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The Gathering Hall hummed with conversation and laughter as Li Meixia guided Wudi Egun through the crowd. Her graceful movements parted the sea of guests effortlessly, drawing curious glances from those they passed. Despite his unremarkable appearance, Wudi Egun moved with the same quiet confidence that had first caught her attention on the forest path—his back straight, his steps measured, his expression one of polite interest that never quite reached his eyes.

"Allow me to introduce you to my family," Li Meixia said as they approached the group of young elites. The gathering of Li Family's younger generation stood out even among the distinguished guests—their bearing and attire marking them as the future of one of Qinghe City's most powerful clans.

"Everyone, this is Master Wudi Egun," Li Meixia announced, her melodious voice drawing immediate attention. "I had the pleasure of encountering him on my return journey from Yunxu City."

The young elites turned as one, their expressions ranging from polite curiosity to barely concealed assessment. Li Shenyuan, ever the diplomat, was the first to step forward.

"Welcome to our humble gathering, Master Wudi," he said, offering a formal bow that was precisely calibrated—respectful without being deferential. "Any friend of my cousin is an honored guest of the Li Family."

Wudi Egun returned the gesture with perfect poise, his movements suggesting years of formal training despite his ordinary appearance. "The honor is mine, Young Master Li. Your family's hospitality has been most generous."

Li Mingze, more direct than his elder brother, tilted his head slightly as he studied their visitor. "If I may ask, Master Wudi, where do you hail from? Your manner of speech suggests an unusual origin."

A subtle smile played at the corners of Wudi Egun's mouth, his eyes taking on that mysterious quality that had so intrigued Li Meixia during their first meeting. "I'm afraid that information would be of little use to you, Young Master Li. The place I come from exists beyond the understanding of most in this realm."

His cryptic response hung in the air, creating a momentary silence as the group processed his words. Rather than appearing evasive, his answer somehow conveyed absolute certainty—as if he were stating an obvious truth rather than avoiding the question.

"How intriguing," Li Ruoxue commented, her intellectual curiosity piqued. "A place beyond understanding? You speak in riddles, Master Wudi."

"Sometimes riddles are the only way to convey certain truths," he replied with a slight inclination of his head, his tone suggesting both wisdom and mystery.

Li Meiyun, less patient than her twin, cut straight to the heart of the matter. "How exactly did you and my sister become acquainted? It's not like Meixia to invite strangers to family celebrations."

Before Wudi Egun could respond, Li Meixia interjected with a gentle laugh. "I encountered Master Wudi on the forest path between Yunxu and Qinghe. He was traveling alone, and since we shared a destination, I offered him transport in my carriage. His conversation proved so engaging that I extended an invitation to stay at our estate during his visit to our city."

"A fortunate encounter indeed," Wudi Egun added, his voice carrying that same measured cadence that somehow suggested deeper meanings beneath simple words.

Li Haoran, who had been quietly observing the exchange, suddenly stepped forward, his scholarly eyes narrowed in concentration. "Forgive my directness, Master Wudi, but I notice something unusual about your presence. I detect no Cultivation aura emanating from you—neither Body Cultivation, Soul Cultivation, nor Qi Cultivation. Yet you carry yourself with the confidence of an accomplished practitioner."

The observation caused a ripple of surprise among the group. In a world where Cultivation was the primary measure of one's potential and status, the absence of any cultivating aura was both unusual and potentially concerning.

"Your perception is keen, Young Master Li," Wudi Egun acknowledged, seemingly unperturbed by the direct questioning. "You are correct—I practice none of those paths."

His admission caused eyebrows to raise throughout the group. Even Li Meixia appeared surprised, having assumed during their journey that he was simply concealing his abilities.

"Then what path do you follow?" Li Shenyuan asked, his tone carefully neutral despite the unprecedented nature of the conversation.

Wudi Egun paused, as if considering how much to reveal. Then, with deliberate precision, he stated: "I am an Alchemist."

The simple declaration landed with unexpected weight. The young elites exchanged glances, reassessing the unassuming man before them.

"An Alchemist?" Li Mingze repeated, his surprise evident. "But you appear so young."

Indeed, despite his somewhat plump physique and unremarkable features, Wudi Egun's face showed none of the weathering one would expect from years spent inhaling alchemical fumes and handling volatile substances. Alchemists of any significant skill were typically older masters who had spent decades perfecting their craft.

"Age is not always the most accurate measure of experience or ability," Wudi Egun replied with a slight shrug that somehow appeared elegant despite its casualness.

Li Ruoxue, her analytical mind working quickly, posed the question that had occurred to them all: "But without Cultivation, how do you practice Alchemy? The manipulation of spiritual ingredients requires at minimum a foundation in Qi Cultivation to control the spiritual furnace."

It was a fundamental truth known to all—Alchemy was inextricably linked to Cultivation. The process of refining pills, elixirs, and other spiritual items required the precise application of cultivated energy to control temperature, pressure, and the spiritual reactions within the alchemical furnace.

Wudi Egun's expression remained serene, as if he had anticipated this very question. "I practice what was once known as Heart Alchemy—an ancient technique that utilizes a Heart Furnace rather than a Spiritual Furnace."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "Instead of external Qi, I manifest an Alchemy Cauldron through pure Willpower, using Soul Flame that is the direct manifestation of my inner determination."

