Shocked

Despite the soldier's rude words, Xiao Yu noticed that the crowd showed no resentment. Instead, their eyes were filled with awe when they looked at the plump pharmacist. Xiao Yu understood that they held a deep respect for pharmacists. Realizing the benefits and prestige that came with being a pharmacist, Xiao Yu considered visiting the Pharmacist Guild to take the examination. With his alchemy skills, obtaining a third-tier pharmacist badge might not be too difficult.

However, Xiao Yu was currently in a hurry to purchase supplies, so he decided to put off this idea until after their desert journey. Xiao Yixian, observing the second-tier pharmacist and then glancing at Xiao Yu, seemed to consider him a pharmacist as well.

She thought to herself, "Although Xiao Yu is also a pharmacist, he is much more approachable compared to this arrogant man. His attitude is quite unpleasant!"

Given the prestigious nature of being a pharmacist on this continent, it wasn't unusual for them to display some arrogance. Xiao Yu, preferring to avoid trouble, gently pulled Xiao Yixian aside to avoid further confrontation. However, the plump pharmacist's gaze lingered greedily on Xiao Yixian, who was veiled with a white scarf. Despite the veil, the pharmacist's eyes betrayed his inappropriate thoughts as he admired her curves.

The plump pharmacist approached Xiao Yixian and, with an admiring tone, said, "What a rare beauty! It seems my luck is exceptional today." He then smiled with a feigned gentlemanly demeanor, "I'm Corei, a second-tier pharmacist from the Mo City Pharmacist Guild. May I have the honor of inviting you to explore the city with me? Don't worry; I can fulfill any wish you have in Mo City!" He proudly displayed his second-tier pharmacist badge, his pudgy features exuding arrogance as if he was certain she would agree.

Xiao Yixian's disdain was palpable. Taking a step back, she coldly replied, "No, thank you."

Corei's expression darkened as he coldly warned, "Do you know the consequences of rejecting me? Don't make trouble for yourself!" His words were unmistakably threatening.

Xiao Yu was also displeased by Corei's threatening tone and the arrogance he displayed. A mere second-tier pharmacist was not a concern for him. He stepped slightly to shield Xiao Yixian and, seeing the threat in Corei's eyes, felt a chill of his own. Xiao Yixian, feeling a strong sense of security behind Xiao Yu, withdrew the poison vial she was holding.

Corei, now facing Xiao Yu, sneered, "Who do you think you are, blocking my way?"

Xiao Yu replied with a mild smile, "I'm just a nameless person. But as you said, don't make trouble for yourself. I've cleared the path, so you should leave before things get worse."

Corei's expression turned to one of irritation. He was taken aback by Xiao Yu's calm demeanor but soon became infuriated, thinking it was laughable to be intimidated by a nameless person. He roared, "You're asking for death!" and threw a punch at Xiao Yu, with a thin layer of Dou Qi forming a protective aura around his fist, which was also infused with a hint of heat.

Xiao Yu, unfazed, caught Corei's punch effortlessly. Channeling his Dou Qi, he released a counterforce that sent Corei flying backward. Corei's face turned pale as he landed several meters away, barely managing to stop himself.

Realizing that Xiao Yu was a Dou Master with superior strength, Corei refrained from attacking further and instead yelled at the nearby soldiers, "You useless lot! Didn't you see him attacking a pharmacist? Get him!"

The soldiers, now realizing the gravity of the situation, began surrounding Xiao Yu.

Corei's venomous glare was fixed on Xiao Yu. "You think you're so brave? You dare defy me? Let's see if you dare challenge the entire Jiamma Empire!"

If Xiao Yu fought the soldiers, it would be seen as defying the entire empire, something that even the Yun Lan Sect would not dare do. Many onlookers shook their heads in regret, understanding that opposing a pharmacist, especially a second-tier one, was unwise.

Xiao Yixian, standing behind Xiao Yu, remained composed. If the soldiers dared to act, she was ready to use her poison. If necessary, she thought, they could always seek refuge in the Cloud Empire—this vast continent surely had a place for them.

Xiao Yu, however, remained calm. Facing the encircling soldiers, he asked with a smile, "Are you sure you want to take action against me?"

The soldiers hesitated under Xiao Yu's indifferent gaze. The leading soldier frowned, "What do you mean?"

Before Xiao Yu could respond, Corei barked from behind, "Stop wasting time! Subdue that man now! I want him to suffer beyond death! And as for the lady, I will keep her for myself!" His face twisted into a lewd grin.

The soldiers, understanding the gravity of the situation, began to act. However, they soon paused, their faces showing shock as they saw Xiao Yu's palm ignite with a fierce green flame that surprisingly gave off a cooling sensation.

Seeing the flame, the leading soldier's expression changed drastically. "Is that... solidified fire? Are you a fourth-tier pharmacist?"

The soldiers around them stared in horror. They were aware that solidified fire was only possible for fourth-tier pharmacists. The young man before them was astonishingly young, making this revelation almost unbelievable.

Corei, who had not noticed the flame until now, was finally confronted with it. Seeing the soldiers' reactions and realizing Xiao Yu's level, his face turned pale, and he stammered, "F-fourth-tier pharmacist?"