Chapter 1048

"Ah?"

Hearing that Xiao Xuan had once attempted to break through to Dou Emperor, Xiao Yan was shocked and couldn't help but let out a sigh of disappointment.

After all, those three strange fires had already been destroyed in self-detonation, so even his ancestor could no longer provide them for him to absorb.

"Hehe, I originally had no intention of letting you go there to obtain strange fire, but since you said that, and you indeed urgently need to increase your strength now, perhaps we can go on an adventure to try."

Just as the former was feeling disappointed, Xiao Xuan, standing at the center of the hall, suddenly laughed and spoke.

Upon hearing that, Xiao Yan, who had originally been disappointed, instantly looked delighted toward the former and asked, "Ancestor, do you know of any other strange fire?"

"When I initially self-detonated the strange fire, although the Crimson Lotus Flame was completely destroyed by me, I could still sense that the Three Thousand Blazing Flame Fire seemed to, after falling into the endless void, gradually coalesce with scattered flames elsewhere and fortunately survive."

Speaking to this point, Xiao Xuan's face also showed a hint of emotion due to the tenacity of the Three Thousand Blazing Flame Fire's vitality.

"I never expected that the Three Thousand Blazing Flame Fire, dubbed the Undying Flame, would have such tenacious vitality. Even if its sparks were shattered into pieces, after some sparks were blasted by the explosion into the void of the starry sky, it relied on the extremely rich stellar power there to stubbornly endure."

"What?!"

After hearing the former's words, Xiao Yan, who had been extremely disappointed, instantly had his mood do a 180-degree turn, so excited that he couldn't help but jump up.

"The Three Thousand Blazing Flame Fire is said that, no matter how severe the damage, as long as it is placed in a place rich in stellar power, it can recover on its own. If, when the ancestor self-detonated the strange fire, a spark was indeed blasted up to high altitude, then that spark might very well absorb the surrounding rich stellar power while gathering other scattered flames to regrow."

Thinking about the ability of the Three Thousand Blazing Flame Fire, Xiao Yan was shocked and also understood the reason behind it.

However, thinking that the Three Thousand Blazing Flame Fire is the ninth-ranked strange fire on the Strange Fire List.

For him, a Six-Star Battle Venerable, it still had a decent effect, so he hurriedly asked, "Ancestor, where is that strange fire now?"

"Because I forcibly planted a soul imprint inside it, I can now sense that it is hiding in the depths of the starry sky, recovering its strength."

Speaking, Xiao Xuan simultaneously raised his head and gazed at the sky.

But shortly after, he lowered his head, looked at Xiao Yan beside him, and then said, "However, that place is in the depths of the starry sky; even if—"

"Clan pattern?"

Upon hearing that, Xiao Yan was momentarily stunned.

"But soon, after reacting, he asked in confusion, 'Ancestor, your words remind me that during this period, whenever I used the Heavenly Fire Three Mysteries Transformation against those powerful energy entities, a pattern would appear on my forehead. And Xun'er and some other ancient clan members who saw it said that this pattern exactly matches the Xiao Clan pattern shown in their books.'"

"Their guess is correct; that is the Xiao Clan's clan pattern."

Just as the former finished speaking, Xiao Xuan at the center of the hall suddenly spoke, revealing the origin of that pattern.

"How how is this possible?"

Upon hearing that, Xiao Yan's eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at Xiao Xuan and asked doubtfully, "But earlier, those people said our Xiao Clan's bloodline has already been exhausted, so why—"

"Although the bloodline is exhausted, our Xiao Clan's clan pattern is not like other ancient races that require a gift from others; it is cultivated by ourselves."

"After finishing, Xiao Xuan smiled and continued, 'I can sense the Heavenly Fire Three Mysteries Transformation in your body, for it was created by me, and I also incorporated the method to activate the Xiao Clan's clan pattern into it—though I never expected you would obtain it after a thousand years. I remember that I originally gave it to Blazing Flame Valley; the word 'fate' truly is unfathomable.'"

"Now I understand; I said it's no wonder that after reaching Battle Venerable, each time I use the Heavenly Fire Three Mysteries Transformation, that feeling grows deeper."

Upon hearing the former's explanation, Xiao Yan then nodded in sudden realization.

No wonder that even if the Dou Emperor bloodline is exhausted, he can still manifest the clan pattern.

"Of course, the Heavenly Fire Three Mysteries Transformation you cultivate is not complete. When I originally sent it to Blazing Flame Valley, I removed the final step of the clan pattern activation method. And it is precisely because that final step is missing that you have never been able to cultivate a complete clan pattern."

