Chapter 67

Chapter 67

Eve seemed stunned by Gu Zhaoxi's sudden words, silently staring at her for a long moment. To her surprise, Gu Zhaoxi wasn't angry at all—instead, she seemed to have found a prized catch and even invited Eve to become her disciple.

Eve was indifferent about who she apprenticed under, but just as she was about to speak, a prickling sensation crawled up her spine. She couldn't help but recall Agnes on the Venomstar spaceship—those bloodshot eyes fixed on her during their parting, words gritted through teeth filled with sheer unwillingness.

"..."

Forget it. She was already buried in debt; no need to drag others into the mess.

Her gaze darted around evasively, unable to meet Gu Zhaoxi's eyes directly. Guiltily, she murmured, "Perhaps you should keep your promise about taking a closed-door disciple. I lack talent, and I likely don't deserve your guidance."

Gu Zhaoxi let out a soft chuckle. She knew Eve's humble refusal was just a polite way of saying no. But having lived as long as she had, she wasn't easily angered by such trivial matters.

With practiced ease, she mixed herself a pale golden liquor, adding a decorative leaf. She looked like a regular at the bar, yet carried an air of refined quality that seemed out of place in such an environment. Once finished, she extended a hand toward Eve. "Didn't you want to ask me something? Do you have the formula with you? Let me take a look."

Having come this far, Eve didn't hesitate any longer. She tapped the counter and said frankly, "I didn't bring the original formula—do you have pen and paper here?"

The original copy of Cionanado's manuscript was still in the Medici Family's library. She had gone through the effort of memorizing the book earlier—high-level mental power had its perks, making memorization quicker and easier than for most people.

Not many in the Interstellar Era still used pen and paper, but Alchemists largely retained the habit. Gu Zhaoxi rummaged through her pocket and pulled out a folded notepad paper and a platinum pen, handing them over. She then leaned on the counter, watching Eve's pen move swiftly across the paper, and asked idly, "You still haven't told me your name, have you?"

Eve paused her writing. Hadn't Luo Lin told her?

But upon second thought, she understood—Luo Lin was cautious and reserved in her ways, likely assuming Eve operated under an alias outside and leaving room for adjustments.

Although news of Eve Medici's disappearance hadn't spread widely yet, Eve figured she might as well be considered as good as dead.

She couldn't use that name.

But using the name Lu Qing came with its own problems. If Gu Zhaoxi recognized the formula as from Cionanado's manuscript, she would undoubtedly question how Eve had access to it.

After a moment's consideration, Eve finally said, "My name is Lu Qing."

Whatever—if Gu Zhaoxi had an unusual reaction, it would only mean she knew about Cionanado's manuscript being in the Medici Family's library, which would imply she was involved in something shady. In that case, cleaning up her own mess would take priority over anything else.

Gu Zhaoxi showed no reaction at the name. She hummed in acknowledgment and discreetly pulled out her terminal, accessing the Alchemist Association's backend system to search the registered Alchemist database for any matching names—but found none.

She weighed the possibilities: either this person was an unregistered rogue Alchemist, or she had given a fake name. If it were anyone else, Gu Zhaoxi would have firmly believed it was the latter, but the skill Eve had displayed earlier made the former seem plausible too.

"Hmph."

Eve, halfway through writing the formula from memory, heard Gu Zhaoxi emit an enigmatic sound and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Despite her words, her tone sounded slightly displeased.

Must be something going on, Eve thought.

But since she said it was nothing, it probably wasn't directed at her.

She wrote quickly, soon finishing the transcription. Lifting the paper, she blew on the still-wet ink before handing it to Gu Zhaoxi. "The potion is called Decomposition."

"..." Gu Zhaoxi's eyebrows twitched at the name, and upon seeing the cipher on the paper, she couldn't even manage a smile. Her expression turned unreadable, but she was more cautious than Louis, maintaining her composure as she asked, "Where did you learn this formula?"

"I borrowed the book from Luo Lin," Eve said.

She banked on Gu Zhaoxi not knowing the Medici Family's internal rules—which prohibited unauthorized lending of family library books—and boldly lied.

But instead of showing the guilt or displeasure Eve expected, Gu Zhaoxi's mouth twitched strangely.

