Above The Sky
Chapter 168 - 168 157 Academy Route

168: Chapter 157: Academy Route?

NO!

(2/3) 168: Chapter 157: Academy Route?

NO!

(2/3) “Study at the Imperial Capital Royal Alchemy Academy?”

Upon hearing this, Ian looked earnestly into the eyes of Master Gossay before him and then suddenly burst into laughter, “Master, if I truly accepted, it would be you who would find it troublesome, wouldn’t it?”

“After all, it would certainly take a great deal of effort to let someone like me enter the academy.”

To say that Ian wasn’t tempted would be a lie.

As the strongest empire on Terra Continent, second only to the Seekers Academy of the City of Knowledge, the Setar Empire’s Royal Alchemy Academy was undoubtedly the dream institution for everyone who wanted to delve deeply into alchemy.

But Ian was no fool—in a society of this age, in the capital of a nation with nobles and upper classes, how could a country student who ran to the capital academy possibly have a good outcome?

If he really went, he would probably have to enact the traditional plots spread throughout academies in other worlds: he would first be looked down upon and oppressed by the majority of the noble students, then turn that contempt into jealousy through his exam results, and soon after face assassins hired by other students, as well as teachers who looked down on his background, ending with him slapping their faces with his academic achievements.

In the end, the result would either be that he would have to kill a bunch of people, defect from the Empire, wander to other countries, accumulate his own strength in tribulation and return to the Imperial Capital for revenge; or become the true star of tomorrow’s alchemy, climb within the system, vie with the nobles while nurturing his own scholarly faction…

In short, it was quite a hassle.

Of course, the real reason was actually very simple.

——Without money, why go to the Imperial Capital?

Who seeks suffering willingly?

It was as simple and honest a reason as that.

As for the Foresight View, Ian did not believe he could make a fortune in the Imperial Capital and escape an untimely death.

Even if he could, why would he want to take such a big risk?

He was only fourteen years old, with plenty of time to grow.

Going to the capital to play the fool wouldn’t teach him anything; it would be a complete waste of time, and would also offend Viscount Grant, who had always supported him.

Therefore, now, Ian had to not only refuse but also clearly state the reasoning and logic behind it, while at the same time praising his real supporter.

Indeed.

Viscount Grant was smart, but perhaps because he had lived in the countryside like Harrison Port for many years, he had always been susceptible to sincere flattery.

“Master, there’s no need to worry about me wasting my talent, Viscount Grant has been very good to me, it’s just that alchemical equipment and specialized books are difficult to obtain, or too expensive.”

Ian bowed politely to the thoughtful, hunchbacked old man before him and said calmly, “If you truly believe I have potential, then why not give me a channel to purchase the latest alchemy textbooks and papers…

or a way to buy formulas for some commonly used alchemical potions?

I am confident I can learn them.”

“For Harrison Port, my hometown, this is what’s truly important.”

“Hmm.”

After pondering for a while, Master Gossay Abid smiled faintly and said, “Indeed, just now I was unwilling to see a young alchemist with talent become mired in a frontier place like Harrison Port…”

Saying so, he turned his head towards Viscount Grant and bowed his head to apologize with considerable earnestness, “I’m sorry, Els, that was indeed my mistake.”

“This young alchemist being able to achieve far greater accomplishments at his age than you all did initially is enough to prove that your support for him is absolute, that you truly wish to cultivate your own Alchemy Master for your domain.”

“Haha, where do such words come from?”

Hearing his former teacher sincerely apologize and compliment him, even Viscount Grant couldn’t possibly hold any grudge—the offer to headhunt meant that his judgment was sound, didn’t it?

Though the statement indirectly and directly pronounced them rubbish in alchemy…

But rubbish is rubbish!

I’m rubbish!

So the viscount laughed heartily, “I may lack the talent, but Ian’s talent is indeed extraordinary; over the years, I’ve also been anxious that I might delay his future.”

“Hearing Teacher Gossay’s assessment this time has truly relieved me, it is enough to prove that Ian’s excellence was beyond my expectations.”

He looked towards Ian and said with real emotion, “He has truly gone all out.”

Ian and the viscount exchanged smiles with each other, and the subject was turned over and passed by.

As for Patrick’s expression, it was truly filled with gloom.

However, his expression when looking at Ian had become more cautious and contemplative.

Master Gossay’s reassessment not only confirmed the accuracy of Ian’s appraisal results, but also greatly admired the youth’s keenness, which undeniably resulted in a tremendous boost to his reputation.

