Chapter 431

The next day, Xiao Yan took Xiao Yixian, Zi Yan, Qing Lin, and Heavenly Flame Zunzhe, following Xin Lan to the annual Alchemist marketplace.

As she led the way, Xin Lan asked hesitantly, "Young Master Yan, what are you looking for? Let me keep an eye out for you."

Over these past two days, the Ye family had finally regained some dignity.

Imagine this: Xiao Yan is attending the Pill Gathering and staying at the Ye Family Mansion, planning to help the Ye family pass the Five Great Families' evaluation—how would that news change their standing once it spread?

Those minor families who had already written off the Ye family and looked down on them now rushed to the Ye Family Mansion to offer congratulations and probe for information.

This brought much-needed life to the Ye Family Mansion, which had been desolate for years; now Ye Zhong was too busy to attend to anything, so he assigned Xin Lan to accompany Xiao Yan and guide him.

After thinking for a moment, Xiao Yan said, "Besides some Eight-Pill Medicinal Herbs and Pill Formulas, pay special attention to Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures that enhance Soul Force—I want to improve my Soul Force."

Xiao Yan was puzzled: since ascending to the Spirit Realm, the Arcane-Rank High-Level Spiritual Heart Soul Gathering Technique could no longer move his Soul Force at all.

Due to his naturally immense Soul Force, he had advanced rapidly at first, quickly reaching Common Realm peak, and then broke into the Spirit Realm thanks to the Yin-Yang Xuan Dragon Pill.

But now, his Soul Force had slowed dramatically in the Spirit Realm; after all these years, he had only progressed from newly entering the Spirit Realm to early Spirit Realm, and the limit of his pill alchemy was producing an Eight Grade Pill that summoned Four-Colored Pill Lightning—he still needed to reach mid-Spirit Realm to craft a Five-Colored one.

So Xiao Yan planned to use Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures to nourish his Soul Force.

Hearing this, Xin Lan let out a bitter laugh. "Young Master Yan, Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures that enhance Spirit Realm Soul Power are priceless—extremely rare even in Sheng Dan Cheng."

"It's fine. If there isn't any, there isn't any." Xiao Yan shrugged, unconcerned—he'd use the Dou Di Bloodline during his Adult Ceremony at the Soul Hall, and then he could cultivate the Emperor Soul Technique!

He had long coveted that Heavenly Rank Soul Technique!

Soon, the group arrived at the Alchemist Transaction Hall in Sheng Dan Cheng.

As expected, it was packed with people.

"Let's go to the second floor—I'm not even looking for bargains on this level."

The noise was deafening.

The first floor was like a marketplace, so loud even Xiao Yan and the others couldn't bear it—they gave up the first floor entirely and went straight to the second and third floors.

The first floor was open to any Alchemist; only the second and third floors had rank restrictions.

Entering the second floor, the clamor immediately lessened. The area was spacious, with brilliant crystal tiles on the floor like smooth mirrors, almost blinding to look at; scattered across these crystal floors were numerous crystal platforms, and even from afar, the items on them were clearly superior to those on the first floor.

Though the quality was significantly better, most items here were Five-Grade, Six-Grade, and Seven-Grade Medicinal Materials and artifacts—too mundane for Xiao Yan, who had reached Eight Grade, leaving him with a sense of "can't eat, can't throw away."

"Xin Lan, keep an eye out for anything on the second floor that can enhance Soul Force—I'm going up to the third floor. I'll meet you later." Xiao Yan handed Xin Lan a list.

"Understood, Young Master Yan."

"Qing Lin, stay with Xin Lan—protect her safety."

"Yes, Young Master Yan."

Without delay, Xiao Yan headed straight for the third floor. Seeing two elderly guards at the entrance, he pulled out the Class Badge delivered the previous day from his storage ring.

Seeing Xiao Yan's Class Badge, both elders widened their eyes, immediately stepping aside with utmost respect—such a young Seventh-Rank Alchemist was exceedingly rare even in Sheng Dan Cheng!

Watching Xiao Yan and the others ascend, one elder exclaimed, "Such a young Seventh-Rank Alchemist—but I don't recall him. Is he not from one of the Five Great Families?"

