Under Xiao Yan’s gaze, the helpless expression on Pharmacist Elder Fa Ma grew even more pronounced, yet he did not speak. The alliance proposed by Xiao Yan might indeed be tempting, but the Pharmacist Guild had a reputation in the Jia Ma Empire that was second only to the once-powerful Yunlan Sect. Moreover, due to the large number of alchemists within the guild, even the Yunlan Sect had some apprehension towards them. After all, they were well aware of the influence that alchemists could wield. As the leader of the Pharmacist Guild, Fa Ma’s prestige in the Jia Ma Empire rivaled that of even the Pill King Gu He. Over the years, he had established connections with many powerful figures in the empire. Therefore, it would take a substantial benefit to convince him to join Xiao Yan’s proposed alliance without any reason.
As Xiao Yan stared at him and Fa Ma remained silent, the atmosphere in the hall grew tense. Everyone maintained a calm demeanor on the surface, but their minds were racing. It seemed that this old man, Fa Ma, was unwilling to merge the Pharmacist Guild into the alliance. And given Xiao Yan’s personality, he was unlikely to let such a powerful force remain independent. It appeared that today would not pass without some complications.
Jia Xing Tian and Yao Ye, who had been silent since the beginning, watched the developments with cold eyes. Even when there was a hint of refusal in Fa Ma’s words, they said nothing. While a powerful alliance might benefit their position in the northwest region, they also feared that if the alliance became too strong, it might erode the authority of the royal family. Thus, they neither opposed nor supported Xiao Yan’s plan, leaving everything to rely on Xiao Yan’s abilities.
“President Fa Ma, if the Pharmacist Guild joins the alliance, then all the alchemists in the guild will receive support from the alliance for their expenses. This will greatly benefit their advancement in alchemy ranks. As for the concern that most of the alchemists are freelancers, there is no need to worry. As long as President Fa Ma agrees, I am confident that the majority will be willing to join the alliance.”
Finally, after the tense silence, Xiao Yan broke the quiet. Fa Ma’s eyes flickered, and after a moment, he shook his head ruefully. “I cannot make this decision alone. I need to discuss it with some of the elders before I can give you an answer.”
“President Fa Ma, how many fifth-grade alchemists does the Pharmacist Guild currently have?”
Xiao Yan smiled faintly and asked suddenly. Fa Ma was taken aback, and then he responded with some hesitation. “Less than five, but I have been at the peak of the fifth grade for many years. Recently, I have had some insights and may soon reach the sixth grade!”
Seeing the slight flicker in Fa Ma’s eyes, Xiao Yan smiled. “President Fa Ma, are you really so confident that you will reach the sixth grade?”
Advancement in alchemy ranks is extremely difficult, primarily because it requires the enhancement of soul power, which is inherently challenging. Generally, soul power only strengthens when one’s Dou Qi level increases. Given Fa Ma’s age and status as a Dou Wang, further improvement is hard to come by. Unlike Xiao Yan, who has both a strong innate soul power and the means to cultivate it through the Lotus Blazing Flame, ordinary people find it incredibly difficult to advance.
Hearing Xiao Yan’s words, Fa Ma’s smile slightly faded, and he frowned, remaining silent. He knew best about his own situation.
“As long as President Fa Ma agrees to join the alliance, I promise that within ten years, the number of fifth-grade alchemists in the guild will reach ten. And you, yourself, will reach the sixth grade during this period.”
Seeing Fa Ma’s hesitation, Xiao Yan made a bold promise, equivalent to a bombshell to the former. As soon as these words were spoken, a collective gasp filled the hall. Even Hai Bo Dong, who was known for his calm demeanor, looked at Xiao Yan in astonishment.
The difficulty of advancing in alchemy ranks was something everyone present had experienced. When Xiao Yan claimed he could produce ten fifth-grade and one sixth-grade alchemist within ten years, it seemed almost absurd.
