When the news arrived that the recruitment mentors from the Canaan Academy had come to the Xiao family, Xiao Zhan and the three elders, who were in the middle of a discussion, instantly froze. After a moment, they all stood up with expressions of pleasant surprise. They exchanged glances and then hurried out of the hall, rushing to the entrance of the estate. There, they greeted the group of beautiful women at the door with broad smiles, welcoming them into the family.
With Xiao Yan’s introduction, both sides finally gained an initial understanding. Upon learning the purpose of Mentor Rourin and the others’ visit, Xiao Zhan, without hesitation, agreed wholeheartedly and immediately dispatched someone to prepare empty rooms in the back courtyard. Such prompt and decisive action earned him considerable goodwill from Mentor Rourin and her companions.
The sudden influx of the beautiful, talented students from the Canaan Academy brought a lively atmosphere to the family. Many young members gathered around, their eyes constantly sweeping over the group of attractive girls, and casting envious glances at Xiao Yan, who was being bombarded with questions by the girls.
As night fell, the Xiao family, as the host, naturally offered the highest level of hospitality. After dinner, seeing that the conversation between the two parties was still warm, Xiao Yan, who had been exhausted from a long day, found an excuse to quietly slip back to his room. He then collapsed onto the soft bed, utterly worn out from the day’s battle with Mentor Rourin, even though he had received assistance from the Pharmacist Elder.
The morning sun shone through the window, brightening the room. The young man, still half-asleep, sat up on the bed. After a moment of daze, he yawned and got out of bed, washing up simply.
“Pharmacist Elder, when are we leaving?” asked Xiao Yan, wiping the water from his face.
“Go out and prepare some things. Fresh water, dried rations, tents, insect repellent, low-grade medicinal herbs, and some healing and restorative pills are all essential for our journey. You must be fully prepared, as we may spend a considerable amount of time in the deep mountains,” said the Phantom Pharmacist Elder, appearing suddenly beside the table.
“Hehe, I’m looking forward to it,” Xiao Yan laughed, quickly putting on his clothes.
Seeing Xiao Yan’s eager expression, the Pharmacist Elder raised an eyebrow and said softly, “From birth to now, you have never experienced a life-or-death battle. A person’s potential only erupts like a volcano when their life is threatened. The lukewarm training you’ve done in the past will never make you a true powerhouse!”
“You don’t lack natural talent for cultivation. What you lack is the tempering of iron and blood!” The Pharmacist Elder toyed with the teacup in his hand, glancing at Xiao Yan, who was now dressing more slowly, and continued, “Only after successfully undergoing the test of blood will you truly transform.”
Xiao Yan slowly clenched his fists and smiled at the Pharmacist Elder, “I believe I can pass.”
“That’s good to hear,” the Pharmacist Elder nodded with a light smile, pleased with Xiao Yan’s confidence.
“Hehe, but, teacher… When will you teach me the Earth-rank combat skill?” Xiao Yan grinned and leaned in, asking with a look of eagerness, as he had long desired to learn the Earth-rank combat skill.
The Pharmacist Elder glanced at the grinning Xiao Yan, a playful look crossing his aged face, “Don’t worry, since I said I would teach you, I won’t break my promise. After we leave Uthan City, hehe… You’ll have to study diligently.”
Seeing the Pharmacist Elder’s expression, Xiao Yan felt a hint of foreboding. He chuckled dryly, put everything in his pocket, and walked out the door.
At this time, Mentor Rourin and the others had already returned to the square from yesterday to continue the recruitment. So, the family estate was once again left somewhat empty.
Casually turning down a few paths, Xiao Yan strode out of the family gate. Looking at the scene outside the gate, he was taken aback.
Outside the wide passage, vehicles were already crowding. On the lavish carriages, many emblems were visible. From these emblems, Xiao Yan could recognize that most of them belonged to powerful forces in Uthan City.
“Tsk, these guys sure get their information fast…” he shook his head in amazement, once again realizing the immense influence the Canaan Academy’s recruitment mentors had in Uthan City.
He cast a casual glance and then turned away, ignoring the people and continuing on his way.
Walking through the bustling streets due to the Canaan Academy’s recruitment, Xiao Yan slowly made his way toward the city center’s auction house. As he approached his destination, he put on a black cloak, and then confidently entered the auction house, which was more crowded than usual.
Yaphira sat gracefully on a chair, one leg crossed over the other, revealing a tempting bit of skin under her long qipao. She held a long sheet of paper in her hand, reading it for a while before a surprised look appeared on her alluring face.
