Chapter 38: "If I Don't Enter Hell, Who Will?"
Medicine Elder's eyes were slightly hollow, his eye sockets sunken, giving him the look of someone completely drained.
"Sigh..." He let out a deep sigh and took out a Six Flavored Earth Emperor Pill from his storage ring, popping it into his mouth.
"Dan Tower has organized a youth class. Are you interested in joining?" he asked after recovering slightly, his gaze landing on Xiao Yan.
"Playing with a bunch of brats? No thanks."
Xiao Yan rolled his eyes. With his mental age, the idea of mingling with "kids" held no appeal.
After years of being the leader of children in the Xiao Realm, he was long tired of such roles. What he really yearned for now was the warm, soft embrace of a mature, intelligent older sister preferably someone who could make him want to never leave her arms.
"This youth class gathers Dan Tower's top tier alchemists. They can pass on valuable experiences that even the Xiao Clan and Medicine Clan might not have. One or two might not be much, but over time, it could significantly benefit you."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan's eyes lit up. While in the Xiao Clan, he had focused more on cultivating Dou Qi than perfecting his alchemical skills.
Although his soul realm had reached the level of a seven tier alchemist, thanks to secret soul techniques, his alchemy accomplishments had not progressed as much.
Exchanging knowledge with Dan Tower's alchemists could undoubtedly help him reach the seventh tier more quickly and lay a solid foundation for his future as an alchemist.
Before Xiao Yan could respond, Medicine Elder added, "Oh, by the way, the girls from the Cao and Dan families will be attending too."
"Huh?" Xiao Yan's eyes sparkled, his mind already envisioning a scene where he sat in class, one arm around Cao Ying and the other around Dan Chen.
Back in his previous life as a university student, he'd fantasized about such scenarios but, being a poor and shy student, had never even had a girlfriend in four years.
"I think alchemists should always be eager to learn from one another. Broaden your horizons. It's a good thing," Xiao Yan said, his expression earnest and reverent.
"I knew it..." Medicine Elder sighed again, patting Xiao Yan on the shoulder. "My dear disciple, beauty is as dangerous as a wolf or tiger. Accumulating too much 'romantic debt' is never a good idea."
"It's fine." Xiao Yan shook his head solemnly. "As Buddha said: If I don't enter hell, who will? Let me bear the burning fires of worldly desire."
"Who's Buddha?"
"A sage."
"The Xiao Clan sure has many saintly figures," Medicine Elder remarked wistfully.
At the Dan family estate, Dan Yangzi strolled enthusiastically toward his granddaughter's courtyard.
He was in a good mood lately. First, the prodigy Xiao Yan of the Xiao Clan had shown interest in his granddaughter. Then, Dan Tower's council of elders had decided to offer their guidance to young alchemists, which would undoubtedly benefit Dan Chen's journey as an alchemist.
"If Chen'er can win over that Xiao Clan prodigy, we'll have a dragon among men as a son in law," he thought, optimistic about a double dose of good fortune.
But as he entered, he found his granddaughter sitting on the steps, dazed. Her soft, pale face carried an absent expression, her hair still adorned with a Stellar Violet Jasmine.
"Chen'er, what are you thinking about?" Dan Yangzi asked warmly as he approached her.
"Grandfather, Xiao Yan said he wants me to be his... his little wife..." Dan Chen's troubled face tilted upward as she looked at him, her tone distressed. "What should I do?"
"Huh? That Xiao Clan prodigy is this proactive? My granddaughter's charm is impressive!" Dan Yangzi's face broke into a proud smile, but it quickly stiffened.
"Wait, little wife? Does that mean he wants a big wife too?"
Three days later, on the first floor of Dan Tower, Xuan Kongzi stood before a group of bright faced young alchemists with a warm smile.
These were the future of the continent's alchemy world.
The youth class consisted of eighty six participants. The youngest was a chubby boy named Shi Hao, who loved drinking beast milk and whose grandfather was a seventh tier elder of Dan Tower. His name and peculiar hobby often reminded Xiao Yan of a certain domineering figure in ancient history.
The oldest was Ye Zhong, the eldest grandson of the declining Ye family. Barely able to refine fifth tier pills, he carried an air of seriousness and worry, bearing the weight of revitalizing his family.
The class was led by Xuan Kongzi as the head instructor, with Tian Leizi as the discipline officer. Medicine Elder and Xuan Yi served as honorary chief lecturers, and several eighth tier alchemists joined as guest lecturers.
The lineup was nothing short of luxurious.
"Xiao Yan," Xuan Kongzi said, addressing the young prodigy. "Among these students, your Dou Qi cultivation is the highest, and your alchemy skills are the most advanced. Would you like to serve as the class monitor?"
"Xuan Kongzi, sir, I'm used to a carefree life. I'm not suited to the role of class monitor. I believe Ye Zhong is older and more responsible. He'd be a better choice," Xiao Yan replied unexpectedly.
Xuan Kongzi was slightly surprised but nodded after a moment. "Very well, Ye Zhong will serve as class monitor."
"Thank you, Head Instructor!" Ye Zhong bowed deeply, his expression filled with gratitude.
"There's no need to thank me," Xuan Kongzi said with a faint smile. "As the class monitor, I hope you'll take on the responsibilities that come with the title. Everyone, take a rest. Classes officially start tomorrow. Don't be late."
With that, he vanished, followed by the other instructors.
As Xiao Yan was leaving, Ye Zhong approached him.
"Xiao Yan, I must thank you for today. If there's ever an opportunity to repay you, I will not hesitate."
Xiao Yan waved him off with a grin. "No need to thank me. If you have a pretty sister or cousin, just introduce her to me."
Ye Zhong hesitated before saying, "If my younger sister Xinlan weren't so young, I'd have introduced her to you right away."
"That's fine. I can wait two years."
Ye Zhong froze, his smile becoming awkward. "Xiao Yan, you sure know how to joke!"
Nearby, Cao Ying, dressed in vibrant red, scoffed as she approached. "Scoundrel."
"Recovered already?" Xiao Yan greeted her warmly, ignoring her frosty demeanor.
"I'm fine," Cao Ying said coolly. "See you tomorrow."
Watching her lithe, enchanting figure walk away, Xiao Yan chuckled. "What a feisty girl."
After seeing Ye Zhong off, Xiao Yan noticed Dan Chen peeking at him from a distance, her face pale with a mix of fear and frustration.
(To be continued...)
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