Chapter 430: My Name (Ten Thousand Daily)

That Dan Chen's ability to devour Soul Force reminded Xiao Yan of a Heavenly Rank Cultivation Method stored in the Soul Hall's Treasure Hall—one that absorbed others' Spiritual Souls to rapidly advance one's Cultivation Realm, requiring an absurdly large amount of Soul Points.

"Hehe, Elder Ye Zhong, didn't expect you to be leading the team again this time. Looks like everyone else knows this job's embarrassing."

Just as Xiao Yan followed Ye Zhong's steps and stepped through the special corridor into the testing chamber, a sharp, grating laugh rang out, jolting Xiao Yan from his thoughts.

Xiao Yan's expression didn't change; he turned his gaze toward the sound and saw an old woman in gray robes, grinning with yellow teeth, her eyes filled with mockery as she stared at the two of them.

Behind the gray-robed old woman stood three young people dressed in white robes—two men and one woman. All three had impressive appearances, especially the white-robed woman: her slender, curvaceous figure was exquisitely proportioned, radiating intense allure. The two men beside her kept their gazes fixed on various parts of her body, their eyes burning with heat and greed.

Ye Zhong whispered to Xiao Yan: "This time, it's not just us testing—there's also the Bai family and the Qiu family."

"Oh? The Qiu family?" That stirred memories in Xiao Yan—he wondered if Qiu Ping was still there. Maybe he'd pay them a visit sometime.

Xiao Yan hadn't forgotten how Qiu Ping had acted unfairly during the Sect Grand Meeting, deliberately making things difficult for him.

He held grudges.

But Xiao Yan guessed Qiu Ping was probably trembling in fear within the Qiu Family, especially after Xiao Yan had resolved the Ice River Valley—his reputation had grown even louder.

"That noisy old hag is from the Bai family; the old man in yellow robes with the young man and woman beside him is from the Qiu family."

Xiao Yan glanced at the yellow-robed elder—unfortunately, it wasn't that old bastard Qiu Ping.

In the Dan Domain's five great families—Dan, Cao, Bai, Qiu, and Ye—the Dan family, though low-key, had always been the strongest, and no one questioned their power. The Cao family was currently the most dominant, while the Bai family, though inferior to the first two, was still a prestigious clan.

The Qiu family, precisely because of their relatively weak strength, had once gone to the Northwest Region to interact with the Medicinal Bone Sect, hoping to expand their influence and recruit powerful external Alchemists.

Of course, Xiao Yan knew exactly who he was targeting—he wouldn't randomly oppose the entire Qiu family; he only targeted Qiu Ping.

"Hehe, Ye Zhong, you're here too." A white-robed elder stepped out of the room.

"Thank you, Elder Han Li."

"Sigh, what's the need for formalities between us?" The elder called Han Li sighed deeply—he understood the Ye family's situation well. Perhaps after this, he'd never see Ye Zhong again.

"Enough, Ye Zhong, stop dawdling. I don't want to waste time because of you. Is this kid the one your Ye family sent? Why doesn't he even wear an Alchemist Long Robe or a Class Badge? Did he never earn one at the Dan Tower?"

Clearly, the Ye family and the Bai family had some history.

Seeing the Bai family target Xiao Yan, Ye Zhong frowned and stepped forward, coldly snorting: "Do you even know who he—"

Before Ye Zhong could finish, Xiao Yan raised his head and interrupted, waving his hand. Let me introduce myself.

Xiao Yan glanced at the old hag and spoke plainly: "I've never been to Sheng Dan Cheng before. I've never earned a Class Badge at the Dan Tower."

"Heh, so he's a country bumpkin."

Hearing Xiao Yan's honest reply, the cold, elegant white-robed woman glanced at him with faint disdain and said coolly: "This special testing chamber is only for those testing for Five-Grade or higher Class Badges. Are you Ye family trying to break the rules?"

Ye Zhong's face darkened. He coldly snapped: "Do you think I need your interference? Are you questioning Elder Han Li?"

The white-robed woman's face darkened too, but she could only let out a cold snort and said nothing more.

The old hag smirked, sneering: "Ye Zhong, you've only got a few days left to strut around. When the test day comes, I'll see how your Ye family stays in the Dan Domain."

In the past, whenever the old hag mocked like this, Ye Zhong would grit his teeth helplessly. But this time, to everyone's surprise, Ye Zhong chuckled, crossed his arms, straightened his back, and gave off an air of "Let's wait and see."

