For the three days of flight, Xiao Yan had spent his entire time aboard the flying birds. Although he had stopped at two rest stations along the way, he never left his small room, carefully absorbing every step of the Ye Lao's process in crafting the pills. This particular batch of pill-making had taken Ye Lao a full two and a half days—this achievement being made possible only because Ye Lao had the unique fire assisting him. Therefore, if a regular pharmacist were to attempt this task without the aid of the special fire, it would be nearly impossible to successfully produce the Blood Lotus Pill within ten days. He truly felt greatly benefited by observing the entire process of the senior pharmacist crafting a fifth-grade pill. At the same time, he realized that his current pride in his skill in controlling heat and other techniques was, in the eyes of true master pharmacists, rather modest. For instance, during this time crafting the Blood Lotus Pill—requiring only three ingredients—the intricate procedures left him astonished, even stunned. He had once privately considered that if it were his turn, merely the precise extraction of the first step would likely burn the herbs into ash. Licking his lips, Xiao Yan patted his slightly numb legs and casually glanced out the window, only to suddenly feel as if the air had grown noticeably warmer. "Is it nearly ready?" he murmured, rubbing the dark circles under his eyes and then turning his neck slightly, his gaze once again fixed on the elderly physician floating atop the table. Though the medicine had been refined continuously for two days without rest, the physician's expression remained as calm and unflinching as ever—seemingly unaffected by the prolonged outpouring of energy. "The elixir is nearly complete," the elder suddenly said, in a quiet, composed tone. At this, Xiao Yan quickly retrieved a particularly fine jade bottle of rouge from his storage seal and placed it gently on the table, then swiftly rose and stepped back a few paces. Gazing at the jade vial on the table, the herbal elder nodded slightly, his palm trembling as a more intense, silvery-white flame surged upward, eventually fully enveloping the crimson pill. With several rapid surges of this flame, a powerful energy ripple burst forth, spreading out instantly like ripples from a stone cast into still water, radiating throughout the small cottage. As this energy ripple expanded, the flying beast soaring above was startled, its massive body trembling and swaying, emitting a sharp, fearful cry that resonated through the air. Noticing the sudden energy surge and the change in the flying creature, Xiao Yan's expression tightened slightly. At the same time, the forming crimson pill suddenly released a rich, fragrant aroma—deeply concentrated and tinged with a subtle rose hue—that surged from the cottage and curled gently through the small sky above. "This is an unusual phenomenon that occurs only when fourth-rank or higher pills take shape. Hold the door, and give me a few minutes of quiet to collect the pills." Gazing steadily at the flame in his palm, the elder pharmacist spoke calmly, "Be careful of the several alchemists accompanying us!" "Understood." Nodding seriously, Xiao Yan had already noticed that as the distinctive fragrance began to spread, some commotion had erupted within the other rooms of the giant creature. Fourth-rank and higher pills were highly desirable to many, and even those who fought desperately sought to obtain them. Gripping his Xu Zhong Chi tightly against his back, Xiao Yan turned, opened the door, and stepped out with a composed expression, simultaneously drawing the door shut firmly. Just as he stood at the doorway, four figures from the other rooms emerged, their garments slightly disheveled. They glanced along the corridor before settling their gaze upon the composed, calm figure of Xiao Yan. Their eyes first passed over the second-rank alchemy physician badge on Xiao Yan's chest, clearly registering a moment of astonishment. They exchanged glances, each of them conveying a sense of something unspoken. While the four were observing Xiao Yan, he in turn briefly glanced at them. Among the four, one elder and three middle-aged men in their thirties were present. The elder wore a third-rank alchemy physician badge on his chest, while two of the others were at the same second-rank level as Xiao Yan, and one was a first-rank alchemy physician. "Hehe, young friend, the energy fluctuation we just noticed—did it originate from here? We're not being pushy at all; we simply wanted to come over and inquire. After all, everyone is now at such a high altitude—should anything go wrong, we'd all be in trouble." Undeterred by Xiao Yan's reserved demeanor, the elder smiled warmly. "Indeed, young sir, we could truly say we're all on the same boat now. Could you please avoid causing any disturbances or hazards? Otherwise, hehe… it wouldn't be good for anyone." A