan who was following closely behind, they slightly stilled. Their gazes swept across the black robe that represented a tier two alchemist, before finally becoming a little shocked as they landed on the young face of Xiao Yan. Clearly, their hearts were stunned when they saw such a young, tier two alchemist.

Ignoring the shocked gazes along the way, Xiao Yan followed Ao Tuo as they took over ten turns on the confusing streets of Black Rock City. Eventually, they arrived at one isolated corner in the southern part of the City where a strange looking building stood.

Ao Tuo raised his head to face the strange building in front of him before sighing. He turned his head around and said to Xiao Yan, “This is the place where Gu Te lives. Before we enter, I will remind you again: You’d better be prepared to pay an exorbitant price.”

Hearing this, Xiao Yan could only smile bitterly and nod his head.

Chapter 169: Exchange

Ao Tuo beckoned Xiao Yan toward him, eh took two steps forward and pushed open the door to the house. However, before he entered, a vicious force sent black colored powder spewing out from all directions from within the house.

The sudden unforeseen event caused Xiao Yan to be slightly shocked. He cautiously took a few steps back with his right hand quickly holding on to the Heavy Xuan Ruler as he arched his body.

Before the black colored powder could spew out from within the room, Ao Tuo rubbed his lips together and waved his sleeve fiercely. An even more vicious force appeared and lifted all the black powder, returning it all back from where it came from.

As the black powder gradually scattered, it revealed a dirty and messy room behind it. Ao Tuo patted his hand, tilted his head and said cautiously to Xiao Yan, “This old man likes to do things like this to trick people. The black colored powder just now may not poison people, but if one’s skin were to even come into the slightest contact with it, they would get a terrible itch.”

Gradually releasing his palm from the Ruler’s hilt, Xiao Yan bitterly smiled and shook his head. This old man was indeed abnormal.

“Let’s go. Follow me. Don’t touch anything.” With a smile, Ao Tuo lead the way into the room with Xiao Yan closely following after a brief hesitation.

After they entered the dark room, the door automatically slammed shut. The clear sound caused Xiao Yan to once again shake his head helplessly. His gaze swept across the room which was like a garbage dump as he followed Ao Tuo and climbed a few rotten wooden stairs that shook in a manner that suggested they were about to collapse. Finally, they arrived at the highest story after experiencing another few weird attacks.

When they completed the climb, Xiao Yan let out a light breath. He raised his head and looked a wooden door at the end of the corridor. Tilting his head to Ao Tuo, he asked, “It should be here, shouldn’t it?”

Ao Tuo nodded his head. He then lowered it to observe his clothes. A few small holes had been formed from the corrosive liquid from the staircase. Twitching the corner of his mouth, he clenched his teeth together and said, “This old bastard. Instead of learning to refine proper medicine, he just likes to play with these things that are not fit to be seen by others…”

Hearing the complaint, the corner of Xiao Yan’s mouth parted and laughed stuffily in his heart.

“What nonsense about refining proper medicine, in what way are these things of mine not proper? You old rascal, don’t think that just because you are the vice-chairman of the Alchemist Association, I will not dare to chase you out!” While Xiao Yan was laughing stuffily, an old voice suddenly scolded from within the room at the end of the corridor.

“You are the old rascal.” Rolling his eyes, Ao Tuo resentfully waved his sleeves and led Xiao Yan into the corridor. Finally, they reached a spot outside the room. He then violently kicked the room’s door which seemed to be made of wood.

“Clang!”

When the kick made contact with the room’s door, a clear metal sound suddenly sounded from the door. Xiao Yan’s eyes twitched when he heard this and quickly turned his head to watch Ao Tuo’s distorted old face. Tactfully, he quickly took a few steps back.

“Ha ha, old man. After the last time you kicked down one of my doors, I replaced it with a steel one. Haha. Is it fun?” From within the room, an old exploding laughter once again sounded in a gloating manner.

