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When Shui Wuya suggested that Xiao Yan infiltrate the treasure vaults of the Oba and Jiale families, Xiao Yan couldn't help but feel both shocked and hesitant.
These two families had a long history of tyranny and had clashed with his father on multiple occasions, making them lifelong enemies of his family.
Naturally, Xiao Yan was eager to rob them.
"But... the Oba and Jiale families have heavily guarded vaults. They're not easy targets. How could I pull this off?" Xiao Yan frowned as he spoke.
However, Shui Wuya remained unwavering and replied, "If you want to succeed, there's no need to worry.
Whether or not you dare to go depends on you."
Yao Lao immediately voiced his support, saying, "Disciple, as long as you go, I'll help you make it happen."
After a brief moment of contemplation, Xiao Yan looked at Yao Lao and Shui Wuya's determined expressions. The hesitation in his heart gradually faded, replaced by a firm resolve.
"I'll go. Since Master is willing to help me, of course I dare to go."
Xiao Yan voiced his decision, his eyes gleaming with determination.
Seeing this, Shui Wuya revealed a trace of satisfaction, and Yao Lao also nodded approvingly.
"Good, then prepare yourself. We'll set out tonight."
Shui Wuyai's tone was calm, as if everything had already been decided.
Upon hearing this, a surge of excitement and nervousness filled Xiao Yan's heart.
If not for this mysterious master, he might never have entertained such a bold idea.
But as a man, what was there to fear?
Just do it!
Before long, the auction had come to an end.
After it finished, Xiao Yan waited for the proprietress to arrive. His emotions were a mix of anticipation and excitement.
Soon, the proprietress appeared at the door of his private room, her face wearing a respectful smile as she handed Xiao Yan his share of the earnings.
"Senior, please accept your share. In the future, should the opportunity arise, we hope to continue working together."
The proprietress spoke respectfully.
Xiao Yan nodded and accepted the earnings, maintaining a calm and composed demeanor.
Afterward, with the proprietress seeing him off respectfully, Xiao Yan left the Treasure Pavilion.
Counting the large sum of gold coins he had received, Xiao Yan felt an overwhelming sense of excitement.
This was the kind of wealth he had never owned before. From now on, he could make money independently.
Afterward, Xiao Yan hurried to the market, ready to buy a large quantity of herbs to continue refining pills.
The market's alleyways were bustling with activity. Stalls and shops were filled with a dazzling array of herbs.
He entered a herbal shop, where various herbs were displayed on wooden shelves, emitting a faint fragrance.
Standing in front of the counter, Xiao Yan scanned the herbs on display, feeling a sense of anticipation.
A kind-looking shopkeeper approached and greeted Xiao Yan with a bow, "Senior, what kind of herbs are you looking for? We have everything you might need."
Xiao Yan smiled and nodded, signaling for the shopkeeper to make some recommendations.
"I need high-quality herbs for refining advanced pills."
The shopkeeper immediately began enthusiastically introducing the various herbs and their uses.
"This herb is ideal for refining pills that boost spiritual power. What do you think?" The shopkeeper handed over a crystal-clear herb.
Xiao Yan took the herb, carefully examining it and sensing the spiritual energy it radiated. He nodded in satisfaction.
"This one is good. I'll take it."
The shopkeeper, delighted, continued to introduce more herbs.
"These herbs serve as the base ingredients for pill refining and can enhance the quality of the pills."
As Xiao Yan listened, he carefully selected the herbs, his passion for pill refining growing stronger.
After finishing his shopping, Xiao Yan left the herbal shop with a bag full of herbs, ready to continue his journey.
The shopkeeper respectfully saw Xiao Yan off, saying, "Senior, take care. If you need anything, feel free to return."
Xiao Yan smiled and nodded. "Thank you for your help. I'll definitely be back."
Afterward, Xiao Yan returned to his residence and began organizing and sorting the herbs he had purchased.
His heart was filled with anticipation and excitement as he prepared to continue refining pills.
Just as he was about to start, a servant from the Xiao family hurriedly arrived to inform him that the patriarch, Xiao Zhan, had urgent business and wanted to see him.
Xiao Yan immediately set aside the herbs and followed the servant to the Xiao family's main hall.
Inside the hall, Xiao Zhan sat in the chief seat, his expression serious yet filled with concern as he watched Xiao Yan enter.
Without hesitation, he asked, "Son, how has your cultivation been going lately?"
Xiao Yan clasped his fists and replied, "Father, I've recently broken through to the fourth stage of Dou Qi."
Xiao Zhan was momentarily stunned, then his face showed a look of surprise.
The other elders in the hall were equally shocked. They all knew Xiao Yan's previous physical condition and hadn't expected him to make such rapid progress.
One of the elders questioned skeptically, "Did you really break through?"
Xiao Yan sneered and replied bluntly, "Of course, it's real."
Some of the elders remained doubtful, thinking Xiao Yan might be bluffing.
To settle the matter, Xiao Zhan decided to personally witness it and led the group of elders to the testing monument in the backyard.
Xiao Yan stood before the monument, surrounded by the elders of the Xiao family, all eyes focused on him.
Closing his eyes, he quickly circulated his Dou Qi within, gathering it to the surface of his body like a blue flame burning intensely.
As the Dou Qi concentrated, a powerful aura began to emanate from Xiao Yan, as if he were standing in the eye of a storm.
His body trembled slightly, and the surrounding air quivered in response to the energy surging inside him.
Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he worked to control his Dou Qi, pushing it toward an ideal state.
At that moment, his body seemed to grow stronger, muscles subtly swelling, as if ready to unleash a shocking force at any second.
Suddenly, a surge of powerful Dou Qi erupted from Xiao Yan, shooting straight into the sky.
The Dou Qi was almost tangible, glowing with a blue light that gave the impression of boundless energy contained within.
The elders stood in disbelief, watching as Xiao Yan demonstrated the overwhelming strength of his breakthrough to the fourth stage of Dou Qi.
They could feel the powerful aura emanating from him—a presence vastly different from before, brimming with strength.
"This... this is real!"
"He really has reached the fourth stage of Dou Qi!" one elder exclaimed in awe.
The crowd was stunned, exchanging glances. Some showed joy at Xiao Yan's achievement, while others remained skeptical.
One elder furrowed his brow and muttered quietly, "Impossible, his body was clearly..."
"Enough!"
Seeing the scene, Xiao Zhan was both astonished and overjoyed. He knew exactly what his son's progress meant.
Raising his hand to calm the crowd, he smiled slightly and said, "Alright, this test is over for now.
Yan'er, your progress makes us all very proud."
Xiao Yan glanced deeply at the elders, pride swelling in his chest, though he knew this was only the beginning of his journey on the path of cultivation.
(End of Chapter)