Chapter 1233

"This guy, he actually pinches the Dragon Emperor's face!"

"And the other elders of the Ancient Dragon Clan, seeing Lin Feng casually pinch Zi Yan's cheek, instantly twitched the corners of their mouths, their gazes toward Lin Feng also turning somewhat hostile."

"This guy, truly hateful!"

"However, seeing the Dragon Emperor's excited appearance, all the Ancient Dragon Clan elders immediately felt utterly helpless."

"\"Lin Feng, your strength growth is really fast; even after I went through the Dragon-washing Pool once, I still couldn't surpass you. \""

"And Zi Yan, relying on her demon beast instinct, sensed that faint threat from Lin Feng's body, couldn't help but smack her lips a little, her expression quite envious."

"After all, the Dragon-washing Pool is an energy gathering place left by past Dragon Emperors, and she only managed to advance to the Six-star Peak by relying on the energy left by those predecessors."

"But Lin Feng merely went to the Demonic Fire Space for a trip, and directly caught up to her, who was bolstered by the energy left by past Dragon Emperors."

"\"Hehe, it's just good luck that let me, before opening the Demonic Fire Space, fortunately gather the four fragments left by the Saint of the Pure Lotus Demon, obtaining his remnant image's help. Otherwise, with my puny arms and legs, I would have died inside long ago. \""

"Hearing that, Lin Feng shook his head with a hint of lingering fear."

"Although he brought the remnant image of the Saint of the Pure Lotus Demon inside, but how to put it? After all, it was a gamble with no retreat, and the stake was his own and Yun'er's lives."

"Before the remnant image of the Saint of the Pure Lotus Demon appeared, his heart had also been unable to settle down."

"After all, if the Saint of the Pure Lotus Demon weren't there, and if anything happened to him and Yun'er midway, they would truly be doomed."

"\"Hehe, little friend, you're quite lucky; I never expected this Pure Lotus Demonic Fire to twist and turn, ending up in your pocket. \""

"And not long after Lin Feng's words fell, an old man slowly stepped forward and spoke lightly."

"Hearing the voice, Lin Feng immediately turned his head to look at that person."

"However, upon looking, Lin Feng found that this speaking old man was obviously much older than the others beside him."

"Furthermore, his aura was the strongest among them."

"Even he, when facing this old man, felt an immense pressure, vaguely realizing that he was not a match for this person."

"\"Hehe, I forgot to mention, this guy is called Zhu Huo, an old comrade of my father's time. Though don't look at him having one foot in the grave, he is truly an eight-star late-stage Dou Sheng powerhouse. \""

"Thinking that Lin Feng might not yet know Zhu Huo, Zi Yan promptly stepped forward to introduce him."

"\"Junior Lin Feng, I have met the Grand Elder. \""

"Facing an eight-star late-stage Dou Sheng expert, Lin Feng did not dare to be negligent, immediately clasping his fists in salute."

"\"Hehe, since little friend is a friend of the Dragon Emperor, there's no need for such politeness. \""

"Seeing his attitude, Zhu Huo satisfiedly stroked his beard and casually waved his hand."

"\"Yes yes yes, Lin Feng, you don't need to be polite with him; after all, with your ability, you'll surely surpass this old coot soon. \""

"Hearing that, Zi Yan frantically nodded, expressing strong agreement."

"."

"And the other Ancient Dragon Clan elders, seeing the Dragon Emperor's expression, instantly twitched the corners of their mouths, their eyes full of helplessness."

"However, Zhu Huo didn't care about those, and after speaking, he continued: \"Little friend Lin Feng, I've been back on Dragon Island for a while now, hearing these youngsters say that the Old Dragon Emperor is still alive; I wonder if I could hear the specifics from you? \""

"As he spoke, the old man's face unconsciously flushed with a hint of excitement."

"Looking like this, he seems extremely concerned about the Old Dragon Emperor's affairs."

"Lin Feng heard that, but did not immediately reply; instead, he turned his head to look at Zi Yan beside him."

"Seeing Lin Feng's gaze, she helplessly spread her hands and said: \"Maybe we should just tell this old man; otherwise, if he refuses to help later, we'll be in even more trouble. \""

"\"Alright, Zi Yan, just pick one and tell this senior. \""

"Hearing Zi Yan say that, Lin Feng hesitated a moment, then nodded."

"After all, as he said, if they don't tell this old man and he later refuses to help, that would be even more trouble."

"But after his words fell, he immediately asked: \"By the way, where are Ying'er and the others? Why aren't they showing up? \""

"\"They're still refining pills; the three of them are each responsible for making medicine for a major clan, and it's been over a year. \""

"Hearing that, Xiao Yixian explained with a smile."

