Word Count: 3,212 Words
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Although the Jia Ma Empire was extremely far from the Pill Region, traveling with two Dou Venerates and an Ancient Void Dragon made their speed much faster than using a wormhole.
In just seven days, they arrived at the Pill Region. The time passed in the blink of an eye during cultivation. Xiao Yan opened his eyes from his meditative state when his Spiritual Strength detected numerous voices outside the wormhole.
"Big Brother Xiao Yan, we've arrived at Ye City," Xin Lan said nervously as she approached him.
"Mm." Xiao Yan slowly stood up.
Ye City was under the jurisdiction of the Ye Clan, one of the five great clans of the Pill Region. The Ye Clan's ancestors had once been glorious, and they controlled this massive city as their legacy.
Not long after Xiao Yan stood up, he saw a silver light circle in the distance, from which dense spatial fluctuations overflowed.
'We're finally here... the Pill Gathering.'
Staring at the silver circle, Xiao Yan clenched his fist tightly as a cold glint gradually surfaced in his dark eyes.
The Pill Gathering. This was the key to success or failure.
The current Xiao Yan was still not a true core member of the Hall of Souls, and he was not even qualified to enter the Hun Clan. But as long as he obtained the Pill Gathering championship and defeated Mu Gu, he could obtain even greater and stronger power.
At that point, he would be the Pill Tianzun, second only to Hun Huzi!
By then, not to mention Ice River Valley among the Three Valleys, even the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe would no longer be able to restrain him.
But all this depended on defeating Mu Gu and winning the Pill Gathering championship.
Letting out a deep breath that had been stifled in his chest, Xiao Yan abruptly stood, and the Dou Qi coursing over his body slowly receded.
The Space Boat streaked through the passage like a flash of silver light. In just a few blinks, it approached the light circle. Under the violent spatial fluctuations, the vessel began to rock intensely.
Xiao Yan paid no attention to this turbulence. His expression remained calm. With Venerable Tian Huo controlling the Space Boat, their safety was absolute. They flashed forward with a whoosh, and in a few blinks, the silver light circle was right before them.
In his dark pupils, the silver circle grew increasingly dazzling. Xiao Yan's fist tightened again, his eyes flashing with cold light.
The Space Boat turned into a ray of silver light and with a hissing sound, charged into the silver circle and disappeared.
"Venerable Bing... I've laid the bait. Let's see if you can resist biting."
…
Whoosh!
In a certain plaza, a flash of silver light appeared. The Space Boat quickly shrank and was stored in a storage ring. Moments later, several figures in black robes landed steadily on the ground.
These figures were, of course, Xiao Yan's group.
As a major city in the Pill Region, Ye City naturally had its own wormhole exit. Venerable Tian Huo hadn't created a separate exit but used Ye City's existing one. This made it easier for Xin Lan to determine their location.
Xiao Yan's group didn't attract attention. People frequently passed through this spatial passage, and with Xiao Yan using his Spiritual Strength to shield Xin Lan and Qing Lin from detection by Ice River Valley and Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe spies, their safety was guaranteed.
"This Ye City is quite large. Though it doesn't match Wind Lightning City, it's not far behind." Xiao Yan's formidable perception swept outward. He was surprised by how vast Ye City was.
No wonder the status of the five great clans in the Pill Region was so coveted. Being one of them meant controlling a city of this scale.
With the Pill Tower's protection as well, the revenue flow through this city was truly staggering.
Xin Lan's eyes dimmed, and she forced a bitter smile. "Originally, Ye City was even larger and grander than it is now. But in recent years, our Ye Clan has declined. Many regions have been seized by neighboring factions, and the population flow has shrunk greatly."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan could easily imagine how terrifying the cities controlled by the Dan Clan and Cao Clan, still at the pinnacle of the five great clans, must be. Even Wind Lightning City's prosperity probably couldn't compare to a tenth of theirs.
But that was to be expected. In Central Plains, many cities lacked Alchemist Associations. Only outside Central Plains or on its periphery did Alchemist Associations exist.
The Alchemist Association had been created solely to improve the level of alchemists in backward regions.
In the Central Plains, if you sought medicinal pills, you wouldn't go to the Alchemist Association but would come directly to the Pill Region, the gathering place for Central Plains alchemists. If even the Pill Region's alchemists couldn't solve your problem, then you'd visit the Pill Tower in Holy Pill City.
