Over the following several days, Xiao Yan spent nearly the entire time by the cauldron, though the days were extremely taxing, he felt particularly satisfied during his rest periods, having a full set of healing medicines stored in his naga belt. Notably, during the continuous five-day period of refining medicines, Xiao Yan's Qi had subtly grown stronger, now likely reaching the level of a Battle Master at the first star. Under this dual encouragement, he finally endured, gritting his teeth through the ordeal. While Xiao Yan was diligently refining medicines in the mountain cave, the atmosphere between the Xiao and Jiale families in Wutan City grew increasingly tense. Two days prior, the Jiale family seized the opportunity and offered a series of highly favorable terms to merchants, prompting most of those previously hesitant to now shift their allegiance to the Jiale family's market. This measure—effectively aiming to undermine the XIAO family's very foundation—had left the XIAO family's senior leadership not only furious but increasingly resolved to take decisive action. Sighed, the Senior Elder chuckled, "Though if Guini were to fully commit his support, we could certainly wear down the one-rank alchemy physician from the Jiale family in terms of numbers, he is after all a representative of the Mitel Auction House. They rarely intervene in family conflicts, and to see them reach this point now is truly surprising." Xiao Zhan, seated in the leading position, nodded solemnly. Although the healing medicines offered by the Jiale family were of relatively low grade, they were abundant and affordable—perfectly suited to the needs of the mercenaries who often found themselves on the brink of injury. "If we could also secure a one-rank alchemy physician, we would be able to match them," someone murmured softly in the hall. Hearing this, Xiao Zhan shook his head in resignation. The alchemy physicians in Wutan City were few, and to persuade the highly self-assured ones to join was no easy task. It seemed the Jiale family had stumbled upon some unexpected fortune, having actually managed to secure a physician to assist them. In a corner of the hall, Xiao Yu and Xiao Ning, along with other younger members of the family, sat quietly, observing the stern expressions of their elders. Unable to speak freely amidst the heavy atmosphere, they remained silent, the air thick with stillness and tension. "Sister, is that first-rank alchemy master truly that strong? Has he really brought our Xiao family to this state?" Xiao Ning, growing restless under the oppressive silence, softly asked his sister beside him. "On the Qi Continent, many people compare alchemists to beehives—once you poke them, they immediately summon countless assistants. Imagine being pummeled by a hundred or more powerful fighters—even if you don't die, you'll surely be worn out to the point of exhaustion." As the image of such a siege unfolded, Xiao Ning shivered first, then looked at the scene with admiration. "Don't delude yourself—how difficult the qualifications are for becoming an alchemist, you've surely heard of that, haven't you? The chances are even smaller than a cake falling from the sky." She gave Xiao Ning a withering glance and poured a cold bucket of water over him. Disheartened by her words, Xiao Ning sighed, "Perhaps our entire Xiao family has never even had the good fortune to produce a single alchemist." As she was about to nod in agreement, a sudden image of a black-robed youth flashed into her mind—seeming to be none other than Xiao Yan himself. She shook her head vigorously, murmuring to herself, "How could it be that I suddenly remembered that boy?" Hmph. If that fellow's character were any good, he'd surely make a worthy alchemist—then perhaps alchemists across this world wouldn't be worth much at all. After mentally cursing him once again, Xiao Yu turned her gaze toward the corner by the window, where a young woman in a green robe sat quietly holding a thick, ancient-looking book. Her delicate fingers occasionally turned the pages, her eyes gently shifting, radiating a calm and refined grace that drew quiet admiration from several of her peers. "Such a lovely girl—how come she keeps favoring that clumsy boy?" shaking her head in mild frustration, Xiao Yu remained silent. Seated by the window, though deeply immersed in her book, Xun could sense the growing tension in the hall. Her brows slightly furrowed. After all, she had lived in the Xiao family for over a decade. And even if it weren't for Xiao Yin, she wouldn't allow the family to be crushed under the relentless pressure of the clan's growing demands. "Oh, I hope they don't go too far..." With a soft sigh, Xun'er once again turned her gaze to the pages of the book. Without Xiao Yan by her side, she simply didn't feel like speaking at all. As the sound reached them, a figure draped in a black cloak, stepped into the hall slowly and deliberately, under the watchful eyes of all present. At the very moment the black-clad figure entered, Xun'er, who had been deeply immersed in her books, suddenly raised her eyebrows, gently lifting her face to gaze intently at the figure entering the hall, her clear, liquid eyes fixed upon him.