Chapter 72: Yao Chen

As Xiao Yan activated the Burn Decree, the aura of the Fallen Heart Flame began to weaken steadily.

Outside, Elder Su Qian and others felt the Fallen Heart Flame’s aura fading, and their hearts grew heavy.

After all, the Fallen Heart Flame was one of the foundations of Jia Nan Academy, and now it was being assimilated by someone else—yet they could do nothing to stop it.

I wonder if Xiao Yan can leave some of the Strange Fire inside the Tianfen Qi Refining Tower!

Elder Su Qian silently thought: “If it truly can’t be helped, we’ll have to follow the Headmaster’s original arrangement and let Xiao Yan store more of the Fallen Heart Flame in that device.”

Though this would weaken the Tianfen Qi Refining Tower’s effectiveness, at this point, who had the luxury to care?

Originally, besides that, Xiao Yan also had to leave behind several seventh-rank elixirs!

……

Just as Elder Su Qian and the others waited for Xiao Yan to successfully subdue the Fallen Heart Flame, a soft laugh suddenly echoed from behind them…

I never expected Jia Nan Academy’s inner sect truly concealed a Strange Fire! Elder Su Qian, you’ve kept this from me well!

At the sound of the laugh, all the elders of Jia Nan Academy quickly turned their heads.

There, in midair, dozens of figures had appeared, and at their head stood a sixth-rank alchemist clad in an alchemist’s robe—the very “Alchemist Emperor” Han Feng!

Those following Han Feng were all at least Dou Wang in realm, with many even being Dou Huang.

Though Elder Su Qian had crossed into the Dou Zong realm, the sheer number of these powerful figures collectively surpassed Jia Nan Academy’s current strength.

Yet facing such a dangerous situation, Su Qian felt no fear—instead, he found it amusing.

After all, Xiao Yan, who was currently subduing the Strange Fire inside the Tianfen Qi Refining Tower, was officially Han Feng’s junior brother!

When Yao Chen had appeared earlier, Su Qian had mentioned Han Feng’s name—and he had not misread the fleeting fury that flashed across Yao Chen’s expression; clearly, the master-disciple bond between Yao Chen and Han Feng had long been broken.

Though Yao Chen’s soul form was now even more terrifying than his original power, his downfall had been too suspicious—perhaps it had something to do with Han Feng.

“If the Holy Alchemist’s downfall truly involved this Han Feng, then this is a perfect chance to eliminate them all!” Elder Su Qian thought inwardly.

He had witnessed Yao Chen’s power before—he, a third-rank Dou Zong, had been utterly powerless against him, let alone these Dou Huang and Dou Wang cultivators!

Thinking this, Su Qian quickly turned to Han Feng and said with a faint smirk: “So it’s you—the Alchemist Emperor Han Feng from the Black Corner Region.”

“Hehe, Elder Su Qian, you’re too kind.”

Han Feng smiled lightly: “The title ‘Alchemist Emperor’ is merely a casual gift from friends in the Black Corner Region—it’s not to be taken seriously.”

Hearing Han Feng’s words, which sounded humble but were clearly boastful, Su Qian found it laughable.

Correct!

A sixth-rank alchemist was formidable—even Jia Nan Academy’s top alchemist was only fifth-rank.

Normally, Su Qian would have treated Han Feng with great respect.

But now, both Han Feng’s master and his junior brother were inside the Tianfen Qi Refining Tower—one was the true “Holy Alchemist,” the other a sixteen-year-old Dou Ling and fourth-rank alchemist!

Either one of these master and disciple would be far more terrifying than Han Feng at this moment!

Thinking this, Su Qian quickly said: “Han Feng, this is Jia Nan Academy’s territory. You came uninvited—what do you intend?”

Seeing this, the other elders of Jia Nan Academy all grew alert.

“Hahaha…”

Han Feng chuckled, then his gaze swiftly turned toward the Tianfen Qi Refining Tower: “Strange Fires are rare treasures of heaven and earth. To seal them here is cruel! As an alchemist, Strange Fires are our faith—I ask you, Elder, to release the Strange Fire and let it return to the natural world!”

Upon hearing Han Feng’s words, not only did the Jia Nan elders’ expressions turn strange, but even his own followers looked bewildered.

They came from the Black Corner Region, where life-and-death struggles were commonplace; Han Feng’s desire to seize the Strange Fire was perfectly normal—but his excuse was absurd!

“Han Feng, your ridiculous excuse wouldn’t fool a three-year-old!”

Elder Su Qian sneered: “If you want the Strange Fire, just say so—no need for pretenses!”

