Hearing Xiao Yan’s words, Han Chi’s face lit up even more with a smile, and he clasped his hands in gratitude. “If that is so, I must thank young brother Xiao Yan for stepping in to help. If there is anything you need the Han Clan to do, just let us know.”
Though the Han Clan, with its might, could certainly find someone capable of defeating Hong Chen, it would have to be one of the elder members of the clan. If they did step in, the elderly members of the Hong Family would most likely not sit by idly. This incident had been limited to the younger generation, and if truth be told, there was indeed no one among the younger disciples of the Han Clan who could actually defeat Hong Chen. The sudden appearance of Xiao Yan had unexpectedly saved the Han Clan from this predicament.
Xiao Yan pondered for a moment before speaking. “I will need some medicinal herbs, as the injuries within my body have yet to fully heal. I need to recover to peak condition within three days.”
“Oh? You are still nursing wounds, Brother Xiao Yan?” Hearing this, Han Chi and the others were even more startled, and their regard for Xiao Yan increased substantially. To think that, despite harboring such injuries, he had easily evaded the attacks from Han Tian. It seemed their original evaluation of him had been somewhat lower than it should have been.
“Ah, it’s of no hindrance. This is Mister Zhu Qian, my clan’s Head Alchemist. He is a Tier 5 Alchemist, and having the senior take a look at your injuries should prove to be very beneficial,” said Han Chi, casting a glance toward the indifferent-faced elderly man by his side. His long beard was entirely white, and he was dressed in the customary garb of an Alchemist. Emblazoned on his chest was a badge bearing a five-tier cauldron, each layer shimmering with golden rays—a sign of high recognition.
Xiao Yan had spotted this elderly man when he first walked into the room. However, the old alchemist was clearly a bit condescending, maintaining a closed-eye posture throughout. Of course, this didn’t mean that he was arrogant. On this central continent, almost all advanced alchemists carried such airs. And indeed, the prestige and power held by alchemists afforded them the right to do so.
The actual strength of Mr. Zhu Qian was merely at the level of a Dou Wang, which wasn’t much by the Han Family’s standard. But his other status as a Tier 5 Alchemist commanded high respect in the Han Clan. From this, the prominence and influence wielded by Alchemists on the Central Continent was made quite apparent. Nevertheless, though aware of the origins of the old man’s pride, given Xiao Yan’s personality, he wouldn’t go out of his way to cater to someone just because they were a Tier 5 alchemist. While valuable to the Han Clan, in Xiao Yan’s eyes, it was nothing special.
Now, hearing Han Chi’s words, the esteemed Elder Zhu Qian slowly opened his eyes, gave Xiao Yan a once-over, and indifferently ordered, “Come closer and let the old me check your condition.”
This remark drew a peculiar smile from Xiao Yan. With his own proficiency in alchemy, an evaluation of his work now would certainly rate at a mid-upper grade among Tier 6. Here, this old chap barely reached the level of being a Tier 5. Yet, he spoke with such commanding authority over Xiao Yan.
In alchemist circles, the differences between tiers can sometimes resemble a yawning chasm. Unless blessed with a unique flame or exceptional soul force, advancing beyond these boundaries to create higher-level medicine rarely occurred successfully. Xiao Yan could do so because he met these rare standards. Thinking this through, Xiao Yan laughed lightly, approached the old man, and extended his hand for examination.
Without leaving his seat, the ancient-looking man glanced casually at Xiao Yan, placing his gnarled hand upon Xiao Yan’s arm and channeling a stream of soul energy directly into his system.
“Roar!” As soon as Mr. Zhu Qian’s soul power invaded Xiao Yan’s inner sanctum, the invisible beast head formed by flames roared fiercely against that foreign intrusion.
This formidable soul energy exploded forth, like a mighty volcano, overwhelming Mr. Zhu Qian’s probing force. Under this pressure, the alchemist’s soul thread quivered as if faced with a king of the forest tigers and retreated hastily along its original path, whimpering and trembling with fear.
