The most shameless alchemist in history

"But everyone else has been teleported away, so why weren't we teleported away?" Kerry asked, puzzled.

"Perhaps our names weren't on their invitation?" Leon said with a half-smile.

"They didn't invite us? Really?" Kerry didn't quite believe Leon's words.

“It’s because we have this.” Leon pulled a gold coin from his pocket and waved it in front of Kerry.

"Gold coins? If you have gold coins, you won't be teleported away? But there are tens of thousands of people in the entire Storm City. It's impossible that everyone is without gold coins, right?" Kerry still didn't believe it. Although gold coins, as a form of currency, didn't circulate as widely as silver coins, there should still be one or two people out of every hundred who had some.

Moreover, many of the people gathered in Lan City this time are big merchants.

“This is certainly not an ordinary gold coin. Would you believe me if I said it’s a gold coin that can be traded with the gods?” Leon asked with a smile.

"Making a deal with a god? Are there really gods in this world?" Kerry frowned and shook his head.

“Yes, I’ve seen it with my own eyes,” Lyon replied softly.

.vertex

Let's try for 550.

While Dure and his group were wandering around the Golden Castle, Jin went straight to an inconspicuous room inside the castle. His purpose was very clear. Almost immediately after the countdown began, he only stayed for a few minutes before heading straight into the room.

The room was very dark, and it was impossible to see anything around it. Even though the golden light outside was dazzling, it was still very dark inside. It wasn't until Jin's confidant lit a candlestick and brought it over that, by the light of the candle, it was finally possible to see what was around it. Although the room looked very inconspicuous from the outside.

The entrance was narrow and cluttered with miscellaneous items. Inside, it was pitch black, but there was something in the room that couldn't be ignored: a secret entrance. Jin and his confidant went inside. It was quiet all around. He walked at a moderate pace, each step perfectly timed.

“I never expected there to be such a place in the Golden Castle. If it weren’t for you using your ‘eyes’ power, young master, we really wouldn’t have found this place. But is there really something like what you said up ahead?” the confidant asked cautiously from the side.

"The fifth test is about vision. Ababa's goal is to find someone with exceptional vision who is worthy of his daughter. In this vast golden castle, there are indeed many valuable things, including antiques and jewelry—you name it, they have it all," Jin said calmly.

"Yes, I've truly had my eyes opened this time. At first, I thought those paintings were just for show and not real, but after careful examination, they were all genuine! Moreover, some paintings that should have been lost to history have actually appeared in the Golden Castle. If this gets out, it will definitely cause a sensation! By the way, young master, if you trust me, I can select the most valuable paintings for you."

The confidant confidently asserted that although he mostly played the role of a lackey, serving Jin faithfully, he actually had a very sharp eye, especially in appreciating paintings, where he had reached the level of a first-rate master.

"Do you think those paintings are the most valuable things?" Jin asked him in return.

"Well... paintings are valuable if someone buys them, and worthless if no one buys them." The confidant originally wanted to say that only a blind person wouldn't buy them, and that he would sell everything he owned to buy them if no one bought them! However, considering that Jin was there, he had to change his mind.

“No matter how valuable a painting is, it’s just an ornament. It can’t bring any real power. If you focus your vision on such things, you won’t accomplish anything great. If you really want to do great things, your vision must be more precise. You must be able to identify things that are more powerful,” Jin continued.

"Something with power? Young master, you mean..." The confidant rubbed his hands together. He could tell that Jin was a little agitated, even though the latter was trying his best to control his emotions and there was no outward sign of any emotion.

However, his confidant had no other merits, but having followed Jin for so long, he was observant and could detect Jin's unusual behavior.

“Let’s keep going. I’ve already seen it. That thing is just ahead. As long as we get it and give it as a gift, this matchmaking event will be over.” Jin didn’t tell his confidant what was ahead, not because he was deliberately hiding it.

He himself didn't know where the passage led or what was at the end.

"Then I congratulate you in advance, young master. Victory will ultimately be yours." The confidant knew that Jin was not joking. He and Jin continued forward, and soon their figures, along with the faint light of the fire, disappeared into the deep darkness.

Meanwhile, time passed by second by second, and two hours soon had less than ten minutes left. Du Lei continued to walk slowly, with the same expression he had from the beginning. At that time, Kotetsu and Hyobi were also very excited, but now they were extremely anxious.

"Hey, boss Hu Che, what's wrong with that kid Du Lei? The deadline is almost here, why isn't he saying anything? This won't do, that won't do. Hasn't he read a lot of books? Doesn't he know what's valuable?"

Leopard Tail complained unhappily. It was true that they had seen a lot of things in the nearly two hours, but every time he enthusiastically picked up these things in his hands, intending to use them as gifts for the fifth round, Dure shook his head and told him to put them down.

