Chapter 153: Alchemist Association Headquarters

On the towering gate, the five ancient and majestic characters of the Alchemist Association sparkled with a faint glow, drawing the reverent gazes of passersby. No one dared to make a loud noise or act recklessly here. As the headquarters of the Alchemist Association of the Jia Ma Empire, even the emperor himself would show a degree of humility upon arriving here. After all, the residents of this building represented a force influential enough to shake the entire empire. They embodied the most esteemed profession on the Dou Qi continent.

At this moment, right outside the grand entrance of the Alchemist Association, one could see groups of rarely seen alchemists appearing together, hurrying in and out. They wore alchemist robes of various colors, and the badges on their chests proudly declared their rankings. This was the scene Wei Yang and his three companions observed while standing outside the gate. As they raised their heads to look at the imposing alchemist headquarters, they couldn't help but show expressions of admiration.

"This is the kind of grandeur befitting the leading alchemist position in the Jia Ma Empire," Wei Yang remarked.

"Mr. Wei, this is the headquarters of the Alchemist Association, the sacred place in the hearts of everyone in the Jia Ma Empire," Ya Fei said with a smile as she stood beside them, looking at the unusually crowded and bustling gate.

Wei Yang and the others nodded slightly.

"Miss Ye seems to be planning to participate in this alchemist conference?" Ya Fei guessed, noticing the eager look in Xian'er's eyes.

"Yes, I do plan to," Xian'er admitted without hesitation.

"This conference is indeed a rare grand event for alchemists, attracting many alchemists from other countries as well," Ya Fei said with a laugh. "I'm looking forward to witnessing Miss Ye's outstanding alchemist skills during the conference. Although you look young, being by Mr. Wei's side, I'm sure your alchemist skills are exceptionally impressive."

Though she didn't understand alchemy, she was well-informed. The list of medicinal materials Xian'er provided earlier was filled with fourth-tier materials. It's easy to speculate the reason for buying them. 

A fourth-tier alchemist around twenty years old!

Ya Fei trembled at the thought. No wonder she is able to follow Mr. Wei.

"Let's go in," Wei Yang waved his hand, taking the lead.

"Mr. Wei, shouldn't you put on alchemist robes or badges?" Ya Fei asked curiously.

The headquarters of the Alchemist Association isn't a place anyone can just walk into. Without being an alchemist, most people don't even have the qualification to enter the gates. Ya Fei quickly realized that Mr. Wei's status at the headquarters must be so high that he didn't need to show any proof of identity.

"Just as you see, we don't have those," Wei Yang replied straightforwardly, continuing to walk.

"We're here to take the alchemist identification assessment," Xian'er explained softly.

Ya Fei was stunned. They didn't even have formal alchemist status yet? She found it somewhat amusing.

"Stop right there!" 

As expected, Wei Yang and his group were stopped by the expressionless guards at the gate. Seeing the three young individuals in luxurious attire exuding extraordinary aura, along with the renowned Miss Ya Fei of the Jia Ma Empire, the guards didn't dare to rebuke them. After all, they were just doing their jobs. However, necessary procedures couldn't be skipped.

A middle-aged guard who seemed to be the leader asked, "If you wish to enter the association, please show your identification."

He glanced inquiringly at Ya Fei, who shrugged without speaking.

"We are here to participate in the alchemist identity assessment," Wei Yang stated.

"All of you?" the middle-aged guard raised an eyebrow.

"Not all of us, just her and me," Wei Yang pointed to himself and then Xian'er.

"Can't they come in together?" Wei Yang gestured to Qing Lin and Ya Fei.

"Sorry, it's the rule," the lead guard replied without expression. Special privileges aren't granted casually, even to someone as illustrious as Miss Ya Fei of the Mittel family.

"Alright then," Wei Yang didn't argue.

He turned to Qing Lin and said softly, "Wait here, we will come out soon."

"Yes, young master, don't worry. I will stay here and not wander off," Qing Lin nodded obediently.

Wei Yang smiled and lovingly ruffled her hair, making Qing Lin squint her eyes in delight.

Ya Fei saw this and understood. The seemingly innocent young girl in green was someone Mr. Wei valued highly. She smiled and said, "Mr. Wei, don't worry, I will stay here and accompany Miss Qing Lin."

"Thank you," Wei Yang nodded.

"No need to thank me, Mr. Wei. It's what I should do," Ya Fei said with a gentle laugh, a curve rising on her chest as she cast a glance at the lead guard. "Don't slight Mr. Wei, or else..."

The lead guard frowned slightly but said, "Miss Ya Fei, rest assured, we are just following protocol."

Ya Fei smiled and said no more.

"Oh, right," Wei Yang said suddenly, just as he was about to step forward. He turned to Qing Lin, saying, "Have Xiao Hong give Xian'er a bit of its fire."

For a simple assessment to acquire alchemist status, it's unnecessary to reveal exotic flames, which often invite trouble. Let alone, this place was the den for many alchemists and such a revelation would cause a stir.

Even the offspring of a fiery beast like the Wind Fury Dragon was best not used to avoid unnecessary trouble. Wei Yang could do without exotic flames, as the heat from his Dou Qi flames was sufficient for such occasions. Xian'er, however, would struggle without fire, as fire poison wasn't the same as fire.

Upon hearing Wei Yang's words, Xian'er realized his intentions and nodded slightly.

"Yes, young master," Qing Lin replied, closing her eyes a tad.

Soon.

There was a slight sound of discontent, a slight hissing coming from her sleeve, as if Xiao Hong was expressing its dissatisfaction. After all, it couldn't keep being the one picked on for resources. This was the third time borrowing its fire, and each time it was borrowed without return.

Wei Yang and Xian'er both felt a little guilty upon hearing its disgruntled hiss. They had indeed been somewhat unfair to the Twin-headed Fire Spirit Snake.

Next.

From within Qing Lin's sleeve, a deep red, scorching flame emerged and floated gently. Though the flame was only palm-sized and flickered softly, its emitted power caused Ya Fei and the guards watching to all widen their eyes in surprise. They knew enough to recognize a fifth-tier beast flame. 

They couldn't help but glance towards Qing Lin's green sleeve. They had caught a glimpse of the girl's wrist, revealing some small, green snake scales. Within that unassuming sleeve, there actually hid a fifth-tier magical beast?!

That faint hiss...

Ya Fei took a deep breath and gave a deep look at the seemingly guileless young maiden in green.

...

With a gentle motion, Xian'er grasped the flame, which disappeared as her robe sleeve fell, stunning Ya Fei and the guards. To manipulate a fifth-tier beast flame with such ease spoke volumes of her mastery and control over fire.