After nearly a month of intense activity, the vast crowds surrounding the plaza gradually dispersed as the Dan Conference came to a close. Yet even so, the entire city remained immersed in an exhilarating atmosphere—the intensity of this year's Dan Conference far exceeded everyone's expectations. Simply thinking about the dramatic, life-changing moments evoked a surge of passion and energy. As night fell, quietly enveloping this bustling metropolis, the streets remained alive with continuous foot traffic. Conversations among people were consistently centered on the Dan Conference, with the most prominent topic being the champion—this young prodigy, Xiao Yan, who had achieved an extraordinary feat. Once a name known only to a few, Xiao Yan's name now stands firmly etched in the minds of all. And they all knew that, within no time at all, this name would resonate throughout the Central Region. By then, he would be the most dazzling young star in the Central Region. ... Amidst the city still in a state of fervent excitement, the numerous contestants who had spent nearly a month refining their elixirs were now utterly drained, each one hastily retreating to their respective residences, only to collapse like lifeless dogs and fall asleep immediately. This included Xiao Yan himself. The eighth-rank elixir was far from as straightforward as expected, and later, in order to forcefully enhance its spiritual essence, Xiao Yan had nearly exhausted all of his soul energy—an immense expenditure. As a result, right after the elixir competition concluded, he promptly returned to his room, closed his eyes, and the night swiftly settled in. The other medical healers, fully aware of Xiao Yan's exhaustion, chose not to disturb him, allowing him to sleep soundly. When Xiao Yan gradually awoke from his sleep, the sky had already been completely enveloped by night, and faintly, the excited voices and laughter from outside could still be heard. For safety's sake, their current residence had been moved from Ye's Courtyard to Dan Tower, thus providing better defense against any hidden schemes the Soul Palace might devise. After rising from the bed, Xiao Yan took a quick shower and then hurried out of the room. He had already received a reminder from Xuan Kongzi before he returned to rest, instructing him to go to Xuan Kongzi's place once he was fully rested. "Creak..." As he pushed open the door, he found several people gathered in the hall outside—Xiao Yi, Tian Huo Master, and Ye Zhong were all there. "You finally woke up! The Dan Tower staff came several times to check on you, but I kept them all away," Xiao Yi smiled warmly, her voice gentle. "Hmm." Xiao Yan nodded with a smile, saying, "I'll go first—please keep an eye out." Without lingering, he exchanged a few words with the others and then hurried out of the room, heading straight for the top floor of the Dan Tower. Along the way, he encountered numerous Dan Tower alchemists, who immediately made way for him as soon as they saw him, their gaze filled with a touch of respect. Xiao Yan had saved the Dan Tower's reputation during the Dan Festival, effectively preserving their own pride. Moreover, given the impressive alchemical skills he displayed during the festival, such treatment was well deserved. Though he could afford it, Xiang Yan found himself somewhat uncomfortable with the constant stream of respectful glances he received wherever he went. When people showed him such admiration, he felt he had to return their warmth with a smile. As a result, throughout the journey, his facial muscles grew increasingly strained, until finally, unable to bear it any longer, Xiang Yan sped up, rushing toward the top of the Dan Tower, all the while drawing astonished stares from the onlookers. Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan finally pushed open the door and, upon glancing around, noticed several figures standing in the hall. Among them were Cao Ying, Dan Chen, Song Qing, and others. At the head of the gathering, there were three figures: the one in the center was Xuan Kong Zi, while on either side stood the beautiful woman and the dark-haired elder that Xiao Yan had seen earlier during the day. As soon as Xiao Yan entered the hall, everyone's attention immediately turned to him. As the champion of the Dan Conference, Xiao Yan could be considered a member of the Dan Tower, and his status as a candidate was quite high—ordinary elders would have to offer polite greetings upon seeing him. "Xuan Kongzi smiled, pointing to the beautiful woman beside him, who was gazing at Xiao Yan with a gentle expression, and said, 'This is Xuan Yi, the President of the Purple Robe Sect. Hehe, she has a close relationship with your teacher—feel free to call her Xuan Aunt.' Hearing this, Xiao Yan was momentarily stunned, watching Xuan Kongzi's playful smile, and his own lips curled slightly. Then, his eyes widened in surprise as he turned to the woman, wondering—was it really true that she had a close relationship with his teacher? Could this be the very person known in legend as his teacher's wife? 