Jiang Chen walked leisurely along the road leading to the Alchemist Guild.
Suddenly—
The clatter of horseshoes echoed behind him, sharp and chaotic, as if someone was charging recklessly through the street.
Jiang Chen turned slightly, narrowing his eyes as a fiery red steed shot toward him like a streak of flame. Pedestrians scattered hurriedly to both sides, dodging the swift figure that barreled through the avenue.
On the horse sat a purple-clothed girl, her expression sharp and arrogant as the wind whipped her flowing robe. In moments, the steed had closed the distance, stopping several meters in front of Jiang Chen.
The purple-clothed girl's brows furrowed when she saw Jiang Chen standing still in her path, seemingly unmoved by her presence.
"A good dog doesn't block the road! Move aside for this lady!" she shouted impatiently, her voice carrying an entitled edge.
Jiang Chen glanced at her indifferently, ignoring her completely as he continued walking forward, unbothered.
"Hmph! Courting death!"
Seeing her words ignored, the purple-clothed girl's face darkened. She snatched the leather whip from her waist and lashed out at Jiang Chen's head, the air crackling as the whip tore forward with a sharp sound.
Whoosh!
Without turning around, Jiang Chen's expression remained icy and calm.
In one smooth motion, he raised his hand and caught the whip effortlessly. His grip was like iron, unyielding.
"What—?!"
Before she could react, Jiang Chen pulled sharply, jerking the girl off the horse.
"Ahhh!"
The purple-clothed girl let out a startled scream as she tumbled off her mount and landed unceremoniously on the ground, her face flushed with both embarrassment and anger.
"You bastard! How dare you touch me?"
Her furious shout pierced the air as she sat on the dusty road, looking very much like an indignant tigress.
Jiang Chen turned his gaze to her, his tone faint yet cutting.
"You can make a move against me, but I can't do the same? Who do you think you are?"
The purple-clothed girl's face turned even redder, her temper flaring as she retorted, "You insolent fool! You dare strike this lady? Do you know who I am?!"
Just as she was about to lose her mind, a middle-aged woman approached hurriedly, her face elegant yet stern.
"Zi Luan! Are you causing trouble again?" the woman scolded, frowning deeply. "How many times have I told you not to act recklessly? Remember the reason for our visit to Lingyun City!"
Hearing this, the girl called Zi Luan clenched her fists tightly, biting her lip as she glared daggers at Jiang Chen.
"Hmph! You got lucky this time. The next time I see you, you won't get off so easily!"
With a reluctant snort, Zi Luan got up, dusted herself off, and stormed off behind the middle-aged woman.
Jiang Chen shook his head lightly, muttering, "What an unruly girl."
Without sparing them another glance, he turned his focus back to his destination—the Alchemist Guild.
Ten minutes later, Jiang Chen arrived at the majestic building that stood at the heart of Lingyun City.
He lifted his gaze to the five ancient characters etched in bold strokes across the grand entrance:
"Alchemist Guild"
The faint glow of flames flickered above the door, adding an imposing air to the building.
With a slight pause, Jiang Chen strode forward confidently, approaching the main entrance.
However, as soon as he neared the gate, a tall, imposing middle-aged guard stepped forward and barked sharply:
"Boy, this is the Alchemist Guild! Random people are not allowed to enter. State your business!"
Jiang Chen's lips curved slightly as he replied indifferently:
"Nothing much. I just want to go in and get an alchemist badge for fun."