At the mention of the pills, everyone's eyes lit up, but inevitably their gazes shifted toward the boy seated quietly at the center of the hall, speaking and laughing softly with the young girl at his side.
Everyone knew.....this astonishing change in the clan's fortune was the work of that boy, who had not yet reached thirteen years of age.
With such a prodigy, the rise of the Xiao clan was unstoppable.
"Everyone!" Amid the chatter, a deep voice rang out through the hall.
It carried clearly above all conversation, drawing every eye.
Xiao Zhan stood in resplendent robes, his presence both imposing and warm, like a triumphant general returning from a great victory.
"Today, our eight markets and twenty-three shops have brought in over a million gold coins!" His words struck the hall like thunder. "This is the highest New Year profit the Xiao clan has ever achieved in Utan City."
A net income of even several hundred thousand gold coins in a single day was unheard of. This alone equaled nearly a year's profit for the clan.
"And this success," Xiao Zhan continued, his gaze sweeping across the hall, "is not merely due to our unity as a clan, but because of one extraordinary young man." His eyes came to rest on the dark-robed youth sitting quietly in the corner.
"Brother Xiao Yan, the commotion your alchemy has caused is truly remarkable." Seated beside him, Xun'er smiled warmly.
According to Elder Ling, a twelve-year-old first-grade alchemist was a rare prodigy even in the Central Continent—one who would be fiercely sought after by the elder masters of the Pill Tower. Even Ling Ying of the ancient clans had been deeply shaken by Xiao Yan's talent.
"Heh," Xiao Yan said lightly, smiling calmly under their gazes, "just a bit of practice, and a small contribution to the clan."
In his previous life, such praise might have embarrassed him, but after years living as a respected figure, he had grown accustomed to admiration.
At that moment, Elder Chang's voice rang clearly above the hall. "Everyone, the reason the Xiao clan has gained such fortune today is because of Xiao Yan!"
"Many of us have watched him grow. We know his character. His talent—within our clan and across the entire Jia Ma Empire—is unprecedented. With him, our clan will flourish!" Elder Chang declared.
"He is the future of the Xiao clan. Therefore, I propose that from this day forth, we establish Xiao Yan as our Young Clan Leader!"
The words were met with immediate agreement. Both the Second and Third Elders raised their hands without hesitation.
"I second it."
"I second it too!"
One after another, the elders voiced their support. Not a single dissent could be heard. To refuse now would mean missing the chance to secure future power—and no one dared oppose it.
The hall erupted in cheers.
"I second it!"
"Xiao Yan!"
"Young Clan Leader!"
"Long live Young Clan Leader Xiao Yan!"
Even Xiao Yu, standing nearby, could not resist joining in the chant.
Though she had just broken through to Dou Zhe herself, her achievement now seemed to pale in comparison to Xiao Yan's extraordinary talent. Still, she bowed her pride and accepted defeat before his brilliance.
Moreover, her own breakthrough had been thanks to him—a thought that brought a faint blush to her pale cheeks.
"Young Clan Leader Xiao Yan!" Xun'er lifted her delicate fist, her eyes shining with admiration.
A boy so gifted naturally inspired awe—and when that boy was one she cared for, her excitement was beyond words.
"You little brat," Xiao Yan teased softly, brushing her nose gently. Then, meeting the intense gazes of the hall, he added with a modest smile, "Since everyone agrees, I also second this proposal."
Look at you… like a walking corpse."
A faintly mocking voice echoed softly through the secluded training chamber.
Xiao Yan slowly opened his eyes. His body still bore faint burn marks from the Crimson Flame Tempering Blood, yet his aura was calm, steady, and unshakable. His gaze was like still water—deep, controlled, and unreadable.
Across from him stood a man in light gray robes....Gu Ni, the Xiao clan's long-time alchemist, and one of the few permitted to enter this hidden training ground without restriction.
Xiao Yan's lips curved into a faint smile. "Elder Gu Ni, your timing is impeccable. What brings you here?"
Gu Ni studied the boy in silence for a long moment, letting out a slow sigh.
"You've changed again, Xiao Yan. Even an old man like me can barely discern your cultivation now.
I doubt even the City Lord would believe that a youth of barely sixteen could reach such a level."
Xiao Yan said nothing. His calmness made him seem older than his years.
Shaking his head, Gu Ni's tone turned serious. "I didn't come just to compliment you.
There is someone waiting outside....an alchemist from the Imperial Capital.
He claims to come regarding his disciple, Liu Xi."
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