After Zi Yan left, Xun'er asked softly, while the others glanced at her with curiosity.
"You weren't mistaken. Her name is Zi Yan, and she is the mysterious strong ranking number one in the Inner Academy," Xiao Jietian explained.
Xun'er and the others were shocked.
"That little girl is the number one on the strong ranking? And she's so young… how is that even possible?"
Hu Jia's jaw dropped in disbelief, and the others took some time to process the revelation—it was like a bolt from the blue.
Xiao Jietian smiled softly at their astonished expressions.
"She only appears small, but she's incredibly powerful. All of you together wouldn't be enough to defeat her. As for the reason behind her strength, it's not convenient for me to say."
Hu Jia, Xiao Yan, and the others exchanged looks of disbelief.
At that moment, a Pan Gate member responsible for guarding the entrance entered and respectfully addressed them:
"Gate Master, Elders, someone claiming to be from the Medicine Gang is here. Their Gang Master has something important to discuss with you."
"Tell him we'll be there shortly," Xiao Jietian said.
After the member left, Hu Jia commented, "It seems our recent pill sales have alarmed them. Previously, the Inner Academy's pills were monopolized by the Medicine Gang, but now Pan Gate has made a significant impact—they can't just sit still."
Every batch of Pan Gate pills was immediately snapped up, and some buyers even pre-ordered them at higher prices.
The Clear Spirit Pill was especially popular, allowing cultivators to extend their training time in the Qi Refining Tower. Over time, this gave Pan Gate's customers a considerable advantage.
Xiao Jietian turned to Xiao Yan.
"Xiao Yan Zi, it looks like we have some work to do. Let's pay them a visit. How free we'll be afterward depends on this."
"Their Gang Master, Han Xian, is a Rank 4 Alchemist. Since they still dare to come here even after I revealed my strength, they probably want to have an alchemy duel with us," Xiao Jietian added.
"Crash their place? Compete in alchemy? I like it!" Xiao Yan's dry lips curled into a grin.
With Xiao Jietian's support, Xiao Yan had transformed from secretive to a completely reckless, battle-hungry warrior. His new motto: "I only have one life, so I'll go all out."
"Xiao Yan Zi, get your equipment ready," Xiao Jietian instructed.
Xiao Yan immediately took out his Rank 4 Alchemist attire and put it on.
Xiao Jietian, however, chose not to wear his Tier-5 Alchemist attire, fearing it would reveal too much and reduce the benefits he could gain.
Xun'er gently adjusted Xiao Jietian's clothes and said, "The Medicine Gang going against the two of you probably has the worst luck in eight lifetimes."
The others watched their affectionate interaction and couldn't help feeling like they were being showered with dog food.
Xiao Jietian and Xiao Yan left the hall, heading toward the Medicine Gang's station.
Along the way, they competed in movement techniques. Xiao Yan, having learned the Three Thousand Lightning Movement, still couldn't beat Xiao Jietian's Void Piercer Art—a conceptual skill from the small Wind and Thunder Pavilion.
Xiao Jietian had planned to teach it to Xiao Yan, but Xiao Yan refused, saying he would repay him later.
They arrived at the Medicine Gang's station in twenty minutes.
During the journey, they heard the latest news from the Inner Academy:
Fu Ao's cultivation was completely ruined due to internal issues in the Heavenly Flame Training Pagoda, resulting in meridian reversal.
Bai Shan, during his breakthrough, suffered repeated setbacks and bullying, which caused him to develop inner demons, ultimately becoming disoriented and insane.
Both were eventually expelled from the academy.
Looking at the luxurious and spacious Medicine Gang station, Xiao Yan couldn't hide his envy.
"As expected of a force composed purely of Alchemists—they're really popular," he remarked.
"Indeed. Looks like we can make a big haul here today," Xiao Jietian said with a sinister smile.
At the door, a Medicine Gang disciple asked, "Are you the Demon King and Vice Gate Master Xiao Yan?"
Xiao Jietian nodded lightly.
"Please come in. Our Gang Master is already waiting for you," the disciple said, leading them inside.
Inside, Han Xian noticed Xiao Yan's Rank 4 Alchemist attire and grew slightly serious. Seeing Xiao Jietian wasn't wearing Alchemist robes, he internally relaxed, thinking, "He must not be high-ranked, so he can't show off."
"Please take a seat. Gate Master Xiao is truly a young talent—a Dou Wang expert at eighteen, which I admire greatly," Han Xian said with a veiled tone of warning.
Xiao Jietian caught the subtle threat and sneered inwardly, thinking, "You'll have something to cry about soon."
"Presumably, you know why I've summoned you here?" Han Xian asked, faintly smiling.
Xiao Jietian nodded.
"The sale of pills has always been dominated by our Medicine Gang. Your Pan Gate sales have affected us," Han Xian said with a hint of displeasure.
"What? Does the Inner Academy have a rule that only your gang can sell pills?" Xiao Jietian asked casually, resting his hand on the table with a faint smile.
"No such rule exists. The Inner Academy allows free pill trading," Han Xian replied.
"However, your Pan Gate sales have impacted our interests. That's why I invited you here—to resolve this."
"So, how does Gang Master Han plan to resolve it? Will we duel in the Arena? I can allow all of you to come at once," Xiao Jietian asked, exchanging glances with Xiao Yan.
Han Xian's expression changed. Xiao Jietian was a Dou Wang, and the Medicine Gang consisted of low-ranked Alchemists—none of them could withstand even a single strike from him.
"Gate Master Xiao is joking. Our dispute concerns pills, so naturally, it should be settled through an alchemy duel. Do you dare to accept?" Han Xian asked confidently.
"Compete in alchemy?" Xiao Yan repeated in surprise, glancing at Xiao Jietian.
"That's right. We are all Alchemists. Fighting with weapons would be undignified," Han Xian continued calmly.
He added stakes for the competition:
If Pan Gate loses, they cannot sell pills in the Inner Academy and must hand over the formulas.
If Medicine Gang loses, Pan Gate will gain five of their most prosperous trading points.
Xiao Jietian shook his head. These terms were too small—he was here for a much bigger goal.
Seeing this, Han Xian sneered, thinking Xiao Jietian was intimidated.
"Is Gate Master Xiao afraid?" he asked, with disdain in his voice.
Xiao Jietian ignored the taunt, smiled faintly, and said loudly,
"Not at all. I just think this wager is too small. If we're going to play, let's play big."
Han Xian was slightly taken aback. He hadn't expected Xiao Jietian to say this and couldn't hide the hint of doubt in his heart.
Xiao Jietian then sat upright, his gaze fixed on Han Xian, and began speaking words that would shock him.