President Token

Inside the testing hall, after the results of the assessment were announced, the expressions of the members of the Five Great Families varied.

The younger generation of the Dan Clan and Cao Clan families were confident and high-spirited, with some even showing signs of arrogance.

The Qiu and Bai families remained calm, but the Ye Clan members, especially the Great Elder Ye Zhong, could not hide their disappointment and heaviness.

The fact that the Ye Clan ranked last in the elders' assessment has exposed the fact that there is a shortage of talent in the family. If there are no further changes within ten years, the Ye Clan will eventually be removed from the ranks of the Five Great Families and from the elders' seats of the Danta.

The future of the family seemed shrouded in a thick gloom.

Ye Xinlan was still young and didn't quite understand the seriousness of the outcome. However, seeing her grandfather's worried expression, she instinctively gripped Ye Zhong's clothes tightly.

She secretly raised her eyes, her gaze falling once more on the white-robed youth bathed in golden light by the sunset. Her resolve to become his disciple only strengthened.

If I could learn alchemy from this older brother, maybe I could help my grandfather?

"Deacon Han, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now."

Xiao Yan wore his usual gentle smile and spoke softly.

"Please proceed, young master."

Upon hearing this, Deacon Han politely returned the greeting. Although there was a significant age gap between the two, Xiao Yan was superior in Alchemy. In addition, given Xiao Yan's status as the Young President, Han Li returned the greeting willingly.

Xiao Yan nodded, and with Zi Yan, who was already feeling bored, he left the Danta Sub-Pagoda and headed straight for the Pill Tower Headquarters.

He had originally planned to stroll around the Dan Region, but it was getting late, and he figured the Medusa should be awake by now. If she wanted to go shopping, he should naturally take her along.

Zi Yan wouldn't refuse to go shopping with her dear sister Cailin, so she followed Xiao Yan all the way back to the quiet courtyard on the top floor of the Danta, which is now Xiao Yan's residence.

The scene inside the courtyard surprised Xiao Yan slightly.

Xuan Ma Queen Medusa were sitting at a small table in the courtyard, seemingly having a pleasant conversation.

As soon Xiao Yan appeared at the door, the two women looked over as if they sensed something.

When Queen Medusa saw Xiao Yan, her gaze seemed to dart away for some reason, while Xuan Yi maintained her gentle smile, her eyes shining as she looked at Xiao Yan. She affectionately waved her hand, gesturing for him to stand in front of her.

Xiao Yan obediently walked over, placed Zi Yan in Queen Medusa's arms, and then stood still, letting Xuan Ma look him over.

"Indeed, my taste is still quite good. This outfit perfectly complements your temperament and even brings out some of the charm of your teacher back in the day."

After a moment, Xuan Yi, having finished her inspection, was filled with pride, as if the young man before her was truly her most handsome son, nodding in satisfaction and praising him.

"Hehe, Xuan Ma!"

Xiao Yan replied with delight upon hearing this.

Xuan Ma?

Xuan Yi Xiao Yan address her, from "Aunt Xuan" at the beginning, to "Master's Wife" later, and now "Xuan Ma" today, Xuan Yi felt a warmth in her heart and a touch of pity for this poor child, Xiao Yan.

"You little rascal, you're much better than your clumsy teacher. Xuan Kongzi also got your Advanced Seventh-Grade Alchemist badge from Elder Sheng and gave it to me. I'll award you this first alchemist-level badge that you obtained in the Danta."

After smilingly nodding to Xiao Yan, Xuan Yi flipped her hand, and an exquisite wooden box appeared in her Xuan Yi, fair hand. Upon opening it, the High-Tier Seventh-Grade Alchemist Badge was revealed.

The badge features a background of swirling flames, with a colossal tower reaching to the heavens in the center, its surface adorned with seven dazzling purple-gold stars.

Xuan Yi stepped forward, lowered his head, and pinned the rank badge of an Advanced Seventh-Grade Alchemist to Xiao Yan's left chest. He then straightened Xiao Yan's collar and smoothed out the slight wrinkles on his clothes.

Despite the fact that Xuan Yi possessed a perfectly mature and alluring figure, and that her fragrance wafted towards him even before she arrived, Xiao Yan felt no romantic thoughts whatsoever; instead, he was somewhat excited.

There was also a hint of pride.

That's the feeling after you've made something of yourself and received the highest recognition from your elders.

The last time he experienced this feeling was when he was nine years old, when he reached the Ninth Stage of Dou Qi.

At that moment, Xiao Zhan laughed and picked him up, insisting that Xiao Yan ride on his shoulders.

Xiao Zhan laughed heartily at that moment, but his tone was quite solemn:

"Yan'er, remember this: when you encounter any difficulties in the future, never bow your head, because today, your father lifted you high above his head and carried you on his shoulders."

He is now a Dou Huang expert, and has even killed many Dou Zong.