“Hehe…”

Han Feng stood in midair, exuding an air of supreme confidence: “Elder Su Qian, you’re blunt as ever. Since you’ve guessed my intent, why not hand over the Strange Fire? If we clash, whether Jia Nan Academy will even exist afterward is uncertain!”

Hearing this, Su Qian’s anger surged.

Earlier, when Xiao Yan had tried to subdue the Fallen Heart Flame, he had already been displeased—but faced with Yao Chen’s power, far exceeding even the Headmaster’s, he had dared not resist.

But now, even Han Feng, a mere Dou Huang, dared threaten Jia Nan Academy?

They were treating Jia Nan Academy like a soft target—anyone could come and provoke them!

Thinking this, Su Qian sneered: “Han Feng, Jia Nan Academy has endured for countless years on the Dou Qi Continent—do you think you can threaten us?”

“What if we add us to the equation?”

Suddenly, a strange voice echoed.

As soon as the words left his mouth, the surrounding space rippled, and two figures—one golden, one silver—appeared like ghosts in the sky.

One wore a golden robe, the other a silver robe; upon closer inspection, their faces were nearly identical—as if carved from the same mold.

Seeing these two figures, all the Jia Nan elders grew solemn.

These two were known as the Golden and Silver Masters—a pair of twin brothers who cultivated the same martial art.

Separately, they were merely peak Dou Huang; together, they could match a Dou Zong’s power!

Han Feng’s Black Corner Region contingent already outnumbered them; with the Golden and Silver Masters added, even Su Qian’s Dou Zong advantage vanished!

Yet when Su Qian saw the Golden and Silver Masters appear, his face showed no trace of worry.

“I never expected Han Feng would bring you two along!”

Su Qian regarded the Golden and Silver Masters with interest and smiled: “So you’re determined to help Han Feng seize the Strange Fire?”

“We were entrusted with a task—we must fulfill it. There’s no choice.”

The golden-robed elder smiled: “Old Su, I advise you to hand over the Strange Fire to Han Feng. As a sixth-rank alchemist, he won’t let you lose out—and it’ll spare us all a bloody fight!”

“Hehe, you’re deluding yourselves!”

Elder Su Qian laughed: “I won’t hide it from you—the Strange Fire has already been entrusted to another high elder. He is currently subduing it. If you disturb him, you’ll bear all consequences yourselves!”

“Elder Su Qian, it seems you’ve firmly chosen to stand against me, Han Feng!”

Han Feng’s expression turned icy. He sneered, and a deep blue flame instantly appeared in his palm.

“Strange Fire?”

The moment the deep blue flame appeared, gasps erupted everywhere.

Strange Fires are exceedingly rare across the Dou Qi Continent—yet here, two had gathered!

Hum!

Han Feng’s mind flicked, and a tendril of the deep blue flame shot swiftly toward Su Qian.

“Bold!”

Seeing Han Feng strike first, Su Qian swept his sleeve, and a powerful Dou Qi surged forth, colliding violently with the flame tendril.

“Han Feng, since you’ve come seeking death, don’t blame me!”

Su Qian sneered, then turned toward the Tianfen Qi Refining Tower and shouted: “Bandits come to seize the Strange Fire! Elder, please lend your aid!”

Though Jia Nan Academy could barely hold off Han Feng’s group, Su Qian had already entrusted the Fallen Heart Flame to Xiao Yan and Yao Chen—seeking Yao Chen’s help was only natural!

Hearing Su Qian’s words, Han Feng’s followers instantly grew uneasy…

Su Qian was a true Dou Zong—someone he called “elder” must be a Dou Zun!

At this thought, even Han Feng’s expression changed—but quickly returned to normal…

……

Inside the Tianfen Qi Refining Tower.

Since Han Feng’s appearance, Yao Chen’s aura had begun to shift.

But Xiao Yan was at the critical moment of subduing the Strange Fire, so Yao Chen held off confronting Han Feng.

【Pang Bo: Here he comes! I thought Han Feng would wait until Xiao Yan’s cultivation broke through before acting—but he came himself to deliver his own doom!】

【Yue Buqun: Han Feng’s character is terrible, and his luck is worse! In the original plot, he never got the Strange Fire—now with the Holy Alchemist here, it’s even less likely!】

【Cao Cao: Heaven’s punishment can be survived; self-inflicted punishment cannot!】

【Pang Bo: What’s this survival nonsense? Han Feng’s just a courier—he’s here to deliver Hai Xin Flame straight to Xiao Yan!】

【Pang Bo: @Han Li, your namesake’s really something—he knows Xiao Yan needs Strange Fire to boost fast, so he brings him a new one!】

Seeing Pang Bo’s words, Han Li from the mortal world felt helpless.

