The taxi rumbled along the rough mountain path, tossing against the worn leather seat. Outside the window, the breathtaking scenery of Divine Alchemist Valley unfolded – lush forests and jagged peaks shrouded in mist.
"Are we there yet?" Eamon Greene asked for the fifth ti, his voice tinged with excitent and impatience.
I glanced at my companion with mild amusent. As the most talented physician in my employ at Jade Moon Villa, Eamon had practically begged to accompany to the Celestial Apothecary Guild. His enthusiasm was understandable – the Guild represented the pinnacle of alchemy and dicine in our world.
"Soon," I replied, turning my attention back to the view.
This journey had a dual purpose. First, to develop my cultivation in an environnt rich with spiritual energy. Second, to find a dicine-refining artifact that could accelerate my progress. With seven months until my confrontation with Dashiell Blackthorne, I needed every advantage.
The taxi driver, a wiry local man with sun-weathered skin, flashed a calculating smile in the rearview mirror. "First ti to the Celestial Apothecary Guild?"
"Yes," I answered simply.
"You picked a busy ti! The Guild's recruitnt period starts today. Every young alchemist worth their salt cos to compete for positions."
I hadn't known about the recruitnt. This could complicate things.
"How much longer?" I asked.
"About fifteen minutes," he replied. "That'll be 5,000 yuan, by the way."
"What?" Eamon sputtered. "The sign in town said 2,000 for the round trip!"
The driver shrugged. "Supply and demand, young master. It's a special event."
From the corner of my eye, I noticed a young woman in a crimson dress seated across from us, previously silent. She scoffed audibly.
"Ridiculous," she muttered. "The price is extortion."
She was slender, with delicate features and an air of unmistakable arrogance. Her eyes t mine briefly before she turned away dismissively.
I smiled thinly at the driver. "We'll pay the agreed price. Nothing more."
The driver's smile vanished, but he didn't argue further.
---
The entrance to the Celestial Apothecary Guild bustled with activity. At least a hundred people crowded before the massive jade gates, a blend of hopeful aspirants and their supporters. Guards in green robes maintained order, allowing entry in small groups.
We joined the back of the line, the morning sun already hot on our backs.
"Magnificent," Eamon whispered, craning his neck to see the ornate buildings beyond the gate. "They say the Guild's main hall contains cultivation resources dating back thousands of years."
The young woman in the red dress stood several places ahead of us in line. Eamon's eyes kept drifting toward her.
"She's quite beautiful," he murmured.
"Focus on why we're here," I reminded him.
After an hour of waiting, we finally approached the gate. Two guards stood at attention, barely acknowledging our presence.
"Na and purpose?" one asked, without looking up from his ledger.
"Liam Knight. I'm here to speak with Elder Mariana Valerius." Uploaded by the *) team.
The guard didn't even bother to check his records. "No appointnt, no entry."
"I don't have an appointnt, but—"
"Next!" he called, waving us away.
The girl in the red dress, who had been watching our exchange, stepped closer with a knowing smile.
"You should try greasing the wheels," she suggested, loud enough for the guards to hear.
I understood imdiately. The guards were expecting bribes.
"Is that necessary?" I asked quietly.
She raised an eyebrow. "It's how things work here. Unless you're already connected."
I sighed and pulled out a stack of bills. "Will 1,000 yuan suffice?" I asked the guard.
Both guards laughed. "That might get your shoe through the door," the first one sneered. "The entrance fee is 100,000. Minimum."
My jaw tightened. I wasn't opposed to offering compensation for services, but this was naked corruption.
"I won't pay that amount for basic courtesy," I stated firmly.
"Then enjoy the view from outside," the second guard said dismissively.
I stepped closer, lowering my voice. "I said I'm here to see Elder Mariana Valerius. She personally invited ."
The first guard hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. "Elder Valerius invited you? What did you say your na was again?"
"Liam Knight."
The guards exchanged alard glances.
"Wait... are you the sa Liam Knight who participated in the dicine God Conference?" the second guard asked, his tone suddenly respectful.
"Yes."
Their deanor transford instantly.
"Elder Valerius ntioned a young man from Havenwood City would be visiting," the first guard stamred. "We didn't realize it was you, Master Knight. Please forgive our rudeness!"
They quickly stepped aside, bowing deeply.
"Please proceed! I'll inform Elder Valerius of your arrival imdiately."
I nodded curtly, gesturing for Eamon to follow . As we passed through the gates, I caught the girl in the red dress staring at us with newfound interest.
"Wait," she called out to the guards as we passed. "I'm here for the alchemist competition."
The guards looked her up and down skeptically.
She stepped forward with a confident smile. "I believe my qualifications will speak for themselves."
With a dramatic flourish, she extended her palm. A beautiful green fla materialized above it, dancing and flickering with spiritual energy.
"Spirit Fire," she announced proudly. "I believe that warrants entry, doesn't it?"
My eyes widened slightly. Spirit Fire was an extrely rare cultivation phenonon – a manifestation of one's spiritual energy in fla form. Few alchemists below the age of forty could produce it.
The guards gasped, quickly ushering her through as well.
As she passed , our eyes t. Her lips curved in a challenging smile.
"See you inside, Liam Knight," she said. "I hope you're competing too. It would make crushing the competition much more interesting."
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