Furthermore, he is a certified Advanced Seventh-Grade Alchemist from the Danta, a sacred place for alchemists.

In terms of ability, he still far surpasses his father.

But when he thought of Xiao Zhan's hearty laughter and broad arms, Xiao Yan felt that, at a certain moment, he was still the child who was often lifted high on Xiao Zhan's head and carried on his shoulders when he was a child.

It is because of these many wonderful memories that he works so hard and charges forward with all his might.

That's great!

He closed his eyes slightly, a genuine smile of happiness curving his lips.

"Not bad, as expected of a disciple from the Yao Chen Sect."

Looking at Xiao Yan's childlike, innocent smile, Xuan Yi felt immense joy. Although it was only their second day of knowing each other, they seemed to have a close relationship like that of a mother and son. Xuan Yi also saw some of the shadows of Old Yao in Xiao Yan.

Although she had never been with Old Yao, she now felt like an old married couple, with their children growing up well and her own achievements.

This feeling is great!

Queen Medusa smiled as well. As someone who had been with Xiao Yan three years, she knew best how much effort and sweat he had put in over the years, and she also knew how soft-hearted this strong and resolute young man was.

Now that I see Xiao Yan has gained another elder who truly cares for him, I am naturally happy for him.

Moreover, Xuan Yi had also noticed her relationship with Xiao Yan, and he came to chat with her in the afternoon, his words filled with genuine concern. This made the usually aloof Snake-Person Queen enjoy a rare moment of being pampered like a little girl by an elder.

Although she wouldn't admit it, she actually enjoyed being cared for and loved in that way, she had indeed let down her guard against Xuan Yi.

Just before Xiao Yan returned, Xuan Yi talked to her about officially marrying Xiao Yan, and also told her that if she was willing, she could also treat Xuan Yi as an elder in her family.

However, Queen Medusa was not Xiao Yan after all, and she was too embarrassed to agree to the request. Just like Xiao Yan, she directly called her "Mom".

They simply changed their way of addressing her to Aunt Xuan.

Even so, it's already a significant step forward in their relationship.

Despite knowing that Xiao Yan has many girlfriends, especially Xun'er, his childhood sweetheart who holds a special place in Xiao Yan heart, Queen Medusa has still won over Xiao Yan's Xuan Ma!

Of course, if Queen Medusa knew that this little fool Zi Yan had already dared to ask Xiao Yan to call her "Mom," she would probably spank her to a pulp!

"Hehe, although I am the master's disciple, I am also Xuan Ma's child. However, when I was refining High-Tier Seventh-Grade pill today, I failed twice in a row before finally succeeding by sheer luck. If you have time later, I would like to ask you for some pointers."

Xiao Yan didn't feel ashamed at all. After all, his master's wife was still his mother. Xuan Yi treated him so well, giving him resources and status whenever he wanted. She wanted to give him everything she could. Calling her "Mom" wouldn't hurt him.

Xuan Yi also quite liked Xiao Yan, this sensible and outstanding young man who didn't require too much of her attention. Upon hearing this, she naturally nodded in agreement.

"It just so happens that your teacher took the elixir I refined yesterday to restore soul power and has fallen into a deep sleep to begin recovering his soul power. If you have any questions about refining the medicine, feel free to ask me anytime. As long as you knock on the gate of my courtyard, whether I am in the Danta or not, I will sense it and immediately return to guide your cultivation."

This promise was quite substantial, a treatment even one's own son might not receive. Xiao Yan was deeply moved upon hearing this and immediately bowed in gratitude, but Xuan Yi stopped him.

"We're all family, no need to stand on ceremony."

The Xuan Yi smiled gently, shook his head slightly, and said softly.

"Okay, Xuan Ma!"

Xiao Yan naturally continued to call out in a pleasant tone to express his gratitude.

"You've witnessed the assessments of the Five Great Families today. What did you think?"

"I ask casually," Xuan Yi asked.

"Hmm, the young lady Cao Ying that Xuan Kongzi mentioned is indeed quite talented. However, the young lady Dan Chen from the Dan Clan is equally remarkable, though her physique seems somewhat unique. If I have the chance, I'd like to study her. As for the Qiu Clan and Bai Clan, I haven't seen any particularly outstanding talents. As for the Ye Clan, there's a rather interesting little girl who's been nagging her grandfather about wanting to become my disciple."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan smiled and began to recount his day's gains.

"Yes, Cao Ying has quite a reputation. The fact that she has earned your approval speaks volumes about her abilities."

The little girl from the Dan Clan does indeed have a rather peculiar constitution. Even if we, your two senior uncles, were to reach such a level, we would still be affected if we were not careful. The child's mother suffered damage to her Soul Origin because of this strange constitution, and she passed away not long after giving birth to her. It's not impossible for you to study her constitution, but you must be careful.

