"Alright, pack your things. Tomorrow we'll leave this place and embark on a new journey."
"We're leaving so soon?" The Little Fairy Doctor's voice carried a trace of reluctance.
"We're leaving together, it's not like we're separating. We can always come back here later if we have time," Xiao Tian comforted her gently, seeing the unwillingness in her eyes.
"Okay… I'll go pack my things then."
"Go on." Xiao Tian gently patted her bottom.
"Oh, you big pervert!" The Little Fairy Doctor's face flushed red. She covered her backside and playfully scolded him as she walked into the makeshift hut to pack. Afterward, she picked up her basket and went out to gather some final herbs.
Xiao Tian lay back on the large stone, humming an unknown tune leisurely while quietly watching the Little Fairy Doctor busy herself with the herbs.
Night fell.
After a simple meal, the two sat by the bonfire, quietly gazing at the enchanting night sky. When the moon gradually dimmed, sleepiness overcame them, and they leaned against each other, falling asleep in each other's arms.
Early the next morning, warm sunlight streamed down, waking the two from their slumber.
They quickly washed up.
"Where are we going?" the Little Fairy Doctor asked, looking at Xiao Tian beside her.
"Our next stop is Blackrock City. We'll go to the Alchemist Guild there. I'll take the Alchemist rank assessment. With an official Alchemist identity, many things will become much more convenient, and I can collect the necessary medicinal ingredients faster," Xiao Tian said after a moment of thought.
Hearing this, the Little Fairy Doctor used her bamboo whistle to summon Xiao Lan. The giant blue eagle quickly flew down and landed precisely in front of them.
Xiao Tian embraced the Little Fairy Doctor's slender waist and leaped onto the eagle's back. Once they were seated firmly, Xiao Lan slowly ascended. The Little Fairy Doctor pressed her soft body against Xiao Tian, looking at the gradually shrinking valley and hut below, and murmured softly, "Goodbye…"
After leaving the small valley and guiding Xiao Lan, the two occasionally rested to allow the eagle to recover her strength. After a full day of long-distance flight, on the morning of the second day, they finally saw the massive outline of a city. In a secluded dense forest, the blue giant eagle slowly descended.
The two dismounted. The Little Fairy Doctor stroked Xiao Lan, preparing to let her fly freely elsewhere.
"Here's a Shape-Shifting Pill. Give her one, and she can shrink down to stay by your side. One pill, if its effects aren't interrupted by transforming back to her original form, can last for a month. There are ten pills in here," Xiao Tian said, holding out a jade bottle.
The Little Fairy Doctor joyfully accepted it. She had been worried about what to do with Xiao Lan. There were many powerful individuals in large cities, and she feared someone might hunt the eagle down.
She poured out a pill and placed it into Xiao Lan's mouth. A flash of light occurred, and the giant blue eagle transformed into a small blue bird the size of a common pigeon.
Xiao Lan excitedly flapped her wings and landed on the Little Fairy Doctor's shoulder.
"Thank you, Xiao Tian," the Little Fairy Doctor said happily, leaning in to kiss his cheek.
"Between you and me, there's no need for thanks. Let's go — we'll enter the city first, then find out where the Alchemist Guild is."
Xiao Tian walked toward the city gate, and the Little Fairy Doctor quickly followed.
Upon reaching the gate, they noticed that the city's massive walls were entirely constructed from neat blocks of black rock, appearing incredibly sturdy and imposing.
After paying the required entrance tax, the two successfully entered Blackrock City.
Walking along the bustling streets, the Little Fairy Doctor exclaimed, "As expected of a large city, it's much more prosperous than Qingshan Town. It's only early morning and there are already so many people, plus a dedicated guard force maintaining order."
"Then let's stroll around and look for the Alchemist Guild."
Along the way, Xiao Tian and the Little Fairy Doctor bought many things and quite a few necessary medicinal ingredients.
As they were strolling, the two were drawn to a grand and majestic building ahead. The entire structure resembled a massive medicinal cauldron, quite unique and distinctive.
Their gaze focused on a light purple plaque at the entrance, which bore five ancient characters shimmering with a faint light: Alchemist Guild.
Xiao Tian looked at the building and silently thought: "System, check-in."
"Ding! Check-in at Blackrock City Alchemist Guild successful. Reward obtained: Sun-Moon Dual Cauldron."
"Xiao Tian, is this the Alchemist Guild? The sacred ground in the hearts of all alchemists," the Little Fairy Doctor said, envy clear in her eyes.
"Yes. Let's go in and take a look," Xiao Tian steadied himself and stepped toward the Alchemist Guild.
At the main entrance, the guards stopped them. "Young brother, this is the Alchemist Guild. Are you trying to enter? Do you have a letter of introduction?"
"Sorry, I don't have one," Xiao Tian replied.
Just as he was about to demonstrate his condensed physical flame, an arrogant voice rang out:
"Kid, how dare you come here without a letter of introduction? Do you even know where this is? Is it a place just any random person can enter?"
A young man walked out of the guild, his face filled with displeasure and arrogance — clearly someone who had just failed his assessment.
The guards saw the newcomer and greeted him respectfully: "Young Master Han Kun, was the assessment smooth? Please send our regards to your teacher."
Looking at the three people conversing, Xiao Tian extended his hand. A surging crimson flame ignited in his palm, radiating intense heat. He separated a wisp of flame, which swiftly flew toward the young man's head, instantly burning off all his hair and eyebrows.
"Pfft—" The Little Fairy Doctor, seeing the young man now bald like a braised egg, couldn't help but burst out laughing. She quickly covered her mouth, her small face turning red from holding it in.
"Condensing a physical flame… Rank 4 Alchemist?"
The two guards and the young man exclaimed in shock. Condensing a physical flame required at least a Rank 4 Alchemist or higher. The young man scrambled away from the guild in panic. If his family found out he had offended a high-ranked alchemist, he would probably be flayed alive.
Xiao Tian ignored the fleeing youth. After retracting the Qilin Burning Sky Flame, he said to the guards, "May I enter now?"
The two guards quickly bowed respectfully. "Sir, please enter. Is there anything else we can do for you?"
"No need." Xiao Tian glanced at the Little Fairy Doctor and slowly walked into the Alchemist Guild with her.
The moment they stepped inside, a strong medicinal scent wafted over, instantly making their bodies feel invigorated.
There were only a few people in the main hall. A woman quickly approached them. "Sirs and madam, I am Yu He, the receptionist here. How may I assist you?"
"I'm here to obtain an Alchemist rank badge. What is the procedure?" Xiao Tian asked with a smile.
"Sir, are you an alchemist?" Yu He asked, stunned.
"Yes," Xiao Tian nodded.
"Alright, this way please. I'll help you register." Yu He respectfully stepped back, went to the counter, took out a parchment scroll and a pen, and smiled at Xiao Tian. "Sir, please state your name, age, and mentor."
"Xiao Tian, eighteen years old, mentor Elder Jin." Xiao Tian pondered for a moment and decided to give a false age.