"And before Xiao Yixian's words had even finished, without waiting for Lin Feng to answer, Cai Lin at the side narrowed her eyes, quite displeased, saying: \"Also, Zhao Sister, whom you've been day and night thinking about, is here as well. With the massive resource support of the three major demon beast clans, her alchemy skills have also improved considerably; you must be eager to exchange alchemy techniques with her upon your return. She's to the west of Dragon Island—go quickly. \""

"\"After all, putting a pair of close friends on the bed together would definitely be more stimulating, right, husband? \""

"Although her voice was soft as water, Cai Lin's actions were completely different from her tone; as she spoke, she placed one jade hand behind her, energy wildly gathering there, as if to say, 'If you don't answer well, I'll kill you.'"

"\"Hehe, if that's the case, then you all can chat slowly; I'm afraid of getting blood on me, I still have things to do. As for the Old Dragon Emperor's matter, I'll discuss it later with the Dragon Emperor. \""

"Seeing this situation, Zhu Huo hesitated not at all, rising with the spatial fluctuations around him, and quickly vanished from this place."

"\"Yes yes, we also have things to do; you guys fight, but please don't implicate us. \""

"Seeing the Grand Elder leave, the other Ancient Dragon Clan elders immediately echoed in unison."

"And as soon as his words fell, those few old men likewise quickly left the place."

"After all, their strongest is only a five-star Dou Sheng; if this seven-star peak powerhouse erupts, they couldn't withstand it."

"\"Hey, you bunch of old fogeys, why don't you come save me?! \""

Seeing that group of old bastards leave ahead, Lin Feng instantly cursed them in his heart for lacking any morality.

I've risked life and death for the Ancient Dragon Clan so many times, you damn lot—could you at least save me!

However, seeing this "ferocious demon" Colorful Scales before him, Lin Feng instantly changed his demeanor, fawningly ran to her side, rubbing his hands and said: "My lady, what happened between me and Tian Yan was an accident, not my intention at all, please understand."

Oh, you mean I wrongly blamed you?

Hearing that, Colorful Scales' eyes narrowed slightly, then she turned her head and glanced askance at Lin Feng.

That's not right; however, this matter was also an accident, something no one could have foreseen.

While speaking, Lin Feng carefully embraced Colorful Scales' long-missed fragrant, soft, delicate body in his arms.

As soon as his words fell, Lin Feng's eyes shifted, and he quickly changed the subject: "By the way, Xian Er, I haven't been around during this time—has anything happened on the continent?"

Seeing this, Xiao Yixian couldn't help but smile faintly; she hadn't seen her man so careful and attentive in a long while.

However, she didn't add insult to injury; instead, she helped defuse the situation, saying: "During your seclusion, the Zhongzhou Continent has been shrouded in a bloody mist."

Immediately after, Xiao Yixian then roughly recounted the events of the past year or so on the Zhongzhou Continent, where the major powers fought each other for territory, the Ancient Clan because the Hall Master of the Soul Hall acted and placed Gu Xun in the Heavenly Flame space, and then carried out a series of retaliations against the Soul Clan.

"That massive fall of experts truly had a huge impact on the situation of the continent!"

After hearing the information from the former, Lin Feng immediately clicked his tongue and sighed.

However, after that, he immediately asked: "I heard on the road that Xiao Yan created a force called the Tianfu Alliance; what's the situation?"

Upon hearing that, Cai Lin also had no time to bother with Lin Feng's romantic affairs; seeing her brows slightly furrow, she took over the conversation and explained: "That guy Xiao Yan, after coming out of the Heavenly Flame space, basically disappeared for about half a year. Then he suddenly appeared as a Ninth‑Grade Treasure Pill Alchemy Master, openly refined a Ninth‑Grade Treasure Pill in the Eastern Region, and succeeded on the first try."

Moreover, the fact that Xiao Yan became a Ninth‑Grade Treasure Pill Master at barely thirty spread like wildfire across the Zhongzhou Continent, shocking the world! After that, he began traveling around to lobby various major powers; after several months of preparation, he successively convinced the Flame Valley, Ice River Valley, the Dugu clan among the Five Families and Seven Sects, as well as some other hidden families and forces, thereby founding the Tianfu Alliance.

Furthermore, when the alliance was founded, he directly gave each of the first batch of forces that joined a free Ninth‑Grade Treasure Pill, requiring only that they provide the medicinal ingredients.

Saying this, Cai Lin's bewitching, peerless visage also showed a hint of solemnity.