'You old man, what are you babbling about!' Under Xiao Yan's astonished gaze, the woman named Xuan Yi blushed faintly, glared at Xuan Kongzi with mild annoyance, then turned her gaze to Xiao Yan, speaking softly, 'You're Xiao Yan, aren't you? Well, Master Yaochen has indeed found a truly excellent disciple this time.'" "Seeing her appearance, Xiao Yan knew even more clearly that she must have some relationship with her teacher that ordinary people weren't aware of. He couldn't afford to be slow—should it truly be as he suspected, he would have to bow and offer tea. "Xiao Yan has met Aunt Xuan..." Xiao Yan hesitated, but then noticed Master Xuan Kong was giving him a steady glance, so he quickly changed his greeting. Upon hearing Xiao Yan's words, the head of the Xuan Clan was momentarily taken aback, then a gentle blush spread across her cheeks. Her gaze toward Xiao Yan grew ever softer, as if viewing him as her own junior. Seeing this, Xiao Yan silently breathed a sigh of relief. Though he wasn't certain whether the teacher truly had a deep connection with her, it was clear that the head of the Xuan Clan held genuine affection for Master Yao. It seemed Master Yao had indeed left behind a lasting affection in her heart. "This is Master Tian Lei, the head of the Tian Lei Sect..." Master Xuan Kong then turned his attention to the older man beside him—dark-skinned, with an unusually stern and serious demeanor, and smiled. "At your service, Master Tian Lei," said Xiao Yan, promptly bowing again. These three were among the very elite on the continent, and it was always best to be respectful. "Indeed, this gathering would not have been possible without your help," said Master Tian Lei, his usually stern expression softening slightly, though his voice remained low and carried a distinct, unusual weight, creating a sense of subtle pressure. "Ah, don't be intimidated—this old man has always been like this," chuckled Xuan Kong. Xiao Yan nodded, understanding that true masters carried their own grace and dignity. "Since all of you have arrived, let us now proceed to the matter at hand," Xuan Kong said, his expression growing serious. "The Stellar Realm will open two days from now, and you will all enter to subdue the Three Thousand Yan Fire Flames." "That stellar expanse was torn open and sealed by the combined efforts of the three of us, and we've hidden it within the starry void. The Three Thousand Flames of Yan Yan were also sealed within it." Upon hearing news of the Three Thousand Flames of Yan Yan, Xiao Yan's spirit immediately brightened, and he listened intently. "Due to the long duration of the seal, the Three Thousand Flames harbor deep resentment toward the Dan Tower—especially toward us three. Once it breaks free, it will surely launch a powerful retaliation." Xuan Kong said solemnly. "If someone manages to tame the Three Thousand Flames, that would be favorable. But what we fear most is the scenario where someone fails to tame it and instead attempts to release it, thereby causing the destruction of the Sacred Dan City." "You mean the people from the Spirit Palace?" Xiao Yan's eyes flashed, and he spoke softly. "Hmm..." Xuan Kongzi nodded slowly, a cold glint passing through his eyes. "After the Dan Conclave, Master Mu Gu vanished completely. Even though we three searched extensively, we were unable to locate him—clearly, he deliberately concealed himself, fearing we might secretly seek him out." "The Spirit Pavilion has long had a strained relationship with our Dan Tower. Should any opportunity arise to weaken us, they would surely not pass it up. And with Master Mu Gu's visit just now, it's certain they have some plans in motion." "The Three Thousand Flames of焱will certainly not fall into the hands of the Spirit Pavilion. What we're truly concerned about is that they may be quietly working to unravel the seal upon the Three Thousand Flames." Xuan Yi also furrowed her brows slightly, speaking softly. "When the Stellar Domain opens, we three must maintain its seal and therefore cannot enter. We have summoned you to ensure that, once you enter, you will do your utmost to hinder Master Mu Gu. Should he make any untoward move, you will immediately shatter this pearl, and the strong warriors of Dan Tower will swiftly come to your aid." As Pyongongzi finished speaking, four jade pearls slipped from his sleeve and hovered before Xiao Yan and the others. Receiving the pearls, each of them nodded gently—clearly, this contest for the Three Thousand Yan Fire was going to be fiercely contested. "Since the Stellar Domain can only accommodate a limited number of people at once, otherwise the dormant Three Thousand Yan Fire will be awakened, the role of vanguard truly rests with you!" Pyongongzi gazed solemnly upon Xiao Yan and the others, his voice steady and serious.