Xiao Yan's First Registered Disciple

As soon as Xiao Yan entered the huge, cauldron-shaped building, he smelled an incredibly rich medicinal fragrance.

A casual glance around revealed that many precious medicinal herbs, which were previously difficult to find even in the Black Corner Region, were now almost everywhere.

Although Zi Yan is a little glutton, Xiao Yan has spoiled her tastes over the years, so she no longer looks drooling over any medicinal herbs. However, a hint of longing still flickers in her eyes.

She wanted to grow up quickly.

Not just to be more powerful, but also because...

Yes, those who know, know.

Although Zi Yan suppressed her emotions for less time than Yao Ling, her self-control was still far inferior to Yao Ling's.

Of course, even if it's slightly better than Yao Ling, it's still not much better.

After all, Yao Ling's level of infatuation with women is already at the very top of the Dou Qi Continent.

Time can not only erase pain, but it can also accumulate even more turbulent desires.

Relying on her talent Ancient Void Dragon and her understanding of medicinal herb prices that she had learned from Xiao Yan, Zi Yan began a massive shopping spree.

Xiao Yan had previously engaged in plundering and murder, and his resources and funds combined were almost comparable to those of some wealthy Dou Zun expert.

Especially the protectors of the Soul Hall, who contributed a lot of good things to Xiao Yan. These beasts have done countless things that have harmed people, captured their souls, and seized their property. They are all ridiculously rich.

Xiao Yan couldn't possibly spend all that money by himself, so he simply set aside a portion of it and gave it to Zi Yan Medusa, allowing them to buy whatever they wanted.

Although Zi Yan quite liked the way Xiao Yan took care of her, she would still prefer to get things for free if she could.

Unfortunately, you can't get something for free.

This is, after all, the Danta, and Xiao Yan's status is so noble. If she were to do something bad and be discovered, it would be Xiao Yan who would lose face.

Queen Zi Yan is a woman of honor; how could she let her mount lose face?

Therefore, she didn't resort to underhanded tactics; she simply spoke in a childlike tone, using both pleading and haggling to lower the price.

Most people who come to Danta have a sense of shame.

If Zi Yan's Little Demon Pill were to cause trouble, the stall owner would inevitably be branded as a bully of a child. In short, after a combination of moral blackmail and unreasonable pricing, the gold coins in Zi Yan's card were dwindling, while the precious medicinal herbs in her Storage Ring were increasing.

This scene left Xiao Yan Medusa somewhat bewildered.

Goodness, this girl is a genius!

Xiao Yan carefully selected some medicinal herbs that he would need for alchemy and cultivation later, and also bought some extra herbs to help Queen Medusa improve her cultivation.

Ordinary Dou Zong experts certainly wouldn't use pills to directly improve their cultivation, but Queen Medusa's true form is the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, which naturally gives her unique advantages over ordinary people.

As long as there is enough energy, regardless of the source of that energy, one can quickly increase their strength.

Zi Yan was able to improve by eating medicinal herbs raw, Queen Medusa was naturally similar. However, unlike the silly Zi Yan, she would not eat them raw. If she had medicinal herbs, she would find a way to find an alchemist to refine them into pills. And coincidentally, there was an Advanced Seventh-Grade Alchemist by her side whom she could trust completely.

After the shopping spree, there were no annoying incidents of random passersby provoking him, so Xiao Yan's President Token was naturally not put to use.

However, when Xiao Yan and his group were preparing to return to the Danta, they coincidentally ran into Ye Zhong and Ye Xinlan, the grandmother and granddaughter of the Ye Clan, on the way.

"Greetings, Young President!"

Upon seeing Xiao Yan and his two companions, Ye Zhong showed surprise, but quickly recovered and pulled Ye Xinlan to bow to Xiao Yan.

Queen Medusa had already heard about the Ye Clan, so she only glanced at the strength of the grandfather and grandson and the faint soul fluctuations they emitted to confirm their identities. She immediately had some guesses about what was about to happen.

So she wasn't in a hurry to go back, but simply stood to the side with her arms crossed, her gaze indifferent.

Zi Yan had noticed the two of them long ago and knew that their encounter was not accidental, but rather a premeditated one.

"Tsk."

After letting out a meaningful click of her tongue, she stood directly next to Queen Medusa, mimicking the Queen Medusa's aloof demeanor, and also stood with her arms crossed.

Queen Medusa's arms were supported by her chest, while the slender little steamed bun was completely obscured by the weight of her breasts.

Huh...

I'm so annoyed!

She clearly has a large one too, it's just that it doesn't last long enough...