“Old bastard…” Ao Tuo’s face was distorted as he inhaled a mouthful of cold air. The expression on his face slowly turned livid. From his body, an extremely fierce Dou Qi began to slowly rise and began to wrap around Ao Tuo like he was a person made of flames.

“What a strong Dou Qi… his strength is at least at the Dou Ling level.” Seeing the writhing dark yellow Dou Qi on Ao Tuo’s body, Xiao Yan hurriedly took two steps back as he sighed in his heart.

With his body covered with Dou Qi, Ao Tuo once again violently kicked at the steel door.

“Bang!” Following a deep muffled noise that sounded in the corridor, the door was sent flying into the room.

“Ah! Old bastard, you really did it!” Once the door flew into the room, a strange yell immediately came from the interior.

“Hmph.” Snorting with a vivid expression, Ao Tuo walked into the room with his legs lacking some coordination. His gaze swept the room, finally landing on an old man dressed in drab. He coldly smiled. “Gu Te, do you believe that I will put all the names of the things you hide here onto slips of paper and announce all of them to the outside world.”

“Hehe, don’t don’t… I was just joking.” Hearing the threat, the old man in the gray drabs hurriedly waved his hand and smiled apologetically.

“Hmph.” Waving his sleeves, Ao Tuo turned around and faced outside the door. “Come in, Xiao Yan.”

“Huh, you brought someone along? What are you planning to do?” Seeing Ao Tuo’s manner, Gu Te’s eyes widened as he said with a face filled with caution.

Rubbing his lips, Ao Tuo was too lazy to bother about this crazy person.

Slowly walking into the room, Xiao Yan’s gaze habitually swept across the interior. When his sight glanced across a crystal counter in the room, an expression of amazement swiftly surfaced on his face.

“Fire Heart Seven Leaf Flower? Blood Crystal Grass? Blue Heart Rock?…”

Seeing that all of these seldom seen, rare and precious things were actually all aggregated here, Xiao Yan’s mouth could not help but slowly widen. The collection here was a little too rich, wasn’t it?

“Hey, hey… boy, what are you looking at? Are you having any thoughts on my treasures?” Seeing Xiao Yan’s expression, Gu Te hurriedly jumped over and stared at Xiao Yan angrily with a fierce expression.

“Uh…” Giving an embarrassed smile, Xiao Yan withdrew his gaze and his eyes stared at the old man in drab. It was difficult for him to imagine in his heart that this thin and weak looking old man would actually be the elder brother of Jia Ma Empire’s well known Pill-King Gu He.

“*Cough*, sorry. Grandmaster Gu Te, I have never seen so many strange and precious things in all my life. Looking at this lavish collection, I think that there is no one in the Jia Ma Empire that can be compared to you.” Xiao Yan said with a smile. The initial instance of this chapter being available happened at N0v3l.Bj’n.

“…Boy, you do know how to talk. However, what you said is quite true.” Hearing these faintly sucking up words of Xiao Yan, the fierce expression on Gu Te’s old face became a little gentler. He nodded his head and bluntly acknowledged those words.

“What are you here for. Hurry up and say, I’m very busy.” Turning around and sitting at a table that was piled up with broken things, Gu Te raised his legs as he asked.

“This kid has come here to find you for something.” Ao Tuo rolled his eyes and glanced at the chair by the side which was filled with dust. He could only helplessly shake his head and remain standing as he spoke.

“Oh? It’s not like I know him. Why is he looking for me? Don’t tell me that he has some strange treasure that he wishes to sell to me. Hehe, good good. As long as you can satisfy me, I will give you a satisfactory price!” A glint appeared in Gu Te’s eyes as he said with a smile while staring intently at the storage ring on Xiao Yan’s finger.

“*Cough*… no, Grandmaster Gu Te, I’m not here to sell my treasure, I’m here to inquire about…” Xiao Yan shook his head as his eyes locked onto Gu Te’s face. He softly asked, “I want to inquire if you are keeping some ‘Ice Spirit Cold Fountain’ in your hands?”