When you've got backing, your spine straightens!

Before the old hag could even wonder, Han Li interrupted the dispute.

Elder Han Li spoke: "Time's up. Testing begins. Follow the order of arrival. Qiu family, what level of Class Badge are your two testing for?"

"Six-Grade Intermediate," the two young Qiu members said in unison.

Han Li nodded, then turned to the Bai family and asked: "And you three?"

"Six-Grade Intermediate," the two men behind the old hag stepped forward and said.

The white-robed woman, her face filled with pride and confidence, coldly declared: "Six-Grade Advanced."

Hearing this, the Qiu elder's expression subtly changed, while the gray-robed old hag wore a smug grin.

"Not bad."

Elder Han Li slowly nodded. Though the Bai family was inferior to the Dan and Cao families, they still had plenty of talent—far surpassing the Ye family.

Thinking of this, the white-haired elder sighed inwardly and turned to Ye Zhong: "Ye Zhong… what about you?"

As soon as he spoke, every gaze in the room instantly fixed on Ye Zhong and Xiao Yan—all tinged with faint disdain. The Ye family had lost face too many times over the years.

Xiao Yan didn't speak first. Instead, Ye Zhong, ever "thoughtful," stepped beside Xiao Yan and whispered softly: "The highest level you can test here is Seven-Grade Intermediate. Anything higher requires a formal application to the Dan Tower—it's a hassle."

????

Everyone in the room was baffled—why was Ye Zhong saying this? You don't act like the Ye family's Grand Elder—you act more like a servant.

"Oh, then Seven-Grade Intermediate it is," Xiao Yan said indifferently. That rank meant nothing to him. Compared to these Seven-Grade or Eight-Grade badges, he felt the Pill Gathering Champion title suited him better.

As soon as Xiao Yan spoke, everyone in the room froze, staring at him in stunned silence—did they hear that right?

The room fell unnaturally quiet after Xiao Yan's words. Dozens of eyes stared at him in shock. Moments later, the shock faded, slowly turning into faint sneers.

"Poor country bumpkin. Ignorance is his entertainment."

"Heh, Ye Zhong, is your Ye family so desperate now that you've resorted to this clownish stunt? This is the Dan Tower's testing site, not your Ye family's private arena—you can't just say whatever you want."

The three young Bai family members also turned their mocking gazes toward Xiao Yan, clearly enjoying the spectacle. They didn't believe this boy, who'd never even set foot in the Dan Tower before, could possibly qualify for a Seven-Grade Intermediate Alchemist Class Badge.

The three from the Qiu family didn't sneer like the Bai family, but their eyes still scanned Xiao Yan skeptically—they clearly thought he was bluffing.

Han Li stared in surprise at the calm Ye Zhong and asked: "Ye Zhong, you know if you falsely declare your testing level, the punishment is severe."

Ye Zhong nodded slowly, his expression serene. He stroked his beard and said: "No false declaration. It's Seven-Grade Intermediate. Han Li, trust me—it's real."

Hearing this, Elder Han Li was stunned. He began to carefully examine Xiao Yan—and to his greater shock, his Soul Force couldn't perceive Xiao Yan's true cultivation level at all!

He was a Seven-Grade Intermediate Alchemist!

"No way—he's this young?!" Han Li's heart jolted. Could it be…?

Han Li, as a senior Elder of the Dan Tower branch, quickly regained his composure and said: "In that case, Qiu family, wait a moment. I'll test this young man first."

The Qiu family had no objections. Seven-Grade Intermediate? They wanted to know if it was real. Could a Seven-Grade Intermediate Alchemist this young really come from the Ye family?

Even in the Dan and Cao families, a Seven-Grade Intermediate Alchemist this young would be among the top five—or even top three—geniuses of the clan.

Xiao Yan clasped his hands behind his back and followed Han Li into the testing chamber.

Only three minutes passed, and Elder Hanli's cry rang out from the room: "Ah!"

Another three minutes passed.

"Kuang!"

Another three minutes passed.

"Kuang!!!!!!!!"

One minute later, a sharp creak sounded as the door was pushed open; Xiao Yan walked out calmly, strangely without Hanli following him.

"Ten minutes??"

Seeing Xiao Yan emerge in ten minutes, everyone present rolled their eyes.

"I must've been blind with pork-fat stupidity—I actually had a moment where I thought he was a Seven-Grade Intermediate Alchemist."