Gazing at the expression on the younger clan member's face, Xiao Xuan then chuckled lightly.

Upon hearing that, Xiao Yan, who was currently extremely eager for power, felt a surge of excitement in his heart and looked hopefully at Xiao Xuan.

"Rest assured, I have waited alone for so many ages just to continue the Xiao Clan's legacy, and naturally the final step of this Heavenly Fire Three Mysteries Transformation will be passed to you."

Seeing Xiao Yan's impatient appearance, Xiao Xuan laughed and shook his head.

"However, according to information obtained from the ancient clan, even if I were to cultivate the clan pattern, without the support of bloodline power it would be difficult to bring its strength to its peak."

Thinking about the information regarding the clan pattern that he had recently obtained, Xiao Yan couldn't help but frown slightly.

However, thinking that the Xiao Clan has now become like this, I also sighed and no longer insisted.

"Hehe, since it is called a clan pattern, it naturally must have bloodline power as its source."

Xiao Xuan gazed at Xiao Yan's gradually dimming eyes, yet suddenly smiled.

At the same time, he suddenly stepped onto the pool water in the hall, then walked to the center of the pool and raised his palm,

In the next instant, Xiao Yan saw that mass of pool water suddenly begin to rotate slowly.

Accompanying the pool water's rotation, strands of blood-colored light slowly emanated from Xiao Xuan's body, then followed his feet down and completely transmitted into the pool water below.

Strands of strange blood-colored light continuously flowed into the pool water, causing the previously clear water below to gradually turn blood-red, appearing like a blood pool.

At the same time, Xiao Xuan's originally black hair gradually turned pale at this moment.

Even his face began to grow old.

Seeing this scene, Xiao Yan's complexion suddenly changed.

"However, just as the former was about to speak, Xiao Xuan on the pool water gently shook his head at him and gave a weak smile, saying, 'Back when the Xiao Clan still existed, I sensed that the Xiao Clan's Dou Emperor bloodline was about to be exhausted. Once this happened, the Xiao Clan could only, like many other Dou Emperor clans with exhausted bloodlines, gradually be swept into the dust of history.'"

"While speaking, Xiao Xuan raised his head, his eyes filled with recollection, and continued, 'To replenish the Dou Emperor bloodline, the only way is for a Dou Emperor to appear again, but this method is extremely difficult; however, back then I was immensely proud and did not think I would be blocked before the threshold to Dou Emperor.'"

"Afterward, after consulting with the many Elders of the clan, I decided to employ a secret art, transferring the vast majority of the clan's bloodline power into my body, in a desperate move!"

"Speaking to this point, Xiao Xuan paused for a while and then softly said, 'I know that was the last hope of all clan members, but unfortunately I ultimately let down all the Xiao Clan members.'"

As his words fell, Xiao Xuan couldn't help but take a deep breath, and a look of pain appeared on his face.

"Finally, I not only failed in my impact, but also, when struck by a backlash of battle qi and severely injured, suffered a sneak attack from the Soul Clan."

Hearing Xiao Xuan's self-reproachful voice, Xiao Yan fell silent for a moment, then softly said, "That too was a last resort, after all, if we allowed the Xiao Clan's Dou Emperor bloodline to gradually exhaust, the Xiao Clan would likewise be unable to escape its doom."

Upon hearing that, Xiao Xuan gave a bitter smile and then turned his gaze toward Xiao Yan.

"Back then I exerted all my effort, with difficulty preserving these Dou Emperor bloodlines, and then sealed them by various means, all for the purpose of being able to once again create a clan member possessing bloodline power."

"And now I am merely a remnant soul, only able to drift within the Tian Mu. I can no longer accomplish the revitalization of the Xiao Clan; therefore, from now on, it all depends on you."

As the former spoke, the blood hidden within his body accelerated its flow.

At the same time, the clear pool water below, accompanied by the influx of blood-colored radiance, became ever more blood-red.

Later on, a strong smell of blood emanated from within, spreading throughout the entire hall.

At the same time, an extremely terrifying and strange power also slowly spread out from that blood-colored pool water.

And Xiao Yan, gazing at the increasingly aging but ever gentler-eyed Xiao Xuan, felt a pang in his heart.

For the sake of the entire race, the burden borne by the former is much greater than his.

"These bloodline powers are a small part of the entire Xiao clan's people's bloodline that I extracted back then to break through to Dou Emperor. Moreover, they contain a bit of energy I sealed during my lifetime. My descendants hope that I can fulfill my promise to the Xiao clan people back then—can you accomplish it for me!"

