His gaze slowly swept over the herbs recorded in the scroll, and after a moment, Xiao Yan nodded slightly, folded the scroll, and settled into thoughtful contemplation. These herbs were quite rare; gathering them all would surely take considerable time. It seemed he would need to seek out some sea elders. As the Mi-Tel family was the largest auction house within the empire, their collection was naturally extensive. Though these herbs were precious, he believed they could still be assembled. With this thought, Xiao Yan exhaled in relief, sat up from the stone bed, and then slowly stepped out of the chamber. About ten minutes later, Xiao Yan appeared outside the living room. He heard the voices of Xiao Ding and Xiao Li inside, along with a woman's voice that was familiar to him. With a slight discernment, he immediately recognized that the person inside was the eldest princess of the imperial family, Yao Ye. "What brings her here?" With a slight narrowing of his eyes, Xiao Yan pushed open the door and walked in. Xiao Yan smiled slightly, exchanged glances with Xiao Ding, and then settled into a chair beside them, speaking calmly, "I'm not sure what Princess Tiao Ye has come to discuss this time." "Xiao Yan has helped our royal family avert a major crisis. I've come to visit, so what more could I possibly need?" Princess Tiao said, her eyes fixed on Xiao Yan with a touch of reserve and grace. Her eyes fixed on Xiao Yan, after a moment, Tian Ye spoke softly, "Regarding Mr. Xiao's plan to establish a power base, our royal family has no intention of opposing—indeed, we can even lend our support. However, we hope that the matter concerning Yunlan Sect will not recur." Heard the weight in Tian Ye's tone, Xiao Yan's eyes slightly narrowed. Since the matter had now been clearly stated, there was no need for further evasion. He then said firmly, "Tian Ye Princess, you may rest assured—Xiao Yan is not Yunshan. As long as the royal family does not secretly undermine our Xiao family, Xiao Yan will never forget your support." Seeing Xiao Yan's serious expression, Tian Ye quietly breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, "Mr. Xiao's character, I have always trusted. With Yunlan Sect now dissolved, and the Gama Empire in need of a strong power to represent it, it seems that Mr. Xiao has truly emerged as the most suitable choice." Xiao Yan smiled and said, "The imperial family's support is the best outcome—after all, we've all been comrades-in-arms through thick and thin. I don't want any minor issues to make our relations overly strained, as that would be detrimental to everyone involved. As for the establishment of that particular faction, once things take shape in a few days, I'll personally update Princess Tianye in detail." Princess Tianye nodded and said, "Then I shall simply await your favorable news." With those words, she stood up, waved her hand, and a dozen jade boxes materialized on the table. She smiled warmly, "These were all brought by my grandfather. Master Xiao Yan is already a highly ranked alchemist, so his internal injuries should not be a major concern. These herbs might prove beneficial for your condition. I still have matters to attend to in the imperial capital, so I shall not linger any longer. Goodbye." As soon as she finished speaking, Princess Tianye turned and walked gracefully away, eventually fading from the sight of Xiao Yan and his companions. Watching the Princess Yao Ye depart, Xiao Yan stood up and walked to the table, opening the jade boxes. At once, a rich, medicinal fragrance filled the air, causing him to raise an eyebrow—indeed, the royal family's preparations were quite impressive. "It seems the royal family isn't particularly resistant to this matter," Xiao Li said, smiling as he glanced at the boxes. Though among the elite, Xiao Yan no longer felt intimidated by the royal family, they remained the true power behind the empire, and any conflict with them would still pose some challenges. "It's not just a lack of resistance—it's that currently, several powerful figures are closely associated with my third brother, which the royal family finds threatening. Without these strong allies, they would certainly have obstructed every step." Xiao Ding smiled calmly, having learned from the experience of the Yunlan Sect that the royal family now held greater caution and vigilance toward powerful external forces. Listening to their conversation, Xiao Yan smiled slightly and said, "Regardless of how it unfolds, as long as they have no further objections, establishing this coalition will go more smoothly." Xiao Ding nodded, then spoke slowly: "Regarding the establishment of a power faction, I propose integrating the several major imperial families and the Herbalist Guild into a single alliance. This way, we can achieve a rapid expansion in a short period, bypassing the most fundamental and time-consuming steps. With the imperial court's current support, we will also be able to absorb promising new talents across the empire in the future—a significant advantage in the long run." "Of course, to cultivate strong members for the alliance, we must have essential cultivation techniques and combat skills. Let's see if the major factions can jointly contribute these." "The cultivation techniques and combat arts—I'll handle that. As for the actual formation of the faction, I believe you can take the lead. These are not my strong points." Xiao Yan smiled, having recently acquired several valuable techniques and combat arts from Han Feng and the Elder of Herbs. For him, providing these resources posed no challenge at all. Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Xiao Ding shook his head with a sigh, saying, "You're already thinking of becoming a hands-off manager now—by the way, how's your condition?" "In a few more days, I should be fully recovered," Xiao Yan smiled. Upon hearing this, both Xiao Ding and Xiao Li exhaled in relief. Xiao Li looked up and smiled, saying, "Once you're well again, I might have to head to Black Angle Domain. After all, the 'Xiao Clan' there still needs my oversight. Otherwise, when I return next time, I'll find all the members of the Xiao Clan gone." "Hmm. As you've described, the Xiao family's lineage has been enriched by fresh talent from the Canaan Academy, ensuring strong future potential. Though the Black Horn Region is currently chaotic, it holds considerable promise. If the Xiao family can expand its influence and secure a solid foothold there, it will undoubtedly become a formidable force. With the growing strength of the Jamar Empire's power in the future, a strategic alliance between the two would surely place them on par with the top-tier powers on the Qi Continent." Xiao Ding mused. Xiao Yan nodded slightly. Most students who graduate from the inner academy possess exceptional talent. If the Xiao family can bring them under its banner, it would gain a strong, promising cadre of elite forces. He had never doubted the potential of the Xiao family. "Heard that, Xiao Yan was momentarily startled—of course, Miss Nalan was Miss Nalan Yanran. But what business did she have with him?" Xiao Yan said softly, a trace of curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Hm, Nalan Yanran, I must say—I and my elder brother have yet to meet the person who nearly became our younger sister." Observing the maid's retreating figure, Xiao Li suddenly let out a cold laugh, indicating that he had always been somewhat resentful over Nalan Yanran's firm decision to withdraw her engagement to their family years ago. "Those grievances have long since been settled by my third brother. You needn't dwell on them anymore," said Xiao Ding, frowning slightly, clearly displeased that Xiao Li had raised them before Xiao Yan. Shrugging, Xiao Li said nothing, merely leaning back against the chair, his gaze lazily sweeping across the entrance. The three of them waited quietly in the living room for a while. Then, the maid came slowly, and behind her, a graceful figure emerged, faintly visible. Two figures paused at the doorway. The attendant bowed and stepped back, while Nalan Yanran, dressed in a cloud-colored robe, advanced slowly. Her gaze swept over the three guests in the living room before settling on Xiang Yan, who stood at the center, her expression somewhat complex. "Ms. Nalan, is there something you wish to discuss with me at my household?" Xiang Yan gently set down his teacup, his eyes lowered, speaking softly. At Xiang Yan's composed and reserved demeanor, Nalan Yanran bit lightly at her lower lip before finally responding, "My teacher wishes to see you one last time." "One last time?" Xiang Yan's eyes narrowed slightly, his hands gradually tightening into fists, his voice growing colder and more stern. "I'd rather you not tell me what she's done—after all, I've said that even if the Cloud Ridge Sect disciples have been disbanded, I'll still be able to find them!" Nalan Yanran slightly furrowed her brows, saying, "She wouldn't do anything so foolish. If you'd like to see her, follow me. If not, you may never get the chance again." "Having said that, she didn't wait for Xiao Yan to respond, but turned and headed toward the outer courtyard. Xiao Yan frowned slightly, then stood up after a moment, his gaze shifting to Xiao Li. With a hand motion, he tossed a stack of scrolls to Xiao Li, saying, "Brother, gather all these herbs as soon as possible—I have a great need for them. Don't delay!" Upon receiving the scrolls, Xiao Li was momentarily surprised. Noticing the slight flicker in Xiao Yan's eyes, he seemed to grasp the meaning and nodded subtly without speaking. After handing over the scrolls, Xiao Yan exchanged a few words with the two before quickly following out. The message brought by Na Lan Yan had slightly darkened his expression—what was she planning now?