Ten distinct flames transformed into fierce, monstrous fire beasts, rising slowly into the sky. The vibrant, multicolored fire glimmers illuminated the stunned faces of the people below, creating a particularly comical scene. Along with the initial Qinglian Earth-Heart Fire, this amounted to a total of eleven flames—ten, plus the first one—controlled entirely by Xiao Yan with his own power! The scene left the courtyard utterly silent; only gradually did a series of gasps of astonishment begin to rise. The flames surged upward into the sky, and the scorching heat descending made Gao Dan's mouth dry as dust. The pallor of his already wan complexion deepened noticeably. Xiao Yan's display had dealt him a severe blow. "How is this possible?" Gao Dan murmured softly, his eyes filled with disbelief. Xiao Yan looked considerably younger than himself—how could he possibly command eleven types of flames? Even his sister, revered within the family as a mythical female prodigy, could not achieve such mastery. "It's impossible!" As the murmurs faded, Gao Dan's eyes blazed with fury, much like a gambler who had lost all his fortune. With a thunderous roar, he summoned his inner strength, and the four fire beasts soaring above the sky unleashed deep, resonant roars, charging directly at Xiao Yan's colorful array of fire creatures. Gazing calmly at Cao Dan's desperate struggle, Xiao Yan's lips curled into a cold smile. With a mere sweep of his sleeve, the eleven fire beasts soaring above seemed as if charging down from the mountains like fierce tigers, crashing headlong into Cao Dan's four fire beasts and fiercely tearing at one another, their flames continuously drifting downward. Faced with Xiao Yan's overwhelming number of fire beasts, Cao Dan's four beasts quickly found themselves at a disadvantage—overwhelmed and outnumbered—and could not hold out long. Their flames began to crack and splinter, gradually fading under the relentless assault. Under the steady gaze of the spectators in the courtyard, one by one, they slowly dissolved. When Cao Dan's final fire beast vanished, nine of Xiao Yan's eleven fire beasts still remained alive. As the last fire beast disappeared, Cao Dan himself shuddered, then hurriedly retreated two steps, his throat emitting a deep, resonant gasp. The remnants of his soul energy, which had been woven into the fire beasts, were now being gradually eroded as they faded. Gao Dan, retreating, was quickly steadied by the two elders behind him. His eyes were fixed on the nine fiery beasts soaring above, his face alternating between pale and ashen—something he had never anticipated. He had always believed his most confident wager would fare well, yet it had been utterly defeated in Xiao Yan’s hands. Xiao Yan glanced at him, his mouth slightly open. The fire wolf transformed into a streak of jade-colored flame, sweeping downward and then entering Xiao Yan’s mouth. The remaining eight fiery beasts trembled and gradually dissolved into nothingness. Fire from beasts that had not yet been refined into fire essence could only be used once; after that, if not replenished, it would dissipate due to energy depletion. "Master Gao, please," Xiao Yan said, his expression now significantly more composed than Gao Dan’s. Having mastered the Nongyan Technique, Xiao Yan now controlled flames with ease. Moreover, his soul strength far surpassed that of Gao Dan. Hearing this, Cao Dan's expression grew even more strained. To lose in front of so many people—especially to Xiao Yan in the very area where he was most skilled, the art of manipulating fire—was a severe blow. "Well... I see now why Ye Zhong has placed his hopes in you. You truly have what it takes. I must admit, I underestimated you..." Cao Dan took several deep breaths, suppressing his growing indignation and resentment, and spoke in a low, measured tone. Xiao Yan smiled calmly. Though Cao Dan was also a seventh-rank alchemy master, in Xiao Yan's eyes, he was no more than a lower-tier seventh-rank practitioner—nothing particularly formidable. Even if they met again at the pill-making assembly, it wouldn't be a major issue. "Today, I lose. Rest assured—I've promised, and I'll keep my word. In the near future, the Cao family will not come seeking trouble again." As he spoke, Cao Dan's piercing gaze suddenly shifted to Ye Zhong and the others, his voice cold and sharp. "But you Ye family's ambition