The jade lotus seeds lay quietly in Xiao Yan's hands, gently radiating a subtle glow. Though small in size, the profound and intense thermal energy within them left both Liu and He elders visibly astonished. This jade lotus seed was an incidental find when Xiao Yan first searched for the Qinglian Earth-Core Fire in the Tagoer Great Desert. As a fire-based lotus seed, it had been formed over centuries through the gradual accumulation of fire energy, making it especially beneficial for practitioners of fire nature. At that time, Xiao Yan had originally obtained eleven such seeds, having consumed one himself. Thus, he now only retains ten. The old doctor had once said when Xiao Yan first received the Earthfire Lotus seed, that he should try to keep it hidden from others, for if people grew greedy, countless troubles would inevitably arise. But things have changed since then. Today’s Xiao Yan is no longer the young Combat Specialist of old; he now possesses numerous reserves, enabling him to safely withstand even the mightiest Combat Monarchs. Moreover, within this Inner Academy, he need not fear that the Elders will quietly move against him out of envy. Exhaled a deep, heavy sigh, never expecting that Xiao Yan could produce such a rare treasure. Though the Earthfire Lotus Seed might not hold the same allure for a Battle King as the Battle Spirit Pill did, Liu Senior clearly understood that unless he encountered truly unsuspecting parties, securing a Battle Spirit Pill from another alchemist in exchange for this six-stage water-type magical core would be quite difficult. Thus, his initial proposal had indeed carried a touch of the "lion's share" attitude, as described by Hao Senior. "The lotus seeds formed from the earth's fiery essence—this one is something I've fortunately obtained. It's said that for such seeds to coalesce and take shape, they may require at least a century." Xiao Yan smiled. After all, no one would recognize this, so even if he claimed it was a thousand years old, the listeners would likely only be left stunned. "Oh." Liu Elder nodded slightly, his face twitching a few times—uncertain whether he truly believed it or not. "Liu Elder, how do you find this? While it may not match the Spirit Realm pill in stature, it is still a rare treasure, especially considering its exceptionally pure fire energy. The benefits it offers you are likely far greater than those of the sixth-tier water-based magical core." Xiao Yan smiled. Liu elder licked his lips, his expression hesitating. Though the Earth-Fire Lotus seed was rare, parting with his most precious Six-Stage Magic Core at such a rate was something he found difficult to accept in the short term. His fingers gently tapped the table, his face shifting between thoughts and doubts, before finally speaking: "For one Earth-Fire Lotus seed in exchange for a Six-Stage Magic Core—I'm clearly coming out behind." As he finished, he suddenly slammed his palm down on the table, saying, "If you can bring another Earth-Fire Lotus seed, then I'll agree to part with this Six-Stage Magic Core." Beside him, He Kang elder's face slightly flushed, but remained silent, merely glancing sideways at Xiao Yan, as if observing his decision. Xiao Yan furrowed his brow slightly. The earth-fire lotus seeds were extremely rare. He had always been reluctant to consume them unless absolutely necessary, since no one could be certain whether future preparations for higher-grade pill-making would require them. These seeds grew only alongside the Qinglian Earth Heart Fire—an extraordinary flame—so rare that there were only a few such sources in the world. As a result, each seed was precious, and one was often lost with each use. Now, offering just one seed in exchange for a sixth-stage magical core was already pushing his limits. If he had to add more, he would surely have to feel the strain. Seeing Xiao Yan's actions, Liu Elder's eyes flashed with concern, and he forcibly suppressed his inner impatience, offering Xiao Yan a strong, reassuring smile. "Young fellow, though this earth-fire lotus seed is rare, you must know the value of a sixth-stage demonic core—its worth rivals that of a powerful beast from a Battle Emperor-tier cultivator. How many people dare to claim such treasures? Among the elders in the inner courtyard, aside from the Grand Elder, perhaps this sixth-stage demonic core in my hands is the only one." By saying this, he subtly signaled to Xiao Yan that he was the sole elder in the inner courtyard holding such a core—should Xiao Yan not exchange it with him, he would likely end up with nothing. "I'd love to, but unfortunately, I don't have the price the Elder requires." Although Liu Elder managed to conceal his anxiety well, his nature was not suited for such subtle, restrained