The silence that followed was profound. Heart Alchemy was a term known only from the most ancient texts—a legendary practice said to predate modern Cultivation methods.

"That's... impossible," Li Haoran finally said, his scholarly skepticism evident. "Heart Alchemy is mentioned only in the oldest historical records. Even in the ancient era, such practitioners were said to be one in a billion."

"And yet, here I stand," Wudi Egun replied simply, his calm certainty more convincing than any passionate defense could have been.

The group stared at him with newfound wonder. If what he claimed was true, then the unassuming man before them possessed a talent and knowledge so rare as to be practically mythical.

Before anyone could question him further, a new voice cut through their conversation—sharp, arrogant, and clearly displeased.

"What nonsense is this?"

The group turned to see a young man approaching, his expensive robes marking him as a scion of another prominent family. His features were handsome in a conventional way, but marred by the contemptuous expression he wore. 

He moved with the confidence of one accustomed to deference, his gaze fixed on Wudi Egun with undisguised skepticism.

"Heart Alchemy? A forgotten technique from the ancient era?" The newcomer's voice dripped with disdain. "Next you'll claim to have learned directly from the Primordial Alchemist himself."

Li Meixia stepped forward, her diplomatic skills immediately engaging. "Shen Yang, I'm pleased you could attend our celebration. Allow me to introduce Master Wudi Egun, a guest of our family."

Shen Yang barely acknowledged her greeting, his attention fixed on Wudi Egun. The tension in his posture and the slight flush on his cheeks suggested more than simple skepticism—there was personal animosity in his reaction, despite having just encountered Wudi Egun for the first time.

Wudi Egun regarded the newcomer with calm interest. "You seem troubled by my statements. May I inquire as to who is addressing me?"

The polite inquiry, delivered without a hint of intimidation, seemed to further irritate the young man.

"I am Shen Yang, son of Shen Haoran and Alchemy Apprentice of the Imperial Academy," he announced, his chest puffing slightly with pride. "Unlike some, my credentials are recognized throughout the province."

His gaze flickered briefly to Li Meixia as he spoke, his expression softening momentarily before hardening again as he returned his attention to Wudi Egun. 

The brief glance revealed volumes about his motivations—his interest in Li Meixia was evident, as was his displeasure at seeing her in the company of another man.

Li Meixia acknowledged his introduction with a polite smile that revealed nothing of her thoughts. "Shen Yang has been studying at the Imperial Alchemy Academy for the past three years. His father and mine have been business partners for decades."

Shen Yang straightened at her words, clearly pleased by her acknowledgment. "Indeed. Our families have long recognized the value of aligning our interests. Some connections are simply... meant to be."

The implication in his words was clear, though Li Meixia gave no indication that she had noticed. Instead, she maintained her diplomatic smile, neither encouraging nor rejecting his obvious interest.

Wudi Egun inclined his head slightly. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Young Master Shen. Your father's reputation in the field of Alchemy is well-known, even to travelers such as myself."

The acknowledgment of his father's status rather than his own seemed to further irritate Shen Yang, whose fingers tightened almost imperceptibly around his wine cup.

"Let us return to the matter at hand," Shen Yang said, his voice sharp. "You claim to practice Heart Alchemy—a technique that exists only in legends and myths. How exactly did you come to learn such a supposedly lost art?"

The question hung in the air, drawing the attention of not just the Li Family's younger generation but several nearby guests as well. 

Conversations quieted as people turned to observe the confrontation brewing between the established young alchemist and the mysterious visitor.

Wudi Egun seemed entirely unperturbed by the growing audience or the challenging tone. He regarded Shen Yang with calm curiosity, as if genuinely interested in understanding the young man's perspective.

"You raise an interesting question, Young Master Shen," he said, his voice measured and thoughtful. "But I find myself curious about your reasoning. Why do you believe that something is impossible to learn simply because it has been lost to common knowledge?"

The counter-question, delivered without heat or defensiveness, caused Shen Yang to blink in momentary confusion. He had clearly expected either an elaborate tale or defensive posturing—not a philosophical inquiry that turned his challenge back upon him.

"Because," Shen Yang began, recovering quickly, "if such techniques were viable, they would have persisted. The fact that no recognized alchemist practices Heart Alchemy today proves it was either a fabrication or fundamentally flawed. Knowledge that has value doesn't simply disappear."

Wudi Egun nodded slightly, as if considering the point. "An interesting perspective. Yet history is filled with knowledge lost and rediscovered. The absence of practitioners doesn't negate the validity of the practice—it merely reflects the rarity of those with the aptitude to master it."

His response, delivered with the calm assurance of one discussing established facts rather than defending controversial claims, left Shen Yang momentarily at a loss. The young alchemist had clearly expected to easily discredit the stranger, yet found himself drawn into a philosophical debate instead.

The gathered audience watched with growing interest. What had begun as a simple introduction had transformed into an unexpected clash of ideas—the established orthodoxy of Imperial Alchemy against the mysterious claims of an unassuming traveler.

As tension built between the two men, the celebration continued around them.