All Right!

"Hehe, Elder Gu He, no need for formalities."

Xiao Yan smiled faintly and reached out to support Gu He, his tone quite amiable.

Gu He wasn't really listening to what Xiao Yan was saying.

Xiao Yan is really too young!

He truly couldn't believe that this young man was actually a Dou Huang expert, and also a Seventh-Tier Alchemist.

Even if she hadn't completely forgotten, and she cultivated her skills from the womb, it would be impossible for her to achieve this level at such a young age, right?

He doesn't understand!

"I see that the Deputy Sect Leader so young. May I ask how old you are?"

Gu He thought for a moment, then couldn't help but ask.

"Uh, I guess I'm still fourteen years old."

Xiao Yan tilted his head and said.

???

Seize the young?

Gu He stared wide-eyed, his face filled with disbelief.

A fourteen-year-old Dou Emperor and Seventh-Tier Alchemist?

Is that correct?

"Oh, this is the Sect Breaking Pill I just refined. Elder Gu He, you might want to take a look."

Xiao Yan didn't stand on ceremony with him and directly took out the pills he had just refined and handed them to Gu He.

Gu He was an experienced alchemist, and the moment he received the pill, he could tell it was extraordinary.

Should we refine Sect Breaking Pill that was originally Sixth-Grade pill to Seventh-Grade?

Is this guy's Alchemy really that terrifying?

After carefully examining it, Gu He realized that it was indeed the Seventh-Grade pill he had been dreaming of refining, and a sense of frustration welled up within him.

Regarding his Dou Qi strength, he didn't need to verify it with Xiao Yan. He could tell from the oppressive aura emanating from Xiao Yan that no matter if Xiao Yan was Dou Emperor or not, defeating him would be a piece of cake.

Moreover, he has never been known for his Dou Qi spirit.

His only source of pride was his unparalleled Alchemy within the Jia Ma Empire.

But now, a fourteen-year-old boy has already surpassed him!

Keep in mind that when he was fourteen, he was only a lucky alchemist who had just reached the Second-Grade!

Indeed, in the face of true genius, effort is utterly insignificant!

After glancing at Xiao Yan with a complicated expression, Gu He returned the pill to Xiao Yan. Then, seeing Yun Yun affectionately holding Xiao Yan's arm, he felt a bitter taste in his mouth.

That's enough, that's enough.

Ultimately, we were not meant to be!

He barely managed to maintain the last shred of dignity, cupping his hands in a respectful greeting to Xiao Yan, his voice dry and hoarse:

"The Deputy Sect Leader is truly a genius, Gu He... I admire him!"

After saying that, he turned around and tried to escape from this place that had shattered his Dao heart. The goddess he had always loved had been taken away, but that didn't really make him feel desperate, since Yun Yun had never intended to accept him.

However, being so ruthlessly crushed in one's strongest area is a truly unbearable feeling.

With Xiao Yan around, the Misty Cloud Sect probably doesn't need such a dispensable character as him.

He turned around and strode away with heavy steps. His back was filled with an indescribable loneliness and desolation, as if he were surrounded by invisible wind and snow.

Just as Gu He was heartbroken and preparing to leave in despair, Xiao Yan's clear voice rang out, carrying an undeniable firmness, as if he was certain he could call Gu He back:

"Elder Gu He, please wait."

Gu He paused, his steps faltering, but he did not turn around immediately.

Xiao Yan gently patted Yun Yun's hand, signaling her to release his arm. He then took two steps forward, looking sincerely at Gu He's slightly stiff back, and said loudly:

"Elder Gu He is a renowned Sixth-Grade Alchemist in our Jia Ma Empire, known as the Pill King, whose Alchemy are famous Northwest Region. Now that the Misty Cloud Sect has experienced turmoil, it needs to regroup. The sect has decided to unite with other forces within the Jia Ma Empire to form a stronger alliance, to seek common development and jointly defend against external enemies."

The alliance is newly established and in dire need of development, especially requiring the assistance of highly skilled Alchemy. Elder Gu He's departure would be a great loss to the alliance and a profound regret for the Yao Realm of the Jia Ma Empire."

Gu He finally turned around slowly, his face still bearing bitterness, looking at Xiao Yan, this prodigy who had appeared out of nowhere and whose brilliance made it difficult for him to look directly at him, with a complicated expression.

He opened his mouth as if to say something, but then felt a lump in his throat.

Xiao Yan didn't care about Gu He's reaction and directly made a promise that would be fatally attractive to any alchemist, his voice calm but full of weight:

"Elder Gu He possesses unparalleled alchemy skills, yet he is confined to the small territory of the Jia Ma Empire, which is a pity. After the alliance is established, resources will be shared and information will be exchanged. I assure the elder that when the time is right, Elder Gu He will definitely gain the qualification to go to the Pill Danta, the holy land in the hearts of alchemists!"