Originally, with the group owner’s help, his cultivation speed had been the fastest in the group—second only to the owner. But now, Xiao Yan was outright cheating, and people were voluntarily delivering resources—his position as second in the group was clearly slipping away!

【Xiao Yan: If possible, I’d still prefer to clean house for my master myself—but Han Feng came to die on his own!】

【Pang Bo: If he came to die, then grant his wish!】

【Xiao Yan: Don’t worry, Brother Pang—this traitor won’t escape this time!】

After saying this in the group, Xiao Yan, still absorbing the Strange Fire, turned to Yao Chen: “Master, I can handle what comes next alone. If you wish to purge the traitor, go now!”

“Very well.”

Yao Chen sighed softly, then his mind flicked—and he instantly appeared beyond the barrier.

……

Outside the Tianfen Qi Refining Tower.

“No need to worry, everyone!”

Calmly, Han Feng reassured his followers, then turned to Su Qian: “Su Qian, don’t try to bluff me. I’ve seen the world. Powerful figures are few. If you say a high elder is subduing the Strange Fire, tell me who he is!”

Name him, let us see him, and we’ll leave immediately. Otherwise, hand over the Strange Fire!

Su Qian looked at Han Feng with amusement: “Han Feng, you’re not unfamiliar with this high elder—he is your master, the ‘Alchemist Sovereign’ Yao Chen!”

“Hahaha…”

Hearing this, Han Feng burst into laughter: “Su Qian, even if you’re making up stories, make them believable! Everyone knows my master Yao Chen perished long ago from alchemical backlash!”

Here, Han Feng’s voice turned furious: “Su Qian, you insult my master—I will make you pay dearly for this!”

At Han Feng’s words, Su Qian couldn’t help but freeze in surprise.

Had he misunderstood?

But if there had been no feud between Han Feng and Yao Chen, why hadn’t Yao Chen sought him out upon learning of his whereabouts?

Just then, Yao Chen appeared outside the Tianfen Qi-Refining Tower, and a withered voice echoed in everyone’s ears.

“My good disciple, it seems you truly care for your master!”

Yao Chen’s voice was calm, yet beneath it simmered boundless fury: “So seeing I didn’t perish—does that please you?”

Hearing that familiar voice, Han Feng froze, then whirled around sharply.

Before his eyes appeared a withered soul form—the very master he had once betrayed, the “Soul Alchemist” Yao Chen.

Seeing Yao Chen’s figure, panic surged instantly from deep within Han Feng’s heart.

Memories from long ago resurfaced before him, causing his entire body to tremble.

After a moment, pale-faced Han Feng seemed to summon every last ounce of strength, then let out a voice choked with terror: “You… you’re still alive? How is this possible?”

Before him, Yao Chen filled Han Feng with a fear unlike any he had ever known.

Though Yao Chen had once been immensely powerful, he was now merely a soul form—Han Feng was not truly afraid of his strength.

What he truly feared was the terrifying influence Yao Chen once held across the Qi Continent!

Even now, many powerful cultivators on the Qi Continent still remembered Yao Chen’s name, and many had once received his grace.

Take the Wind Sovereign—Yao Chen had nearly reborn him. Even after Yao Chen’s death, the Wind Sovereign had never ceased searching for the truth behind his demise, and had even investigated Han Feng multiple times—only to find no evidence, and thus abandon each inquiry.

But if the Wind Sovereign learned Yao Chen still lived, he would be the first to peel Han Feng’s skin and tear out his tendons!

“My good disciple!”

Yao Chen stared at Han Feng and sneered: “Thanks to you, I did not perish from your treachery! How does it feel—surprised?”

…

Hearing the exchange between Yao Chen and Han Feng, those around them all turned pale.

Su Qian’s expression confirmed his suspicions—he had already seen Yao Chen, and had guessed the bitter rift between master and disciple.

Yet everyone else, including the experts of the Black Corner Domain, wore expressions of utter disbelief.

Even among the vilest criminals of the Black Corner Domain, few would betray their own master!

Han Feng’s actions filled all with revulsion.

At this moment, Han Feng’s face twisted between fury and fear, then hardened into a monstrous snarl.

To survive, he must silence Yao Chen forever—and eliminate every elder of Jia Nan Academy and every member of the Black Corner Domain, for only the dead keep secrets.

But with his current strength, this was impossible—he could only temporarily rely on the Black Corner Domain’s forces.

Thinking thus, Han Feng turned to the Black Corner Domain members who had followed him: “All of you, lend me your aid!”

“This old man is now only a soul fragment—his power is less than one percent of what it was! If you help me annihilate him completely, I will triple the reward I promised you!”

“This…”

At Han Feng’s words, the Black Corner Domain members all stirred with desire.