Hearing this, Gu Te was momentarily stilled. Next, he shook his head like a windmill. “I don’t have it, don’t have it. You have found the wrong person. I don’t have that thing.”

Seeing that Gu Te was acting childishly, Xiao Yan could only smile bitterly and shook his head. When he mentioned the ‘Ice Spirit Cold Fountain’ earlier, he had clearly noticed a surprised look flash across Gu Te’s face. Perhaps, Gu Te was surprised about how Xiao Yan obtained the news that he had the ‘Ice Spirit Cold Fountain’.

“Old man, stop lying. Didn’t you tell me about it the last time? You managed to get for a small bottle of ‘Ice Spirit Cold Fountain’ from someone else. I still remember it clearly.” Ao Tuo said with a smile.

“Get lost. You old bastard. You better not come and find me here in the future.” Having his lie exposed, Gu Te was instantly angry from being humiliated as he scolded.

Ao Tuo waved his hand and said to Xiao Yan, “I have already brought you to see him. How you get him to hand you the ‘Ice Spirit Cold Fountain’ is entirely up to you. I’ll be waiting for you outside.” Once he said those words, Ao Tuo headed out of the room. As he was about to exit, he lightly tapped his palm on a part of the wall. Immediately, a wooden door gradually rose from the doorway and covered the interior of the room after he walked out.

Seeing that Ao Tuo had left, Xiao Yan helplessly nodded. He waved his hand and blew away the dust on the chair before sitting opposite Gu Te.

Gu Te’s old eyes glanced at the tightly shut door before taking a look at Xiao Yan. He snorted: “Boy, forget it. I will never hand the ‘Ice Spirit Cold Fountain’ to you.”

“Grandmaster Gu Te, I believe there isn’t any transaction in this world that cannot be completed. If a transaction is unsuccessful, it simply means that one has not taken out something that the other party is interested in exchanging something for.” Xiao Yan said with a smile.

“Oh? Since you know this, then why are you still here? Don’t tell me that you need the ‘Ice Spirit Cold Fountain’ to save lives or whatever. I don’t possess those pointless feelings of sympathy.” Raising his dark black eyebrows, Gu Te glanced at Xiao Yan. His smile had a teasing feel. It appeared that he did not think that Xiao Yan could take out something that he would be interested in.

Xiao Yan’s palm slowly rubbed his chin as his mouth was closed tightly; he looked like he was considering what kind of thing could move Gu Te in front of him.

“Hehe, boy do you really possess something? But I will say this upfront. Don’t take out Qi Methods or Dou Techniques. Although they are very precious, I’m not interested in them. What I like the most… are rare ingredients.” Seeing Xiao Yan’s manner, Gu Te was also a little interested. His finger pointed at the many rare ingredients in the room laughing as he spoke.

Xiao Yan’s finger lightly tapped on the table. He was silent for a long while before his finger gently rubbed the storage ring. After flicking his finger, a small jade bottle appeared in his palm.

Seeing the emerald jade bottle in Xiao Yan’s hand, Gu Te raised his eyebrows. A faint curiosity surfaced in his eyes.

Xiao Yan rubbed the small bottle, unwilling to part with it. He then slowly opened the cap of the bottle and gently placed it on the table. Immediately, a purple vapor rose from within. At that moment, the temperature of the small room also seemed to rise significantly.

Gu Te’s eyes slightly shrank as he felt the surrounding air becoming hotter and stared at the threads of purple flame vapor in the room.

Chapter 170: Successfully Obtaining the Ice Spirit Cold Fountain

With his turbid old eyes were intently locked onto the small jade bottle on the table, a long while later, Gu Te licked his lips, carefully extended his hand and grabbed the jade bottle into his hand. He put it under his nose and took a gentle sniff of the dense purple vapor. Instantly, he felt the fire type Dou Qi in his body, which was originally circulating at a tortoise like speed, become much more active.

