Not far from the White Clan's gate lay a spacious plaza. At this moment, the plaza—long vacant—was packed so tightly with people from all directions that it was nearly impossible to move through. Whispers floated among the crowd, and a series of expressions, each carrying different emotions, were fixed upon the two opposing groups standing at the center of the plaza. One group was larger, clustered together, numbering at least forty or fifty. Even without considering other factors, the sheer presence of such a force was remarkable. The other group, though smaller, with roughly thirty people, displayed no signs of fear despite the numerical advantage of the opposing side. On the contrary, they stood with confident postures and resolute expressions, their eyes full of challenge and defiance. "Xiao Yan," one of them said, "you've brought so many people here today—do you intend to make a statement to the White Clan?" "At the leading position of the Bai faction, Bai Cheng chuckled and joked, facing Xiao Yan across the way, his arms folded. Standing behind him were Bai Shan and Fu Ao. Observing the two others, it seemed clear that they were also powerful Du Ling cultivators on par with Fu Ao. "Bai Cheng, our Pan Sect has never provoked you—yet you've obstructed our sales of pills. Isn't that quite excessive?" Xiao Yan's face was slightly stern, and the cold tone in his voice was unmistakable. "Within the inner courtyard, conflicts are never strictly regulated. Minor skirmishes happen daily—there's no need to be overly concerned. If there's anything to complain about, then perhaps it's your own lack of strength," Bai Cheng said, calmly flipping his eyelid. "Looking at the situation, Bai's faction clearly intends to shatter the original agreement right from the start. Ah, I must admit I was rather idealistic—always hoping that despite your somewhat lacking character, you'd still uphold your word. Now it seems, however, that you're a truly three-dimensional failure: lacking integrity, credibility, and even face." Xiao Yan spread his hands, offering a light, gentle smile. The subtle undercurrent of sarcasm in his voice was unmistakable, prompting a ripple of laughter from the onlookers. After all, many inner courtyard students had heard of the promises Payao had made following his defeat by Xiao Yan. As the laughter spread, Bai Cheng's expression grew noticeably more strained. His eyes, cold and sharp, fixed on Xiao Yan. "It seems you're not only excellent at relying on women—you're also a master of rhetoric. You promised back then that you wouldn't arbitrarily trouble my faction, didn't you? Hmph. But clearly, that didn't include giving the new, arrogant students like yourselves a good lesson." "A good lesson? At whose request?" Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed, and he coldly replied, "I'm sorry, but I can't disclose anything." Bai Cheng returned the cold glance, slightly turning his neck, his eyes full of ill will as he stared at Xiao Yan and his companions. "Since you've come seeking us out on your own, I suspect the agreement has lost its value. If that's the case, then don't be surprised if I, Bai Cheng, take advantage of my superior position!" "You'd like to try?" Xiao Yan's gaze was as cold and serpent-like as ever. With a subtle twist of his right hand, the massive Xuan Zhong Chi appeared. Today, he had made up his mind: if things came to that, even if he had to unleash the Flame Division Phasing Wave Scroll, he would ensure this stubborn man was seriously injured. "Oh, quite a scene!" A familiar, teasing voice suddenly broke through the air, and then a gray figure materialized like a ghost, swiftly appearing before Xiao Yan and his companions. "Lin Yan?" Seeing the figure, Xiao Yan was momentarily startled, then slightly furrowed his brow, "How did you end up here?" "Such a bustling affair has already spread throughout the inner courtyard—I naturally wanted to come and see it." Lin Yan shrugged, smiling as he heard the news. He had just completed the fire toxin evacuation procedure today and then learned of the rumor. Since he had always considered himself in debt to Xiao Yan, he hesitated only briefly before making his way to the Bai Clan's side. Lin Yan's arrival immediately drew a stir among the onlookers. As a well-known figure within the inner courtyard, few people were unaware of him. Given that he seemed quite familiar with Xiao Yan now, the murmurs naturally spread further. The once sympathetic glances that the audience had reserved for Panmen had grown noticeably more reserved. With Lin Yan's support, the Bai Clan likely wouldn't have such confidence. After all, the reputation of the frenzied Lin Yan was far beyond that of Bai Cheng. Similarly, upon seeing Lin Yan suddenly appear, Bai Cheng's expression subtly shifted, and especially after observing him chatting warmly with Xiao Yan, his face grew increasingly displeased. Lin Yan was indeed one of the top-tier强者 ranked tenth on the "Strong Ranks," far surpassing Bai Cheng, who ranked among the top thirty-somethings. "Lin Yan, this is a matter between my Bai Clan and Pan Gate—something private. You..." Though his expression remained strained, Bai Cheng refused to back down and stepped forward, bowing respectfully and speaking in a steady tone. "No need for further words. I have a personal debt to Xiao Yan, so I naturally will support them. If you wish to interfere, you'll have to ask about the Li Fire Axe