There was no need for the Alchemist Association to act as an intermediary.
Naturally, the cities of the five great clans attracted pill-seekers from throughout the Central Plains. Many alchemists in distinctive robes wandered about, purchasing medicinal ingredients.
Here, 5th-tier alchemists weren't exactly common, but you could occasionally spot them, and even 6th-tier alchemists could be seen.
As the rulers of this city, the Ye Clan naturally occupied its most central area. Within a kilometer, it was all Ye Clan manor grounds, normally off-limits to outsiders. The defenses within were exceptionally strict—though of course, this applied only to ordinary experts.
"Halt! Ye Clan territory! Unauthorized persons must leave immediately!"
Xiao Yan's group had just reached the Ye Clan's main gate when they were stopped by two Dou King-level guards. For the great clans of the Pill Region, Dou Kings seemed fit only to serve as guards.
"Uncle Hong, it's me." Xin Lan quickly stepped forward and removed her hood.
"Miss Xin Lan! You've finally returned!" Upon seeing Xin Lan's face, the guard called Uncle Hong became excited and hurriedly put away his weapon.
"Uncle Hong, these are my friends," Xin Lan said.
"Oh, I understand. Since they're Miss's friends, please come this way. Miss, I'll go notify the others." With that, Uncle Hong ran into the courtyard.
"Big Brother Xiao Yan, in a moment you may need to come with me to the council hall to discuss with the clan elders." Xin Lan's voice was tinged with nervousness. The Ye Clan now depended entirely on Xiao Yan. If he suddenly refused to help them, she would have no recourse.
More importantly, Xiao Yan's help wasn't unconditional. He required the Ye Clan to submit medicinal pills to the Yan Alliance annually, allocate Ye City's best and most prosperous commercial land to the Miteer Auction House, and provide protection for it.
Only with these conditions had Xiao Yan agreed to help.
Xiao Yan, dressed in his Soul Robe, smiled reassuringly. "Xin Lan, don't worry about me going back on my word. As long as your Ye Clan can agree to my conditions, my Yan Alliance will be your Ye Clan's cooperative partner."
"First arrange a quiet guest room for Little Fairy Doctor. I'll go with you to handle the assessment. Qing Lin, come with me."
Qing Lin felt warmth in her heart and nodded. "Yes, Young Master Xiao Yan."
After Xin Lan had made all arrangements, she led Xiao Yan and Qing Lin to one of the Ye Clan's halls.
Seeing Xin Lan safe and sound, the various Ye Clan elders in the hall all let out sighs of relief. A green-robed elder's face then darkened, and he said sternly, "Xin Lan, you know the clan's current circumstances. For you to suddenly disappear for so long was truly improper."
"I'm sorry. It was wrong of me, but I had reasons for being away so long. I've found an alchemist to help our Ye Clan pass the assessment," Xin Lan quickly explained.
Upon hearing this, all the elders present sized up the black-robed Xiao Yan and Qing Lin. Naturally, with their strength, they could not see through Xiao Yan's depth.
But to both Xin Lan and Xiao Yan's surprise, the green-robed elder actually shook his head and said, "Xin Lan, we've already discussed matters with the Cao Clan. We've arranged for you to marry Cao Dan of the Cao Clan. The Cao Clan is one of the five great clans, a perfect match for our Ye Clan. Moreover, Cao Dan is a rare alchemy genius of the Cao Clan. Marrying him will save our Ye Clan from being expelled from the five great clans while finding you a good home."
!!!
Xin Lan's face instantly turned pale! She never expected that after being away for just a short time, her clan would have sold her off!
"I absolutely will not marry that bastard Cao Dan!" Xin Lan's beautiful eyes filled with tears as she glared resentfully at the silent, tacitly approving elders. "Even if I did marry him, do you think that would solve our crisis? The Cao Clan's wolfish ambition has long been set on consuming our Ye Clan. Doing this is nothing but sending the lamb into the tiger's jaws!"
At these words, all the elders fell silent, their expressions frozen. None could refute her.
The Cao Clan was indeed ambitious. Especially since Cao Ying had emerged, they'd been eager to surpass the Dan Clan and become the head of the five great clans. Swallowing the Ye Clan was naturally the best approach.
The green-robed elder let out a cold snort. "Xin Lan, then what do you suggest we do! Do you realize the other four great clans are already plotting to eliminate us? The Xiang Clan has already bribed the other clans in secret, planning to kick us out and take our place!"
