Wei Wuyin was helpless as Liu Suyin brought him animatedly into the Academy's grounds. She held his wrist tightly, and from the side, Wei Wuyin could see her pupils shine with barely concealed eagerness. Immediately, Wei Wuyin realized the privilege of entering the Voyage Academy of Myriad Transformations was one that even the Vice-Sect Master of the Void Voyage Sect and Envoy of the City of Endless wasn't granted.
It wasn't hard to notice this due to how lukewarm her reception was by the female announcer earlier, and how zealous and reverentially respectful she was to him—a genuine Mortal Sovereign Alchemist. It seemed here skills of a Creationist were valued far more than position in regards to status and earned respect.
Before the gate closed with a thud, Wei Wuyin had looked behind him to see the countless cultivators waiting obediently outside, including those Mystic Ascendant Realm cultivators, some of which were Demi-Mortal Lords. A strange feeling emerged in his heart, besieged by numerous questions.
"Lord Alchemic Sovereign," the petite, pretty, and pristinely dressed woman called out in a delicate voice, a tinge of bashfulness within. Liu Suyun halted. For a reason she couldn't quite define or pinpoint, her good mood soured a little.
Wei Wuyin felt relieved to not be tugged by Liu Suyin, inwardly thankful to the woman. After composing himself, his Alchemic Stars of Mortal Spirituality within his eyes slowly vanished. When he faced the young woman, he saw the unconcealed desire and shyness, her cheeks carrying the faintest of pink blushes, and her countenance gaining an additional alluring charm.
He was stunned on the spot. Did she just use some type of spiritual charm spell? Almost immediately, Wei Wuyin was baffled as his Sea of Consciousness felt the most subtle waves impact his external layer, blocked off, yet his mind still felt its effects. The only issue was that he was fully aware of it being used.
"..." Liu Suyin's indifferent eyes grew slightly darker, slightly colder. However, she was disallowed from using her mystic power or spiritual strength within the academy's sacred territory, unable to interfere in this blatant manipulation attempt, lest she willingly give them a reason to remove her from the premises and revoke her riding in on Wei Wuyin's coattails, and she was aware there were several spiritual senses actively waiting for just that.
Wei Wuyin might be a mortal, but his Spiritual Strength was a monstrous abnormality that vastly exceeded the expectations of what a 'mortal' should have. He had four Spirits of Cultivation, and their cultivation was thoroughly cultivated to the maximum, pushed to the literal edge of Realm World Phase, and conjoined together harmoniously.
Just earlier, a genuine Ascended being, careless and forceful, had met a premature death due to this terrifying aspect of his. Moreover, his mental fortitude and Sea of Consciousness were fully guarded by Eden. While the spiritual charm spell of the woman could affect mental perception and emotions through Spiritual Power, it couldn't work on him.
Still, he was curious and played along. With an expression of adoration and a tinge of lust, he gently asked: "Is there something wrong?" His voice carried the patience reminiscent of a young man speaking to his lover.
Seeing his enamored expression, the woman's eyes shined and she smiled beautifully. "No, of course not. It's just that the academy is currently sealed off due to an Alchemic Clash, and as such, we'll have to travel there to meet the other Alchemic Sovereigns you wish to discuss the Dao with." She explained but added shyly: "But if you want, I can show you around the academy's outer area. The clash will definitely take quite a while, and there are things...we can do while we wait."
"Absolutely not. We'll go to the Alchemic Clash—no delays." The woman's tantalizing offer was immediately interfered with by Liu Suyin after Wei Wuyin's eyes brightened with excitement. If she allows this, it'll be fortunate if Wei Wuyin's mind isn't conditioned and controlled by this vixen. The young woman pouted slightly, putting on a cute appearance before Wei Wuyin, but those eyes of hers felt like vicious daggers to Liu Suyin.
Wei Wuyin was curious, "Things?"
"...!" Liu Suyin's eyes widened slightly. Was Wei Wuyin so weak-willed?! She was frustrated at Wei Wuyin falling victim to a charm spell, but it was infused with the spiritual power of a Soul of Mysticism Phase expert. She hadn't realized how unreasonable it was to be vexed that Wei Wuyin, a Seventh Stage Astral Core Realm junior, was unlikely to defend against an Ascended being's mental assault.
The woman blushed slightly as she glanced slightly at Wei Wuyin's groin, "things…yes." Her bashful and seductive expression told of her intentions. While Ascended beings couldn't dual cultivate safely with mortals without specific conditions, there were other ways to serve someone, especially a beautiful woman to a hot-blooded, virile young man.
Wei Wuyin's mind was thoroughly shaken. In truth, he didn't understand why this woman was being so forward, resorting to using a charm spell. While he was a Mortal Sovereign Alchemist, the outside world had alchemical legacies of cultivators like the King of Everlore, a Heavenly Alchemic Saint!
What would a Mortal Sovereign Alchemist be worth in a cultivation society like that? The World Between the Fold had at minimum three Worldly Saints, and the Voyage Academy of Myriad Transformations certainly had access to the world outside through Seekers and the City of Voyage. Was it due to his age? His existence as a mortal? He couldn't wait to learn why he was receiving such 'amazing' treatment.
