Battle Through the Heavens: Xiao Yan, I am your second master.

Fama opened the door and gestured for Xiao Ting to come in.

"You two wait outside, give me the things," Xiao Ting said to the two Xiao family disciples behind him.

"Yes!"

Xiao Ting carried an exquisite wooden box inside, and after he entered, Fa Ma closed the door.

"Let's go down and wait," Fa Ma said to the two Xiao family disciples.

The three then left.

The room's decor was unique. Unlike the luxurious exterior, the Alchemist Guild Master's room was surprisingly simple, with a distinctly antique feel.

An old man in a gray robe sat cross-legged in the center of the room. In front of him was a rather large medicine cauldron, which still had some red stains, indicating that it had just been used. A strong medicinal fragrance lingered in the air.

"President Wang, are you refining medicine? Am I disturbing you? If I am, I would be very sorry to have disturbed you." Xiao Ting bowed to President Wang.

"Hehe, no, I finished refining the pills before you came. I was just about to rest for a while before continuing. You arrived at the right time. So, what is it?"

The gray-robed old man said with a smile. He did not have the arrogant aura of an ordinary alchemist; on the contrary, he was very easygoing.

"President Wang, this is a small gift, please accept it." Xiao Ting handed the wooden box forward.

President Wang glanced at it, then channeled his fighting spirit into his hand, drawing the wooden box towards him. He opened it and took a look.

"Wow! Cleansing Grass! One of the main ingredients for refining the top-grade sixth-rank pill, Soul Cleansing Pill. Also, two fifth-rank beast cores. Hmm, not bad. Tell me, what kind of pill do you want to refine, the Spirit Battle Pill or something else?"

Chairman Wang did not accept the wooden box, after all, he was curious about why Xiao Ting had taken out these good things.

Xiao Ting cupped his hands in greeting to Chairman Wang: "Please, Chairman Wang, refine a Qi Gathering Powder. I have already prepared the medicinal materials."

"Huh? Qi Gathering Powder? That's it?" President Wang was also taken aback. He originally thought that Xiao Ting would ask him to refine a Fighting Spirit Pill, or perhaps a lightning-attribute pill suitable for his cultivation.

But even after racking his brains, Chairman Wang never expected that he would be asked to refine a mere Qi Gathering Powder.

"Ahem, Old Xiao, tell me why you want to refine Qi Gathering Powder? Although Qi Gathering Powder is a fourth-grade pill, there are quite a few that can be refined in this Alchemist Guild."

President Wang felt he had been somewhat rude and quickly asked Xiao Ting why.

Xiao Ting bowed to President Wang and said, "To be honest, President Wang, my grandson Xiao Li has already reached the ninth level of Dou Qi. He is only nine years old this year. I would like to ask you to personally refine some pills to help him."

I would like to ask Chairman Wang to refine a Qi Gathering Powder and, at the same time, also refine a Spirit Foundation Building Pill for my grandson, so that he can have a good foundation.

Chairman Wang stroked his beard with his right hand: "Nine years old, nine-stage fighting qi? Interesting. As for Qi-gathering powder, that's easy to say. With your wealth, Old Xiao, you could buy a hundred or so to eat as a meal."

This Spirit Foundation Establishment Pill, a peak fifth-grade pill, could easily be mistaken for a sixth-grade one. Its grade is similar to the Battle Spirit Pill, but its ingredients are even rarer. Its value is so high that you probably can't afford it.

Xiao Ting listened to Chairman Wang's words and realized that it didn't seem like a rejection, so he chose to continue trying.

"For the sake of my grandson's future, I'm fortunate that my old bones can still manage to live a few more years. I'll go to the Black Corner Region to steal from them, and I'm sure I can afford this elixir."

Chairman Wang stroked his beard and smiled: "I didn't expect you to care so much about this grandson. Ah~ It's so good to have a child. I'm used to being alone, and I'm actually a little envious of you old man for having such a good grandson."

"Alright, then let this old man go see your grandson himself. If he's to my liking, elixirs and such are no problem."

"Thank you!" Xiao Ting bowed again in thanks.

"Let's go." President Wang straightened his clothes, then took out his alchemist's robe from his storage ring and put it on.

"President Wang, please!" Xiao Ting said respectfully to President Wang.

That's how it is on the Dou Qi Continent. Alchemists have a transcendent status, and people basically have to curry favor with them, which has also fostered a group of alchemists with bad morals.

But this Master Wang was different. He was humorous, unpretentious, and had a generous personality, making him very popular throughout the entire Gama Empire.

President Wang: "Clan Chief Xiao, what is your grandson's battle aura attribute?"

Xiao Ting: "It's fire, fire-attribute battle qi. To be honest, my grandson is exceptionally talented. He learned the low-level Xuan-rank battle skill Fire Cloud Palm with only the ninth level of battle qi. It's truly terrifying."

Chairman Wang stroked his beard: "Oh? Such talent? What about your grandson's soul talent?"