A black-robed elder at the side sighed. "Xin Lan, don't blame us for being harsh. We've received information that the Xiang Clan is paying a hefty price to have the Qiu Clan and Bai Clan target us. For this assessment, both clans are sending their strongest geniuses, all peak 7th-tier alchemists."
"And though the Dan Clan and Cao Clan won't send their absolute best, they're still dispatching two peak 7th-tier alchemists each. It's clear they mean to suppress our Ye Clan and let the Xiang Clan replace us."
The green-robed elder shot a glance at Xiao Yan standing behind Xin Lan, then snorted, "Xin Lan, I don't know who you've brought, but this assessment is harder than ever, placing in the top three will be more difficult than before. This crisis isn't something just a random nobody can resolve."
"My Young Master is not a random nobody!" When she heard her Young Master being insulted, anger instantly flared in Qing Lin's heart, and she snapped her eyes open.
A 5-star Dou Ancestor's aura swept outward, green light flashing like a body-freezing technique. All the elders present were immediately immobilized, their bodies rigid and unable to move!
All the elders turned terrified eyes toward Qing Lin, whose body glowed with green light. What kind of demonic technique was this!
The Ye Clan had truly declined severely. Although the elders were all Dou Ancestors, the strongest was merely a 6-star Dou Ancestor. This strength was only slightly better than the Hong Clan's in the Central Plains' periphery.
"Who exactly are you!" The 6-star Dou Ancestor erupted with Dou Qi but could only barely resist Qing Lin's green light, his movements still partially restricted.
"Qing Lin, these people simply lack discernment. There's no need to stoop to their level," Xiao Yan said, raising his hand and shaking his head.
At his words, Qing Lin retracted her light.
Even against non-snake tribes, the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils possessed terrifying power. Restraining those weaker than herself posed no difficulty.
Xiao Yan strode forward, removed his hood, and offered the still-shaken Ye Clan elders a smile. "Random nobodies certainly won't do. I wonder if I, Xiao Yan, will suffice?"
"Xiao Yan!!!"
At the sound of his name, all the elders present jolted in shock, springing up from their seats!
"You're... you're that Xiao Yan of the Yan Alliance?!" The Ye Clan's First Elder, Ye Zhong, a 6-star Dou Ancestor, stared wide-eyed at Xiao Yan, sizing him up from head to toe.
Who hadn't heard of Xiao Yan? He was currently the dark horse of the Pill Gathering, hailed as the only one with a chance to defeat the Dan Clan's genius and the Cao Clan's Witch, Cao Ying!
Though some still questioned whether Xiao Yan was truly an 8th-tier alchemist, many believed it—especially since Feng Qing Er had personally confirmed it.
"You... are really willing to help our Ye Clan?" Another elder asked, his voice trembling with excitement. If Xiao Yan was willing to help, then the Ye Clan would surely pass the assessment!
Xiao Yan shrugged, his tone noncommittal. "Not necessarily. That depends on you."
Xin Lan slowly approached First Elder Ye Zhong, her grandfather, and relayed the terms proposed by Xiao Yan and the Yan Alliance.
As Xin Lan finished, the Ye Clan elders all frowned.
Though the Yan Alliance didn't intend to annex the Ye Clan, they did plan to take a share of the pie in Ye City. They even had some intentions of recruiting the Ye Clan to become something like the Yan Alliance's alchemy department, providing them with long-term alchemy services.
This seemed less ruthless than the Cao Clan's approach, but in truth, it was still a form of servitude—albeit a light one, like being a highly-paid worker.
Xiao Yan noticed the Ye Clan's hesitation and smiled, "Everyone, I, Xiao Yan, guarantee here and now: even if the Cao Clan sends out some Witch, I will take first place."
Understanding his meaning, the Ye Clan elders' eyes narrowed. This amounted to Xiao Yan admitting he was an 8th-tier alchemist—and confident of defeating Cao Ying!
He was aiming straight for the Pill Gathering championship!
"Good! As long as Grandmaster Xiao Yan can help our Ye Clan win first place, our clan will agree to all your conditions!" First Elder Ye Zhong recognized this opportunity and, without further hesitation, immediately agreed.
There was a fundamental difference between first and third place. Winning first this time would exempt them from the next assessment. Even placing fifth next time would not count against them.
This was equivalent to granting the Ye Clan much-needed breathing room!