Liu Suyin began to panic. If Wei Wuyin agreed, this was all but done. Moreover, they were in the academy's inner grounds. Not even Liu Yinlan dared to interfere. And it was true, Wei Wuyin hadn't immediately noticed, but the inspective force that enveloped him had vanished immediately after entering the academy. That said, it wasn't as if she didn't have any eyes or ears.
Abruptly, Wei Wuyin's enamored expression vanished, replaced with a sharp pair of narrowed eyes. The silver glimmer within them was exuding terrifying prestige, the Alchemic Stars of Mortal Spirituality once again manifested, but the seven-colored light was like a beam, inundating the woman in its dignified might. "You dare use a charm spell on me?!"
"Huh?" The young woman was astonished by Wei Wuyin's sharp tone, but as an Ascended being, she reacted quite swiftly. She didn't skip a single beat, lowering her head and apologizing. "Forgive me, Lord Alchemic Sovereign! I acted wrongly, taken over by my heartfelt admiration for your looks and ability." While her tone sounded genuine, it also felt practiced. A weird mixture that caused both Liu Suyin and Wei Wuyin to be astonished.
How many times has she tried this? Been caught? Or maybe she always expected it?
Liu Suyin's emotions soothed after seeing that Wei Wuyin hadn't fallen for such a low-tier seduction spell. She inwardly harrumphed, at least he was worthy of being a True Destined Voyager.
"...Let's see this Alchemic Clash then." Wei Wuyin said, realizing that his status and authority were extremely high despite not being a member of the academy—an unexpected outcome. And the young woman gave a pitiful, pleading smile, and nodded obediently. She led the two through the academy's grounds. The streets were bereft of anyone, the buildings empty and closed, and the air had a lingering scent of alchemical concoctions and metal.
"Be careful of those with ill-intentions here," Liu Suyin warned after they walked for roughly five minutes. She couldn't help but speak, her heart feeling slightly restless at the prospect of Wei Wuyin being taken elsewhere. After all, the World Between the Fold was complex, and the City of Endless or the Void Voyage Sect that operated out of it wasn't the only force present.
The City of Guardians had the Lunar Librarians, the Voyage Academy, the Guardians of Time, and the City Lord's Estate. Just these four, not a single one was inferior, and only the Guardians of Time couldn't acquire Wei Wuyin, making him equivalent to a True Destined Voyager with a different destiny. The fact that Liu Yinlan gave the okay to be here despite Wei Wuyin's outstanding talent in alchemy left her with a lump of curiosity. It was a little too risky.
The corner of the young woman's lips twitched imperceptibly.
Wei Wuyin gave Liu Suyin a reassuring smile. Wasn't he on guard against everyone with ill intentions? Including Liu Yinlan! "So, how come I can enter the Voyage Academy simply because I'm a Mortal Sovereign Alchemist?" Wei Wuyin realized that this walk was going to be long since they were literally trekking slowly towards the tower. It'll likely take three hours to get there, the most frustrating detail about the World Between the Fold's culture: walking.
"Oh?" The young woman was taken aback by Wei Wuyin's question. Shouldn't he know? She turned to Liu Suyin, whose expression was unreadable, and then turned to Wei Wuyin and smiled. She showed off a good angle of her face with this movement and smile, explaining: "All Creationists are members of the Voyage Academy of Myriad Transformations by default within the World Between the Folds.
"Your position is dependent on your level of skill; Mortal Sovereign Alchemists are all Dao Instructors, the highest level of an instructor's status within the sect. To put it simply, they're like head teachers of normal academies. They have their own building, their own practice, can take students, teach a crafted curriculum tailored by themselves, and even compete using their students for additional benefits and prestige.
"All those of a certain status automatically receive a base stipend, including rights to use certain formations and arrays for their concoctions, forging, or studies. Within the World Between the Fold, there's no greater place for Creationists than the academy."
"Dao Instructor?" Wei Wuyin was intrigued by this prospect. Moreover, this was such a novel approach towards teaching, essentially making all those within the world skilled enough teachers, luring them in with status, resources, and power.
"What about Alchemic Saints?" Wei Wuyin inquired.
Liu Suyin chimed, "Those who become Alchemic Saints are sent out of the World Between the Fold; they aren't allowed to stay here unless under a special circumstance, to which an Ascended Sovereign must grant an exemption." As if her position as head explainer was threatened, Liu Suyin clarified Wei Wuyin's question.
The young woman was unbothered by the interruption, nodding after Liu Suyin's explanation. "I didn't expect that a Destined could become a Mortal Sovereign Alchemist; they typically focus on the Law of Space, losing their brains' ability to think of anything else."
"..." Liu Suyin's eyes squinted. The shade thrown was quite clear in those words.
Wei Wuyin frowned, "Wasn't it only Worldly Alchemic Saints who are granted the ability to leave? When did it become all Alchemic Saints?" Since the Sealed Regions had three Earthly Saint Alchemists, it contradicted his belief. Unless the three all decided to voluntarily stay?
