Bai Zihan swept his gaze across the silent hall one last time, then turned away as if nothing of importance had happened.

He walked back toward Mu Linyue.

The moment he stopped before her, he extended his hand.

"Give it."

No explanation.

Mu Linyue immediately understood what he meant.

A faint smile appeared on her lips—almost as if she had been waiting for this moment.

Without any resistance, she took out the Memory Crystal Mirror and placed it into his hand.

"Here!"

Bai Zihan narrowed his eyes slightly at her expression, then let out a soft scoff.

"Hmph!"

He took the crystal without hesitation and stored it away.

Only then did he glance at her again, his gaze carrying a faint warning.

But he didn’t say anything further.

Mu Linyue simply smiled, completely unbothered.

Anyways, she didn’t expect Bai Zihan to be so powerful. Those rumors she has been hearing weren’t exaggerations at all.

Coupled with his Alchemy Knowledge, Mu LInyue didn’t know when this useless cousin of hers became so powerful.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the hall slowly began to recover.

The earlier shock did not disappear, but it was gradually buried beneath forced smiles and renewed conversation.

After all, this was still a celebration.

The celebration for Mu Tianxuan’s breakthrough continued, though it was clear that it was nearing its end.

Mu Qingyuan observed everything quietly.

Then, his gaze shifted—

Toward Mu Yuelan.

The two exchanged a brief look.

A silent understanding.

Mu Qingyuan gave a slight nod.

Mu Yuelan stepped forward.

Her movement immediately drew attention.

"Everyone!"

Her voice was clear. It cut through the lingering noise with ease.

All eyes turned toward her.

"I would like to make an announcement."

A pause.

Her gaze swept across the gathered guests.

"On this occasion of celebrating my father’s breakthrough..."

Her voice remained steady.

"There is another piece of good news I wish to share."

Curiosity flickered across many faces.

Another announcement?

Mu Yuelan did not keep them waiting.

"My son, Bai Zihan will be the new Clan Leader of the Bai Clan."

A wave of shock rippled through the hall.

"The Clan Leader?!"

"So soon?"

"Bai Zihan is only 18, right? Did something happen to Clan Leader Bai Tianheng?"

Even those from other empires paid attention, as this was no small matter.

After all, it wasn’t just any clan, but the Bai Clan—the strongest in the region.

The change in its leadership would definitely bring drastic changes.

Not to mention, there had never been a Clan Leader so young, at least not among the top clans.

Even the youngest clan leader present here might be over a hundred years old.

Now, someone who was just a teenager was going to become the Clan Leader of the strongest clan—it was definitely huge news.

Of course, no one thought it was strange for Bai Zihan to become Clan Leader, as he was the most likely candidate.

It was just that it happened so soon and so suddenly that they weren’t prepared at all.

Many whispered and discussed why Bai Zihan was suddenly appointed as the Clan Leader.

Some thought it was because Bai Zihan was extremely talented and already so powerful, so they wanted him to take responsibility early.

Others speculated that Bai Tianheng might be preparing to break through to the Immortal Realm.

"Congratulations, Young Master Bai!"

"No... Clan Leader Bai now!"

"What a joyous occasion!"

One after another, the guests stepped forward, cupping their fists in greeting.

Their tones were warm and respectful.

"The Bai Clan will surely rise to even greater heights under your leadership!"

"To have such a young and talented Clan Leader is truly enviable!"

"This calls for a double celebration!"

Laughter followed, but beneath it, there was seriousness.

Because everyone understood what this meant.

Bai Zihan was no longer just a rising genius.

He now held authority.

Authority over what might be the strongest clan.

The future of the Bai Clan was now in his hands.

Among the crowd, the expressions of the Imperial Family shifted the most.

The princes who had been competing moments ago were now far more restrained.

Yu Wenzhao’s gaze flickered.

Yu Longxuan fell silent.

Yu Zidi, the First Prince, also narrowed his eyes.

They all knew how difficult it would be to bring Bai Zihan to their side.

If the Clan Leader had been someone else, they might have had a chance—but with Bai Zihan, it would be extremely difficult.

Then there were also the princesses, who watched quietly.

Their eyes moved between Bai Zihan... And Chu Ziyan.

A trace of regret surfaced in more than one pair of eyes.

If they had acted earlier...

Before Bai Zihan’s fame rose—

Perhaps they would have secured him.

But now?

It was too late.

Chu Ziyan had already secured that position.

The one opportunity that countless forces would have fought for had already been taken.

Everyone had previously laughed at Chu Ziyan and pitied her for being engaged to Bai Zihan.

Now?

They felt like fools, realizing they might have missed the greatest opportunity.

Now, that "opportunity" has become something far beyond reach.

Back at the center, Bai Zihan accepted the congratulations with a calm expression.

He neither showed excessive pride nor false humility.

His father was preparing to break through to the Immortal Realm with the pills from Mu Tianxuan.

This was the perfect opportunity to announce the succession, and he had already discussed it with the Mu Clan beforehand.

They were mostly excited and more than happy to support it.

In any case, announcing such news at the Mu Clan only showed that Bai Zihan was not just of the Bai Clan’s blood, but also deeply connected to the Mu Clan.

Mu Yuelan raised her hand slightly once more.

"There is... another piece of news."

Her lips curved into a faint smile.

Interest immediately flared across the crowd.

"We will be hosting an auction."

The moment those words fell—

A stir spread instantly.

An auction?

Many quickly began to piece things together and knew what might come in the auction.

Their eyes lit up as anticipation soared.

Mu Yuelan did not keep them guessing for long.

"Of course..."

Her gaze swept across the hall.

"There will be Grade-7 pills."

Boom!

The reaction was immediate.

"As expected!"

"The Mu Clan can now produce Grade-7 pills! They would definitely make use of this opportunity."

Excitement surged.

This was no small matter.

Until now, high-grade pills—especially Grade-7—had been almost monopolized by the Vermillion Pill Empire.

Anyone who needed them had little choice but to go through them.

But now, things were changing and everyone present could feel it.

This was not just an auction.

It was a declaration.

The rise of the Mu Clan in the alchemy world.

At the side, the expressions of the Vermillion Pill Empire delegation darkened.

This was exactly what they had been concerned about.

A new competitor!

Still, they would have to wait and see.

If the quality of the pills was subpar, then there would be no need to worry much.

Anyways, the pills being auctioned will show just how capable the Mu Clan was.

Mu Yuelan continued, her tone steady.

"And that is not all."

A brief pause.

"There will also be Heaven-Grade artifacts."

The excitement surged again.

"Heaven-Grade artifacts?!"

"Are they serious?!"

"That level of treasure..."

The atmosphere surged once more.

Excitement.

Greed.

Anticipation.

All of it began to rise within the hall.

What had started as a simple celebration had now turned into something far greater.

A turning point.

And everyone present knew—

They were witnessing the beginning of something big!