Nearby, Yao Ling, observing the spectral demon fleeing in the opposite direction, was also struck with astonishment—clearly unprepared for Xiao Yan to repel such a formidable opponent. "Mr. Xiao Yan, you've absorbed the ninth-rank phoenix pill?" Yao Ling couldn't help but ask. As a pharmacist, she fully understood the extraordinary nature of the ninth-rank phoenix pill, making it hard to believe that Xiao Yan had managed to absorb it within just a few minutes. "Not at all easy—only a portion has been absorbed so far," Xiao Yan shook his head, his eyes glowing with exhilaration. He hadn't expected the phoenix pill to be so powerful; merely absorbing a part of it had propelled him from the late stage of five-star Soul Saint to the six-star level. It was no wonder the spectral demon had been so eager to claim it. "If all the medicinal power of the Nine-Rank Supreme Dan is fully refined, perhaps I could stabilize at the mid-phase of a Six-Star Battle Saint..." Xiang Yan made a careful assessment, his expression of delight growing ever more vibrant. Once this matter was settled, he would have to fully refine all the medicinal power within his body. "Heh, it seems I've been more than just a helper this time." Gǔ Dào slowly stepped into the air, landing beside Xiang Yan, his gaze briefly sweeping over the golden dragon pattern rapidly fading from Xiang Yan's arm, before he calmly smiled. "Gǔ Dào Senior is mistaken. If it weren't for your swift intervention, I would have already been burst open by the internal medicinal power." Xiang Yan quickly rose, bowing with a smile. "Oh? What kind of medicine could even withstand your body?" Gǔ Dào was slightly moved by this. "A single Nine-Rank Supreme Dan—forced to take it merely to escape the pursuit of the Soul-Devouring Demon." Xiang Yan smiled. "Nine-rank Purple Dan..." Ancient Dao's mouth slightly twitched, then he shook his head with a wry smile, silently envying Xiao Yan's fortune. Such a grade of medicine had never been within his reach. "Ancient Dao Elder!" As Xiao Yan and Ancient Dao were speaking, the wind rushing from afar swiftly approached, and soon dozens of figures swiftly arrived. Their eyes first scanned the devastated plain below, filled with surprise and uncertainty, before settling on the mountain peak where Xiao Yan and his companions stood. One by one, they descended and respectfully bowed to Ancient Dao. Xiao Yan glanced casually at the group, only to be startled to find that the leader was someone he knew well—Ling Quan, the one who had previously had some dealings with him. When Xiao Yan discovered the Lin Quan, the latter also caught sight of him, and his expression immediately became somewhat unnatural. Though they were in the ancient realm, Xiao Yan's achievements over the years in the Zhongzhou region were well known to him—each of those accomplishments was enough to earn his deep admiration. Yet, decades ago, this figure now towering as a leading force on the Qi Continent had been utterly powerless before him. The world truly changes too swiftly. "Senior Elder Gu Dao, we sensed the disturbance here and came as swiftly as possible. I wonder..." Lin Quan, appearing to be the leader of the group, respectfully looked at Gu Dao and spoke. "It's all well now. The one who has come this time is Hunsai, one of the Four Holy Saints of the Huns Clan." Gu Dao waved his hand and spoke calmly. Hearing this, Lin Quan and the others instantly grew pale, their faces subtly filled with astonishment. The Four Holy Magnates of the Soul Clan were among the very elite of the Soul Clan—ranked no less than the Three Immortals of the Ancient Clan within their own realm. Aside from the Clan Elder and a few others, no one could match their standing. "Look at your performance! Xiao Yan is actually younger than you all, yet he has managed to escape the relentless pursuit of the Soul Demon, even sustaining a near-loss of his hand earlier. If the Younger Generation of the Ancient Clan had someone like this, our Ancient Clan would surely flourish. How then could the Soul Clan dare to oppress us?" Upon seeing their expressions, Gu Dao furrowed his brows, speaking in a solemn tone of reproach. "Yes, Elder, your words are most instructive." "After being scolded by Guo Dao, even Ling Quan dared not argue, quickly nodding in agreement. In the corner of his eye, he glanced at Xiao Yan, only to shake his head