"No idea. A family capable of producing such an Alchemist must be powerful—perhaps he's from the Two Sects. The boy beside him? His power is unfathomable—a Dou Zun."

Xiao Yan glanced at Zi Yan, who was holding Xiao Yixian's hand, and asked curiously, "What's wrong with Zi Yan? Why's she so quiet today?"

Zi Yan rubbed her eyes, looking sleepy. "I think I'm about to break through."

Xiao Yan's Soul Force swept over her and confirmed her energy was converging—she truly was on the verge of a breakthrough.

Xiao Yixian affectionately stroked Zi Yan's hair, then lifted the drowsy girl onto her back. At the familiar scent of Xiao Yixian, Zi Yan's heavy eyelids finally gave out, and she fell asleep against her back.

"This girl—she didn't even say she was breaking through." Xiao Yan sighed helplessly; beasts always slept for long periods during breakthroughs, especially when ascending major stages.

That's why beasts' lifespans aren't calculated like humans'—they spend far too much time in slumber.

Xiao Yixian smiled lightly. "Afraid you'd leave her behind."

"Come on, how could I ever leave her behind?"

Xiao Yan and Xiao Yixian chatted and laughed, and to outsiders, they looked like a family of three strolling through a flower market—naturally drawing envious, jealous, and resentful glances.

Suddenly, Heavenly Flame Zunzhe narrowed his eyes at a rusty, ancient copper fragment on one stall.

"Xiao Yan! Buy that copper fragment if you can," Heavenly Flame Zunzhe said seriously via Soul Resonance.

Xiao Yan's smile faded—when Heavenly Flame Zunzhe used Soul Resonance, it meant something was truly significant; things that made him this serious were rare.

Heavenly Flame Zunzhe had lived for ages—he belonged to an era before Jia Nan Academy, a true relic.

Hearing this, Xiao Yan remained expressionless, pretending to browse while walking toward the stall Heavenly Flame Zunzhe indicated.

The stall's owner was a disheveled old man wearing a Seven-Pin High-Level Alchemist Class Badge—his rank was even higher than Elder Hanli of the Dan Tower!

"A Seven-Pin High-Level Alchemist? He could be an Elder even in the inner city's Dan Tower." Xiao Yan studied him, then turned to the stall, feigning casual interest while his gaze remained locked on the copper fragment Heavenly Flame Zunzhe had pointed out.

The copper fragment was pale yellow, covered in green rust; upon closer inspection, faintly visible patterns seemed etched into its surface.

"What's this copper fragment for?" Xiao Yan asked via Soul Resonance.

"I don't know—but I recognize the pattern on it. It's an ancient totem. This fragment is likely something passed down from antiquity," Heavenly Flame Zunzhe replied.

Xiao Yan didn't play games—he picked up the fragment and asked directly, "Old man, how much for this copper piece?"

At Xiao Yan's question, the old man merely rolled his eyes, showing no excitement, remaining calm. This copper fragment had drawn interest before—many treasure hunters had examined it, but none had bought it.

"One scroll of a Seven-Pin High-Level Pill Formula. No haggling. Don't ask about its origin or function—I don't know either. That's the price. Take it or leave it." The disheveled old man lazily scratched his ear.

"Fine." Xiao Yan nodded in agreement.

"Huh? You're not just pretending? You actually agree?!" The old man suddenly snapped awake, stunned at Xiao Yan.

He had originally intended to price it at a Seven-Pin Mid-Level Pill Formula—he'd set it higher hoping Xiao Yan would bargain!

Why aren't you following the script?!

Come on, haggle!

"You—you really want it? A Seven-Pin High-Level Pill Formula?!" For Alchemists, a Seven-Pin High-Level Pill Formula was as precious as an Earth-Class Mid-Level Cultivation Method—many Seventh-Rank Alchemists struggled to obtain even a few high-level formulas.

Xiao Yan didn't waste words—he tossed the old man a scroll of ice-blue silk.

Xiao Yan had acquired the Ice River Valley's Treasure Vault; though he'd only taken interest in the Nine Grade Pill Formula, the vault contained numerous Seven-Pin High-Level and Eight Grade Pill Formulas as well.