"That's right, and according to my knowledge, for some reason the old man Shennong, who usually dislikes participating in such matters, unusually announced his joining of the Tianfu Alliance and became a guest elder. Although he does not involve himself in the alliance's internal affairs, he is willing to help refine pills for the forces that join the alliance."

As soon as the former finished speaking, Zi Yan immediately straightened her expression and said in a deep voice: "Oh, has Old Man Shennong also joined the Tianfu Alliance?"

Originally, Lin Feng didn't think much of the Tianfu Alliance, but upon hearing Zi Yan's supplementary information, his face changed in surprise and he hurriedly asked that girl for confirmation.

"That's right; after our investigation, all the clues pointed to the Medicine Clan. After all, Old Man Shennong himself has a great connection with the Medicine Clan, and besides them we really can't think of anyone who could get him to join the Tianfu Alliance. Besides, he himself doesn't like to manage such affairs, so it's unlikely he'd join on his own, and Xiao Yan also doesn't have anything that could attract him to join the alliance."

Seeing Lin Feng's expression, Cai Lin immediately continued.

Upon hearing that, Lin Feng narrowed his eyes slightly and murmured: "The Medicine Clan? Indeed, probably only they could persuade Old Man Shennong to join the Tianfu Alliance. After all, the fact that Old Man Shennong can long reside in the Medicine Clan's outer medicinal fields, the Shennong Mountain Range, is enough to prove that their relationship is not shallow."

However, thinking of Old Man Shennong's strength in the original work, he curiously asked: "I remember Old Man Shennong's strength is far greater than that of the Hall Master of the Soul Hall, right? How is the Soul Clan responding to this?"

"In response to this, the Soul Clan also dispatched a veteran expert from within the clan, Hun Qianmo, to support the Soul Hall. It is said that Hun Qianmo is a top‑level expert at the Six‑Star Dou Saint peak. He once participated in the siege of the Xiao clan chief Xiao Xuan during the Xiao clan's annihilation a thousand years ago. Even among the Soul Clan, where experts are as numerous as clouds, he holds a position of great importance."

As soon as Lin Feng finished speaking, Cai Lin immediately proceeded to share the information she knew.

"Hun Qianmo?"

Upon hearing that, Lin Feng subconsciously extended an idle hand to his chin, pondering.

If he remembers correctly, this person participated in the battle at the Fallen Peak that was agreed upon between the Tianfu Alliance and the Soul Hall in the original story.

And in the end, Hun Qianmo's record was a draw against the Old Ancestor of the Dan Tower at the peak of the Xuan Dan.

Thinking of this, Lin Feng immediately curled the corner of his mouth and lightly laughed: "Interesting, looking at this, the Soul Hall and Xiao Yan's Tianfu Alliance will not be too peaceful."

"That's right, Xiao Yan's Tianfu Alliance has indeed recently had many frictions with the Soul Hall. As for the cause, I think it's because the Ancient Clan and the Soul Clan both suffered considerable losses in their prolonged friction, so they tacitly agreed to a temporary ceasefire and instead employed many Dou Saints not from their own clans to fight, in order to decide the outcome!"

Upon hearing that, Cai Lin lightly nodded and then spoke.

After all, she had previously been in charge of managing forces, understood the thoughts of the upper echelons of these forces, and naturally saw these things very clearly.

And after her words fell, she immediately added: "As for the Soul Hall side, besides their own clan's Dou Saints, there are also the Dou Saint strengths of forces such as the Earth Travel Sect, the Void Mystic Gate, the Ouyang clan, etc. Naturally, the ancestors of the Earth Travel Sect and the Void Mystic Gate were originally intermediate Half‑Saint level, but somehow the Soul Clan used some means to quickly promote them to Dou Saint level."

However, judging from the occasional black flames that seep out during the battles of these two forces' ancestors, it is likely the Soul Clan used some secret technique. And the power of those black flames is enormous; although the ancestors of these two forces are only One‑Star Dou Saints, when they unleash those black flames, even a Two‑Star Dou Saint would find it hard to defeat them.

Saying this, Cai Lin's face also quickly turned solemn.

Although she doesn't know what those black flames are, being able to possess such power, they are probably an extremely high‑ranked strange fire.

"Oh, speaking of black flames, if I'm not mistaken, that should be the method of Wu Nie Tun Yan. And from your description, it seems the ancestors of those two forces have already been replaced; they might now just be slaves."

After hearing Cai Lin's description of the ancestors of the Earth Travel Sect and the Void Mystic Gate, Lin Feng quickly guessed the culprit.

After all, aside from Wu Nie Tun Yan, he really couldn't think of any other black flame the Soul Clan possessed that had such tremendous power.

