Chapter 198: Marriage, huh…

As Timothy stepped out of the grand hall, a group of elders suddenly gathered around him. Sёarch* The NôᴠeFire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality."Heh heh, Timothy, my young friend, I'd like to discuss something with you."

These High Priests, usually so dignified and revered, now seemed oddly humble, and their expressions clearly hinted at something unusual.

"Ahem, I really didn't want to bother you, but the scent of the elixir you crafted at the end… it was like we were young again. We were hoping you could spare us a couple of pills. What do you say?"

Their faces flushed with embarrassment, but despite their awkwardness, the elders shamelessly pressed Timothy for the elixir.

"The elixir I made last time?"

Timothy quickly recalled what they were talking about.

"You elders…"

He hadn't expected that these usually solemn and respected figures weren't as serious as they appeared.

With a smile, Timothy said, "I can give you the elixir, but it's not cheap. You'll have to offer something in return."

"Whatever the price, Timothy, my young friend, just name it. We'll pay in Mana Crystals if that's what you want," one of the elders replied eagerly, sensing a glimmer of hope.

"Mana Crystals aren't really what I'm after," Timothy waved his hand dismissively. "But… if you're willing to trade some Epic-level Arcane Arts, especially ones from outside the Sky Sanctuary, then we can talk."

"Epic-level Arcane Arts? That's… impossible for us to have."

Epic-level, Heavenly-level, Rare-level… Each Epic-level Arcane Art was priceless. At the mention of this, the elders immediately looked conflicted and hesitant.

They tried to play dumb, but Timothy wasn't buying it.

He knew full well that these High Priests were only overshadowed by the immense power of Goddess Sylvia within the Sky Sanctuary. But in reality, each of them had once been a force to be reckoned with, hailed as Holy Emperors in their own right.

Their little act wasn't going to fool Timothy.

"Well, if the elders aren't willing, I guess I'll just keep the elixir to myself," Timothy said, pulling out a Dragon's Roar Virility Pill from his sleeve. He casually began to put it back into his pocket, as if it didn't matter to him.

But the elders' eyes widened in shock, their faces filled with disbelief.

"That elixir… could it really be the legendary…"

The Dragon's Roar Virility Pill wasn't just about enhancing virility as its name suggested. It could also significantly boost one's physical abilities and provide countless other benefits. Such a rare and precious elixir was almost impossible to come by.

There were very few alchemists capable of crafting such a pill, and even fewer who possessed the secret recipe. To think they were lucky enough to see one here! It really was the Dragon's Roar Virility Pill!

"I'll trade! Timothy, my young friend, please don't take it back!"

"I'll trade too! Forget Epic-level Arcane Arts, I'll give you anything!"

The elders panicked, rushing forward in a frenzy.

…

A while later, each elder carefully tucked away one or two pills, handling them as if they were the most fragile treasures. But as they watched Timothy pocket various magical artifacts and Arcane Arts into his spatial ring, they couldn't help but feel a pang of regret.

Sure, they got the elixirs, but they had practically given away all their prized possessions!

"By the way, Timothy, since you're so skilled in alchemy, why not check out the Alchemy Convention?" Elder Turner asked, still eyeing the treasures Timothy had taken.

"Alchemy Convention?" Timothy raised an eyebrow.

"That's right. Every year, there's a three-month-long Alchemy Convention held at the base of Battleforge Mountain. Alchemists from all over come to trade their creations. If I'm not mistaken, there are only about ten days left this year. But you've still got time to make it. And with the kind of elixirs you can make, you'd be swimming in profits!"

"Battleforge Mountain, huh? Sounds interesting," Timothy nodded, making a mental note.

"Well, I'll be off then."

Though they had finally gotten their hands on the coveted elixirs, the elders couldn't shake the feeling of loss. They had traded away treasures they'd hoarded for years—some of them felt like they'd even lost their shirts to Timothy.

With mixed emotions, the elders slowly made their way off into the distance.

[Ding! The Alchemy Convention at Battleforge Mountain is expected to reveal a highly significant ancient treasure soon. The host is advised to attend.]

The system's voice echoed in Timothy's mind.

"Looks like this Alchemy Convention is definitely worth checking out," Timothy mused.

With the looming battle against the forces of Holy Emperor Featherwind and Holy Emperor Mountainshade, getting his hands on some powerful treasures could tip the scales in his favor.

But before that…

Timothy strolled leisurely through the back hills, and soon enough, he spotted Sylvia.

Down the slope, a few couples were cuddling and being all lovey-dovey, openly embracing each other. Normally, Sylvia's sharp eyes would catch everything around her, but today, she was hiding behind a tree, completely absorbed in watching the couples, unaware of Timothy's approach.

"Hey, babe."

A light tap on her shoulder made Sylvia's body tremble slightly, clearly startled.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, her cool expression finally relaxing when she saw it was Timothy.

"Of course, I came to find you, my dear wife. But what are you doing here?" Timothy asked with a playful smile.

"I just happened to pass by. It's not like I was watching anything on purpose!" Sylvia hurriedly tried to explain.

"Oh? You weren't watching on purpose, but you're hiding behind a tree, totally focused on those couples down there?"

Her attempt at an excuse didn't work at all.

Sylvia bit her lip, and after a moment, she finally sighed and admitted, "I was just curious… How can those couples be so bold, doing such intimate things in front of others? I mean, that kind of… embarrassing stuff…"

So that's what the goddess is focused on… Timothy thought, holding back a laugh.

After a brief pause, he smiled and said, "Love is a natural part of life. It's just that you, my dear wife, tend to see it as something too difficult to accept. But I have a way to help you get over that."

"Get over it? How?" Sylvia asked, intrigued.

"It's simple. Just marry me right here and now. Then you'll never have to think of being affectionate as something embarrassing again."

"You!"

Sylvia's face flushed with embarrassment at his bold suggestion. But, without realizing it, a soft, almost enchanting glimmer appeared in her eyes.

"Marriage, huh…" she murmured to herself, lost in thought.

At that moment, Timothy gently placed a piccolo in her hands.

"This piccolo… It's a Heavenly-level artifact!"

Feeling the cool, soothing energy flowing from the piccolo, Sylvia couldn't help but show a hint of surprise.

"Didn't you bet that you could learn to play the piccolo in one night? I'll lend it to you for a few days. When I get back, I'll teach you how to play it properly, step by step."

"Hmph, don't think just because it's a Heavenly-level artifact that it'll be too hard for me to master. I'll learn it in one night and show you!" Sylvia huffed, a proud smile tugging at her lips.