As the saying goes: “Men die for wealth, birds perish for food!”

Though Han Feng’s character was despicable, his alchemical skill was undeniable.

Hadn’t they followed him to oppose Jia Nan Academy precisely for the generous rewards?

Now that the reward had tripled, what reason was there to hesitate?

Moreover, after helping Han Feng kill Yao Chen’s soul, they would hold his secret—and his leverage—in their hands.

Thinking thus, the Gold and Silver Elders spoke first: “Han Feng, we can hold off Su Qian for you—but you must deal with your master yourself!”

“Correct! The Jia Nan Academy members are ours!” the others chorused.

“Thank you all!”

Han Feng nodded slightly, then turned to Yao Chen, his eyes brimming with murderous intent: “Old bastard, I don’t care how you survived—but today, I will silence you forever!”

As he spoke, Han Feng clenched his fist, and deep blue flame surged into a solid, three-pronged trident before him.

“Old man!”

Feeling the immense power of the Strange Flame, Han Feng grew confident: “Back then, I begged you endlessly—you refused to teach me the Burn Scripture, claiming it was for my own good?”

“Look! Even without your help, I tamed Sea Heart Flame! You know my talent—had you given me the Burn Scripture and Bone Spirit Cold Flame back then, would I have betrayed you?”

“Your heart is corrupt,” Yao Chen sighed softly.

He had found Han Feng as a child, raised him from infancy, and poured all his hopes into him.

And now…

“Bullshit about a corrupt heart!”

Hearing this, Han Feng grew even more frenzied: “Old man, that’s what you said back then—and now you still refuse to see your fault!”

“This is all your own doing! I killed you once—I can kill you again! You refused to pass on the Burn Scripture and Bone Spirit Cold Flame—then I’ll take them myself!”

As he spoke, a torrent of emerald flame erupted from Han Feng’s body, pouring relentlessly into the flame trident in his hand.

With the infusion of boundless flame, the trident swelled to several zhang in size, its deep blue flames churning violently, echoing with the roar of ocean waves.

“Old man, die!”

Han Feng roared, lunging forward with the flame trident toward Yao Chen’s soul form, seeking to obliterate him with the Strange Flame’s power.

“Sigh… still so deluded.”

Yao Chen sighed gently, then summoned his will—vast soul power surged forth.

Simultaneously, a white flame erupted—his life flame, Bone Spirit Cold Flame.

Puff!

Under Yao Chen’s precise soul control, the Bone Spirit Cold Flame collided with Han Feng’s trident and instantly annihilated it.

Then, Yao Chen’s soul form appeared directly before Han Feng.

Thanks to the Chaos Origin Fruit Lu Qingshan had gifted him, Yao Chen’s soul had long since reached the peak of the Heavenly Realm—his power rivaled a Two-Star Dou Saint, far surpassing his former peak. How could a mere Dou Huang like Han Feng possibly stand against him?

Slap!

Yao Chen’s palm struck Han Feng’s face with brutal force.

After the blow, Han Feng’s hair was disheveled, his aura drastically weakened.

This was only because Yao Chen held back—if he had struck with full fury, Han Feng would have perished instantly.

After this blow, Han Feng was utterly stunned—and the Black Corner Domain members attacking the Jia Nan Academy elders were equally paralyzed.

For the soul power Yao Chen had just unleashed had instinctively compelled them toward submission.

“Run!”

The Gold and Silver Elders were the first to recover. They struck together, briefly repelling Su Qian, then fled without looking back.

Seeing this, the other Black Corner Domain members immediately used their techniques to escape in all directions.

Yao Chen made no move to stop them; Su Qian wanted to, but was powerless to do so.

In mere moments, the Black Corner Domain members who had followed Han Feng scattered like birds and beasts.

And now, Yao Chen continued slapping Han Feng…

“This slap—for your greed!”

Slap!

Yao Chen struck Han Feng’s face again, knocking out several teeth.

“This slap—for your betrayal of your master and annihilation of your lineage!”

Slap!

Another brutal slap sent Han Feng reeling into unconsciousness.

Slap! Slap! Slap…

After delivering over a dozen slaps, Yao Chen finally slammed his palm onto Han Feng’s crown.

Puff!

A dull sound echoed—Han Feng’s head shattered like a watermelon struck by a boulder, exploding into fragments.

Instantly, his soul form emerged from his body.

“Master, spare me!”

Han Feng’s soul knelt in midair, pounding his head against the void: “Master, I repent! I was raised by you since childhood—please, give me one chance to redeem myself…”

“Hmph!”

Yao Chen sneered, then willed his soul—Han Feng’s soul dissolved into nothingness.

(End of Chapter)