Chapter 1693: Section 1694 The Reason Within
Upon entering the inner chamber, Viking gestured for Angel to take the seat of honor and then lit the candles on the long table.
In the flickering candlelight, Viking slowly opened his mouth and said, "My lord, before I explain the situation, may I presumptuously ask you a question first?"
Angel nodded indifferently.
"My lord, are you purchasing the Demon Flower Sprite Demon Blood Stone for alchemy purposes, or perhaps... for other uses?" Viking seemed worried about being misunderstood and added hastily, "Iām not trying to probe your intentions. If you prefer not to answer, thatās perfectly fine."
Angel glanced at Viking. Although Vikingās question sounded milder, the essence of it was virtually identical to what Snow had asked earlier. In that case, the reason selling Demon Flower Sprite Demon Blood Stone had become a "problem" in Snowās words was likely tied to its usage?
The only difference between Demon Flower Sprite Demon Blood Stone and other Demon Bloodstones lies in its tendency to affect "emotions and desires." Could it be that someoneāor rather, a certain group of peopleāneeds the Demon Flower Sprite Demon Blood Stone to manipulate desires?
Of course, the Demon Flower Sprite Demon Blood Stone not only controls desires but can also be used inversely to amplify and release individual desires. However, the ability to amplify desires can be substituted by other demonic materials, so it wouldnāt be solely reliant on the Demon Flower Sprite Demon Blood Stone.
Angelās mind raced, processing the implications quickly, yet he promptly gave Viking an answer in reality.
"For alchemy purposes," Angel replied without reservation. As an alchemist himself, buying demonic materials for alchemy was the most natural thing.
"Since itās for alchemy, thatās good," Viking seemed relieved, and under Angelās watchful gaze, he began explaining, "Actually, the prohibition on Demon Flower Sprite Demon Blood Stone sales only started in the past six months."
"This matter has some relation to the alchemy world." At Angelās questioning glance, Viking softly remarked, "My lord, you should be aware of... the Profound Alchemy Association, correct?"
The Profound Alchemy Association? When Viking mentioned this name, Angel showed no particular reaction. Instead, Onassis on the other side frowned slightly.
The Profound Alchemy Association, though outwardly appearing to be a guild named after alchemy, had in reality been thoroughly infiltrated by the Abyssal Demon God to its very core. In truth, the foundation of the Profound Alchemy Association lies in offering faithful devotion to the Unparalleled Great Demon God, leveraging the power from the Demon Godās mark to enhance alchemical abilities.
Anything tied to the Abyssal Demon Godāespecially the Unparalleled Great Demon Godāwas never simple. It was precisely for this reason that Onassis frowned, feeling a twinge of regret for agreeing to come hear this matter.
"I know," Angel responded calmly. Not only did he know, but he had even ventured into the inner workings of the Profound Alchemy Association. Although the associationās background was deeply problematic, its internal exchanges were often a treasure trove for rare demonic materials. Many alchemists, even if they scorned the associationās philosophy, occasionally participated in its exchanges to obtain materials.
From what Angel knew, members of the Research and Development Institute frequently attended these exchanges, even including Midora the master alchemist.
However, despite their participation in exchanges to acquire unique materials, the Profound Alchemy Association itself was still generally viewed with disdain and even outright hostility.
Angel had previously learned some insider information from Nail Granny. City Lord Rosen had long intended to eradicate the Profound Alchemy Association completely, but due to its backing by the Unparalleled Great Demon God and its extensive internal trade network, he had yet to make a move.
Nonetheless, Rosen had never allowed the associationās development to go unchecked. Anyone openly joining the Profound Alchemy Association would be monitored by Rosen. Peripheral believers would be banished from Sky Mechanical City, permanently blacklisted from entering again; fanatical or devout followers might meet unpleasant ends.
Thanks to Rosenās crackdown, the Profound Alchemy Associationās presence in Sky Mechanical City had significantly diminished. However, those who had lived in the city long enough would more or less pick up bits of insider information, though most preferred to stay silent to avoid trouble.
"This matter is actually connected to the Profound Alchemy Association," Vikingās eyebrows drooped as the flickering candlelight cast an alternating brightness and shadow across his face, adding to the air of unease surrounding the topic.
When Viking brought up the Profound Alchemy Association, Angel had already anticipated this to be the answer. If the Demon Flower Sprite Demon Blood Stone was indeed linked to the association, Angel could understand Snowās earlier attitude as well.
After all, anything involving the Profound Alchemy Association was gravely serious.
"Why is the Demon Flower Sprite Demon Blood Stone connected to the Profound Alchemy Association? Because this material can control desires?" Angel inquired.
Viking neither denied nor confirmed, saying instead, "We donāt fully understand the specifics, but your guess may well be correct. According to some intelligence weāve heard, part of the Profound Alchemy Associationās followers experienced emotional instability for unknown reasons. To regain control, they began purchasing a large volume of Demon Flower Sprite Demon Blood Stones."
"And throughout the entire Sky Mechanical City, only the Breeze Demonic Material Shop maintains a steady supply chain for Demon Flower Sprite Demon Blood Stones."
Angel: "So, youāve been targeted?"
Viking nodded helplessly: "Yes. Shopkeeper Flandy decided to return to the Valley of Breeze while I was attending the New Star Tournament. It was partly due to this issue. The Valley of Breeze is widely known as the largest production area for Demon Flower Sprite Demon Blood Stones in the Southern Domain. Thereās a risk they might approach the Valley directly, so Shopkeeper Flandy needed to report to the higher-ups and seek solutions."
"Until we ascertain why the Profound Alchemy Association is demanding Demon Flower Sprite Demon Blood Stones and to what extent their demand reaches, Shopkeeper Flandy decided to cease sales of the stones altogether. This severed any apparent ties with the association to avoid drawing attention from the Beast Emperor."
Angel: "Arenāt you concerned the Profound Alchemy Association might act covertly?"
"At least within Sky Mechanical City, they wouldnāt dare move too boldly. Of course, minor actions are inevitable, but the Breeze Demonic Material Shop isnāt the only one targeted. Over at Storm Gorge, Storm Shop has also faced trouble because Storm Rock is another demonic material heavily purchased by the Profound Alchemy Association."
"Previously, the Profound Alchemy Association often sent people to cause disturbances. Recently, with the heightened security due to the New Star Tournament, thereās been a reprieve from harassment. But now that the tournament has concluded, I suspect their people will return."
With that, Viking shook his head and sighed.
Regarding the Profound Alchemy Association, they were genuinely powerless to respond effectively for now. The Breeze Demonic Material Shop didnāt even count as a stationed entity, and the Valley of Breeze, despite its position as the largest production area, had limited reach and resources, unable to do much against the association.
With this revelation, Angel now understood why Snow might have mistaken him for being affiliated with the Profound Alchemy Association. After all, with the tournament over, the associationās people were bound to make their move.
If you find any errors ( Ads popup, ads redirect, broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.