One-Eyed Monster

Kuyi Tulan found Guru Mountain increasingly unusual. Initially, he had considered it just one of the Kayne Empire's many undeveloped mountains, believing the tales of monsters and White Cloud Fruits were mere gimmicks to attract people. After all, this mountain range, despite its mythical White Cloud Fruits, hadn't piqued the curiosity of the Imperial Royal Family. Nor had it interested mainstream professionals like those from the Imperial Alchemy Workshop or the Wizard Alliance. It certainly hadn't attracted the attention of restless folk groups within the Empire, such as the Dark Cabinet or the hounds. In his eyes, this mountain was just a trivial playground for dreamers yearning to strike it rich. No matter how stirring its legends were, they wouldn't cause a ripple within the Empire. But he never would have imagined encountering Dead Objects on this unremarkable mountain range. On the map of the Empire, Guru Mountain was merely a simple Symbol. It was unmarked, without any annotations, appearing like a child forgotten by the Empire, lying desolate and unnoticed on the edge of the map.

Kuyi Tulan came to this mountain because he had received reliable information that his mentor resided here. Although he had doubted the information's credibility, he was dispirited at the time and felt he had no choice but to believe it. Firstly, the information came from the Black Crow, a clandestine dark force within the Empire. Messages from the Crows of this organization were always noteworthy, regardless of their perceived credibility. Secondly, Kuyi Tulan and the Alchemy Workshop supporting him had exerted significant effort but had failed to uncover even the slightest trace of his old mentor. This left them feeling a baffling sense of helplessness. Lastly, the seasoned Kuyi Tulan always believed that the most unexpected things often occurred in the least likely places. And indeed, the unexpected had happened.

Kuyi Tulan hadn't anticipated that the Alchemy Workshop's grand alchemy array would encounter difficulties during its setup. Evidently, this mountain concealed some unknown secrets.

He also hadn't anticipated the appearance of completely Dead Objects on this mountain.

His astonishment was no less profound than when he heard Milo's message concerning his mentor.

To an Alchemist, fewer impurities in an object meant higher purity.

However, a stone block devoid of any Spirit Power was even more astonishing. An object without Spirit was a completely Dead Object. This implied that certain internal layers of the object possessed one hundred percent purity. What purpose could such a pure object serve? Scholars across the continent had not yet found an answer.

Yet now, individuals on Guru Mountain were openly purchasing these Dead Objects. This seemingly mundane act was layered with complex, hidden motives. Someone clearly knew more about these Dead Objects than the Alchemists from the Alchemy Workshop! This was an incredible revelation! On some level, those purchasing these strange objects, devoid of any Spirit Sensing, knew exactly what they were capable of.

The more Kuyi Tulan pondered, the more extraordinary Guru Mountain seemed.

This, in a way, confirmed his notion that the most unexpected things occurred in the least likely places.

Could the difficulties encountered with the alchemy array formation be related to these completely Dead Objects?

The more Kuyi Tulan considered it, the more he felt something was amiss. Guru Mountain seemed increasingly less mundane, as if something new and astonishing transpired daily.

As he was lost in thought, Kuyi Tulan suddenly experienced an unsettling feeling. The discomfort was comparable to the feeling after the Alchemy Workshop had lost a crucial battle.

This unease was like a hooked fish, struggling relentlessly.

Suddenly, it struck him: the message about Guru Mountain from the Black Crow was bait! This bait had successfully lured him and the Alchemy Workshop. Now, they were like hooked fish; no matter how vehemently they struggled, the hook held them firmly.

As the Chief of the Alchemy Workshop, Kuyi Tulan felt it necessary to thoroughly analyze this situation.

After some thought, he realized the Black Crow's message was likely a long line cast to catch a big fish.

Although he couldn't yet determine who was pulling the strings, one thing became clear: This mountain definitely hides some unknown secrets, and the person or organization wanting to uncover them is seeking the Imperial Alchemy Workshop's help through various means.

Since this unknown adversary wants to use me, I'll play dumb for now.

Kuyi Tulan quietly toyed with the stone in his hand, his gaze fixed on Guru Mountain in the distance.

The mountain range appeared unusually tranquil in the winter season, but Kuyi Tulan couldn't know if any indigenous Living Beings still inhabited it. The mountain seemed full of vitality, yet who would have thought completely Dead Objects resided within?

Regardless, the Alchemy Workshop's plans now needed revision.

Kuyi Tulan could see from the expressions of Milo and the other occupants of the Golden Seats the impact these completely Dead Objects had on them. No one wanted to believe that such rare Dead Objects were actually appearing on a mountain range the Empire itself largely ignored.

Dead Objects possessed no economic value, and no merchant would pay a high price for them. This further hinted at the complex intentions of those buying these stone blocks at the foot of the mountain.

After discussing with the Alchemists of the Golden Seats, the Chief of the Alchemy Workshop adjusted the plan.

I cannot tolerate the Alchemy Workshop being used by an unknown enemy. I must retaliate.

Subsequently, the Heaven and Earth Bind Array on Guru Mountain would be upgraded by another level. The unseen 'fisherman' would then face the baptism of the Empire's most elite forces.

"Mentor, look. If we merely endure and retreat, we'll be led around by the nose like oxen," Kuyi Tulan said, pulling out the oft-read letter and beginning to mumble to himself again.

"Thanks to your guidance, as Chief Alchemist, I will not disappoint your expectations. The Alchemy Workshop will surely reach the highest echelons of the Empire. Your name will be praised by all; after all, we are mentor and student."

He unfurled the letter, reading each word again. An eerie silence permeated this brief reading; not even a gust of wind disturbed the unusual tranquility.

"It's a pity," Kuyi Tulan said, folding the letter. "Mentor, you have aged. You always hold such stubborn views about the past. Times change, and we cannot halt our progress."

"You see, Mentor," he continued, "we are not enemies; we simply have differing opinions."