Xiao Yan had just stepped out of the alchemy chamber when he spotted the figure of the young physician outside. He quickly approached, furrowing his brows and asked, "What's happened?" Seeing Xiao Yan's concerned expression, the young physician spread her hands and said, "There's been some trouble at the Ye family's estate..." "Trouble? Someone's actually come after the Ye family now?" Xiao Yan glanced around, noticing that several of the original Ye family guards had been completely removed—clearly, this wasn't a minor issue. Yet what puzzled him was that, after the great battle in Ye City last time, few people had dared to challenge the Ye family. So who could it be this time? "This isn't a regular faction," the young physician remarked, sensing Xiao Yan's thoughts. She smiled and added, "It's the Cao family—the fifth of the five major families in the Alchemy Region." "The Cao family?" Xiao Yan furrowed his brows. He had naturally heard of the five leading families in the Dan Domain, and the Cao family was one of them. Certainly, the Cao family was no mere comparison to the declining Ye family. For generations, the Cao family had consistently produced outstanding alchemical talents, which had steadily elevated their reputation. Among the five families, aside from the more reserved Dan family, the Cao family was likely the strongest. Moreover, the Cao family held a high position within the Dan Tower, a powerful backing that made even formidable forces like the Ice River Valley hesitant to challenge them—after all, few in the Central Plains were unaware of the Dan Tower's influence. As a result, over the years, the Cao family had flourished, growing increasingly influential within the Dan Domain, standing in stark contrast to the declining Ye family. "It seems that this matter of a marriage alliance is at the heart of it. When Ye Zong and his companions were in dire straits, they had originally planned to marry Xinlan to the Cao family—this would have helped them pass the evaluation, though it would inevitably lead to the gradual absorption of the Ye family by the Cao family. After your arrival, however, the Ye family abandoned this plan. Yet now, the Cao family has suddenly come back with renewed determination, insisting on taking Xinlan away." The young physician said. Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan's expression grew serious. The Cao family indeed proved to be quite assertive—though they claimed to wish to marry Xinlan, they likely had deeper intentions toward the Ye family. "Where is Master Yue?" "He has already taken up his post in the front courtyard, to prevent the Cao family from making a strong move." Xiao Yan nodded slightly, paused thoughtfully, then turned and walked toward the front courtyard, speaking firmly, "Let's go. I'd like to see just what the Cao family has to offer! I've never seen such a bold move of forcibly seizing someone before!" The young physician smiled, nodded gently, and moved gracefully ... In the front courtyard of the Ye family, a large gathering of people now crowded here, the atmosphere especially tense and charged. The spacious courtyard had been divided into two distinct factions—one naturally comprising the Ye family members, while the other side was occupied by nearly a hundred figures dressed in pale red robes. These figures stood straight and tall, exuding an air of confident superiority; their gaze directed at the Ye family members carried a clear sense of being above them. Indeed, given Cao family's current standing in the Dan Region, it was no surprise that they outshone the Ye family. At the forefront of the Cao family delegation stood two elderly figures in red robes, both appearing composed and impassive, radiating a powerful presence, their hands resting in their sleeves—clearly no ordinary individuals. Yet what truly captured attention was not these two, but rather an elderly man in gray robes and a man dressed in purple robes, standing before them. The gray-robed elder appeared to be quite elderly, his face etched with deep, layered wrinkles, as though on the verge of passing away. Yet, his ability to stand at the very forefront spoke volumes about his standing—his status was no ordinary one. Even a slightly competent observer could sense that while his aura wasn't as overwhelming as that of the two red-robed elders behind him, there was a subtle, palpable sense of danger emanating from him—one that the latter two clearly lacked. This young man, who appears no older than thirty, is actually a seventh-rank alchemist! "Master Cao, I must admit that our Ye family did indeed make a mistake