Inside the hall.
Xiao Yan sat before the Black Demon Cauldron, pouring Myriad Beast Spirit Flame into it and burning the Medicinal Herbs within.
The Myriad Beast Spirit Flame obeyed his commands as readily as an arm obeyed its master. When burning the Medicinal Herbs, it targeted only their most essential portions, avoiding every stray leaf and branch.
This terrifying control over flames left everyone present dumbfounded.
What shocked them even more was that Xiao Yan maintained such precise flame control while processing several Medicinal Herbs at once.
This meant that not only was Xiao Yan's flame control powerful, but his Soul Perception was also extraordinarily formidable.
Inside the hall, unlike the other Alchemists—
The two Tier 4 Alchemists, Frank and Otto, saw far more deeply. They noticed the details of Xiao Yan's Medicinal Herbs processing and his alchemical techniques. That was what could truly be called peerless.
Every wisp of herb he burned was useful material, and every drop of medicinal liquid he extracted was the purest essence.
The two Tier 4 Alchemists watched Xiao Yan refine pills while gesturing through the air themselves, utterly engrossed.
"This is simply art!"
"Such beautiful refining techniques—they surpass mine by far."
"Heavens, so this is how he purifies medicinal liquid? It's absolutely unheard of."
"I don't even need to learn the essence of it. Just these superficial techniques alone have already improved my alchemy considerably," a Tier 3 Alchemist said excitedly.
"Exactly. As expected of a Sixth-Rank Alchemist. If I could study under a master alchemist like this every day, perhaps I wouldn't have been stuck at Tier 2 for so many years."
The refinement neared its end, with only the final step of pill formation remaining. The many Alchemists slowly came back to their senses, still wanting more.
By then, a full five days had passed since Xiao Yan began refining the pill!
Over those five days, no one complained of exhaustion, hunger, or boredom.
Even Nalan Yanran and Elder Yun Jing, who knew little about alchemy, were captivated by Xiao Yan's graceful, artistic refining methods and watched with rapt attention.
Inside the medicine cauldron.
The crystalline, glossy medicinal liquid was gathered together by Xiao Yan through an exceptionally ingenious technique, gradually forming into a pill.
At the very instant the pill took shape, the natural energy throughout the hall suddenly became turbulent.
This was the distinctive trait of a Tier 6 Medicinal Pill: it could stir the power of heaven and earth.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, a pillar of light shot skyward from within the medicine cauldron.
When the pillar of light dispersed, it signified the official conclusion of the refinement.
Xiao Yan used his soul force to retrieve the Dou Ling Pill. It was the size of a dragon's eye, exuding an ancient pill fragrance. Its surface was incomparably smooth, and one glance was enough to tell that it was a top-quality Dou Ling Pill.
All the Alchemists present fixed their eyes on it. Looking at the flawless, naturally formed Dou Ling Pill, they practically drooled with desire.
A Tier 6 Medicinal Pill—one that could raise a Dou Wang's strength by one star upon consumption and spare them years of arduous cultivation—the Dou Ling Pill!
This pill alone was enough to make a Dou Wang powerhouse serve it with all their strength.
Yet everyone present understood that Xiao Yan, who could refine such a pill, was likely not weak in cultivation either.
A Sixth-Rank Alchemist, even at the lowest estimate, was someone whom even Dou Zong powerhouses had to show respect.
They did not dare harbor any improper thoughts toward such a figure.
"Master Yan, your pill stirred the natural energy. Your status as a Sixth-Rank Alchemist is truly deserved! Please wait for a few days. We will immediately report the matter truthfully to the higher-ranking Alchemist Guild branches and prepare an Alchemist robe representing your status!" Frank said with utmost respect.
"Fine. I don't mind staying a little longer," Xiao Yan replied, having expected this already.
He had left himself enough time to wait for the Alchemist robe to arrive.
Once he had that Sixth-Rank Alchemist robe, it would save him a great deal of effort and explanation in his subsequent plans.
