Just as Tang Yan was lamenting his predicament, the surge of spiritual energy from the cauldron did not turn as violent as he had feared. Instead, it carried a gentle warmth, moving ahead of the initial fierce energy.

The energy released by the cauldron soothed and nourished his damaged meridians as it passed, even guiding itself autonomously through a second circulation cycle.

"Damn, this feels amazing!"

Before Tang Yan could fully enjoy the relief, the raging energy behind it came crashing through once again, tearing apart the freshly healed meridians.

Tang Yan's brows furrowed in pain, nearly crying out loud. He cursed the cauldron inwardly for putting him through such agony while bracing himself for the torment of his meridians being forcefully stretched and torn again.

One complete circulation cycle passed, and Tang Yan felt as if he had been roasted alive.

The alternating sensations of scorching pain and soothing relief were driving him to the brink of madness. Fortunately, Tang Yan was no longer the useless young master of the past. As a former Ninth-Tier Alchemist, he had endured countless hardships in his previous life. Had it been anyone else, they would have passed out from the sheer pain.

Over and over again, his meridians were shattered and rebuilt, torn apart and mended anew. Slowly but surely, the pain became more bearable.

He lost track of time, his consciousness sinking entirely into cultivation.

By the time Tang Yan reopened his eyes, sunlight was streaming through the window.

A sharp glint flashed across his gaze as he examined his body. His meridians had grown several times stronger than before.

He had reached Seventh-Tier of the Yuan Stage!

He had advanced four entire levels in a single night!

If word of this spread, would people think he was some kind of monstrous genius?

Throughout the history of Tingxiang Nation, no one had ever progressed at such a rate. Even advancing two levels in a row would be considered an unprecedented miracle.

Indeed, fate was unpredictable. What seemed like a disaster had turned out to be an extraordinary blessing. Tang Yan had thought he would either suffer Qi deviation or explode from the excess energy, yet here he was, not only unharmed but greatly strengthened.

After a brief moment of exhilaration, Tang Yan quickly calmed down.

The Tang family was surrounded by enemies in Yun City. Apart from his grandfather and Uncle Mo, the family lacked strong middle-generation warriors. His personal situation remained precarious. Even as a Seventh-Tier practitioner, his strength was still far from enough.

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Tang Yan stepped outside.

The early autumn morning carried a crisp chill in the air.

After walking for a few moments, he suddenly heard the sound of intense shouting and exertion. His interest piqued, he quickened his pace toward the source of the commotion.

Soon, he arrived at a large courtyard with a plaque reading "Martial Training Grounds."

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This was where the Tang family’s younger generation practiced their martial arts.

As Tang Yan entered, he was surprised to see over a hundred warriors in the training yard, some sparring while others practiced their techniques alone.

Leading them was a young man Tang Yan recognized—Mo Yanjun, the grandson of Uncle Mo.

At twenty-three, Mo Yanjun was already a Second-Tier Huang Stage warrior, placing him among the strongest of Yun City’s younger generation. He served as the captain of the Tang family’s guards.

Dressed in his pristine white robe, Tang Yan stood out as soon as he entered, drawing Mo Yanjun’s attention immediately.

"Why is this useless young master here?" Mo Yanjun frowned. The last time Tang Yan had stepped into the training grounds was four years ago.

Following Mo Yanjun’s gaze, the other warriors also noticed Tang Yan. Their eyes filled with disdain.

In this world where strength reigned supreme, Tang Yan might hold the title of the Tang family’s heir, but his reputation as a good-for-nothing had long brought shame upon the family. These warriors, devoted to martial prowess, naturally looked down on him.

Tang Yan caught their expressions but remained unfazed. Smirking slightly, he clasped his hands behind his back and strolled leisurely around the training ground.

Perhaps in an attempt to intimidate him, the warriors immediately increased their training intensity. Their movements grew sharper, their shouts louder, filling the yard with a fierce atmosphere.

After completing his circuit, Tang Yan finally stopped, at which point Mo Yanjun approached him, feigning surprise.

"Young Master Tang, I didn’t see you earlier. I was too focused on training."

"No worries, I was just having a look around." Tang Yan waved dismissively.

"What do you think of our guards’ training?" Mo Yanjun asked casually.

The others smirked inwardly, anticipating Tang Yan’s typical empty praise. After all, what did this pampered young master know about combat?

But then, an exaggerated exclamation broke through the air.

"What? You call this training?"

The warriors froze in place.

Mo Yanjun’s face darkened. "Are you saying we’re just playing around?"

"Aren’t you?" Tang Yan’s voice carried genuine disbelief.

At this, the warriors’ faces turned stormy.

"Hmph! A useless young master like you has no right to insult us!" Mo Yanjun sneered. "Without us, who would protect the Tang family? If you don’t respect our efforts, then get out of the training grounds!"

"Get out of the training grounds!"

"Get out!"

The warriors began chanting angrily.

"Enough! You bunch of cowards!" Tang Yan roared, his voice carrying the weight of an emperor’s authority.

Mo Yanjun stiffened in shock, and the entire yard fell silent.

Tang Yan stepped forward, pointing directly at Mo Yanjun.

"You’re the captain of the guards, yet I, a man dressed in eye-catching white, walked right through your ranks without being noticed. I even circled the entire yard, and you only acknowledged me just now? Is this the vigilance the Tang family’s guards should have?"

Mo Yanjun was at a loss for words. Damn it! He had been trying to mock Tang Yan, only to be caught off guard himself.

Reaching into his robes, Tang Yan pulled out a command token and raised it high.

"By my order—form ranks!"

His voice boomed across the training ground.

The warriors hesitated, uncertain of his intentions. But Mo Yanjun immediately recognized the token—the Tang family’s core authority seal!

This token allowed its holder to command the family’s forces.

"Why does this useless young master have that!?"

Mo Yanjun’s heart pounded, but he had no choice but to follow protocol. "What are you all waiting for? Form up!"

Though still skeptical, the warriors quickly assembled into formation. Their expressions, however, remained full of ridicule. What, does the young master want to play soldier now?

Tang Yan stepped forward, scanning them coldly.

"You’re all cowards—brave enough to mock me, a powerless young master, but where was this courage when facing the Liu family?"

"Not only are you cowards, but you’re also weaklings!"

The warriors’ faces turned red with fury. Had it not been for them, protecting the Tang family day and night, how could this young master have lived so comfortably?

"If the Four Great Families of Yun City go to war, every single one of you will be nothing more than cannon fodder."

A burly warrior finally snapped and stepped forward. "Young Master Tang, on what grounds do you call us weaklings?"

Tang Yan smirked. "Because I can beat every single one of you."