"Is Wu Nie Tun Yan that strong? Even Dou Saint experts are said to be able to easily produce it."

Upon hearing that, Zi Yan twitched her delicate nose slightly and exclaimed in surprise.

"I think it's already a Nine‑Star Dou Saint by now. Even if you look across the entire Qi Continent, there aren't many who can subdue it, what do you say?"

Seeing Zi Yan's incredulous expression, Lin Feng couldn't help but wryly shake his head.

"Nine‑Star Dou Saint?!"

Upon hearing this, the faces of the several women instantly changed dramatically, and they looked at each other.

After all, for a single strange fire to be cultivated to this degree, such a marvel is truly a once‑in‑ten‑thousand‑years occurrence.

"Ah, forget it, no matter the Soul Hall and Xiao Yan's mess. What's the situation now with the Tai Xu Ancient Dragon, the Nine Nether Earth Abyss Python, and the Heavenly Demon Phoenix?"

And after Lin Feng finished speaking, he immediately waved his hand and then inquired about the situation on his side.

Upon hearing that, Qing Lin was the first to jump out and raise her hand, saying: "With the help of the Ninth‑Grade Treasure Pill refined by Xin Lan, the Yin‑Mist has advanced from a Three‑Star Dou Saint to a half‑step Five‑Star, while Yin Xiao Tian and the Grand Elder are now Late Three‑Star Dou Saints. Furthermore, on this basis, the Nine Nether Earth Abyss Python clan still has two senior Half‑Saint elders who have advanced to One‑Star Dou Saint."

"Having grown this much, it seems Xin Lan really hasn't rested during this period."

Upon hearing that the strength of the Nine Nether Earth Abyss Python clan has increased manyfold, Lin Feng rubbed his chin and murmured.

However, Lin Feng was also very pleased with this gratifying result.

After all, he will soon carry out his own plan, and certainly the stronger his side's strength, the better.

And after the former finished speaking, Zi Yan immediately continued: "Now our Tai Xu Ancient Dragon clan, besides me who is a Six‑Star Dou Saint peak, there's also the Candle Fire old man you just saw earlier, who is an Eight‑Star Dou Saint late stage, a Seven‑Star Dou Saint mid stage, two Five‑Star Dou Saints, three Four‑Star Dou Saints ranging from early stage to peak, and Hao Yan, who reached Four‑Star Dou Saint peak thanks to Cao Ying's pill aid—after all he previously earned many merits, and now that he has gained something, he naturally deserves a reward."

"Previously, during the East Dragon Island period, the elder Qing Shan, who served as the Great Elder of East Dragon Island, also advanced to Three‑Star Dou Saint peak with the help of pills. Of course, at that time the second elder Qing Mu also reached Three‑Star Dou Saint mid stage. Meanwhile, to placate the people of the three great dragon islands who initially surrendered, we show we haven't forgotten them. The leader among those who surrendered, the Great Elder of North Dragon Island, has also reached Three‑Star Dou Saint peak thanks to the accumulation of pills from Sister Zhao Ran."

"Furthermore, besides that, we also have seven Dou Saints ranging from early stage to peak of One‑Star, including the recently promoted Candle‑Departing old man."

Saying this, Zi Yan immediately furrowed her brows and said helplessly: "Although the results are gratifying, our Tai Xu Ancient Dragon clan's warehouse is now already eighty percent empty. After all, during these thousands of years of division, everyone feared being swallowed by the other side, so the heavenly materials and earthly treasures that could enhance strength were naturally the most heavily consumed resources. Now, with the addition of two years of frenzied consumption, the resources at the level of Treasure Pills have almost been completely depleted."

"Tsk tsk, it looks like even a starved camel is still bigger than a horse. Although the Tai Xu Ancient Dragon clan's internal consumption has lasted thousands of years, when combined it still is not inferior to the super‑great clans of Flame and Thunder."

Upon hearing Zi Yan list those Dou Saint battle strengths one by one, even Lin Feng couldn't help but feel stunned.

Immediately after, he lightly nodded and said: "You also know the situation with your father's side; there's no need to worry about these consumptions, after all as long as he can come out and obtain what's inside, these consumptions are utterly insignificant."

"Mm, I know, so although those old fellows opposed my consumption of the clan's resources, in the end they were all suppressed by me. Except for not being sure about that Candle Fire old man, that's why I proposed to inform him of the matter."

Upon hearing Lin Feng's words, Zi Yan also nodded in agreement, then spread her hands helplessly.

Seeing that this girl Zi Yan could distinguish priorities, Lin Feng immediately nodded in relief, then scanned the crowd and finally asked: "Now that Feng Er isn't here, do you know the situation of the Heavenly Demon Phoenix clan?"

