Chapter 398: From Failure to Genius—Is This Really Xiao Yan!?

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Bo Haidong, Xiao Yan, the Little Fairy Doctor, and others watched Elder Yao's pill-refining process, unable to suppress their admiration.

"Elder Yao's techniques are truly extraordinary, an absolute marvel," Bo Haidong remarked, his eyes glinting with deep respect for Elder Yao's skill in alchemy.

Xiao Yan frowned in concentration, a wave of reflection passing over him. "The process of refining these pills is so intricate; each step is precise. Clearly, there's still so much I need to learn."

The Little Fairy Doctor couldn't help but exclaim, "It's incredible how the flame in the furnace maintains such an exact temperature—unbelievable!"

Elder Yao's mastery in refining captivated everyone present, their eyes fixed on the furnace, unwilling to miss even the smallest change.

Elder Yao continued to focus entirely on the refinement. Though his expression remained calm, their praise filled him with satisfaction.

He glanced briefly at Shui Wuya, who sat meditating nearby, feeling an overwhelming sense of reverence and gratitude. During this time, Shui Wuya had not only offered him generous guidance but also unlocked insights that had profoundly enhanced his alchemical skill.

Elder Yao knew that any progress he had made in alchemy was entirely due to Shui Wuya's patient teaching and wisdom.

"Thank you, Senior Shui Wuya, for your guidance, which allowed me to make breakthroughs in my alchemical journey."

He conveyed his gratitude through a respectful mental transmission, his tone calm yet brimming with respect.

Shui Wuya merely nodded quietly at Elder Yao's words. Although Elder Yao was already highly skilled, his abilities could not compare to Shui Wuya's divine level. However, Shui Wuyah recognized that Elder Yao's humility and reverence would ultimately lead him to even greater heights.

Elder Yao's adept hands moved with fluid precision, and as the pill-refining process continued, a fragrant medicinal scent permeated the entire cave.

At that moment, a faint sound caught everyone's attention.

"Hm?" Elder Yao frowned, turning to look at Yun Yun, who lay on the nearby bed.

As the fragrance from the pills thickened, Yun Yun finally began to stir, her eyes slowly opening.

Her gaze was clouded with confusion, and she looked around, visibly disoriented.

Noticing her awakening, Bo Haidong's expression shifted slightly.

Recognizing her identity, he couldn't help but feel astonished—Yun Yun was the Sect Leader of the Yun Lan Sect! A person of such esteemed status, what was she doing here?

He immediately turned toward Xiao Yan, his brow furrowing.

Over this time, Bo Haidong had learned about Xiao Yan and his three-year agreement with Nalan Yanran. Yun Yun was, after all, Nalan Yanran's mentor, making her a natural enemy of Xiao Yan!

"Xiao Yan!" Bo Haidong said, his voice tense. "Be careful; she's the Sect Leader of Yun Lan Sect. You two have a bit of history."

Xiao Yan, however, appeared unfazed. He smiled faintly and said, "It's fine. I already know her identity."

Initially, he hadn't realized who Yun Yun was, but while taking care of her, he had noticed the insignia at her waist, revealing her to be Nalan Yanran's mentor.

The atmosphere in the cave grew tense. Yun Yun, now fully awake, glanced around warily, her gaze vigilant and alert.

"Where am I?" she asked in a low, wary tone, her eyes sharp with caution.

Xiao Yan and the others exchanged glances. The Little Fairy Doctor stepped forward, offering a gentle smile. "Hello, I'm the Little Fairy Doctor. We found you unconscious outside the cave. It was Xiao Yan who brought you here."

Hearing this, Yun Yun's expression softened slightly. She recalled the moment she lost her strength and fell into the river, feeling a surge of disorientation.

"It was you." Her gaze settled on Xiao Yan. "You're the one who saved me?"

Xiao Yan nodded with a slight smile. "Yes."

The Little Fairy Doctor elaborated, "He saw you fall into the river and immediately jumped in to pull you out."

Upon hearing Xiao Yan's name, Yun Yun's brows furrowed subtly. She recognized it—Xiao Yan, the youth from the Xiao Clan of Wu Tan City.

"You're Xiao Yan from Wu Tan City?" she asked, a hint of surprise in her voice.

Xiao Yan nodded again, sensing the complex emotions in her eyes. He knew Yun Yun was Nalan Yanran's mentor, and their connection spoke volumes.

Yun Yun felt a wave of astonishment; she hadn't expected to be saved by her disciple's adversary.

Reflecting on it, she thought it was almost absurd—the very person she was facing these dangers for, seeking the Amethyst Source to help her disciple, was now the enemy who had saved her. Was there anything more ironic?

Despite the inner turmoil, Yun Yun turned to Xiao Yan with sincere gratitude. "I am truly thankful, Xiao Yan. I will find a way to repay you."

Xiao Yan shook his head with a smile. "There's no need to repay me. I didn't save you with that expectation."

Yun Yun was moved by his words; his magnanimity heightened her respect for him. For someone so selfless, her admiration only deepened. She looked at him thoughtfully, her view of him beginning to shift.

As she took stock of herself, Yun Yun realized that her injuries were not as severe as she'd initially thought, which puzzled her.

The Little Fairy Doctor noticed Yun Yun's confusion and quickly explained, "Xiao Yan gave you a Soul-Calming Pill to help heal you and lift the seal. It took a lot of effort to refine it."

Saved with such a rare pill—one that Xiao Yan himself had crafted?

Yun Yun felt a rush of both surprise and gratitude, unprepared for such attentiveness from Xiao Yan.

Yet alongside this gratitude, she began to worry about her disciple, Nalan Yanran. She could sense that Xiao Yan's strength had already reached the rank of Dou Shi. Such rapid progress left her wondering if her disciple would stand a chance against Xiao Yan in their promised duel three years from now.

Yun Yun's brow furrowed, struggling to comprehend the scene before her. In her memory, Xiao Yan was just an unremarkable youth dismissed by others as talentless—how could he have advanced so astonishingly?

Her gaze shifted, and she happened to glance at Bo Haidong, who stood nearby.

"Lord Ice Emperor, could it be that you are Xiao Yan's mentor?" Yun Yun asked, her tone laced with disbelief.

Bo Haidong shook his head slightly, his voice calm and resonant. "No, I am not worthy to be called this boy's mentor. Xiao Yan's teacher is my master."

Yun Yun's eyes widened in shock. "Lord Ice Emperor, your master…" Her voice quivered.

She understood the power that the Ice Emperor held. But the notion of the Ice Emperor's own master—what kind of unparalleled strength would that entail?

(End of Chapter)