"That's only for Destined, Seekers, and those within the Sealed Region; the general populace of the World Between the Fold isn't governed by such elevated restrictions." The young woman answered with a tinge of pity. "Those Destined and Seekers who become Alchemic Saints, they are 'bestowed' the duty of nurturing the future defenders of the greater world."
"..." Wei Wuyin understood the implications in her words. Those Destined and Seekers were forever shackled by their obligations and oaths, even if they become Alchemic Saints, and they'll be reduced to using their talents to nurture the future generation. Just from the implied direction of the conversation, there was no Alchemic Sovereign in the Voyage Academy of Myriad Transformations, at least none with the status of a Dao Instructor.
They must've been pulled away by their City Lords, segregated from the academy.
"Is the head of the academy not an Alchemic Saint?" Wei Wuyin asked curiously.
"Hm?" The woman exclaimed amusingly, answering with: "Lord Alchemic Sovereign, this is an academy for 'Creationists', not just Alchemists." It was hard to hold a grudge as she brightly smiled. "The Head of the Academy is Scholar of the Myriad Transformations, expertly gifted in the study of the various Daos of Creationists, renowned for creating unique concoction methods, cultivation methods, spells, arts, formations, arrays, and armament designs. She's not singularly focused."
Wei Wuyin's heart was swiftly brought to awe by the description and was blessed with a reminder that this was an academy, not an Alchemist Association. For so long Alchemists reigned supreme in the societies he was exposed to and this inadvertently led him to believe in his heart that its leader must be an alchemist.
"I see…" Wei Wuyin was happy that his horizons were expanded here, but also felt a sense of inferiority swelling within his heart.
"A dabbler of the theoretical, be mindful of this as well." Liu Suyin softly reminded Wei Wuyin, breaking him out of a reverie of awe and amazement. Instantly, he realized that the Head of the Academy was studying these things, not actually practical experience. Even if she understood the principles to conceive an effective ninth-grade product, she might not be able to create it herself.
His expectations of the loftiness of that type of occupation were lowered to realistic levels thanks to Liu Suyin. He gratefully nodded to her. Thanks to the Sacred Library, as long as he had time, wouldn't he similarly obtain the title of a Scholar of Myriad Transformations? At least to a certain extent.
They continued to talk for quite a while and Wei Wuyin learned the name of the woman—Cao Cuifen.
Wei Wuyin learned a lot more about what it meant to be a Dao Instructor and even learned that his badge of proof was his Alchemic Stars of Mortal Spirituality. Since it cost nothing to evoke it, he could show it freely. Typically, Mortal Sovereign Alchemists have it constantly manifested as their show of status and position.
He also learned that the academy will give him back pay in wages for the number of months he's been a Mortal Sovereign Alchemist. So in a way, Wei Wuyin had a hump of wealth simply laying around waiting for him to claim it.
Wei Wuyin also learned that he wasn't the only 'mortal' Mortal Sovereign Alchemist in the World Between the Fold, and while he was a rarity due to his young age, it wasn't much as each of those mortals all had Alchemic Astral Souls and outstanding Alchemic Talent.
In fact, the current Alchemic Clash was a battle between two Alchemic Astral Soul possessing Alchemists, both mortals, and they were fighting for the right to earn the 13th Rank of Dao Sovereign Ranking, a list ranking the top twenty Mortal Sovereign Alchemists based on points gained from their clash victories, successful concoctions, and their students' test scores.
Soon, after walking for hours, Wei Wuyin was shocked that they detoured, not arriving at the tower, but at the grand coliseum at its side. It rumbled slightly as voices echoed out. It was clear discussions were running rampant.
The size was gargantuan, capable of containing millions comfortably, but it was easily missable from a distance due to the sheer magnitude of the silver tower's sky-reaching grandeur.
When they entered, they were only allowed in by the Demi-Mortal Lord guards after Wei Wuyin revealed his Alchemic Stars, and their expressions became immensely respectful. It was still strange to see this reaction from Ascended beings given that Mortal Sovereign Alchemists could only concoct ninth-grade products.
It was only when Liu Suyin reminded Wei Wuyin that Alchemists can, in a joint effort, concoct pills greater than their ranking suggested. This was something Wei Wuyin already knew but never tried, always relying on himself, and so it was always a lingering shadow, unnoticed in his thoughts. But, he knew he had to start trying to utilize this united power one day.
If he could use the Mortal Sovereign Alchemists of the Ma Clan and True Element Sect to concoct a Mystic-Earth grade product, this could have great implications for his cultivation when he ascended beyond the Mortal Dao and his study of the Alchemic Dao.
As they were escorted inside by the armored guards, they entered the coliseum stands to witness a large, excited crowd that was discussing animatedly amongst themselves as the center platform was flowing with Utmost Purity Mist. Two figures were concocting, and a thin film of energy, likely a one-way ward blocking off sight and sound, was erected over the entire platform in a wide dome.
When Wei Wuyin saw those two figures, his expression dramatically changed. "It's her?!"