second-level alchemist approached, smiling politely but with evident reserve, his gaze subtly scanning the small room, his throat visibly rolling several times. Upon hearing these two, the other two middle-aged men also stepped forward, joining in with their voices, and at the same time, proposed that they would like to enter the room to inspect it. "My teacher is currently refining the elixirs inside. You all are sensible people—there's no need to pretend and act awkward. We won't interfere with the birds' flight. Just kindly return to your rooms and avoid unnecessary disturbances, otherwise..." Xiao Yan glanced at the four individuals before him, clearly unimpressed, and spoke with a cold, firm tone. "Heh, young sir, you're being overly dramatic. We certainly have no such intention. After all, you know well that at this altitude, any mishap would be disastrous for everyone. And since you and your teacher have chosen to ride the flying creatures, it's clear that neither of you has yet reached the stage of Qi-empowered wings. Should something truly go wrong..." The elder named Halang spoke with a warm smile, though the smile remained composed and subtly masked a few streaks of greed and sharpness. Although he was aware that the mysterious alchemist within likely didn't rank lower than himself, at this moment the other was clearly engaged in the process of refining the elixir—distractions were absolutely detrimental. A mere slip could result in the elixir's destruction, and if things went further, a reversal of effects might leave him completely incapacitated for the future. That was precisely why he had the courage to act so boldly. A dull crash, and Xiao Yan stepped back swiftly, only coming to a steady stance when he pressed tightly against the wall. At this moment, Xiao Yan's strength was merely that of a regular Battle Master, while the large man had already advanced to the level of a Three-Star Battle Master. Though Xiao Yan held the upper hand thanks to his purple flame battle energy, the victory was far from easy. "Ah...!" After taking Xiao Yan's attack, the second-rank alchemist stumbled back several steps, then suddenly clutched his fists in pain, howling out loud. To everyone's surprise, the man's fists had turned an intense deep red, with blood seeping through the surface—remarkably alarming. "True flame?" the elder muttered, frowning. "No—that boy is unusual. Act now! Tagu! The medicine inside is nearly ready!" As he watched the purple flames rising from Xiao Yan's clenched fists, the elder's expression changed, then turned to the other second-rank alchemist, shouting orders. It seemed they knew each other well. Hearing the elder's call, the middle-aged man, clearly stronger than the previous second-rank alchemist, nodded and took a step forward, then kicked sharply at Xiao Yan with his right foot. A thick, deep yellow aura surged from his foot, carrying a pressing wind that made Xiao Yan's face grow serious. "Damn it!" mentally cursing, Xiao Yan suddenly drew out his Xuanzhong Chi from his back, spun it once in his palm, and stored it within his storage relic. At the same time, he planted his foot firmly into the ground, bent his body slightly, and surged forward toward the middle-aged man. "Eight-Direction Collapse!" With a sudden, sharp command in his mind, Xiao Yan clenched his right fist and drove it forward with tremendous force, generating a series of sharp sonic waves. "Boom!" The fist and foot collided with tremendous impact. Even though the middle-aged man didn't feel any disdain, he was still forcefully sent flying backward by the overwhelming pressure of Xiao Yan's fist. "Thud!" The middle-aged man slammed hard against a room, sending wood shavings flying and instantly collapsing the small cottage. As the cottage crumbled, a clear blue sky and soft wisps of mist revealed themselves beyond. Gazing at the pale man still clinging to the edge of the flying bird's back, Xiao Yan's eyes flashed with cold determination. Just as he prepared to swiftly strike again and hurl the man off the bird's back, a proud, mocking laugh from behind startled him. He turned sharply to find the elderly man, his face cold and composed, now standing before the now-ruined doorway. Turning slightly, the elder smiled with satisfaction and said in a solemn tone, "Young man, once I've taken care of the one inside, I'll toss you right down." With that, he punched the wooden door, sending wood chips flying. The door exploded under the force of his triumphant laughter. With a casual sweep, he brushed aside some splinters flying toward him, smiling warmly as he prepared to step inside. Yet, before him, a ghostly figure materialized, floating eerily like a phantom. His weathered hands shot out in a flash and finally grasped the elder's neck. "Do you intend to settle accounts with me?" The soft voice that echoed in his ears sent the elder, still somewhat at a loss, his eyes suddenly narrowing.