CHAPTER 125: CHAPTER 125 UNEASINESS_1

Elder He said, "Enough talk. Let’s go. Follow this elder to the Elixir King Palace."

After a few steps, he suddenly paused, turned back to look at Lin Han, and sneered, "You seem to care a great deal for our disciples. Would you like to come to the Elixir King Palace for a cup of tea?"

"Hmph!"

Lin Han snorted coldly, then turned and was the first to enter the city gate, vanishing at the end of the street.

"What a hypocrite."

Elder He and Elder Wan exchanged a look, a trace of mockery in their eyes, and walked into the city side by side.

Qin Feiyang and the others quickly followed. Seeing this, the two black-armored guards seemed to want to speak but held back.

Originally, they had wanted to say that Jian Haotian hadn’t been inspected yet. But recalling Elder Wan’s and Elder He’s earlier attitudes, they didn’t dare to voice their concerns. After a moment’s thought, they decided against it.

After all, not just anyone could refine top-grade elixirs. This person’s identity shouldn’t be an issue.

Old acquaintances meeting after a long time naturally had a lot to talk about. Thus, Luo Xiong, along with Elder Wan and Elder He, walked at the front, chatting and laughing.

Qin Feiyang glanced at the three of them, then stepped over to Feng Ling’er’s side and whispered, "Thank you."

Feng Ling’er said, "This is the last time I’m helping you. From now on, we’re even."

Fatty sidled up, snickering. "Sister-in-law, are you planning to divorce Brother Jian?"

Both of them glared at Fatty.

Ling Yunfei said in exasperation, "Fatty, if you don’t know what to say, can you please keep quiet?"

"Did Master Fatty say something wrong?" Fatty wore an innocent expression.

Ling Yunfei retorted angrily, "Nonsense! Didn’t you see them hugging in the Elixir Palace? That shows their feelings for each other run as deep as the sea! How could Sister-in-law possibly divorce him?"

"That’s true!" Fatty nodded.

Qin Feiyang felt helpless. Even Ling Yunfei had joined in the teasing. It seemed it would be difficult to clear up this misunderstanding.

Suddenly, Elder He turned to Qin Feiyang and said, "Luo Xiong tells me you’re quite clever?"

Qin Feiyang was stunned, then waved his hand dismissively. "Not at all, the Hall Master is just flattering me."

Elder He said, "Enough of the pleasantries. Answer my question: why did Lin Han try to intercept you?"

Fatty immediately raised his hand and yelled, "Master Fatty knows... no, no, no, this disciple knows!"

"Hmm?" Elder He raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting to Fatty with interest. "Go on."

"Lin Han intercepted us for two reasons," Fatty said earnestly, smoothing his hair. "First, Lin Chen. Second, the Netherworld Demon Flame."

"Well done!" Elder He was genuinely surprised. "What’s your name?"

Fatty’s face twitched. "Didn’t the Hall Master just introduce us?"

"Ahem!" Elder He coughed awkwardly. "I didn’t quite catch it."

Fatty grumbled resentfully to himself, I bet he just couldn’t be bothered to remember. He felt deeply wronged as he said, "This disciple’s name is Situ Tianyu."

Elder He nodded. "Mm, not bad, not bad. I’ll arrange a relatively light menial job for you."

"Thank you for your consideration, Elder!" Fatty quickly bowed, tears of gratitude welling in his eyes.

However, in his heart, he was contemptuous. No matter how relaxed, wasn’t it still just menial labor?

"Menial labor?" Qin Feiyang paused, then understanding dawned.

He had almost forgotten: the holders of the other two spots had to work as menials in the Elixir King Palace for a year before they could formally practice Alchemy.

Qin Feiyang patted Ling Yunfei’s shoulder and smiled faintly. "Still dare to underestimate him now?"

Ling Yunfei shook his head with a wry smile.

This Fatty’s mind was definitely not simple. ’Great wisdom may appear foolish’—that adage probably described him perfectly.

Yan City was divided into four districts: East City, South City, North City, and West City.

The royal family resided in East City.

The Elixir King Palace was located in South City.

The Martial King Palace was situated in North City.

The Treasure Pavilion was in West City.

The four great powers each presided over a district.

Thus, it wasn’t long before Qin Feiyang, Feng Ling’er, and Ling Yunfei went their separate ways.

"One in the south, one in the north, more than a hundred miles apart. Brother Jian, if you miss your sister-in-law and want to go on a date, that’s quite a run for you," Fatty said with a mischievous grin.

"Why do you talk so much nonsense?" Qin Feiyang glared at him.

But Fatty’s words did remind him.

The distance between the two palaces was indeed too great. At his current speed, even if he traveled without stopping, it would still take him half a day. A round trip would consume an entire day! He couldn’t afford to waste that much time.

It seemed the immediate priority, besides transcribing the Counter Curse Manual, was to earn gold coins and purchase a few Image Crystal Stones. Having Image Crystal Stones would undoubtedly make contacting Ling Yunfei much easier.

However, the price of Image Crystal Stones gave him quite a headache.

At this moment, Elder He asked, "Brother Luo, when Zuo An attacked the Elixir Palace, besides Feng Cheng, was anyone else injured?"

"No." Luo Xiong shook his head. "It seems he’s still afraid of completely angering us."

"Once he reaches the Nine-Star War Emperor rank, it won’t be him fearing us, but us fearing him," Elder He said, his face full of worry.

"You’re all too slow. I’ll fly you there." With a wave of his hand, Battle Intent surged forth, forming a barrier about ten feet wide, enveloping everyone.

