"What? The medicinal ingredients are all destroyed? What about the Second Elder? Where is he?" In the main hall, an angry roar nearly shook the roof.
"The Second Elder is gone... the Jia Lie family has also withdrawn from the market..."
The crowd in the hall fell silent, and their gazes turned toward Xiao Zhan. His face was a mask of cold fury as he stood at the head of the table. The teacup in his hand was already shattered, but he didn't seem to notice.
"The Jia Lie family..." Xiao Zhan's voice was low and dangerous. "They think they can destroy us like this?"
"Father, calm down." Xiao Yan's voice cut through the tension. He stood with his hands behind his back, a faint smile on his face. "The Jia Lie family is already finished. They've lost everything."
Xiao Zhan looked at his son, a hint of confusion in his eyes. "What do you mean?"
"The Jia Lie family has been buying up all our medicinal ingredients at inflated prices," Xiao Yan explained calmly. "But they've been using a special method that I taught them—one that makes the ingredients useless after a few days. They've destroyed their own stockpile."
The hall erupted in murmurs. The elders exchanged stunned glances. This was a masterful counter-strategy—one that had turned the Jia Lie family's own tactics against them.
"The Jia Lie family is finished," Xiao Yan continued. "And once word gets out, no one will dare to cross the Xiao Clan again."
Xiao Zhan stared at his son for a long moment, then a slow smile spread across his face. "Good... very good." He turned to the elders. "Prepare for a counter-attack. We'll crush the Jia Lie family once and for all."
The elders nodded, their spirits high. The Xiao Clan had finally turned the tables.
---
Later that evening, Xiao Yan stood alone in his room, gazing out at the moonlit courtyard. Yao Lao's voice echoed in his mind.
"You've done well, boy," the old alchemist said. "The Jia Lie family won't recover from this."
Xiao Yan nodded. "It's only the beginning. There are still many battles ahead."
"Indeed," Yao Lao agreed. "And you'll need to be stronger for what's coming. The Nalan Yanran won't wait forever."
Xiao Yan's jaw tightened. "I know. That's why I'm going to train harder than ever."
He closed his eyes, and the Dou Qi within his body began to swirl. The familiar sensation of power surged through him, and he felt his strength growing with each passing moment.
"Your talent is extraordinary," Yao Lao murmured. "In time, you'll surpass even the greatest masters on the Dou Qi continent."
Xiao Yan smiled faintly. "I hope so."
The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver glow over the courtyard. Xiao Yan stood there for hours, lost in thought. The battle with the Jia Lie family was over, but the war with Nalan Yanran was just beginning. And this time, he wouldn't back down.
The next morning, Xiao Yan was surprised to find the courtyard bustling with activity. The clan members were gathered in groups, chattering excitedly.
"What's going on?" he asked a passing guard.
"Jia Nan Academy's recruitment team has arrived!" the guard replied, his eyes shining with excitement.
Xiao Yan's eyebrows rose. Jia Nan Academy—one of the most prestigious institutions on the Dou Qi continent. Their recruitment would draw young talents from all over the region.
"Interesting," he murmured. "I wonder who they'll find."
He walked toward the main gate, where a crowd had already gathered. A group of men and women in blue robes stood at the entrance, their expressions calm and professional. They were clearly the Academy's instructors.
Xiao Yan watched from a distance, his mind turning. Jia Nan Academy could be useful—if not for himself, then for the Xiao Clan. A few talented disciples in the Academy would secure the clan's future.
"Xiao Yan!" a familiar voice called.
He turned to see Xiao Yu approaching, a smile on her face. "The Academy's here! Isn't it exciting?"
Xiao Yan nodded. "It is. Though I'm not sure how many from our clan will qualify."
"Oh, I'm sure there are a few," Xiao Yu said with a wink. "Maybe even you."
Xiao Yan chuckled. "I doubt it. My priorities lie elsewhere."
Xiao Yu's smile faded slightly. "You mean with Nalan Yanran?"
Xiao Yan's expression hardened. "She made a promise. And I intend to make her keep it."
Xiao Yu studied him for a moment, then sighed. "You're really going through with this, aren't you?"
"To the end," Xiao Yan said, his voice quiet but firm.
Xiao Yu nodded, a mixture of admiration and concern in her eyes. "Then I wish you luck, cousin."
"Thank you."
The two stood in silence, watching the Academy instructors interact with the clan members. The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: Xiao Yan would not rest until he had proven himself.
---
As the day wore on, Xiao Yan returned to his room. He sat on his bed, his mind focused on the challenges ahead. The Jia Lie family was defeated, but Nalan Yanran still loomed like a shadow over his future.
"Yao Lao," he said aloud. "I need to get stronger. Much stronger."
"I know," the old alchemist replied. "And I will help you. But you must be patient. The path to mastery is long and difficult."
Xiao Yan nodded. "I understand."
He closed his eyes once more, and the Dou Qi within him began to circulate. With each breath, he felt his strength growing, his control becoming more refined. The road ahead was fraught with peril, but he was ready to face it head-on.
Outside, the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and gold. Xiao Yan sat in his room, a determined look on his face. The battle with Nalan Yanran was still far off, but when the time came, he would be ready.
And when that day arrived, he would make her regret ever looking down on him.
His eyes narrowed, and a cold smile played on his lips. "Nalan Yanran," he whispered. "You thought you could crush me? You were wrong."
The night deepened, and the moon rose high above the courtyard. Xiao Yan continued his training, his resolve unwavering. The future was his to shape, and he would not let anyone stand in his way.
---
The next morning, Xiao Yan was already awake when the sun began to rise. He had spent the entire night cultivating, and his body hummed with energy. His Dou Qi had grown noticeably stronger overnight.
Yao Lao's voice echoed in his mind. "You've made good progress. At this rate, you'll be ready for whatever comes next."
Xiao Yan smiled. "I hope so."
He stood up and stretched, then walked to the window. The courtyard was quiet, the clan members still asleep. The Jia Lie family was finished, and the Xiao Clan was safe—for now.
But Xiao Yan knew that peace was temporary. Nalan Yanran would return, and when she did, he would be ready.
"Three years," he murmured. "Three years until the promise is fulfilled."
He clenched his fists, his eyes burning with determination. He would not fail. He could not fail.
The sun climbed higher, and the courtyard began to stir. Xiao Yan turned from the window, a determined look on his face. The day had begun, and with it, a new chapter in his life.
He would train harder than ever before. He would push his limits, break through his boundaries, and become stronger than he had ever imagined. For himself, for the Xiao Clan, and for the promise he had made.
And when the time came to face Nalan Yanran, he would make sure she knew one thing: her eyesight was pretty bad.