The funniest part was that one of the Seventh-Grade Advanced Pill Formulas matched a Scroll in the Medicinal Sage's storage ring—Xiao Yan ended up with an extra one.

The old man hurriedly unrolled the Scroll, and upon seeing its contents were indeed a Seventh-Grade Advanced Pill Formula, he was momentarily stunned.

A millionaire!

Just as Xiao Yan completed the transaction and turned to leave, a purple, elegant Iron Fan suddenly appeared, blocking his path.

At the moment the purple Iron Fan appeared, Xiao Yan's smile slowly faded as he turned his head, dark eyes brimming with coldness.

"Hehe, friend, I've taken a liking to this copper piece—would you be willing to part with it?" A young man in white robes smiled warmly, though the smile carried an unmistakable sinister undertone.

Seeing Xiao Yan look over, the youth retracted the Iron Fan, then with a whoosh, snapped it open—its surface bore a massive character: "Ming."

Behind the white-robed youth stood three elderly men following closely; Xiao Yan's gaze swept over them, and the two behind exuded overwhelming qi, clearly reaching the Eight Star Dou Zong level, while the one standing ahead was a Dou Zun.

For a Dou Zun to accompany him, this man's background must be formidable—likely no weaker than the Three Valleys.

Xiao Yan's lips curled in disdain as he looked at the man. So what if he was from the Three Valleys? The Ice River Valley's Valley Master had died at his and Xiao Yixian's hands.

"I'll give you one chance to leave." Xiao Yan's gaze was icy; for men who bullied others with powerful backing, he would be even more brutal.

Hearing Xiao Yan's tyrannical words, many gathered to watch. Curious stares turned toward them—especially those who recognized the "Ming" character on the fan, their pupils contracting sharply.

"Ming? Could it be the Tianming Sect!" someone exclaimed.

"No, it's not the Tianming Sect—but it's related. That's Xuanming Sect, one of the Tianming Sect's three subordinate sects. He's Chen Tiannan's only son, Chen Xian!"

Hearing the murmurs, Chen Xian smirked, fanning himself as he sneered at Xiao Yan: "I, Chen Xian, am magnanimous—I won't hold a grudge. Here, a Sixth-Rank Pill Formula. Consider it payment for your copper piece."

With a sharp slap, Chen Xian tossed the Pill Formula onto the ground, his eyes cold as he stared at Xiao Yan. In the past, just hearing his name had made everyone panic, even beg on their knees—he'd seen it hundreds of times.

Unfortunately, this time he was doomed.

"He's finished. That kid's in trouble—he offended Chen Xian."

"Hehe, not necessarily."

Those in the crowd who recognized Xiao Yan chuckled. Anyone who thought Chen Xian's victim was doomed clearly didn't know who Xiao Yan was!

Xiao Yan sighed helplessly. Perhaps he did have a Special Physique—the kind that attracted trouble wherever he went. Even just buying something could land him in this mess—who'd believe it wasn't special?

Xiao Yan no longer bothered speaking. On the Dou Qi Continent, where strength ruled, there was no compromise—only the strong devour the weak.

A flash of cold light crossed his eyes—he moved instantly, five fingers curling like Ying Zhua.

Seeing Xiao Yan dare to strike first, Chen Xian sneered, channeling Dou Qi into the Iron Fan, turning it into a shield-like barrier that floated gracefully before him.

Black Flame surged from his fingers—puff! —the hard Iron Fan was instantly pierced through by Black Flame's Earth Sub Flame. A black shadow shot through the fan, gripping Chen Xian's cheek like a chick, lifting him off the ground.

"Young Master!" The three elders behind froze—captured in an instant! They hadn't even reacted!

Xiao Yan extended one finger. "Shh, quiet. Don't wake her."

"Today, I spare your life for the Dan Tower's sake. Cherish it. Next time—even the Tianming Sect's Sect Master won't save you." With a flick of his hand, Chen Xian was flung toward the three elders behind him.

Without caring for Chen Xian's suddenly icy expression, Xiao Yan turned and walked toward the stairs, Xiao Yixian and Heavenly Flame Zun following close behind.

Watching Xiao Yan's retreating back, Chen Xian ground his teeth. "Grandmaster Xuan, why didn't you act just now?"

