In just one month, time slipped by silently and swiftly. Throughout this month, the scene remained as peaceful as imagined. Even with news of the Nine-Deep Earthly Serpent Clan actively involved in investigating the Spirit Temple, the results achieved were far from impressive. This Spirit Temple now appears to have completely contracted its influence, consolidating all its operational reach. Although the Serpent Clan's scouts managed to locate several branch temples, they were unable to penetrate further due to defenses that had grown tenfold more rigorous. For this situation, the Tianfu Alliance also felt a sense of pressure. Yet at this moment, they couldn't possibly muster all their strength to launch a full-scale assault on every branch of the Hunsen Temple, since everyone knew that in the end, one of the two parties would be eliminated from the Central Plains—the Hunsen Temple itself, or the Tianfu Alliance. This battle, resembling a high-stakes gamble, would likely prove unbearable for both sides. Thus, at this juncture, the only viable course of action seemed to be patient observation and waiting. Amidst this atmosphere of restrained anticipation, the day of the Yàochú Clan's Pharmacopoeia event arrived—only slightly delayed. Although some were a bit uneasy about Xiao Yin and Xiao Xiao traveling alone to the Medicinal Clan, upon seeing the old medician's firm determination, the Wind Elder and others could only nod in agreement. "Take good care of the Alliance," Xiao Yin said, turning to Cailei, who was holding Xiao Xiao. "Understood," Cailei nodded slightly. With her current strength, she stood above all but Xiao Chen and the Elder of the Dan Tower within the Alliance. Thus, with her staying, Xiao Yin could now feel much more at ease. "Well, that's enough, everyone. We don't need to go any further." The old medician slowly ascended into the air, smiled at the gathering, then turned and swiftly moved toward the stars beyond. Behind him, Xiao Yin flashed into motion and quickly followed. ... The Medicinal Clan is located in the far southern reaches of the Shen Nong Mountain Range in the Central Plains. In a certain sense, the region has already become detached from the Central Plains, making it quite remote. However, the saying goes that "a mountain need not be lofty to be sacred, only if it has a deity," and this mountain range is no exception. Though the Shennong Mountain Range is considered a remote, wild region—home to venomous creatures and rare, formidable beasts uncommon in the Central Plains—the presence of the herbalist clans has made it a vibrant and bustling area. Abundant in rare medicinal herbs, it attracts many alchemists from afar who come specifically to source ingredients for their elixir crafting. As a result, the Shennong Mountain Range enjoys exceptionally high popularity. Those eligible to join the Pharmacopoeia include not only members of the native Pharmacological Clan, but also some renowned alchemical masters—either past or present—who have achieved exceptional fame and mastery in alchemical arts across Zhongzhou. Such masters are invited, though typically in small numbers, since alchemical practitioners of such caliber are truly rare throughout the continent. Nevertheless, the grandeur of the Pharmacopoeia remains undiminished—above all, due to the prestigious title of "First Alchemical Master" of the continent! "Such a rich convergence of heavenly and earthly energies—this medicinal clan has indeed chosen a splendid location..." Even upon first sight of the Shennong Mountain Range, Xiao Yan couldn't help but offer a heartfelt praise. The swirling mists hovering above the mountains were no ordinary phenomenon; they were formed by the gathering of celestial and terrestrial energies. Here, cultivation would undoubtedly progress faster than in other regions. "This mountain range was nurtured over centuries by an elder of the medicinal clan, who poured his entire life into making it so fertile," the elder medic remarked, his gaze complex as he looked upon the range—both unfamiliar and yet deeply familiar. Since leaving decades ago, this was his first return visit. With a gentle sigh, he began to descend slowly, finally settling upon a deep ravine within the mountain's heart. Across the ravine stood a massive stone archway, approximately several hundred zhang in height, standing quietly and radiating an atmosphere of timeless grandeur. At the center of the archway lay a distorted space—this was the gateway to the Medic Family's domain. At this very moment, figures were continuously soaring