“Tsk tsk. An excellent thing.” Feeling the change in his body, an expression of surprise appeared on Gu Te’s old face. He sighed in amazement as he smacked his lips. Musing for a while, he suddenly turned his body around and began searching through the garbage pile beside him. Finally, he took out a small crystal dish and a narrow hollow needle.

He placed the narrow needle into the jade bottle and gently pinched it, sucking up and filling the hollow needle with the purple colored liquid. After which, he carefully dropped it in the middle of the crystal dish.

As the purple colored liquid was dropped onto the crystal dish, Xiao Yan and Gu Te could faintly see a purple colored flame dancing within that drop of the purple colored liquid.

“This thing…” Pressing his eyebrows together, Gu Te thought deeply for a moment. He then suddenly turned around and took out a very thick book from behind the cover of a rock slab. After which, he flipped it open and quickly looked through it, appearing like he was looking for something.

Seeing Gu Te action, Xiao Yan could not help but feel a little puzzled in his heart. Could this old man with unkempt appearance really be able to recognise the ‘Amethyst Lion Birth Essence’?

Sweeping his gaze onto the small jade bottle on the table, Xiao Yan’s face twitched a little painfully. If the ‘Ice Spirit Cold Fountain’ was not so important to him, he would definitely be unwilling to take out his ‘Amethyst Lion Birth Essence’ to exchange for it. This thing was the best aid when training fire type Qi Methods. When training with it, one could save a lot of time needed for tough training!

Back then in the Magic Beast Mountain Rage, Xiao Yan had managed to obtain six bottles of ‘Amethyst Lion Birth Essence’. After consuming it drop by drop during his training, he had consumed slightly less than half a bottle. Thus, Xiao Yan only had slightly more than five bottles of ‘Amethyst Lion Birth Essence’ remaining. However, he had to take one out now in order to obtain the ‘Ice Spirit Cold Fountain’.

Each of these five bottles of ‘Amethyst Lion Birth Essence’ could be considered to be priceless treasures. If one were to compare the value based on rarity and uniqueness, it would not lose to the ‘Ice Spirit Cold Fountain’. After all, obtaining the ‘Amethyst Lion Birth Essence’ was not easier than entering any dangerous place. Just that Dou Huang level Amethyst Winged Lion would mean that many would not have the strength to carry out their desire.

“Found it, found it!” Gu Te, who was repeatedly flipping through the book suddenly shouted while Xiao Yan was feeling the pain in his heart.

Curiously shifting his gaze onto a page of the ancient looking book, Xiao Yan could vaguely observe that the page it was open to had a drawing of a huge animal with a body entirely covered in Amethyst with its mouth opened. This huge beast was the Amethyst Winged Lion.

“‘Amethyst Lion Birth Essence’, birthed from the Amethyst Winged Lion and is born with a baby beast. The chances of this happening are low and one may rarely appear in a hundred years. For those training fire type Qi Methods, this is a treasure that may not be found even with lots of gold.”

“Tsk tsk, boy, I really could not imagine that you actually got a hold of such a unique item like the ‘Amethyst Lion Birth Essence’…” After reading out loud the information on the ‘Amethyst Lion Birth Essence’, Gu Te could not help but exclaim.

“I obtained it by chance.” Xiao Yan smiled faintly. He lifted his eyes, looked at Gu Te whose gaze never left the small bottle and whispered, “So how is it? Grandmaster Gu Te, are you satisfied with the thing that I have taken out?”

Hearing this, Gu Te rotated his eyes and laughed toward the sky. The narrow needle in his hand gently tapped on the crystal dish as he said with a smile “Little boy, I still don’t know your name.”

“Xiao Yan.” Xiao Yan replied with a smile.

