The sunlight poured in through the windows, illuminating the somewhat ethereal silhouette of the elderly figure, yet cast no shadow on the ground. The scene appeared somewhat eerie. The sudden appearance of the figure and the overwhelming aura that burst forth, not inferior to a Battle Sect powerhouse, instantly left everyone in the hall in a state of shock. Their eyes, filled with astonishment, fixated on the elder, while their hearts surged with a maelstrom of emotions…
In the midst of the silence, Xiao Yan was also astounded. After a moment, he finally recovered, scratching his head and smiling bitterly, “Teacher, why did you come out?”
“Teacher?” Xiao Yan’s address to the mysterious old man immediately made everyone’s heart jump. Their gazes towards the elder became even more strange. They had all clearly seen Xiao Yan’s progress, and while some of it could be attributed to his innate talent, they realized that the mysterious elder’s assistance might have been crucial.
“Ha ha, it doesn’t matter. It would have been discovered sooner or later,” the Pharmacist Elder smiled. This was the first time he had shown himself to others besides Xiao Yan and Medusa, but this action was not taken lightly. He knew that during Xiao Yan’s decisive battle with the Yunlan Sect, he would no longer be able to conceal his presence. In that case, what difference did it make whether he appeared a few days earlier or later? Moreover, choosing this moment to appear would undoubtedly provide a heavy weight, making Jia Xing Tian and others quickly choose sides.
Hearing the conversation between Xiao Yan and the Pharmacist Elder, everyone confirmed their relationship. They couldn’t help but swallow their saliva, exchanging glances, feeling a surge of dread. They hadn’t expected that this guy… still had such a trump card, which explained his daring challenge to the Yunlan Sect.
Compared to the shock of Jia Xing Tian and the others, Haidou and Yin Gu Lao were even more astonished. They knew that besides the mysterious elder before them, there was another super-strong rivaling a Battle Sect beside Xiao Yan—Medusa!
If you counted, did that mean Xiao Yan had two super-strong figures on his side that could match a Battle Sect?
Thinking of this, Yin Gu Lao, Su Mei, and Tie Niao exchanged glances, their eyes filled with shock. They felt a sense of relief; it was fortunate that they hadn’t directly clashed with Xiao Yan back in the Black Corner Region. Otherwise, they might have ended up like Fan Lao.
At one corner of the hall, Nalan Jie and Nalan Yanran gradually came back to their senses from the shock of the Pharmacist Elder’s appearance. Looking at each other, they took a deep breath, their faces filled with bitterness. The stronger Xiao Yan displayed his power, the more regret they felt. Originally, he could have been a son-in-law of the Nalan family, and if everything went well, the Nalan family would have gained immense prestige because of him. However…
Observing everyone’s expressions, the Pharmacist Elder waved his hand, sitting down in the chair beside Xiao Yan. He smiled faintly, “Go ahead with your discussion. Ignore me…”
Hearing the Pharmacist Elder’s words, everyone, including Jia Xing Tian, hurriedly cupped their hands respectfully. The gap between Battle Sect and Battle Emperor was vast. At this level, even in the entire Dou Qi continent, they stood at the top of the pyramid, while they were merely in the middle-upper layers.
“Ha ha, may I ask for the honorable name of the elder? I do not recall ever seeing the elder in the Jia Ma Empire,” Jia Xing Tian clasped his hands and smiled respectfully.
“Old man is not from the Jia Ma Empire. Ha, when I was wandering the continent, you probably weren’t even born,” the Pharmacist Elder chuckled, then his gaze shifted to Fama in the hall. The latter had been lost in thought since his appearance, as if trying to recall something.
“You are the young alchemist from back then, right? I still remember your aura. After so many years, you’ve developed quite some abilities.”
The light laughter from the Pharmacist Elder left everyone in the hall stunned again. Fama, however, suddenly trembled, lifting his head in disbelief, almost shouting, “You… You are the elder from back then?”
The Pharmacist Elder smiled, nodding casually. Seeing the puzzled expression on Xiao Yan’s face, he explained, “I met him when I traveled the continent back then. He was just a little older than you. At that time, I saw some potential in him and decided to guide him.”
Xiao Yan understood, and Jia Xing Tian and the others’ faces twitched, wiping cold sweat from their foreheads. This person… was truly a real old monster.
As everyone wiped their sweat, Fama rushed down from his seat, bowing deeply to the Pharmacist Elder. Just as his knees were about to touch the ground, the Pharmacist Elder flicked his sleeve, gently lifting him. “No need for such a grand gesture. Back then, I only guided you out of interest. Your achievements are mostly due to your own efforts and talent.”
“The favor of guidance will never be forgotten!” Unable to bow, Fama straightened up, performing a respectful junior’s salute to the Pharmacist Elder, earnestly saying.