"You actually managed to memorize the formulas from that book..."

Her voice was soft, almost unnerving. After a brief glance at the formula, she paused, then smiled and asked, "What do you think of the book—any thoughts on what's written in its preface?"

Eve was momentarily baffled by her approach. Was this an admission that Gu Zhaoxi was the one who placed the book on the Medici Family's shelf?

After some thought, she tactfully replied, "I've heard some matters aren't meant to be disclosed. We're still in public, after all."

Meaning she was reluctant to speak openly outside.

Gu Zhaoxi understood the implication perfectly and laughed. This was her territory; she could say whatever she wanted without worrying about others.

Besides, the Alchemist Association's rules were mostly meant to sanction newly promoted Four-Star Alchemists who hadn't even touched the threshold of Five-Star. Old hands like her had plenty of ways and excuses to handle such things.

But seeing her new young friend looking nervous—even though she knew Eve's earlier display suggested she wasn't as harmless as she seemed—Gu Zhaoxi obligingly changed the subject. "It's fine. If it's inconvenient, we don't have to talk about it."

"Though I didn't expect," Gu Zhaoxi's grass-green eyes shifted slightly, focusing on Eve, "that you refused to become my disciple because you already have a teacher?"

Why did everyone assume she had a teacher?

Eve didn't understand how she deduced that, but in a way, she wasn't entirely wrong. To avoid further discussion about apprenticeship, Eve simply nodded. "Yes, I already have a teacher."

"That's easy to fix. Just for that," Gu Zhaoxi said dismissively, pursing her lips, "break it off with your teacher. She's definitely not as good as me."

Eve: "..."

She gave the green-haired Alchemist a thorough look up and down, thinking incredulously, Does this person even know that the shield I'm using is Agnes?

Quietly averting her gaze, Eve didn't dare dwell on where Gu Zhaoxi got the confidence to say such a thing and could only manage to say, "The bond between teacher and student lasts beyond teaching. Let's just forget about it."

Having been rejected twice in a row, even Gu Zhaoxi felt she was feeling somewhat rejected. But she had disciples of her own and got along well with them, so she understood the bond between some masters and apprentices.

Resting her chin on her hand, she stirred the gin in her glass with a straw while listening to Eve calmly explain the potion's purpose and the issues she encountered. After a while, she lifted her eyelids and suddenly asked, "You've had contact with the Oliver Family?"

"You know about that?" Eve was taken aback.

But she quickly realized—the Oliver Family must have consulted countless famous doctors and Alchemists over the years. If Gu Zhaoxi was a renowned Senior Alchemist, it made sense she might have been invited to examine Lorca.

Her description had been fairly obvious, so it was no surprise Gu Zhaoxi recognized it.

Gu Zhaoxi placed the formula back in Eve's hand. "If it's for that young master, then abandon this approach. The Decomposition Potion is extremely potent—just enduring it would nearly kill him."

"I've already prepared a recuperation plan for him."

"Don't you find it troublesome? His broken body is beyond recuperation no matter what."

The green-haired Alchemist turned to look at her, a peculiar gleam in her eyes. "You're unaware of the inner workings of the alchemy world, which is why you took this on. Even ignoring the underlying circumstances, the neurotoxin properties of that poison are troublesome enough—directly targeting the spirit body—and it's highly contagious. Any Alchemist without sufficient mental strength would just be accompanying him to death by getting involved. Those with enough strength are all too protective of their reputation—who would dare touch that cursed thing?"

Eve briefly reflected and realized it was true.

But then Gu Zhaoxi suddenly changed tack. "If there's anyone who could suppress this toxin, among the empire's Senior Alchemists, I only know of one."

A familiar premonition washed over Eve. She swallowed and cautiously probed, "Who?"

"A strange woman. Strictly speaking, she isn't even human. You don't seem to know much about Five-Star Alchemists, do you? Then you probably haven't heard of her."

Gu Zhaoxi shrugged, her tone a mix of regret and mischief. "She has some conflict with that certain person from the Oliver Family. That petty blind man would never let her set foot in the Oliver Family. Of course, I'm only telling you this as casual conversation—my main point is to advise you not to get involved in this mess."