“Hehe, Little Brother Xiao Yan, uh… that… since you are searching for the ‘Ice Spirit Cold Fountain’, you should be clear of its rarity, aren’t you?” Gu Te laughed. The debut release occurred at N-ov3l-Bin.

“Haha. I naturally know about it. If I don’t, why would I take a unique thing like the ‘Amethyst Lion Birth Essence’ out?” Xiao Yan smiled but he skimmed his mouth while coldly smiling in his heart. Does this old man think he was a child?

“Ugh, I will put it this way. This ‘Amethyst Lion Birth Essence’ of yours can be considered a rare item but you should be clear that this thing is only useful to those who practice fire type Qi Methods. This restricts its value.” Gu Te glanced at Xiao Yan and said.

Xiao Yan smiled faintly but he extended his hand slowly and grabbed the small jade bottle in front of Gu Te. He then carefully capped it and raised his eyes to look at Gu Te who was giving him a dry smile. With a grin, he said, “Grandmaster Gu Te, please don’t treat me like a fool and deceive me. Both of us know what kind of huge effect the ‘Amethyst Lion Birth Essence’ has on those practicing fire type Qi Method. In order to obtain it, many alchemists are willing to lose their entire fortune. Haha, you don’t need to rush to rebuke me. As someone who has collected treasures for decades, you should be clear of its true value!”

“By trying to belittle the ‘Amethyst Lion Birth Essence’ that I have taken out, you are undoubtedly trying to raise the price. But I will also say this first, I only have a bottle of the Amethyst Essence. You can choose to exchange for it or not. Among the things that I am able to take out, it is the most valuable. If you still think that this is insufficient, then I will have to choose to give up even though I really need the ‘Ice Spirit Cold Fountain’…” Xiao Yan shook his head and sighed regretfully.

“Uh…” Looking at how decisive Xiao Yan had become, Gu Te opened his mouth slightly. He did not expect that after playing a bully for an entire life, he had actually met someone of a younger generation who was also not paying any respect in front of him.

The muddy old eyes did not blink as he stared at Xiao Yan’s smiling face. A long while later, Gu Te shook his head and also helplessly said, “Since it’s like this, I must regretfully inform you that this exchange may have to fail.”

Hearing this, Xiao Yan’s face did not change. He waved his hand while smiling and shook his head regretfully. With a flip of his hand, he stored the jade bottle into his storage ring. After which, he stood up, patted his backside and said to Gu Te with a smile, “I’m sorry to disturb you grandmaster. This is my last day staying in Black Rock City. Tomorrow, I may leave the Jia Ma Empire. Hopefully, we will have the chance to do business together in the future.”

After saying those words, Xiao Yan turned around and acted in a natural and unrestrained manner as he strided out of the room.

Upon hearing that Xiao Yan was about to leave the Jia Ma Empire, Gu Te’s palm on his long legs obviously trembled. However, he did not immediately open his mouth. His pair of eyes stared intently on Xiao Yan’s back as his lips shivered.

The room was totally quiet. Only the muffled sound of Xiao Yan heavy footsteps could be heard.

With his back facing Gu Te, Xiao Yan watched the room’s door becoming increasingly near. Cold sweat had also appeared on the smile that he had maintained on his face He really needed the ‘Ice Spirit Cold Fountain’. However, if he backed down in this situation, that cunning wolf-like Gu Te would definitely not give up the opportunity to make him pay heavily for it. When that time comes, his limited five bottles of ‘Amethyst Lion Birth Essence’ may have to shrink once again. This result was undoubtedly an extremely painful one for Xiao Yan.

Thus, in order to limit the condition for the exchange, he could only show such resolution.

“Dammit, isn’t this old man’s mental strength too strong? Don’t tell me that he isn’t attracted to the ‘Amethyst Lion Birth Essence’?” Xiao Yan could not help but scold anxiously in his heart. The room door was already in close proximity but everything behind him was still quiet.