And while Xiao Xuan was speaking, Xiao Yan, standing beside the pool, likewise felt that terrifying power transmitted from the pool.

However, these abilities not only did not cause him the slightest discomfort, but his bloodline within his body instead began to flow rapidly at this moment.

In a vague way, he seemed to hear the eager, leaping sound coming from his own bloodline.

"Is this the Xiao clan's bloodline power?"

Gazing at this pool of water before him, Xiao Yan's hand slightly tightened.

This strange bloodline power should have originally completely left the Xiao clan.

But unexpectedly, at this time, he could actually sense it again!

"Xiao Yan, enter the blood pool, replace your own discarded Dou Emperor bloodline, and inherit the Xiao clan's final bloodline power. Although you have a deal with the Ancient Clan, this Xiao clan bloodline, they also have no right to take it. As for other things, I will give them to you when you leave."

"Moreover, remember that during the process of accepting the Dou Emperor bloodline, you must absolutely not fall into a deep sleep. Otherwise, because the blood replacement is not thorough, it will cause the bloodline power's grade to be greatly reduced."

On the blood pool, in the blink of an eye, Xiao Xuan had already turned into a white-haired, elderly person, gazing at the dazed Xiao Yan, he immediately gave a faint smile and urged.

And his voice now had become extremely hoarse and aged.

But beneath this aged appearance, there faintly contained a hint of hope.

The Xiao clan, after all, was not utterly hopeless in his hands.

This Xiao clan junior before him, although compared to his past achievements, cannot match.

But this little fellow, however, has made it to today without relying on bloodline power!

Hearing those words, Xiao Yan, looking at Xiao Xuan's aged appearance, couldn't help but take a deep breath.

However, he knows that now is not the time to act on emotion.

Xiao Xuan, in order to wait for the Xiao clan's descendants to arrive, used this method to make himself into this neither-human nor-ghost-like appearance.

Isn't it all for the purpose of leaving the Xiao clan's final bloodline to him?

What he needs now is not refusal, but acceptance, and to move forward with all his might!

Because he now is the sole hope of this fallen race.

Moreover, if he absorbs the energy and bloodline left by these ancestors, he will surely have greater confidence in catching up to Lin Feng!

Thinking this through, Xiao Yan no longer hesitated; he stepped forward and directly entered the blood pool, then slowly walked to the center of the blood pool to receive the inheritance.

"Ah, little fellow, I hope you succeed. Otherwise, relying solely on the energy core inside the Tian Mu that cannot be taken out, wanting to chase after that kid named Lin Feng would be difficult!"

Gazing at Xiao Yan in the blood pool, whose face twisted in pain as his discarded bloodline within his body was drawn out, Xiao Xuan couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

He clearly knows in his heart that, without relying on the Dou Emperor bloodline, a cultivator who rose step by step from lowly origins could still defeat Gu Xun'er of the Ancient Clan with her god-tier bloodline—just what kind of value does that have?

After all, he was overly confident at first, hardly leaving any backup. And under those very casual circumstances, the bloodline he left could not possibly surpass the god-tier bloodline of the Ancient Clan that Gu Yuan spent a thousand years to produce.

Even achieving parity is somewhat difficult.

Unless Xiao Yan can inherit this extremely thoroughly and perfectly, he could only barely reach god-tier bloodline.

Otherwise, the grade of his Dou Emperor bloodline would at best be equal to that of the outside kid named Gu Qingyang.

And at the same time, Xiao Xuan flicked several fingers in succession, sending out messages one after another.

And some energy bodies outside immediately suddenly raised their heads.

Immediately after, they vanished in a flash from their spot and rushed toward other places.

Continuously slaughtering other Dou Venerable-level energy bodies, collecting their energy cores.

However, four months in the Tian Mu, while outside, only less than a month has passed.

And Lin Feng now, naturally, is unaware of the situation over there with Xiao Yan, and also has no time to care about that fellow's situation.

After he finished refining the Heaven-Mending Pill, he quickly made a trip to Heijiaoyu and gave the pill to Lin Zhao to take.

And after spending some time being intimate with Xiao Yixian and Yun Yun, he then returned again to Central State to see Zhao Ran.

As for the purpose, naturally it is to prepare the ingredients for the Heaven-Mending Pill.

After all, as Xiao Yixian's pregnancy progresses, his time is also becoming increasingly urgent.

And the Zhao family, where Zhao Ran resides, happens to be one of the forces that founded the Space Trade Fair.

Having her help prepare the medicinal ingredients is undoubtedly an excellent choice.

