Word Count: 3,380 Words
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Xiao Yan clenched his fists tightly, a gleam of joy flickering in his eyes. Even with the aid of dicinal pills, advancing from 8-star Dou Emperor to peak 3-star Dou Ancestor in just three months was an utterly astonishing pace!
Refining a Heavenly Fla wouldn’t directly increase one’s cultivation level. However, if one achieved enlightennt during the process or absorbed energy from the Heavenly Fla’s space, a breakthrough beca possible!
This ti, he hadn’t reached the profound state of enlightennt he experienced when refining the Green Lotus Core Fla or the Bone Chilling Fla. Yet the Heavenly Fla space of the Nine Dragon Lightning Fla had brought him an unexpected boon.
By refining the Nine Dragon Lightning Fla, he had absorbed so of its power into his body. Through the unique purification ability of the Fallen Heart Fla, he swiftly refined this energy, allowing him to gain a full star within just one month. He had then surged through two more stars, reaching peak 3-star Dou Ancestor!
Give Xiao Yan another month, and he might even reach 4-star!
’Hmm? The Fla Mantra evolved? Interdiate Tian Class?!’ Xiao Yan blinked in surprise. The Fla Mantra had actually advanced to a new level!
Even as the Fla Mantra’s wielder, Xiao Yan felt sowhat bewildered.
This clearly exceeded his expectations!
’What did I miss in my calculations?’
Xiao Yan had calculated that rging the 12th-ranked Nine Dragon Lightning Fla shouldn’t have been enough to trigger the evolution of the Fla Mantra. There should still have been a gap.
Three years ago, his Fla Mantra had evolved to Low Tian Class after absorbing Han Feng’s Sea Heart Fla. Since then, he had rged other Heavenly Flas into it: the 20th-ranked Ghostly Poison Fla, the 18th-ranked Wind and Thunder Fury Fla, and now the 12th-ranked Nine Dragon Lightning Fla.
By his calculations, these flas ranked too low to push the Fla Mantra to Interdiate Tian Class. Even though the Nine Dragon Lightning Fla was just below the Bone Chilling Fla in power, it shouldn’t have been enough, especially since the Ghostly Poison Fla was currently rged with Little Fairy Doctor’s Poison Pill.
"Perhaps once the Fla Mantra evolves, it won’t regress even if a Heavenly Fla leaves the Acceptance Soul, though the quality of Dou Qi might drop." Xiao Yan muttered to himself. He speculated that once a Qi thod evolved, it remained evolved regardless of whether the Heavenly Fla stayed in the Acceptance Soul. The ’experience bar’ would remain intact.
"But that doesn’t fully add up either. Even with that logic, it should still fall just short of Interdiate Tian Class. What else did I overlook?"
Xiao Yan’s gaze drifted sideways. He spotted a small cat lounging comfortably in the magma, its black tail poking out while its four tiny paws paddled through the molten rock. It swam happily through the lava as if it were a swimming pool rather than a sea of fire.
Xiao Yan had found the culprit!
"Of course! Mao Wu evolved to an Earth Seed Fla!" He slapped his forehead in realization. How could he have forgotten this little guy!
The first fla he had ever refined was the Seed Fla of the Nihility Devouring Fla. Back then, Mao Wu was a newborn Heavenly Fla, weaker even than Venerable Tian Huo’s Fallen Heart Fla. After refining it, the Fla Mantra had only reached Xuan Class, still quite feeble.
This had made him overlook sothing crucial: even as a Seed Fla, it originated from the 2nd-ranked Nihility Devouring Fla. Once matured, it could trendously evolve the Fla Mantra.
In Venerable You Du’s inheritance ruins, Mao Wu had evolved into an Earth Seed Fla, boosting the Fla Mantra’s ’experience points.’ Thus, rging with the Nine Dragon Lightning Fla had finally pushed it to Interdiate Tian Class!
