Because their companions were waiting outside, Yun and Wei did not linger for too long.
During their absence from Alchemy City, the renovation of the adjacent workshop district was completed, and the apprentices and stewards sent by Bethlehem Territory moved from the courtyard into the next-door neighborhood.
So even at mealtimes, the mansion remained deserted and desolate, just as the rumors circulating throughout the city were true.
But as they led Xie Mulang and the other three into the house, the entire house seemed to come alive in an instant as the ever-present magic array patterns lit up one by one, becoming warm, bright, and radiant.
Sid's mansion, like the cloud boat, is a great creation of alchemy. It is not only a culmination of the systematic magical knowledge of the continent, but also an art that embodies the highest aesthetic of the current era.
Yunwei and Isaac had lived here for a long time, so they were relatively calm.
But it's different for others.
They stared at the intricate patterns that flickered on and off on the walls, floor, and ceiling, their faces filled with shock.
Even Richard, who was well-versed in magic, had to remark, "Interesting," when he saw the offensive magic circle hidden beneath the micro-carved dust spell on the surface of the oil painting.
"Welcome, guests from afar!" As that magnetic voice rang out, the Grand Duke and Duchess of Bethlehem arrived hand in hand, appearing on the platform of the main staircase.
The voice naturally came from Silver Julius. His complexion was rosy and healthy, and his shoulders were much broader. Compared to his frail and weak appearance when we first met, he was a completely different person.
Yun Wei was finally relieved. It must be true, as Sid had said, that the alchemical tools had once again saved the Grand Duke's life in a critical moment.
To be honest, it was the first time he had ever seen the two of them dressed so lavishly and formally.
The brightly colored gowns were made of the finest silk and adorned with exquisitely tailored feathers, lace, and elytra, making them "shining like gods" in contrast to their drab appearance.
Yun Wei was puzzled, but then he saw Xi De wink at him secretly.
Even though he was completely unfamiliar with the intricacies of aristocratic relationships, he now understood that the other party was acting in his best interest.
Sid and Silver changed into gorgeous clothes to show their respect, and the grand reception of "Yunwei's friend" was actually to demonstrate their importance in their hearts.
But the other party didn't really need to do that. At this moment, Yun Wei didn't know what to say.
His heart was warmed, but he had a silly smile on his face.
Fortunately, both Uncle Xie and Qin Lushu were quick-witted people. After a few polite greetings, the atmosphere immediately warmed up.
Isaac and Silver exchanged a glance, nudged each other with their elbows, and headed to the kitchen to prepare lunch.
Of course, since the formal attire was too cumbersome, the Grand Duke of Bethlehem would naturally take off his coat and hang it up.
Sid summoned Joseph through a magic circle, and first led the rest of the group to visit the laboratory. After lunch, they stayed in the guest rooms on the second floor.
This apprentice, who was once extremely shy, has become much more composed and at ease after successfully breaking through and advancing in rank.
He curiously surveyed the group of visitors, giving a lingering look to the handsome young man with rosy lips and white teeth. "Gentlemen, please follow me this way. This is one of the four great laboratories of Alchemy City..."
After finally settling everyone in, Sid looked at Yun Wei and whispered, "Come on, little Yun Wei, let's go to my study. I've missed you so much!"
“Mm.” Yun Wei nodded and obediently followed behind the other person. He hesitated for a moment, then said, “I miss you too, Sid.”
Upon hearing this, Sid turned around in surprise, looked Yun Wei up and down, and finally commented, "Rare indeed."
Those emerald green eyes were as pure as ever, filled with boundless tenderness.
Yun Wei knew that Sid had always been a very humane mage. But the other party had clearly undergone a visible change since their first meeting. This change was positive and subtle, and it must be related to Silver.
It was under the careful care and nurturing of the Grand Duke of Bethlehem that the alchemist, hidden deep within the mystery, shed his monotonous and aloof mask and became vivid and three-dimensional.
In fact, it wasn't just Sid; he himself was the same way.
After meeting Isaac, the unfillable black hole in her heart gradually stopped causing trouble, and instead, a new power kept flowing out, injecting vitality into her limbs and body.
The answer, however, is obvious and self-evident.
Just as Alch said, love and magic have long been in cahoots, seemingly insignificant, yet capable of changing everything.
"What are you thinking about, Xiao Yunwei!" Seeing that the other was still lost in thought, Sid couldn't help but wave his hand.
Yun Wei quickly snapped out of his daze and, unusually, cracked a joke, "I already said I was thinking about you."
"Huh?" Sid was startled, but when he saw the smile on Yun Wei's face, he breathed a sigh of relief. "You've become naughty, little Yun Wei. Luckily, your jealous husband didn't hear us, otherwise—"
"I was wrong!" Yun Wei coughed lightly, then took out the gifts he had bought in Bili City and handed them over. "These are New Year's goods from Bili. I thought they were quite interesting, so I brought some for you and Silver."
The items were stored in standard spatial rings from the Alchemy City. These rings used relatively inexpensive gems and had a space of only half a cubic meter. Fortunately, the space was stable, and they were mostly used by traveling merchants.
"Hmm? Let me take a look." Sid took the ring, quickly examined it with his mental power, and a look of delight appeared on his face. "Wow, it all feels really good, but there are too many things. I'll look at them with Silver later."
At this point, Sid couldn't help but glance at Yun Wei, "Speaking of which, I haven't been to Bili City yet. By the way, is everything going well for you there?"
Yun Wei nodded and briefly explained to Sid the matter of the Abyss Apostle appearing on the Four Swords Battle Agreement.
“We speculate that there are a total of eight apostles on the Zhuyuan Continent. Four are located in Bili, Dragon Island, and the vicinity of the East Sea, and Fahris is in Moonflower City. As for the remaining three whose whereabouts are unknown, Alchemy City and Reflecting Water Margin are likely among them.” He told the other party the conclusion he had previously reached.
“That’s exactly what I was worried about.” Sid’s smile faded, and he said seriously, “Silver and I think that someone else is planning the assassination. So we’ll just play along and wait and see. Anyway, everything will be clear once the competition starts.”
Yun Wei thought for a moment and replied, "That's true. Whether it's other laboratories, the Liujin family, or the Abyss Apostles, they all have reasons to target you. But what do you mean by 'someone else'?"
"Uh, maybe I used the wrong idiom." Speaking of assassination, Sid's expression was somewhat strange, and he quickly brushed it off. "Little Yunwei, how long does that old master from Bili intend to stay?"
Yun Wei asked uncertainly, "You mean, Uncle Xie?"
Sid nodded. "Yes, don't misunderstand, it's because spring planting is about to begin. We previously used the workshop to forge a batch of iron farm tools, which have already been sent to Bethlehem. Although I can't leave the Alchemy City, I can't afford to neglect things there."
Yun Wei couldn't help but laugh, "You can talk to him directly later. Bi Li is actually quite appreciative of this opportunity."
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