Yan Jinfeng was a member of the Pharmacist Alliance and an Honorary Elder, so his status was naturally higher than that of Ding Tong, a mere Steward.
Xu Gaocen, on the other hand, was an Intermediate Pharmacist, but not a member of the Pharmacist Alliance. Usually, only figures at the Advanced Pharmacist level from other Sects joined the Alliance, and they would only receive an honorary title, which didn't count as true membership.
It was similar to being an Honored Guest Elder, but the title of Honorary Elder held more prestige and had stricter requirements.
Although Xu Gaocen wasn't a member of the Pharmacist Alliance, his status as an Intermediate Pharmacist was roughly equivalent to, if not slightly higher than, a Pharmacist Alliance Steward like Ding Tong. Therefore, Xu Gaocen took the initiative to go and speak with him.
