"Uh... haha, I spoke without thinking, Sister Nangong. Please forgive me, forgive me!"
"Xiao Xuan, you truly deserve to be the Xiao Clan's Young Patriarch among the younger generation of the ancient clans.
After the Bodhi Ancient Tree incident, you have now surpassed both Brother Gu Yuan and me by far. It is truly regrettable that I did not attend the exchange meeting held by the Xiao Clan more than a decade ago.
I heard that back then, Brother Gu and you fought to your hearts' content. What a splendid battle it must have been."
Hun Tiandi had always been proud. When it came to strategy, he believed that among all the Emperor Clans, he stood alone above the rest.
In terms of talent, among the younger generation, only Gu Yuan and Xiao Xuan were worthy of his notice.
Xiao Xuan had no choice but to admire this fellow, even though they would very likely become enemies in the future.
Unlike the Hun Clan's bizarre ways and movement techniques, this man appeared open and upright. He held a folding fan in his hand, occasionally fanning himself, with a smile always on his face.
However, if anyone judged him by appearances and befriended him, they would help count the money even after he sold them out.
"You flatter me. If there is a chance, we can lend each other a hand and exchange pointers."
Gu Yuan said, "Young Patriarch Xiao, why have you come here?
From the looks of it, you seem to have known Brother Dan for quite some time."
"It has been several years. When I came to the continent to gain experience, I happened to meet Brother Dan and Brother Tang by chance.
We got along wonderfully. The three of us could be said to be birds of a feather.
Only later did I learn that they were peerless geniuses of the Central Plains, with talent and comprehension no less than our own."
What he meant was nothing more than telling everyone else that they had no chance—he had gotten there first.
At the same time, it was a hint for them to leave. Since there was no chance, what were they still doing here?
Unfortunately, none of them were simple people. Hun Tiandi said, "I have also heard of the names of you two brothers. They are like thunder in my ears.
To be able to befriend two peerless geniuses such as yourselves is Hun's good fortune.
Brother Dan, surely you would not turn guests away from a thousand miles off?"
"Yes, Brother Hun is right. If Brother Dan ever has something inconvenient to handle in the future,
you may send word to this little brother. I would be more than happy to help Brother Dan resolve some difficulties."
"Brother Dan is a pill-refining Grandmaster. Alas, Yao is merely an Eighth-Rank Alchemist, unworthy of mention before Brother Dan.
However, the Yao Clan considers itself to have achieved something and inherited some knowledge on the path of alchemy.
If Brother Dan has the time, Yao will sweep his couch clean to welcome you.
I hope it can make Brother Dan's path to becoming a Ninth-Rank Golden Pill Grandmaster somewhat smoother."
The dagger had finally been revealed. Upon hearing that Xiao Xuan had known this Tier 9 Profound Pill Grandmaster for a long time, they all stated their intentions, representing their respective clans as they extended olive branches.
The Dou Saint Elders behind them did not object. Clearly, before leaving, they had received instructions from their clans to leave everything to these young people.
Dan Chengzi was now caught between a rock and a hard place. He did not want to agree to any of them.
But refusing would be tantamount to offending these future leaders of the Ancient Emperor Clans.
There was also something he could not be certain about. To him, any one of these ancient clans was a colossal existence.
Fortunately, he considered his talent fairly decent. In the future, he might not necessarily be inferior to these future rulers at the pinnacle of power in the Central Plains.
"Everyone, my apologies. The Dan Tower was founded not long ago, and its foundations are unstable. It needs a long time to consolidate.
Moreover, I have no intention of joining an Emperor Clan. No matter which clan it is, you may all rest assured on that point.
Strengthening and developing the Dan Tower, creating a holy land for alchemists throughout the world, and diligently cultivating.
Perhaps that is the greatest goal of someone as unambitious as me."
Xiao Xuan said, "Everyone, my Xiao Clan respects Brother Dan's wishes."
"The Gu Clan as well!"
For a time, the other clans could only retreat helplessly. If they continued to pester him, they would only offend Dan Chengzi.
Even as successors of ancient clans, they did not wish to offend a Tier 9 Profound Pill Grandmaster.
Alchemists possessed tremendous influence on the Dou Qi Continent, especially high-level alchemists, whose influence could affect the power structure of the entire continent.
After everyone else left, Dan Chengzi cast Xiao Xuan a grateful look.
If this fellow had not joined in inviting him at the right moment, it really would have been difficult to refuse the other clans' recruitment.
With this fellow involved, he could naturally reject him as well, leaving the others with no choice but to give up.
Ancient Emperor Clans—today was the first time Nangong Ling had heard that term.
Although she did not know what those four words represented,
the title alone told her that they were far from ordinary.
No wonder Brother Xiao was so monstrous, becoming a Dou Zun at such a young age.
As for what realm he had reached now, she did not know either and could only make a rough guess.
Deep in her heart, the words "feeling inferior" surfaced of their own accord.
Fortunately, she was not someone who held herself back. Her courage was immense.
"Brother Xiao, I have you to thank today. Otherwise, it would have been difficult to send those fellows away.
Those were the top geniuses among the younger generations of the Emperor Clans, weren't they?
Hun Tiandi and Gu Yuan truly cannot be underestimated.
Lei Ying and Yan Jin may be good at plotting, but their aptitude seems somewhat inferior to that of Hun Tiandi and Gu Yuan."
"Haha, that is them. Brother Dan has keen eyes.
Hun Tiandi is indeed the hardest bone to chew. He possesses both intelligence and courage, and he is not bound by conventional means.
People like him are the most terrifying. Brother Dan, you must be cautious of him.
As for Gu Yuan, his talent and comprehension are exceptional. Fortunately, he is fairly upright, though somewhat indecisive.
As long as the Gu Clan's status and reputation are not threatened, it is difficult to make him risk his life to do something.
If those fellows continue pestering you in the future, Brother Dan, send word to me.
I do not mind being rejected by Brother Dan again and again, haha...
Of course, once Brother Dan becomes an Advanced Dou Saint, coupled with an alchemist's special status, the Ancient Emperor Clans will only treat you with courtesy.
And when you become a Nine-Star Dou Saint, any Emperor Clan without a Nine-Star Dou Saint will have to be cautious and respectful when facing you."
Xiao Xuan waved his hand indifferently, shoved aside the fellow standing in front of him and blocking the way, and led Nangong Ling'er and Xiao Ruo straight into the palace, where he found a chair and sat down.
Seeing how little this fellow treated himself as an outsider, anyone unaware of the situation would have thought he was the master here.
Dan Chengzi shook his head helplessly. Although those Young Patriarchs and elders had tried their utmost to lower their stances,
he could still feel that deep down, they looked down on people like them who had been born and raised in the Central Plains. It was a pride ingrained in their bones.
Only this fellow gave him no such feeling. He merely seemed approachable.
He did not possess even the slightest lofty, superior air.
"Brother Xiao Xuan, becoming an Advanced Dou Saint is easier said than done.
Although I have that confidence—given enough time, even a Nine-Star Dou Saint would not be my ultimate goal—
it has already been five or six years. After breaking through to the Dou Saint realm, I have still remained at one star.
To become an Advanced Dou Saint without a hundred years, or even several hundred years, is simply unrealistic."
Before you continue