’If Mao Wu evolves to a Heaven Seed Fla, just a step below its main body...’ Xiao Yan swallowed hard at the thought. An Earth Seed Fla already rivaled lower-ranked Heavenly Flas. If it beca a Heaven Seed Fla, cracking the top ten would be no issue!
If he was fortunate enough to refine the Three Thousand Burning Fla and Mao Wu evolved to a Heaven Seed Fla, would he have a chance to push his Fla Mantra to High Tian Class?
Xiao Yan’s eyes burned with fervor. The 2nd-ranked Nihility Devouring Fla truly lived up to its reputation. Even its Seed Fla held such terrifying potential!
But his excitent soon dimd. Despite consuming vast amounts of Heavenly Fla energy, Mao Wu showed no signs of further evolution. Helping it grow seed almost as difficult as breaking through to the Heavenly Soul State himself.
"Mao Wu, let’s go. Ti to head ho," Xiao Yan called out loudly.
ow~
Mao Wu’s ears perked up at the sound of his voice. Its tail rising high, it stepped onto the void with catlike grace. Space instantly burned with black fla, and Mao Wu dove headfirst into it, returning to the Acceptance Soul. As the first tenant, it was eager to check whether the new arrival was settling in comfortably.
Stepping out of Fla Valley, Xiao Yan encountered the Second and Third Elders. The two white-haired old n wore fawning smiles on their faces as they waited awkwardly for him.
"Grandmaster Xiao Yan, congratulations on erging from seclusion."
"Grandmaster Xiao Yan is truly a dragon among n! Reaching 3-star Dou Ancestor in just three months—such a hero, such a genius!"
Hearing these old n heap praise upon him, Xiao Yan shuddered as goosebumps prickled his skin.
He could naturally guess the reason behind their behavior. His strength was formidable enough to match the Second Elder blow for blow, and there was also the relationship between Ancestor Fen Yan and his ancestor Xiao Xuan.
"Enough, enough, elders. I haven’t taken those trivial matters to heart. You really needn’t be like this. Frankly, it’s a bit off-putting." Xiao Yan waved his hand dismissively, his expression one of clear rejection.
If they had been beautiful won, he might have tolerated it, but with two old n fawning over him, he simply couldn’t bear it!
The Second and Third Elders nodded with awkward smiles. The Second Elder spoke up, "Since Grandmaster Xiao Yan has erged from seclusion, may we ask about your plans? If you intend to travel, we two old fellows know this area well and can guide you."
After a mont’s thought, Xiao Yan shook his head. "No need. I’ve cultivated for so ti already, and it’s ti I return to the Yan Alliance. Where is Valley Master Tang? I’d like to bid him farewell."
"The Valley Master is in the main hall. This way, Grandmaster," the Third Elder replied with a smile.
Soon, Xiao Yan arrived at the main hall where Tang Zhen was busy reviewing routine docunts. As Valley Master, he oversaw countless affairs for Burning Fla Valley, from assigning managent of their Wormholes to various factions to other administrative tasks.
"Xiao Yan, you’ve finally erged from seclusion! 3-star Dou Ancestor... advancing so much in just three months is truly enviable." Tang Zhen smiled warmly as he approached Xiao Yan. Although a 3-star Dou Ancestor wasn’t much in the grand sche, this was Xiao Yan after all. This fellow’s thods never ceased to astonish.
"Valley Master Tang overpraises . I rely relied on dicinal pills," Xiao Yan replied modestly with a shake of his head.
"Nonsense! Didn’t you refine those pills yourself? I’m also an alchemist, but alas, my talent pales in comparison. You really make people envious." Tang Zhen laughed heartily.
"I’ve co to bid farewell to Valley Master Tang. It’s ti for to return to the Yan Alliance," Xiao Yan stated directly, skipping formalities.
"Is that so? Very well. Should you ever need assistance, co to Burning Fla Valley anyti. We will always be your friends." Tang Zhen extended his hand and shook Xiao Yan’s firmly.
