That was because he'd had higher hopes for Xu Gaocen and the others back then.
It wasn't until Lü Zhenghai returned to the Cyan Yuan Sect and reported on the situation that he learned of Yang Chan's progress. He was greatly surprised to hear that Yang Chan could already refine the Five Revolutions Nourishing Organ Pill and was even beginning to attempt the Seven Revolutions Nourishing Organ Pill.
He certainly hadn't expected to receive news from Gu An shortly thereafter, announcing that Yang Chan had been promoted to Advanced Pharmacist. This development changed Liu Xuan's mind about letting Gu An and the others stay at the Cyan Yuan Sect for another year or two.
He had originally thought Gu An was doing an excellent job stabilizing the Cyan Yuan Sect and fostering its slow recovery. If they waited another year or two, the Cyan Yuan Sect would be almost fully restored, which would be the perfect time to join the Merak Sacred Land.