But because the trip to Heijiaoyu took him some time, when he saw Zhao Ran, it had already been over two months since he returned from the Ancient Clan.

However, when he this time came again to the air above that valley, he sensed that many strong auras had appeared within the valley.

"These medicinal ingredients, you have another child?"

Above the valley, gazing at the dozen or so precious medicinal ingredients recorded on the animal-skin paper in his hand, Zhao Ran's pretty face showed astonishment.

Although she doesn't know what pill the other party wants to refine, relying on her rich experience in pill refining.

At a glance she discovered that many of these medicinal ingredients on the list are for unborn or very young children.

"Hehe, that's right, my other wife got pregnant a few months ago, so I had no choice but to come ask you for help."

Lin Feng's gaze fell on the astonished Zhao Ran, then he reached up and scratched the back of his head, laughing as he replied.

Hearing those words, Zhao Ran's eyes flickered slightly dark, and in his heart he felt a bit of envy toward that woman.

But soon, she regained her spirits and smiled: "No problem, I'll go help you look for more later; at most half a month, I'll be able to get those medicinal ingredients to you."

As soon as her words fell, she seemed to think of something and immediately said: "My brother has just broken through to Dou Saint, and the other major powers of the 'Five Clans Seven Sects', upon hearing the news, have also come here to congratulate my brother. You happened to run into this; why not go see them?"

"After all, those who came this time are all the strongest of the major powers; perhaps they will be useful to you in the future."

And while speaking, she suddenly put away the animal-skin paper in her hand, then flipped her jade hand and took out a relatively flat red small wooden box.

"Inside is the fragmentary diagram you need regarding the Pure Lotus Demonic Fire."

Speaking, Zhao Ran handed this over to Lin Feng.

"Demonic Fire fragment?"

Seeing the wooden box handed over by Zhao Ran, Lin Feng froze on the spot.

Immediately, he swiftly took the wooden box, opened it, and his excited gaze fell upon the inside.

In the next moment, a yellowed ancient parchment unsurprisingly appeared before his eyes.

And Lin Feng's excited gaze fell upon that ancient fragment bearing lotus traces, his hands trembling slightly.

After searching for so many years, he finally managed to gather these four Demonic Fire fragments.

And as long as he pieces together the fragment and draws out the remnant soul of the Saint of the Pure Lotus Demon inside, then subduing the Pure Lotus Demonic Fire later will basically be assured.

Pure Lotus Demonic Fire is, barring the extremely rare special case of the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor, the second‑highest ranked exotic fire, just below Wu Nie Tun Yan!

Thinking of that, Lin Feng's body began to tremble uncontrollably.

However, after a brief excitement, he turned an uncertain gaze to Zhao Ran and asked, "Zhao Sister, could it be that you helped me obtain this?"

Zhao Ran gave him an annoyed look, then explained: "I'm so poor I'm about to go beg for food; where would I get the money to help you obtain this? This fragment was obtained by one of my close friends, who asked me to give it to you; she is an elder of the Tian clan and also the clan's sole high‑ranking Half‑Saint powerhouse."

While explaining, Zhao Ran suddenly felt a bit embarrassed.

But she soon suppressed those emotions and continued: "Besides, if you want those medicinal ingredients, I can also go ask her for help; the Tian clan has been farming for generations, making a living by cultivating medicinal ingredients. Moreover, they can cultivate many medicinal ingredients for Nine‑Grade Treasure Pills that are extremely rare outside."

"Of course, since that thing's price is sky‑high, hardly anyone on the Dou Qi Continent buys it. After all, those who need it are never lacking, while those who merely want to see the Nine‑Grade Treasure Pill ingredients often lack the money, leaving them troubled as well."

While speaking, Zhao Ran continually introduced Lin Feng to the Tian clan, one of the Five Great Clans of Zhongzhou.

Upon hearing her explanation, Lin Feng also nodded in agreement.

After all, the current Nine‑Grade Alchemists on the continent are either from the Medicine Clan or from other families among the Ancient Seven Clans.

There are basically no independent Nine‑Grade Alchemists.

Of course, the Old Man Shennong, strictly speaking, can only be considered a half‑independent cultivator.

It's simple: not everyone in the Medicine Clan is selfless; if the Old Man Shennong has no relation with them,

Would they allow others to reside in the Medicine Clan's Shennong Mountains and freely harvest the top‑grade medicinal ingredients cultivated by their own family?

However, Lin Feng, who was deep in thought, suddenly noticed something amiss.