After all, as a master of the Imperial Capital Royal Association, Elder Gossay might not be the world’s foremost alchemist, but he was a first-rate scholar and the creator of the “Eye of Mystery”, an extremely advanced alchemic aid.

He was a renowned scholar who had received commendation from the Empire.

If not for the fact that his talent on the Path of Sublimation was nowhere near his talent in alchemy, he might well have reached the peak of the Second Energy Level long ago, solidifying his soul into the realm of Glorious Light, and then planning the Third Energy Level magic potion to become a pivotal figure throughout the Empire.

“Ravent.”

On the other side, Viscount Grant gestured to Mr.

Silver Workshop, who was smiling, and after a brief consideration, the merchant immediately showed a look of surprise and even of gratitude.

Then, he got up promptly, picked up the Longevity Magic Plant that Ian had placed on the appraisal table, and, along with Viscount Grant, they walked toward Master Gossay.

“That’s decisive.”

Ian watched this scene, his eyes revealing understanding: “What a clever move.”

Even if he were blind, he could see that Viscount Grant was using Mr.

Silver Workshop’s magical plant to curry favor with Master Gossay—and Mr.

Silver Workshop had to thank him for it!

Because Viscount Grant could have simply bought the Longevity Magic Plant after the appraisal was over, and then gifted it to his former teacher in his own name, severing all ties with Mr.

Silver Workshop.

And if Mr.

Silver Workshop himself wanted to give a gift to Master Gossay, he had no reason to do so, and there was no necessity for the latter to accept.

But the fact that Viscount Grant was willing to bring him along spoke of a beneficial relationship; even if the other party didn’t spend a penny, having even the slightest connection with a grand figure like Master Gossay was worth a Longevity Magic Plant.

Moreover, would Viscount Grant really do nothing?

Even if Master Gossay refused to accept, with the upcoming construction of the New City District and the building material supply for several external port docks… did Mr.

Silver Workshop need to ponder how to approach Viscount Grant with the request again?

Mr.

Silver Workshop was set to profit, which was why he showed such a look of surprise and gratitude.

Viscount Grant was offering a borrowed blossom as a present, and he came out on top.

Not to mention Elder Gossay, who received a brand-new Longevity Magic Plant, he absolutely hit the jackpot!

Everyone was winning!

“El, I know what you are trying to do… You want me to publicize back in the Imperial Capital that South Ridge also has Longevity Magic Plants, making your channels in the Imperial Capital more powerful, and by the way, keep you in mind and help provide some assistance through the association.”

At that moment, having glanced down at the Longevity Magic Plant, Master Gossay sighed.

He wasn’t too pleased but rather spoke earnestly, stroking his beard with his cane: “Shameless little fellow, intelligence should be used for rightful causes.”

“The useless efforts of the past have led to today’s bitter fate.

With your wits, had you earnestly learned alchemy from the start, would you need to ingratiate yourself with me?

Need to beseech Pat to open workshop stores in your territory?”

Master Gossay’s words were unreservedly blunt truths.

However, Ian saw Viscount Grant reveal a smile.

Indeed, the hunched elder accepted the magical plant offered by Mr.

Silver Workshop and continued: “This Longevity Magic Plant is different from those produced on Holy Mountain and the Tranquil Sea.

Instead, it shares a similar purity of Life Essence with the magical plants from the Nine Cold Mountains, likely related to the natives and kingdoms around the oasis that worship plant-related nature spirits.

This is a significant topic.”

Master Gossay’s gaze on the magical plant in his hand was burning hot, not out of a desire for longevity, but an eager thirst for experimentation: “I will help you with what you want, in consideration of your nurturing a talented alchemist and for the sake of this magical plant.”

Raising his head, he set a stern face toward the joyful Viscount Grant and reprimanded: “All smiles and laughter, you remain my worst student.”

“What a ‘knife-mouth, tofu-heart’ old man.”

Expressionless, Ian criticized internally, then reflected somewhat emotionally: “Observing people… is also a form of observation.

Even without relying on Spirit Energy, just by using the naked eye to observe, one can discern a person’s general character and behavioral habits, achieving almost prophetic predictions.”

Indeed, Viscount Grant might be adept at this, which was why he was unperturbed from the start, and now he was laughing heartily, repeatedly admitting his mistakes to the chastisements of Master Gossay and not minding them at all.

While the youth reflected on this, he noticed someone approaching him from the left.

Turning his head, he saw a face about his own age.

And a pair of curious, lake-green eyes.