Word Count: 2,342 Words
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Neither Xiao Yan nor Ya Fei had expected to find soone like Ye Xin Lan from the Ye Clan within the small Jia Nan Academy. Her presence serendipitously resolved the Yan Alliance’s predicant of lacking a foothold for expansion into the Central Plains.
The unification of the North-Western Region now posed essentially no major obstacles for the Yan Alliance. Branch sects of the Misty Cloud Sect had already been established in other empires. The Miteer Auction House, in particular, had opened nurous crucial routes and established many trade lines.
Venerable Tian Huo was currently constructing a Wormhole for the Yan Alliance in Jia Ma Sacred City, originating from the Jia Ma Empire. Soon, travel to the Sky Serpent Mansion would no longer be so ti-consuming. This would make comrce even more convenient.
Xiao Yan had originally thought establishing a foothold in the Central Plains for the Yan Alliance would require more ti and a suitable pretext. Now, that issue was settled. Perhaps the Four Directions Pavilion on the outskirts of the Central Plains would soon beco five!
His Yan Alliance was coming to the Central Plains!
...
Three days later, in the main courtyard, Xiao Yan decided against remaining at Jia Nan Academy any longer and prepared to return to the Jia Ma Empire.
The Athyst Winged Lion King and his cub would naturally return with him, along with Zi Yan and Little Fairy Doctor. Xin Lan would also accompany them back to the Yan Alliance, waiting until the appropriate ti to return to the Ye Clan together with Xiao Yan.
"First Elder, this scroll contains the Heavenly Fla Poison Pill thod I created. I’ve recorded the thod to resolve the Woeful Poison Body within it. I’d like to leave it here at the academy for soone fated to find it."
Xiao Yan hadn’t spent the past several days solely teaching alchemy. He had also utilized his Spiritual Strength during this ti to create this brand-new scroll detailing the Poison Pill thod, including a thorough explanation of how to resolve the Woeful Poison Body.
However, he had set a restriction: only soone possessing the Woeful Poison Body could open this scroll.
Su Qian’s eyes widened in shock when he saw the purple-green scroll Xiao Yan handed over. The value of this scroll was imnse, containing a refinent thod likely equivalent to a tier 8 pill recipe!
It had taken over ten days to create, even with Xiao Yan’s Soul State Spiritual Strength. Its preciousness was self-evident.
"This... this is far too valuable," First Elder Su Qian said, looking at Xiao Yan in astonishnt.
Xiao Yan shook his head. "For ordinary people, it’s no different from scrap paper. If the academy discovers a student with the Woeful Poison Body one day, this might save that person’s life. Although the materials required are hard to find, at least it offers a glimr of hope."
"Alright, I’ll place it in the Book Collection Hall. Consider it a legacy you’re leaving behind, kid," the First Elder said, stroking his beard with a smile.
Ya Fei stepped forward, her face adorned with a gentle smile. Noticing Xiao Yan’s slightly disheveled robes, she reached out with her jade-like, snow-white hand to smooth them tenderly. "Little brother Xiao Yan, this ti your elder sister can’t return to Jia Ma Sacred City with you," she said softly. "Demon Fla City and Black Emperor City are both in chaos right now, creating the perfect opportunity for the Auction House to expand."
Xiao Yan gently took her soft, seemingly boneless hand. Only he truly understood that the Yan Alliance’s financial stability rested entirely on her tireless efforts. The Alliance’s rapid developnt demanded enormous funds. Managing the resources needed by ordinary disciples as well as exchanging the Alliance’s resources for necessary items all relied on her.
"You’ve worked hard, Sister Ya Fei. Once I’ve finished my current tasks, I’ll co personally to bring you back to the Sacred City," Xiao Yan said with a smile.
"Silly little brother, why would you need to co all the way here? I can return on my own." Ya Fei gave a light laugh, her eyes shimring with warmth. She opened her arms and pulled him into a tight, affectionate embrace, enveloping him in a mature, comforting warmth. Her cheek rested briefly against his shoulder, her breath soft against his neck as she held him with care, reluctant to let go too soon. After a lingering mont, she stepped back, her smile bittersweet yet supportive.
After Ya Fei reluctantly released him, Xiao i, who had been ’waiting impatiently’ nearby, imdiately leaped forward, clinging tightly to Xiao Yan’s arm with both hands.