Xiao Yan chuckled. "No problem."
Just as Xiao Yan was displaying his Little Clan Leader side, shaking hands with everyone, exchanging pleasantries and congratulating them on the successful deal, Zi Yan dragged two people in from outside.
"These two were causing trouble outside, disturbing my rest." Ever domineering, Zi Yan had beaten the two 6-star Dou Ancestors black and blue. She tossed them before Xiao Yan, dusted off her hands, and went back to her afternoon nap.
"Zhao Hei and Qin Mo from the Black Fire Sect!" Ye Zhong's eyes narrowed in alarm when he saw them.
Xin Lan's expression became grim, and she explained to Xiao Yan, "The Black Fire Sect is a fairly powerful faction in the Pill Region. Their sect isn't far from Ye City, and they've coveted our city for some time. I never expected them to dare come to our doorstep!"
"Black Fire Sect? And what's their relationship with Ice River Valley?" Xiao Yan's eyes flickered as he asked.
"I'm not sure about that, but the Black Fire Sect's Sect Master is a half-step Dou Venerate. I've heard he has some connection with Ice River Valley's First Elder, Tian Shuang Zi," Xin Lan answered, not quite understanding Xiao Yan's intent.
A subtle smile appeared on Xiao Yan's lips. This was perfect—he had been planning to use the Ye Clan's assistance, but now the Black Fire Sect was an even better fit.
"Ye Zhong! If you kill us, our Sect Master will never let you off!" Zhao Hei, the black-clothed man, shrieked.
They never imagined the declining Ye Clan could still enlist such a powerful Dou Ancestor. The terrifying force had shattered their Dou Techniques with just a few punches, capturing them alive. They had no power to resist.
As the two Black Fire Sect members raged and shouted, strangely, all the Ye Clan members looked toward Xiao Yan—as if he were the true clan head.
But this was only natural. Since Zi Yan had captured them, it had nothing to do with the Ye Clan. How to deal with them was, of course, up to Xiao Yan.
"Your Black Fire Sect is quite domineering."
Zhao Hei looked up, confusion crossing his face as he saw Xiao Yan's smiling expression. Since when did the Ye Clan have someone like this? And why did he look so familiar?
Zhao Hei failed to recognize Xiao Yan, but Qin Mo did. His face turned ashen with terror, as though he had seen a ghost. "You're Xiao Yan!!"
"Oh? So you recognize me?"
Xin Lan explained, "Ice River Valley once issued a huge bounty for the Woeful Poison Body, with your portrait included. At the time, it spread throughout the Central Region. Every sect, large and small, received Ice River Valley's wanted poster."
"What a coincidence, then." Xiao Yan slowly squatted, removing Zi Yan's spatial restraints, and smiled. "You two, I have something I'd like your help with."
!!
Qin Mo and Zhao Hei saw the smiling man before them and blanched with fear. The Yan Alliance's strength was on a whole different level from the Black Fire Sect. They had a Dou Venerate! The Black Fire Sect could not protect them. In fact, their recklessness could bring total disaster to their sect!
No wonder that black-robed person had been so strong. Xiao Yan had actually come to the Ye Clan!
"I wonder what Grandmaster Xiao Yan needs from us. As long as we can help, we'll go through fire and water if necessary," Qin Mo, having calmed himself, fawned obsequiously. To save their lives, agreeing was their only choice.
"Rest assured, it is not a difficult task. I simply need you two to go to Ice River Valley and tell them that Xiao Yan of the Yan Alliance has arrived in the Pill Region with the Woeful Poison Body, seeking a solution to the Woeful Poison Body problem."
!!!!!!!!!!!
Once Xiao Yan said this, not only Qin Mo and Zhao Hei but even all the elders of the Ye Clan were left utterly dumbfounded. For a moment, everyone stood frozen on the spot.
Xiao Yan was setting a trap!
After leaving Asura imprints in the two men's bodies, Xiao Yan released them. Originally, he had planned for the Ye Clan to play the role of traitors, betraying him to lure in Venerable Bing. Now, with the Black Fire Sect involved, things were even more convenient.
Having completed all this, Xiao Yan turned to look at Ye Clan's First Elder, Ye Zhong, and asked, "I have heard that the Ye Clan possesses the Sun Fire Ancient Altar, which can summon Sun Flame. I wish to cultivate for a while there. May I borrow it?"