with a sigh of resignation. To them, figures like Hunshe were almost legendary. Yet Xiao Yan not only managed to escape from Hunshe's grasp unscathed but also forced them to retreat with injuries—such feats, no matter how proud they were, had to earn them genuine respect. "Master Guo, please don't hold back on praising the young ones. If it weren't for your intervention, Xiao Yan might not even be standing here with his limbs intact today." Seeing Guo Dao use him as a point of pride, Xiao Yan felt a bit helpless, shook his head, then straightened his expression and said solemnly, "Master Guo, may I have the opportunity to meet with the head of the Gu Yuan clan? The fall of the Yao clan is no trivial matter—Hunshe undoubtedly has their own designs." "What?!" "At the same time, Linquan and the others, who had just sat up straight, were struck once again—staring at Xiao Yan with disbelief. The Medic race... had it really been wiped out? "This development is indeed of great significance. Had it not been for your timely report, we would have remained unaware of what transpired within the Medic race until now. It appears even the Clan Elder of the Soul race is unable to perceive the measures being taken by them." As he spoke, Guo Dao's expression was grave. He glanced at Yao Ling, whose delicate face was etched with sorrow, and sighed softly. "It seems we shall need to invite the chieftains of the Yan and Lei clans as well. The Soul race's actions clearly indicate they are targeting all the ancient races. If we do not act promptly, it may well be that all of them will ultimately fall under the Soul race's influence." Xiao Yan nodded slowly. The Soul race's actions had positioned them squarely as opponents of all the ancient races. Yet, he still wondered—whose strength would ultimately prevail? Aware of the gravity of the situation, Gu Dao didn't waste any more words. After sending Ling Quan and the others back to the Ancient City, he immediately set off with Xiao Yan and Yao Ling, swiftly entering the Ancient Realm. Seated beside Guo Yuan, three elderly men with white beards and furrowed brows were present, among whom Guo Dao himself sat. From the other two, Xiao Yan sensed a vast aura no weaker than that of Guo Dao—likely the other two of the esteemed Ancient Three Immortals within the Ancient Clan. Among the many senior elders, Xiao Yan also recognized several familiar faces. Yet their gazes toward him were somewhat complex. When Xiao Yan first joined the Ancient Clan, he had only the rank of ordinary Du Zun, though strong, he was still not enough to command significant attention. Yet in just a few short years, that Du Zun had soared to the level of a Du Saint—indeed, a true Six-Star Du Saint—only one star behind the Ancient Three Immortals. In the seat to the right of the ancient Yuan, a young generation of the ancient clan sat, one graceful figure seated at the foremost position. Since Xiao Yan had appeared, her bright eyes had been fixed upon him, their gaze filled with tender emotion and warmth. This graceful figure, of course, was Xun'er. "By the way, from now on, please call me your uncle. Though I'm not sure how many generations above you I am, I've certainly got myself a daughter of this caliber." Hearing this, Xun'er's cheeks flushed instantly, while several rising young talents among the Gu clan felt a wave of disappointment—Gu Yuan's words effectively acknowledged the bond between Xiao Yan and Xun'er. "Thank you, Uncle Gu." Xiao Yan had picked up the subtle meaning behind Gu Yuan's words. It seemed his claim of having taken Xun'er's virginity hadn't escaped the sharp eyes of these seasoned elders. He felt a bit relieved—thankfully, with his current standing, even within the Gu clan, he was considered among the very best. Otherwise, he doubted he could have easily settled this matter so smoothly. He simply couldn't believe the Gu clan would hand over their prized possession, Xun'er, to someone of ordinary standing. "Let me tell you about the Herbal Clan..." Gu Yuan smiled, waving his hand as he glanced at Xiao Yan, growing more and more pleased with each passing moment. Such a remarkable young man truly deserved his daughter now. As he turned to the matter at hand, Xiao Yan's expression grew serious. He exchanged a glance with Yao Ling beside him, then paused before suddenly asking, "Have you ever heard of the Spirit-Devouring Clan?"