Chapter 777

There is another purpose.

That is, by showcasing the profound heritage of our Xuan Dan Sect, we can persuade them to change their minds within these few days and agree to join our Xuan Dan Sect.

But now it seems this plan has ultimately come to nothing.

At this moment, as the Alchemy Master's words fell silent.

Jiang Yan suddenly stopped.

He immediately turned around, clasped his hands, and said: "The hospitality here has been excellent, with not a single flaw; after these many days, Yan Chen is deeply grateful. Had it not been for my master's irrevocable command, I would have certainly joined the Xuan Dan Sect to repay this kindness.... …"

With that, he shifted tone: "Now that seven days have passed, Yan Chen must return to the outside world to travel and fulfill my master's instructions."

"Yet, one day, I, Yan Chen, will surely return here to repay this kindness of these days.... …"

At this moment, Jiang Yan's expression was sincere, his voice resolute, every word weighty as a thousand catties!

In his life, he clearly distinguishes between gratitude and enmity.

Having benefited from the Xuan Dan Sect's abundant resources,

he would naturally keep them etched in his heart.

If an opportunity arises, he will surely repay it in some measure.

Seeing this, the Alchemy Master finally understood that the other's resolve to leave was firm.

Though he felt some regret at failing to recruit such a prodigy,

upon hearing the other's promise, his expression softened somewhat.

After all, this proved their efforts these days had not been in vain.

Then, the Alchemy Master sighed: "Very well. If you have already made up your mind, old man would only seem uncouth if I tried to stop you."

Here, his voice paused slightly.

He then pulled out a white jade token and offered it before Jiang Yan.

"This is the Xuan Dan Token. As long as you hold this token, you may receive aid from any affiliated force under the Xuan Dan Sect, and if you need to purchase resources, you may enjoy a forty percent discount.... …"

Jiang Yan took it casually: "Thank you, Elder."

Having stayed here many days, he now understood far better than before the true strength of the Xuan Dan Sect!

As a Celestial-level force, its scale far surpassed outsiders' imagination.

Its trading outposts were scattered across the entire empire, even extending into the Nine Kingdoms!

And these places were the prime destinations for alchemists seeking medicinal herbs!

Thus, one could imagine what conveniences he would gain once he held this Xuan Dan Token.

Then, the two chatted briefly.

As time grew late,

Jiang Yan no longer lingered and immediately departed.

This time, the Alchemy Master made no attempt to dissuade him.

Yet just as they were parting,

Tang Jingming, who had remained silent all along, suddenly spoke: "Yan Chen! Do you dare meet me here again in one year for another contest?!"

The Alchemy Master frowned, his expression displeased: "Jingming!"

He deeply feared that Tang Jingming's childishness might offend the other,

and damage the deep friendship just established between them.

Yet despite the Alchemy Master's rebuke, Tang Jingming remained fearless, eyes wide, fixed firmly on Jiang Yan's figure!

As a prodigy raised from childhood with the sole goal of becoming the supreme alchemist, how could he accept falling behind?

If he did not issue a challenge, he could never pass the barrier within his own heart!

At this moment, under the joint gaze of the Alchemy Master and Tang Jingming,

Jiang Yan slowly turned his head and said casually, in a dismissive tone: "Why not?"

"If you can surpass all other alchemy peers except me within this year, I will give you this chance—a chance to challenge me!"

Tang Jingming's eyes gleamed brightly, his battle spirit soaring: "Good! I'm waiting!"

With that, he spun around sharply and strode deep into the Xuan Dan Sect!

He had been too lax before.

But in the coming year,

he must spare no effort to prove he has the qualifications to challenge him!

Seeing this, the Alchemy Master finally exhaled in relief.

He turned his head toward Jiang Yan's direction, only to find the other had already vanished, gone without a trace.

"Very well. Until we meet again...."

The Alchemy Master shook his head, made no further pause, and departed immediately.

On the other side.

At this moment, Jiang Yan had already left the Xuan Dan Sect's encampment.

He flew swiftly above the clouds.

Powerful winds surged from all directions, all neutralized by his external Yuan energy barrier.

Jiang Yan's eyes held a thoughtful expression.

"In the Xuan Dan Sect's library, there is a book that records a deadly place, saturated with deathly energy—it is the ruins of an ancient battlefield where millions of cultivators perished, including many powerful corpses. Even today, cultivators still venture there seeking opportunities and legacies."

"My master once said that to brew the Shangqing Elixir, the most crucial ingredient is the Soul-Returning Herb, but this herb is rare, growing only where vast quantities of corpses accumulate, forming only through the convergence of immense deathly energy and favorable celestial conditions."

"If so, this place is worth exploring—perhaps I can gain something from it.... …"