Immediately, he put the fragment back into the wooden box and closed it, while directing his doubtful gaze at Zhao Ran and said, "Zhao Sister, speak up—what's the matter? After all, I don't believe the Tian clan would give me something this valuable for no reason."

Speaking, Lin Feng raised the red wooden box in his hand and shook it.

"Hehe."

Seeing that she had been discovered, Zhao Ran also let out an embarrassed laugh.

At the same time, she quickly stepped forward, embraced Lin Feng's arm, pulling him into her bosom, and spoke with a coquettish tone: "Lin Feng, my dear younger brother."

"Eh, let's talk about the serious matter; I can't stand this tone of yours."

Seeing her suddenly rush forward and hug him, Lin Feng hurriedly pulled his hand out from between her two peaks and jumped to the side.

"Um, that is, could you gather those colorful materials again to help my friend break through to Dou Sheng?"

Seeing his wary expression, Zhao Ran somewhat embarrassedly played with a strand of her black hair and gave an awkward laugh.

"What?!"

Upon hearing her words, Lin Feng's heart sank sharply and he leapt up excitedly.

Although he is no longer afraid of the secret technique being exposed, this matter would bring him many unnecessary troubles.

Is the other party doing this just to add to his worries?

Thinking this, he put on a stern face, glared angrily at Zhao Ran and said, "Didn't we say before that no one may mention this secret technique!"

"Lin Feng, don't misunderstand; I haven't told anyone about this."

Seeing him angry, Zhao Ran hurriedly ran over, embraced Lin Feng in her arms, buried his head in her bosom, and continuously stroked his back with her jade hand to calm his anger.

At the same time, she quickly explained: "Regarding the secret technique, neither I nor my brother have spoken of it; it's just that other forces, upon learning that my brother—a person almost incapable of breaking through the barrier—succeeded in his assault on Dou Sheng, have gone mad and begun investigating."

"Although they don't know the exact reason, based on my brother's contact with you, plus your performance at the Ancient Clan's coming‑of‑age ceremony where you showed a different connection with the Taigu Ancient Dragon clan, other forces also vaguely suspect this might be related to you."

Having said that, Zhao Ran also sighed helplessly: "Moreover, my close friend has been stuck at the high‑rank Half‑Saint level for quite some time. Therefore, after receiving the report from her subordinates, she recalled my earlier inquiries about that fragment, directly obtained it in advance, and then came to find me."

While speaking, she gazed lovingly at Lin Feng in her arms, fearful that he might become angry again.

"I didn't expect these people to act so quickly. It seems that even those who have already reached high‑rank Half‑Saint are unwilling to wait; they hope to break through to true Dou Sheng as soon as possible."

After hearing her explanation, the anger in Lin Feng's heart gradually subsided.

As long as the Zhao siblings don't break their promise and actively expose that secret scroll, everything can still be worked out.

However, after regaining his senses, feeling the extreme softness on his face and the faint milky fragrance drifting straight into his nostrils, Lin Feng instantly realized where his head was buried.

Immediately, he hurriedly pushed Zhao Ran away in a flustered manner.

At the same time, to divert the embarrassing situation, he blurted out: "As long as you didn't leak that secret scroll, I won't blame you."

And Zhao Ran, seeing his attempt to change the topic, couldn't help but curl the corners of her mouth into a slight smile.

However, she didn't call out his awkward attempt to change the subject; instead she steered the conversation back, saying: "My close friend also guessed that my brother's breakthrough to Dou Sheng might be related to you, so she brought the fragment to find me. I wanted to ask if you could also help her break through to Dou Sheng."

"And as part of the deal, the Tian clan will also offer ample compensation."

Having said that, she suddenly lowered her voice to Lin Feng's ear, blowing a fragrant breath: "Rumor has it that within that great dairy clan there is a discarded Nine‑Grade Treasure Pill; back when the Tian clan was still powerful, they, being era‑planters of medicinal herbs, had a natural advantage and cultivated many Nine‑Grade Alchemists."

"And that discarded Treasure Pill was the failed attempt of a senior Nine‑Grade Alchemist of the Tian clan; due to some mishap during refinement, and because the Tian clan later fell into decline, they lacked the ability to repair it. If you truly wish to trade with her, choose that item. Afterwards, you could join forces with the patriarchs of the Dan and Cao clans to try to restore that discarded Treasure Pill."

Having finished, Zhao Ran seemed uneasy and added: "Moreover, even though the Treasure Pill has just been born, it possesses tremendous strength; you and two junior Half‑Saints alone would surely lose. So remember to also take the Tian clan's Pill‑Control Law technique."