Eternal Thief

After riding the carriage for an hour, a magnificent structure came into Ace's view and he was amazed. 

They were probably still miles away from their destination yet this fiery humongous palace can be seen from the carriage. 

'What an exaggeration!' Ace couldn't help but though in amazement. This was the most beautiful and the biggest building he saw till this day. 

He also noticed that, after this palace came in view the landscape began to change. 

There were no more shops or housing anymore and rows of beautiful pavilions replaced everything in this path to the flame palace.

Furthermore, Ace was picking many powerful Qi signatures from these pavilions and the weakest of them was at least the early foundation building stage! 

"This is the Place region and also the residential area of alchemists above Green Rank and their shops. If someone wanted a specific pill and they had the materials, they can pay these alchemists for their private services. Only early foundation building stage members are allowed in this region." Alvin said at this moment. 

"Oh, it's like hiring an alchemist." Ace mumbles in understanding. This was the first time he heard about this kind of practice. 

"You can say that, but these alchemists are extremely arrogant and even if they accept your request they'll demand an exorbitant price or some rare medicinal herbs," Alvin said with a hint of annoyance in this voice like he was explaining his personal experience. 

"I understand." Finn smiles faintly while he glimpsed at Sofia. 

Sofia's face fell when she saw Finn sneaking a peep at her, she knew what this brat was thinking and wanted to strangle him but alas, she can't. 

  "Heh, yeah she's one of them." Alvin also notice Finn's gaze and couldn't help but chuckle. 

"Brother, I'm not!" Sofia pouted in resentment, even if Alvin was speaking the truth. 

'Why is he acting so friendly now?' Ace thought with suspicious eyes. 

Alvin never joke or talk like in their entire journey and now his sudden change of attitude wasn't adding up. 

Ace knew the moment Alvin confirmed he was useless, it will be his last day and the key to this confirmation was obviously that Craft Elder, who controlled the branches of entire middle-lands and also the lord of Flame Palace!

Ace has over ten strategies in his mind about what he should do after finding out what Alvin wants from him. But he still didn't know just which one was most suitable to stick until he knew the truth. 

'I just have to be ready to act at any given moment.' Ace thought grimly. 

"Senior, I was wondering if I passed your test, what will I become? I mean an alchemist or a crafter?" Ace try to probe since Alvin was acting friendly so suddenly it was a good time to raise some questions.

"Heh, if you pass, you can become anything. Even a rune crafter." Alvin answer with a vague smile. 

"He, a rune crafter? Don't give the poor guy false hope." Sofia condemned. 

"We'll see." Alvin glare at his sister. 

'This is more complicated than I thought!' Ace mused after he heard about the rune crafter. 

Because rune crafter was not something that anyone can become and the pill flame organization controlled these techniques related to rune crafting thoroughly. 

Furthermore, Finn was a Martial Cultivator which means they have converted his cultivation to the soul. Although it was possible, it was by no means simple and cheap!

Now Alvin casually revealed this sudden possibility, Ace considered this situation graver than he thought and this also means Alvin has very high hope for Finn!

Alvin on the side was looking at astonished Finn with a faint smile like a kind senior. But it was all just an act to make Finn comfortable and give him high hopes. 

As for why Alvin was doing it, that was very simple, he just wanted to make sure Finn have a good impression of him and if he passed everything would turn in Alvin's favor. 

However, if Finn didn't pass the test, then he'll simply die during this test and Alvin would move on with his backup plan! 

This backup plan of Alvin was newly developed after he got the information about the Earthen Mist Forest, but first, he had to confirm Finn's authenticity as an element body before deciding to make anything final. 

  After half an hour, the demonic horse carriage finally stopped. 

Alvin followed by Sofia and Finn disembark the lavishing carriage. 

Ace saw before him tall red gates and gigantic walls surrounding the entirety of the flame palace.

The gates were opened and many organization members were going in and out after showing their identity tokens to Flame Guards situated on the gates. 

Alvin coolly showed his general token and a flame guard quickly escort them inside. 

After crossing the gate, Ace was astonished and though he has entered a completely different world. 

The broad road was split into eleven different pathways and it was covered in silver-green floorings with beautiful golden patterns. 

The right four pathways lead to four large pavilions, covering almost a two-mile area. 

And the other four pathways were going toward a thirty-story white pagoda. It was clear; they built every structure with beautiful craftsmanship and rare materials. 

Furthermore, the organization members primary focus was also these five buildings 

As for the three pathways in the center, the central walkway was decorated with a row of beautiful statue fountains and at the end of these central pathways were a colossal fiery palace with a huge Pill Flame symbol on its front and it was decorated with different golden patterns. This was the Flame Palace!

No one was using these pathways to the palace, and its golden gates were tightly shut. Two flame guards in crimson masks were standing guards outside, they were both empty river cultivators!

Ace didn't inquiry about those five magnificent buildings and did it after he was out of the woods. 

The flame guard was leading them to the center pathway, and they were going towards those two masked flame guards, who were standing there like statues. 

When those masked flame guards saw Alvin's party coming towards the gate, they coldly released their aura of the empty river realm and said in an icy tone. 

"State your business!" 

"Hmph!" Alvin didn't even speak and snort while releasing his slightest aura in their response. 

Those two masked flame guards quickly withdraw their aura and their eyes shimmer with reverence as they quickly greeted Alvin, "Flame General, please forgive us!"

Alvin coolly nodded and stop releasing his aura and said, "Where is Craft Elder?" 

"He's waiting for you inside the grand meeting hall!" The muscular masked flame guard solemnly replied and quickly open the gate with a formation plate. 

'This security is just too damn much.' Ace bitterly though.

From the moment he enters this city, he keeps seeing these formation plates almost on every gate and finally understands what it means to be the richest organization below royal lands!

The golden gates finally open and on the other side, another masked flame guard was waiting to receive them and its cultivation was a stage higher than the palace gate, flame guards!

"Please follow me. The elder is waiting for Flame General in the meeting hall." A sweet voice rang behind that mask, this flame guard was a woman!

Alvin coolly said, "Don't want to see my identity token anymore?" 

"No, please forgive us for the inconvenience." The woman Flame Guard said with no hint of emotions. 

"Heh, lead the way," Alvin grunt coldly and enter the Flame Palace, and the woman Flame Guard lead the way. 

When Ace enter the Flame Palace, only one thought came to his mind, 'Beautiful.' 

The entirety was decorated with different remarkable arts and craftsmanship and the regal palace looked just like dust in front of this flame palace!

Alvin's party crossed many hallways before reaching another door with another flame guard. 

"The elder is waiting for you inside Flame General." It was another woman's voice, "You two can wait in the waiting room there." 

She pointed at the door just ten meters away from the golden door and looked at Finn and Sofia coldly. 

Ace expected Sofia would retort after this kind of treatment but to his astonishment, she didn't and quietly nodded and go toward the waiting room.

Finn looked at Alvin for his confirmation. 

"Go, I'll summon you soon." Alvin nodded. 

"Yes." Ace nodded gravely and followed Sofia.

'Here goes my chance to find out about the truth.' Ace helplessly thought.

The sound woman flame guard finally opened the golden door behind her and let Alvin enter and close the door. 

Alvin entered a big and lavishing meeting room with only tables and chairs in it. 

In the head chair, was sitting an old man with snowy long hair and a wrinkled face. He seemed to be in his early seventies. He wore a kind smile on his face and purple alchemist robes of the Pill Flame Organization! 

This old man was the only Craft Elder and known Purple Rank Alchemist in entire middle-lands, Lan Ashwin!