"Hehe, Cousin Xiao Yan, don’t forget about ! Rember to co visit often, okay?" Xiao i pouted coquettishly.
As she pressed closer, the loose fabric of her robe slipped slightly off her shoulder, revealing a glimpse of smooth, snow-white skin. Her wide, doe-like eyes sparkled as she tilted her head cutely, her lips curling as she batted her eyelashes at him.
She was well aware of where her assets lay!
Xiao Yan could only smile helplessly. He did his best not to linger on the delicate pale skin and replied, "Alright, alright, be good. Don’t be like Liu Fei and cause trouble everywhere."
"What? I’d never be as stupid as that Liu Fei," Xiao i stuck out her tongue playfully, making it clear she’d never be that kind of big-breasted, brainless woman.
Off to the side, Xiao Ning saw his elder sister standing motionless. He nudged her back and said, "Sis, what are you still standing around for? The Little Clan Leader is about to leave."
"Why are you pushing ? If... if he’s leaving, then he’s leaving. It’s not like he won’t co back," Xiao Yu muttered, twisting awkwardly.
Xiao Ning wore an expression of hating iron for not becoming steel. He gave a light push with Dou Qi, and Xiao Yu cried out as she stumbled forward.
Seeing soone seemingly throw themselves into his arms, Xiao Yan imdiately grinned mischievously. He opened his arms wide, wrapped one around Xiao Yu’s slender waist with a firm yet gentle hold, and supported her long, toned legs with the other, lifting her effortlessly into a princess carry.
"You really grew those long legs for nothing. How can you not even walk steadily?" Xiao Yan teased, pretending not to know Xiao Ning had pushed her. His voice was laced with playful mockery as he looked down at her flustered expression.
Xiao Yu struggled slightly, her legs kicking in protest as her hands pushed against his chest, though her efforts lacked real force.
"That brat Xiao Ning pushed ! You, you put down first. There are too many people watching..." she huffed, her cheeks flaming red with embarrassnt, her voice mixing irritation and barely concealed shyness. Yet beneath her outward resistance, her heart raced with a secret thrill at being held so securely in his arms.
"Oh? So it’s fine if there aren’t many people?" Xiao Yan laughed.
Xiao Yu’s cheeks turned an even brighter red at his words. She twisted around more fervently. Finally, she kicked him in the chest and spread her Dou Qi wings to escape his grasp, then retreated to the side and glared at him in embarrassnt.
Xiao Yan chuckled softly, his gaze lingering on her for a mont longer. Ignoring her feigned annoyance, he stepped closer and gently stroked her hair. "Take care of yourself. I’ll be back before you know it."
Xiao Yu froze, her glare faltering into a small, reluctant nod. She turned her head away, concealing the small blush on her cheeks as she whispered, "Stay safe, big pervert."
No longer lingering, Xiao Yan cupped his hands toward the sea of students and Xiao Hall mbers not far away. "The mountain may not move, but the water flows. Everyone, until we et again! If fate allows, we shall et once more!"
His clear laughter echoed through the air as a wormhole instantly appeared with a hum. Xiao Yan and the others entered the wormhole and quickly vanished from everyone’s sight. A sense of lancholy lingered among many as the echoes faded.
Xin Lan saw Xiao Yan tear open a wormhole and travel rapidly through space for the first ti, and was filled with astonishnt.
"Amazing, Senior Brother Xiao Yan! You can actually travel through a wormhole without using a Space Boat? And the speed is incredible!" she exclaid. Coming from the Central Plains, she naturally knew about wormholes.
Ordinarily, traversing a wormhole required special tools, and the speed depended on the quality of the Space Boat.
Xiao Yan shook his head lightly. "I can open a wormhole too, but Little Fairy Doctor opened this one. Her speed is much faster than mine."
Little Fairy Doctor was a genuine Dou Venerate, and a 4-star one at that. Her speed was simply unparalleled.
Xin Lan looked in awe at the white-robed woman standing at the very front. She couldn’t help but swallow. This serene woman was actually a Dou Venerate!
"Hey, Xiao Yan, when are you going to the Central Plains?" Zi Yan pouted. She had now reached Rank 7, but relying on dicinal ingredients and pills alone wasn’t enough to break through to Rank 8.
