The Imperial Capital of the Jia Ma Empire was built upon the vast Jia Ma Plains — a fertile and prosperous land that stretched endlessly with golden fields of grain. It was the empire's lifeline, sustaining millions of citizens, and truly deserving of its title as the foundation of the realm.
After more than ten days of flight, Liu Xi and his companions finally saw the towering city walls of the Imperial Capital — ancient, grand, and heavily guarded.
Originally, they had planned to fly here using a Thick-Winged Bird, but its sluggish pace quickly tested everyone's patience. Liu Xi, Lu Man, and Hai Bodong unanimously agreed to abandon it. As for Qing Lin, she had no opinion at all — the blissful look on her small face made it clear that, to her, being in Liu Xi's arms the entire way was pure happiness.
"Indeed, not every flying beast can compare to the gryphons of Jia Nan Academy's Inner Academy," Liu Xi sighed when he decided to ditch the Thick-Winged Bird.
Though he could form wings of Dou Qi to fly himself, in his mind, the immortals of Huaxia's ancient myths never simply flapped about on their own — they rode majestic divine beasts or flew upon clouds, exuding grace and grandeur. Compared to that, gliding through the air with his own wings made him feel more like someone else's mount. No dignity at all.
If the Sky Serpent Mansion hadn't already become something of an ally, Liu Xi would've loved for Qing Lin to capture that Eight-Winged Black Serpent Emperor as their mount. Ugly or not, it was at least imposing — a fitting steed for a 6th Tier Alchemist.
When Liu Xi landed and retracted his Dou Qi wings, a wild idea suddenly flashed across his mind — and grew uncontrollably.
'One day… I'll tame a Ancient Void Dragon or a Heavenly Demon Phoenix as my mount. That would be truly legendary!'
The thought alone made cold sweat bead down his neck.
'What the hell am I thinking? That's suicide-level madness. Forget it, forget it!'
Lu Man, ever observant, noticed the fleeting change in Liu Xi's expression and asked softly, "Sir, you suddenly looked pale. Is something wrong here?"
He immediately composed himself, his calm demeanor returning as he replied, "It's nothing. I just haven't seen my teacher for many years. The thought of meeting him again makes me… a little emotional."
At the mention of his teacher, Lu Man's eyes glimmered with curiosity. With a charming smile, she teased, "Your teacher must surely be a great Alchemist as well. I'll definitely have to visit and pay my respects!"
Hai Bodong, overhearing their exchange, felt the same curiosity burning in his heart. 'Could it be Fa Ma, that old fellow? No… that guy was only a 5th Tier Alchemist back then. He couldn't possibly have taught a 6th Tier Alchemist like Liu Xi!'
Liu Xi's smile softened as memories surfaced — the early days of learning herbs, refining their essence, mastering flame control under his teacher's careful guidance. "No need to guess," he said lightly. "My teacher was only a 3rd Tier Alchemist when I studied under him — perhaps 4th Tier now. He was the first to introduce me to the world of alchemy, and I respect him deeply."
The firmness in his tone was unmistakable — a subtle warning for Lu Man and Hai Bodong alike. He didn't want them acting arrogantly or disrespectfully toward Xuan Hao once they met him.
Without another word, Liu Xi took Qing Lin's hand and led her toward the city gates.
With his handsome features and noble attire, Liu Xi stood out effortlessly among the crowd — the very image of an elegant young lord returning from his travels. Even the guards at the gate and the passing townsfolk regarded him with warm, admiring smiles. It was true — in the Imperial Capital, people had good eyes for talent and status.
Passing through the dim tunnel of the city gate, a wave of noise and bustle crashed over him. Liu Xi rubbed his temples in mild irritation. "So noisy… I'll head to the Alchemist Association first. Hopefully, my teacher's still there."
He randomly stopped a passerby. The man turned, ready to scold — but the instant he saw Liu Xi's refined clothes and aura, his expression melted into a bright, flattering grin.
"This young master, how may I help you?"
With a casual wave, Liu Xi drew out a small pouch from his spatial ring — it jingled heavily with hundreds of gold coins — and tossed it straight into the man's arms. "Take me to the Alchemist Association. The gold's yours."
Liu Xi never begged for directions. He bought them.
If someone refused, it simply meant he hadn't paid enough yet. And with several million gold coins sitting comfortably inside his ring, that was hardly a problem.
Just as expected, the moment the man heard the clink of coins and felt the satisfying weight of the pouch, his entire demeanor transformed. Beaming with reverence, he bowed low and personally led Liu Xi through the bustling streets toward the Alchemist Association.
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The Association stood proudly at the intersection of several of the busiest avenues in the capital — a massive structure wreathed in curling mists of pill fragrance. Above its grand gates gleamed five ancient silver-lit characters: Alchemist Association.
As the headquarters of all Alchemists in the Jia Ma Empire, it was a sacred ground for anyone in the craft. The proud and noble Alchemists who were rarities elsewhere seemed to be gathered here in abundance.
Liu Xi smiled faintly as he gazed at the familiar sight. 'If I hadn't gone to Jia Nan Academy, I might've ended up here too.'
Lost in thought, he stepped forward — only to be stopped by two guards.
Both wore expressions of practiced pride. Still, noticing his refined presence, one explained politely, "Apologies, young master. Only certified Alchemists may freely enter. Others must be accompanied by a registered Alchemist to gain access."
Liu Xi blinked in realization. "Ah, that explains it. No wonder everyone going in wears an Alchemist's robe."
Hai Bodong frowned in puzzlement. "Little friend, if your teacher's part of the Association, didn't you ever register yourself here?"
Liu Xi shook his head. "No. After learning under my teacher for five years, I went straight to Jia Nan Academy. I never had the chance to register with the Association."
After a brief pause, he added nostalgically, "When I was a child, my teacher even bought a small house near my family home just to take care of me. I only recently learned he'd returned to the capital."
Hai Bodong nodded in understanding. "So you studied at Jia Nan Academy! That explains your strength. The Academy's reputation spans the entire continent. No wonder you turned out to be such a monster of talent!"
Lu Man also smiled softly, her tone gentle. "I knew someone as skilled as you couldn't remain unknown for long. I'm certain your name will soon echo across the entire northwest continent, Master Liu."
(End of Chapter)
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