"This guy probably just went in and messed around, then got kicked out by Elder Hanli."

"I think so—he's even made Elder Hanli curse like a madman."

A wave of sneers, cold laughs, and rolled eyes fell upon Xiao Yan; the only one in the entire hall who calmly believed in him was Ye Family's Grand Elder, Ye Zhong.

No reason—just because his name was Xiao Yan!

Moments later, Hanli staggered out of the testing room, pale and shaken, stumbling and knocking into things along the way.

"What is it?" Xiao Yan turned and asked.

"Master! You haven't told me your name—I can't register you or make your Class Badge!" Hanli shouted, utterly unlike his earlier calm demeanor.

Instantly, the entire room fell deathly silent. Everyone except Ye Zhong experienced a mental blackout.

What had they just heard?!

Before the old woman from the Bai family could even question Hanli's fairness, another thunderous boom erupted.

"Oh, your test was too simple—I forgot." Xiao Yan smiled faintly, a strangely warm smile. "My name is Xiao Yan."

"Xiao Yan? That name sounds familiar…"

"Ah! Xiao Yan of the Yan Alliance! The prodigy rumored to rival Cao Ying!"

"Eight-Grade Alchemist!!"

The moment "Xiao Yan" was spoken, the entire room erupted in chaos. Though this world could use Spiritual Soul projections to record memories, there was no internet or images—so names spread far more easily than appearances.

Many might not recognize Xiao Yan's face, but his name was thunderously known throughout the Dan Domain!

"Y-you're helping the Ye Family with their assessment?!" The old woman instantly realized, pointing at Xiao Yan in shock.

How could this happen? The Ye Family was about to be eliminated!

Xiao Yan looked over, snorted coldly, and instantly crushed down Spirit Realm Soul Power. The old woman bore the full force—she groaned and was pinned to the ground. The three youths were even less capable, collapsing onto their seats, trembling in terror.

They had just mocked an Eight-Grade Alchemist! That was the rank of their own Ancestor!

"Do I need you to teach me how to act?" Xiao Yan stood with hands behind his back, glancing down coldly at the old woman, then turned to the white-robed girl sitting on the floor, terrified. He sneered dismissively: "Average looks, average build, average Alchemy talent—what are you so proud of?"

Though struck three times in succession, the white-robed girl could not utter a single rebuttal.

Then Xiao Yan turned toward the Qiu Family. Seeing him look, the yellow-robed elder stepped back two paces.

Xiao Yan smiled slightly and murmured: "Don't be nervous. I'm a man who knows where the grudges lie and who owes what. Qiu Ping is in Sheng Dan Cheng, right? Tell him to come find me tomorrow—or I'll come to your Qiu Family myself."

The yellow-robed elder had wanted to say something, but remembering the outcome of the Ice River Valley two months ago, he couldn't utter a single word.

The Qiu Family was even weaker than the Bai Family—only one Eight-Grade Alchemist Ancestor remained, and even he could only produce Eight Grade Pills that summoned Three-Colored Pill Lightning. He was old and fading, utterly unable to compare with a prodigy like Xiao Yan.

If they mishandled this, the Ye Family would be their blueprint!

"Elder Hanli, please deliver the Class Badge to the Ye Family Mansion," Xiao Yan said, nodding amiably—as if the ruthless, domineering Xiao Yan moments ago had never existed, now smiling warmly and harmlessly.

"Master Xiao Yan is too kind—it's no trouble at all. Hehe, if you don't mind, just call me Hanli—I couldn't possibly bear the title of Elder before you." Hanli spoke almost grovelingly.

Without needing to ask, everyone understood what Hanli had witnessed inside.

The assessment was over. Xiao Yan had no desire to linger; he waved his hand and began strolling around, looking leisurely.

At this moment, Hanli walked over to Ye Zhong and muttered gloomily: "Ye Zhong, where in the world did you find this divine being to save your Ye Family? With him here, unless the Dan Family or Cao Family sends Dan Chen or Cao Ying, he's unquestionably number one."

Even fools knew Xiao Yan had come to save the Ye Family and help them pass the assessment. As for Xiao Yan not being of the Ye surname? That was easily solved—just say whatever you wanted publicly.

Hearing this, Ye Zhong sighed heavily. "Perhaps it's fate."

