“Ah, sir, you’re putting me in a difficult position.
You’ve been around the Jianghu for many years, you must have heard about the temper of alchemists, right?” Mo Li pretended to look troubled.
“Is that so?” The hook-nosed old man looked disappointed.
“However, if you really want it, it’s not impossible.” Knowing the opportunity had come, Mo Li gradually got to the point, putting on a difficult and self-restrained look.
“But, even with my connection, the medicine can’t be taken for free.”
“Of course, I understand! But how can I obtain the masterpiece of this alchemist… Please, Mo Li, guide me.”
“You know, most alchemists have peculiar tempers.
Money is the last thing they need.
To trade with them, you must barter.” Mo Li spoke convincingly, mixing some truth with lies to ensure credibility.
“Generally, alchemists like to exchange formulas for formulas.
If it’s about academic issues, they are very enthusiastic.
But, sir, you’re not an alchemist, so this doesn’t apply to you.”
“Then this…”
“Hey, don’t be impatient, let me think… Ah! Mr. Jero, I must say you came at the right time.”
“Huh? What do you mean?” Jero was puzzled.
“You know, with an alchemist’s temper, asking for medicine is extremely difficult.
However, even alchemists have needs related to power.”
“Please enlighten me.”
“I heard that the alchemist is troubled because his daughter failed to qualify for the Lan Yin Academy exam… If you want to please the alchemist, why not give it a try?” Mo Li’s words were clear enough for Jero to understand.
“This… Haha, Mo Li, you’re joking.
I’m just an external judge for Lan Yin Academy, not an internal staff member.
How could I have that ability?” Jero looked troubled.
“Then I can’t help you, Mr. Jero.
The alchemist is a renowned figure, even high-ranking officials get turned away.
I’m only able to help because of my connection.
Otherwise, if he wanted his daughter to advance, it would be a matter of minutes.” Mo Li shrugged, indicating his helplessness.
“Let me think about it.” The hook-nosed old man was still hesitant, clearly capable of doing it, but the cost was high.
“Alright, but this needs to be done quickly.
Otherwise, he might find someone else to help.
After all, many want to help him, and his favor is valuable.” Mo Li continued to persuade.
“I understand, give me a day, and I’ll get it done! By the way, please tell me the name of the alchemist’s daughter.”
“Her name is Limdis.”
“Limdis… That name sounds familiar.” The hook-nosed man frowned, sensing something was off.
“Ah, just a coincidence.
She’s a descendant of a noble family.”
“Oh, I see.”
“Mr. Jero, this is ultimately your business.
I can only introduce you, but my influence is limited.
After all, I’ve only helped the alchemist a few times, barely enough for him to remember my name.” Mo Li started acting.
“No, I’m already very grateful.
Thank you, Mo Li!” The hook-nosed old man was very moved, unable to understand why he once thought such a good person was a troublemaker.
He had wronged Mo Li before, yet Mo Li bore no grudge and wanted to befriend him, even introducing him to important people.
Truly, Mo Li was magnanimous and kind-hearted!
After fooling one person, Mo Li felt quite pleased, sitting on the high platform, sipping tea and whistling.
“You seem very happy, like you found a gold brick.” Limdis teased with her hands on her hips.
“Happy? Not really… By the way, your exam qualification should be ready by tomorrow.”
“Eh, so fast?” Limdis was a bit incredulous.
“Do you need my help? What should I do?”
“Just wait.” Mo Li didn’t explain the details to Limdis.
He believed the old man could do it, not because of the old man himself, but because of his network.
Such a sycophant must have flattered many powerful people.
Maybe he couldn’t get the Lan Yin Academy entrance qualification, but the preliminary qualification should be within his reach.
And indeed, as Mo Li expected, the next afternoon, the old man sneaked into the Norma mansion, clutching his chest nervously.
“Mo Li.” Upon entering the mansion and seeing Mo Li, Jero’s expression relaxed a bit.
He took out a gold card from his pocket and carefully pushed it over.
“This is what I arranged for the alchemist’s daughter… It took me a lot of effort.”
“Thank you, sir.” Mo Li didn’t show impatience, slowly examining the gold card.
“It’s not fake, don’t worry.
I’ve been around for many years, I know the rules, who can be offended and who can’t.”
“Haha, I trust your sincerity, sir.
But this is no small matter.
I’m the middleman, if anything goes wrong, they might hold a grudge against me too.” Mo Li chuckled, pocketing the gold card, seeing the old man’s eager expression, knowing he was waiting for something.
“This is the agreed portion.” Mo Li placed an iron box on the table and opened it.
Seeing the potions inside, the old man’s eyes lit up, like an addict, feeling he couldn’t live without them.
“Well, Mr. Jero, a pleasure doing business.”
“Hehe, a pleasure indeed!” Hugging the iron box, the old man laughed like a wrinkled chrysanthemum, thinking he made a great deal.
Watching the old man leave, Mo Li’s smile faded.
It was a mutually beneficial deal.
Though the potions were diluted to less than one percent of the original concentration, they were still a secret formula, so the old man wasn’t exactly losing out.
After having the card authenticated by Roco, confirming it wasn’t fake, Mo Li handed it to Limdis.
“Here, this is the gold card for the qualification, but it’s only proof of winning the regional competition.
If you can’t pass the subsequent exams, you still can’t enter the academy.”
“Thank you, Mo Li.” Holding the gold card, Limdis was stunned for a while, feeling a mix of emotions.
