After Tang Yan returned, he dove into the alchemy room. The Tang family's guards, who previously received a high-grade spirit pill once every half month, were now getting one every other day!
Thankfully, the marketing strategies of Miaodan Workshop proved effective, and Ge Ming had not deceived Tang Yan. Starting from the second month, the monthly dividends exceeded five million silver coins.
While the amount of silver seemed substantial, the materials for crafting high-grade spirit pills were expensive. Fortunately, Tang Yan was an alchemist himself. If the Tang family had to buy these pills, five million silver wouldn’t even be enough to keep up with the guards’ consumption.
Tang Yan introduced additional reward policies, further motivating the Tang family's guards to train harder.
Under Tang Yan's leadership, both strict and generous, his influence within the Tang family grew. He became the idol of all the family’s guards, many of whom had seen him grow from a wasteful young master to someone with immense power in just a few months.
Before, Tang Yan was seen as a spoiled youth with no skills, but through relentless effort, he had reached the 9th level of the Yellow rank in just a short time.
The guards now took Tang Yan as their role model, following his philosophy of being "harsh on others but even harsher on oneself." Within nine days, the majority of them had reached the 3rd level of the Yellow rank.
Moreover, some of the Tang family’s elite forces—already few in number—had also advanced at an astonishing pace after Tang Yan prepared a stockpile of pills for them.
Seeing the rise in combat power among the Tang family’s guards, Tang Yan knew his efforts had not been in vain.
On this particular morning, while practicing his Extreme Six Techniques, Tang Yan suddenly felt a terrifying aura brush by him, causing his hair to stand on end. He was shocked for a moment, but then felt a surge of joy.
It seemed that his grandfather had broken through!
Quickly making his way to his grandfather’s training room, Tang Yan saw his grandfather, Tang Ling, striding toward him with vitality and vigor.
"Grandfather, your hidden illness is healed?" Tang Yan asked, looking at Tang Ling's refreshed appearance, his heart finally at ease.
Tang Ling’s eyes were bright and his furrowed brows had relaxed. He no longer had that gloomy look, indicating that the issues with his dantian and meridians had been resolved.
"Thanks to your master’s medicinal pills, he is truly a benefactor to our family. I don’t even know his name. I intend to set up a longevity plaque for him in our Tang family," Tang Ling said, his tone filled with gratitude and respect.
Tang Yan was momentarily stunned and quickly made an excuse, "My master never mentioned his name, but when I invite him to the family next time, you can ask him directly."
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"Alright," Tang Ling nodded, then turned to Tang Yan and said, "I just felt a strong aura earlier. Was that you, Grandfather?"
"Yes, I’ve reached the Earth rank," Tang Ling replied with joy, but his expression shifted as he asked, "Are you leaving today?"
"Yes, I’ll be heading to the City Lord's Mansion shortly," Tang Yan replied.
Tang Ling’s expression grew serious, and he warned, "Even though you’ve reached the first level of the Mysterious rank, there are always people stronger than you. In Cloud City, you won’t face many rivals your age, but once you leave, it’s hard to say. Be cautious—if you need to hold back, do so; if you must strike, do not hesitate."
"I understand, Grandfather," Tang Yan nodded, his eyes flashing with resolve. "Our Tang family is now on par with the Liu family in terms of strength. Our days of submitting quietly are over!"
Tang Ling’s expression turned solemn. "What do you think the next step should be for our family?"
After a moment’s thought, Tang Yan said, "When the City Lord asked me what path our Tang family would take, I gave him an answer."
Tang Ling’s heart skipped a beat. "The City Lord asked you that?" he asked, keenly listening.
Tang Yan’s voice grew firm as he replied, "Our Tang family should walk the middle way. If others do not provoke us, we will not provoke them. But if they do, we will strike, no matter the distance."
Hearing Tang Yan's fierce words, Tang Ling’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. He understood that his grandson's meaning was clear: if anyone attacked them, they would retaliate fiercely. But, in daily matters, the Tang family would continue to be peaceful and not provoke others.
"The Liu family is aiming to be the only top family in Cloud City, and they’ve been quite aggressive, devouring other families. They’re big, ambitious, and powerful. Though the City Lord is indifferent, he likely harbors some grievances towards them."
Tang Ling continued, "But if the Tang family sticks to the middle way, remaining humble and friendly with neighbors, we can continue to grow steadily in Cloud City."
"Grandfather, I agree completely!" Tang Ling said with a hearty laugh, clearly in agreement with his grandson.
After a few more conversations, Tang Ling, feeling both proud and relieved, patted Tang Yan’s shoulder and said, "You can go to the East Region Grand Tournament with a clear heart. Don’t worry about the family. It’s time to leave now; don’t keep everyone waiting!"
The two walked out of the alchemy room, and the housekeeper, Xiao Cui, was already waiting with Tang Yan’s luggage. As she saw him about to leave, tears filled her eyes, and she bid him a heartfelt farewell, "Young master, take care of yourself!"
All of the Tang family’s members had gathered to see him off. This was a rare sight—before Tang Yan’s return, such a farewell had never happened.
After bidding everyone goodbye, Tang Yan mounted his prepared horse, and with a swift nudge, he set off toward the City Lord’s Mansion.
Upon arriving, he walked into the main hall and saw that Liu Zhi had already arrived, standing next to Lin Dongxue.
When Liu Zhi saw Tang Yan enter, a hint of unease crossed his face.
But it was Lin Dongxue, upon seeing Tang Yan, whose face lit up with a surprised expression.
Her feelings for Tang Yan were complicated—this young man, who had shown his potential, had once confessed his feelings to her.
"Why are you late?" she feigned annoyance.
"I was delayed by Grandfather’s nagging, sorry for the wait," Tang Yan explained apologetically.
"It’s fine. Come here, the three of you," the City Lord said, spreading a map across the table. "Let me explain our itinerary."
He pointed at the map and said, "Our Cloud City is located in the Eastern Region, and Fang City is the largest, the leader of the five cities in the East. Many talented people are there, and those under thirty who have reached the Mysterious rank are numerous."
He paused and continued, "This year’s East Region Grand Tournament will be held in Fang City. From the intel we have, some participants are already at the third level of the Mysterious rank."
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This chapter marks Tang Yan's advancement and preparations for the upcoming tournament, where he faces new challenges while ensuring his family’s growth and security.