She felt that advancing to Rank 8 would require returning to her tribe. The Ancient Void Dragon Tribe mbers were said to reside in the Beast Region, an extrely distant place. Even with a Dou Venerate opening a wormhole, the journey would still be lengthy.
"With your strength, you can go to the Central Plains anyti. But as for returning to your tribe... I’m afraid the Yan Alliance’s current strength is still sowhat lacking."
The Yan Alliance only had two Dou Venerates right now, while the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe was the leader of all magical beast tribes. If Zi Yan had been expelled from the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe as a criminal, or had escaped while being pursued, returning suddenly would be akin to delivering herself to them on a platter!
Zi Yan imdiately looked a little downcast upon hearing this. She truly had no idea what her status was within the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe, or whether she still had any blood relatives there.
"Don’t worry, it won’t take more than two years. After I win the Pill Gathering championship, I’ll take you back to your tribe. I imagine your tribesn will have to give , the Pill Gathering champion alchemist, so respect and won’t dare do anything to you," Xiao Yan murmured, as if the Pill Gathering championship was already his.
"Okay!" Zi Yan’s face imdiately brightened again.
Neither the Athyst Winged Lion King nor Little Fairy Doctor had any doubts about Xiao Yan winning the Pill Gathering championship.
Only Xin Lan, newly joined and aware of the monstrous geniuses congregating at the Pill Gathering, was left speechless in astonishnt.
This session’s Pill Gathering would feature the participation of the two most talented young won from the Cao and Dan Clans! They had likely been 8th-tier alchemists for a long ti! How could he just declare himself the winner already!
The overwhelming favorite for this Pill Gathering was, of course, the Cao Clan’s ’Witch’, Cao Ying!
Still, after thinking it over, Xin Lan had to admit that Xiao Yan truly possessed the strength to compete.
Before they could exchange more than a few words, Xiao Yan and the others stepped out from the wormhole. A wave of dicinal fragrance instantly washed over them.
"This small valley is as beautiful as ever."
Xiao Yan took a deep breath. Little Fairy Doctor also wore a smile upon returning to the small valley. This was her favorite place. Even after resolving the Woeful Poison Body, she still intended to live here.
"I plan to stay here for a while and carefully study that Poison Pill," Little Fairy Doctor said, looking at Xiao Yan. She took out a jade token and handed it to him. "This is my soul jade piece. If you’re ever in danger, I’ll rush to your side imdiately."
Xiao Yan was taken aback. Little Fairy Doctor also possessed a soul jade piece he had crafted, but now their roles had reversed. She was the one protecting him!
He smiled, nodded, and accepted the jade piece, not refusing her kind intentions. Seeing Xiao Yan accept it, Little Fairy Doctor revealed a gentle, serene smile. Everything between them was already understood without words.
"Hey, hey, Xiao Yan, you’re not planning to ditch and go off on your own this ti, are you?" Zi Yan seed to sense that Xiao Yan intended to leave alone, temporarily leaving her and Xin Lan with Little Fairy Doctor.
"I’m just going sowhere for a bit. I’ll be back soon. When I return, I’ll take you all to the Central Plains. We’ll charge straight to the Pill Region, participate in the Pill Gathering, and then go ho for a visit!" Xiao Yan said with a laugh.
"Senior Brother Xiao Yan, where are you going?" Xin Lan asked curiously.
"I’m making a trip to Burning Fla Valley to retrieve sothing," Xiao Yan replied without hiding anything.
"Burning Fla Valley?" Xin Lan was stunned for a mont, then cried out, "Senior Brother Xiao Yan, don’t tell you’re after Burning Fla Valley’s Nine Dragon Lightning Fla! You absolutely mustn’t!"
"Why not?" Xiao Yan asked.
"The Nine Dragon Lightning Fla has been passed down in Burning Fla Valley for hundreds of years. Generations of powerful experts have branded it with blood soul imprints deep within the fla’s essence. Unless you’ve cultivated Burning Fla Valley’s core Qi thod, the ’Green Nether Fla thod,’ there’s absolutely no way you can make the Nine Dragon Lightning Fla your own, even if you obtain it," Xin Lan hurriedly tried to dissuade him. She definitely didn’t want Xiao Yan to end up in conflict with Burning Fla Valley.
Besides, Burning Fla Valley’s strength was unfathomable. Rumor had it that there was even a Dou Saint there!
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