"Right, and there's Ying Er and her few companions. After all, I don't currently see their people, but I only know that Cai Lin is now a Seven‑Star Dou Saint peak, Xian Er is a Seven‑Star Dou Saint mid stage, and our Little One, who is a Four‑Star Dou Saint late stage, is the Great Qing Lin."

Saying this, Lin Feng laughed while pinching Qing Lin's exceptionally nice little cheek.

And upon hearing the young master speak, Qing Lin, whose cheek was being pulled, replied indistinctly: "Miss Feng's clan members occasionally come over as well, and moreover the clan lord of the Heavenly Demon Phoenix, Huang Tian, together with Miss Feng, specially came to discuss some matters with the high‑level of the Tai Xu Ancient Dragon clan. According to our knowledge, the current battle strength of the Heavenly Demon Phoenix clan, aside from Miss Feng whom you, young master, already know about, is as follows:"

"Their Dou Saint battle strengths are respectively: clan lord Huang Tian is a half‑step Seven‑Star; the leader of the Three Phoenixes, the Phoenix, is a Four‑Star Dou Saint peak; the Peng Phoenix is a Three‑Star Dou Saint peak; the Ying Phoenix is a Three‑Star Dou Saint mid stage; and the Hall of Punishment elder who alone advanced to One‑Star Dou Saint. As for Ying Er and her three companions, because they were delayed in cultivation while refining pills, they did not break through to the late stage like I did recently, and thus they remain at Four‑Star Dou Saint mid stage."

Of course, Senior Zhao Ran was slightly lacking; although Sister Ying'er also gave her the same quality medicinal pill, it was still only early four-star.

Oh, it seems the Sky Demon Phoenix Clan, relying on the boost from medicinal pills, is far inferior to the Tai Xu Ancient Dragon Clan. However, considering that the Tai Xu Ancient Dragon Clan was the first to cooperate with Ying'er and them in alchemy, it's understandable.

After hearing Qing Lin's long-winded account, Lin Feng subsequently fell into thoughtful contemplation.

And immediately afterwards, he began to organize his side's combat strength.

Currently, among high-level Dou Saints, our side has Candle Fire, Scales, Phoenix Child, Xiao Yixian, one unnamed seven-star mid-stage Dou Saint from the Ancient Dragon Clan; considering the formidable Dragon-Phoenix physique, we reluctantly add a half-step seven-star Phoenix Heaven, making a total of six.

As for six-star Dou Saints, there are only myself and Zi Yan.

As for five-star Dou Saints, there are two from the Tai Xu Ancient Dragon Clan, plus a barely qualifying Yao Ming, and a puppet he crafted from the bodies of the three Dragon Kings, totaling six.

As for four-star Dou Saints, there are many more: four from the Tai Xu Ancient Dragon Clan, one from the Sky Demon Phoenix Clan, and six of his women, totaling eleven. Of course, Tian Yan is not included in this statistics list.

As for three-star Dou Saints, um, the Ancient Dragon Clan has four, the Sky Demon Phoenix Clan and the Nine Netherworld Earth Abyss Python Clan each have two; if we must speak, he still has in his possession the Fire Slaves seized from the Pure Lotus Demonic Fire, including the newly refined Vice Hall Master of the Soul Hall, making six in total; altogether, their three-star Dou Saint combat strength amounts to fourteen.

After all, the Dou Emperor bloodline of that level of Vice Hall Master of the Soul Hall is of no use to Lin Feng anymore, so he directly refined it into a Fire Slave.

As for below three-star, the major demon beast families also have many; adding the one- and two-star Dou Saint Fire Slaves and puppets in his possession, it's estimated to be no less than any single force alliance, of course, the Soul Clan is temporarily excluded from this.

After all, even Lin Feng finds it difficult to calculate exactly how many low-ranking Dou Saints the Soul Clan has.

Hehe, it seems that with our current strength, although we may struggle against the Soul and Ancient Clans, aside from that we can be considered invincible; whoever dares to cause us trouble will not leave without leaving a field of corpses, and will find it hard to escape our territory.

Upon thinking of the current strength of his side, Lin Feng suddenly felt an irrepressible surge of heroic spirit.

Now, with their alliance's strength, walking sideways across the Dou Qi Continent is no problem either, as long as they don't seek death by attacking the Soul Clan or the Ancient Clan.

Of course, here Lin Feng naturally did not add the imprisoned Old Dragon Emperor on his side; otherwise, they would surpass the Ancient Clan every time.

As for compared to the Soul Clan, the mid-level strength is still slightly lacking. (End of chapter)