Chapter 421: Please Step Into the Jar

Although the Jia Ma Empire was extremely distant from the Dan Domain, with two Dou Zun and a Tai Xu Ancient Dragon present here, their speed naturally far exceeded that of using a Space Wormhole.

It took only seven days to reach the Dan Domain. In this cultivation, time passed in the blink of an eye; when Xiao Yan's Soul Force sensed an increase in voices outside the wormhole, he opened his eyes and emerged from cultivation.

"Young Master Yan, we've arrived at Ye Cheng." Xin Lan walked nervously up to Xiao Yan and spoke softly.

"Mm." Xiao Yan slowly stood up.

Ye Cheng was the city governed by the Ye Family, one of the Five Great Families of the Dan Domain; after all, the Ye Family had once been illustrious in its ancestors' time and possessed a vast city.

Shortly after Xiao Yan stood, he saw a silver ring not far away, from which dense spatial fluctuations spilled out.

"So the Pill Gathering is finally here."

Gazing at the silver ring, Xiao Yan clenched his fist tightly, his dark eyes slowly filling with icy coldness.

The Pill Gathering was the key to success or failure.

Xiao Yan was not yet a true core member of the Soul Sovereign, nor even admitted into the Soul Sovereign—but if he won the Pill Gathering and defeated Mu Gu, he would gain greater and stronger power.

Then he would be second only to Hun Xu Zi as the Pill Sage Emperor!

At that time, not even the Ice River Valley of the Three Valleys could restrain him—he could act without restraint even against the Nine Underworld Spirit Python Clan.

But all of this depended on him defeating Mu Gu and claiming the Pill Gathering championship.

Xiao Yan exhaled deeply the breath long suppressed in his chest, then rose abruptly; the Dou Qi swirling over his body gradually retracted inward.

The space vessel shot through the channel like a streak of silver light, nearing the position of the ring in the blink of an eye; beneath the violent spatial fluctuations, its hull began to shake violently.

Xiao Yan paid no attention to the shaking; his expression remained calm. With Tian Huo Zunzhe controlling the space vessel, there was absolute safety—*shoo! *—it darted out, and in a few blinks, the silver ring was within arm's reach.

In his dark pupils, the silver ring grew ever more brilliant; Xiao Yan's fist clenched sharply, frosty light flashing in his eyes.

The space vessel transformed into a streak of silver light, *chi! *—it plunged into the silver ring and vanished.

"Ice Zunzhe… I've laid the bait. Now I'll see if you can hold back."

*Shoo! *—in a Guang Chang, a streak of silver light flashed; the space vessel shrank rapidly and was stored in a storage ring, then several figures clad in black robes landed steadily.

These figures were naturally Xiao Yan and his party.

Ye Cheng, as a major city of the Dan Domain, naturally had its own Space Wormhole exit; Tian Huo Zunzhe did not create a new one but used Ye Cheng's existing exit, making it easier for Xin Lan to determine direction.

Xiao Yan and his group attracted no attention; people constantly entered and exited the space channel, and with Xiao Yan using Soul Force to shield Xin Lan and Qing Lin from detection by Ice River Valley and Nine Underworld Spirit Python Clan spies, it was utterly secure.

"This Ye Cheng is huge," Xiao Yan's formidable perception swept across it; he hadn't expected Ye Cheng to be this large.

No wonder the status of the Five Great Families of the Dan Domain was so coveted—securing such a status meant gaining control of a city this vast.

Add to that the protection of the Dan Tower, and the city's wealth became terrifying.

Xin Lan smiled bitterly, her eyes dimming. "Originally, Ye Cheng was even larger and grander, but in recent years, our Ye Family has declined; much of the territory has been seized by surrounding Sects, and foot traffic has dropped sharply."

Hearing Xin Lan's words, Xiao Yan could easily imagine how terrifying the cities controlled by the Dan Family and Cao Family—still at the peak of the Five Great Families—must be; their prosperity likely didn't even reach one-tenth of Feng Lei Cheng's.

But that made sense—in Zhong Zhou, many cities had no Alchemist Guild; Alchemist Guilds existed only outside Zhong Zhou or on its fringes.

The Alchemist Guild was created solely to raise alchemy standards in backward regions.