This time, Eve fell silent for a long time before finally saying, "But I can't give up."

"Why?" Gu Zhaoxi asked with interest, "Did you sign a pledge of honor with the Oliver Family?"

Because she was confident she could resolve it and couldn't stand idly by watching such a young life perish.

Eve recalled Lorca's constantly pale, bloodless face and the burning will to survive in his eyes, unconsciously clenching her hand.

She felt some pity for him.

But in the end, she said, "...Because I need the support of the Oliver Family's influence."

Gu Zhaoxi wore an ‘I knew it’ expression.

Eve lowered her head and thought for a moment. The other party's mention of Agnes had stirred up some memories, and just then, a new idea suddenly occurred to her: "Speaking of which, can alchemy potions and pre-set external cipher patterns be converted, right?"

"Yes, but that's an ability only Senior Alchemists can master."

"Then if I don't let him drink the potion directly, but instead convert it into a cipher inscription on an external object, would it still work?"

"I knew you had this idea," Gu Zhaoxi said, rubbing her forehead helplessly. "Let me dampen your spirits: different modes of spells are not easy to convert, let alone the Decomposition Potion, which is a top-tier even among advanced potions. This formula was personally developed by that individual. Transforming it into an inscription format won't be easy; even I can't guarantee a hundred percent success."

"That's exactly why I want to seek your help."

Eve looked at her, even using formal language, and said sincerely, "I've learned a little about this, but it's far from enough. I hope to receive your guidance."

"Oh? But I'm afraid that wouldn't be appropriate."

Gu Zhaoxi leaned in with a smile, her fingertip playfully grazing Eve's chin, and said deliberately, "We're not teacher and student—it's not proper. Why should I teach you?"

"Can't it be some other relationship besides master and apprentice?" Eve looked at her steadily, her eyes dark and bright. "For example, friends doing favors for each other?"

"Ha ha ha ha!"

Gu Zhaoxi was amused by the youngster’s bold words, laughing so hard she bent over. "You really know how to joke—or are you serious?"

"Of course, I'm sincere."

Eve looked at her, her voice earnest. Gu Zhaoxi then slipped an arm around her neck. It was strange; this person didn't flatter or cater to her like others did, yet Gu Zhaoxi felt an inexplicable closeness to her.

Maybe those chosen by that person really have something special?

"Fine, I'll give you a chance. After all, that guy is now considered a flagship challenge in our alchemy world. It's good for young people like you to have the courage to challenge and solve problems."

Gu Zhaoxi finally stopped laughing. Their heads were close together, looking quite chummy, and she said cheerfully, "I'm free, and I happen to be interested in you, so I'll help you. Come find me here at this time every Saturday, understood?"

"Understood."

"As for payment..." She pondered for a moment. "I can't think of anything right now, but remember you owe me a favor. I'll definitely collect it someday. After all, I'm free, and I can't think of anything I need from you right now."

-

By the time Eve returned, it was already afternoon. The Oliver Family was still as deserted as ever. Aside from the few servants and gardeners on daily duty, everyone else was silent, off attending to their own business.

She walked through the main hall toward the back. As she passed a seemingly ordinary gray door, Eve heard a heavy thud from inside, followed by a series of muffled, heavy blows.

Her curiosity had always been strong, and since this area was a public area, she pushed the door open upon hearing the noise. Inside was an extremely spacious training ground where two similarly equipped advanced mechas were battling.

The commotion was far louder than what could be heard outside, though most of the sound was blocked by the soundproof door.

Seeing Eve peering in from the door, Alice, who had just finished her training match, opened the one-way glass of her cockpit and called out happily, "Xiao Qing!"

Eve waved back, though her eyes couldn't help drifting toward the mechas.

It had been too long since she'd piloted a mecha; her fingers were itching to try.

"Want to take it for a spin?" Alice was good at reading people, and having worked with Eve for so long, she knew her fairly well. She smiled and invited, "Come on, take it for a spin. It's just Ludwig and me practicing here; there's no one else."

Ludwig happened to jump down from his mecha at that moment. He was wearing a black combat suit that outlined his lean, agile frame. Rubbing his neck as he walked over, he complained, "You shouldn't call me by my name directly. You should address me as Young Master."

