"Congratulations, Grand Master, on successfully crafting a seventh-tier pill!"
"Congratulations, Grand Master, on successfully crafting a seventh-tier pill!"
The Jia Ma Empire's capital erupted in celebration, voices resounding with cheers, while countless young maidens gazed up in awe at the peerless figure of Gu Changqing, his presence both majestic and striking.
"We are grateful for the teachings and guidance of the Grand Master! From today on, the Alchemist Guild will honor you as the revered Sage of Alchemy and will heed your counsel alone!"
Under Fa Ma's leadership, all the alchemists of the guild, even Gu He, the Alchemy King from the Yun Lan Sect, knelt before Gu Changqing to express their gratitude. Gu Changqing's public alchemy demonstration was akin to a sage teaching sacred knowledge; for these alchemists, respecting him as their Sage was only natural.
"Shutting oneself away does not lead to progress. Stagnation is the root of regression. Only through knowledge sharing and open exchange can we nurture talent and prosper as a community."
"I, Gu Changqing, am willing to set an example by establishing a place in the Jia Ma Empire where everyone can learn and improve—a sanctuary for cultivation. Are you all willing to join me in this endeavor?"
Gu Changqing's mighty gaze swept across the crowd, his powerful voice reverberating not only throughout the capital but even beyond its borders, reaching hundreds of thousands.
A brief silence fell over the entire city before a fervent wave of cheers erupted.
"We are willing!"
"We wish to follow the Grand Master and build a sanctuary where everyone can grow in knowledge and strength!"
The city resounded with sincere and passionate cheers.
"Fa Ma and the Alchemist Guild of the Jia Ma Empire pledge to follow the Grand Master!"
"Qiemier pledges to follow the Grand Master!"
"Lin Mu pledges to follow the Grand Master!"
Following Fa Ma's declaration, nearly every alchemist in the guild committed to joining Gu Changqing. However, some were still on the fence, including Gu He of the Yun Lan Sect, whose status and position made it difficult to immediately pledge his allegiance.
"It appears this young master truly intends to make his mark in the Jia Ma Empire!"
"If the royal family makes no stance now, we may be excluded from the empire's future."
Jia Xingtian knew the immense influence Gu Changqing had accumulated. With just one call from him, countless people would willingly support him, even against the royal family. This was a future Jia Xingtian could not allow.
"The royal family of Jia Ma will fully support the Grand Master and help him create a sanctuary for learning and progress for all!"
Having made the decision to support Gu Changqing, Jia Xingtian no longer hesitated and publicly announced the royal family's support. While he refrained from stating outright allegiance to maintain the royal family's dignity, the statement of full support was sufficient.
"Nalan Jie, along with the entire Nalan family, pledges to follow the Grand Master. Cough, cough…"
Hearing the royal family's declaration, Nalan Jie, the Lionheart Marshal of the empire, quickly stepped forward to pledge his support for Gu Changqing. However, he began to cough violently as soon as he finished speaking.
"Father!"
"Are you alright, Elder?"
The Nalan family rushed forward to help Nalan Jie as he coughed fiercely.
"Mittel Tengshan and the entire Mittel Clan pledge to follow the Grand Master!"
"Mu Chen and the entire Mu Clan pledge to follow the Grand Master!"
"Jin Clan…"
"Yiwa Clan…"
With the three great families of the Jia Ma Empire declaring their allegiance, countless other clans and factions eagerly followed suit, pledging their loyalty to Gu Changqing.
With that, Gu Changqing had finally united all of Jia Ma Empire's forces, excluding the Yun Lan Sect. Now, he could begin his mission to reshape the Jia Ma Empire and prepare for his unification of the Northwestern Continent.
"Ha-ha! Who would've thought such an ambitious and capable figure would emerge from the remote Jia Ma Empire? With him under our control, he'd be far more useful than that timid Yun Shan!"
Beyond the capital, within a shadowed area, a figure cloaked in darkness watched Gu Changqing, eyes gleaming with excitement. This shadowy figure was Wu Protector of the Hall of Souls, the same person who had corrupted Yun Shan of the Yun Lan Sect and coerced him into betraying the Xiao family.
"Hmph!"
At that moment, Gu Changqing, hovering above the capital, suddenly let out a cold snort, his figure streaking across the sky like a rainbow as he rushed toward Wu Protector's hidden location.
"What? Could he have sensed me?"
Protector Wu was startled but unconcerned; after all, he was a member of the Hall of Souls. Why would he fear Gu Changqing?
However, this time, he had misjudged.
"Who dares harbor such designs against me?"
Sensing a sinister soul aura spying on him, Gu Changqing acted on impulse, charging in Wu Protector's direction. Upon arriving, he punched toward the area where Wu Protector was concealed.
Boom!
The powerful strike shook heaven and earth, and Protector Wu was forced to reveal himself from the shadows.
"Haha! Such a powerful soul presence! If I'm not mistaken, you have achieved the Soul Realm. With your abilities, wouldn't you prefer joining the Hall of Souls? With your current status as a seventh-tier alchemist, you would be invaluable to the Hall Master. In time, you could even reach the eighth tier and attain limitless power—why confine yourself to the Jia Ma Empire?"
Wu Protector cackled, trying to recruit Gu Changqing while emerging from the shadows. His intention was not to extract Gu Changqing's soul, as the Hall of Souls prohibited forcibly extracting the souls of living alchemists unless they opposed them. Given Gu Changqing's talent, it would be a huge accomplishment to recruit him into the Hall of Souls.
"So, you're from the Hall of Souls. No wonder you dared to lurk in the shadows!"
"However, your timing is unfortunate. The Hall of Souls and I share a grudge. Today, you shall not escape!" Gu Changqing's eyes lit up, and he laughed coldly.