in retracting our original agreement. However, at the time, the Cao family showed no objection whatsoever. It is only now, with such a grand display, that we find ourselves in this situation—what could be the reason?" Ye Zong gazed steadily at the group before him, whose demeanor seemed unyielding, his voice steady yet slightly strained. "Ah, Master Ye, you're quite mistaken. A marriage alliance is no matter to be taken lightly. You initially proposed it, and now, suddenly, you withdraw—how shall we, the Cao family, explain this to our guests and the outside world?" The young man, dressed in a purple alchemist's robe, smiled gently, lightly clasping his hands as a flame danced at his fingertips. He then glanced at Ye Zong. "Are you, Master Ye, deliberately playing games with our family?" Upon hearing this, Ye Zong's expression shifted slightly. "Master Cao, don't try to justify this with so much pretense. Who doesn't know your family's ambitions Xinlan's face turned pale with indignation, yet she could not help but feel offended by Cao Dan's lofty demeanor and sharp tone, and she shouted angrily. The young man smiled calmly at Xinlan, whose face remained stern, and said, "Xinlan, no matter what, I am your fiancé. To treat me this way—yelling and scolding me—is rather unbecoming. Once I settle into the Cao family, I'll certainly teach you some proper manners." "Cao Dan, this engagement has only been a preliminary consideration on both sides, and no final decision has yet been made," said Ye Zhong, his expression serious. "Therefore, our Ye family still holds the right to withdraw it. Xinlan will not marry into the Cao family, and this matter will be entirely forgotten from now on. I hope you won't continue to press this point." Hearing Ye Zhong's words, Cao Dan's eyes narrowed slightly, and he smiled gently, "Ah, the Ye family has truly grown strong these days. Ye Zhong, do you really believe that after the great battle in Ye City last time, your family will be able to restore its former glory? The Cao family is By the end of it, Gao Dan's tone carried a clear sense of firmness and intensity. Seeing that Gao Dan had been so direct and unyielding, Ye Zhong's face turned pale with restrained anger, yet he dared not openly challenge him. Gao Family had produced many outstanding alchemists and possessed a stronger appeal than the Ice River Valley. Over the years, they had also frequently prepared pills and elixirs for numerous top-tier beings at the Battle Sovereign level across the continent. Under such accumulated goodwill, Gao Family's requests were rarely refused. Should these individuals gather together, the resulting momentum would indeed surpass that of the Ice River Valley. "Hmm... Ye Zhong, there are certain matters—once spoken, they're difficult to retract. Since we've already brought them up, retracting now would indeed be a significant blow to the Cao family's dignity. Moreover, marrying into the Cao family brings substantial benefits to your own household." The gray-robed elder, who had remained silent throughout, finally lifted his gaze and spoke slowly, "Today, under the name of the Cao family's head, we are taking the people—those we have decided to bring away." The gray-robed elder shook his head, yet his steps slowly advanced forward. As he took that step, a terrifying aura surged forth, rising like a tidal wave of immense scale, instantly filling the entire hall and causing several less powerful Ye family members to pale instantly. "Esteemed elder, I am Cao Dan. Today's matter is one concerning both the Cao and Ye families. I kindly ask you not to intervene. Should there come a time when we need your assistance with alchemy in the future, perhaps we shall be able to reach out to your family..." Cao Dan's brow furrowed slightly, then he bowed deeply and spoke with steady resolve. Facing a Du Zun, he did not feel the usual trepidation one might expect. With the Cao family's considerable influence, there had been several Du Zun-level masters over the years who had sought out elder family members to craft alchemical elixirs—thus, he had grown accustomed to such encounters and no longer found them particularly overwhelming. Hearing Cao Dan's words, laced with a hint of intimidation, the members of the Ye family all grew visibly displeased. "Indeed, the Cao family has been showing off quite well," said Ye Zong, "but as for this person—today, I've got him firmly secured!" As the hall fell into a sudden silence, a soft, quiet laugh suddenly rose, catching Ye Zhong, Xin Lan, and the others by surprise, before their faces instantly brightened with delight.