The moment the words "Danta" were uttered, they were like a thunderclap in Gu He's ears!

His previously dull and listless eyes instantly burst forth with an incredulous light. Whether it was the feeling of heartbreak or the frustration of being crushed in Alchemy, those two words overshadowed everything else!

Making a pilgrimage to the Danta Tower is the lifelong dream of every alchemist on the entire Dou Qi Continent!

That is the pinnacle of Alchemy, gathering the most outstanding alchemists, the most profound prescriptions, the most precious medicinal materials, and the most cutting-edge concepts!

In the Jia Ma Empire, this was almost an unattainable dream.

Although Gu He was hailed as the "Pill King," he knew all too well how far he was from meeting the requirements of the Danta, let alone having the opportunity to enter the Danta for pilgrimage!

Xiao Yan's tone was even more earnest:

"Elder Gu He staying in the Alliance will not only allow you to refine high-grade pills and cultivate future talents, but also enable you to accumulate sufficient resources to help you reach higher ranks and eventually embark on the path of the Danta. This is a win-win situation, and we hope that Elder Guhe will consider it carefully."

The waves in Gu He's heart were like a raging storm.

Yun Yun was indeed the goddess he had always longed for but could never have, but as an alchemist who regarded alchemy as his life, the words "Danta" carried far too much weight!

This was practically the opening of the door to a higher realm for him! He could find other women, since Yun Yun had never shown him any interest, but giving up the chance to pursue the pinnacle of alchemy... that would be a lifelong regret!

In this way, the question of how to choose is no longer an issue.

He took a deep breath, his chest heaving a few times, and his gaze swept over Xiao Yan's young face, which was full of confidence and composure.

His pride as an alchemist and his yearning for the highest realm led him to make a decisive choice.

He bowed deeply to Xiao Yan, his voice still somewhat hoarse and trembling:

"If the Deputy Sect Leader can truly help me enter the Danta, then I'd sell my Gu He to Deputy Sect Leader!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan smiled, remaining confident and composed.

"Don't worry, at most three years. Even if you don't reach the Seventh-Grade rank, I can still take you to the Pill Danta for a good training session."

Xiao Yan's meaningful words clearly revealed some information. Although he didn't say it explicitly, Gu He understood everything after a little thought.

Although he was well aware that with Xiao Yan's current Alchemy and age, entering the Danta in the future was a certainty, could he really take someone to the Danta for further study within just three years?

That clearly indicates that Xiao Yan possesses considerable influence within the Pill Danta; it's impossible for someone to reach the Seventh-Grade alchemy without a teacher.

Such a young Seventh-Tier Alchemist must have a master guiding him, perhaps even a master from the Danta. If this master was able to nurture Xiao Yan, then their Alchemy might already be at the Eighth-Grade Grandmaster level...

That's not surprising at all!

Having gradually filled in the blanks and come to understand everything, Gu He looked at Xiao Yan with a newfound respect.

This is a huge asset!

I need to pick him up!

"Then I'll leave everything to the Deputy Sect Leader! To be honest, I've recently encountered some bottlenecks in my Alchemy. I wonder if the Deputy Sect Leader could spare some time to offer some guidance? Gu He is willing to treat you with the respect due to a teacher!"

Gu He's sliding knees were faster than Xiao Yan had expected, and Yun Yun, standing to the side, was also astonished. In all these years, this was the first time she had seen Gu He like this. She hadn't realized that Alchemy was so important to him.

"There's no need for that. I just finished refining medicine and I've used up a lot of energy. Let's leave it at that for today. If you don't mind, I can discuss it with you again tomorrow, how about that?"

Xiao Yan pretended to be tired, rubbed his temples, and said helplessly.

"This... was Gu He's oversight, please forgive him, Deputy Sect Leader!"

Upon hearing this, Gu He quickly bowed and apologized again. He immediately realized that it was, after all, Seventh-Grade pill. Successfully refining it must have taken a lot of effort, and he should be resting now. How could he waste his energy instructing others on Alchemy?

What if I'm not energetic enough and say something wrong? Wouldn't that harm both myself and others?

"It's alright. Elder Gu He must be tired from his journey. He should go back and rest for a while, and he can also find out what has happened in the sect these past few days."

Xiao Yan waved his hand and said with a faint smile.

Upon hearing this, Gu He bowed respectfully, nodded to Yun Yun, and then took his leave.

Are you alright?

After Gu He left, Yun Yun anxiously took Xiao Yan's arm again. Although she could tell that Xiao Yan was pretending to be weak, refining a Seventh-Grade pill was obviously not an easy task and must have been quite taxing. Perhaps Xiao Yan really should rest.