The Dou Zun, wary of Heavenly Flame Zun's back, said gravely: "Young Master, drop this. The boy behind him—seeming seventeen or eighteen—is a Dou Zun, stronger than I am."

As for Xiao Yixian, Grandmaster Xuan—a One Star Dou Zun—lacked the power to sense her true strength.

Hearing Grandmaster Xuan's words, Chen Xian clenched his fists tighter, growling: "Regardless, I must know this man's origins. Grandmaster Xuan, send someone to investigate!"

On the second floor, Xiao Yan found Xin Lan looking dejected. He comforted her: "It's fine. Failing to find treasures is normal. We got something today. Let's go."

Back at the mansion, they first set up a Space Lock to protect Zi Yan, who was sleeping and breaking through, then began studying the strange copper piece.

"Master Yao, what's strange about this thing?" This time, even Xiao Yan was stumped—he'd studied it repeatedly, found nothing.

Even Spirit Realm Soul Power detected nothing, only an inexplicable soul fluctuation—but its origin remained unknown.

Xiao Yixian and Qing Lin also found nothing.

Seeing Xiao Yan's frustration, Master Yao straightened his chest, cleared his throat twice, and said: "Xiao Yan, if the secret here were so easy to uncover, do you think it'd be left for you to claim?"

Xiao Yan glanced at Master Yao, smiling wryly: "Master Yao, just tell me—what's so special about this? I traded a Seventh-Grade Advanced Pill Formula for it."

Seeing Xiao Yan and the others' curious expressions, Master Yao no longer teased. He picked up the copper piece, then used Hua Sheng Fire to forge a long, thin fire needle, carefully peeling away the rust.

The three watched, more confused than ever—none understood what Master Yao was doing.

"Your talent and strength are high, but your experience is lacking." Master Yao slowly gathered the rust flakes. "The secret lies in this rust. Try burning it with your Flame."

Xiao Yan was startled—he'd been fooled. Who'd think the copper piece wasn't the key, but the rust?

Xiao Yan didn't hesitate—he summoned his strongest Bone Spirit Cold Fire. Soon, the rust began to change: tiny grains of pale yellow dust detached from the melted rust, floating within the flame, flickering like spirits, radiating intense spiritual vitality.

"This… is a good thing." Xiao Yan stared at the powder. Though he didn't know what it was, his Spiritual Soul stirred—desperate for it.

"Damn, kid, you've got some Qi Circulation." Master Yao was delighted. "This is Progeny Spirit Dust—long lost since ancient times. Back then, enhancing Soul Force wasn't as hard. Many substances aided it, and this Progeny Spirit Dust was among the rarest."

"It adheres to the Spiritual Soul, drawing in Spiritual Energy from the air, accelerating Soul Force growth."

"It enhances Soul Force!" Xiao Yan's face lit up with triumph. His luck for finding hidden treasures had returned—he'd just wanted this, and here it was!

"Hehehe, Master Yao, thanks! This suits me perfectly—I might even reach Spirit Realm Mid-Level." Xiao Yan grinned proudly.

An elder in the house is like a treasure.

Seeing Xiao Yan's expression, Xiao Yixian and the others left him alone to cultivate.

Gazing at the Progeny Spirit Dust, Xiao Yan licked his lips, closed his eyes slowly—and his Soul Body emerged. The instant his Soul Force touched the dust, an invisible force pulled it in, absorbing the dust relentlessly.

Soon, the entire trace of Progeny Spirit Dust was absorbed. A sharp pain surged through him—his face tightened, a dull ache throbbing deep within his skull.

But the pain vanished quickly.

Xiao Yan activated the Spiritual Heart Soul Gathering Technique—and felt a stronger pull than ever before. Countless tiny soul lights surged from the air.

"Put on the Soul Robe."

The Soul Robe also accelerates Soul cultivation.

A strange ripple spread across ten li of the heavens and earth—faint streams of Spiritual Light, like Spiritual Energy, slowly entered through his forehead.

Xiao Yan sat there for a full month, only awakening when the Five Great Families' examination began.

"Mid-Spirit Realm!"

(End of Chapter)