The Ring Is Secured

Su Zhao waved a hand, his tone gentle. "You flatter me, Clan Leader Xiao. I'll be staying at the Mitel Auction House for the next few days. If you're willing, bring your son here tomorrow. I can examine him first. As for treatment... it won't be too late to discuss that after the examination."

Xiao Zhan's face filled with wild joy as he repeatedly cupped his hands. "Good! I'll bring my son tomorrow! Many thanks, Master!"

He had not expected Su Zhao to be so easy to speak with. This alchemy master was far more approachable than he had imagined.

Wonderful, Yan'er has hope!

A short while later, Xiao Zhan strode out of the Mitel Auction House, his steps far lighter than when he had arrived.

He practically ran all the way back to the Xiao Clan residence and pushed open Xiao Yan's door without hesitation.

"Hahaha! Yan'er! I have good news for you!"

Xiao Yan was sitting cross-legged on his bed, cultivating. Over the past two years, no matter how he cultivated, his Dou Qi had not improved in the slightest, yet he had never given up.

Even though his Dou Qi did not increase, he still persisted in cultivating every day, hoping that one day, a miracle would arrive.

Hearing his father's voice, he opened his eyes and rose to his feet. "Father, what good news?"

Xiao Zhan strode forward and gripped Xiao Yan's shoulders with both hands, his eyes brimming with excitement. "Yan'er, a sixth-tier alchemy master has recently arrived in Wutan City! I've already spoken with him, and he agreed to see you tomorrow and examine your body! Your hidden ailment may finally have a cure!"

Xiao Yan froze, then surprise surged into his eyes. "Really?!"

"Absolutely!"

But the light in Xiao Yan's eyes flickered for only an instant before dimming again.

He lowered his head, his voice growing softer. "Will it really work... So many people have examined me over the past two years, but none of them found even the slightest problem. In the end, it'll probably just be another false hope..."

Xiao Zhan gave his shoulder a firm pat, his voice incomparably resolute. "Yan'er, don't give up! As long as you don't abandon hope, I believe that one day you will shine again! My son, Xiao Zhan's son, is no worthless good-for-nothing!"

"Father..."

Xiao Yan's eyes reddened slightly.

Over the past two years, because he had lost all his Dou Qi, his father had suffered no shortage of cold stares because of him. Within the clan, the voices opposing Xiao Zhan had also grown louder and louder.

He clenched his fists tightly and abruptly raised his head. A flame reignited in his eyes. "Alright! Don't worry, Father. Yan'er will never give up!"

"Hahaha! Good! That's my son!"

Xiao Zhan laughed heartily.

"Rest assured, he's a sixth-tier alchemy master, not someone ordinary alchemists can compare to. The master will definitely solve your problem."

Father and son looked at one another and smiled.

Early the next morning, Xiao Zhan brought Xiao Yan to the Mitel Auction House to wait.

Xiao Yan remained silent the entire way, but his clenched fists revealed the tension and anticipation in his heart.

After the two waited in the main hall for a while, Ya Fei appeared at just the right time. "Clan Leader Xiao, Young Master Xiao, apologies for keeping you waiting. Please follow Ya Fei."

"Not at all, not at all. We trouble Miss Ya Fei."

Ya Fei led them to the reception room from the day before and pushed open the door.

Xiao Yan looked up and saw an exceedingly young youth seated in the place of honor. His features were handsome and refined, and he was idly turning a teacup in his hand.

Xiao Zhan quickly stepped forward and bowed. "Xiao Zhan and his son, Xiao Yan, pay respects to Master Su."

Xiao Yan bowed as well, secretly studying Su Zhao with a hint of surprise in his heart.

Is that him? This master is actually so young? He looks only a little older than me, yet he's already a sixth-tier alchemist?

Su Zhao's gaze fell upon Xiao Yan, and after looking him over, he sighed inwardly.

So this is the future Flame Emperor? The master of the Endless Flame Domain?

For now, he was merely a youth with a dim expression and a trace of stubbornness between his brows.

The halo of genius he had once possessed had long faded, replaced by a calmness tempered through hardship.

Su Zhao smiled faintly, his tone gentle. "No need for such formality. This must be your son? As expected of a former genius. He truly is exceptional."

Xiao Yan tugged at the corner of his mouth, his smile somewhat forced. "Former is already in the past. Now, I only have third-stage Dou Qi."

Su Zhao sighed inwardly. It seemed that these two years of being called a "good-for-nothing" had indeed made Xiao Yan far more composed. If it had been anyone else, they might not have been able to speak so calmly of their own downfall.

He beckoned. "Come over. Let me take a look."

Xiao Zhan hurriedly motioned for Xiao Yan to step forward.

Xiao Yan walked up to Su Zhao and extended his right hand. Su Zhao raised a hand and grasped his wrist, placing his fingers over his pulse.

Although Su Zhao already knew Xiao Yan's condition, he still had to put on a proper show.

The next instant, a vast force of spiritual power erupted from Su Zhao's body, enveloping Xiao Yan like an invisible tide. Its sheer immensity caused even the air in the reception room to stagnate.

Xiao Yan felt a warm yet immense force moving through his body. His meridians, bones, flesh, dantian—every part of him was carefully scanned by that spiritual power, as though no secret could remain hidden.

A trace of shock rose in his heart. Is this what a sixth-tier alchemist is capable of?

The sensation of being seen through completely left him both nervous and faintly hopeful.

Perhaps... it really is possible!

After a moment, Su Zhao withdrew his hand, his expression calm.

Xiao Zhan immediately stepped forward anxiously. "How is it? Has Master Su discovered anything?"

Su Zhao pretended to ponder before smiling. "Heh heh, Clan Leader Xiao, there is no need to worry. Your son does not have any serious illness."

Xiao Yan abruptly raised his head, light flashing in his eyes.

That means it can be cured!

Father and son exchanged a glance, both seeing the uncontainable excitement in the other's eyes.

Of course, Su Zhao then changed the subject. "However, the two of you should know the rules of alchemists."

Xiao Zhan immediately grew serious. "Xiao understands. Whatever the master desires, as long as I, Xiao Zhan, can provide it, I will spare no effort!"

Su Zhao nodded, but his gaze passed over Xiao Zhan and settled on Xiao Yan. More precisely, it settled on the black ring hanging around Xiao Yan's neck.

He raised a hand and pointed at the ring. "May I have this ring?"

Xiao Yan froze.

He wants this ring? It was a relic left behind by his mother. He had worn it ever since he was young, and it had long become one of his most treasured possessions.

He instinctively grasped the ring, hesitation appearing on his face.

Before he could speak, Xiao Zhan said in a deep voice, "Good! Master, you may take this ring!"

"Father!"

Xiao Yan turned toward his father, urgency in his voice.

Xiao Zhan placed a hand on Xiao Yan's shoulder, his gaze gentle. "Yan'er, if your mother knew that this ring could restore your talent and allow you to shine once more, she would certainly be willing."

Xiao Yan fell silent for a moment, his eyes reddening slightly. He lowered his head and looked at the black ring, his fingers gently stroking its rough surface. After a long while, he suddenly tore it from his neck, clenched it in his palm, and solemnly held it out to Su Zhao. "Master Su, I leave it to you."

Su Zhao accepted the ring. It felt cool in his hand, plain and unadorned beneath his fingertips.

He sighed inwardly. He had not expected to obtain it so easily. It had saved him quite a bit of trouble.