"Ahem, time is almost up. Let's start the banquet."
After casually sweeping his gaze across the packed hall, noticing many people watching them, Xiao Feng said this.
"Oh, right, it is time to start. This banquet is to welcome you, Xiao Feng. Please start eating first." said the Grand Elder.
Xiao Feng didn't decline. After reaching out, picking up a piece of food with his chopsticks, and eating it, the atmosphere in the hall instantly became lively.
"Come on, drink!"
"We won't stop drinking until we're drunk tonight!"
"Hahaha, drink up! Are you keeping your cup so full to raise fish?"
"..."
The clinking of glasses and cups was incessant.
After Xiao Feng drank a cup of wine offered by the Grand Elder, the Family members at the table immediately came over one after another.
Having reached his current strength, ordinary wine was no different from plain water to Xiao Feng, so he did not refuse.
Most of the Xiao Family members offered a cup, said a few complimentary words, and quickly retreated.
When the time was right, Xiao Zhan suddenly stood up, left his seat, and came to Xiao Feng's side, speaking somewhat respectfully.
"Xiao Feng, you have made many contributions to the Family's development over the years. As the Clan Chief, I offer you this cup."
Xiao Feng was a little surprised by Xiao Zhan's attitude. Hadn't this already been mentioned? Why bring it up again?
Although he was slightly surprised, Xiao Feng still raised his cup and replied, "As a member of the Family, it's what I should do. Don't worry about it. uncle Xiao Zhan ".
"No," Xiao Zhan said with a firm shake of his head. "It is because you are a Fourth-Tier Alchemist, and with your help that the Xiao Family has been able to reach where we are today."
The moment these words were spoken, a wave of shocked gasps erupted across the hall.
"Hiss… what? A Fourth-Tier Alchemist?!"
Although many people already knew that Xiao Feng had occasionally refined Fourth-Tier medicinal pills, most of them had believed that the success rate must have been extremely low.
After all, it was not unheard of for a Third-Tier Alchemist to attempt refining a Fourth-Tier pill. With great effort and some luck, they might occasionally succeed once or twice.
However, being able to refine a Fourth-Tier pill and being a genuine Fourth-Tier Alchemist were two completely different matters.
A true Fourth-Tier Alchemist meant that the person could stably refine Fourth-Tier medicinal pills with a reasonable success rate, possessing both the skill and control required for that level.
For a moment, the entire hall fell silent.
The shock on everyone's faces became even greater as they looked toward Xiao Feng.
After all, a teenage Fourth-Tier Alchemist was something they had never even dared to imagine before.
Great Master Gu Ni at the table exclaimed in shock.
It was not that Great Master Gu Ni lacked composure; it was simply that a Sixth-Rank Alchemist was too astonishing.
In the entire Jiama Empire, only Pill King Gu He was a Sixth-Rank, and there were only a handful of Fifth-Rank Alchemists below the Sixth-Rank.
In his shock, Gu Ni even wondered if this identity as a 4th-Rank Alchemist could be fake.
After thinking about it for a moment, Gu Ni realized that this must be true; after all, Xiao Feng had no reason to deceive them, as there was no benefit in doing so.
Ya Fei's sexy lips were slightly parted, and her face was full of disbelief.
A 4th-Rank Alchemist combined with the strength of a Peak Dou Grand Master expert could not be easily bullyed their Mittel Family.
The guests sitting at other tables heard Gu Ni's shout and were also shocked. The look of awe in their eyes as they looked at Xiao Feng grew even stronger.
At the same time, their envy and jealousy toward the Xiao Family were about to break through the sky. Why could the Xiao Family produce a Genius of this level, while their own families could not!
The banquet lasted for quite some time. During this period, Gu Ni, who had learned that Xiao Feng was a Fourth-Rank Alchemist, just like the leaders of the factions he had felt speechless about earlier, ran to Xiao Feng's side with an eager smile to ask various questions.
Gu Ni's questions were as simple as one plus one equals two for Xiao Feng. Xiao Feng casually gave Gu Ni some pointers, which made the smile on his face even more eager and respectful.
Ya Fei watched the usually arrogant Gu Ni turn into this, blinked her eyes, and felt very understanding in her heart.
If there hadn't been no seats left around Xiao Feng, she would have wanted to go over too.
...
Time passed bit by bit, and the banquet finally neared its end.
When it was almost over, Xiao Zhan suddenly stood up, glowing with health, and shouted: "Ahem, everyone, please be quiet. Taking advantage of the fact that all the big and small factions of Wutan City are here, our Xiao Family has an important matter to notify everyone about."
