Chapter 170: Alchemy Society
"Tell me more," Hua Mi leaned in, intrigued.
The alchemist's words struck him as somewhat arroganta bad habit, perhaps, picked up from dwelling among the elves. But Hua Mi wasn't one for nitpicking; he had no interest in measuring his wits against this man's.
Arrogant he might be, but if the benefits provided satisfied him, that was all that mattered. Being a renowned organization, they wouldn't skimp, right?
"You'll have the opportunity to join the Alchemy Society, becoming an elder directly, enjoying all the privileges," he paused, his obviously altered artificial eyes staring, strangely disconcerting, "provided that... you share all your alchemical techniques."
Hua Mi had anticipated the visit was honey-centric, but the directness was staggeringan audacious request for an alchemist to divulge their entire craft.
He believed even the so-called elders within the society wouldn't selflessly reveal all their skills, surely holding some cards close to their chests. Though it wasn't explicitly stated, it was evidently aimed at his "poison-free side effect alchemy."
Bees were fundamental to his existence in this world. Unless absolutely necessary, he had no intention of sharing with anyone.
Moreover, he wasn't particularly keen on becoming an elder in the Alchemy Society; it would only interfere with his farming and beekeeping endeavors. The opportunity could pass without regret.
"I decline," Hua Mi stated firmly, a declaration implying there was no room for negotiation.
The alchemist continued, "Think carefully. Becoming an elder in the Alchemy Society means you step onto the pinnacle of alchemy."
"Everyone's understanding of the pinnacle varies. Personally, I don't value titles much."
The man fell silent for a moment before adding, "I'll relay your words as they are. Additionally, I hope you understand: every choice carries consequences, consequences you'll have to bear personally."
This felt like a warning, yet the tone wasn't threatening. It seemed more like a statement of fact.
He suddenly felt a change in the weatherdarkening skies, gathering storm clouds, and rising winds. Ghostly cries echoed through the Black Forest.
The alchemist raised his hand; a ring on his finger glowed. With a hum, a dome-shaped silence enveloped them, blocking out the howling winds.
Quiet returned instantly.
"This is not a threat," the alchemist continued, "but a mere reminder. For a wild alchemist without support, the Alchemy Society stands as an insurmountable giant. A mere gesture from them could render you powerless in the alchemical domain. To put it plainly, your skills will be sealed, your reputation obscure for the rest of your days, until your passing. It's a pity."
More of a warning than a threat.
In this respect, Hua Mi found the man acceptable, at least straightforward. His implication was clear: refusing the Alchemy Society meant standing against them.
The Society would exert full force, blocking him commercially and academically, a necessary measure to maintain their authority and balance.
"But they might not know that I'm no longer a wild alchemist," Hua Mi thought. "I am now a court alchemist recognized by the Turlun Kingdom."
The badge from the Turlun Kingdom lay proudly on him, a sign of his support.
He wasn't without backingthe royal family of Turlun Kingdom.
No matter how audacious the Alchemy Society was, they had to show some respect to this strongest human nation in the Western Continent.
After a brief pause, the alchemist left.
For Hua Mi, it was a passing annoyance, not a major concern. His main focus in this realm was farming and beekeeping, for personal improvement.
As for commerce and academia, he had little interest or plans.
Moreover, if the Alchemy Society tried to impede his core interests, he could always seek help from Princess Karen.
Next, Hua Mi's primary task was cultivating the Rainbow Crystal Flowers. Once the field was prepared, planting would commence.
One evening, Clark paid a visit.
With ample blood honey supply, he looked much better.
Two gold coins for a bottle of blood honey wasn't expensive for him. As the head of the Adventurers Guild in Blackstone Town, he earned around ten gold coins a month, excluding his royalties.
The revised "Black Forest Adventure Guide" was still in his hands, evident from the cover style.
"Finally finished it. Before sending it out, I thought it best to seek the opinion of the guardian of the Black Forest. By the way, regarding your section, I put a lot of effort into it; you'll be pleased," Clark grinned, his prominent fangs flashing.
He currently resided in the Adventurers Guild office in Blackstone Town, not actively concealing his vampire lineage.
The town's residents had little reaction to thiseat, drink, and live life.
Initially, there were occasional people forming groups to observe him, but Blackstone Town's folks were robust in their ways.
Taking the book, Hua Mi glanced at his fangs.
Flipping through the book, he casually asked, "Are you getting used to living here?"
Clark replied relaxedly, "It's fine; the townsfolk are friendly. During the Ice Dance Festival, a girl even invited me to dance. She might be interested in me, but as a vampire, I should maintain distance from humans. What do you think?"
Why are you asking me about this? I'm not your dad.
"It's up to you," Hua Mi replied nonchalantly.
Listening to Clark ramble about the festival, a question surfaced in Hua Mi's mind.
Do vampire derivatives have reproductive abilities? Or rather, is there reproductive isolation from humans? If not, would the offspring be human or derivative?
Hua Mi knew curses could be hereditary, like the lycanthropy curse.
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