After concluding the business, Hai Bodong and Xiao Yan bid farewell to the Alchemists’ Guild. The former returned to the Mi Teer Clan, while Xiao Yan strolled along the streets, heading towards the most prosperous area of the city center. At this location, a grand courtyard had been adorned with a brand new plaque, its flamboyant calligraphy catching the eyes of the passers-by who couldn’t help but stop and gaze in awe. “Xiao Residence!” When Xiao Yan arrived, he saw the crowd gathered outside the courtyard, shook his head in exasperation, and could only flash over the wall into the compound. As soon as his figure entered the courtyard, several gusts of wind suddenly sounded in his ears. Instead of dodging, Xiao Yan flicked his fingers and easily deflected the attacks from four black figures that had darted out from the shadows. “No need to panic, it’s me.” Flicking away the four black figures, Xiao Yan smiled. Upon hearing the familiar voice, the four black figures immediately knelt on one knee, respectfully calling out, “Leader! We apologize for the offense!” “Haha, not bad,” Xiao Yan laughed, lightly flicking his sleeves, showing no signs of reprimand. He waved at the four men and proceeded down the small path within the courtyard. The residence Xiaolie had chosen far surpassed the Xiao family’s former estate in Wu Tan City, both in size and grandeur. However, due to the drastic reduction in the clan’s population, the vast courtyard appeared somewhat empty and serene. After a short walk, a spacious living room came into view, faint laughter drifting from within. Entering the living room, he was greeted by Xiaolie and Xiaodong, who were busy directing the servants inside. Recognizing Xiao Yan, they smiled and welcomed him warmly. “What do you think? This residence is quite impressive, isn’t it? To purchase such a large estate in this area, it’s not just about the money,” Xiaolie smiled, observing Xiao Yan’s approving gaze. These prime locations were mostly controlled by influential merchants with strong backgrounds, but with Xiao Yan’s current influence in the Jia Ma Empire, rivaling the massive Cloud Mist Sect, these merchants did not dare to object to Xiaolie’s acquisition, let alone raise the price excessively. “Mm,” Xiao Yan nodded slightly, acknowledging that although the residence wasn’t as magnificent as the Mittel Clan’s estate, it was still satisfactory. “It’s indeed good. From now on, this will be the headquarters of the Xiao family…” Relieved, Xiaolie heaved a sigh. “Third brother, how did the negotiation go?” Xiaodong, seated in a wheelchair, smiled and inquired. “Everything went smoothly. In two days, we can gather our forces and engage in a decisive battle with the Cloud Mist Sect,” Xiao Yan replied with a smile. “In two days?” Xiaodong looked startled, then frowned. “That’s rather hasty, isn’t it?” “Yun Shan wants to marry Yun Yun to Gu He, thereby ensnaring Gu He. If they succeed in this union, it will only create more trouble in the future. Therefore…” Xiao Yan’s smile faded as he spoke slowly. “Yun Shan wants to marry Yun Yun to Gu He?” Xiaolie and Xiaodong’s faces changed, their voices filled with disbelief. “Hmm…” Xiaodong’s face turned somber as he tapped his fingers on the armrest, “If that’s the case, it would indeed be troublesome. Gu He is not an ordinary person. His influence in the Jia Ma Empire surpasses even that of the Alchemists’ Guild’s Fa Mawo. If he truly aligns with the Cloud Mist Sect, it will significantly bolster Yun Shan’s position.” “So, what do you plan to do?” Xiaolie turned to Xiao Yan. “Naturally, we cannot let this union happen,” Xiao Yan said with a slight smile, his eyes hardening. “In two days, I will find a way to deal with Gu He, at the very least ensuring he cannot interfere with the Cloud Mist Sect.” Exchanging glances, Xiaodong and Xiaolie knew better than to question Xiao Yan’s plan. “You two should settle the clan over the next two days. I’ll handle the Cloud Mist Sect.” Patted them on the shoulder, Xiao Yan reassured. “I indeed can’t be of much help in this matter. But remember, you are the pillar of the Xiao family. As long as you live, the hope for the revitalization of the Xiao family endures…” Xiaodong gazed at Xiao Yan, speaking earnestly. Xiao Yan smiled and nodded. As he conversed with his brothers, a servant came to report that Yaoye had personally delivered the ingredients for the “Primordial Bone Remodeling Pill.” “I didn’t expect the speed to be so quick. It seems the royal family values that Deep Sea Jiaobeast greatly…” Murmuring to himself, Xiao Yan sent for Yaoye. Upon meeting, after some pleasantries, Yaoye handed over the prepared ingredients. The ingredients, contained in a low-grade storage ring, were enough to create ten “Primordial Bone Remodeling Pills.” Impressive indeed. After delivering the ingredients, Yaoye stayed for a while before taking her leave. Watching Yaoye depart, Xiao Yan gave some instructions to his brothers and then retreated to a quiet room, instructing no one to disturb him. Closing the door, Xiao Yan exhaled deeply, his eyes half-closed, and his fist in his sleeve tightening. “Heh, old dog Yun Shan… This move of yours is quite ruthless, forcing me to climb the Cloud Mist Mountain in two days.” The black ring on his finger flickered, and the Elder’s ethereal figure appeared. Glancing at Xiao Yan, he said, “The Cloud Mist Sect has the advantage of terrain and numbers. Yun Shan clearly fears you, else he wouldn’t have taken such great pains…”
Xiao Yan nodded, remembering the sect’s formidable joint attack formation which he had experienced firsthand.
“Your history with Yun Yun is known to Yun Shan. His actions are likely intended to provoke and disrupt your state of mind,” the Elder mused. With his experience, he could see through Yun Shan’s motivations. Recalling his youthful travels, his encounter with the transformed Yunzhizi in the Magic Beast Forest, and the ensuing series of events, he knew he could never forget them. Seeing the change in Xiao Yan’s expression, the Elder sighed and flipped his hand, revealing a pale white ring. “Take this…”
With a flick, the white ring flew towards Xiao Yan, who caught it adeptly. “What is it?” Gazing curiously at the white ring, he felt a cold sensation mixed with an unusual heat. “This is a ring I crafted with the Bone Spirit Cold Flame. It stores a lot, but will dissipate after five days,” the Elder explained. “During the battle with the Cloud Mist Sect, if there are Soul Palace strongmen, I will help hold them off. I won’t be able to lend you the Bone Spirit Cold Flame then, so this ring is your backup.” “The stored Bone Spirit Cold Flame is enough for one ‘Flame Lotus of Wrath,’ so use it sparingly.”
Xiao Yan, somewhat stunned, nodded, sensing the Elder’s unease about the upcoming battle. “Two days from now, the war with the Cloud Mist Sect begins. Dwelling on it now is unproductive. Focus on strengthening your forces.”
Seeing Xiao Yan’s brooding face, the Elder offered a comforting smile. Silently nodding, Xiao Yan took out the storage ring given by Yaoye earlier. “Let’s start by creating the ‘Primordial Bone Remodeling Pill.’ If it can restore the Deep Sea Jiaobeast, it will be a significant aid to us.”
The Elder nodded, smiling. “Good. It’s been a while since you’ve refined medicine. Let’s see how much you’ve improved. With two unique flames, refining pills should be a breeze for you now.” Smiling wryly at the Elder’s assessment, Xiao Yan jumped onto the bed and summoned the red beast-patterned pill furnace inherited from Han Feng. Flicking his fingers, verdant flames shot out, entering the furnace. As the green flames rose, the temperature in the chamber gradually increased, transforming the room into a makeshift kiln.
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