boyutpedia 713.1 Sun Army
713.1 Sun Army
Even if someone could surpass Xiao Yan in strength, what about alchemy?
At such a young age, he had already won the championship of the Pill Refining Competition and was even able to participate in the refining of ninth-grade pills.
Whether it's alchemy or battle qi, Xiao Yan has reached an astonishing level. To have progressed so high and so far on these two paths, which are incredibly difficult for ordinary people to master even one of, is beyond the simple word "excellent."
Even by the standards of the Yan Clan, a family descended from the Dou Di with a history of thousands of years and a discerning eye, it would be difficult to find any real "shortcomings" in Xiao Yan.
"Xiao Yan, I really have to thank you this time!"
Faced with Huo Zhen's sincere gratitude, Xiao Yan smiled slightly: "The pill is complete, I have successfully completed my mission."
……
"Xiao Yan, you're already thinking of leaving?" Huo Zhen looked at Xiao Yan in front of him, somewhat surprised. After all, the pill had only been refined for two days, and he was already preparing to leave the Yan Clan.
"Although the Yan Clan has suffered a great calamity, this space is still relatively stable, but the turmoil in the outside world is no small matter."
"That's precisely why I have to leave. To be honest, in many people's eyes, I'm still a dead man. I had to come here because I was worried, but now that I see that Fire Child is alright, I can go back with peace of mind."
Of course, there was one thing Xiao Yan didn't mention: the ancient clans of Zhongzhou were also in the Eastern Region, and Xiao Yan's family members were all among them. Now that they were passing through this area, it was the perfect opportunity to bring them back.
Previously, Xiao Yan worried that the Soul Palace's power was too great and that it would target his family. But things are different now. The Starfall Pavilion has also gathered many experts. Moreover, the Soul Clan and the Soul Palace are now clearly showing signs of becoming enemies with many families descended from Dou Di. Xiao Yan felt that the Soul Clan and the Soul Palace probably didn't have the mind to bother with his family's affairs anymore.
Although the ancient clan has Xun'er, the family is still living under someone else's roof. Now that Xiao Yan has the strength, he should naturally bring his family back in a dignified manner.
Upon hearing Xiao Yan's explanation, Huo Zhen revealed an undisguised look of regret: "I originally thought that once I caught my breath, I would pass on all my insights from hundreds of years of tinkering with alchemy to you."
"You're a promising talent! Solid foundation, rare talent, especially that almost instinctive keenness and ruthlessness in alchemy—it's somewhat similar to my own in my youth!" He stroked his beard, a shrewd glint in his eyes. "The ninth rank is an absolute hurdle for any alchemist. With my guidance, while I can't guarantee immediate attainment, you'd at least glimpse an opportunity within ten years, and have a chance to break through within thirty. By leaving now, you're letting this best opportunity slip away."
Huo Zhen's words were earnest, even carrying a hint of condescension. He genuinely valued Xiao Yan, a genius descendant who was not from his own clan. This sense of inheritance stemmed from a ninth-grade alchemy master's appreciation and expectations for an outstanding junior colleague.
Xiao Yan humbly expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, senior. Once I have settled things, I can come to the Yan Clan again to receive your teachings."
"Fine, this old man has lived for so many years, and what I hate most is all that fuss and gossip. I'll be busy for a while anyway, so it's good that you're leaving!"
"One day, you must stay here for one day! This old man is going all out now, I'll tell you as much as I can, I'll cram the most important and crucial information into your head. You better listen carefully, how much you can understand depends on your own destiny! So, kid, are you willing to spend another day with this old geezer as a temporary disciple?"
Huo Zhen addressed him as a temporary disciple, half in jest and half in acknowledgment. Such an encounter would be a dream come true for any alchemist, especially when the other party was a genuine ninth-grade grandmaster. Of course, Huo Zhen's behavior was mostly due to the favor Xiao Yan had shown him in refining ninth-grade pills.
However, Xiao Yan couldn't possibly be indifferent. He immediately bowed deeply, his movements swift and decisive, filled with respect for the alchemy master: "Xiao Yan thanks you for your guidance, senior!"
Back in the Pill Tower, Xiao Yan had already learned from Xuan Yi that Yao Lao's true alchemy skills were still among the best of the eighth rank, and he hadn't truly broken through the ninth rank. Therefore, Huo Zhen before him represented the pinnacle of alchemy skills Xiao Yan had ever encountered. Naturally, Xiao Yan needed to take his teaching seriously.
Huo Zhen was extremely pleased with Xiao Yan's attitude. He laughed heartily and gestured for Xiao Yan to sit down again. Xiao Yan picked up his teacup, took a sip to moisten his throat, and his gaze became focused, truly entering the state of a teacher.
"I can see that you, little one, have excellent talent and a solid foundation. Who is your teacher?"
"My master, Yao Chen, is the reason I have achieved so much. I owe most of my success to him."
"I see. Yao Chen is indeed a talented individual. It's a pity he didn't have a good environment. That's why I predicted back then that it would be difficult for him to break through to the ninth rank, at least without the guidance of someone from the Pill Tower..."
Given the Yan Clan's status on the continent, obtaining any information they desired would be extremely easy for them. From Huo Zhen's tone, Xiao Yan could deduce that the Yan Clan likely knew something about Yao Lao. Although Yao Lao founded the Starfall Pavilion and had close ties with the Pill Tower, his background was far inferior to Huo Zhen's.
"However, you do have great potential, but your achievements have come too quickly, which has caused some problems. If these problems are not resolved, I have a feeling that you will have little chance of breaking through to the ninth rank within the next hundred years."
"Don't blame me for being long-winded, but first I have to talk about your biggest problem."
Huo Zhen paused deliberately at this point, while Xiao Yan was also examining himself: Over the years, had he done anything wrong in his research on alchemy?
"I can see that your biggest problem, Xiao Yan, is that your alchemy skills have improved too quickly and too smoothly!"
Upon hearing this conclusion, Xiao Yan's eyes showed a hint of surprise. Whether it was Dou Qi or alchemy, rapid progress was always an enviable quality, and both were considered future pillars of a family's power. He had never heard of speed being a hidden danger. However, he didn't immediately refute it, maintaining a posture of quietly listening to his senior's teachings.