Back in the hall, Mr. Zhu Qian’s eyes narrowed as he released Xiao Yan, recoiling as his chair splintered beneath him. He shakily staggered several steps away from the seemingly ordinary young man, stuttering in shock, “You…you…”
He could distinctly perceive the terrifying nature of the invisible flaming beast head—made from an extremely menacing type of fire—that lurked inside Xiao Yan, housing an incomparably vast, tenfold, nay, hundred-fold superior, soul presence. Against such raw power, Mr. Zhu Qian felt as minute as plankton under an ancient bough, utterly powerless to resist. That immense concentration of essence was something most Tier 6 alchemists never possessed. Could this youth, only around twenty years old, also be an alchemist and of an even greater order?
“Elder Zhu… what’s going on?” the sudden commotion also caused Han Chi, beside him, to look askance, rushing out anxiously, “Heh, I possess unusual characteristics. My condition took Elder Zhu aback momentarily. It’s nothing serious,” grinned Xiao Yan as he passed a sheet of paper towards Zhu Qian. “It’d be trouble but if you could gather these ingredients for me. As a Tier 5, surely your ability in selecting and conserving potent herbal substances remains unmatched. Just ensure they’re properly attended to and delivered.”
His instructions came across more authoritative and matter-of-fact; no sugar-coating. The abruptness made those from the Han Family wear embarrassed smiles. Mr. Zhu, after all, was no part of their clan. Persuading this renowned individual took considerable effort from the Han elders. Normally aloof like a living Buddha, he simply brushed off any unyielding request. Let alone Xiao Yan’s curt tone. Preparing to interject and smooth things over, to everyone’s surprise, Zhu Qian took the list eagerly, gawking over the numerous entries. His astute gaze revealed that these particular items served crucial roles in top-notch elixirs. “Rest assured, Sir, I’ll select only those herbs of optimal potency,” he bowed politely.
By now, Zhu Qian felt nearly convinced about Xiao Yan also holding the rank of an apothecary and a lofty station at that.
With the confirmation, he found himself mulling over some tumultuous conjectures. Most alchemy arts passed down via pupilage, and nurturing such an extraordinary, young grand-alchemist suggested that his instructor too had unparalleled renown and possibly mastered skills reaching pinnacle status among Central Plain’s revered figures. Noticing Mr. Zhu’s change, the Han Clan stood aghast. Had this usually haughty figure truly transformed overnight?
Giggles erupted from two female onlookers recognizing a hint of their companion’s apothecarian skill. Seeing the usual proud old fellow humbled piqued interest further, suggesting untold dynamics unfolded while Xiao Yan interacted privately, turning alofty attitudes amenable.
Their laughter returned everyone’s awareness. Exchanging glances and then glancing back towards the inscrutable Xiao Yan; a young man shrouded deeply in mysticism, remarked the observers thoughtfully.
“Snow dear, show our friend to quarters where he may rest. Ensure materials reach his chamber swiftly,” smiled Han Chi.
Han Xue nodded slightly and flashed a charming smile, her tone sweet. “Please follow me, Xiao Yan brother.” Unnoticed, her casual address warmed noticeably. Without reaction, Xiao Yan bowed good tidings to Han Chi and company and followed after Xue’s leading trail.
Eyes trailing them receding, solemn expressions dawned onto Han Chi and party faces; their collective gazes swerving toward Zhu Qian.
“About earlier, Senior…?” Zhu Qian let out an airy sigh, stealing a glance toward Han Yue. “This young sir…isn’t he an alchemist as well?” Not hiding information, Han Yue combed a silver lock, laughing gently: “When I studied internally, Master Xiao Ye already crafted Fifth-Grade pills.”
Silence seized, then gasps echoed around. Zhu Qian fidgeted, losing tufts of his beard amidst shock.
“A remarkable feat, daughter! Truly brought home legendary aid!” Murmured Han Chi before issuing a stern decree: treat Xiao Yan with due honors, any slanders face disciplinary actions!
Amidst obedient affirmations, the significance weighed heavier. Though a Douhuang’s presence wasn’t overly impressive, add on an Alchemy mastery overshadowing esteemed Zhu Qian—and Han Clan would pursue friendship doggedly! Within the central region’s competitive arena brimming with elite prowess – the demand and esteem accorded to potent tonics elevated the revered station bestowed upon talented Alchemists significantly!
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