Gu He, Xue Lan, and their group made their way slowly toward Stone Desert City.
Along the journey, Xue Lan repeatedly expressed goodwill and subtly probed for Gu He's origins, only to be met with his faint, enigmatic smile—a silent dismissal.
However, one thing became clear to Xue Lan: The man before her—Master Gu—was undoubtedly an alchemist.
Moreover, judging by his demeanor, his rank was far from low. He seemed to have already reached the level third-grade alchemist.
A third-grade alchemist!
The moment she realized this, Xue Lan was utterly stunned.
Who would have thought that in a remote town like Stone Desert City, a third-grade alchemist would appear?
After learning of Gu He's status, Xue Lan's attitude toward him grew even more respectful.
…
An hour later, the silhouette of a massive city emerged on the eastern outskirts of the Tagore Desert, faintly visible in the distance.
At the sight of Stone Desert City, Xue Lan and the other members of the Desert Iron Mercenary Regiment couldn't help but show excitement on their faces.
As mercenaries, they lived by the blade, dancing with death daily.
This mission had nearly cost them all their lives at the hands of the Snake People, leaving them with lingering fear.
Though Gu He had ultimately saved them, the ordeal had left them utterly exhausted.
Now, finally, they had a place to rest—a thought that filled them with immense relief.
Gu He, too, allowed himself a small smile. After days of sleeping under the open sky, he planned to indulge in a proper night's rest.
Amidst the cheers of the Desert Iron Mercenary Regiment members, Gu He and the others arrived at the city gates and merged into the flow of people entering Stone Desert City.
Compared to the cities within the empire, those in the desert carried a rougher, sturdier aesthetic.
Given their proximity to the Tagore Desert, defenses here were far stricter. Everywhere, heavily armed soldiers patrolled the streets, their sharp eyes scanning for any sign of trouble.
After entering the city, Gu He followed Xue Lan's group toward the southern district.
After navigating a few winding streets, a large compound came into view.
A flag fluttered atop the courtyard, bearing the emblem of the Desert Iron Mercenary Regiment, exuding an air of iron-blooded resilience.
Outside the compound stood several burly men, weapons in hand, their sharp gazes sweeping over passersby.
The scent of blood clinging to them marked them as true veterans—men who had survived the crucible of battle, not mere novices playing at being mercenaries.
"In Stone Desert City, our Desert Iron Mercenary Regiment ranks among the top three. Only the Sand Mercenary Company surpasses us—their leader is a Dou Grandmaster, securing their unshakable position. Aside from them, only the Storm Mercenary Corps can barely compete with us."
As they approached the compound, Xue Lan smiled proudly at Gu He.
Gu He responded with a slight nod, his usual elegant smile in place.
The power struggles of mercenary groups in Stone Desert City held no interest for him.
Had it not been for his desire to establish a favorable impression in front of Qing Lin, he would have simply barged into the Desert Iron Mercenary Regiment and taken her by force.
But doing so would only frighten the girl, making her reluctant to accept him as her teacher.
Even if she complied under coercion, Gu He doubted the system would recognize such a forced "master-disciple relationship."
Originally, he had hesitated—but the Desert Iron Mercenary Regiment' crisis provided the perfect opportunity.
Now, just like Xiao Yan in the original timeline, he could first integrate himself into the group, earn Qing Lin's trust, and then naturally propose apprenticeship.
Everything was falling into place—smooth and seamless.
"Xue Lan, you're back! Are you all right? I heard you ran into the Snake People this time?"
The moment they stepped into the compound, a burly man approached, his tone laced with concern.
Xue Lan nodded. "Where are the leaders?"
The man replied, "The group leader and the others just returned from a mission. I've already sent someone to inform them."
Then, his gaze shifted to Gu He. "This must be Master Gu? I've heard it was thanks to him that our brothers survived."
Gu He offered a faint smile, saying nothing further.
His demeanor was gentle yet distant—an unspoken barrier.
The man was taken aback, a flicker of dissatisfaction crossing his face—until Xue Lan whispered something in his ear.
Instantly, his expression transformed, his eyes now brimming with reverence as he looked at Gu He.
Gu He noticed the exchange but paid it no mind.
He had deliberately revealed his identity as an alchemist to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Otherwise, every fool with a grudge would come knocking, wasting his time.
After lingering at the entrance for a short while, several figures approached.
At the forefront were two young men—one in black robes, the other in white. Their resemblance marked them clearly as brothers.
"You must be Master Gu?"
The white-robed youth stepped forward, his tone warm and welcoming.
"Xiao Ding, leader of the Desert Iron Mercenary Regiment."
He gestured to the black-robed youth beside him.
"And this is my younger brother, Xiao Li."
Gu He gave them a slight nod. "Mm."
Xiao Ding blinked.
…"Mm"?
"I've heard much about you"?
No courteous exchange?
He had intended to probe further into Gu He's background, but now, he found himself at a loss.
Suppressing his irritation, Xiao Ding smoothly changed the subject.
"Master Gu, we owe you our deepest gratitude for saving our comrades."
He had already decided—later, he'd get this Master Gu drunk and pry the truth out of him.
But Gu He cut him off.
"Skip the banquet. Just prepare a room for me. I'd like to bathe and rest for the night."
…
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