Chapter 44: Chapter Forty-Four: The Uninvited Alchemist and the Magic Sanctuary

第四十四章

“Hey, hey!” Ruolin snapped, her voice edged with exasperation. “Just how long do you two plan to ride in my carriage?”

“Tsk…”

Perhaps it was her imagination, but Ruolin could have sworn the little loli across from her audibly smacked her lips once more, completely unconcerned.

Lu Yuan cast a seemingly reproachful glance at Meilin, prompting her to slightly rein in her behavior.

However, Ruolin privately scoffed. ‘Reproachful? That’s not reproach at all! It’s utterly blatant spoiling, for heaven’s sake! Could he possibly make it any more obvious?’

‘Did he truly take her, Ruolin, for a blind fool?’

With a soft creak, the carriage came to a halt.

“Huh?” Ruolin murmured, a flicker of confusion crossing her face.

Lu Yuan, ever so kindly, offered a simple reminder. “We’ve arrived.”

Ruolin, still looking utterly bewildered, followed Lu Yuan out of the carriage. Only then did she realize they had reached the Magic Sanctuary.

The Magic Sanctuary was an organization akin to the Alchemist Guild.

It comprised a vast complex of temple-like structures, appearing far more magnificent and imposing than the Alchemist Guild from the outside.

From the pinnacle of the sacred temples, profound arcane light radiated, shimmering with an ethereal glow.

Lu Yuan observed the resplendent light, his expression thoughtful.

‘This phenomenon,’ he mused, ‘bore a striking resemblance to the mystical radiance emitted by cultivation world formations.’

Unfortunately, in order to maintain the stable conversion of the true qi within his body, he had temporarily sealed his spiritual sense. Otherwise, he would have been exceedingly keen to delve into the arcane mysteries of this Magic Sanctuary.

However, this was not his primary objective for visiting today, so he reluctantly set the thought aside for the time being.

“Alchemist Ruolin, if you would please lead the way,” Lu Yuan stated with an air of casual indifference.

Ruolin remained utterly perplexed. ‘Why, in this particular place, was he addressing her as “Alchemist”?’

In the distance, several young individuals clad in dark magical robes cast curious glances in her direction.

“Oh? An alchemist actually came to the Magic Sanctuary,” one whispered.

“A gray alchemist’s robe… Is she a core Great Alchemist from some guild? She looks so young.”

“Shhh… keep your voices down. Look at her carriage; she must be the descendant of some great noble. We should be careful not to invite trouble with our words.”

Following this hushed exchange, the small group quickly dispersed.

Ruolin glanced down, only to discover that over her light blue dress from that morning, she was now inexplicably wearing a long, gray alchemist’s robe.

This was the distinctive symbol reserved for core alchemists of the Alchemist Guild. Yet, she had no recollection of when it had been put on.

Ruolin was utterly baffled, her mind racing with unanswered questions.

While Ruolin was still lost in her daze, Lu Yuan had already led Meilin inside.

Ruolin grew even more bewildered. ‘Were these two genuinely here just to sightsee?’ She quickly shed the alchemist’s robe and hastened after them. “Wait for me! Don’t just walk in there!”

However, before Ruolin could even voice her warning, someone had already stepped forward to block Lu Yuan’s path.

“Halt! This is the Magic Sanctuary; unauthorized personnel are forbidden to enter!”

Two guards stood at the entrance, clad in gleaming, silver anti-magic battle armor. In their hands, twin lightning spears crackled with electric energy.

Witnessing this scene, Ruolin’s heart sank. ‘Oh no… this man mustn’t cause trouble! The Magic Sanctuary is nothing like the Alchemist Guild. It’s a professional guild primarily focused on combat!’

Just as she was thinking this, Lu Yuan’s cold, detached voice drifted over to her.

“I am Lei Yin, a Great Alchemist from Usutal City’s Alchemist Guild. Why am I forbidden entry?”

‘You idiotic fool! Are you truly not a pig?’ Ruolin cursed inwardly, seething with frustration. ‘Yes, you’re a Great Alchemist from the Alchemist Guild, and your status is indeed lofty, but what in the world does that have to do with the Magic Sanctuary?!’

Even the two guards were momentarily taken aback, bewildered by Lu Yuan’s sheer confidence.

‘A Great Alchemist from the Alchemist Guild?’ It was certainly not someone they wished to offend. In this world, while alchemists possessed little combat prowess, they were among the few individuals whom many sought to avoid antagonizing. Their standing was second only to the legendary heroes.

‘No matter how formidable you might be,’ the unspoken thought lingered, ‘can you truly guarantee you’ll never get injured or fall ill in this lifetime?’

One of the guards, steeling himself, finally managed to speak. “May I ask, esteemed Alchemist, what business brings you to the Magic Sanctuary?”

“Erm… I’ve never been here before. Just thought I’d look around,” Lu Yuan replied nonchalantly.

“…” The two guards’ sentiments at that moment perfectly mirrored Ruolin’s own. ‘Never been here, just looking around? Do you take this place for a common marketplace?! To wander in as you please?!’

Nevertheless, the guard patiently continued, “Esteemed Alchemist, have you made an appointment? If not, please forgive us, but we do not have the authority to permit your entry. Therefore, we must ask you to leave.”

‘An appointment?’ Lu Yuan frowned, a ripple of annoyance crossing his features. He merely wished to bring Meilin inside for a look; why should there be so many troublesome procedures? In his previous life in the cultivation world, simply announcing his status as an alchemist would grant him passage almost anywhere, save for the forbidden grounds of various sects. He had not anticipated such complications in this world.

“Esteemed Alchemist, if you continue to insist,” the guard pressed on, “we will regrettably have no choice but to employ more forceful means to escort you out.”

“Wait a moment!” Ruolin rushed forward. “These two are my friends! I brought them here!”

“Ah, Miss Ruolin,” the guards visibly relaxed, letting out a collective sigh of relief. If possible, they truly wished to avoid laying hands on an alchemist, for rules were rules. “Since Miss Ruolin has brought them, there is no longer any need for us to impede their entry.”

With that, the two guards stepped aside.

Lu Yuan was momentarily speechless. ‘That’s it? It was that simple?’