In Sheng Dan Cheng, as the Pill Gathering drew nearer, the crowds grew ever more terrifying—not just by day, but even at night, the noise was deafening. With the influx came countless riffraff, and strange, exotic things began circulating—some of them genuine treasures, though only if you had sharp enough eyes.

Clearly, Xiao Yan's luck wasn't good today. He wandered the outer district's trading zones all afternoon and gained little—barely managed to identify a few rare Medicinal Materials, and only because he acted fast enough to beat others to them.

Shaking his head, he returned to the Ye Family Mansion, waiting for the Alchemist Bazaar in two days.

Without doubt, by the time Xiao Yan arrived in Sheng Dan Cheng and helped the Ye Family with their assessment, his name had spread across the entire city within half a day—even the Dan Tower in the inner city had begun whispering his name.

The next morning, before dawn, a man stood outside the Ye Family Mansion.

Ye Zhong saw him and shook his head—it was Qiu Ping. In Alchemy, Qiu Ping was slightly stronger than him, one of the Qiu Family's Elders, holding considerable status.

But today, he came alone to beg forgiveness.

The Qiu Family dared not offend the Yan Alliance. Their strength couldn't match the Yan Alliance, and as a family of Alchemists, they now couldn't even match Xiao Yan's Alchemy—he utterly crushed them in every way.

They could never risk offending Xiao Yan to protect Qiu Ping.

"Sigh, Qiu Ping, come in," Ye Zhong said, unable to bear his distress—they knew each other, after all.

"U-um, Master Xiao Yan…?" Qiu Ping asked nervously, wishing he could scatter the bones of that Bone Child Elder into the wind!

How could this be so damn terrible!

"Master Xiao Yan has already woken up. He's having breakfast in the Hall. He told me to come get you." Ye Zhong said.

Hearing this, Qiu Ping hurried into the Ye Family Mansion, following Ye Zhong to the Hall—where he saw Xiao Yan fighting with Zi Yan over buns.

"Xiao Yan! You've already eaten three!"

"So have you!"

For a moment, they completely ignored Qiu Ping.

Ye Zhong waited a moment, knowing the time had come, and cleared his throat softly. "Master Xiao Yan, Qiu Ping has arrived."

Hearing Ye Zhong's words, Xiao Yan stopped arguing with Zi Yan and looked at the trembling Qiu Ping, smiling slightly. "Oh? Aren't you the judge from the Sect Grand Meeting?"

Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Qiu Ping was terrified, his legs buckling as he collapsed to his knees. "I was blind and ignorant! I failed to recognize a mountain of greatness! Please, Master Xiao Yan, forgive me!"

Xiao Yan put down his chopsticks and smiled. "No, no, you're not at fault. That Bone Child Elder truly excelled in Pill Alchemy—he was better than me. Had he not died, he might have surpassed me."

Hearing the word "dead," Qiu Ping's teeth chattered. He frantically pulled a long wooden box from his storage ring, held it high with both hands, and crawled to the table, trembling. "Upon hearing that Master Xiao Yan has been promoted to Eight Rank, I have come specifically to offer my congratulations."

Qing Lin, ever dutiful, took the wooden box and slowly opened it. Instantly, three beams of light shot out, revealing three Magic Cores laid inside.

Three Eight-Rank High-Grade Magic Cores!

Seeing these three Magic Cores, Xiao Yan genuinely felt joy from within. Beside him, Xin Lan and Ye Zhong stared, eyes wide—they couldn't even produce Magic Cores of such high quality in the Ye Family!

Even as a Seventh-Rank Alchemist, Qiu Ping must have spent most of his wealth on these three high-grade Magic Cores.

Xiao Yan licked his lips, picked up one of the Magic Cores, and played with it in his hand. "I don't like you, but I like this. And I'm a very forgetful person—many things slip my mind easily."

"Qing Lin, bring out another set of bowls and chopsticks."

"Yes, Young Master."

"Qiu Ping, have something to eat before you leave."

Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Qiu Ping exhaled in relief and slowly rose to his feet—but his heart ached. Why had he ever opened his stupid mouth!

Beside him, Xiao Yixian shot Xiao Yan a glare and whispered, "You're no Pill Alchemy Master—you're a bandit chief."

Xiao Yan looked at Xiao Yixian and smiled. "What? You want to be the mountain queen?"

Only Zi Yan, seated across from Xiao Yan, studied intently, taking careful notes.

Learned. Learned.

Seventeen days!

(End of Chapter)