章 27: Chapter 57- Gifting the People
Juanxiu looked around, trying to make sense of the commotion. Alchemist Qian was pleading with him, with a sense of urgency in his voice. "Young Master, you have to do something about this. Alchemist Zhou is not allowing anyone to enter the Pagoda of Alchemical Knowledge, and it's not fair."
Juanxiu raised an eyebrow. "The Pagoda of Alchemical Knowledge?"
Alchemist Tian nodded. "That's what we call it now. It's the library you gifted us. And now, Alchemist Zhou won't let us in."
Juanxiu turned to Alchemist Zhou, who seemed to be feeling wronged. "What's going on here?" Juanxiu asked.
Alchemist Zhou explained, "I just want to make sure that the knowledge in the library is preserved. Until I'm sure that I have absorbed all of it and it's safe within my mind, I can't let anyone else in. I don't want this knowledge to be lost again."
Juanxiu was surprised on his sentiment. He knew that Alchemist Zhou will protect this place, but he did not imagine that he will protect it to this extent. He saw the frustration on the faces of the other alchemists. It was a delicate balance, but he knew he had to find a solution that would satisfy both parties.
Juanxiu could sense the frustration and anger in the air as Alchemist Qian confronted Alchemist Zhou. "How long will it take for your puny mind to memorize all the content?" Alchemist Qian exclaimed, disbelief etched in his voice. "Don't be too greedy, Alchemist Zhou. That library is a gift from the Young Master."
Juanxiu watched as the other alchemists nodded in agreement and rallied behind Qian. The tension in the air was palpable and Juanxiu could see that the situation was quickly spiraling out of control. He knew he needed to step in and mediate before things got any worse.
Juanxiu sighed, "Alchemist Zhou, I trust you to take care of the library, but surely you can give the other alchemists some leeway. They just want to learn and expand their knowledge."
Alchemist Zhou thought for a moment before relenting. "Very well, I suppose I can make an exception. But anyone who enters the library must leave something of value at the entrance. Something that they hold dear."
Juanxiu watched as Alchemist Qian handed his badge to Alchemist Zhou, but to everyone's surprise, Zhou rejected it. "What am I going to do with your badge? I can't even eat that," Zhou quipped, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
"Oh, I don't know, maybe you can use it to wipe the dust off your old alchemist robe," Alchemist Qian shot back, a mischievous glint in his eye. "What do you mean you can't eat it?" Qian asked, his tone bordering on annoyance.
"Exactly what I said," Zhou replied, his tone light and amused. "I can't eat it, so what good will it do for me?"
"It's a symbol of your status as a Master Alchemist! Don't you understand the value of that?" Qian retorted.
Zhou chuckled. "I understand the value, I just don't think it will be much use to me if I ever get hungry. I would have preferred a slice of bread, or maybe a juicy apple."
Qian rolled his eyes. "You're unbelievable. This is not about hunger, this is about respect."
Zhou shrugged. "I respect you, but that doesn't mean I need a piece of metal to prove it."
Qian sighed, clearly growing frustrated. "Then what do you want? I'm trying to gain entry to the library and you're making this more difficult than it has to be."
Zhou gave him a wry grin. "Time...I need time to make sure that you are offering something valuable."
"How long will that take?" Qian asked, crossing his arms.
Zhou stroked his chin, pretending to think. "Well, let's see... I'd say about a hundred years or so."
Qian's eyes widened. "A hundred years?! You're joking, right?"
Zhou's grin only grew wider. "Who knows. Time flies when you're having fun."
The two master alchemists continued to exchange witty remarks and banters, much to the amusement of the other alchemists gathered around them. It was clear that their long-standing friendship and mutual respect were the foundation of their playful banter.
Juanxiu couldn't help but smile as he watched the two master alchemists, both proud and determined in their own ways. He had a newfound appreciation for their camaraderie and their unwavering passion for their craft.
As the exchange between Zhou and Qian came to an end, Juanxiu stepped forward and spoke. "Gentlemen, let's not get sidetracked. We still have a problem to resolve." But as he spoke, he couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and pride in the alchemical community that surrounded him.
Juanxiu raised his voice to be heard above the chatter of the crowd. "Alright, alright, that's enough. Listen up everyone, access to the Pagoda of Alchemical Knowledge will only be granted with the use of an Alchemy badge, which only the Master and Grandmaster Alchemists possess."
The disciples muttered amongst themselves, some of them looking nervous. One of them, from Tian Bingwen faction, spoke up, "But, what about us? We've lost our master, we don't have badges."
Juanxiu nodded understandingly, "I understand your concern. That's why I have a solution. Each Master Alchemist can bring along one disciple and the top two students of Tian Bingwen and Grandmaster Zhang will also be given access."
Alchemist Zhou, who was still guarding the entrance to the Pagoda, interjected, "But what about the levels of access? The knowledge inside is too valuable to be accessible to just anyone."
Juanxiu nodded, "You have a valid point, Alchemist Zhou. The disciples will only have access to the first floor, while the Masters will have access to the second floor and the Grandmasters to the third floor."