expressions. Thus, sitting across from him, Xiao Yan clearly sensed that subtle undercurrent of emotion, and smiled to himself quietly. Yet, with a sigh and a shake of his head, he slowly rose to his feet, gently placing the Earth Fire Lotus into his meditation seal, then bowed respectfully to Liu Elder before turning to Hao Elder with a wry smile and saying, "Let's go, Hao Elder." "Ah well, it's not a matter of course—perhaps we won't get it. But in that case, I'll go speak with the Grand Elder on your behalf." Hao Elder nodded with a sigh, rose to his feet, and addressed Xiao Yan. Upon hearing Hao Elder's words, Liu Elder's eyes widened slightly, and he inwardly growled in frustration. Seeing Xiao Yan turn to leave, he finally couldn't contain himself and quickly rose, saying, "Xiao Yan, please don't rush off yet—we can certainly continue our conversation." At the sound of Liu Elder's words, Xiao Yan paused, breathed a sigh of relief, and gently smiled at Hao Elder. He was momentarily taken aback—realizing that Liu Elder had clearly been unable to contain his impatience, and thus had only added fuel to the fire. With a grateful glance toward Elder Hao, Xiao Yan finally turned around and said with a touch of resignation, "Elder Liu, it's not that I'm unwilling to make the exchange—I simply can't offer you a second seed of Earthfire Lotus." Elder Liu's face slightly flushed. Though he deeply desired the Earthfire Lotus seeds, he was reluctant to part with the value of his sixth-stage magical core. After a moment of hesitation, he finally sighed in defeat and said, "I can settle for just one more Earthfire Lotus seed, but you must promise me one thing." "What is it?" Xiao Yan asked cautiously. "Help me prepare a 'Dragon Power Pill.'" Elder Liu sighed, feeling it would be unsatisfactory to receive only one seed. He needed something else to feel balanced and content. "To prepare a Dragon Power Pill?" Xiao Yan nodded, pleased internally, though his expression remained hesitant for a moment. "That's agreeable—but according to the rules, the herbs required for the pill must be provided by Elder Liu himself." "You... you miserly fool!" Hearing this, Liu Elder instantly grew furious, shouting a sharp rebuke before suddenly growing weary, waving his hand and saying, "Alright, the herbs—your own herbs! Your own herbs! How can you be so stingy, young man? Isn't it expected of a young person to be more generous?" "That's precisely why I can't be generous—my own herbs for the Dragon Force Pill are hard to gather. I myself can barely assemble them. Where would I even find the materials to prepare one for you?" Xiang Yan murmured to himself. For the Dragon Force Pill he had prepared for Hao Elder, the latter had always provided the herbs himself. Though not as rare as the Earth Fire Lotus, these herbs were still quite difficult to find, and if he had to search for them himself, it would surely take up a great deal of time. Liu Elder's fingers gently shimmered on his meditation bracelet, and suddenly a deep blue crystal, the size of a clenched fist, appeared in his hand. As the crystal materialized, the dry room instantly became fresh and moist. With deep reluctance, he gently caressed this irregularly shaped, vibrant blue crystal. After a moment, Liu Elder bit his lip and placed it lightly on the table, saying, "Ah well, take it. Take it." Xiao Yan stared intently at the blue crystal on the table, its soft, diffused glow neither bright nor harsh—faintly, he could even hear the rhythmic waves resonating within the crystal. A warm sensation stirred in his heart. Without changing his expression, Xiao Yan stepped forward, grasping the crystal in his hands, feeling the powerful, flowing water energy within, like a mighty river, and finally exhaled in relief. This final ingredient for the Earth Spirit Pill had now been secured. "Heh, Elder Liu, please keep the Earth Fire Lotus seed for now. As for the Dragon Power Pill, once the elder brings the herbs to Pan Gate, I'll begin preparing it for you." Quickly sealing the sixth-tier water-energy magic core into his storage ring, Xiao Yan smiled and respectfully offered the earth-fire lotus seed in his hands to Liu Elder. Shaking his head with a sigh, Liu Elder took the seed, feeling the immense fire-energy within, and his expression gradually improved. With a soft "hm," he merely waved a hand in greeting to Xiao Yan and the other. Knowing that Liu Elder was likely displeased at this moment, Xiao Yan didn't linger any longer, silently chuckling to himself, and exchanged a glance with Hao Elder. Together, they moved quietly out of the room, leaving Liu Elder alone inside, holding the earth-fire lotus seed, his face alternating between delight and pain, savoring the complex emotions of the moment.