In Zhong Zhou, if you sought an Elixir, you didn't go to the Alchemist Guild—you went directly to the Dan Domain, the central hub of Zhong Zhou's Alchemists; if even the Dan Domain's Alchemists couldn't solve it, you went to the Dan Tower in Sheng Dan Cheng.

There was no need for the Alchemist Guild as an intermediary.

Naturally, the cities of the Five Great Families gathered Elixir seekers from across all of Zhong Zhou, and many Alchemists clad in Alchemist Long Robes wandered about, purchasing Medicinal Materials.

Here, Fifth-Rank Alchemists weren't common, but you occasionally saw some—even Sixth-Rank Alchemists could be spotted.

The Ye Family, as the rulers of this city, resided in the very center; within a kilometer, all was Ye Family estate; ordinary people were forbidden entry, and its defenses were especially strict—though this only applied to ordinary strong ones.

"Stop! Unauthorized persons, leave Ye Family grounds immediately!"

As Xiao Yan and his group reached the Ye Family gate, two Gate Guards of Dou Wang level blocked them; for a major family of the Dan Domain, Dou Wangs were only fit to serve as guards.

"Uncle Hong, it's me." Xin Lan stepped forward quickly and removed her hood.

"Miss Xin Lan! You've finally returned!" Seeing Xin Lan's face, the guard named Uncle Hong was overjoyed and immediately sheathed his weapon.

"Uncle Hong, these are my friends." Xin Lan said.

"Oh oh, I understand. Since they're Miss's friends, please this way. Miss, I'll go inform them." With that, Uncle Hong ran swiftly into the courtyard.

"Young Master Yan, you may need to come with me to the Council Hall to meet with the Elders." Xin Lan's voice carried tension; the entire Ye Family now depended on Xiao Yan—if he suddenly refused to help, she had no recourse.

Most importantly, Xiao Yan wasn't helping unconditionally—he required the Ye Family to submit Elixirs to the Yan Alliance annually, allocate the best and most prosperous commercial land in Ye Cheng to the Miter Clan, and provide protection for the Miter Clan.

Only in exchange for this did Xiao Yan offer his aid.

Xiao Yan, clad in a Soul Robe, smiled and reassured her: "Xin Lan, don't worry I'll break my word. If your Ye Family agrees to my terms, the Yan Alliance becomes your Ye Family's partner."

"First, arrange a quiet Guest Room for Xiao Yixian. I'll accompany you for the assessment. Qing Lin, stay with me."

Qing Lin's heart warmed; she nodded and replied: "Yes, Young Master Yan."

After Xin Lan arranged everything, she led Xiao Yan and Qing Lin to a Hall within the Ye Family compound.

Seeing Xin Lan safe and sound, the various Elders of the Ye Family sighed in relief. A gray-robed Elder immediately frowned and said: "Xin Lan, you know full well the current state of our family. Your sudden disappearance for so long was unacceptable."

"I'm sorry, it was wrong of me—but I disappeared for a reason. I've found an Alchemist to help our Ye Family pass the assessment." Xin Lan hurriedly said.

Hearing Xin Lan's words, the Elders present scrutinized Xiao Yan and Qing Lin, both clad in black robes; naturally, their strength could not discern Xiao Yan's true level.

But to Xin Lan and Xiao Yan's surprise, the gray-robed Elder shook his head and said: "Xin Lan, we've already negotiated with the Cao Family—you will marry Cao Dan. The Cao Family is one of the Five Great Families, perfectly matched to our Ye Family; moreover, Cao Dan is a rare alchemical genius. Marrying him won't only save our Ye Family from being expelled from the Five Great Families, but also secure you a good future."

!!!

Xin Lan's face instantly turned pale! She hadn't been gone long, yet her own family had already sold her off!

"I will never marry that bastard Cao Dan!" Xin Lan's beautiful eyes filled with tears; she glared fiercely at the silent or tacitly approving Elders and said coldly: "Even if I were forced to marry Cao Dan, do you think that would solve our crisis? The Cao Family has wolfish ambitions—they've long sought to devour our Ye Family. This is nothing but leading a lamb into the tiger's mouth!"

At Xin Lan's words, the Elders present fell silent, unable to refute her.

