The demon capital truly lived up to its name as once the Blue-Eyed Clan’s most prosperous city, now the True Demon Empire’s seat of power. Its bustle went without saying.
Yet behind the splendour lay many sights one would rather not witness.
Worse than what he had seen in the Divine Phoenix Empire, the trade in Holy Dynasty humans as slaves here had become utterly commonplace.
On the streets, some even kept Holy Dynasty children as pets. If disobedient, they might simply discard them.
Scene after scene hardened Ling Xiao’s resolve to shatter the True Demon Empire.
Not just from prior personal grudges, but because the empire was truly vile.
An empire that treated people as less than human, what use was it?
Letters had already gone to Bei Han Kingdom. In a few days, they would strike in tandem.
A pincer attack, while the True Demon Empire yet unsteady, would make victory simple.
Over these years, the empire had made many enemies.
Where there was oppression, there was resistance.
The demon capital held but one Apothecary Association.
The association clashed most with the Blue-Eyed Clan’s architecture.
A classic Holy Dynasty building, an ancient-style compound. Even from afar, one caught whiffs of medicinal fragrance.
Many martial artists loved strolling here, not for anything else, but to breathe deeper that singular air.
Above the association’s gates hung a modest plaque in green ink: “Apothecary Association”.
Written in Holy Dynasty script.
Though the Holy Dynasty had waned, its tongue remained the Profound Realm’s common speech.
“Excuse me, is this the Apothecary Association?”
Ling Xiao approached politely, bowed to the two guards, then asked.
“Indeed. What business?”
A guard glanced coolly at Ling Xiao’s garb. Though not shooing him, his manner bordered on curt.
His eyes lingered longer on Moon Woman beside Ling Xiao.
After all, who did not like a beauty?
“Ahem, I am here for apothecary certification.”
Ling Xiao somewhat regretted bringing Moon Woman out. He cleared his throat twice and said.
“Possible, but association rules require a Yellow-grade apothecary’s recommendation letter. Have one? Produce it.”
The guard said flatly.
“Recommendation letter?”
Ling Xiao paused. He had never visited the association before, so knew nothing of this rule. He felt a touch helpless.
As he opened his mouth, a figure shoved him aside.
“No letter? Step aside then. Do not block this young lady’s way.”
The speaker was an eighteen- or nineteen-year-old woman, pretty enough, but next to Moon Woman, one in the heavens, the other in the earth.
Ling Xiao felt some displeasure, though not outright anger. Merely irked at being pushed.
He meant to say something.
An elder approached. “Young brother, forgive us. My granddaughter has this hot-tempered flaw she cannot shake. My apologies.”
Hearing this, Ling Xiao’s irritation vanished at once. He waved it off. “No matter. It is small.”
He noted the elder’s badge: a Yellow-grade advanced apothecary from the association.
Such rank made him a pinnacle figure on Tianlong Continent or Divine Phoenix Continent.
“Grandfather, why speak to him? No letter and still wants in the association. I say he means to steal.”
The young woman scoffed.
“Silence!”
The elder snapped. “I have told you many times: out in the world, learn some restraint. Do not impose what you would not bear. If another treated you so, what then?”
“Grandfather, what is wrong? You never scolded me before.”
The girl looked puzzled.
“Silence as I say.”
The elder seemed somewhat flustered, glancing at Moon Woman, then turned to Ling Xiao. “My apologies again, young brother.”
Ling Xiao understood. The elder’s courtesy stemmed not from him, but fear of Moon Woman.
“Sir, even if I were but a commoner, your granddaughter’s conduct remains most improper. Perhaps with you near, you shield her. But abroad, without you, do you not fear she courts disaster?”
Ling Xiao’s words carried a barb.
The woman’s slights had chafed him twice over. For him to refrain from striking was already restraint.
“What did you say! Do you know who my grandfather is? Dare speak to him so!”
The girl yelled. “My grandfather is one of the association’s sole two Yellow-grade advanced apothecaries! The renowned Master Ironwood!”
Ling Xiao eyed the girl coolly. “A Yellow-grade advanced apothecary merits respect indeed. But that is your grandfather’s honour. What of you? From your look, you have not even earned a grade.”
Though the woman held appeal enough for most men, it meant nothing to Ling Xiao.
With such a stunning beauty at his side, how could he glance her way.
“Listen well. I am Tie Yun Shan, come here from Five Immortals Isle with Grandfather. Though ungraded as yet, soon I will be.”
Tie Yun Shan puffed her chest proudly. “Today I take the Yellow-grade junior apothecary exam!”
“Master Ironwood is Master Ironwood. Miss Yun Shan, just eighteen this year? And already testing for Yellow-grade. Many your age must feel shame.”
One guard chuckled.
Flattery well timed.
“Hehe, you speak sweetly. If I pass today, I will reward you lads with ample drink money. Grandfather, let us in. No time to waste here.”
Tie Yun Shan glanced back at Ling Xiao.
He was handsome enough, and seemed capable too. But so what? Once a Yellow-grade apothecary, she could hire a dozen like him gratis.
“Young fellow, we go ahead then.”
The elder stayed courteous throughout, keeping Ling Xiao’s temper from fully igniting. He merely thought the girl Tie Yun Shan rather spoiled.
“Moon Woman Sister, today truly thanks to you at my side. Who knows what might have befallen otherwise.”
Ling Xiao sighed. Strength remained paramount for a martial artist after all.
With that, he turned to the guards. “Gentlemen, without a recommendation letter, is there another way into the association?”
“There is. Unless you refine a Yellow-grade junior pill on site, or possess one of the Twelve Sacred Flames.”
The guard sneered.
In their eyes, Ling Xiao held no such talent.