"I must thank Valley Master Tang then. To everyone here, I apologize for any offense when I first arrived. As mountains and rivers may et again, I bid you farewell until next ti." With those words, Xiao Yan stepped into the void and vanished instantly. The thrill of treading the void and harnessing Spatial Strength was utterly exhilarating.
At that mont, an old man clad in fire-cloud robes appeared beside Tang Zhen. He spoke in a deep voice, "For him to gain the Ancestor’s recognition, it surely isn’t solely because he is Xiao Xuan’s descendant."
Tang Zhen nodded heavily at these words. "Ancestor Huo Yun sees clearly. I understand what must be done."
He turned his gaze toward an elder in the hall nad Chi Huo. "Isn’t Liu Qing, the current head of the Liu Clan in Tianhuang City, a forr classmate of Xiao Yan’s? Don’t they share so connection?"
Elder Chi Huo frowned slightly. "I’m not entirely certain, but the Liu Clan and Cheng Clan have long competed for the managent rights of our Burning Fla Valley’s Wormhole."
"Investigate this. If the Liu Clan has ties to Xiao Yan, certain conveniences can be arranged. You understand my intent, don’t you?" Tang Zhen had naturally researched Xiao Yan during the past three months.
"Understood!"
anwhile, Xiao Yan traversed the spatial passage, unaware that he had unwittingly altered Liu Qing’s clan’s fate. However, such occurrences weren’t surprising. For top-tier experts, a re passing ntion could shift a small clan’s destiny. Just as Xiao Yan’s slight effort could revive Ye Xin Lan’s Ye Clan from the brink of ruin.
With his strength vastly improved, Xiao Yan’s speed through the wormholes had multiplied several tis over. After three months of cultivation, he felt an urgent longing to return ho. Cai Lin was awaiting him, soon to give birth. If the gestation followed a ten-month cycle, she had just two or three months left. How could he not feel urgency?
In just three days, this young father-to-be returned to the Yan Alliance territory within the Jia Ma Empire’s borders.
Within the imperial palace, Cai Lin was reviewing scrolls and handling the affairs of both the Yan Alliance and the Snake-People Tribe. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly, and a strange glint passed through her beautiful eyes.
"All of you, withdraw," she suddenly commanded.
The Snake-People below, still in the midst of their reports, were dumbfounded by Her Majesty’s order. Morning court had barely begun! If the queen intended to skip it, couldn’t she have said so earlier?
None dared object, of course. They retreated quietly. Even Hua She Er, acting as a shadow guard, was tactful enough to slowly leave the palace hall. Her knowing eyes suggested she understood what was happening!
Cai Lin adjusted her attire with a gentle motion and cast a glance at the seemingly empty space. "How much longer do you plan to hide?"
As soon as her words fell, a mass of black fla materialized out of thin air. Xiao Yan, clad in a black robe, stepped slowly from the wormhole, grinning as he said, "Hehehe, long ti no see, Cai Lin. How has your health been lately?"
Cai Lin sat upon the imperial throne, exuding authority and majesty. Her beauty was such that it could eclipse the moon and outshine the fairest blooms.
She rose slowly from her throne and descended. As she approached, the entire palace hall seed to brighten, instantly capturing Xiao Yan’s gaze.
Cai Lin wore a resplendent golden robe, her tall figure accentuated by exquisite curves that even the imperial dragon garnt couldn’t conceal. Each graceful step she took was a vision of perfection. Her black hair cascaded over her shoulders, giving her an ethereal air. When her bright eyes t his, it felt as though the sky itself had brightened, stirring a tremor in his heart.
The woman before him was so breathtaking she evoked sighs of awe. She was a goddess worthy of reverence. Even Xiao Yan found himself entranced, mories of their intimate monts from months ago flickering through his mind.