from the sky or emerging from deep within the forest, landing outside the massive stone arch before presenting jade scrolls to the guards dressed in Medic Family robes stationed there, only then being permitted to enter. "Come, this Medic Canon is the grandest gathering within the Medic Family. Several affiliated sects nearby will also allow entry for observation. This will be the most bustling period of the Medic Family's year." The senior medic scanned the figures entering the gateway and spoke. "Hmm." Xiao Yan nodded slightly, then flashed forward to appear outside the archway. The statuesque figures standing there immediately shot sharp glances at him, shouting in a firm tone, "This is Medic Family territory—no unauthorized entry. Who are you?" "These individuals had keen eyesight—they immediately recognized that Xiao Yan was not from any of the nearby sects or power factions. Indeed, even if the heads of those sects came personally, they would always carry a tone of humility. Yet the people before them were calm and composed, showing no trace of reverence toward the Yao Clan. As more figures approached from the deep ravine, they gradually halted, their eyes curiously fixed upon Xiao Yan and his companion. "It's said that Xiao Yan once won the championship of the Dan Tower's Dan Assembly and has an exceptionally high mastery in pharmaceutical arts." "Hey, when it comes to combat with qi, he's definitely strong—though if he's expected to compete against a pharmacist at the doorstep of the medicinal clan, that might be a bit of a stretch..." "It's hard to say, it's hard to say..." Hearing the murmurs from around them, the guards' expressions subtly shifted. Xiao Yan's name was well-known even among the ancient clans—such a remarkable talent emerging from the once-dwindling Xiao lineage was indeed a significant miracle. Xiao Yan glanced at them calmly, showing no interest in engaging further, and simply tossed the jade scroll over. The guards and others quickly caught it, checked it over, and then breathed a sigh of relief. One of them raised a hand and projected a beam of light onto the massive gate, causing visible ripples and distortions in the space above. "Please, both of you—once you enter, there will be someone specifically assigned to escort you to the inner parts of the clan." This time, the guards were far more respectful. In this world, strength always reigns supreme, and Xiao Yan's prowess was equal to that of several of the Supreme Elders within the Medicinal Clan. How could they dare to offend him? Xiao Yan, who had experience with the ancient clan, was not at all unfamiliar with this situation. He didn't speak to anyone, but instead went directly to find a quiet spot beside the medicine elder and quietly observed the vast plain. After their arrival, the giant bird flapped its massive wings, then rode the strong wind, roaring upward and swiftly darting toward the deeper parts of the space where the medicine clan was located. This swift flight lasted about thirty minutes before Xiao Yan began to sense the bird's pace gradually slowing. Looking far ahead, he saw the mist parting, revealing a towering mountain rising into the sky. On the mountain, he could see clusters of grand halls and buildings, with countless smoke plumes rising steadily, filled with a rich, fragrant aroma of pills and herbs. The bird circled the mountain once before landing on a grand plaza. Xiao Yan and the medicine elder then walked down together. The elder gazed at the familiar structures around him, his expression filled with wonder and stillness. As for the elder's transcendent focus, Xiao Yan had no intention of remaining quietly by his side, hands tucked into his sleeves, eyes slightly narrowed, ignoring the curious glances from those around them. Amid the bustling crowd on the plaza, the two standing still stood out conspicuously. Within just a few minutes, a familiar, slightly elderly chuckle of contempt drifted gently into Xiao Yan and the elder's ears. "I thought it was someone who didn't know the proper etiquette—turns out, it's you two. However, Ye Chen, I must say, I'm rather surprised. You, a person expelled from your clan, have actually the grace to return." The pedestrians gradually slowed their pace, instinctively stepping back as they observed the elderly man approaching with a composed, scornful expression. "Ye Wan Gui..." Xiao Yan slowly unfolded his hands tucked in his sleeves, lifting his gaze to the somewhat familiar elder, his voice calm, though a cold arc of expression curled at the corner of his lips.