Beside them, Mitchell, seeing Fama perform such a grand salute to the Pharmacist Elder, couldn’t help but wipe the cold sweat from his forehead. Fama was now a genuine Grade 5 Alchemist, and this achievement was only due to the Pharmacist Elder’s casual guidance. It was unimaginable what kind of terrifying background this elder had…
Seeing the fear on the faces of the crowd, the Pharmacist Elder shook his head, waving his hand. “Alright, alright. Continue with your discussion. Otherwise, my disciple might blame me for delaying him. By the way, what Xiao Yan said earlier is true. Before the decisive battle with the Yunlan Sect, certain matters must be resolved. So, everyone, please think carefully and choose your stance wisely…”
His words carried a hint of threat. Under the words of a Battle Sect, the faces of all present changed.
After speaking, the Pharmacist Elder smiled, and his illusory figure gradually faded, disappearing mysteriously…
Seeing the Pharmacist Elder disappear, Xiao Yan shook his head helplessly, looking up at the crowd and smiling, “Ha ha, apologies. My teacher speaks directly.”
Everyone hurriedly forced a smile. If they previously thought Xiao Yan was worth taking seriously, now he was someone they had to look up to! With a teacher of Battle Sect strength, such a background, who could he fear in the Jia Ma Empire?
“So? Everyone, have you decided?” Xiao Yan tapped the table lightly, raising his eyes and asking suddenly.
The hall fell silent again. After a moment, Fama clenched his teeth and said, “The elder once guided me. Therefore, the Alchemists Association will take a gamble and support you fully in facing the Yunlan Sect!”
Fama’s words shocked everyone. The Alchemists Association had a high reputation in the Jia Ma Empire, and their support would significantly boost Xiao Yan’s standing…
“Since President Fama has the courage, our Mu Clan will stand with you. The Yunlan Sect has long been displeased with us. If we don’t act now, things won’t get any better in the future!” Soon after, Mu Chen slapped the table, gnashing his teeth.
Of the five major forces, three had already declared their stance. The only ones left were the Royal Family and the Nalan family.
Tightening her brows, Yao Ye looked at Jia Xing Tian and said, “Mr. Xiao Yan, it is not impossible for the Royal Family to fully support you. However, allow me to ask a question.”
“Princess Yao Ye, please go ahead.”
“The Yunlan Sect is indeed a ferocious tiger in the Jia Ma Empire, but now, Mr. Xiao Yan’s power is not weak, even rivaling the Yunlan Sect. Yao Ye wants to know, if you succeed in eliminating the Yunlan Sect, will you become another ferocious tiger in the Jia Ma Empire? If so, isn’t the Royal Family’s situation the same as before, whether pre- or post-battle?”
Yao Ye’s face was tense, and her gaze was unflinching. Her words were sharp and direct, causing the atmosphere in the hall to immediately tighten. Some people were secretly sweating, thinking that this princess was exceptionally bold…
Tapping the table lightly, Xiao Yan glanced at Yao Ye, who was staring at him. Jia Xing Tian, although motionless, had tensed up.
“There will always be a difference in strength. Perhaps my power will become a formidable force in the Jia Ma Empire, but I can assure you here, as long as the Royal Family harbors no ill intentions, I will not attempt to seize the power of the nation as the Yunlan Sect did.”
After a long silence, Xiao Yan finally spoke softly.
Yao Ye was still not satisfied with Xiao Yan’s answer, but before she could say more, Xiao Yan’s expression darkened slightly, and he said, “Princess Yao Ye, you should know that if I do not act, the Royal Family will be completely destroyed by the Yunlan Sect within a few months to a year. So, I hope you will be reasonable and not think that I am begging for your cooperation…”
Hearing Xiao Yan’s words, Yao Ye was startled. Only now did she realize that this cooperation was only Xiao Yan’s way to eliminate his troubles. Their participation seemed to play no decisive role.
Under Xiao Yan’s sharp words, Yao Ye finally gave in. Jia Xing Tian, smiling, said, “Yao Ye is young and inexperienced. I hope Mr. Xiao Yan will not take it to heart. Since everyone agrees, the Royal Family will naturally not stay out. We will spare no effort to eradicate the Yunlan Sect!”
Seeing that even the Royal Family had taken a stance, Nalan Jie and Nalan Yanran also declared their intention to unite against the Yunlan Sect.
Seeing these old foxes finally agree, Xiao Yan sighed with relief and smiled. “In that case, let’s wish for a successful cooperation. Also, I hope everyone will keep my teacher’s presence a secret.”
Everyone nodded hurriedly.
Seeing everything was settled, Haidou smiled, sitting up from his chair. Just as he was about to speak, his expression changed. He raised his hand toward the window, and a carrier bird flew in, landing on his palm.
“It’s intelligence from Ya Fei.”
Taking the note from the bird, Haidou smiled at Xiao Yan, then slowly unfolded it. As he read, his expression suddenly changed.
“What is it?” Noticing this, Xiao Yan furrowed his brows and asked.
Haidou licked his lips, his gaze fixed on Xiao Yan, and said gravely, “The old fellow Yunshan is planning a wedding in the Yunlan Sect.”
“A wedding? Whose?”
“Gu He and… Yun Yun…”
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