Chapter 115: What Level Are You At, Daring to Compete with Me in Alchemy?
Xiao Yan's words plunged the entire banquet into a stunned silence, broken only by the sound of labored breathing.
"Xiao Yan, are you serious?" Before Yun Po Tian could speak, Yun Shan eagerly pressed for confirmation.
If Yun Po Tian could be fully revived, he would once again be a true Dou Zun. Just having one Dou Zun in the sect would elevate the Yun Lan Sect back to the ranks of the Northwest Continent's elite powers.
"It's a bit difficult right now, but within three years, I'm confident I can fully revive Elder Yun," Xiao Yan said after a moment of thought.
In three years, he would have likely obtained the Green Lotus Core Flame and Fallen Heart Flame. He might even acquire additional Heavenly Flames. With the devouring of these flames, his strength would increase rapidly he might even reach the Dou Zun realm himself.
According to the records in Flame Mantra, possessing more than three Heavenly Flames would grant him extraordinary abilities, including the potential to resurrect someone.
Even without relying on his own power, Xiao Yan knew the Xiao Clan possessed resources and methods capable of reviving someone. The only issue was achieving a perfect fusion of soul and body. He suspected that the Yin Yang Evil Saint was currently undergoing such a process with the help of the Xiao Clan leader.
"If you can truly help me regain my body, Xiao Yan, I will owe you a debt I can never repay. From now on, my life is yours," Yun Po Tian said, clasping his fists and bowing deeply, despite being a mere soul.
Seeing this, the elders of the Yun Lan Sect quickly stood and followed suit, bowing to Xiao Yan.
If Xiao Yan could restore Yun Po Tian, the entire sect would ascend to unparalleled heights. Their backer would shift from a Dou Huang to a Dou Zun an incredible leap.
Xiao Yan remained silent, his gaze shifting to Yun Yun and her disciple, Nalan Yanran.
Yun Yun was about to express her gratitude when Xiao Yan leaned closer and whispered, "Something more practical would be nice."
"What do you mean by practical?" Yun Yun asked, her expression uneasy.
"Shouldn't you throw yourself into my arms and offer yourself as thanks?" Xiao Yan teased with a sly grin.
"Xiao Yan, I owe you a debt I can never repay, but "
Before Yun Yun could finish, Xiao Yan interrupted her.
"Play the music, and let the dancing continue!" Xiao Yan laughed heartily, and the celebratory atmosphere of the banquet resumed.
The mood grew even more festive. Everyone present elders, disciples, and sect elites understood that the future of the Yun Lan Sect was now brighter than ever.
The only ones who felt out of place were Gu He and his disciple, Liu Ling.
"Teacher, I can't stand it anymore!" Liu Ling said through gritted teeth, glaring at Xiao Yan as he entertained Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran.
Gu He remained silent, sitting stiffly. However, when he saw Xiao Yan take Yun Yun's hand, his composure finally broke.
"Xiao Yan, don't you think you've gone too far?" Gu He's voice, though calm, carried suppressed anger. It spread through the square, instantly silencing the lively crowd.
"Gu He, Xiao Yan is a great benefactor of the Yun Lan Sect. Watch your words," Yun Shan said sharply, a glint of coldness in his eyes.
Gu He was a skilled alchemist Yun Shan had personally recruited into the sect. Thanks to the sect's resources, Gu He had become the Jia Ma Empire's premier alchemist, contributing significantly to the Yun Lan Sect.
Yun Shan had always treated him with respect, but the current situation was different. Gu He's behavior could upset Xiao Yan, and Yun Shan wasn't about to let that happen, regardless of past ties.
Gu He's expression darkened at Yun Shan's rebuke, but his long standing feelings for Yun Yun outweighed his rationality. Seeing her treated so casually by Xiao Yan ignited his anger.
"Xiao Yan, I admit you've done much for the Yun Lan Sect. But please show some respect to Sect Master Yun," Gu He said, ignoring Yun Shan's warning and staring directly at Xiao Yan.
"Who are you?" Xiao Yan asked, feigning confusion as he looked at the middle aged man.
"I am Gu He, the chief alchemist of the Yun Lan Sect. As a gentleman, you should refrain from pestering Sect Master Yun," Gu He said, his voice tinged with both tension and indignation.
"Oh, you're Gu He?" Xiao Yan glanced at him dismissively. "So, you're Yun Yun's devoted follower."
With a cold laugh, Xiao Yan added, "I'm no gentleman, Gu He. Let me make it clear: I like Yun Yun. What are you going to do about it?"
"You!" Gu He's face flushed with anger.
"If you're truly a man, you shouldn't force a woman into such a position."
"What I do is none of your concern, little six tier alchemist. I suggest you sit down and stay out of this," Xiao Yan said, his tone mocking.
"Six tier alchemist or not, your words are insulting. You may be young and talented, but don't underestimate us alchemists," Gu He said, his face red with frustration.
For years, his status as a six tier alchemist had brought him both respect and admiration. Yet here he was, treated like a nobody by a teenage boy.
"Gu He, that's enough!" Yun Shan's voice was laced with killing intent. If Gu He jeopardized his plans, Yun Shan wouldn't hesitate to eliminate him.
"Six tier alchemist? At your age, you're still only at the sixth tier? Pathetic," Xiao Yan said casually. "I reached the seventh tier long ago."
The square fell into stunned silence once more.
A sixteen year old Dou Huang was shocking enough, but now Xiao Yan was claiming to be a seventh tier alchemist?
"Impossible! I don't believe it!" Gu He shouted, his voice tinged with desperation. "There's no way someone your age could reach the seventh tier!"
"Care to test your skills against mine?" Gu He demanded, as if clinging to a final shred of hope.
"You want to compete with me in alchemy?" Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow, about to respond dismissively. But then he noticed the expectant looks on Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran's faces.
With a sigh, he muttered, "Well, it seems you're determined to give me an opportunity to shine."
Turning back to Gu He, Xiao Yan smirked. "If you're so eager to lose, then I'll grant your wish."
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