“Four steps, three steps, two steps…”

His heart quietly counted the number of steps he had to the door. When he reached his final step, Xiao Yan slowly sighed. His palm trembled slightly as he touched the door handle.

Xiao Yan was quiet for a moment as he held the door handle. After that, he clenched his teeth violently, steeled his heart and opened the door, preparing to leave. However, at this moment, an old voice that took the weight off Xiao Yan’s heart appeared from behind him.

“Ugh, boy. Come back. You win… In all my life, I have not seen the ‘Amethyst Lion Birth Essence’. So, you are very lucky. If it was something else, you would really have left empty handed today.”

The old voice was like angry thunder, smashing the weight that had tightly pressed on Xiao Yan’s heart. While Xiao Yan was letting out a relaxed sigh, he was stunned to realize that his back had become drenched in a cold sweat unknowingly. If it were not for the good workmanship of the Alchemist robe, it was likely that Gu Te behind him would have discovered something fishy.

Without anyone noticing, Xiao Yan wiped off the cold sweat on his face before slowly turning around. Using a more relaxed gait, Xiao Yan once again returned to the table under Gu Te’s helpless gaze and sat down.

After taking a few ragged breath while seated, Xiao Yan lifted his head and smiled at Gu Te. His body weakly took out a small jade bottle from his storage ring and gently placed it on the table. He said with a smile, “Grandmaster Gu Te, thank you for your consent.”

“Ugh…” Helplessly shaking his head, Gu Te grabbed the small jade bottle. With a face filled with infatuation, he held it in his palm and took a deep breath of its scent. His entire face became intoxicated. “Back then, I heard some bastard tell me about this ‘Amethyst Lion Birth Essence’ but I had never seen it with my own eyes. I can be considered to be lucky today.”

Seeing Gu Te’s infatuated manner, Xiao Yan felt a little chilled. This old man did not have any interest in anything but he had an abnormal love for these unique items. His love was like that of a tyrannical and lustful king toward beautiful women.

“*Cough*, Grandmaster Gu Te… can you please take out the ‘Ice Spirit Cold Fountain’ for me to see.” Xiao Yan let out a gentle cough as he helplessly reminded.

Having his intoxicating feeling broken, Gu Te impatiently glanced at Xiao Yan and snorted, “Wait for me here. Don’t touch anything.” After seeing Xiao Yan nod his head, he took the Amethyst Essence, turned around and randomly knocked on a wall for a period of time. Following a muffled sound, a small hole appeared behind the wall.

“Sit there and don’t move!” Once again, Gu Te fiercely ordered again before bending his body and entering the hole.

Seated on the chair, Xiao Yan did not make any additional movements. With Yao Lao’s Spiritual Perception, that old man would not be able to try any tricks.

After waiting quietly for some time, Gu Te carried something in his hand and exited the hole.

He completely blocked the hole before turning around as he placed a white jade box that was the size of a washbasin on the table.

The white jade box was very well sealed. Other than the hole to open it at the top, there was not the slightest gap.

Although it was covered by a layer of white jade, Xiao Yan could still feel an iciness that was faintly seeping out from it.

Tapping the jade box in a manner that suggested he was unwilling to part with it, Gu Te carefully undid the tight seal of the cover. As the cover was removed, a cold fog immediately rose and shrouded the place. In an instant, the temperature within the room fell.

Ignoring the falling temperature, Xiao Yan’s gaze hurriedly shifted to the interior of the jade box. He found that a thick layer of ice was neatly formed within the jade box. In the middle of the ice, there was a small jade bottle that was normally used to store makeup.

The surroundings of the jade bottle was shrouded by cold air that appeared to be able to freeze people’s hearts…

Watching the cold air seep out of the small jade bottle, Gu Te sighed. He pushed it toward Xiao Yan and said in a faint voice, “Take it. This is the ‘Ice Spirit Cold Fountain’ that you wanted…”

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