City of Hot Springs, Part II

The Alchemist Association in Kěnéng was very different from the one in Imperial Shang City. Not only was it much larger, but surrounding the massive pagoda was a sprawling complex of aesthetically pleasing edifices. Between the buildings was a beautiful garden with a variety of tropical flowers. Some of the flowers had petals that were almost as large as Wu Jian’s head, while others contained a plethora of color like a rainbow.

“Welcome to the Alchemist Association, Lady Zhou Lihua, Master Wong Jiu. My name is Zhong Mu, and I am an elder at the Alchemist Association’s Kěnéng Branch,” an old man greeted them. He had white hair, a long beard, and wore ostentatious silver robes. Pinned to his chest was a badge with the number 77--marking him as an Iridium level alchemist.

“Master Mu, thank you for greeting us so courteously.” Zhou Lihua gave the man a martial bow.

“It was no trouble. No trouble at all,” the old man said with a smile.