One-Eyed Monster

The world below the mountain had turned mad. Elder Rostellum, unable to calm down, anxiously waited at the door of Lubin Tavern. Beside him were several of his subordinates, and flanking these subordinates were several tavern owners, their faces pale and devoid of any color.

This group of people waited here for Elder Rostellum to provide them with some guidance. Yet Elder Rostellum himself was waiting for the entrance to Lubin Tavern to open. He came every day, yet the door remained shut day after day.

It was fortunate that the residents inside were Alchemists. If they had been other Adventurers with Class, they’d have probably starved to death long ago!

Elder Rostellum tugged at his beard. He was amused that he had actually thought about such a problem. He must be going stir crazy.

To be honest, Elder Rostellum also found it strange. Previously, he could be present in the Alchemy Workshop even during the interrogation of that monster. But ever since the Hunchbacked Boss had a discussion with Kuyi Tulan, his status had plummeted. Not just him; everyone in the tavern had been expelled. Even Kuyi Tulan’s subordinates, those who held the Golden Seats in the Alchemy Workshop, had been sent up the mountain by Kuyi Tulan.

Seriously, sending these fellows up the mountain in the dead of winter? What kind of leader does that?!

However, these Alchemists didn’t complain at all. They even seemed excited. He really had no idea what was going through their minds.

The winter weather could kill. Going up the mountain? What a joke!

Elder Rostellum found himself once again preoccupied with irrelevant matters. This isn’t right. I should be hoping for the doors of Lubin Tavern to open so I can latch onto Chief Kuyi Tulan’s leg!

But currently, there was no sign of the tavern door opening, nor was there any movement inside. Visually and audibly, it seemed as if no one was in there.

But Elder Rostellum clearly remembered that the hunchbacked old man had not left the tavern. And Lubin Tavern didn’t have any secret passages. The person inside couldn’t have just disappeared!

The strength of the Alchemy Workshop was formidable; so formidable that the area surrounding Lubin Tavern was under its protection. Ruthless Treasure Hunters dared not approach this place, as once they got closer, they would be struck by a burst of lightning and thunder.

Elder Rostellum was indeed grateful in this regard. After all, he and his subordinates were under the protection of the Alchemy Workshop. They would not be attacked if they entered this radius.

But at this moment, these small advantages were no longer enough to satisfy Elder Rostellum. He felt that those ruthless Treasure Hunters were also growing. It seemed that Guru Mountain, by not falling into its deep winter slumber, had released a kind of power, causing many things in the surroundings to continually awaken. He even sensed that, apart from himself, everyone else’s Spirit Power seemed to have strengthened a bit. Some of the ruthless Treasure Hunters even appeared to have reached the point of advancing to the next level.

But he was just a Politician; his aptitude for Spirit Sensing wasn’t particularly strong. He could only speculate...

What exactly happened on the mountain? Elder Rostellum desperately wanted to know. But no one would tell him, nor did he have any way to get more information. Now, all his hopes were pinned on Kuyi Tulan.

But why has the chief of the Alchemy Workshop shut himself away for so many days? What on earth is he doing?!

Elder Rostellum desperately wanted to know, but he couldn’t open the door. He couldn’t even bring himself to knock!

All he could do was wait. The only other action he could take was to lead all his subordinates here, hoping his sincerity would move Chief Kuyi Tulan.

Perhaps the heavens saw Elder Rostellum in his agony, or maybe his sincerity had touched Kuyi Tulan. Just when he was wondering about what had happened on the mountain, the door of Lubin Tavern shook slightly.

This slight shake startled Elder Rostellum and his followers into full attention. They looked up and observed carefully, all of them feeling apprehensive...

CREAK. Amidst the palpable tension of Elder Rostellum and his men, the door of Lubin Tavern opened.

The person who came out was none other than the chief of the Alchemy Workshop, Kuyi Tulan.

By his side was the hunchbacked tavern owner.

Elder Rostellum felt a strong surge of Spirit Power. Then he noticed that the color of the purple cloak on Kuyi Tulan had become a little more brilliant. However, Kuyi Tulan himself appeared a bit weary...

”The power of Awakening has indeed manifested!” The Hunchbacked Boss sighed, uttering a cryptic phrase.

”Secrets are always unearthed. It’s better for us to seize this opportunity than for those who have lost their way, Scholar Manjia,” Kuyi Tulan spoke very politely, demonstrating the demeanor befitting a leader.

”Son, your ambition is too great. I can’t see through you, but as an elder, I wish to remind you not to go too far.”

”Thank you for the Scholar’s reminder. Everything I do is for the sake of this Empire,” Kuyi Tulan replied with grace.

Elder Rostellum frowned deeply. He had intended to throw himself at Kuyi Tulan and plead the moment he emerged. However, Kuyi Tulan’s aura proved too compelling. He did not even have a chance to speak, struck dumb by their baffling conversation.

Being ignored felt awful. But being ignored by Kuyi Tulan—even if Elder Rostellum had grievances, he couldn’t voice them.

”I can’t stop what you’ve decided,” sighed the Hunchbacked Boss, also known as Scholar Manjia.

”As you wish, the Alchemy Workshop will protect this mountain range. But the Alchemy Workshop will not contribute without reason,” Kuyi Tulan spoke calmly.

”The mission of a Soul Guardian is not just to protect but also to guide. But since I can’t see through you, I can’t give you any revelation.”

”The path we’ve chosen is irreversible, much like their choice of darkness. And though I may be compared to Dastan and his ilk, I ensure that such potential can continue on through ordinary people,” Kuyi Tulan said.

”I can’t offer you any deductions on this matter. I only hope that when you meet your mentor, you can do so with a clear conscience.”

”A butterfly is but an ugly caterpillar before its metamorphosis, Scholar Manjia. Every great transformation involves an unsightly phase. Times are progressing, and I’ve always believed an era of profound change is dawning—just like the power of Awakening, what is hidden will inevitably be brought to light.”

...

Elder Rostellum had been rooted to the spot for some time. He didn’t understand what Kuyi Tulan and this Hunchbacked Boss were talking about. Why couldn’t they have this discussion behind closed doors? Why open the door just to talk like this? Were they trying to provoke us? We’ve been provoked enough already!

But Kuyi Tulan and Scholar Manjia paid them no mind whatsoever, continuing their discussion at the entrance of Lubin Tavern as if Elder Rostellum and his men weren’t even there...

At least spare me a glance! Elder Rostellum thought. I’ve been waiting here for so many days!

The door had finally opened, but what difference did it make? It was as if it were still closed!