"Master Yan, do you have a place to stay? If you do not mind, may I find one for you?" Otto also stepped forward, eager to make his presence known.
Xiao Yan waved a hand. "I already have lodging. There is no need for you to trouble yourself, Senior."
Otto immediately withdrew in disappointment. He did not dare force the matter, fearing he might provoke Xiao Yan's displeasure.
After observing Xiao Yan's alchemy over the past few days, he desperately wanted Xiao Yan to offer him a few pointers. That would greatly increase his chances of becoming a Fifth-Rank Alchemist in the future.
Unfortunately, Xiao Yan did not seem to intend to stay long.
Xiao Yan put everything into his Storage Ring. Without sparing anyone present another glance, he turned and left.
Seeing this, Nalan Yanran immediately stepped forward and reached out to stop Xiao Yan.
"Senior, please wait. This junior wishes to speak with you for a few moments!"
Xiao Yan knew Nalan Yanran's purpose. He knew she was surely going to speak about Nalan Jie's Brand Poison.
However, dealing with the Brand Poison was not part of his current plans and might disrupt his arrangements prematurely.
Nalan Jie had endured for quite some time in the original story. Why should Xiao Yan be in such a hurry?
"I have neither the time nor the interest to listen. Do not disturb me. The Misty Cloud Sect's status is not as useful as you think." Xiao Yan seemingly casually brushed aside Nalan Yanran's arm and left the Alchemist Guild without looking back.
Nalan Yanran pressed her lips together, worry clouding her brow.
That was right. A Sixth-Rank Alchemist truly had no need to give the Misty Cloud Sect face.
Nalan Yanran, you cannot give up now. Grandfather's life is still in grave danger. You must find a way to persuade him!
With that thought, Nalan Yanran looked toward Yun Jing and said, "Elder Yun Jing, I'll have to trouble you to handle the matter of exchanging for the Ice Spirit Cold Spring from Master Gute alone. Afterward, you may return to the sect on your own."
Yun Jing frowned. "Young Sect Master, what do you mean by this...?"
Nalan Yanran looked somewhat apologetic. "I'm sorry for placing everything on you."
"I want to ask this Alchemist to help me save someone."
"Even if I have to cling to him shamelessly, I must persuade him!"
Yun Jing thought of something, and his expression changed. He lowered his voice. "Is it because of Elder Nalan?"
The matter of Nalan Jie being afflicted with Brand Poison was known to most of the upper echelon of the Jia Ma Empire.
It was said that even Pill King Gu He was completely helpless.
So this previously unknown Sixth-Rank Alchemist might have hope of curing Nalan Jie?
As this involved such a matter, Yun Jing could not say much. He could only advise, "Be mindful of your limits. A Sixth-Rank Alchemist will not tolerate much, even if you have the sect behind you, Young Sect Master."
"If you notice that this Alchemist has become irritated, you must know when to stop."
Nalan Yanran nodded. "Thank you for the reminder, Elder Yun Jing."
After returning to the inn, Xiao Yan removed his mask.
His purposes in publicly refining a pill this time had all been achieved.
The assessment of his identity as a Sixth-Rank Alchemist would likely be finalized soon.
Having displayed his prowess so splendidly before everyone also put him in a much better mood.
Moreover, the completed Dou Ling Pill could be consumed later, saving him cultivation time.
Next, he only had to wait for the Alchemist robe to be issued before setting out for the Tagor Desert.
Obtain the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame Map Fragment, meet his two brothers, travel to the Snake-People Tribe...
Just as Xiao Yan was planning his future actions, a knock suddenly sounded at his door.
Knock, knock, knock~
"Master Yan, may I ask whether you need a maid to help handle your miscellaneous affairs?" Nalan Yanran spoke through the door.
"If you do not mind, I am willing to become your maid."
(Nalan Yanran will not be accepted; this plot serves the later storyline.)
Before you continue