Next, the barrier lifted them into the air, shooting towards the Elixir King Palace like a bolt of lightning in the night sky.

In less than a hundred breaths, a tall stone gate came into view.

The stone gate was over ten meters high, entirely black, and exuded an ancient aura. Above it, the three large characters for "Elixir King Palace" were inscribed with strokes like iron hooks and silver etches, powerful and vigorous, exuding an imposing aura!

Behind the stone gate lay clusters of palace buildings. The shortest were over ten meters tall, while the tallest reached fifty to sixty meters. Their varying heights created a magnificent spectacle!

Beside the stone gate stood a large hall, spanning several tens of meters. Its white walls and black glazed tiles gave it a simple, unadorned appearance, yet it possessed a dignified air.

Above the entrance were four large characters: Reception Hall.

Led by Elder He, the group entered the hall.

A middle-aged man in white robes immediately came forward and clasped his hands. "Greetings, Elder He."

Elder He nodded, leaned in to whisper a few words to the middle-aged man, then left the Reception Hall with Luo Xiong.

The middle-aged man glanced at the three of them and said with a faint smile, "My name is Wang Yu, and I’m a Steward Elder of the Elixir King Palace. You can call me Elder Wang, or if you prefer, Old Wang."

"Greetings, Elder Wang," Qin Feiyang and the other two said, bowing.

Calling him "Old Wang" was just a polite offer; if they actually addressed him that way, he would surely be displeased.

"Give me your Elixir Palace Identity Tokens. I’ll exchange them for Elixir King Palace Identity Tokens," Wang Yu said, leading the three of them to a nearby counter.

After exchanging the Identity Tokens, Wang Yu said to Lu Hong, "Lu Hong, starting today, you will stay here and assist me in receiving visitors. During this period, you are not permitted to practice Alchemy privately without my authorization. This assignment is for one year."

"Yes," Lu Hong replied with a bow.

As an Alchemist, there was nothing more painful than being forbidden from practicing Alchemy. But despite her deep reluctance, she had to hide it. Besides, receiving guests was better than being assigned to cleaning duties.

Wang Yu then turned to Fatty. "Situ Tianyu, you will be responsible for tending the medicinal fields. Remember, no slacking off or embezzling. If you’re discovered doing either, you’ll be expelled from the Elixir King Palace immediately and never rehired!"

"Tending the medicinal fields?" Fatty was momentarily stunned, then became ecstatic. This was a cushy job!

He patted his chest, promising solemnly, "Elder, rest assured! Master Fatty will dutifully protect every single plant in the medicinal fields!"

"Master Fatty?" Wang Yu frowned slightly. "You’d best change that habit of referring to yourself that way, or it’ll bring you great trouble sooner or later."

Fatty scratched his head and chuckled sheepishly. "Master Fat— No, no, this disciple understands. I’ll definitely change."

Qin Feiyang shook his head and smiled wryly. This habit of Fatty’s was already deeply ingrained; it would be difficult to change.

Wang Yu looked at Lu Hong and instructed, "You stay here and keep an eye on things. I’ll take them to their posts."

"Yes." Lu Hong nodded, looking at Qin Feiyang with envy.

Although Elder Wang hadn’t yet said where Qin Feiyang would be assigned, she guessed he would surely receive preferential treatment.

"Follow me," Wang Yu said to Qin Feiyang and Fatty, then turned and walked out of the hall.

Qin Feiyang turned to Lu Hong and said with a faint smile, "Actually, being here is an opportunity for you. You’ll get to meet many important people. Who knows, perhaps I’ll need to ask for your help in the future."

Lu Hong was taken aback.

Now that Qin Feiyang put it that way, she actually felt it was a good assignment.

Fatty grinned smugly. "Smelly woman, if you need anything in the future, feel free to find Master Fatty in the medicinal fields. But don’t come to me for *that* kind of need; Master Fatty can’t handle it, haha!"

Initially, Lu Hong had been quite touched. But hearing Fatty’s last words, her expression darkened instantly, and she snapped, "You damned fat pig! I’m going to skin you alive today!"

Fatty’s expression changed, and he quickly scampered off.

Qin Feiyang shook his head with a smile, then also turned and left the hall. Catching up to Fatty, he asked, "Fatty, is Lu Hong really as bad as you make her out to be?"

Fatty waved his hand. "Not really. She’s just a bit snobbish."

Qin Feiyang said, "So, when you said she was involved with Cheng Yu and Ji Jin..."

Fatty chuckled. "Master Fatty just made that all up. While she can be a bit flirtatious at times, she’s actually quite self-respecting."

Qin Feiyang’s face twitched, and he said gravely, "For a woman, nothing is more important than her reputation. You can’t just casually slander someone like that in the future."

Fatty pondered for a moment, then nodded. That’s true. I really was too impulsive back then. I’ll find a chance to apologize to her someday.

After taking Fatty to the medicinal fields, Wang Yu led Qin Feiyang to the Elixir King Palace’s conference hall.

The hall was empty.

"Wait here. Don’t wander off," Wang Yu said before turning and leaving.

"What does he mean by that?" Qin Feiyang frowned.

Shouldn’t he have taken me to an alchemy room and my lodgings first? Why bring me to the conference hall? And why leave me here alone? This is all rather strange.

Suddenly, a glint flashed in his eyes.

Could it be because of the Netherworld Demon Flame?

Qin Feiyang’s heart sank to the pit of his stomach.