Clang—
Once again, a powerful clash echoed as Gu Changqing and General Kang both withdrew from the impact.
However, Gu Changqing retreated gracefully and regained his stance quickly, while General Kang stumbled several steps backward, taking a moment before stabilizing himself.
"Good! Very good!"
General Kang praised Gu Changqing, his eyes gleaming with admiration.
"It's truly as they say, the younger generation surpasses the old. Who would've thought that Young Master Gu, at such a young age, would already be a formidable Dou Master. I, General Kang, am no match. Miss Lin Fei, I have failed you. I couldn't rescue you, so I must report this matter to Lord City Master for his judgment."
"Let's go!"
With a lingering glance at Gu Changqing, General Kang commanded his guards from Blackrock City and quickly departed.
"Wait, what?"
Lin Fei stood in shock, unable to comprehend what had just happened. Gu Changqing was actually a powerful Dou Master? Even General Kang couldn't defeat him? This was far beyond her expectations, and now, she realized she might have made a grave mistake, getting herself tangled up in this mess.
Even Xue Mei was taken aback, her beautiful eyes staring at Gu Changqing in disbelief. Could this young man truly be a once-in-a-millennium prodigy?
"Alright then, my dear girlfriend, I believe it's time you take me to the Alchemist Guild now?" Gu Changqing smiled down at Lin Fei, still cradled in his arms.
"Hmph! Who said I'm your girlfriend? I haven't agreed yet!"
Lin Fei shot him a fierce glare, though her cheeks flushed pink, her heart pounding faster. Maybe having such a capable boyfriend wasn't so bad after all.
"Are you really an alchemist?"
Standing at the entrance to the Alchemist Guild, Lin Fei and Xue Mei, under Gu Changqing's request, led him there. However, Lin Fei still doubted his claim of being an alchemist.
Smack!
Gu Changqing playfully patted Lin Fei's shapely bottom, causing her to look at him in both annoyance and embarrassment.
"Why don't you trust your boyfriend? I'll brew some pills inside and prove it to you," he teased.
"You better be an alchemist! Otherwise, even if you're a Dou Master, my teacher will still punish you!" Lin Fei huffed, clearly upset.
This shameless rogue! First, he hugs her waist, then slaps her butt, and now he's even stolen her first kiss. If he weren't somewhat handsome and powerful, she would've already summoned her father, the City Lord, to arrest him.
"Let's go,"
Ignoring her threat, Gu Changqing casually wrapped his arm around her waist and strutted confidently into the Alchemist Guild.
"Miss Lin Fei, Miss Xue Mei, Master Frank and Master Otto are currently in Hall One preparing some alchemical brews. They've instructed us to remind you to be quiet when you return," one of the two burly guards at the entrance respectfully informed them.
"Yeah, yeah, they've reminded us a hundred times already. My ears are practically numb from it," Lin Fei waved dismissively, clearly irritated. If it weren't for those two old alchemists being occupied today, she wouldn't have gone sightseeing with Xue Mei, nor would she have run into this troublemaker, Gu Changqing.
"Big pervert, magical beasts aren't allowed inside the Alchemist Guild. You'd better leave your little lion outside," Lin Fei said, glancing at the small amethyst-winged lion following them.
"Xiao Jing, stay here and don't hurt anyone."
Gu Changqing flicked his finger, feeding the lion a pill before heading into the guild with Lin Fei and Xue Mei.
"Miss Lin Fei, Miss Xue Mei,"
As soon as the three entered the guild, a beautiful young woman in a green dress hurriedly greeted them, bowing respectfully.
"Yahan, take us to see the masters," Lin Fei instructed.
"Yes, Miss Lin Fei. Uh, this gentleman is…?"
Yahan glanced curiously at Gu Changqing, noticing his hand resting on Lin Fei's waist, clearly surprised.
"Don't worry about it. Just take us there," Lin Fei responded impatiently.
"Understood, Miss Lin Fei, Miss Xue Mei. This way, please."
Yahan stepped aside to lead the way for the trio.
"Miss Yahan, my name is Gu Changqing. Make sure you remember it," Gu Changqing said with a playful smile as they walked.
Yahan, startled by his directness, nervously glanced at him and quickly replied,
"Yes, Lord Gu Changqing. I'll remember."
"Hmph!"
Lin Fei let out a displeased snort, pinching Gu Changqing's waist lightly. She knew him too well—he was just a flirtatious scoundrel, probably talking to Yahan just because she was pretty.
Smack!
Gu Changqing responded with another light slap on Lin Fei's round bottom, leaning in to whisper into her ear,
"Are you jealous?"
"Of course not, you rogue!"
Lin Fei trembled at his touch, quickly grabbing his hand to stop him from misbehaving, her face flushed red as she shot him a fierce glare.
"If I help you win against Xue Mei, how will you thank me?"
Gu Changqing continued to tease, his voice low.
Lin Fei rolled her eyes, clearly not believing him.
"You think alchemy is that simple? Wait until you meet our teachers. And I'm warning you, don't make any noise and disturb them while they're working!"
"Alright, whatever you say. Smooch!"
Gu Changqing sneaked a quick kiss on Lin Fei's delicate cheek.
"Rogue!"
Lin Fei shivered, her heart nearly leaping out of her chest. But for some reason, she didn't entirely mind the kiss—it actually felt kind of nice.
"She's doomed. Lin Fei is completely doomed,"
Xue Mei thought as she observed the interaction. Lin Fei wasn't even resisting anymore when Gu Changqing slapped her or kissed her cheek. It was clear that this rogue had already won her over.
In no time, Yahan led them to a luxurious door guarded by several Dou Masters. Upon seeing Lin Fei and the others, the guards quickly and respectfully opened the door for them.
"Miss Yahan, thank you for guiding us," Gu Changqing said with a smile as they were about to enter.
"You're too kind, Lord Gu Changqing. It was my pleasure,"
Yahan responded with a bow, her graceful figure accentuated as she bent forward.
As the trio stepped inside, Yahan placed her hand over her chest, sighing with relief once they were out of sight.
"I hope Miss Lin Fei won't hold this against me. If she fires me, I'm done for," Yahan thought, worried. She knew better than to provoke Lin Fei's temper, especially since she hadn't done anything to attract Gu Changqing's attention. But just in case, she could only hope Lin Fei wouldn't take it out on her.