Chapter 98. Xu family [2]
One day later, within the confines of a secluded courtyard, the fragrance of medicinal herbs lingered in the air as the lid of another alchemy cauldron slowly lifted.
Several streams of pill fragrance drifted into the surroundings before gradually dissipating.
Lin Xuan let out a satisfied breath.
Ever since learning how to control Nascent Soul Fire from his own daughter, his efficiency in alchemy had increased dramatically.
The flames of a Nascent Soul cultivator were far more stable than ordinary spiritual flames, allowing him to control temperature with astonishing precision.
What had once seemed impossible was now routine.
He could refine three cauldrons simultaneously.
Even many veteran alchemists would struggle to accomplish such a feat, yet Lin Xuan handled it with remarkable ease.
After storing away the newly refined pills, he swept his spiritual sense across his storage ring.
Every set of herbs he had prepared beforehand had been exhausted.
He has even emptied most of the herbs in the treasury as well, only a handful of Body Tempering Pill herbs remained within the clan treasury.
Those herbs were meant for the clan’s own alchemists.
He couldn’t monopolize every resource.
After all, they needed opportunities to refine pills and improve as well.
Otherwise, they would forever remain stagnant.
Unfortunately...
Ever since the introduction of Pure Quality Body Tempering Pills, complaints had gradually begun circulating throughout the clan.
Many disciples had grown accustomed to consuming flawless pills.
As a result, the ordinary pills refined by the clan’s alchemists suddenly appeared lacking in comparison.
Some had even begun criticizing the alchemists for their "poor skills."
Lin Xuan could only shake his head helplessly.
It wasn’t that the clan’s alchemists were incompetent.
Pure Quality pills were simply too difficult to produce.
Without extraordinary talent, countless years of experience, or unbelievable fortune, refining them consistently was nearly impossible.
Plu, not everyone was as fortunate enough to be born with a system.
Just as he was organizing the newly refined pills, a familiar, excited voice echoed throughout the courtyard.
"Father! Father!"
The next moment, Lin Zhaoyue came rushing through the entrance, her face overflowing with excitement.
"It’s approved! They approved it!"
Lin Xuan looked up from the alchemy cauldron with a puzzled smile.
"What is?"
Lin Zhaoyue could barely contain herself.
"The clan promotion!"
Her bright eyes sparkled.
"We’ve been approved to become a Rank Eight clan!"
She took a deep breath before continuing.
"The royal court hasn’t made the announcement yet. The king will send his officials to formally deliver the decree later..."
A broad smile spread across her face.
"...but it’s already been confirmed!"
Lin Xuan’s lips curled into a warm smile.
"That’s great."
Lin Zhaoyue’s excited expression immediately froze.
"...That’s it?"
She frowned deeply, staring at her father in disbelief.
"What’s with that reaction?"
She threw both hands into the air.
"Father! We’ve become a Rank Eight clan!"
Seeing his daughter’s exaggerated expression, Lin Xuan couldn’t help but chuckle.
"I know."
"No, you don’t!"
Lin Zhaoyue puffed out her cheeks.
"This is huge!"
She began pacing around the courtyard, excitement evident in every step.
"We need to host a feast!"
Her eyes sparkled as one idea after another came to mind.
"Invite everyone The city lords from the neighboring cities, the merchant guilds, every clan willing to attend... We’ll celebrate properly."
She abruptly turned toward Lin Xuan.
"Father, this is our opportunity."
Her voice became increasingly animated.
"Let’s use this momentum to transform Azure Willow City into a true Pill City as well.
The entire kingdom already knows our Pure Quality pills are unparalleled. If we host a grand celebration now, countless merchants will come to witness it for themselves."
She continued without pausing.
"Once the merchants arrive, trade will naturally flourish. We should immediately expand the marketplace, build more inns, open more restaurants, increase security and..."
Her eyes lit up even further.
"We should expand our trade routes by water, the sea is Azure Willow City’s greatest advantage.
If we establish regular shipping routes, we won’t have to rely solely on caravans anymore.
The cost of transporting herbs, ores, and medicinal pills will drop dramatically."
She looked directly at Lin Xuan.
"Father. This is our chance to increase the Lin Family’s prestige."
Lin Xuan quietly listened as his daughter enthusiastically laid out her plans.
One proposal after another flowed from her lips as though she had already spent countless nights thinking about the future.
By the time she finally stopped, she was breathing slightly faster.
At the very same time...
The news spread across the kingdom like wildfire.
The Lin Family had officially been recognized as a Rank Eight clan.
The royal decree had yet to arrive in Azure Willow City, but the kingdom’s communication network was far faster than the ceremonial procession.
Within a single day, the news had reached countless cities and clans.
Some celebrated while others grew uneasy.
Many merchants immediately began discussing whether they should establish business relations with the rising Lin Family.
Several alchemists quietly packed their belongings, intending to seek employment in Azure Willow City.
Among the neighboring clans, some rejoiced at the rise of a new ally.
Others saw it as the beginning of a shift in the balance of power.
Far to the south, however, one particular city was shrouded in an entirely different atmosphere.
Within a spacious courtyard, Xu Wenyuan sat alone beneath a pavilion.
The messenger had only just departed and his expression was already grim.
"He’s definitely going to come for revenge."
The words escaped almost as a murmur.
His gaze gradually drifted toward the wall of the pavilion.
Hanging there was a massive black battle axe.
Its blade had long since been polished clean, yet the memories attached to it remained as vivid as ever.
He had used it to severed the heads of multiple members of the Lin Family during that incident.
Xu Wenyuan stared at it in silence.
His fingers unconsciously tightened around the armrest.
He had never regretted what he did.
But neither had he underestimated the hatred such an act would leave behind.
If the Lin Family continued rising at this pace, it would only be a matter of time before old debts came knocking.
Knock. Knock.
The sound of someone rapping on the courtyard gate interrupted his thoughts.
Xu Wenyuan’s eyes narrowed.
"Enter."
The door opened, and a person quickly stepped inside before respectfully bowing.
"Patriarch. We’ve located the assassin."