Seeing Xiong nod and agree to Xiao Yan's words, Galleo's mouth twitched, his fists clenched so tightly they creaked, and he fixed his gaze with a cold, sharp intensity upon the calm young man before him. Galleo's subordinates, noticing their lord's displeased expression, promptly stepped forward with tact and awareness, gradually forming a subtle encirclement around the two, their glances laced with ill intent. Deep within the marketplace, the crowd was also substantial. Observing this unfolding scene, people paused and turned their curiosity toward the two figures—Xiao Yan and Galleo, both known in Utan City. Xiao Yan was recognized for his reputation as a "dormant talent," while Galleo was known for his "fickle charm"—though neither reputation was particularly favorable, they were still considered notable figures. As he watched the group's actions, Xiao Yan raised a slightly arched brow, a hint of amusement playing on his youthful face. He then slightly turned his head and blew a soft whistle toward a spot in the marketplace. Seeing Xiao Yan's actions, the crowd turned curiously to look, only to find the market's guard squad advancing fiercely under the leadership of Captain Pei'en. Pei'en, accompanied by a large group of guards, quickly rushed forward, raising his hand and commanding his men to swiftly encircle the group led by Jialeo, creating a tense standoff between the two parties. Xiao Yan suddenly waved his hand, smiling and cutting off Galio's words. Galio sneered, challengingly asking, "Indeed. Are you daring enough?" Gazing at Galio's defiant expression, Xiao Yan sighed with a touch of helplessness, running a hand over his forehead. After a moment, he lifted his head, shrugged slightly, and looked completely innocent and sincere. "Mr. Galio, may I ask—how old are you, exactly?" Galio pulled a face, silent. "Brother, you're twenty-one now. How old am I? Fifteen! You're making me, a boy who hasn't even completed my coming-of-age ceremony, fight you? Don't you find your request rather embarrassing?" Xiao Yan sighed, his helpless expression making Xun lightly chuckle and smile. "Haha." Hearing the boy's innocent words, several mercenaries and merchants who were setting up stalls deep within the marketplace burst out laughing. Indeed, at his current age, Xiao Yan could still be considered a rather immature, fresh-out-of-the-nest youth, while Jialieo had already grown into adulthood—such a challenge naturally called for some disdain from the onlookers. The mocking glances surrounding him felt like a sudden flood of cool water, helping Jialieo regain his composure. Xiao Yan's calm and composed demeanor often caused people to unconsciously overlook his age, so only now, after being reminded, did Jialieo remember that the boy before him was still only fifteen. Heh, I think you're just a waste of space—once your coming-of-age ceremony is over, you'll probably be sent off to some remote village. Then, not only will you lose your chance to enter Wutan City, but you'll be truly pitiful. Xiao Yin gave a gentle smile, shrugged indifferently. His eyes flickered with irritation—why, whenever he saw that calm, composed expression on the young man's face, he felt a surge of fury. You're just a useless lump, pretending to be so profound and sophisticated! He forced down his anger, gave a cold snort, and waved his hand, pushing his subordinates through the crowd. "Oh, by the way—" His steps halted as if remembering something. He turned back, sneering, "Xiao Yin, I heard that your family, the Xiao family, had their engagement to the Lan family—specifically, Lan Yanran—officially dissolved, right? Well, really, it's not such a big deal. With your current cultivation potential, you simply don't match Lan Yanran's caliber, after all—haha..." After saying this, he laughed heartily and walked off. Xiao Yan stared at the retreating Galio with a cold, solemn gaze, extended his hand, and gently pulled Xu'er beside him. "He's just a mad dog," he said softly. "He bit you—do you really expect to bite him back?" "But he... he went too far. Surely, he can't just be let go like that?" Xu'er furrowed her delicate brows, expressing her growing frustration. "Hm, there will be a time," Xiao Yan smiled, his eyes half-closed. The coldness lingering at the corner of his lips made Pein feel a slight chill. A lion that charges headlong isn't frightening—what's truly terrifying is a lion that knows how to endure and hold its ground. "Thank you, Uncle Pein," Xiao Yan turned to Pein and the others, offering a warm, sincere smile. The earlier cold demeanor instantly melted into the youthful energy and openness of a young man. There was a quiet admiration in Xiang Yan's expression, a genuine respect born from the depth of his emotional awareness. Regardless of his cultivation talent, this level of mental maturity alone suggested that his future achievements would surely be substantial. Xiao Yan rolled his eyes, feeling a mix of amusement and exasperation: "That thing isn't anything particularly precious. You're going overboard, aren't you? You're after all the talented young girl of the Xiao family." Xun'er gently furrowed her adorable nose, raised her wrist to display the bracelet, and playfully remarked, "I didn't know Xiao Yan brother had been paying so much attention to me all along." Glancing at Xun'er with a look of mild annoyance, Xiao Yan took her hand and led her toward several stalls deeper into the market. After passing by several stalls, Xiao Yan finally paused, bent down to gaze at the green crystal still streaked with blood on the counter, and sighed with relief, smiling, "Finally found it." Extended his palm across the stall, just about to grasp the magic crystal. As he did, his hand suddenly stiffened, and an odd sensation surged through him... He gently licked his lips, then, with steady resolve, managed to grasp the magic crystal. His gaze then swept casually over the stall. A moment later, his eyes settled on a black iron slab beside the crystal. The slab was quite ancient, covered in rust and bearing patches of unclean yellow mud, as though it had only recently been dug from the earth. "Hey, Xiao Yan, take that black iron slab too—it's a good one," the voice of the medicine elder suddenly echoed in his mind, surprising him slightly at his own unusual sense of awareness.