Seeing Xiao Yan's wide-eyed expression, Yao Lao smiled as well. He knew how profoundly these three materials had struck Xiao Yan, so he wasn't surprised at all. Instead, he simply offered a reassuring smile, saying, "All of these materials are extremely difficult to obtain. That's why I said we don't have to rush. As long as you have this determination, I'm already very satisfied. After all, we still have plenty of time—we can take it step by step." His complexion gradually stabilized. After a moment, Xiao Yan chuckled weakly, feeling a bit dizzy. The essence bloodline of a seventh-stage beast was equivalent to a Supreme Conclave-level master—a vital component that enabled the beast to survive and grow, much like blood and marrow within the human body. Once this essence bloodline was withdrawn from the beast, it would inevitably perish immediately. Therefore, to obtain the essence bloodline of a seventh-stage beast, one would have to defeat a super-beast capable of matching a Supreme Conclave-level master. Yet, throughout his life, Xiao Yan had never even encountered such a beast, let alone defeated one. The remains of a Cultivator Grandmaster... this material also left Xiao Yan speechless. Cultivator Grandmasters dominated the realms, and those who managed to reach this level typically possessed strong backing. Once such a master fell, their remains were either preserved meticulously or concealed carefully. If one dared to disturb the bones of another's ancestors, even if their own strength were vastly inferior, the family would surely come to fight them to the death. Thus, this material proved to be particularly difficult to obtain. As for the so-called "Living Bone and Blood Pill," it was no ordinary concoction—being a peak-level seventh-rank pill, even with the current Herbal Elder giving his absolute best, success was far from guaranteed. To mention the rare and unusual ingredients required for its preparation, gathering them alone presented yet another significant challenge. The old pharmacist smiled slightly, saying, "A regular body suitable for ordinary soul strength wouldn't require such complexity. However, the more powerful the soul force, the more demanding the body must be. My soul strength is quite strong now, so unless I use a particularly robust body, the soul would likely burst the new one upon first entering." "I believe, once you eventually gather all these materials and successfully craft a body capable of housing my soul, and after my soul merges with this new body, my power will surpass even my peak strength back then. After all, my current soul strength is far stronger than it was at that time." The old pharmacist added with a smile. Hearing this, Xiao Yan felt a touch of joy. From the way Su Qian and the others referred to the old pharmacist's former name, he could already sense that the old pharmacist had once been a genuine Dou Zun-level powerhouse. And if he were even stronger—what then? Would he not be a true legend, a Dou Sheng-level master, only mentioned in tales? Seeing Xiao Yan's delighted expression, the Yeold seemed to have also deduced something. With a sigh of resignation, he said, "Stop dreaming. Is it really that easy for a true Supreme Battle Saint to ascend? If I truly possessed such strength, even if I went straight to your little girlfriend's clan to propose marriage, they would still regard me as someone worthy of attention." Xiao Yan was momentarily stunned, then felt a subtle stir of excitement. From the Yeold's words, he could now vaguely sense the formidable strength and prestige of the mysterious clan of Xun'er—so powerful that even the Yeold, at the level of Supreme Battle Saint, was required before they would take him seriously. That meant, simply relying on a Supreme Battle Master's strength, they still wouldn't even acknowledge him? Xiao Yan frowned, quietly sighed, and pondered—what clan was Xun'er's clan? How could it be so formidable that even the elite Supreme Battle Masters, who stood at the pinnacle of the continent's strength hierarchy, were so cautious and hesitant? "It seems my journey still has a long way to go..." "Alright, youngster, don't worry too much. With your talent, I'm certain you'll eventually earn the true qualification to match your young girlfriend. Hehe—twenty years old and a King-Class warrior, such an achievement. While I wouldn't say you're the only one on the continent with this level, you'll certainly stand out among countless others." Seeing the shifting expressions on Xiao Yan's face, Yao Lao smiled and offered reassurance. Xiao Yan nodded slightly, gazing steadily at Yao Lao, his lips moving as if he had something to say, yet hesitated to speak. "I know you're interested in your petite girlfriend's family, but there are certain things I'd rather not reveal to you just now. The only thing I can share is that their lineage traces back to ancient times, possessing