As soon as Xiao Zhan said this, the noisy hall immediately became extremely quiet.
The leaders of those factions felt that something was amiss and exchanged glances.
Xiao Zhan: "Although Wutan City is close to the Magical Beast Mountain Range and has a large population, we in the Xiao Family feel that Wutan City is too small, and there can only be one voice in the city. I wonder what you all think?"
The leaders of the various factions were not stupid and instantly understood Xiao Zhan's meaning. "This Xiao Family wants to unify Wutan City!"
In fact, the Xiao Family had long wanted to unify Wutan City; it was impossible to keep growing the Family by relying on the market business.
Then they could only start from other aspects; unifying Wutan City was very beneficial to the Xiao Family's subsequent development.
It just so happened that the top two experts in the Family were present this time, so the Xiao Family wanted to get this done directly.
After Xiao Zhan's voice fell, the masters of those factions looked at each other, not intending to speak. Although the Xiao Family had a A Fourth-Tier Alchemist expert, the stable situation that Wutan City had maintained for many years still gave them the illusion that it could actually be discussed.
After the discussions in the hall continued for some time, Xiao Feng slowly stood up from his seat.
The moment he rose, the noisy hall gradually quieted down. Everyone turned their attention toward him, waiting to hear what he had to say.
Xiao Feng glanced across the gathered crowd before speaking calmly.
"Since many families and businesses of Wutan City are present here today, I will say something clearly."
"I plan to establish a system within the city that will allow everyone to benefit together, as long as they are willing to cooperate with the Xiao Family faction."
Hearing this, the crowd immediately became attentive.
Xiao Feng continued in a steady voice.
"The main operations will focus on three areas: hunting magical beasts, forging weapons, and gathering medicinal herbs."
"Teams can be organized to hunt magical beasts in the nearby mountain ranges. The materials obtained can be used for weapon forging or sold within the faction."
"At the same time, groups can also gather medicinal herbs from the mountains and forests. These herbs will be supplied to alchemists for pill refinement."
"The Xiao Family will provide pill supply, equipment support, and trade channels. In return, those who join this system will contribute materials, labor, or skills."
"In this way, resources will circulate within the faction, and everyone involved will gain benefits."
As Xiao Feng explained further, he also mentioned several other advantages—stable trade channels, better equipment supply, and priority access to medicinal pills.
The people in the hall gradually became excited.
Such a system would allow many small businesses and independent cultivators to grow much faster than before.
Suddenly, one man stood up from the crowd and raised his hand enthusiastically.
"My Dali Weapon Shop will follow the lead of the Xiao Family from now on!" he shouted loudly.
The hall instantly turned toward him.
Xiao Feng looked at the man briefly before giving a small nod.
Without saying anything, he casually reached into his storage ring.
A moment later, two medicinal pills appeared in his hand.
With a flick of his finger, he tossed one of the pills toward the man.
The pill flew through the air and landed accurately in the man's hands.
When the man looked down at the pill, his eyes widened in shock.
It was a Three Lines Green Spirit Pill.
However, there were only two visible rings on the pill, clearly indicating its refined potency.
This meant that after consuming it, a Dou Grandmaster could advance two levels without any side effects.
The entire hall immediately fell silent.
Countless eyes stared at the pill in the man's hand with burning envy.
Meanwhile, Xiao Feng calmly placed the other pill back into a small jade bottle, as if such a precious treasure was nothing special to him.
The man holding the pill was so excited that his hands trembled.
At that moment, everyone present finally realized something clearly.
Following the Xiao Family faction might truly bring unimaginable opportunities.
Xiao Feng raised his hand slightly, signaling the crowd to calm down before continuing his speech.
"Our Xiao Family currently has two peak Second-Tier Alchemists and three First-Tier Alchemists," he said calmly.
"They will remain stationed within the clan and continuously refine medicinal pills. Therefore, there will be no shortage of First-Rank and Second-Rank pills within our faction."
Hearing this, many people in the hall began whispering excitedly.
Medicinal pills were always one of the most valuable resources for cultivators.
Xiao Feng continued speaking.
"Furthermore, some of these alchemists are already on the verge of breaking through to the Third Tier. Once they succeed, the supply of Third-Rank medicinal pills will also gradually increase in the future."
The crowd grew even more excited.
Third-Rank medicinal pills were already considered high-grade treasures in Wutan City.
