Gu Changqing did not hide his presence after leaving the Snake Tribe, so as he entered the borders of the Jia Ma Empire, several covertly observant forces quickly took notice.
"It's him! The mysterious alchemist who crafted a sixth-tier pill at the Alchemist Guild in Black Rock City six months ago!"
"Yes, young and striking, with the imposing figure, and riding a tier-three magical beast, the Amethyst Winged Lion King. It has to be him!"
"It's said that the head of Black Rock City's Alchemist Guild, and Vice President Au Tuo both advanced to the fifth-tier after being guided by this man!"
"Let's go and invite him! No matter the cost, we can't afford to miss this chance!"
News of Gu Changqing's ability to refine sixth-tier pills had already spread like wildfire across the Jia Ma Empire. Many families with powerful Dou Spirit cultivators stationed within their ranks were madly collecting any and all information about him, hoping to seize the chance to build a connection with him if they crossed paths.
Therefore, as Gu Changqing entered the Jia Ma Empire with Liu Mei by his side, numerous Dou Spirit and Dou King experts openly approached him, either greeting him respectfully or offering enticing terms, seeking his help with refining pills. The guilds, especially the Alchemist Guild branches in each major city, were the most fervent in their efforts.
But Gu Changqing did not dismiss everyone outright. Instead, he released a message: He would only refine fifth-tier or higher pills, and only if the offered conditions intrigued him. Furthermore, in every city he visited, he spent some time at the local Alchemist Guild, where he would conduct public pill refinements and offer guidance to resident alchemists.
With this news spreading, Gu Changqing's reputation reached new heights. Everywhere he went, people, led by the Alchemist Guild, would gather to welcome him.
However, his journey was not without interruptions. Certain Dou Spirit and Dou King cultivators, driven by greed and coveting his wealth, attempted to ambush him, only to be mercilessly killed in return. Some families, known for their unscrupulous conduct, tried to coerce him into refining pills. Gu Changqing wiped them out publicly. And those alchemists who attempted to bind him with moral obligations, urging him to share his cultivation techniques for the greater good, met with the same fate.
Along his path, Gu Changqing's renown soared to unmatched heights. Known for his unparalleled alchemical mastery, immense strength, and decisive brutality, he captured the awe of many.
By the time he reached the imperial capital, the title "Evergreen Alchemist Emperor" had already spread across the Jia Ma Empire. Gu Changqing's fame even overshadowed the likes of Pill King Gu He and the president of the Empire's Alchemist Guild, Fa Ma.
"Evergreen Alchemist Emperor has come to the capital!"
"Finally! The Evergreen Alchemist Emperor has arrived!"
"They say he is incredibly handsome, his presence captivating, the epitome of elegance and charm. Will we get a chance to see him today?"
"He's known as 'Alchemist Emperor' because no one truly knows his strength. But he easily crushes Dou Wang experts with a single strike!"
"It's said his alchemical skills are astonishing. He can effortlessly refine fifth- and sixth-tier pills, and rumors even claim he's created a seventh-tier pill!"
"Unbelievable!"
As excited murmurs filled the crowd, a thunderous roar shook the sky, drawing everyone's attention.
Gu Changqing, hands folded behind him, appeared dramatically in the sky, standing atop his Amethyst Winged Lion King.
As he hovered over the capital of the Jia Ma Empire, his gaze swept over the city below. In a calm yet commanding voice, he addressed the crowd, "Greetings, everyone."
"Alchemist Emperor! Evergreen Alchemist Emperor!!"
"Ahhh…"
His voice set the entire capital ablaze with excitement, especially among young ladies, whose delighted shrieks filled the air.
"Hahaha! It's an honor for the Jia Ma Empire to welcome the Evergreen Alchemist Emperor to the capital!"
A figure clad in a hemp robe suddenly rose into the sky, his laughter ringing in everyone's ears.
"It's the Imperial Elder, Jia Xingtian!"
"If the Imperial Elder himself welcomes him, the Alchemist Emperor must be extraordinary!"
"Haha! I knew our Changqing would be the best!"
Among the onlookers, those loyal to Gu Changqing were delighted and astonished, with even the Empire's Imperial Ancestor honoring him. No one dared question Gu Changqing's identity now.
"Alchemist Emperor, please forgive me for the delay in welcoming you to the capital," a stately elderly voice boomed, igniting the crowd's enthusiasm further.
The president of the Empire's Alchemist Guild, Fa Ma, had come personally, displaying utmost respect to Gu Changqing, further proving the young alchemist's greatness.
"Humph! Just an attention-seeking show-off. I don't believe he's truly a sixth- or seventh-tier alchemist!"
As others marveled at Gu Changqing, a young, disdainful gaze was fixed on him from within the royal palace.
"Yue'er, what are you muttering about?"
A graceful figure approached, her voice soft.
"Royal Sister, do you really believe this show-off is a sixth-tier alchemist? I think he's a fraud, and Great-grandfather and the others have all been deceived!"
Princess Yao Yue turned to look at her elder sister, Princess Yao Ye, whose eyes were gleaming as she admired Gu Changqing's figure in the sky.
"Yue'er, don't speak carelessly," Princess Yao Ye gently chided, pulling her gaze from Gu Changqing to glance at her sister.
"Royal Sister, you can't honestly believe he's a sixth-tier alchemist! They say he's from the Xiao family in Wu Tan City and not even twenty yet. Do you truly think someone that young could be a sixth-tier alchemist? It's impossible!"
Princess Yao Yue declared with certainty.
"Why not?"
Princess Yao Ye glanced at her stubborn sister.
"Some people are born different. The Dou Qi continent is vast, and geniuses destined to stand above all others do exist. Yue'er, you haven't traveled and trained across the continent; you don't yet understand its immensity, so refrain from making rash judgments lest you offend someone you shouldn't," she warned, her tone sincere.
As someone who had worked closely with Gu Changqing, she believed he could very well be a seventh-tier alchemist.
"Royal Sister, you… There's no saving you! You've all been tricked by that man, but just watch—I'll expose that fraud!"
Princess Yao Yue's eyes flashed with determination.
"Yue'er, no reckless actions. Even Great-grandfather might not be able to protect you if things go wrong," Princess Yao Ye warned, her expression turning serious.
"I don't believe it!"