At first, Leopard Tail thought it was because these things weren't valuable enough, and he was looking forward to the next more valuable item. But after two hours, Dure had made him put down dozens of items, and in the end, he only had that one painting by Da Vinci in his hand, which annoyed him.

"Well... I'm not too sure either. Maybe he has his own plans?" Kotetsu glanced at Durei. He couldn't figure out what the guy was up to either. He shook his head, unable to give Leopard Tail a definite answer.

"We've come this far with great difficulty, is he thinking of giving up?" Leopard Tail was getting anxious. They had made it to the fifth round, the final stage, and had overcome numerous obstacles. Now that they were about to succeed, Du Lei seemed to be giving up.

“But Leopard Tail, have you considered this question?” Kotetsu said, composing himself.

"What's the problem?" Leopard Tail asked.

"If we—I mean, if Dure wins the matchmaking event, won't he have to marry Ababa's daughter? After the wedding, will he continue to stay with us?" Kotetsu asked seriously.

"Huh? Boss Kotetsu, you suddenly said that... If he gets married and becomes the son-in-law of that rich man Ababa, then he won't need to pursue anything in his life anymore, he'll be at the pinnacle of success right away, and he definitely won't continue with us to Rock City, right?" Leopard Tail thought about it carefully.

This was the most realistic possibility he could think of.

"Do you really think Dure will do that?" Kotetsu frowned and continued to ask.

"What's the difference between true and false? If it were me, I wouldn't even continue. If you reach the pinnacle of life right away, how could you possibly have a better life?" Leopard Tail said with righteous indignation.

“Now that you’ve made it to the fifth round, you can give it a shot,” Kotetsu said, staring at him.

"Boss Kotetsu, you want me to fight for it? You must be mistaken. Fight for it? What do I have to fight for it with? Besides, you know how I got to this fifth round. I wouldn't even think about something like that. I'll just honestly escort Miss Winry to Rock City. Among us, the only one who has a chance of achieving the Great Perfection is Dure, isn't he?" Leopard Tail was very self-aware.

He watched Dure's retreating figure. Time was almost up. What was this guy thinking?

551 Sky Star

Two hours passed quickly, and the people who had been scattered in various corners of the castle searching for gifts soon returned to the castle hall. At this time, in addition to the ten people who entered the fifth round, hundreds of people had gathered in the hall.

After all, it wasn't just the ten of them who came to the Golden Castle. Under Ababa's generous efforts, tens of thousands of people from the vast Storm City were teleported into the Golden Castle. The main hall couldn't accommodate so many people, and the vast majority of them waited for the final result on the outside.

Those who could enter the hall were all celebrities. Under the gaze of hundreds of people, the staff slowly walked onto the stage.

"Everyone, the time is up now. I believe you have all found the gifts you intend to give to Miss Ellie, so please bring them up now and describe the gifts you have found in detail, so we can see if Miss Ellie likes them." The staff member waved his hand.

Soon someone walked over first, carrying a long, rectangular box in his hand; it was unclear what it contained.

"Oh, is it finally the final stage? The ultimate winner will be revealed soon. Although I fell in the second round and becoming Mr. Ababa's son-in-law is out of the question, I'm still quite looking forward to seeing who will have the last laugh." Someone was watching the progress with bated breath.

"You don't know this, do you? Of the ten people who made it to the fifth round, half of them are from Jin, the son of that guy Faros. He practically had his spot decided from the start of the matchmaking event. The others were just there for the fun of it all," someone who knew the inside story said.

"No way, isn't that too unfair? Aren't there other people? Even if they all work together, they can't beat Jin, right? This kind of matchmaking event is so boring." Some people also expressed different opinions, whispering among themselves.

"Fairness and all that... you'll see as you watch. In short, that guy is one of Jin's men, and he's just going through the motions."

Some people pointed out the background of the first contestant who stepped forward, since those who could appear in the hall were not ordinary people, but celebrities.

As celebrities, they naturally have more access to information and more news than ordinary people.

As the celebrities had predicted, the first three people were indeed just going through the motions. Although the items they selected were incredibly valuable, each one a rare and exquisite treasure that would shock the world, they seemed rather meager to the Golden City.

Until the fourth person appeared.

"Next up is Mr. Copper Pot Lid. I wonder what kind of gift Mr. Copper Pot Lid has prepared for Miss Ellie?" the staff member asked.

Copper Pot Lid was a short, stout young man with a flat hat on his head and a pot lid on his back, which was probably why he was called that. When he came out, he caused a burst of laughter, after all, he was too ordinary in both figure and appearance.

Let alone being matched with someone of the caliber of Ababa's daughter, even ordinary families on the street would probably look down on him.

Yet, this very person managed to advance to the fifth round. It's not impossible that there wasn't any jealousy among the laughing crowd.

"This is a gift for Miss Ellie." The copper pot lid was handed over with a box, which the staff opened.

"Hey, what's that? It looks all dark. Is that short, fat guy kidding me? Giving something like that to Miss Ellie?"