Xiao Ting was taken aback: "President Wang, this has stumped me. I am not an alchemist and do not know much about the soul, but my grandson's soul talent should be very good. He is different from other children and has become sensible at a very young age."

Chairman Wang chuckled: "I hope you can give this old man a surprise."

Chapter 3, President Wang, Rank Six Alchemist

Xiao Family, Martial Arts Training Ground

At this moment, there are four people standing on the training platform: a boy and three young men. If you look closely, it is the boy facing off against the three young men.

"Xiao Li, aren't you being too arrogant? You want to challenge all three of us at once? Do you really think your cousin's fists are made of clay?"

The younger youth said angrily.

"Cousin Xiao Hu, to me, your fists are nothing but mud. You're only at the seventh level of Dou Qi, two levels lower than me. What right do you have to swagger around?"

"you!"

The young man named Xiao Hu (who would later become the third elder of the Xiao family) was furious and immediately unleashed his fighting spirit, wanting to fight Xiao Li to the death.

The oldest young man pulled Xiao Hu back from his rage.

"Little Tiger, don't be in a hurry. Since my little brother wants to challenge the three of us, let him show us what he's capable of."

This young man is named Xiao Lie (who will later become the Grand Elder). He is mature and has already reached the ninth level of Dou Qi. Once he breaks through to the Dou Zhe level, he will be able to help the family with some matters.

"Young man, fists and feet have no eyes, be careful." The middle youth spoke up; his name was Xiao Ying (later the Second Elder). Among the three, he was perhaps the most talented, having reached the ninth level of Dou Qi.

Xiao Li's three cousins, although called cousins, are actually more than five degrees of kinship. Perhaps calling them clan brothers would be more appropriate. But they are all family and of the same generation, so it's fine to be casual about it.

"Please!" Xiao Li put one hand behind his back and gestured to his three cousins ​​to invite them.

A faint aura of fighting spirit lingered around the hands of the three youths.

The three attacked simultaneously, heading towards Xiao Li. For these "strong" warriors of Dou Qi, their combat was very basic, just simple physical clashes, nothing fancy or fancy.

"Splitting Mountain Palm!"

Xiao Lie quickly closed in on Xiao Li, his right palm slightly gathering fighting spirit. He swung his right palm and slashed diagonally at Xiao Li's shoulder.

[Mountain-Splitting Palm, a mid-level Yellow Rank combat skill, only clansmen with at least the fifth level of Battle Qi are qualified to learn it!]

Faced with Xiao Lie's attack, Xiao Li calmly raised his left elbow and blocked Xiao Lie's attack.

But the attack wasn't over yet. Xiao Li's opponents weren't just Xiao Lie; there were also Xiao Ying and Xiao Hu!

"Iron Mountain Fist!"

With two loud shouts, Xiao Ying and Xiao Hu clenched their fists tightly, and a sharp, piercing force resounded in mid-air, attacking Xiao Li's shoulder and knee respectively.

[Iron Mountain Fist, a high-level Yellow Rank combat skill, possesses considerable power. Only those with a Battle Qi level of seven or higher are qualified to learn it.]

Although both are high-level Yellow-rank fighting techniques, Xiao Ying's technique is much more powerful than Xiao Hu's. Xiao Hu's technique seems fierce, but it's actually a bit of a showy display.

Xiao Li naturally saw it too, but without moving, he clenched his right hand and delivered a powerful Iron Mountain Fist to Xiao Ying.

Xiao Li blocked Xiao Hu's attack by raising his right leg.

boom--

A cloud of dust rose from the training platform as Xiao Li effortlessly blocked the attacks of Xiao Lie, Xiao Ying, and Xiao Hu.

"The three of you worked together quite well. Keep it up! Fiery Cloud Palm!"

【Fire Cloud Palm, a low-level Xuan-rank combat skill. As a low-level Xuan-rank combat skill, it is more advanced and powerful than Huang-rank combat skills. It requires a higher level of application and control of battle qi and can unleash more astonishing power than Huang-rank combat skills.

The user must concentrate their fighting spirit in their palms, transforming it into blazing flames, and then use their palms as weapons to attack the opponent. The palm strikes, carrying intense heat, possess considerable destructive power.

However, Xiao Li did not use his full strength, but instead repelled the three of them. After all, they were all from the same clan and had blood ties, so the sparring was only to a certain extent.

boom--

All three were repelled by Xiao Li at the same time. Xiao Hu lay directly on the ground, Xiao Lie knelt on one knee, and Xiao Ying barely stood there.

"You flatter me!" Xiao Li bowed to his three cousins.

The three of them naturally saw Xiao Li's actions and quickly returned the greeting. They were already inferior in skill, so they couldn't afford to lose face in terms of manners.

Xiao Li smiled and walked off the stage, only to see a little boy running over in a hurry.

"Uncle, uncle, you're amazing! Even if all three of your cousins ​​joined forces, they couldn't beat you. I want to be as good as you."

The little boy who was speaking was named Xiao Zhan, who was none other than Xiao Zhan, the future Emperor Yan's father.