The Cao Family was fiercely ambitious, especially after Cao Ying emerged—they now aimed to surpass the Dan Family and become the top of the Five Great Families. Absorbing the Ye Family was naturally their best method.

The gray-robed Elder snorted coldly: "Xin Lan, then tell us what you propose! Do you know the other four Great Families have secretly planned to eliminate our Ye Family? The Xiang Family has already bribed them, intending to oust us and take our place!"

Another black-robed Elder sighed: "Xin Lan, don't blame us for being cruel. We've received word that the Xiang Family offered a huge price to the Qiu Family and Bai Family to ambush us—this assessment, both families will send their strongest prodigies, both Seventh Rank Peak Alchemists."

"Though the Dan Family and Cao Family won't send their absolute strongest, they've still sent two Seventh Rank Peak Alchemists. This is clearly meant to ambush our Ye Family and let the Xiang Family replace us."

The old man in blue robes glanced at Xiao Yan behind Xin Lan and sneered, "Xin Lan, I don't know who you've brought, but this time's trial is far harder than ever to make the top three—this crisis isn't something any random cat or dog can solve."

"My Young Master isn't some cat or dog!" Hearing her Young Master insulted, Qing Lin's fury surged; her eyes snapped open.

A Five Star Dou Zong's aura instantly crushed down; a blue light swept across, like a petrification spell—every elder present froze stiff, unable to move!

All the elders instantly stared at Qing Lin in terror—what kind of demonic art is this!

The Ye Family has truly declined severely; though all these Elders are Dou Zong, the strongest is merely a Six Star Dou Zong—this strength, even on the outskirts of Zhong Zhou, is barely stronger than the Hong Family.

"Who are you?!" The Six Star Dou Zong erupted in Dou Qi, but could only barely resist Qing Lin's blue light—his movements were still severely restricted.

"Qing Lin, they simply lack discernment—we needn't stoop to their level," Xiao Yan raised his hand and shook his head.

Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Qing Lin retracted her light.

Even against non-Snake Race foes, the Qi San Hua Tong still possesses terrifying power—those with cultivation realms inferior to Qing Lin's are easy to immobilize.

Xiao Yan stepped forward slowly, removed his Hood, and smiled at the still-shaken Ye Family Elders: "Cats and dogs certainly can't do it—what about me, Xiao Yan?"

"Xiao Yan!!!"

When Xiao Yan revealed his name, every elder in the room jolted upright from their seats!

"Y-You're the Xiao Yan from the Yan Alliance?!" The Ye Family's Grand Elder, Ye Zhong, widened his eyes, scanning Xiao Yan up and down.

Who hasn't heard of Xiao Yan? He's the hottest dark horse at this Pill Gathering, hailed as the only one with a chance to defeat the Dan Family's genius and Cao Family's demon girl, Cao Ying!

Though some still doubt whether Xiao Yan is an Eighth-Rank Alchemist, many believe it—after all, Feng Qing'er herself had said so.

"You… you're willing to help our Ye Family?" Another Elder's voice trembled with excitement—if Xiao Yan aided them, the Ye Family would surely pass the trial!

Xiao Yan shrugged, noncommittal: "Not necessarily—it depends on you."

Xin Lan walked slowly to Grand Elder Ye Zhong, her grandfather, and laid out the conditions proposed by Xiao Yan or the Yan Alliance.

Hearing Xin Lan's conditions, the Ye Family Elders immediately frowned.

Though the Yan Alliance didn't intend to swallow the Ye Family whole, it did plan to carve out a share of Ye Cheng—perhaps even absorb the Ye Family as its permanent Pill Alchemy division.

This seemed less brutal than the Cao Family's tactics, but in truth, it was a disguised attempt to enslave the Ye Family—though the enslavement was mild, like a high-salary employee.

Xiao Yan saw the Ye Family's hesitation and smiled: "Ladies and gentlemen, I, Xiao Yan, swear here—even if the Cao Family sends their demon girl, Cao Ying, I will still claim first place."

The Ye Family Elders, understanding the implication, all narrowed their eyes—this was an admission that Xiao Yan was an Eighth-Rank Alchemist, and confident enough to defeat Cao Ying!

Targeting the Pill Gathering Champion!

"Good! If Master Xiao Yan helps our Ye Family win first place, we accept all your conditions!" Grand Elder Ye Zhong knew this was an opportunity—he no longer hesitated, and agreed outright.