"As for Fourth-Rank medicinal pills," Xiao Feng said slowly, "those will only be refined through special orders once every four months."
"If you wish to request a Fourth-Rank pill, you must provide three sets of medicinal herbs required for the pill."
"However, if you cannot gather three sets, you may still place an order with two sets of herbs, but you will need to spend additional contribution points."
At this point, many people nodded in agreement.
Such conditions were already extremely generous for a Fourth-Rank pill.
"As for Fifth-Rank pills…" Xiao Feng paused slightly before smiling faintly.
"In Wutan City, there is probably no one who even needs such a thing. For this city, Fourth-Rank pills are already the highest tier anyone can realistically use."
A wave of laughter spread through the hall.
Xiao Feng then continued with another proposal.
"In addition, if any of you have people with talent in alchemy or weapon forging, you may recommend them."
"Our Xiao Family can train them personally."
Hearing this, many people's eyes lit up.
However, Xiao Feng raised a finger.
"Of course, there are conditions."
"Anyone who receives such training must swear an oath to serve the Xiao Family faction for at least ten years."
"In addition, a Dou Qi Seal Mark will be placed on them."
Hearing this, the crowd became slightly surprised.
Xiao Feng calmly explained.
"The seal will be placed publicly, so everyone can witness it."
"It is not meant to restrict anyone's freedom. The seal will only track their location and serve as a mark showing they belong to the Xiao Family faction."
"This method prevents betrayal and ensures fairness for everyone involved."
The people in the hall exchanged glances before gradually nodding.
For those who wished to become alchemists or weapon refiners, ten years of service was not an unreasonable price.
Very few clans would even offer such opportunities.
In truth, the Dou Qi Seal technique Xiao Feng mentioned had been obtained during his time at Canaan Academy, where one of the elders had taught him the method precisely for situations like this.
With this system in place, Xiao Feng was confident that the Xiao Family faction would soon become the true center of power in Wutan City.
After that every factions shouted like
"The Medicine Shop is willing to honor the Xiao Family as the master of Wutan City."
"..."
"The Jia Lie Family..."
"The Ao Ba Family..."
In the end, even the Jia Lie Family and the Ao Ba Family joined the Xiao Family faction smoothly.
On the surface, they showed complete cooperation and respect toward Xiao Feng's system.
However, Xiao Feng naturally did not fully trust them.
In his mind, he had already formed a plan.
For the next few years, he would quietly strengthen the Xiao Family while gradually gaining control over the distribution of medicinal pills within Wutan City.
Since cultivation resources were largely dependent on pills, whoever controlled the supply would indirectly control the growth speed of the cultivators in the city.
With this advantage, Xiao Feng could slowly limit the development of the Jia Lie and Ao Ba families while allowing the Xiao Family to grow stronger.
When his own strength reached the level of Dou Ling or even Dou King within a few years, the pressure alone would be enough to make those families leave Wutan City voluntarily before they could even think of plotting anything against the Xiao Family.
After finishing these arrangements, Xiao Feng began thinking about his own cultivation plans.
His next destination was the Magical Beast Mountain Range.
Inside that vast forest, there existed a hidden cave where a fragment of the map leading to a Heavenly Flame was located.
That Heavenly Flame ranked third on the Heavenly Flame Ranking.
Thinking about the map naturally led Xiao Feng to consider another matter.
He wondered whether he might also have the chance to obtain a Strange Flame for himself in the future.
After all, possessing a Strange Flame would greatly improve both alchemy and combat strength.
From his memories, Xiao Feng knew the locations of several Strange Flames, and one of them was actually located within the Jia Ma Empire itself.
The Green Lotus Core Flame, ranked nineteenth on the Heavenly Flame Ranking.
For a moment, the thought of obtaining it flashed through his mind.
However, Xiao Feng soon shook his head.
That flame was originally Xiao Yan's first Strange Flame.
It was also one of the key opportunities that allowed Xiao Yan to rapidly grow stronger.
Without it, Xiao Yan might not have been able to defeat Nalan Yanran in their three-year agreement.
Although that event had not yet occurred, Xiao Feng did not want to interfere too much with the original flow of fate.
Furthermore, even if he tried to obtain the Green Lotus Core Flame now, there was another problem.
By the time he gathered enough strength to seize it, Queen Medusa might already have taken the flame for her own evolution.
Thinking about this, Xiao Feng decided not to pursue that flame for now.
Instead, he would focus on strengthening himself step by step, while searching for opportunities that truly belonged to him.