Douluo Starting with the Chaos Divine Examination

Three days later, in the Xiao Clan's council hall.

"Damn it! That old bastard Jia Lie Bi is too arrogant! How dare he blatantly steal our business!"

Xiao Zhan sat in the hall, his face filled with fury as he slammed the table. Tea splashed all over the surface from the impact.

"In just three days, our Xiao Clan's market has suffered severe losses. The remaining merchants are now anxious and fearful. According to reports from my informants, most of these merchants have already met with members of the Jia Lie Clan. Out of respect for past relationships, they haven't cut ties with us yet. But if this continues, it won't be long before even our old customers leave us," said the Second Elder, his brows furrowed, his voice filled with anger.

The Xiao Clan's marketplace was one of their most important sources of income. If the market were jeopardized, the clan itself could face ruin.

"What if we just raid the Jia Lie Clan's medicinal pills? Even if we can't steal them, we could burn them all," suggested the Third Elder, his eyes gleaming coldly as he spoke with a sinister tone.

"No, that won't work. The Jia Lie Clan's pills are sourced from outsiders. If we can think of this, they certainly have too. Their storage location is bound to be heavily guarded. Even if we destroy their current supply, they can just procure more," Xiao Zhan said grimly, shaking his head helplessly.

"If that's no good, and this is no good, are we just supposed to sit and wait to die? If this goes on, our marketplace will have to shut down. And if that happens, the Xiao Clan will go bankrupt. The consequences will be disastrous," the Third Elder said anxiously.

Hearing his words, the atmosphere in the council hall grew heavy, as if shrouded in dark clouds. Silence fell over the room.

After a moment, the First Elder of the Xiao Clan entered the hall.

"How did it go?" Xiao Zhan asked, all eyes immediately turning to the First Elder.

"I've already sent people to investigate, but there's no movement from the Jia Lie Clan disciples. We've been unable to find out where they're sourcing so many Healing Pills," the First Elder replied, his face dark with frustration.

"Damn it. We'll hold out a few more days. If the Jia Lie Clan continues to push us, we'll go all out—even if it means mutual destruction," Xiao Zhan said, clenching his fist and slamming the table again.

In a quiet corner of the hall, Gu Xun'er glanced at Mu Chen beside her. Her instincts told her that the recent turmoil in Wu Tan City had everything to do with him.

"Xun'er, it's your turn to act," Mu Chen whispered.

"Me?" Gu Xun'er looked surprised.

Mu Chen leaned close to her ear and murmured his plan. After listening, Gu Xun'er nodded and stood up, walking to the center of the hall.

"Uncle Xiao Zhan, Elders, I have a solution to resolve the Xiao Clan's current crisis," Gu Xun'er said.

"What solution?" Xiao Zhan asked eagerly. As the clan leader, he knew Gu Xun'er's extraordinary background.

"Uncle Xiao Zhan, this fuss is just over Healing Pills. It's caused chaos in the Xiao Clan. Healing Pills are only first-tier medicinal pills. If we could enlist the help of an alchemist, the Xiao Clan's troubles would be resolved," Gu Xun'er said.

"That's not feasible. The Mittel Auction House does have an alchemist, but Master Gu Ni has already made 100 Blood-Coagulating Powders for us as a favor. The Mittel Auction House doesn't interfere in local disputes and won't assist us further," Xiao Zhan replied.

"Uncle Xiao Zhan, I wasn't referring to Master Gu Ni. I meant an alchemist present in this hall," Gu Xun'er said.

"An alchemist in this hall?" Xiao Zhan frowned. "None of the Xiao Clan disciples have the qualifications to become an alchemist."

Becoming an alchemist required exceptional soul sensitivity and dual affinities for fire and wood. Not only did the Xiao Clan lack alchemists, but Wu Tan City hadn't produced one in the past decade, underscoring how rare they were.

"Miss Xun'er, you're not saying you're an alchemist, are you?" the Second Elder asked.

"Of course not," Gu Xun'er shook her head. Though she possessed the Golden Emperor Burning Sky Flame, she wasn't an alchemist.

"In that case, there are no alchemists in this hall," the Third Elder said.

"No, there is one," the First Elder said, glancing at the spot where Gu Xun'er had been sitting.

"Yes, Mu Chen!" Xiao Zhan exclaimed, his gaze falling on Mu Chen.

Mu Chen?

Mu Chen?

Mu Chen?

Everyone in the hall turned their eyes to Mu Chen.

"Xun'er, why did you reveal my identity?" Mu Chen asked, feigning reproach.

Huh?

Huh?

Huh?

The council hall erupted in astonishment. Mu Chen's words essentially confirmed that he was indeed an alchemist.

"That scoundrel is actually an alchemist?" Xiao Yu stared in disbelief.

"Brother Mu Chen, are you really an alchemist?" Xiao Zhan asked, a mix of doubt and surprise in his voice.

Mu Chen nodded.

"Brother Mu Chen, please save the Xiao Clan. Help us refine medicinal pills!" Xiao Zhan stood up and walked to Mu Chen, bowing respectfully.

"This…" Mu Chen hesitated. To help Gu Xun'er complete her task—and his own—he had no choice but to accept the role he was being pushed into.

"Brother Mu Chen, I'll even kneel if that's what it takes!" Xiao Zhan, overwhelmed with emotion, actually knelt before Mu Chen.

"Clan Leader Xiao, what are you doing?" Mu Chen frowned but made no move to help Xiao Zhan up.

"Brother Mu Chen, I beg you, save the Xiao Clan," the First Elder said, following Xiao Zhan's lead and kneeling as well.

"Brother Mu Chen, I know this is a Xiao Clan matter, but can you help us just this once, for my sake?" Gu Xun'er asked with a sweet smile.

"Xun'er, you're putting me in a difficult position. If I intervene in Wu Tan City's disputes, it means I'll inevitably offend the alchemist backing the Jia Lie Clan," Mu Chen said, frowning slightly.

"Brother Mu Chen, please help the Xiao Clan," Gu Xun'er continued to plead on their behalf.

"Brother Mu Chen, if you can help us through this crisis, name your price," Xiao Zhan said hurriedly, unwilling to let Mu Chen refuse.

"My price?" Mu Chen paused, then glanced at Xiao Yan. "I don't have many hobbies, but I do like collecting unique items. That black ring on your son's hand—it's quite intriguing. May I ask where it came from?"

What?

What?

What?

Xiao Zhan, the three elders, and everyone else in the hall, including Gu Xun'er, were stunned.

Mu Chen's condition was shockingly simple—he only wanted the black ring on Xiao Yan's finger.

--Support me in Patreon for more chapters 35+ chapters in there 

patreon.com/LegendaryTL

Thanks!