Chapter 94: Escaping From The Assassins.
"Young Master Wu, what a surprise visit," The Alchemist President said warmly as she rose from her seat.
Though she held the prestigious position of president of the Alchemist Association, even she felt that her fame and influence paled in comparison to Jun Wu’s rising reputation.
In recent weeks, countless factions had sought to curry favor with him.
The Array Plates he and Elder Peng produced had already shaken the entire city.
With the supply so limited and the demand reaching into the millions, people from every walk of life were waiting anxiously for even a single chance to purchase one.
Even the Alchemist Association itself had only managed to secure a small batch.
Yet those few plates had been enough for the elders to notice a tremendous improvement in their efficiency.
The Sound Barrier Arrays in particular had proven invaluable. By shielding alchemists from distraction, they allowed everyone to focus wholly on their research and pill refinement.
This alone had raised Jun Wu’s favorability within the association, cementing him as someone far more than just a rising name.
Watching the President, Jun Wu offered a calm smile. "President, I’ve come today because there is an important matter I need to discuss with you."
"Is that so?" The President arched a brow, skeptical but intrigued. She gestured politely to the empty seat before her.
Her gaze shifted briefly to the graceful young woman standing beside him.
From what she had learned, Xinyue was the manager of Jun Wu’s pavilion.
For the briefest moment, the President wondered.
’Is she his woman?’
But almost as quickly, she pushed the idle thought aside.
Xinyue, sensing the President’s glance, offered a sweet and courteous smile before lowering her eyes.
She followed Jun Wu as they sat down, her movements calm and composed.
Jun Wu, for his part, showed no sign of unease.
Though he had just evaded multiple groups of assassins outside, not a trace of tension clung to his expression.
He appeared entirely at ease, as if this meeting was the only thing occupying his thoughts.
"President," he said directly, wasting no time on pleasantries, "I need a batch of common pills. I also hope this matter can be kept discreet, away from prying eyes."
This request had originally been scheduled for later, after the hidden base was completed.
But with the current situation escalating, Jun Wu decided it was better to bring the matter forward.
The President studied his face carefully.
His serious tone left no room for doubt, he was not joking.
But confusion stirred in her mind.
Why would someone like Jun Wu, with such lofty ambitions, request a large order of common pills?
Maintaining her professional composure, she asked, "How many are you talking about?"
"Let’s start with one hundred of each pill," Jun Wu replied evenly.
"Hiss...!" The President sucked in a sharp breath, unable to mask her astonishment. ’So many? Is he preparing for war?’
There were dozens of common pills: the Recovery Pill, Detoxifying Pill, Healing Pill, Energy Nurturing Pill, and others.
To order a hundred of each was no small request. For a single person, the quantity was absurd.
She struggled to imagine what Jun Wu was planning.
"Is there a problem?" Jun Wu asked, his eyes steady as they settled on her.
"Not at all," the President quickly replied, shaking her head.
She didn’t attempt to hide her surprise, but she knew better than to pry into the secrets of someone like Jun Wu.
"When do you require the pills?" she asked instead.
Though they were the Alchemist Association, this didn’t mean they had such a vast stock lying idle.
Herbs used in pill refinement were difficult to procure. Even for them, preparing such a large order would require time.
Jun Wu thought for a moment before answering. "One month should be sufficient."
"Good," the President exhaled in relief. "That will give us enough time to prepare. We will make sure your request is fulfilled."
She was determined not to disappoint him, but also not to place her association in a desperate bind.
A month gave her the leeway she needed.
A few minutes later, the two sides finalized the deal, the terms sealed with mutual satisfaction.
Outside the Alchemist Association, the President personally escorted them to the entrance. Her face carried a bright smile, a rare show of genuine goodwill.
"President, you may return to your duties. From here, we can manage on our own," Jun Wu said politely.
"Very well. Young Master, I look forward to your open lecture," the President replied before turning back toward the hall.
As her figure disappeared from view, Jun Wu glanced at Xinyue. "Let’s return."
With a flick of his hand, he activated a Concealment Formation around them. He had learned from his earlier mistake, he would not allow himself to be exposed again so easily.
Outside, under the veil of night, the assassins had yet to disperse.
They searched the streets with growing frustration, unwilling to believe that their prey had truly vanished.
They scoured every corner, certain they would find some trace.
But none of them realized that Jun Wu and Xinyue were already walking past them, cloaked by the concealment formation.
A few minutes later, the pair stepped safely into the familiar walls of their mansion.
Inside, Xinyue finally allowed the question that had been burning in her chest to escape.
"Young Master... What is going on? Are we being targeted?"
Jun Wu gave a single nod. "Yes. There are at least three or four assassin groups aiming to capture us."
He explained without hesitation, not trying to keep her in the dark.
Xinyue’s eyes widened in shock.
"Three or four groups?! That many?" She hadn’t imagined that their beautiful evening stroll by the river had been shadowed by such danger.
Jun Wu’s voice turned firm. "From now on, whenever you go to the store, make sure either Mao Yun or Zhang Wei escorts you. Our enemies are growing impatient. We cannot afford to be careless."
Xinyue nodded with solemn determination.
She had no intention of becoming a burden to him. If being careful was the least she could do, then she would do it without fail.
Just as they reached the main courtyard, a figure emerged from the shadows. Elder Peng’s face was grim, his expression heavy with worry.
"Young Master," he said, his tone grave. "We have a problem."