Xuan Kongzi Felt Inferior, Dan Chen of the Dan Family

He was still short a few medicinal herbs needed to refine the Pills. He had no choice but to leave seclusion and visit the Little Pill Tower to gather everything before he could continue.

With that thought, Xiao Yan stood and stretched lazily. "I've been in seclusion long enough. Time to get some daylight."

He straightened his clothes, opened the door to his residence for the first time in over a year, and stepped outside.

As Xiao Yan walked, he took in the Pill Tower's scenery. His whole body felt lighter, and even his state of mind lifted.

Over the past year, he had done nothing but refine puppets or absorb blood essence to cultivate. Corpses, bones, and blood were all he had seen, day after day without sunlight. It had been stifling.

If he stayed in seclusion any longer, it might leave a mark on his tender young mind—hardly conducive to a young man's healthy growth.

As he wandered through the Pill Tower, Xiao Yan noticed quite a few people watching him.

By listening in on their conversations, he learned why.

During his year-plus in seclusion, word of his genius had spread far and wide. With the Pill Tower fanning the flames, most people now knew his name. He had become a minor celebrity.

Xiao Yan could only shake his head helplessly. He wanted to keep a low profile, but his strength simply wouldn't allow it.

Without lingering, he headed straight for the Pill Tower's upper levels, where Xuan Kongzi was.

Upon entering the hall, he found Xuan Kongzi handling official business.

Xuan Kongzi seemed to sense Xiao Yan's presence. He looked up, his eyes lighting up at once. "Young friend Xiao Yan, you're out of seclusion!"

Xiao Yan nodded and walked over with a smile. "It's been a