Xiao Yan smiled and led Yun Yun into the Sect Leader Main Hall, which had been renovated to a considerable degree.

After casually setting up a soul barrier to block any probes, Xiao Yan sealed Old Yao's Storage Ring, preventing him from seeing the outside world, and then directly scooped Yun Yun up in his arms.

"Ah!"

Yun Yun gasped in surprise, but Xiao Yan immediately silenced her with a kiss.

After a moment, Xiao Yan raised his head and said with a smile:

"Even if you refine three more Sect Breaking Pill, I will be fine. Why don't you check me yourself, Sect Master?"

Seeing the smile on Xiao Yan's face, Yun Yun knew exactly what this rascal was up to. However, she hadn't had any "education" with Xiao Yan several days since that night, so she wasn't going to hold back after being teased like this. She immediately raised her eyebrows and began to cooperate with Xiao Yan's performance.

"Oh? The Deputy Sect Leader is quite confident. Let me see!"

"Sister Yun, no!"

"Tear!"

Two days later.

Yun Shan has finally awakened.

"Ah!"

Yun Shan, who was on his deathbed, suddenly sat up in a cold sweat.

He looked around at the place, which seemed somewhat familiar, but he couldn't quite place it. After a moment of confusion, he sorted through the memories in his mind.

He remembered being controlled by that Wu Protector's methods and ambushing Yun Yun... And then, what happened?

The severe headache made him completely unable to remember what had happened, but fortunately, as soon as he woke up, Xiao Yan had already sensed it.

The next moment, Xiao Yan, who was still enjoying the natural scenery and having a picnic with Yun Yun deep in Misty Cloud Mountain, appeared directly in the villa with Yun Yun and then pushed open the door to enter.

"Teacher, you're awake!"

Yun Yun's eyes were slightly red as she leaned closer.

"Yun'er? Are you alright?" Upon seeing his disciple, Yun Shan quickly asked with concern, then turned his gaze to Xiao Yan, "My dear son-in-law, this old man..."

Yun Shan wanted to explain, but didn't know where to begin.

"Teacher, I'm fine. Xiao Yan told me everything about you. He's already cleared the hidden dangers from your body. It's just that your cultivation level needs some time to consolidate."

Yun Yun naturally understood what Yun Shan was trying to say and responded first.

Upon hearing this, Yun Shan was taken aback, then realized what was happening and began to examine his body. He was overjoyed to find that the hidden dangers in his body had indeed been cleared away and that there was still a lot of powerful medicinal energy repairing his injuries. He looked up at Xiao Yan with increasing kindness and satisfaction.

This kid is indeed a lucky star; Yun'er's judgment is truly excellent!

But...

"How did you resolve it, son-in-law? Of course, you don't have to say if it's inconvenient."

Yun Shan asked with some curiosity.

He wouldn't misunderstand Xiao Yan's ulterior motives. After all, if he really had ulterior motives, he should be dead by now, instead of being able to wake up so perfectly fine.

"Since you know about the Soul Hall, senior, have you heard of the Danta?"

Xiao Yan's expression turned serious, and he asked.

"When I traveled across the continent back then, I heard people say that it was supposedly the largest alchemist force on the entire continent." Yun Shan pondered for a moment, nodded, and then, as if realizing something, asked with some surprise, "Could it be that my son-in-law is a member of that Danta?"

"Yes, my teacher is an elder of the Danta, but he said I'm ready to graduate and venture out on my own, so he went back to the Danta first."

Xiao Yan nodded, spouting nonsense with a straight face.

"I didn't expect you to actually have such a background. It seems you're quite familiar with the Soul Hall."

Yun Shan nodded in realization, instantly filling in the blanks in his mind.

"That's right. The Soul Hall and my sect have a blood feud. I have already killed that Wu Protector, and I have also dealt with the hidden dangers in your body. So you don't need to worry about the Soul Hall. I will handle everything. However, there is something right now that I need you to step in."

Xiao Yan nodded, not standing on ceremony with Yun Shan.

I saved the old man's life because I needed his help with something.

Otherwise, he could have been more ruthless and said that Yun Shan was still beyond saving, and simply killed him.

Of course, Yun Yun's feelings were also taken into consideration.

"Speak freely, my dear son-in-law, and I will certainly do my utmost to help you!"

Faced with his apprentice and savior, Yun Shan agreed without hesitation.

"I intend to unite the various forces of the Jia Ma Empire to establish an alliance, seeking better development and a higher ranking in the upcoming Sect Assembly. Therefore, I humbly request your assistance!"

Xiao Yan cupped his hands in a respectful gesture and said solemnly.

Yun Shan pondered for a moment, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, but he quickly made a decision:

"OK!"