Following Hao Elder through the herb storage warehouse, they walked steadily along the main path. Occasionally, passing students noticed the two walking side by side and were momentarily surprised. Hao Elder was usually reserved and stern within the inner courtyard, earning deep respect and reverence from others. It was therefore quite remarkable to see Xiao Yan engaging in such relaxed, conversational exchanges with him. While amazed, the students also began to place greater value on Xiao Yan. Everyone knew the influence and authority of the elders within the inner courtyard—should one offend them without sufficient foresight, they might well face subtle disadvantages or even be treated unfairly, with public affairs often manipulated behind the scenes. Though Xiao Yan didn’t pay much attention to the glances cast upon him, the presence of Hao Elder himself proved a deterrent. Even students who recognized him and had come to challenge him stepped back, hesitating to make a move. As a result, Xiao Yan found himself spared considerable effort and concern. "The elder's name is Liu Ying, the guardian elder of the Fifth Level of Tian Fen Qi Tower. Today, it's his turn to rest, so we can go straight to his residence." On the way, Elder Hao shared a few details about the elder with Xiao Yan. "Just greet him and clearly state your purpose. Though he can be a bit fiery, you don't need to worry—he won't treat you poorly." Xiao Yan smiled and paused thoughtfully, then asked, "Does Elder Liu have any particular preferences?" To successfully secure a Sixth-Rank Magic Core from him, Xiao Yan naturally needed to appeal to his interests. "Something you particularly enjoy... you must know, at our level, ordinary possessions rarely make an impact. Instead, things that enhance cultivation hold far greater appeal. Though that man is quite frugal, he's deeply passionate about cultivation. If you can present him with something beneficial to his cultivation, I believe he'll be genuinely moved." Hao Senior reflected. "Something beneficial to cultivation..." Xiao Yan murmured softly. "Could you tell me, Senior, what kind of elemental attribute your cultivation technique belongs to?" "Fire-based. That's also why he tends to be so spirited and passionate." Hao Senior smiled. "Fire-based..." Xiao Yan smiled gently and slowly nodded, his heart now gaining a sense of confidence. Seeing Xiao Yan's composed demeanor, Hao Senior was momentarily surprised. Could it be that this man truly had something that would captivate the old, frugal cultivator? After all, as a pharmacist, he likely possessed some valuable storage items. As the two continued their conversation, they had unconsciously approached the deeper part of the inner courtyard—home to the senior elders and mentors. The atmosphere was notably serene, far surpassing that of the student dormitories outside. It was only natural, given the formidable strength of these elders, that their living conditions would be vastly superior to those of the students. Hearing what came from inside, Xiao Yan smiled bitterly, finally understanding why Hao Senior had immediately stated his purpose upon seeing him—clearly, this person was impetuous and didn't like to go around in circles. As for Hao Senior, he didn't notice any difference at all, simply pushing open the door and walking in casually, chuckling softly, "Liu Senior, I've brought someone here—perhaps you'll want to meet him." "Who?" Xiao Yan followed him into the room, just in time to see an elderly man dressed in red robes stepping out from the inner chamber. The man appeared drowsy, only just emerging from sleep, and as he walked, he continued speaking. Upon reaching the front room, he lifted his head and, when his gaze fell upon the young man at the doorway—whose face was obscured by the light—he frowned slightly, asking, "What young person is this? Has some senior been pushing him out of the Tianfen Qi Tower, sending him straight to me for a favor?" "This is my student, Xiao Yan. May I have the honor of introducing myself to Senior Liu?" Xiao Yan smiled slightly and stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Hmm... Wait a moment—Xiao Yan? The one who can craft fifth-rank pills?" At first, Liu Elder merely gave a matter-of-fact reply, having seen countless students come to plead their cases and growing weary of the routine. But upon hearing the name, which seemed slightly familiar, he paused, immediately shifting his gaze to Xiao Yan's face and speaking in surprise. Xiao Yan nodded with a smile, pleasantly surprised that his status as a pharmacist proved so effective—causing even the elders to immediately change their expressions. "Ah, this name is truly well-known," Liu Elder said, waving cheerfully toward Xiao Yan. Sitting back down, he resumed his hurried, urgent demeanor, pressing with questions. Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan slightly turned his head, meeting the gaze of Hao Elder. The latter spread his hands out, indicating that he would handle the matters behind, and after a moment of reluctant nodding, paused to carefully choose his words before smiling and saying, "I came to find Master Liu primarily because the young man currently lacks something essential—something that Master Liu happens to possess. If Master agrees to exchange this item with me, Xiao Yan will certainly repay you generously." "What is it missing?" Hao Elder paused slightly, calmly setting down his teacup. "Please tell me. As long as it's not something extremely valuable, I should not hesitate to agree." "A six-stage water-type magic core," Xiao Yan said simply. "Crack!" As soon as Xiao Yan finished speaking, the teacup in Master Liu's hands suddenly gave way under the force of his surprise, shattering into fragments with a clear, crisp sound. "Hm..." Beside him, Old Hao gently cleared his throat, proving once again that he treated that item as a matter of life and death. It seemed that this time, Xiao Yan would find it quite difficult to secure it. "Hmph, was it this old man who told you about my six-stage magic core?" Elder Liu wiped the water from her palms and gave Hao a sharp look. Though the Grand Elder had privately instructed her to show some favor to Xiao Yan, the way she was treating him wasn't exactly what she'd been asked to do. A six-stage magic core was a rare treasure in any place—especially one she had earned at the cost of her own life. How could she easily hand it over to someone else? "I'll be clear: I won't give this six-stage magic core to anyone. Don't bother trying." To completely eliminate Xiao Yan's hopes, Elder Liu had immediately made the matter final. Hao sighed, shaking his head in resignation. It seemed today's efforts would come to nothing. "Heh, Master Liu, while a sixth-rank magical core is indeed precious, it's not quite priceless. You specialize in a fire-based cultivation technique, so this water-type core holds little value for you. It's no surprise you immediately declined—it's likely you're concerned that Xiao Yan won't be able to offer something truly compelling to make the elders take notice," said Xiao Yan, unperturbed by Master Liu's firm stance, and with a gentle smile, spoke calmly. Master Liu rolled his eyes but remained silent. Though he regarded the sixth-rank magical core as a treasure, he wasn't the type to cling to it like a fool. The core indeed possessed powerful energy, but that raw, unrefined surge was too intense for the human body to absorb easily. Therefore, if someone could present something truly captivating to exchange for it, he would naturally agree. Yet, given Xiao Yan's age, Master Liu found it hard to believe that he could offer anything of such exceptional value. "Old Master Liu also knows that the sixth-rank water-based magic core in your hands won't be able to perform very well, so exchanging it out is actually the best choice. You don't have to be so stubborn—just let me know what you need. If Xiao Yan has it, he'll surely provide it." Xiao Yan spoke softly. "Oh, come on, don't be so stiff! Though Xiao Yan is young, he probably has more treasures on him than you do—this is the kind of opportunity that won't come again once you miss it." Elder Hao gently urged. His face turned from pale to bluish-white, and after a while, the tension on Old Master Liu's face finally eased. He rubbed his nose and said, "If you wish to exchange for this sixth-rank magic core, then I'll agree—just one Dan of Dou Ling!" "Dan of Dou Ling? Even for an old man like you, that's quite a request!" "As soon as Liu's voice fell, Hao, standing beside him, leapt up, eyes wide open, shouting, 'That's a sixth-rank pill! How could Xiao Yan possibly produce it with his current strength? Are you deliberately making things difficult for me?' Liu, however, paid no attention to him, merely fixing his gaze on Xiao Yan. Frowning slightly, Xiao Yan gently tapped the table with his fingers, and after a while, shook his head slightly, saying, 'Indeed, I don't have the Ling-Dan at hand.' Hearing this, Liu immediately looked disheartened, and with a weary wave of his hand, said, 'Then, please go back.' 'But...' Xiao Yan smiled, lightly tapping his storage ring, and instantly a small, thumb-sized blue lotus seed appeared in his palm. As soon as the seed materialized, a powerful surge of warm energy rippled throughout the room. Gazing at Liu, whose eyes now stared straight ahead, Xiao Yan smiled and said, 'I believe Liu might find this of interest.'