I hold." Lin Yan gave a slight scoff, offering no formalities. With a simple hand motion, a massive red axe, nearly half a zhang in length, materialized in his hands. As he casually swung it, the sharp blade sliced through the air, leaving a faint trail of red glow lingering in the space. “You…,”林焱 suddenly cut him off, making Bai Cheng hesitate. Though he had intended to be angry, the thought of Lin Yan’s strength made him swallow his words. He then turned his gaze to Xiao Yan, scoffing, “Xiao Yan, when will you finally be able to stand on your own? Last time it was Han Yue, now it’s Lin Yan—so who will you ask next?” “You’re ridiculous! How long have you been in the Inner Academy? How long have Xiao Yan and the others been here? You’ve been showing off so much before the newly established Pan Gate. If you’ve got what it takes, go challenge Lin Xiu-ya’s ‘Wolf Claws’ right now! If you dare, I won’t stand in your way—let me see how you handle the Pan Gate. If you’re not brave, just go sit aside and keep whining, trying to provoke Xiao Yan into a one-on-one duel! If you’ve been in the Inner Academy as long as they have, I’ll still be right here, not getting in your way.” Lin Yan’s expression darkened, and his slightly sharp, biting remarks left Bai Cheng visibly flushed and annoyed. The people gathering around the plaza were also somewhat stunned by Lin Yan's remarks, silently impressed that this man truly lived up to his reputation as the most spirited among the inner academy students—when speaking, he showed no mercy at all. You ask Bai Cheng to cause trouble for Lin Xiu'ya, and he'd probably prefer to slap himself in the face rather than go through with it. Xiao Yan, too, found himself somewhat at a loss for words, though his words were quite sharp and biting—yet to them, they sounded refreshingly pleasant. "Hmm, isn't that the Herbal Guild? How have they also gotten involved?" "Isn't the man leading them none other than the head of the Herbal Guild, Han Xian? I didn't expect him to be here as well." "Heard the way Han Xian speaks, it seems he's come to support the White Guild's efforts. Now this truly looks like a compelling drama—Panmen has Lin Yan, and the White Guild has Han Xian..." As the group of alchemists entered the plaza, the stern look on Bai Cheng's face instantly softened with a touch of relief. The Herbal Guild held a solid position within the inner courtyard, maintaining strong ties with many top-tier masters, making it one of the most formidable forces—besides the groups formed by the top-ranked, eccentric figures—within the inner courtyard. "Hmm, so it's you, the one who's been selling counterfeit medicines..." Han Xian's arrival had initially caused Lin Yan's eyebrows to furrow slightly, but soon, a similar mocking tone was also delivered. Han Xian didn't pay much attention to Lin Yan's mockery, his gaze skipping over him and finally meeting the one behind—Xiao Yan's—eyes. Their eyes locked, sparking with subtle intensity. "Ah, I see. This must be Xiao Yan, the head of Pan Gate, the one who specializes in crafting those three kinds of pills. I never expected you, of all people, to also be a pharmacist." A chuckle escaped Han Xian's lips as they exchanged glances. Since you're a newcomer, it's best to stay humble and steady during your first year. If you go too ambitious, you'll end up overwhelming yourself and eventually collapse. "Thank you, senior, for the reminder. Whether I collapse or gain weight—only experience will tell," said Xiao Yan, with a cold smile that carried a subtle warning. "Unfortunately, there's no chance to gain weight. A single alliance of the Bai faction has already tarnished the reputation of the Pan gate. How do you expect to gain weight now?" Han Xian chuckled lightly. "Han Xian, from the way you're speaking, it seems like it's actually your Yao faction that prompted the Bai faction to take action against the Pan gate?" asked Lin Yan, frowning slightly. "Lin Yan, I advise you not to get involved in such matters. Though you rank tenth on the 'Strong List,' you must understand that tenth doesn't mean first—there are still nine individuals stronger than you ahead of you. If you truly wish to step forward and champion someone, I'll have to ask your predecessors to handle you. It may come at a high cost, but our Yao faction can still afford it." Han Xian's expression grew serious, and he coldly commanded. Upon hearing this, Lin Yan's face also darkened instantly. Just as he was about to shout in anger, Xiao Yan suddenly pulled him by the arm. "Brother Lin, let me handle these matters first," Xiao Yan smiled gently at Lin Yan, then stepped steadily forward under everyone's watchful eyes, meeting Han Xian's gaze with a calm, composed smile. "I understand you're concerned that my Pan Gate will cut off your financial sources. However, your current pressures will only yield short-term results. As long as I have the means and resources, I can continue refining the elixirs. The relative merits of our Pan Gate's and your Pharmacy's elixirs will naturally be judged by others. At that point, your current strategies will prove ineffective." "Really?" Han Xian's lips curled slightly, yet his eyes remained as cold as ice. "But if you wish for my Pan Gate to completely withdraw from elixir sales, I'm willing to agree—provided you accept my proposal." Xiao Yan's face suddenly brightened with a hint of quiet scorn, fixed firmly upon Han Xian across the table.