Xiao Yan had been keeping an eye on them out of the corner of his eye. Seeing the actions of the two beauties, one tall and one short, and Zi Yan's slightly pouting lips, he couldn't help but smile and say to Ye Zhong:

"Elder Ye brought his granddaughter out alone; surely he wasn't just wandering around? He was secretly watching me the whole time at the trade fair; there must be something he wants to discuss with me?"

Upon hearing this, Ye Zhong was taken aback, then gave a wry smile.

He thought he had done a good job of being discreet, but he never expected that his every move was actually being monitored by the other party.

In fact, even Dou Zun expert would find it difficult to do something behind Xiao Yan's back these days.

After all, in terms of his current spiritual realm, he is stronger than some Eighth-Grade Alchemist.

"Alas, the Young President's methods are indeed unfathomable. I do have something to discuss with the Young President today. Would the Young President be willing to come to Ye Courtyard for a chat?"

Xiao Yan hesitated for a moment before nodding, "Okay."

Then he turned to look at her again. "Your Medusa, Zi Yan, shall we come with you, or shall we go back to rest first?"

Upon hearing this, the two women exchanged a glance, said nothing more, and simply strode over to Xiao Yan's side.

Since we rarely go shopping together, we should naturally go back together.

Ye Zhong was overjoyed upon seeing this and quickly led the way.

Soon, the group arrived at Ye Courtyard and went directly into a quiet room.

"Young President, to be honest, the Ye Clan has been having a really tough time lately, like a house being hit by one misfortune after another!"

Ye Zhong said with a bitter expression.

So you're going to play the victim first and then make demands, right?

Xiao Yan was perfectly aware of Ye Zhong's intentions, but knowing the Ye Clan's predicament, he had no intention of listening to Ye Zhong's nonsense. He simply waved his hand, revealing a hint of impatience.

"Alright, stop with the useless talk. State your demands and values, and I'll make my decision."

Ye Zhong was secretly startled upon hearing this, but his expression immediately turned serious, and he said directly:

"Young President, my Ye Clan is currently facing a talent shortage. If nothing changes within the next ten years, I 'Xin Lan afraid we'll inevitably fall out of the Pill Tower Elder' seats. Therefore, I earnestly request that you take Young President with you. I don't ask that you take her as your disciple, I only ask that she can learn more from you. It's much better than her staying in the Ye Clan and following me, a person with poor aptitude who has spent his whole life refining medicine and has barely reached the Low-Tier Seventh-Grade."

"If you are willing, from now on the entire Ye Clan will be at the Young President's beck and call without question!"

"Just to get Miss Xin Lan to learn Alchemy from me, you're willing to sacrifice the loyalty of your entire clan? You certainly don't want to suffer any loss."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan couldn't help but laugh.

If he were still the same young man from a small, unconnected family in Wutan City, he would be perfectly willing to have Xin Lan by his side, even if it meant taking her as his personal disciple and teaching her wholeheartedly.

But now he is the Crown Prince of Danta. With just one order, the number of families who want to serve or invest in his family could circle the entire Central Plains Continent!

Ye Zhong's words mean he's already gained an advantage without having paid anything in return.

"As the Young President, I truly cannot think of anything more valuable than the loyalty of the entire family."

Upon hearing this, Ye Zhong said somewhat awkwardly.

That's true. If he still had anything good, the Ye Clan wouldn't have fallen into such a state.

After all, the lack of successors has fully manifested in this generation, indicating that the Ye Clan had already been declining for the past ten or even twenty years.

"Fine, since you say you're willing to offer your loyalty to me, I do indeed have a use for your Ye Clan. If you agree, I'll grant your request."

Seeing Ye Zhong expression, Xiao Yan knew that the old man was indeed out of options, so he simply started to propose his own terms.

"I've long heard of the Ye Clan's Sun Fire Alchemy Technique. I'm not particularly interested in your Ye Clan's Alchemy, but I'd like to see that Sun Fire for myself."

"Sun Fire?"

Ye Zhong was taken aback upon hearing this, clearly not expecting Xiao Yan to bring it up.

But then, a bitter smile appeared on Ye Zhong's lips again:

"Young President, you may not know this, but although the Sun Fire is indeed a major symbol of my Ye Clan, and we are so successful today entirely because of this fire! However, for some unknown reason, the Sun Fire Sun Fire Altar that produces the Sun Fire has hardly produced any in recent years. From being readily available in the past, it only appeared once a month, and now, it has been a year since any Sun Fire has appeared!"

"Oh? Do you know why?"

Xiao Yan nodded, then asked, feigning ignorance.

