If you serve the Xiao clan wholeheartedly, within ten years, I guarantee you will rise to a fifth-grade, perhaps even a sixth-grade alchemist."
With that promise, Xiao Yan offered both a threat and a reward.
Though the Soul Mark gave him full control over Liu Panlong, he chose to give him a reason to strive.
After all, only when given an incentive would a person's efficiency truly awaken.
Besides, a third-grade alchemist was far too weak. Even as a servant, it was a blow to prestige. Xiao Yan wanted more.
"Thank you, Master," Liu Panlong said, still processing the vast knowledge in his mind.
His expression had lost its bitterness, replaced with a radiant excitement.
The hesitation in his heart vanished, replaced by eagerness.
"If only these things had been given to me sooner… I would not have resisted."
"Mm."
Xiao Yan nodded slightly, noting the rapid change in Liu Panlong's attitude with mild surprise.
With this old man at hand, and with Yaolao's assistance, their hands were freed.
With the knowledge Yaolao had given him, Liu Panlong could soon reach fourth-grade level.
For now, one fourth-grade alchemist serving the Xiao clan was enough.
"Master, your servant has urgent news," Liu Panlong said, bowing deeply. "It was the Galié family who acted in secret against you.
Their patriarch, Galié Bi, told me about Liu Xi's disappearance and your involvement. It is my belief he seeks to use me to harm you."
Whether it was Xiao Yan's influence or Yaolao's gift of knowledge, the proud alchemist had shifted dramatically in minutes — his manner now wholly deferential.
"Galié Bi is the culprit?" Xiao Yan's lips curved into a faint smile.
"Unexpectedly, in this reborn life, the Galié family is still the first to be dealt with."
In his past life, Xiao Yan had no desire to concern himself with such insects. But when they came looking for trouble, there was no excuse to ignore them.
"Still, if you knew the Galié family was using you as a tool, why come to the Xiao clan?" Xiao Yan asked thoughtfully.
"Master, upon arriving in Utan City, I heard of your unmatched talent.
My intention was not vengeance for Liu Xi, but to use this opportunity to display my power and persuade you to take me as your disciple.
If you rise to prominence in the future, I too might benefit."
Liu Panlong's tone carried both embarrassment and persistence.
Xiao Yan couldn't help but roll his eyes. "The old fellow does have a way of thinking."
If not for the ill fate of Liu Xi and the secrets Xiao Yan had seen, he might have dismissed Liu Panlong with a polite smile.
But now, Liu Panlong would not have freedom until Xiao Yan became a Dou Saint.
Yaolao silently smirked at the exchange, a trace of mockery on his lips. "
What rank, and yet still aspiring to take disciples. Even trash dares to seek out geniuses as masters."
Liu Panlong laughed awkwardly, unashamed. Thick-skinned and pragmatic, he accepted Yaolao's ridicule without shame.
"Heh, Master, the Galié family dares to scheme against you. That is bold. If you command it, your servant will bring them down."
Whether out of sincerity or vengeance, Liu Panlong bowed respectfully.
"Very well. Then I will give you a chance to prove yourself." Xiao Yan said after a moment's thought.
Since the Galié family had acted, there was no harm in teaching them a lesson — once again driving them out of Utan City.
"Drive them out, but no need for wholesale slaughter."
Xiao Yan's hands rested behind his back, his face calm yet carrying a maturity that even Liu Panlong found disorienting. This deepened Liu Panlong's respect for him.
"Also… from now on, when in public, don't call me 'Master'. That draws too much attention." Xiao Yan's voice carried a hint of thoughtfulness.
Anyone seeing a third or fourth-grade alchemist addressing a twelve-year-old as master would be shocked. Yet it should not appear humiliating either.
"Tell me, do you still have a living teacher?" Xiao Yan asked.
"My master was a second-grade alchemist. He passed away twenty years ago," Liu Panlong replied respectfully.
"That's good." Xiao Yan nodded in satisfaction, smiling softly. "From now on, call me Junior Uncle.
It will imply I have a powerful teacher and make others ponder my background, without drawing too much attention."
A third or fourth-grade alchemist calling someone Junior Uncle would make others suspect his master must be an incredible figure .....enough to intimidate even a small kingdom.
"Yes, Junior Uncle!" Liu Panlong quickly responded, correcting himself when Xiao Yan gave a light hum of disapproval.
"Yes, Junior Uncle!"
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