Ye Zhong ultimately chose to trust Xiao Li.
After all, with Xiao Li's current reputation, he was worthy of their trust.
"Tell me about the specific process of your Five Great Families' assessment." Xiao Li sat down beside him, awaiting Ye Zhong's explanation.
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Ye Zhong immediately said, "Elder Xiao, maintaining our Ye Family's seat on the Pill Tower's Council of Elders isn't very difficult—of course, for us now, it's still somewhat difficult."
"The Pill Tower's assessment for the Five Great Families focuses on the younger generation; only young talents from the family can participate. It's just that our Ye Family's younger generation is declining with each passing generation."
"Among the young people in our Ye Family now, Xinlan has the best talent, but she's only a Fifth-Grade Alchemist, completely incomparable to the other four families."
At this, Ye Xinlan's face also showed a hint of guilt.
But she couldn't be blamed for this; her talent was what it was, and effort alone couldn't break through its limits.
"For each assessment, our Five Great Families need to send out one member of the younger generation to undergo the trial."
"The content of the assessment is largely similar each year, and to pass, one needs to be at least a Seventh-Grade Alchemist."
The Ye Family did have Seventh-Grade Alchemists, but they were all from the older generation.
Among the younger generation, there wasn't a single Seventh-Grade Alchemist.
Not even a Sixth-Grade Alchemist.
Xiao Li nodded, "After all, it's the Pill Tower's assessment. The requirement of a Seventh-Grade Alchemist is normal and not too difficult."
If he casually displayed his skills, he would essentially be a Seventh-Grade Alchemist.
Hearing this, Ye Zhong was first happy about Xiao Li's confidence, but then he showed a solemn expression and said,
"However, because we failed the assessments in the previous two years, this time we need to at least rank in the top three to pass."
"Among the five families, getting into the top three is indeed a high requirement. What are the strengths of the younger generation in the other families?" Xiao Li asked.
"They are basically all Seventh-Grade Alchemists. Depending on who is sent to participate in the assessment, there might even be high-level Seventh-Grade Alchemists," Ye Zhong said.
While their Ye Family's strength was gradually declining, the other four great families were on the rise, with many talents among their younger generation.
"High-level Seventh-Grade? That makes no difference. As long as there isn't an Eighth-Grade Alchemist, the first place is easily taken," Xiao Li said.
It wasn't arrogance; he truly had the capability.
Upon hearing this, the Ye Family members were both shocked and excited.
If Xiao Li was truly an Eighth-Grade Alchemist, then passing the assessment would indeed be effortless.
"But can this assessment for the Five Great Families invite outside help?"
"Of course not, but there isn't no flexible solution. We can publicly announce that Elder Xiao is Xinlan's fiance, and that way he can represent our Ye Family in the assessment."
"It's just that I don't know if Elder Xiao would mind," Ye Zhong said.
If they couldn't invite outside help, then they would just make the outside help a member of the Ye Family.
What a simple solution.
"I don't mind, as long as Xinlan has no objections." For Xiao Li, this was a matter of taking advantage for free, so there was nothing to say.
Ye Xinlan, who was beside him, was stunned upon hearing this, and then a faint blush appeared on her cheeks. She softly said, "This is a matter of life and death for our Ye Family, so Xinlan naturally has no objections."
The current situation of the Ye Family no longer allowed them to have other demands.
Ensuring they could pass the assessment was the top priority; everything else was a minor issue.
"In that case, when shall we depart?"
Xiao Li didn't have too much idle time to waste here. The sooner he completed the assessment and participated in the Pill Gathering, the sooner his matters would be resolved.
"If Elder Xiao is ready, we can depart in three days," Ye Zhong said.
Now, all their hopes rested on Xiao Li, so they naturally deferred to him.
"Alright, then let's depart in three days."
After setting the departure time, Xiao Li and Medusa temporarily stayed at the Ye Family residence.
During this time, Ye Zhong also proactively asked Xiao Li if he needed some medicinal ingredients to practice his alchemy in advance.
Although Xiao Li didn't need to practice alchemy in advance, and with only three days, he couldn't practice much anyway.
But for the medicinal ingredients offered, he naturally wouldn't refuse; he would just consider it payment... Night fell.
In Ye City at night, the bright moon hung in the sky, and the night breeze was cool.
"Xiao Li, when we reach Holy Pill City, I want to go exploring by myself."
Inside the room, Medusa said as she removed the hairpin from her hair.
She accompanied Xiao Li not simply to follow him wherever he went, but because she wanted to experience the customs and culture of the Central Plains herself.
"Don't you want me to accompany you?" Xiao Li teased.
"If I wanted you to accompany me, would you have time?" Medusa glanced at him and retorted.
Xiao Li seriously thought about his subsequent plans: "Once I help the Ye Family complete the assessment and then win the Pill Gathering, I'll have time to accompany you."
"By the time you finish all these things, I'll have already explored the entire Central Plains."
"Hahaha, alright. Then you can go wherever you want to explore."
"But for now, let's do something serious."
Xiao Li embraced Medusa from behind, his hand naturally ascending.
Medusa couldn't help but let out a soft hum from her nose, swatting his mischievous hand,
"Stop it."
"If not now, then when?"
Xiao Li kissed her earlobe from behind, causing Medusa's delicate body to instantly go soft as if electrocuted.
Undoubtedly, her earlobe was her weak spot.
Before long, Medusa couldn't help but let out low gasps from her nose.
Xiao Li carried her onto the bed.
"Xiao Li, wait a moment..."
Medusa stopped him.
"What's wrong?"
Medusa didn't speak, but instead turned over, switching positions with Xiao Li, making him lie down,
"This time, it's my turn."
Her beautiful eyes shimmered with captivating charm.
It was rare for her to be so proactive, and Xiao Li was naturally happy about it.
Soon, the two experienced a new sensation.
Medusa's initiative was even more alluring, making Xiao Li even more excited.
This battle was more intense than ever before... Three days passed quickly.
When it was time to depart, Ye Zhong and Ye Xinlan were already prepared.
Not many people were needed to participate in the assessment; after all, Xiao Li was the protagonist, and others going would be useless.
"Elder Xiao, then we shall depart now for Holy Pill City."
"Also, when we arrive at Holy Pill City, to prevent exposure of your identity, I will no longer be able to address you as 'Elder Xiao,' but must directly call you by your name. I hope Elder Xiao will not mind," Ye Zhong said.
In terms of status and strength, he should indeed respectfully address Xiao Li as 'Elder Xiao.'
But when they reached Holy Pill City, Xiao Li would be participating in the assessment as Ye Xinlan's fiance. If Ye Zhong still called him 'Elder Xiao,' their cover would be blown.
Xiao Li nodded, "It's alright, Grand Elder, just call me by my name."
Subsequently, the group of four prepared to depart for Holy Pill City.
But just then, a sudden commotion came from outside the door...