Old Ancestor Huoyun came back to his senses and snapped in exasperation, "Old Yao, I seriously suspect you came here just to make a fool of me."
"If you don't explain yourself, don't blame me for turning on you!"
Despite Old Ancestor Huoyun's furious roar, Yao Lao remained perfectly composed and calmly asked, "What rank do you think my disciple is as an alchemist?"
Old Ancestor Huoyun snorted and said irritably, "This lad looks barely past twenty. No matter how gifted he is at alchemy, seventh rank is probably his limit."
Even that was a generous estimate from Old Ancestor Huoyun.
After all, one could not have both the fish and the bear's paw.
In Old Ancestor Huoyun's eyes, Xiao Yan must have devoted enormous effort to attaining strength close to a Half-Saint's at such a young age. How could he have had any time left to study alchemy?
Yet when he heard what Yao Lao said next, he could no longer stay calm.
Yao Lao clasped his hands behind his back, his expression proud.
"My disciple began studying alchemy at twelve. He is only twenty now, but his alchemy is already no worse than this old man's."
There was actually still a slight gap. After all, Xiao Yan could currently only refine pills that drew eight-colored pill lightning, while Yao Lao was merely one step away from ninth rank.
Of course, in front of outsiders, he had to boast to the heavens. How else could he coax an investment out of Old Ancestor Huoyun?
Sure enough, Old Ancestor Huoyun's eyes widened like bronze bells as he exclaimed in shock, "Is that really true?"
Yao Lao remained just as proud. "Of course it is!"
"Were it not for the limits of his soul power, my disciple might well be a