Threats and Concessions

As Yang Fan approached the "Pu'ai Medical Hall," he happened upon his younger brother, Yang Lei, standing at the entrance. 

"Elder brother, my master awaits you inside," Yang Lei said with a faint smile, shrugging his shoulders, offering no further hints. 

Yang Fan found nothing unusual in this; he merely furrowed his brow slightly and followed his brother into the hall of the medical center. 

Yang Lei's master was none other than Yang Gang, the younger brother of the current head of the Yang family in Nanling. Though his cultivation level was not particularly remarkable among the second-generation elders, his status as the head's brother afforded him significant standing. It was Yang Gang who presided over the last "Wen Tian Conference." 

Inside the hall, a middle-aged man sat at the head of the table, his face imposing, eyebrows sharp as blades, bearing a resemblance to the Yang family patriarch. He exuded an unmistakable air of authority. 

"Uncle Yang, what brings you to 'Pu'ai Medical Hall'? How fortunate we are to receive such an esteemed guest." 

Yang Fan greeted him with a smile, deliberately showing respect for the elder generation. 

"Hmph, Uncle? It's surprising you still remember me as your uncle!" Yang Gang retorted, his gaze fierce, fixating on the once-great talent of the Yang family. 

Upon seeing Yang Fan's current cultivation level, a flicker of surprise crossed Yang Gang's eyes. In merely six months, Yang Fan had advanced to the mid-stage of Qi Refinement—a progress that was indeed somewhat astonishing. Yet, considering his previous potential and talent, it was not entirely beyond expectation. 

With this thought, Yang Gang slightly tempered his disdain; perhaps this young man still had a chance to return to the Condensation stage. "I wonder what brings you to my medical hall today?" 

Yang Fan took his seat, and soon an apprentice served tea. 

"Fan'er, how long has it been since you returned to the Yang family fortress?" 

Yang Gang cleared his throat, softening his tone slightly. 

Yang Fan felt a surge of astonishment. Known for his fiery temperament and cruelty, Yang Gang was now surprisingly polite—a rarity indeed. "It's been about half a year," Yang Fan replied, maintaining his composure. 

"According to family law, a disciple who leaves the Yang family fortress without permission may face corporal punishment or, in severe cases, a broken leg. Are you aware of these family rules?" 

Yang Gang's gaze sharpened, a sense of pressure enveloping Yang Fan. 

"Ha! What does Uncle mean? Are you here to punish me for not returning to the 'Yang family fortress'?" 

Yang Fan laughed, his eyes betraying no hint of fear or reverence. 

Yang Gang was momentarily taken aback; he hadn't expected Yang Fan to remain so composed in the face of his pressure and verbal assault. Could it be that this young man had some hidden backing? 

A chill ran through Yang Gang's heart as he sensed that Yang Fan was not merely a Qi Refinement pharmacist as he had initially presumed. 

Standing silently beside them, Yang Lei bore a subtle smile, observing the exchange. 

"Have you received the patriarch's letter?" Yang Gang shifted the topic. 

"Yes, I have," Yang Fan nodded. 

"Since you received the patriarch's letter, you should understand that your return to the Yang family fortress is not a punishment, but rather an opportunity for you to atone for your mistakes." 

Yang Gang declared sternly, his gaze becoming increasingly penetrating. 

Atonement? 

Yang Fan sighed softly, a smirk tugging at his lips as he mused, "Does the Yang family really see itself as the sinner here?" 

"As long as you return to the family, you will immediately become a guest pharmacist, enjoying superior treatment, equal to that of Pharmacist Zheng," Yang Gang offered, blending authority with persuasion. 

"I'm sorry…" Yang Fan shook his head. "It's simply not the right time for me to return to the family." 

"Yang Fan! What do you mean by this? Do you dare to defy the family's orders?" 

Yang Gang's fury erupted as he slammed his hand down on the table. 

**Bang!** 

The teacup on the table leapt, landing with a splatter, yet not a drop was spilled. 

Yang Fan narrowed his eyes slightly and said leisurely, "Is your purpose for visiting merely to threaten me to return to the 'Yang family fortress'? The people from Yu Wu Mountain have also come to invite me to become a guest pharmacist, and their attitude is far better than yours." 

"Yu Wu Mountain?" Yang Gang's expression shifted. 

He was aware of the recent close dealings between Yang Fan and the people from Yu Wu Mountain. 