While the others were somewhat bewildered, Fa Ma was well aware of the challenge. Staring at Xiao Yan, he finally spoke. “Young Xiao Yan, your offer is very appealing, but is it not a bit unrealistic?”
“Xiao Yan first encountered alchemy at the age of thirteen. Now, after seven years, I have reached the sixth grade. I trust my words are not just empty boasts.”
The crowd’s eyes narrowed, and Fa Ma’s face betrayed a look of astonishment. He always thought Xiao Yan had been studying alchemy since childhood, but now he realized that Xiao Yan had reached the sixth grade in just seven years, starting from zero. If true, this was incredibly impressive.
“But his teacher is a highly capable elder. With such a guide, it makes sense that he could mentor such a talented disciple. Perhaps he really can achieve what he says.”
Shaking off his astonishment, Fa Ma recalled the old sage who once gave him guidance—Xiao Yan’s teacher, the Alchemy Grandmaster. Reflecting on this, Fa Ma’s eyes lit up. His lifelong dream was to advance further in alchemy. If Xiao Yan could help him reach the sixth grade within ten years, integrating the Pharmacist Guild into the alliance would be worth it.
After a moment’s contemplation, Fa Ma sighed heavily and looked directly at Xiao Yan. “If you can truly make the Pharmacist Guild have ten fifth-grade alchemists within ten years, I will agree to join the alliance!”
Smiling, Xiao Yan nodded. Having learned from the Alchemy Grandmaster for years, he had inherited much of his expertise. He was confident he could nurture more talented alchemists within a decade. Though helping Fa Ma reach the sixth grade would be challenging, it was not impossible.
“Congratulations, Young Xiao Yan. With the Pharmacist Guild joining the alliance, the potential of this alliance is immeasurable.”
Jia Xing Tian said with a grin, though he inwardly lamented. He knew the importance of the Pharmacist Guild and the royal family’s previous efforts to win them over. Yet, those proud alchemists never budged. But now, Xiao Yan had succeeded.
Xiao Yan smiled and glanced at the envious Mu Chen and Nalan Jie. “As long as the three great families work diligently for the alliance, I promise that within ten years, your clans will have at least three, or even more, Dou Wang experts. I believe this will be easier than producing ten fifth-grade alchemists.”
Mu Chen, Nalan Jie, and others were initially stunned, then joyfully rose to express their gratitude. Xiao Yan waved his hand, smiling. “Since we are all part of the same alliance, the more powerful members we have, the stronger the alliance will be. This is my duty.”
Jia Xing Tian and Yao Ye were also struck by Xiao Yan’s promise. Promising to produce Dou Wangs within ten years was something they would have scoffed at, but given Xiao Yan’s ability to defeat a Battle Sect at the age of twenty, they found it feasible. They began to envy Xiao Yan’s capabilities.
Glancing at each other, Jia Xing Tian and Yao Ye sighed. The royal family’s strongest members were few, and with the exception of the Oceanic Sky Devouring Python, Jia Xing Tian was the only Dou Wang. His worry was that if he passed away, the royal family’s influence would diminish.
Jia Xing Tian stood up and asked, “If the royal family joins the alliance, can you also ensure that we have several more Dou Wangs within ten years?”
Jia Xing Tian’s proposal surprised everyone. The royal family was also considering joining the alliance. Realizing this, Yao Ye was also stunned but remained silent. She knew the royal family’s stability depended largely on Jia Xing Tian’s presence. Without him, the royal family would be severely weakened.
Smiling, Xiao Yan nodded. “If the elder Jia wishes to join the alliance, I welcome it. As long as the royal family can provide truly talented individuals, I will do my best. Our fates will be intertwined with the alliance!”
Relieved, Jia Xing Tian laughed. “Well, since the alliance is formed, shall we give it a name?”
Xiao Ding smiled and looked at Xiao Yan. “The name of our alliance will be… Flame Alliance!”
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