Lifting her head, she looked at the figure in the black robe beside her, surprised, “Little Brother Xiao Yan, why are you preparing so many supplies for the wilderness? Are you planning to travel far?”
“Yes, I’m leaving Uthan City in a few days, and maybe… I’ll return in a year or two,” Xiao Yan replied with a light smile after taking a sip of tea.
“A year or two?” Yaphira was taken aback again, “Why so long? What do you plan to do?”
“Well, I’ve grown up now and want to go out and experience the world. Staying cooped up in this small Uthan City isn’t what I want,” Xiao Yan said with a light smile.
“You’re right. With your talent for cultivation, staying in Uthan City will never make you a true powerhouse,” Yaphira nodded slightly, speaking softly.
“The mysterious alchemist will be traveling with you, right?” she asked after a moment of silence.
“Yes, he is my mentor,” Xiao Yan confirmed.
“No wonder…” Yaphira nodded in realization, looking deeply at Xiao Yan, “Then, you must also be an alchemist, right?”
“The healing medicine for the Xiao family is something I refined myself,” Xiao Yan replied without any concealment, smiling.
“Uncle Gunny saw some clues in the quality of the Blood Coagulation Powder, but he didn’t know about your relationship with the alchemist, so he didn’t suspect you,” Yaphira responded calmly, nodding without much surprise, indicating that she had already guessed some of it.
“Please help me prepare the supplies. The cost can be deducted from this card. I don’t want to owe anyone any favors before I leave.” Xiao Yan handed a pale golden card to Yaphira, which contained over 400,000 gold coins, all profits from the sales of the healing medicine to the Xiao family.
“Alright,” Yaphira nodded reluctantly and took the card, calling a maid to take the card and the paper, instructing her to handle it quickly.
“Please take care of the Xiao family after I leave. If you ever need help, I won’t refuse,” Xiao Yan said, looking at the enchanting woman before him.
“Since you called me ‘Sister Yaphira,’ how could I refuse? And, for a potentially limitless alchemist, even if I had to use myself, I would do my best to please you,” Yaphira said, her charming eyes bending into a delightful arc, and her long eyelashes fluttering slightly, exuding a subtle allure.
The seductive, tingling voice made Xiao Yan’s heart skip a beat, and he shook his head, laughing bitterly. This woman was a natural siren, and in a secluded place with a less determined man, she would have been irresistible…
“Ha, I’m just teasing you,” Yaphira smiled triumphantly, hearing Xiao Yan’s slightly rapid breathing under the black robe. She enjoyed making this overly calm young man show the bashfulness and shyness fitting for his age.
“Little Brother Xiao Yan, I’m looking forward to the level you’ll reach when you return to Uthan City!” Yaphira’s coquettish smile faded, and she spoke softly.
“I’m looking forward to it too,” Xiao Yan smiled, looking at the maid approaching with the card and the rings. He rose, waved, and said, “I’m off. This might be the last time I come here before I say goodbye.”
Yaphira stood up gracefully, standing in front of Xiao Yan. Gazing at the young man she had known for a couple of years, although their relationship was mostly based on cooperation, she had a special fondness for this calm, younger man. It wasn’t romantic, but more like a sibling affection.
She reached out, gently patting Xiao Yan’s shoulder, a touch of sadness in her expressive eyes, “Take care!”
Meeting her gaze, Xiao Yan smiled and moved closer, wrapping his arm around her enticing waist. Feeling the stiffness in her body, he knew she was caught off guard, but soon, she relaxed.
Standing there, Yaphira blushed at Xiao Yan’s unusual “goodbye” gesture, but since he made no further moves, she assumed it was just a playful gesture.
“Sister Yaphira, take care! I know your identity is more than just a chief auctioneer, but I have to say this very seriously.” Resting his chin on her shoulder, Xiao Yan inhaled her delicate scent, a teasing smile on his lips, “Never let another man hold you like this, because other men, when they hold you, will only think of how to get you into bed!”
Startled, Yaphira blushed, scolding, “You little rascal, daring to tease me. I bet you’re the one thinking that!”
“Haha,” Xiao Yan laughed, releasing her and waving, turning to leave.
“Goodbye, Sister Yaphira! See you in a year!” Xiao Yan walked to the door, passing the maid, who was still stunned by the intimate scene. He took the card and the rings, thanked her, and left without looking back.
Watching his disappearing figure, Yaphira’s blush faded. She touched where his hand had rested, feeling a faint warmth. The sensation made her toes tingle.
“You’re a bold little devil, but I’m really looking forward to your return. I don’t want to lose such a good partner. And I’m curious… How far will you have climbed by the time you return?”
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