"Elder Dan."
Xiao Yan and Yao Chen cupped their hands simultaneously, their tones deeply respectful.
Elder Dan slowly turned, his gaze settling on Xiao Yan, a flicker of admiration and curiosity passing through his eyes.
"Little fellow, your flame... is rather unusual."
He narrowed his eyes slightly, as though he had seen through something.
"The Green Lotus Core Flame... yet not merely the Green Lotus Core Flame. There is a hint of beast flame to it."
"And within it, there seems to be some sort of... power even I cannot fathom."
Xiao Yan's heart tightened. He was about to speak when Elder Dan waved a hand and smiled faintly.
"No need to be nervous. I have no intention of prying."
"Though only a remnant of my soul remains, I still remember some alchemy experience, pill formulas, and the like. I can pass them all on to you both..."
"But I have one condition."
Elder Dan slowly floated before Xiao Yan, a trace of gravity and hope flashing through his deep eyes.
"Do not reveal my existence. The claws of the Hall of Souls reach across the continent. Though this remnant soul of mine has recovered somewhat, it is still far from my former prime. If the Hall of Souls learns that I remain..."
He paused, bitterness and worry surfacing on his aged face. "I fear even this last wisp of my soul would be impossible to preserve."
Xiao Yan and Yao Chen exchanged a glance, each seeing the gravity in the other's eyes.
"Rest assured, Senior."
Xiao Yan spoke in a low voice, his tone carrying an unshakable resolve. "I am not one to draw attention to myself."
Elder Dan nodded slightly, a flicker of relief crossing his eyes.
"Very good."
He turned to Yao Chen, his gaze lingering briefly