"You’ve reached 3-star Dou Ancestor?" Cai Lin sized him up, then asked in her typically cool tone that flowed like mountain streams.
"Ah? Oh, yes. Three months ago, I visited Burning Fla Valley and gained so opportunities," Xiao Yan answered honestly.
Hearing that his cultivation continued to soar, nearly matching her own, a dangerous spark flashed in Cai Lin’s eyes. As a queen, she loathed the idea of being protected. She was a staunch believer in her own strength! Yet now, bearing a child, she couldn’t break through to Dou Venerate.
"Uh, there’s a peak tier 7 Zun Breaking Pill that increases the chance of breaking through to Dou Venerate by twenty percent. Or if you wait until after I attend the Pill Gathering, I can refine a tier 8 pill to help you reach Dou Venerate," Xiao Yan quickly offered, sensing her mood.
However, the mont his words landed, a wave of killing intent enveloped him. Cai Lin’s eyes narrowed, her expression turning as frigid as the depths of the Nine Underworlds.
Xiao Yan froze. Had he said sothing wrong??
"You think I’m after dicinal pills?" Cai Lin asked icily.
"Uh?" Xiao Yan was utterly confused. What did she an? If she didn’t want them, fine. He wasn’t eager to hunt down the ingredients anyway.
Seeing his bewildered expression, the murderous aura around Cai Lin dissipated with a sigh. She extended her jade hand, took his left hand, and gently placed it on her lower abdon.
A surge like electricity coursed through Xiao Yan. With his exceptional Spiritual Strength, he could sense the faint, fragile life beneath his palm. It had been concealed by a secret technique, which explained why he hadn’t noticed it initially.
Only upon touching her abdon did he perceive it.
After which, excitent blood across his face. This was a feeling indescribable in words—he could only say, simply, that it felt like his child!
Seeing Xiao Yan’s overwheld, speechless joy, a tender warmth softened Cai Lin’s gaze. Perhaps this was an inescapable bond, forged by the fateful mishap with the Green Lotus Core Fla.
"It’s been six or seven months already. Why isn’t there a bump yet?" Xiao Yan blurted out a bafflingly direct question.
All of Cai Lin’s tender illusions shattered. She replied with mild irritation, "The Snake-People Tribe differs from humans. The Four Grand Elders said it might take another year."
"Oh, a year... That ans shortly after the Pill Gathering ends," Xiao Yan murmured to himself. That way, once the Pill Gathering concluded, he would still make it back in ti.
"Don’t just stand there. Sit down, sit down," he urged quickly.
"I’m a 9-star Dou Ancestor, not so fragile mortal!" Cai Lin shot him a withering look. She could soar through the sky and burrow into the earth just fine, but standing for a while was too much?
After Xiao Yan peppered her with all sorts of questions, Cai Lin found him sowhat exasperating and changed the subject. "Head to Jia Ma Sacred City. Yao Ye ntioned yesterday that two strangers ca looking for you."
"Strangers? Looking for ?"
"Two young won."
!?
A flood of young won’s faces raced through Xiao Yan’s mind, though most were from within the Yan Alliance. They wouldn’t be strangers, would they?
Noticing his contemplative look, Cai Lin’s irritation flared. Just how many romantic entanglents did this fellow have outside!
Without another word, she seized him and sent him flying with a swift kick.
Xiao Yan cried out that he was wronged. He truly didn’t have any!
Stepping through the void, Xiao Yan reached the Jia Ma imperial palace in less than half a minute. When he saw the guests waiting for him, he was stunned. He recognized one of them but not the other.
Queen Yao Ye was entertaining the two visitors. Sensing his approach, she looked up with a smile. "Grandmaster Xiao Yan, your timing is perfect. I’ll leave these two lovely ladies in your care."
Xiao Yan forced a bitter smile. If you don’t want to die at Queen dusa’s hands, don’t talk nonsense.
