At the entrance of the Alchemist Association in the imperial capital, the two guards who had stopped Liu Xi and his companions looked dumbfounded. The words "Alchemist," "Jia Nan Academy," "renowned across the Northwest Continent" echoed in their minds, and both were left completely at a loss.
Liu Xi, hearing Hai Bodong and Lu Man's compliments, noticed the two guards' stiff expressions and the growing crowd of curious onlookers — mostly 1st and 2nd Tier Alchemists pointing and whispering among themselves. He couldn't help but think, 'I wonder if Teacher is inside. If I really get stopped at the door… that would be quite the joke.'
Stepping forward, Liu Xi said calmly, "Please inform Master Xuan Hao that his unfilial disciple Liu Xi has returned to pay him a visit."
The moment his words fell, a wave of shocked gasps spread through the gathered crowd. Even the guards' faces turned pale with alarm.
Liu Xi blinked, confused. 'That's odd… even if they looked down on me and said something arrogant like "Who do you think you are? Master Xuan Hao isn't someone you can just meet," that would've made sense. But why do they look… terrified?'
He frowned and asked directly, "Tell me — what did I just say that scared you so much?"
One guard trembled as he hurriedly replied, "S-So you're the legendary Master Liu Xi! Forgive us, we didn't recognize you. Please, right this way!"
Hai Bodong chuckled. "Haha, it seems your reputation has already spread across the entire Jia Ma Empire, little friend."
Lu Man smiled faintly. "I must have been ignorant. To think that Sir Liu already holds such prestige within the Empire."
Meanwhile, Liu Xi was still puzzled. 'I've only been back from Jia Nan Academy for a few months… aside from showing my Dou Wang strength in Lin City, when did I become so famous in the capital's alchemist circles?'
He followed the guard through the Association's grand corridors. Wherever they went, alchemists and attendants stepped aside respectfully, clearing a path.
Most looked at Liu Xi with admiration — though a few wore expressions of doubt.
"So that's the genius disciple Elder Xuan Hao mentioned? He looks so young!"
"Elder Xuan Hao said his disciple was already a 3rd Tier Alchemist four years ago — now supposedly comparable to President Fa Ma, a 5th Tier Alchemist!"
"It must be true. Elder Xuan Hao wouldn't lie. He's a 4th Tier Alchemist himself — for him to praise someone so highly, that youth must be extraordinary."
"Maybe… but Fa Ma is already a peak 5th Tier Alchemist, close to breaking through to the 6th Tier. This Liu Xi might be talented, but he's still just barely at 5th Tier at most."
Liu Xi's confusion gradually vanished. 'Ah… so that's it. I did mention in my last letter that I'd reached the 5th Tier. Looks like Teacher's been promoting me again.'
He turned to the guard and asked, "So it was my teacher who mentioned my name, right? That's why you reacted the way you did?"
The guard nodded quickly. "Yes, sir. A few months ago, Elder Xuan Hao gave orders that when his disciple Liu Xi returned to visit him, no one was to stop you. We were to escort you straight to him!"
Liu Xi smiled faintly. "As expected of Teacher — always thoughtful."
The guard, encouraged, continued nervously, "Elder Xuan Hao often told us that he once took in a genius disciple in Lin City — one who became a 3rd Tier Alchemist after only five years of guidance. Later, that disciple went to Jia Nan Academy to continue his studies and never joined the Association. Back then, some people even mocked Elder Xuan Hao, saying he had made up such a disciple to save face."
At those words, Liu Xi's expression darkened, his tone turning cold. "They dared mock my teacher? Tell me — who were they?"
The guard flinched, lowering his head. "Elder Xuan Hao was furious as well. He said his disciple was talented, disciplined, and filial — how could such a student be imaginary? Afterward, Elder Xuan Hao poured himself into study and successfully advanced to a 4th Tier Alchemist, earning the title of Elder. Since then, no one dared question him again."
He hesitated before adding, "Then, a few months ago, Elder Xuan Hao received a letter. After reading it, he laughed out loud in joy and told everyone that his disciple had returned from Jia Nan Academy — already a 5th Tier Alchemist — and would soon come to visit. He said he'd make everyone see what true talent looked like."
Liu Xi's chest tightened, his eyes softening. His nose stung slightly as warmth welled within him. 'Teacher… even after all these years, you still think of me.'
'Since I'm back, I'll stay for a while. And when the time comes, I'll make sure no one dares laugh at Teacher ever again. Whoever mocked him… I'll make them regret it.'
The faint fragrance of herbs grew stronger as they stepped deeper into the Alchemist Association. The interior was vast and majestic, divided into three main halls — east, south, and west.
To the east stretched rows of square stone platforms carved from green granite. Behind each sat robed alchemists, and upon the platforms lay arrays of medicinal herbs, jade bottles, and scrolls — a bustling market of alchemical trade.
In the southern hall, dozens of cauldrons blazed, flames flickering beneath them as alchemists focused intently on their refinement. Around them stood groups of low-tier apprentices, whispering and gesturing as they observed the process, occasionally exclaiming in awe.
The western hall, by contrast, was solemn and quiet. Guards stood at attention near the corridors, their expressions impassive. Only alchemists of 3rd Tier or higher — branch leaders or elders — were permitted to enter. Passing apprentices could only gaze in reverence toward that sacred area.
The escort gestured ahead. "Sir, that western hall is where the elders, branch masters, and high-tier alchemists convene."
They approached, and as expected, were stopped by the stern-faced guards at the entrance. The escort hurriedly explained the situation, and upon hearing Liu Xi's name, even those stoic guards were visibly startled. Still, duty-bound, they sent someone to report inside.
Moments later, hurried footsteps echoed through the hall — followed by a familiar, joy-filled voice.
"Ha-ha! My precious disciple has finally returned!"
Liu Xi's chest trembled as an elderly figure appeared in his sight — white-haired yet spirited, eyes gleaming with warmth.
His throat tightened. He stepped forward, gently grasping the old man's calloused hands.
"Teacher," he said, voice low and thick with emotion, "Liu Xi… has returned."
(End of Chapter)
---
A Huge Shoutout and Welcome to Dylan Rairigh for Joining us on Patreon and Becoming a Member of Diamond.
---
This Fanfiction Has more than 500 Chapters on Patreon already, Go Check It Out.
Support me if you like this Fanfiction.
Patreon,com/Fallen_Archangel_
(Remove comma for dot.)
Leave a 5 star Review and a Power Stone.