First place and third place are fundamentally different; if we win first this time, we're exempt from the next trial—even if we place fifth next time, it won't count.

It gives the Ye Family more breathing room!

Xiao Yan smiled lightly: "No problem."

As Xiao Yan revealed his Young Clan Leader persona, shaking hands, exchanging pleasantries, and congratulating everyone on the successful Transaction, Zi Yan dragged two people in through the door.

"These two were causing trouble outside, disturbing my nap," Zi Yan, ever domineering, had beaten the two Six Star Dou Zong into bruised, swollen unconsciousness and tossed them at Xiao Yan's feet—then clapped her hands and returned to sleep.

"Black Fire Sect's Zhao Hei and Qin Mo!" Seeing their faces, Ye Zhong's eyes narrowed in shock.

Xin Lan's expression turned grave; she explained to Xiao Yan: "The Black Fire Sect is a formidable Faction in the Dan Domain. Their Sect is not far from Ye Cheng, and they've long coveted our city—but I never expected them to dare storm our gates!"

"Black Fire Sect? What's their relationship with the Ice River Valley?" Xiao Yan's eyes flickered.

"I don't know," Xin Lan replied. "But the Black Fire Sect's Sect Master is at the Half-Step Dou Zun level. Rumor says he's acquainted with the Ice River Valley's Grand Elder, Tian Shuangzi."

Xiao Yan smiled faintly—perfect. He'd originally planned to use the Ye Family's help, but now the Black Fire Sect was even more convenient.

"Ye Zhong! If you kill us, our Sect Master will never let you live!" the black-robed Zhao Hei shrieked.

They never imagined the fallen Ye Family could summon such a powerful Dou Zong—those terrifying blows shattered their Dou Techniques and captured them effortlessly; they had no chance to resist.

Hearing the Black Fire Sect pair's roars, strangely, every member of the Ye Family turned to look at Xiao Yan—as if he were the Family Head.

But that was natural: Zi Yan had captured them; they had nothing to do with the Ye Family. How to deal with them was Xiao Yan's decision.

"Your Black Fire Sect is quite tyrannical."

Zhao Hei looked up, puzzled by Xiao Yan's smiling face. Was this man from the Ye Family? And why did he seem familiar?

Zhao Hei didn't recognize Xiao Yan—but Qin Mo did. His face turned ashen, terrified: "You're Xiao Yan!!"

"Oh? You know me?"

Xin Lan explained: "The Ice River Valley once offered a huge bounty for information on the Eternal Calamity Poison Body—and they circulated your image. At the time, every Sect, big or small, across Zhong Yu received their wanted posters."

"How convenient," Xiao Yan crouched slowly, released the spatial restraints Zi Yan had placed on them, and smiled: "Gentlemen, I have a favor to ask of you."

!!!!

Seeing the smiling man before them, Qin Mo and Zhao Hei turned pale with terror. The Yan Alliance's power was nothing the Black Fire Sect could match—they possessed a Dou Zun! The Black Fire Sect couldn't protect them; their recklessness might even bring annihilation upon their Sect!

No wonder that hooded figure was so strong—Xiao Yan had come to the Ye Family!

"Whatever Master Xiao Yan needs, we'll do it—no matter the cost, we'll risk life and limb!" Qin Mo, now calm, flattered desperately—he had to survive, so he had to obey Xiao Yan.

"Don't worry—it's not difficult. I only need you two to go to the Ice River Valley and tell them: the Yan Alliance's Xiao Yan has arrived in the Dan Domain with the Eternal Calamity Poison Body, seeking a Pill to cure it."

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At Xiao Yan's words, not only Qin Mo and Zhao Hei, but every Ye Family Elder stared in stunned silence, frozen in place.

Xiao Yan was setting a trap!

After leaving the Blood Mark on their bodies, Xiao Yan released the Black Fire Sect pair. He'd originally planned to have the Ye Family play the traitor, luring the Ice Venerable—but now the Black Fire Sect made it even easier.

Having finished all this, Xiao Yan turned to Grand Elder Ye Zhong and asked: "I've heard the Ye Family possesses the Yang Huo Gu Tan, capable of summoning Yang Fire. May I borrow it to cultivate?"

(End of Chapter)