"Senior Sister Han Yue, it’s been a long ti." He offered a polite cupped-fist salute to the silver-haired Han Yue.
He knew Han Yue well. She had guided him into the Sky Burning Qi Refining Tower, and they had tead up to acquire the Core Quenching Body Milk. As for the other woman who resembled Han Yue, he had no clue who she was.
Sensing his confusion, Han Yue made introductions. "This is my younger sister, Han Xue."
Han Xue’s brows were like willow leaves, her skin as white as snow, and her figure tall and graceful. She wore a purple dress, and beneath its folds her curvaceous figure was especially pronounced. Han Xue’s face showed a trace of nervousness as she said, "Hello, Grandmaster Xiao Yan."
"Oh, hello, hello." Xiao Yan nodded, then cut to the chase. "I heard you were looking for . May I ask what this is about?"
Han Yue’s expression grew serious. "Our Han Clan from Tian Bei City wishes to join the Yan Alliance."
!!!?
Xiao Yan was montarily taken aback. Though the Yan Alliance was relatively open, such freedom had limits. Joining another’s alliance without cause was tantamount to inviting trouble for one’s own clan.
The Yan Alliance wasn’t necessarily a benevolent organization either; it imposed its own set of constraints.
"May I ask why?" Xiao Yan inquired.
Han Yue’s face remained grave. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend."
Yao Ye, aware that Xiao Yan had been absent for three months and out of touch with Yan Alliance matters, offered an explanation. "Their Han Clan resides in Tian Bei City on the outskirts of the Central Plains. Alongside the Han Clan, there’s the Hong Clan. Due to their close ties with the Wind Lightning Pavilion, the Hong Clan has always suppressed the Han Clan."
At the ntion of the Hong Clan, Han Xue bit her lip, her voice laced with anger and grievance. "The Hong Clan, leveraging their alliance with the Wind Lightning Pavilion and their superior strength, constantly oppresses my Han Clan. They even demand that my sister and I marry Hong Chen to dominate all of Tian Bei City. So..."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan instantly understood.
Three Thousand Lightning Movent!
Xiao Yan had known three months ago that the Yan Alliance was preparing to advance into the Central Plains. They planned to use a major event called the Four Pavilion Grand eting on the Central Plains’ outskirts to make the Yan Alliance’s na resound and fully establish themselves in the Central Plains.
Such a move was akin to encroaching on the Four Pavilions’ territory. Moreover, Xiao Yan had cultivated the Three Thousand Lightning Movent, making the Wind Lightning Pavilion the first to confront them.
Over the past three months, friction between the Yan Alliance and the Wind Lightning Pavilion had likely been constant. After all, the Yan Alliance was a newly risen Dou Venerate faction, while the Wind Lightning Pavilion was long-established. Unless Little Fairy Doctor intervened, the Yan Alliance, with only Venerable Tian Huo, stood little chance against them.
Still, the Yan Alliance was a Dou Venerate faction in its own right. If the Hong Clan could rely on the Wind Lightning Pavilion, why couldn’t the Han Clan align with the Yan Alliance? At the very least, Han Yue and Xiao Yan were forr schoolmates who had fought side by side.
He had even discreetly taken the genuine Core Quenching Body Milk back then. Though Han Yue and the others hadn’t recognized it at the ti, they had agreed to share the spoils, yet he had claid the best portion. A twinge of guilt lingered in his heart.
"I understand now. So it’s the Wind Lightning Pavilion. If they had approached civilly about cultivating the Three Thousand Lightning Movent, I would have responded in kind. Since they choose hostility, don’t bla for seizing their Three Thousand Lightning Illusionary Body technique as well." Xiao Yan’s eyes narrowed slightly. Truth be told, he had coveted their Three Thousand Lightning Illusionary Body for quite so ti but lacked a proper pretext!
Now, hadn’t one just presented itself?
"The Four Pavilion Grand eting is worth attending."
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END OF VOL 3
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