Ignoring the solemn gaze from behind, Xiao Yan checked in at the administration office of the Dueling Hall, then slowly and quietly chatted with Xun'er as they made their way out. "Little brat, you wait here! Once you're assigned out of the clan, I'll have plenty of time to deal with you! Without the protection of the clan head, you'll be nothing!" Watching the fading figure of her retreating back, Xiao Ning felt her frustration mounting, her teeth gritted as she slammed a palm into the bookshelf beside her, leaving a faint impression. After leaving the Dueling Hall, Xiao Yan spent the afternoon accompanying Xun'er, who was full of enthusiasm, to the back mountain. Only when the sky grew dark did he return to his small quarters. Back in his room, after closing the door, Xiao Yan slumped against the doorframe, placed the scroll on the table, lifted his teacup, and drank it down, sighing with a touch of relief. "This girl—she really knows how to move!" That little girl seems to have a rather special background. "A hoarse voice suddenly echoed in the room. With a weak lift of his eyes, Xiao Yan glanced at the elderly physician who had materialized like a ghost, sighed lazily, and asked, "Do you know her background?" "Ha, I think I know a bit," said the elderly physician, eyes slightly narrowed, smiling at Xiao Yan's curious gaze, then suddenly stopping mid-sentence: "Just don't ask anymore. Right now, knowing it won't do you any good—so better not inquire. All I can say is that the young girl has quite a strong background." Scoffing, Xiao Yan rolled his eyes and angrily stuck out his middle finger at the physician. "What are you doing here, fetching these useless things? Do you think I'm short on energy?" The elderly physician approached the table, casually flipped through the bundle of scrolls, and stared in surprise. "Useless things?" "His mouth twitched as he weakly groaned, 'Right now, besides that palm technique, I know absolutely no combat skills. In the past, I've only focused on cultivating my elemental energy, never learning any combat techniques. And within the family, there are only these Yellow-Rank techniques available for casual study. If I don't learn these, what will I have to compare myself with during my coming-of-age ceremony?' 'Hmph. Isn't it just that you want to be assigned a combat technique from me?' The sharp-eyed elder medicine master glanced at Xiao Yan, directly exposing his intention. With his goal revealed, Xiao Yan didn't feel embarrassed at all; he simply shrugged and looked earnestly at the elder. 'What's so special about combat techniques? Once you master the art of alchemy, even advanced techniques will be eagerly offered to you by others.' The medicine master smiled calmly, completely ignoring Xiao Yan's pout. 'But right now, I actually need advanced combat techniques, Master!' Xiao Yan sighed in frustration. Seeing Xiao Yan's look of frustration, Yao Old Man chuckled and shook his head, then playfully said, "Well, who would have thought I'd end up with such a pitiful apprentice? To ensure you don't get crippled, I'll have to teach you a thing or two." Hearing this, Xiao Yan perked up, eager to find out just what level of combat technique his enigmatic teacher could offer. "Your current 'Absorption Palm' is indeed a Xu-level technique, though it's somewhat underwhelming. Since your strength isn't yet strong, I'll teach you a Xu-level technique known for its offensive power. It's not particularly demanding—just five segments of Qi flow should be sufficient to unleash some noticeable effect," Yao Old Man smiled. "What level of Xu is this?" Hearing it was a Xu-level technique, Xiao Yan's eyes lit up, and he quickly asked, licking his lips. "Ah, a high Xu-level one. I remember back then when this technique was first introduced, someone actually cried out to me, pleading for me to take them on. But I wasn't particularly interested—hadn't it been for the constant nagging, I wouldn't have agreed to help them refine their pills." "The old medic spoke indifferently, his tone so casual it was as if he were talking about trash on the ground." "Pyramid-level advanced? You're begging me to accept it?" Several dark lines creased across his forehead. Xiang Yan felt a bit disheartened. The highest combat technique revered as his family's ultimate legacy had only reached Pyramid-level intermediate, while the old medic casually mentioned Pyramid-level advanced—such a stark contrast left Xiang Yan both amused and bewildered. "Close your eyes and concentrate," the old medic said casually, then gently touched his finger to the top of Xiang Yan's head. A brief pain surged through his skull, and suddenly, a vast amount of information flooded into his mind. The sudden influx made his head feel heavy and pressured. "Eight-Point Collapse: a Pyramid-level advanced combat technique, specializing in close-range attacks known for its powerful offensive strength. When perfected, each attack carries eight layers of force, cumulatively amplifying its power to match that of a lower-tier Earth-level combat technique!" The mind gradually cleared, and he细细 sipped through the rough information. After a while, Xiao Yan gently inhaled a breath of cool air. Could a technique of merely mid-tier Xuan Stage—comparable to a lower-tier Di Stage technique in attack power? On the Continent of Qi, regardless of cultivation methods or techniques, the gap between Xuan and Di Stages was as vast as heaven and earth—unparalleled and incomparable. Now, this advanced Xuan Stage technique, Ba Ji Bang, claimed to match the attack power of a Di Stage technique—how could Xiao Yan not be stunned? The elder physician's calm words were like a bucket of cold water, completely dousing Xiao Yan's excitement. "How can one enhance physical strength?" asked Xiao Yan urgently after a brief silence. "The power of battle is the best energy for strengthening the body. As the battle power grows stronger, so too does the body. Of course, if one desires faster progress, external stimuli are required," the elder said, his eyes slightly narrowed, as though harboring a hint of disapproval. "What kind of external stimuli?" Xiao Yan asked, suddenly feeling a chill run through his entire body as he gazed at the physician's warm smile. "Get hit! The harder, the better!" the elder chuckled darkly, and Xiao Yan's face went stiff.