"Fatty, get down here right now. You have no taste and you're picking out such junk. It's shameful."

Some people below started to jeer. They had a strong prejudice against copper pot lid from the beginning. Now that what copper pot lid had brought out looked like a lump of black mud, it naturally amplified their prejudice. Could this thing really be called a gift?

"Um... everyone, please calm down. Mr. Copper Pot Lid, could you please explain this gift?" The staff member was somewhat embarrassed by the situation. He routinely asked about the copper pot lid and the gift, hoping to get an explanation.

The copper pot lid glanced around, and facing hundreds of mocking eyes, he said nothing. He simply stepped forward and placed his hand on the surface of the dark mass. Soon, a faint light appeared.

"Look over there! What's that? What's that light?" Someone noticed this and immediately asked.

"Look at that lump of mud, it's glowing! Wait, that shimmering light, am I seeing things?" someone exclaimed, wide-eyed.

What was originally a dark, mushy mass in their sight quickly lost its blackness and revealed a dazzling brilliance. The blackness faded, revealing its original form: a sparkling gem!

"Hey, that luster... could it be that famous gem that's been lost to history?" someone suddenly thought of something.

"What gemstone? There are so many gemstones, which one are you referring to?" Some people asked, hoping for an answer.

"Speaking of gemstones, the most famous one must be the Star of the Sky, there's no mistake, that color is exactly the same as described in the records!"

Someone shouted excitedly. Among the celebrities present were many passionate gem enthusiasts, including renowned collectors.

The fact that this authoritative figure uttered the phrase "Star of the Sky" immediately caused a huge uproar.

"What? The Star of the Sky has actually reappeared? Wasn't it long lost to history? How could it have reappeared on Earth?"

"Giving Miss Ellie the Star of the Sky as a proposal gift... that's absolutely perfect!"

Those who were initially prejudiced against copper pot lids were filled with admiration upon seeing this.

Although they still didn't think the copper pot lid was a good match for Miss Ellie, at least his taste in choosing a gift was appreciated.

"Oh, how amazing! Is this such a dazzling gem a gift you gave to Miss Ellie?" The staff member was also taken aback by the gem and asked the copper pot lid for its opinion again.

“Yes, this is my gift to Miss Ellie. Only the Star of the Sky is worthy of Miss Ellie, who is as beautiful and clear as the sky.” The copper pot lid nodded heavily and quickly stepped aside.

He knew his chances of ultimately winning were slim, but just getting here was a victory in itself.

His own victory.

"Okay, thank you for the gift, Mr. Copper Pot Lid. Next up is... Mr. Ji, what gift do you have this time?"

The staff gestured for the next contestant to come forward.

.vertex

552 A dagger

Of the ten people who made it to the fifth round, Du Lei and Kotetsu took four spots. Of course, Kotetsu, Hyo-o and Ape Arm were able to get through all the rounds to this point largely thanks to Du Lei's help, and Jin also took four spots.

Jin's method of obtaining a spot was also simple and brutal. He was determined to win this matchmaking event and arranged for a large number of people to participate. His method of suppressing competitors was very direct: either bribery or threats. After all, many of the contestants were clear-headed and not blindly optimistic.

They knew it would be too difficult to win in the end. Rather than risk offending Jin, they would rather accept Jin's benefits and withdraw, or directly do things for Jin. If Du Lei hadn't interfered, Jin could have almost taken all the spots in the fifth round and ended the matchmaking event ahead of time.

The reason I say "almost" is because, besides him and Du Lei, there were two other troublemakers. One was the copper pot lid who had previously presented the Star of the Sky, which shocked everyone. The other was Ji, who had just come on stage and became the focus of everyone's attention.

Compared to the short stature and unremarkable appearance of the man with the copper pot lid, who was about 1.75 meters tall, he wore a black bodysuit, unlike the other people in the room who were dressed in formal attire. He was very young, not even twenty years old, with black hair and a chiseled face.

He stood there like a sharp knife. The celebrities who dared to laugh at the copper pot lid earlier, but seeing Ji's murderous look, most of them chose to remain silent. There were also some stubborn ones who cursed from below the stage for putting on airs.

But soon a throwing knife flew by and cut off a tuft of hair from the man's head, which startled him and made him break out in a cold sweat.

"This is Miss Ellie's wedding venue. If you have any personal grudges, please settle them outside. If you resort to violence here, you will be disqualified." The staff member was also surprised by Ji's decisive action and gave him a serious reminder.

"It's just a noisy fly. It's really offensive to have it at Miss Ellie's wedding. Dealing with a fly shouldn't be enough to disqualify you, right?" Ji replied expressionlessly. Soon, a staff member ran over to the unfortunate guy who almost had his throat slit.

Only after the staff pulled out the dagger that had been thrown did they realize that there was indeed a fly stuck in the tip.