"How could you, as a descendant of the Yang family fortress, consider joining Yu Wu Mountain?" 

Yang Gang clenched his fists, suppressed fury bubbling within him, an invisible pressure closing in. 

"While they are quite eager and respectful, I, as a small nephew, am still considering my options." 

Yang Fan replied calmly. 

"Alright, I'll give you credit for your boldness!" Yang Gang suppressed his raging temper and said, "What conditions do you have? State them!" 

Yang Fan let out a small sigh of relief; he knew Yang Gang's volatile temperament could lead him to lash out violently. It was quite rare for him to make such a concession. 

"Uncle Yang, if you want me to return to the Yang family fortress, it would only be possible two years from now, during the 'Wen Tian Conference.' By that time, I might have the chance to advance to the Condensation stage. Until then, as long as the family does not pressure me, I will not join any other cultivation forces." 

The amiable and serene aura around Yang Fan suddenly dissipated, replaced by a sharp, oppressive energy, his eyes gleaming coldly. 

Yang Gang's expression changed, and he sensed a feeling of absolute resolve radiating from Yang Fan, as if he were prepared to fight to the bitter end. 

"Is it truly possible for you to advance to the Condensation stage within the next two and a half years?" 

Yang Gang asked, surprise evident in his voice as he tested him. 

He could not possibly know that Yang Fan had only just advanced to the Condensation stage not long ago and had mastered a supreme demonic technique that even the second-generation elders of the family might not be able to contend with. Who could predict how far Yang Fan would progress in two years? 

"I have an eighty percent chance," Yang Fan replied, calm and collected. "It's just a matter of re-cultivating; with my talent and experience, combined with guidance from extraordinary individuals, achieving this is not too difficult." 

"Very well," Yang Gang's eyes gleamed with intent. "It's a deal." 

"Do not misunderstand, Uncle. My return to the Yang family fortress two years from now does not necessarily mean I will serve the family," Yang Fan said with a hint of sarcasm, then turned to meet his brother Yang Lei's gaze. "My primary aim is to assist my brother in contending against the young master of the Kyoto Yang family." 

The two brothers exchanged knowing glances; having lived together for so many years, they understood each other's intentions perfectly. 

During the last "Wen Tian Conference," Yang Yu had challenged all the third-generation descendants of the Yang family fortress, ridiculing and belittling Yang Fan. In a fit of anger, Yang Lei had retaliated, leading to a three-year promise. 

At that time, Yang Yu had explicitly stated that he would return to the Yang family fortress in three years, intending to challenge both Yang Fan and Yang Lei, forcing them to accept defeat with utmost humiliation. 

"Haha! You brothers truly are the pride of the family; the upcoming 'Wen Tian Conference' is something I and the patriarch worry about greatly. If you two can stand up to the young master of Kyoto and remain undefeated, it will bring tremendous honor to our 'Yang family fortress,' and it would be an excellent opportunity for you to atone." 

Yang Gang clapped his hands in delight. 

Yang Fan, however, remained unconvinced. His mention of the next "Wen Tian Conference" was partly to buy time and accumulate strength. 

Moreover, it was about the honor and disgrace of his brother. During the last conference, he had just dispersed his energy and had been subjected to endless humiliation and mockery, while his brother had bravely fought back, leading to their three-year promise. 

The young master of the Yang family possessed exceptional talent, mentorship from renowned masters, and support in the form of rare elixirs; his treasures, abilities, cultivation methods, and backing could not be matched by the talents of a small family. 

Yang Fan could not let his brother face this challenge alone, especially since this predicament had originated from his own actions. 

Simultaneously, Yang Fan felt the pressure of the threat he faced after the last meeting with **Xi,** where he had to confront Yang Yu's questioning and even faced pursuit by the Yang family guards. 

"My intent has been made clear, and I hope Uncle Yang can convey this to the family." 

Yang Fan smiled slightly, sensing the Yang family fortress's level of concern for the upcoming "Wen Tian Conference" exceeded his expectations. 

"Well…" Yang Gang hesitated, "Pharmacist Zheng has just retired, and our Yang family fortress truly lacks a qualified pharmacist. Rumor has it that your medical skills are unrivaled in this area, even surpassing those of Pharmacists Zheng and Lin." 

Yang Fan

 felt an electric shock run through him at Yang Gang's words; his keen eyes focused sharply.