The crowd erupted into cheers and the commotion finally died down. Everyone was eager to enter the Pagoda and explore its knowledge. One of the Alchemists,
Alchemist Qian, turned to Juanxiu and exclaimed, "Thank you, Young Master Juanxiu, for finding a fair solution for all of us."
After clearing the commotion, Juanxiu made his way to the lake, his mind filled with the task at hand. He wanted to make sure that everyone had access to the benefits of the Eternal Star Spring, even if it was just a diluted version. With a determined look on his face, he reached into his spatial pouch and retrieved a generous amount of water from the eternal star spring.
As he stood by the edge of the lake, he carefully poured the water into it. The water from the eternal star spring mixed with the lake water, creating a beautiful sight as the two liquids merged together. Juanxiu stood there for a moment, watching as the water flowed into the lake, before turning and making his way back to his settlement.
Juanxiu retreated to his workshop, deep in thought about the key he had been given by his father. He didn't know why he had been entrusted with such an important item and for a moment, he allowed himself to be lost in his thoughts. But, he quickly shook himself from his reverie and went to work on the automail. He was determined to create the perfect prosthetics for Liu Peng's leg and Madam Zhang's arm.
As he worked through the day and into the night, he lost himself in the task at hand, letting his mind focus solely on the intricate mechanics of the automail. He spent countless hours perfecting every detail, never once resting until he was satisfied with the final product.
Finally, after many long weeks of hard work, the light in the smithing area flickered and died, signaling that Juanxiu's work was done. He summoned Liu Peng and Madam Zhang, eager to see the expressions on their faces when they received their new limbs.
Madam Zhang and Liu Peng approached Juanxiu with respectful bows.
"Young Master Juanxiu," Madam Zhang said with a warm smile, "It's a pleasure to see you."
Liu Peng nodded in agreement. "Indeed, we are grateful for your guidance."
Juanxiu smiled back at them. "I have a gift for you both," he said, his eyes twinkling with excitement.
Madam Zhang and Liu Peng's eyes widened in surprise.
"For us?" Madam Zhang asked in disbelief.
Juanxiu chuckled and held out a wrapped package. "Yes, for you. Go ahead, unwrap it," he said, gesturing towards the package.
With shaking hands, Madam Zhang and Liu Peng unwrapped the cloth to reveal two gleaming automail limbs. They gasped in amazement at the intricate details and flawless function of the automail.
Liu Peng immediately recognized the high level of blacksmithing used to create the automail leg Juanxiu had gifted him. He found a new level of respect for his Young Master.
When Liu Peng took the leg, it grew veins that pierced into his leg. It was painful at first, but he quickly adjusted as it melded into his body. Liu Peng slowly got used to it until finally, it felt like a regular part of his body. Madam Zhang experienced the same process with her automail arm.
"Young Master Juanxiu, this is too much," Madam Zhang said, tears welling up in her eyes.
Liu Peng simply stared at the automail in awe. "I-I don't know what to say. This is the most incredible gift I've ever received."
Juanxiu beamed with pride. "I'm glad you both like it. You deserve it for all the hard work you've done for our settlement."
Madam Zhang and Liu Peng thanked Juanxiu over and over again, their gratitude and amazement evident on their faces. They could not wait to see the reactions of the other settlers when they saw the amazing automail limbs that Juanxiu had gifted them.
Madam Zhang Ai stood up from her seat, a wide smile spreading across her face.
"Young Master Juanxiu, thank you so much for this amazing gift," she said, feeling up her newly crafted automail arms. "I can already feel the difference it's making. I'm eager to show everyone just what you've done for me!"
With that, she gave a quick bow and made her way out of the room, leaving Liu Peng and Juanxiu alone.
Liu Peng, on the other hand, was a little more hesitant. He wanted to say something to Juanxiu but was ashamed to ask. Juanxiu could sense his uneasiness and asked if there was anything wrong with the automail. Liu Peng quickly reassured him that there was nothing wrong, the automail was perfect. However, Juanxiu could still sense something was bothering Liu Peng and encouraged him to speak.
"Is there something on your mind, Liu Peng?" Juanxiu asked, sensing the man's unease.
"Forgive me for being bold and shameless," Liu Peng replied, hesitantly. "But I was wondering if I could ask for a favor, Young Master."
"Of course, anything for you," Juanxiu said, encouraging Liu Peng to continue.
"It's about my home, the Tiger Quarry," Liu Peng began. "Now that I have regained my balance with the help of this automail, I would like to visit my family. Unfortunately, my wife and children were taken by my wife's parents after I lost my limbs. They said I could no longer provide for them."
Juanxiu thought about Liu Peng's request for a moment. Then, he remembered the old location of their clan being on the way to the Tiger Quarry.
"Liu Peng, I'll accompany you to your home," Juanxiu said. "I have been meaning to visit the old location of our clan anyway. I might find some answers about my missing father there. And I'll bring Siyi along to keep her occupied and take her mind off of her anger and frustration."
Liu Peng was grateful and thanked Juanxiu. "Thank you, Young Master. I will make arrangements for our journey," he said.
Juanxiu nodded, "Let's leave a week from now. We have a long journey ahead of us."
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