Chapter 105: Arrival of Pill King Gu He

Gu Changqing's welcoming banquet proceeded smoothly. 

The three great families of the Jia Ma Empire—Mu, Nalan, and Mittel—alongside several Dou Spirit and Dou King cultivators who had received advance notice, attended the gathering. Even the Yunlan Sect sent representatives, including Dou King Ge Ye, who had previously met Gu Changqing in Wutan City, and the sect's Elder, Yun Leng. However, Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran were absent.

With the Jia Ma Empire's royal family and the Alchemist Association lending support, and Gu Changqing himself a supreme force capable of slaying a Dou Ancestor, the banquet unfolded without incident, filled with lively chatter and celebration.

To acquire a prized Tier 7 pill, Princess Yao Yue humbled herself, attending to Gu Changqing by pouring tea, serving wine, and filling his plate, her demeanor more that of a servant. Seated on Gu Changqing's other side was Princess Yao Ye, dressed in an elegant black gown.

Yao Ye had taken great care with her appearance, her slender figure beautifully highlighted by the gown, exuding a regal and mysterious allure with an additional hint of charm. Her refined face bore a touch of light makeup, and a necklace of translucent jewels graced her snow-white neck. The delicate curves of her shoulders and back, along with her slender arms, made her resemble an exquisite piece of fine jade encased in a black gown, captivating in every way.

A subtle fragrance radiated from Yao Ye, an enchanting aroma that subtly bewitched those around her, drawing them into a daze of attraction.

Without question, Gu Changqing and Yao Ye were the center of attention, so much so that the equally beautiful Princess Yao Yue seemed like mere decoration beside them.

Elsewhere, Liu Mei and the Amethyst Winged Lion Pup were having their own feast, eating happily together.

"Ha-ha! Since everyone's here, I have an important announcement!" 

"Starting today, I officially bestow the title of Jia Ma Empire's Grand Protector and National Pillar to Young Master Gu Changqing. His status is equal to mine and comes with the duty to safeguard the empire and oversee its affairs. He also receives the privileges of the Imperial Mentor, with the power to mobilize the empire's forces. All Jia Ma citizens shall regard the Grand Protector as they would the Emperor and pay him the highest respects!" 

This declaration from the Emperor, took everyone present by surprise, including family heads and leaders of various factions. The announcement promised a transformative future for the Jia Ma Empire.

Elder Yun Leng and Dou King Ge Ye quickly took their leave after the banquet, hastening back to Yunlan Sect to deliver the startling news.

Gu Changqing also announced that in three days, he would perform alchemy publicly at the Alchemist Association, and any strong cultivators or alchemists interested were welcome to attend.

Following the banquet, Gu Changqing and Princess Yao Ye retired for a private moment, rekindling their intimacy with each other. The emperor and others chose to turn a blind eye.

However, Princess Yao Yue, who had been appointed Gu Changqing's personal maid, could only gnash her teeth as she heard sounds from the chambers, wanting to interrupt yet unable to face the scene directly. Ultimately, she endured the frustration and held out for three difficult days.

Three days passed in a flash, and the day arrived for Gu Changqing's public alchemy display.

Refreshed and dressed, Gu Changqing, with the assistance of Princess Yao Yue, prepared himself for the event and headed to the Alchemist Association, leaving Princess Yao Ye still resting.

The Alchemist Association was already abuzz with excitement before Gu Changqing even arrived.

"Did you hear? The Empire has named the Pill Emperor Changqing as our Grand Protector, with the same authority as the Emperor and the right to mobilize the empire's forces. This is a huge leap!"

"Hah! If anything, our empire has benefitted. A figure of Pill Emperor Changqing's caliber—likely to become at least a Dou Ancestor and possibly even a Tier 7 or 8 alchemist—is an invaluable asset. The Empire is fortunate to have him as Grand Protector."

"There are rumors that Princess Yao Ye and Princess Yao Yue are both romantically involved with the Pill Emperor. How enviable!"

"Our Empire's Princess Yao Ye is widely considered the finest beauty, rivaled only by the untouchable elite. And now, the Pill Emperor has her as his partner."

"Among the capital's top beauties, Nalan Yanran, Princess Yao Ye, and Ya Fei are unparalleled. Now that the Pill Emperor has claimed Princess Yao Ye, who's to say Nalan Yanran and Ya Fei won't follow?"

"Heh, keep that talk down. Ya Fei may be fair game, but Nalan Yanran is the Nalan family's eldest miss and the successor of Yunlan Sect. If they hear you, you're dead."

"Look! President Fa Ma of the Alchemist Association has arrived!"

"And beside him—could it be Pill King Gu He from the Yunlan Sect? This will truly be an event to remember!"

As prominent figures arrived, the atmosphere grew even more electric.

On the high platform, Gu He took a seat beside President Fa Ma, speaking with a note of respect.

"President Fa Ma, is it true that Pill Emperor Changqing is a Tier 6 Alchemist?"

"I haven't witnessed his alchemy firsthand, but with Young Master Gu's strength and status, there'd be no reason for deception. Besides, we'll see for ourselves today."

President Fa Ma nodded with evident respect.

"Does the Pill Emperor Changqing hold any other special identities?" Gu He asked in surprise.

"He single-handedly dispatched Scorpion King Yan. Do you think someone capable of that wouldn't hold other notable roles?" Fa Ma gave Gu He a meaningful look.

"Ha-ha, indeed, President Fa Ma. But I'm most intrigued by the idea of 'medicine as the foundation, pill as the support' that he's proposed. What kind of individual thinks that way?" Gu He spoke, his tone filled with anticipation.

"Medicine as the foundation, pill as the support…" Fa Ma murmured, his aged eyes growing brighter as he repeated the words.

Elsewhere, wearing the signature purple alchemist robe, Lin Fei spoke nervously to her companion, a reserved young woman named Xue Mei.

"Xue Mei, do you think Brother Qing will still acknowledge us? He's now the Empire's Grand Protector, and I heard he's close to both Princess Yao Ye and Princess Yao Yue."

Xue Mei, in a graceful silver gown, glanced at her and replied coolly, "If you were that concerned, why come here?"

"I believe Brother Qing isn't that kind of person," Lin Fei murmured, biting her lip.

"Then there's no need to worry." Xue Mei turned her face back toward the center of the Alchemist Association, waiting for Gu Changqing's arrival.