Chapter 2429

Andrew shrugged. "The Divine Alchemists interfered with Sovereign's Apothecary's affairs and sent over an elder. Theon couldn't stand Amari and me, and the Divine Alchemists' leader, Julius Bowen, couldn't stand me either. So I had no choice but to pack my things and leave."

Luna looked confused. "Don't they know that you're a ninth-grade supreme alchemist? What were they thinking? This kind of self-sabotaging move makes no sense."

Andrew’s tone stayed calm. "Leaving Sovereign’s Apothecary isn't a bad thing. I didn’t like depending on others anyway. If you still want to study alchemy with me, that’s fine, but give me a few days… I need to get some things in order first."

Luna, sharp as ever, immediately guessed his plan. "You’re not thinking of going independent and starting your own alchemy institute, are you?"

Andrew chuckled. "Close, but not exactly. I’m not building a lab or an institute; I’m forming an alliance. I’m going to break Sovereign’s Apothecary’s monopoly over elixir production across Chetvine’s major powers and the great sects in Holtrien.

"Especially Sovereign's Apothecary, backed by the Divine Alchemists… Over all these years, they’ve formed a complete monopoly. This has inflated the Divine Alchemists' arrogance."

He scoffed and added, "Everyone else may fear them, but I’m not giving them that satisfaction. And Julius… That man made it clear he’s targeting me. If I don’t strike back, I’d look like a coward, wouldn’t I?"

Luna looked somewhat worried. "But have you thought about this thoroughly? Julius is someone neither you nor I can shake right now. He’s the leader of the Divine Alchemists, a top-tier giant in Holtrien, and he’s on par with Mr. Turman! If you want to take him head-on, I’m afraid it’ll be extremely difficult."

Andrew smiled, unconcerned. "Whether it’s difficult or not, we’ll only know after we’ve crossed hands. The Divine Alchemists' greatest advantage is their unmatched position in alchemy, believing themselves to be the founders of all alchemy in the world. But Julius forgot that the real God of Alchemy is my mentor, the God of Medicine, Mr. Maverick Zeroual."

He continued, "It’s just that Mr. Zeroual has always been independent and solitary. So over time, people around the world came to believe that in the path of alchemy, the Divine Alchemists have the final say, and they no longer carry any weight."

Luna nodded and did not ask anything else. She simply said, "Don’t worry. I’m on your side."

Andrew was slightly thrown off by her gentleness. He had gotten so used to her sharp tongue and defiance that her obedience felt strange. He said, "General Phelan, you’ve really changed."

He said it with a teasing smile, but his tone carried a deeper meaning.

Luna’s cheeks flushed slightly as she forced herself to stay composed. "I’m just recognizing your potential and future. Between Sovereign’s Apothecary and you, I’ll definitely choose you. As for the change you mentioned, that’s not going to happen. I’m still me. If you do something I don’t approve of, I’ll still criticize and intervene."

Andrew grinned. "Alright, my mistake. I should’ve known better than to underestimate the proud and untamable Ms. Phelan."

Luna broke into a smile. "Andrew, you haven’t called me Ms. Phelan in so long. From now on, don’t call me General Phelan or anything like that… It sounds awkward to me. I think you calling me Ms. Phelan, or something else, would be fine."

Andrew made a sound of acknowledgment and kept staring at her.

Luna pretended to admire the scenery nearby, turning her head away.

Andrew said, "So should I call you Luna, Lulu, or Nana?"

Behind them, Leslie burst out laughing. She swore she did not mean to; it just slipped out.