“Eh?” Mo Li was surprised, then teased.
“What, are you normal today? Oh no… For you, that’s not normal.
Got a fever?”
“Stop it, I’m not sick, just really grateful…”
“Thank me for what?” Mo Li smiled, then pulled out a list.
“Look, this is your bill, all the favors and food expenses are clearly written.
You can’t deny it, pay me back.”
“Tsk! Give me back my gratitude.” Limdis huffed, muttering.
“Such a miser.”
“What did you expect? There’s no free lunch in this world, and if there is, it’s probably made of iron.”
“Cheapskate, annoying hoarder.” Limdis muttered softly.
“Alright, alright, tomorrow you’ll part with this annoying hoarder, let’s leave each other with good memories.” Mo Li waved his hand.
“Thank you.” Limdis intertwined her fingers, lowering her head slightly.
“Ah, what?”
“Nothing… Are we friends?”
“Are you still hung up on that?” Mo Li’s mouth twitched, then he turned his head, a bit awkward.
“If you say so, then we are.”
“Um… thank you for being my friend, Mo Li,” Limdis said with a slight sweetness at the corner of her mouth.
“Because of my bloodline power, I’m considered quite strange among my kind, and people aren’t really used to interacting with me.”
“You’re the second person, after Her Holiness, who is willing to listen to me, and my first friend.
I’m really grateful to you… and for the help you’ve given me.” At this moment, Limdis’s sincerity shone through, her eyes filled with genuine emotion.
“Stop with the mushy talk.
It won’t reduce your debt problem.”
“You jerk! Can’t you stop saying things that ruin the mood?” Limdis’s cheeks puffed up like two buns.
“I’m just telling the truth.”
“Actually, Mo Li, you don’t need to always hide your kindness towards others,” Limdis said softly.
“That kind of lecture doesn’t sound like something you’d say.”
“Hmph, I just can’t understand why you always act like a villain before showing kindness to others.
Clearly, you’re a kind person.”
“Kind?” Mo Li pointed at himself in surprise.
“Are you kidding? Kind, me? Using that word to describe me, even if it’s flattery, it doesn’t make me happy.”
“But you really are a good person…”
“That’s because you’re too naive and innocent, not understanding how to live in this deceitful world.”
“Also, can you not use the word ‘good person’ to describe me?” Mo Li’s tone turned a bit cold.
“I can’t be, and don’t want to be, a good person.”
“Why?” Limdis asked, puzzled.
“… You’re such a complete fool,” Mo Li said, holding his forehead.
“Don’t call me a fool!”
“… Forget it, you’re not human, you wouldn’t understand.”
“But you’re not human either.”
“Anyway, don’t use words like kind or good person to describe me.
I don’t want to be associated with words that only bring trouble! … Sorry, I lost my temper.” Realizing he was too agitated, Mo Li apologized to Limdis.
“Mo Li…”
“It’s getting late, you should get some rest.” With that, Mo Li turned and left.
The role of a righteous good guy, he’s had enough of it.
It was that meddlesome nature that led him to despair, ultimately dying with regret.
What nonsense about being a good person? Anyone who wants to be a pawn used until death can go ahead, but he won’t touch it again! Yes, after being reborn, he resolved to start anew.
He doesn’t aim to be a great villain, just a selfish person who looks out for himself.
In his view, only by maintaining a detached attitude towards the happenings around him can he survive in this indifferent world.
As for why he helped Limdis, well… it was just to make her owe him a favor.
A favor from a beastkin is valuable, and Limdis seems to have an unusual background.
Knowing the Saintess of Aurevigia means she’s definitely not ordinary.
Earning her favor with a few meals and a small favor is ideal.
Yes, all of this is just for future convenience, nothing more, nothing else…
Morning.
“Don’t look at me like that.
It’s only natural to return the favor.
You stayed to watch my match, so I’ll naturally give you a ride,” Mo Li said, feeling Limdis’s gaze as they sat in the carriage.
“… Okay.” Limdis nodded.
Perhaps because of the unpleasant end to the previous night, neither of them initiated conversation in the carriage.
“What are your plans after this?” Limdis couldn’t help but ask first.
“Plans? … What about you?”
“I’m planning to go home first, then make arrangements after receiving the notice from Lan Yin Academy… What about you?”
“Same here.
Anyway, I’ve already received my notice.” Mo Li glanced at the gold card in his hand.
Just last night, this card received a notice from Lan Yin Academy to meet with a mentor in Sesi City.
There are three more assessments after this.
Passing all of them is required to officially enroll as a new student at Lan Yin Academy.
The assessments are not selection matches but are conducted in groups led by mentors.
These group members will be future classmates, so there’s no competition, and it’s better for classmates to help each other.
Looking at the projection on the card showing the meeting place and mentor’s name, Mo Li just hoped his classmates would be normal and not coincidentally include those jinxes…
“Will we be in the same group?”
“We’ll see, but it’s unlikely.
There are over a hundred noble territories in the Papal State, and each group has at most ten students.
The chances of us being in the same group are too low.”
“I see.
Well, I will pray for you, my friend, and the Fox God will always be with you.”
“No thanks, I don’t believe in gods.”
“Don’t worry, when I meet my Saintess, I’ll mention your name.
I’ll tell Her Holiness that even though you’re a White Feathered Dragon, you’re a good dragon!” Limdis declared confidently.
“…?! No! Do you want me to die??” As soon as he heard the word “Saintess,” Mo Li immediately became nervous.
