Yao Lao looked at the resolute gleam in Yao Xuan's eyes and knew his mind was made up. After a brief pause, he finally nodded slowly.
"Very well. Since you have made up your mind, I will accompany you to the Yao Clan and help deter any unforeseen dangers along the way."
Yao Xuan, however, gently shook his head and looked toward the sprawling halls of Starfall Pavilion in the distance.
"Uncle Chen, there is no need for you to come with me. Now that I have claimed first place in the Pill Assembly, the name of a Ninth-Rank Alchemist has resounded throughout the Central Plains. Countless experts from all directions have come in admiration and pledged themselves to Starfall Pavilion. This is a critical time for stabilizing the sect and winning over people's hearts. Starfall Pavilion cannot do without you overseeing the bigger picture."
Yao Lao frowned slightly, concern evident on his face.
"But the Yao Clan is, after all, an ancient Emperor Clan with unfathomable foundations. This invitation is strange and impossible to predict. If they have secretly arranged a deadly trap with ill intentions, it would be far too dangerous for you to go alone."
"Dangerous?"
A calm smile curled across Yao Xuan's lips.
"Rest assured, Uncle Chen. Times have changed. I am now a Six-Turn Peak Battle Venerable. Ordinary Half-Saint Realm experts may not be able to keep me here. Even if the Yao Clan truly has some scheme in store, I have my own means of escape. I will not let myself fall into a desperate situation."
Seeing Yao Xuan's firm, confident expression and knowing he was neither being reckless nor underestimating his enemy, Yao Lao felt somewhat reassured. In the end, he sighed helplessly and nodded.
"Fine. You have always been calm and deliberate,