"Hey, on paper, I'm the Madam's adopted daughter now. Strictly speaking, we're peers. I don't need to address you formally."

"Tsk, so rude," he finally made his way over and got a clear look at Eve's flashy getup. "Why are you dressed like that... and you smell of alcohol. You went bar-hopping during the day? What about my brother? What happens to him?"

Eve found Ludwig's words strange, as if she were some deadbeat husband who had dumped his frail wife at home to go out and party alone. She raised an eyebrow and said, "You're asking me? I'm just an alchemist responsible for treatment. Your brother is an adult; can't he survive without me?"

Her words were harsh, and Ludwig had never been one to tolerate anyone speaking ill of his brother. But he habitually avoided showing his emotions outright. Seeing Eve's gaze lingering on the two advanced mechas, he suddenly came up with an idea.

The gloom on his face cleared, and he looked back at Eve, generously saying, "Do you want to try piloting a mecha?"

The mischief in this kid's mind was practically written on his face.

Eve stared at him intently, a slight smile slowly curling at the corner of her mouth. She took the bait, saying, "If I want to, you'll let me?"

"Of course," Ludwig pretended to be generous as he stepped aside to make way for her. "The Oliver mechas are naturally available for family members to pilot."

He deliberately emphasized the phrase "family members" and exchanged a knowing look with Eve.

Only the two of them knew that the contract between the Oliver Family and Eve hadn't been signed yet. Strictly speaking, Eve wasn't officially part of the Oliver Family.

The young master said slowly, deliberately, "Speaking of the alchemy contract on the agreement..."

"Ha," Eve found it amusing. She never would have thought Ludwig would pull a stunt like this, actually wanting to challenge her in a mecha.

"I know what you mean."

Come to think of it, she had fought Cecil and Isabella, so she was naturally curious about the strength of the other two family heirs.

"Let's have a match," Eve narrowed her eyes. "Since you've even named your stakes, I'll wager a three-year contract. If I lose to you, I'll sign it. If I win, you arrange for someone to teach me how to make the contract. How about that?"

Ludwig's eyes lit up at her words; he had been waiting for this. "Then it's settled."

His plan was obvious: since her records didn't mention a specific Spiritual State and her spiritual power was only rated A, Ludwig had assumed Eve was double A-rated.

Double A was decent, but he himself was double S, and he thought it would be a simple case of a curbstomp.

Although Alice had never seen Eve pilot a mecha, she had total faith in Xiao Qing's abilities. Though she and Ludwig had been squabbling constantly these past couple of days, they had built up some bond. Seeing him so smug, she couldn't help but advise kindly:

"Maybe you should think again. Xiao Qing's combat skills are no worse than mine. You..."

"Alright, alright, I know."

Someone from a mercenary background would naturally have some self-defense skills, but Ludwig was confident in his elite upbringing. Only a true genius like Alice could match him, and besides...

"—But Lu Qing is, after all, an alchemist," Ludwig said. No matter how much he usually pretended, he was still a teenager raised in luxury, and his arrogance was hard to hide. He provocatively glanced sideways at Eve, "Don't worry, I know my limits. I'll go easy on you."

Alice had started learning alchemy by now, and hearing his remarks about alchemists made her uncomfortable. She frowned and was about to say "You..." when Eve stopped her.

She turned to look at Eve and saw that even the Luna Butterfly she hadn’t seen in ages had appeared, resting on Eve's shoulder.

After some training in Spiritual State Ability, Alice could recognize that the Luna Butterfly was currently hiding its presence.

She turned back to look at Ludwig, who was still completely unaware of the S-class Spiritual State's quiet appearance, maintaining his prim and proper act.

"..."

Alice's heart sank.

It sank in anticipation for Ludwig.

"Please don't hold back, young master," Eve chuckled softly, her mask casting a sharp, silver-white gleam as she tilted her head.

She blinked at Ludwig and said, "How can you improve without showing your real strength?"

"Please, do your absolute best. Don’t worry about whether I can handle it."

—Because she would absolutely pretend to train and then seize the chance to pummel her opponent relentlessly.