"Haha, you want to be as powerful as me? Then you'd better train hard. You're only at the third level of Dou Qi right now, far from enough. Train hard, and when you reach the seventh level of Dou Qi, I'll teach you Dou Techniques, how about that?"

Xiao Li patted Xiao Zhan's head. He still liked children very much, even though he was a child himself.

Not far from the training platform, four old men stood there, having just watched Xiao Li spar with the three men.

"Hehe, Li'er is truly amazing. I've lived for so long and I've never seen such a genius."

"Yes, yes, as long as Li'er cultivates steadily, he will definitely become a Dou Huang powerhouse in the future, and may even become a Dou Zong!"

"Yes, yes!"

The four people speaking were three elders of the Xiao family and the head of the Martial Arts Pavilion. They were all powerful Dou Ling experts.

"What are you whispering about?" an old voice asked.

The elders turned around and saw that it was the patriarch who had returned, and behind him was...!

Chairman Wang!

Good heavens! Chairman Wang actually came to the Xiao family!

"Clan Chief!" Several Douling Elders first bowed to Xiao Ting, and then respectfully bowed to President Wang.

"Greetings, Chairman Wang. Your presence at the Xiao family is truly an honor for us..."

Before the elders of the Fighting Spirit Sect could finish speaking, they were interrupted by President Wang.

"Alright, alright. Stop with these tired old rhetoric. I'm just a guest, so please relax."

Chairman Wang himself disliked these complicated formalities, finding them troublesome.

Chairman Wang looked at the boy and his eyes lit up: "Old Xiao, is this your grandson? He looks pretty good. He can use a low-level Xuan-rank fighting technique at such a young age, and his physical fitness is also quite good."

Chairman Wang stroked his beard, feeling quite pleased, but now was not the time to be happy; further testing was needed before he could feel at ease.

How could Xiao Ting not know what to do next? He called out to Xiao Li, "Li'er, come here for a moment."

Xiao Li heard someone calling him and looked in the direction of the voice. It turned out to be his grandfather. The people next to his grandfather were all the Douling Elders of the family, and there was another old man that Xiao Li did not recognize.

"Xiao Zhan, go back to your cultivation. Your uncle has something to attend to," Xiao Li said gently, patting Xiao Zhan's head.

"Okay, Uncle, I'm going to cultivate now, goodbye Uncle!" Xiao Zhan was very obedient and ran straight to his room. After all, children are more innocent.

After sending Xiao Zhan away, Xiao Li jogged over to his grandfather and bowed to the elders there.

"Greetings, Grandpa, Elder Grandpa, and this Grandpa!"

Chairman Wang stroked his beard and smiled, "The little guy is quite polite, very good. He's not arrogant or impatient, and his future is promising. Come here, child, let Grandpa give you a check-up."

Xiao Li looked at this unfamiliar grandfather and wondered what kind of inappropriate words he was saying. Then he looked at his own grandfather.

Xiao Ting then said with a slightly serious expression, "Li'er, you must not be rude. This is Wang Ming, the chief alchemist of our Jia Ma Empire and the president of the Alchemist Guild."

He's ranked third among the top ten strongest figures in our Jia Ma Empire, a Dou Huang level expert, and also a sixth-grade alchemist.

Chapter 4, Becoming an Apprentice

He is ranked third among the top ten strongest figures in the Jia Ma Empire, a Dou Huang level expert, and a sixth-grade alchemist.

Xiao Li was somewhat stunned. This was a big shot. Although sixth-grade alchemists were nicknamed "farts," that was the opinion of the Medicine Venerable. In the Jia Ma Empire and even the Northwest Continent, sixth-grade alchemists were honored guests.

(The original text states: "A sixth-grade alchemist is nothing but a fart in my eyes.")

“Master Wang, Chairman Wang has been rather rude.”

Xiao Li immediately bowed to Wang Ming. After all, he was just a junior alchemist. Although he had some talent and a family background, he could not be disrespectful to a Dou Huang or even a sixth-grade alchemist.

The other party could wipe out the Xiao family with just a word. Xiao Li was even thinking of lying down and doing nothing after Xiao Yan came out.

Cultivation? Impossible. There's no way I'll ever cultivate in this lifetime. I'll just wait for my Dou Di bloodline to revive and then speed my way up to Dou Sheng to make a living.

Of course, this was just Xiao Li's self-deprecation. The Xiao family would face many disasters in the future, and he would try his best to prevent his clansmen from dying.

Xiao Li was raised by the Xiao family for nine years. Ever since his talent was revealed, the Xiao family has spared no effort in nurturing him. He is not an animal that does not know how to repay kindness. The Xiao family is his home now! He must protect this home!

Wang Ming coughed and said, "Ahem, don't scare the little guy. Maybe I didn't express myself well just now. The little guy's name is Xiao Li, right? You can just call me Old Wang. I don't really like being called Chairman Wang or anything like that."

"Okay, Mr. Wang, how would you like to examine my body?" Xiao Li asked.