to reclaim your seat among the elders is nothing short of a dream. I personally wouldn't welcome such a development. With less than a month until the evaluation period begins, I'm eager to see whether your family can manage to secure a spot among the top three candidates!" Ye Zhong's face tightened, and he replied coldly, "This matter doesn't need your concern." Cao Dan smiled thinly, then fixed his eyes on Xiao Yan, saying, "Xiao Yan, you are indeed strong. But I believe you will eventually regret offending the Cao family." "Done? If so, then let's begin..." Xiao Yan crossed his fingers, giving Gao Dan only a brief, indifferent glance, speaking in a calm, even tone. "Xiao Yan brother, thank you so much!" Xinlan also breathed a sigh of relief in her heart, her beautiful eyes gazing at Xiao Yan with a touch of joy. Xiao Yan waved his hand and said, "Since I've promised you, as long as my commitment remains unfulfilled, I will protect the Ye family." "Mr. Xiao Yan, your great kindness toward the Ye family will never be forgotten by any of our clan members. Should there ever be any need for the Ye family in the future, please do not hesitate to let us know. Even if we cannot fulfill every request, the Ye family will certainly give our very best effort!" Ye Zong bowed deeply and respectfully to Xiao Yan, speaking with sincere earnestness. "Master Ye, please don't offer such a formal gesture—I truly don't deserve it," Xiao Yan slightly inclined his body and smiled. Seeing this, Ye Zong smiled as well, then his gaze turned toward where Cao Dan and the others had disappeared, his eyes slightly concerned. He sighed, saying, "From what Cao Dan said earlier, I believe the young female from the Cao family has likely returned..." "A female from the Cao family? How so?" "Heard that, Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow, slightly puzzled. Seeing Xiao Yan's puzzled expression, Ye Zhong chuckled softly and said, 'Xiao Yan, what do you think of Cao Dan?' 'Though not particularly outstanding himself, Cao Dan does have a solid command of fire manipulation. Moreover, achieving the rank of Seventh-Level Alchemist at his age is truly remarkable—his talent is indeed exceptional.' Xiao Yan mused. Though Cao Dan was proud, his abilities were genuinely strong. 'Yet, when compared to the young lady from the Cao family, Cao Dan shows absolutely no sense of confidence or composure,' Ye Zhong said quietly, his tone laced with distinct bitterness. If his own family could produce someone of this caliber, how could they not be strong? Such a young lady—someone capable of single-handedly sustaining an entire family—is truly a force to be reckoned with. 'Ah?' Xiao Yan's eyes flashed with surprise. The Cao family apparently harbors someone of such stature?" "The female demon, Gao Ying, has lived a life brimming with legend. At her birth, she displayed a soul power so astonishing that her mother nearly perished under its force. By the age of seven, she had officially become a pharmacist. At fifteen, she was recognized by Dan Tower and appointed as a core disciple, despite being exceptional for her age. After five years of intensive training at the Tower, she became the youngest seventh-rank pharmacist in her family at twenty. Now, she is exactly twenty-two years old..." Yezhong's gentle voice echoed throughout the courtyard, causing every member of the Ye family to feel humbled and lower their heads in shame—compared to Gao Ying, they were nothing short of mere survivors, living off the scraps. Indeed, even Xiao Yan himself wore a look of serious gravity. This region truly was full of hidden talents. While Xiao Yan's achievements stemmed from a combination of talent and hard work, Gao Ying seemed truly blessed—born under the favor of heaven, a true celestial prodigy. "Reaching seventh rank at twenty—over the past two years, she must have made significant progress. I suspect that now, she..." Yezhong paused, then with a w "This Dan Conference this time, Cao Ying is certain to attend, as by tradition, anyone aspiring to become a leading figure of the Dan Tower must first claim the title of champion at the Dan Conference..." Ye Zhong sighed, "Cao Ying has considerable ambition, so she will certainly not be missing this one." Turning his gaze to the serious Xiao Yan, Ye Zhong slowly added, "And this woman will be one of your foremost rivals during the Dan Conference."