As for that little girl from the Ye Clan who said she wanted to become your apprentice, I suggest you consider it. The process of teaching a disciple is also a way to identify and fill gaps in your own Alchemy, and to repeatedly solidify your foundation. Perhaps it won't be of much help to your breakthrough to the Eighth-Grade in the short term, but it might have some unexpected benefits for you to reach even greater heights in the future."

Upon hearing this, Xuan Yi smiled faintly and said...

Actually, what she said at the end had another meaning. Taking on members of the Ye Clan as disciples was also a way to win over power. The Five Great Families were local strongmen in their respective territories, and they would need the help of such forces to travel in Central Plains in the future. If Xiao Yan could win the friendship of the Ye Clan in this way, it would be of great benefit to him when he traveled in Central Plains in the future.

"Okay, I've got it."

Xiao Yan nodded seriously, secretly considering how to make contact with the people from these three families.

"Cultivation is not something to rush. Since you've just arrived in the Dan Region, you might as well take Medusa and Miss Zi Yan with you to explore the Holy Pill City. With your clothes and your status Advanced Seventh-Grade Alchemist, you shouldn't encounter anyone making things difficult for you. However, it's hard to say whether there might be people from other forces who are ungrateful and act arrogantly in the Danta. This is my President Token; please keep it safe."

"If you encounter trouble, you can use this token to mobilize the Enforcement Team and elders of the Dan Region. If it's a major problem, just activate it with your soul power, and I will arrive immediately to support you."

Xuan Yi took out a golden token with a simple drawing of Dan Pagoda on one side and the word "Ling" written in ancient characters on the other side, and handed it to Xiao Yan.

With this chairman's order, Xiao Yan is now the true heir of the Danta.

Apart from the Soul Hall, no other force in the Central Plains could exert pressure on Xiao Yan in terms of strength.

Xiao Yan gladly and carefully put away the token. He then saw Xuan Yi off from the Xuan Yi, and then, with Queen Medusa and Zi Yan, he left the Danta without any hindrance and strolled around the Inner Domain of Holy Pill City.

With his left hand holding Queen Medusa's slender yet strong hand, and his right hand pulling the bouncy and curious Zi Yan, the three of them strolled leisurely along the bustling streets of the inner region of Saint Pill City.

The afterglow of the setting sun bathed the magnificent buildings in a warm golden light. Shops lined both sides of the street, and the air was filled with the exotic aroma of various medicinal herbs, mixed with the rich fragrance of freshly made pills.

Among the dense crowd, there were many figures dressed in various alchemist robes, with stars in the badges on their chests shining with light representing different ranks.

Xiao Yan's Xuan Yi, specially made by someone and embroidered with the dark patterns of the Danta, with purple and gold decorations, and the Advanced Seventh-Grade Alchemist badge on his left chest that shimmered with seven dazzling purple and gold stars, attracted frequent glances from passersby, their eyes filled with awe and curiosity.

Queen Medusa's stunning beauty and aloof demeanor, along with Zi Yan's exquisitely beautiful and charming appearance, made the trio seem somewhat like a family of three.

However, Xiao Yan's obviously very young appearance, along with the alchemist-level badge on his chest containing seven very eye-catching and dazzling stars, made many people secretly marvel and speculate about Xiao Yan's true age and identity.

No one doubted the authenticity of the badge on his chest.

After all, his clothes clearly indicated he was an insider at the Danta, but his unfamiliar face left some of the people in the crowd who had been mingling in Holy Pill City for years quite puzzled.

"Wow! Over there, Xiao Yan! I smell medicinal herbs, and they're good stuff!"

Zi Yan excitedly pointed to a giant bronze medicine cauldron-shaped building in the center of the square, her little face full of joy.

After saying that, she sniffed hard with her small nose, her eyes shining as if they were plugged into two high beams.

"What's the rush? We'll be staying here for a long time!"

Queen Medusa frowned slightly, subconsciously released Xiao Yan's hand, and took a long stride forward, grabbing the free-spirited Zi Yan directly.

Xiao Yan watched this scene with a gentle smile on his lips.

These peaceful moments, spent strolling around with his family, are a rare luxury for him.

He walked up to her, leaned close to Queen Medusa's ear, and whispered:

"It's alright, let her go. After all, this is the core of the Danta. With Xuan Ma's token here, there won't be any major trouble. Besides, ordinary people can't hurt her."

Queen Medusa glanced at him, gave a soft hum, which was taken as tacit approval, and released her hand that had been gripping Zi Yan's collar.

"Hehe! Come with me!"

Upon receiving permission, Zi Yan cheered and, full of energy, rushed towards the cauldron-shaped building like a streak of purple light.

In her perception, the rich and pure medicinal fragrance was emanating from there, clearly indicating that it contained many rare medicinal herbs of extremely high age.

Xiao Yan and the Medusa followed behind at a leisurely pace.

Under the awe-inspiring gaze of the guards at the entrance, I entered.