extraordinarily powerful abilities and rare talents that far surpass ordinary people's. Young man, the Continent of Qi is vast—what you're encountering now is merely a fraction of its grandeur. As time goes on, you'll gradually realize that this seemingly boundless land is far more thrilling than you ever imagined." Seeming to anticipate what Xiao Yan would ask, the Elder of the Herbs merely waved a hand and smiled calmly. Taking a slow, refreshing breath of the slightly cool air, he calmed the agitation within himself, and nodded slightly, his face returning to its usual composure. "For now, you should focus on recovering. This time, you not only awakened me but also exhausted yourself thoroughly. If this continues, it will inevitably take a toll on your strength." The Elder patted Xiao Yan's shoulder and chuckled. Xiao Yan nodded, paused slightly, and then suddenly withdrew a scroll and an oddly shaped jade bottle from his storage ring. Inside the bottle, a pill resembling blood solidified lay quietly. "Hmm? The bottle seems to have energy seals still intact! This pill..." The elder's gaze immediately fixed on the jade bottle the moment it appeared, and as his eyes settled upon the crimson pill within, a sense of seriousness gradually spread across his weathered face. He lowered his voice and asked softly. "Master, this pill is the one you mentioned to me once, by chance—'the Pill of Life Consumption.'" Xiao Yan's own expression was serious, and his voice was quiet, barely audible to anyone else. "Indeed, it's this one..." His eyes narrowed slightly. As soon as the blood-colored pill appeared, combined with the energy-sealed bottle, he had already begun to sense something. "How did you manage to obtain this?" As far as I know, this medicine had already vanished mysteriously from the continent back in those days, along with its founder." The elderly pharmacist furrowed his brow, his gaze suddenly shifting to the scroll beside him, saying, "Could this be... the recipe?" "Yes, this is the recipe for the 'Life-Devouring Pill.'" Xiao Yan nodded, speaking with a sense of resignation. "My second brother discovered this during a journey deep in the mountains. That's precisely why I'd like to ask my teacher to assist me." "Wait—did you just tell me your second brother took this pill?" The pharmacist chuckled, his own growing sense of helplessness evident as he watched Xiao Yan's increasingly helpless expression. He rubbed his temples, sighing, "Although the Life-Devouring Pill can transform a person into a Supreme King-level warrior within a very short time, it comes at the complete expense of their life. Those who take it typically live no more than three years." "My second brother now has only one year left." Xiao Yan looked gloomly and spoke softly: "When I fell into the underground realm, my second brother believed I had died. With the family's blood feud still unavenged, he felt hopeless and had no choice but to take the Sheng-Sheng Pill as a last resort." The elderly physician chuckled, wondering how all the Xiao family's children seemed to share this same temperament. "Master, is there truly no way to undo the effects of the Sheng-Sheng Pill?" Xiao Yan looked earnestly at the physician, his tone both urgent and hopeful. Seeing the earnest gaze of Xiao Yan, the elderly physician fell silent himself. The Sheng-Sheng Pill was indeed the masterwork of a renowned alchemist from that time—when it was first introduced, it had caused quite a stir. To unravel its effects, however, was no easy task. After a moment of silence, as Xiao Yan's growing sense of disappointment grew, the physician finally spoke: "All things in nature thrive and counteract each other; toxic substances often serve as their own antidotes. Though I'm not entirely certain whether we can truly reverse the effects of the Sheng-Sheng Pill, we can certainly give it a try." "He didn't outright reject all of your expectations, and upon hearing that, Xiao Yan quietly exhaled, gently handing over both the scroll and the vial to the herbal master, sighing, 'Then I'll ask you to study these carefully. If you can unravel their secrets, that would be ideal. If not, well, then we shall simply have to rely on fate.' The herbal master nodded, took both items, and held them in his hands, pondering, 'Regarding the Phage-Life Pill, you must keep this matter confidential—also remind your second brother, otherwise complications will arise.' 'I've already informed my second brother of this,' Xiao Yan smiled. He wasn't a naive newcomer; having journeyed abroad for so many years, his experience and insight far surpassed that of his peers. With such caution, the herbal master felt thoroughly reassured and thus didn't press further, merely smiling and saying, 'All matters have now been settled. It's time for you to rest and recover. Restoring your strength is, after all, the most important thing.'"