"Alas, I once tried to probe beneath the Sun Fire Altar, but the fire-attribute energy within was too violent. With my current soul power, I was instantly annihilated the moment I entered. There's truly no way to overcome it. Without the Sun Fire, my Ye Clan's Alchemy have no unique advantage over Alchemy of the outside world, and naturally, we cannot compare to the other four families, each with its own unique methods."

Ye Zhong sighed and said with some shame.

"Interesting. When I have time in the future, I'll go to the Ye Clan and take a look at the Sun Fire Altar for you. Although my soul power isn't that strong, when it comes to violent fire-attribute energy, I'm afraid nothing can compare to the Heavenly Flames in my hand, right?"

As Xiao Yan spoke, scorching flames surged in his palm. The intense heat and destructive aura caused Ye Zhong's pupils to contract sharply.

As the Heavenly Flames rose, he felt as if his own life had become incredibly fragile!

"What a terrifying Heavenly Flames!"

Ye Zhong's face showed a hint of horror, and Xin Lan immediately shielded her grandfather in front of her.

She was merely First-Rank Alchemist, and her own strength was only at the Dou Zhe. Faced with Xiao Yan's terrifying Heavenly Flames, which could incinerate Dou Wang expert on the spot with a casual throw, she naturally felt genuine fear.

"However, with this fire protecting them, the Young President might actually be able to help my Ye Clan resolve the matter of the Sun Fire Altar!"

Ye Zhong quickly spoke, his face filled with excitement.

"Well, I might need to borrow your Ye Clan's Sun Fire Altar for something later, you don't mind, do you?"

Xiao Yan put away the Heavenly Flames, but suddenly remembered the resurrection of the Venerable Skyfire and asked a question.

If we could revive Venerable Skyfire at the Sun Fire Altar, the superior materials and the abundance of fire-attribute energy there might help Venerable Skyfire advance even further, instead of his strength being even weaker than before after his revival.

After all, his experiences over the years have made his soul power much stronger than it was back then. If the materials are prepared properly, it might even help him directly advance to the Six-Star Dou Zun level!

"Of course. Since we have already decided to pledge allegiance to you, even though the Sun Fire Altar is Forbidden Ground of the Ye Clan, it can be opened to you without any restrictions."

Ye Zhong answered without the slightest hesitation.

He was all too aware of Xiao Yan's value as the Young President.

Therefore, once the decision is made, one will have absolute loyalty to Xiao Yan!

Any hesitation, however slight, is not true loyalty.

"Alright, I'll come to pick Xin Lan up tomorrow to take her to the Danta and learn alchemy from me. Consider her my nominal disciple for now. She's a lucky girl; I've never taken on a disciple before."

As Xiao Yan spoke, he looked at Xin Lan, who was blinking and gazing at him silently with admiration in her eyes.

"Thank you Young President! Xin Lan, why don't you come and pay your respects to your master?"

Ye Zhong quickly pulled out his little granddaughter who was hiding behind him and urged her in a low voice.

"Disciple Xin Lan greets Master!"

Upon hearing this, Ye Xinlan nodded obediently, then took small steps to stand in front of Xiao Yan. Her expression was extremely solemn as she performed a deep bow and knelt down.

Xiao Yan originally planned to give some pointers, as long as it could help the Ye Clan prolong their lives, but Xuan Ma suggested that he take on a disciple and teach her properly. As a sensible child, he would definitely listen to his mother. Even without Ye Zhong's loyalty, he planned to teach Xin Lan properly.

Therefore, despite the five-year age difference, Xiao Yan accepted the greeting without any qualms.

Although other families would hold a ceremony like a tea ceremony to formally accept a disciple, Xiao Yan's teacher was Old Yao, so his sect didn't have such a custom. Of course, it's also possible that Old Yao wasn't allowed to drink tea at the time.

After Xin Lan bowed, Xiao Yan immediately reached out and helped her up, his tone becoming much gentler.

"I will come to take you into the Danta tomorrow. After that, I will take you into seclusion to cultivate the Alchemy for at least half a year and up to a year. After we emerge from seclusion, I will take you back to the Ye Clan. Therefore, you need to make all the necessary preparations tonight, understand?"

Ye Xinlan nodded obediently upon hearing this. "I understand, Master."

"Oh, and let me introduce you to this as well. This is your master's wife, Medusa; and this is your junior aunt, Zi Yan."

As Xiao Yan spoke, he introduced the two women behind him to Xin Lan.

"Disciple Xin Lan greets Master's Wife and Junior Martial Aunt!"

Upon hearing this, Queen Medusa remained relatively calm, merely nodding slightly, while Zi Yan danced with joy!

Yay!

Little Zi Yan has finally grown up and become a senior!