Chapter 215

A low hum rang out, and the entire Soul Temple erupted in a chorus of wails and howls like ghosts and wolves.

A Tian Ji Protector may hold authority over a branch temple, controlling the allocation of resources and personnel within it.

This branch temple originally belonged to Guardian Wu, but now that Wu has been killed, his soul imprint vanished; coupled with Xiao Yan's Soul Token being officially activated and reaching Tian Ji level, he had imprinted his own soul mark onto this temple—thus, the temple naturally fell under Xiao Yan's control.

Xiao Yan could have activated his Soul Token to ascend to Guardian rank long ago; two months ago, when Xiao Yan entered the Treasure Hall through the Soul Path and exchanged YaoAo's Soul Body for Soul Points, he already qualified for promotion to Guardian.

The soul body of a Seventh-Rank Alchemist is extremely valuable; completing a task worth one hundred thousand Soul Points in one go grants Guardian rank, but Xiao Yan didn't just reach one hundred thousand—he amassed one hundred and eighty thousand, propelling him straight to Tian Ji Protector.

Yet Xiao Yan had never imprinted his soul mark into this Soul Temple; without leaving a soul imprint, he could not be promoted to Guardian nor activate his Soul Token.

Hun Xu Zi sent Xiao Yan to the Yun Lan Sect's Soul Temple precisely so he could activate his Soul Token; if he failed to even become a Guardian, the Trial would be considered a failure.

But Xiao Yan had been hesitating.

Leaving a soul imprint is like leaving a trail—through the soul imprint and Soul Token, one can track Xiao Yan down and leave him nowhere to hide.

This is an extremely high-risk move.

After learning the history of the Xiao Clan, Xiao Yan instead resolved to leave his soul imprint in the Soul Temple—he intended to use the Soul Temple to monitor the movements of those so-called Dou Emperor Families.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

"Soul Token?!" Hun Lu stared in shock at the Soul Token floating before Xiao Yan.

He could sense that Xiao Yan had just left his soul imprint within this branch temple—and Xiao Yan's Soul Token was Tian Ji Protector level! This meant Xiao Yan now directly controlled this branch temple.

Xiao Yan's soul imprint was simply the character "Yan"—equivalent to his own title: Yan Guardian!

The Soul Token slowly settled into Xiao Yan's palm; gazing at the five-prostrate Soul Envoys on the ground, Xiao Yan clasped his hands behind his back and walked step by step through the crowd.

As Xiao Yan neared Hun Lu, Hun Lu's two lackeys could no longer hold back—they dropped to one knee and cried out: "Hail Yan Guardian!"

Only then did Xiao Yan pause, his deep voice emerging from beneath his Soul Robe: "I am not of the Soul Sovereign."

"Not one of our clan?" Hun Lu frowned; he knew there were only three ways to obtain a Soul Token.

The first is for a Soul Sovereign born within the Soul Realm who, upon reaching the Adult Ceremony, demonstrates a Dou Di Bloodline of Four Grade or higher—such a person is granted both the Clan Mark and a Soul Token.

The Xiao Clan has a similar practice: those who fail to reach Dou Qi Seven Stages during the Adult Ceremony are demoted to manage remote outposts in other Cities.

The second is for non-Soul Sovereigns who render great service to the Soul Temple and reach Dou Zun level cultivation—such individuals are also granted a Soul Token, effectively recruited.

The third is the rarest: direct bestowal by a great elder within the clan.

Hun Lu could sense Xiao Yan's cultivation realm; after all, Xiao Yan's Soul Robe was somewhat outdated, so he knew Xiao Yan could not be the second type; since he was also not the first type, he must be the third.

Xiao Yan detected a hint of doubt and wariness in Hun Lu's tone and chuckled lowly: "It was given to me by someone named Hun Xu Zi."

"The Dan Saint gave it to you?!! Are you the Alchemist from that plan?!" Hun Lu gasped sharply upon hearing the name Hun Xu Zi; as a member of the Soul Sovereign, he had heard whispers of a secret clan project, whose chief overseer was none other than Hun Xu Zi!

And Hun Xu Zi had indeed once traveled the continent in Soul Body form, seeking out gifted Alchemists, and gifted a Soul Token to one such individual.

That man later betrayed his sect, joined the Soul Temple, and ultimately rose to become an Elder of the Soul Temple and an Eighth-Rank Alchemist, known as Elder Mu Gu.

With a whoosh, the Ten Thousand Beasts Spiritual Flame appeared in Xiao Yan's palm, its blood-red aura instantly illuminating much of the temple's darkness.

"Spiritual Flame!" Hun Lu had no further doubt—and could not doubt anything now, since Xiao Yan had already produced the Soul Token.

And Xiao Yan's words were true!

"I killed Guardian Wu. What will you do?" Xiao Yan stood before Hun Lu; from his words alone, it was clear Hun Xu Zi held immense status even within the Soul Sovereign.

Hun Lu swallowed hard, his throat bobbing; by normal rules, one Guardian may not kill another of equal rank—Xiao Yan was Tian Ji, but still a Guardian.

But Xiao Yan had a Soul Token—and one given by Hun Xu Zi!

"Guardian Wu committed grave crimes, murdering his own comrades; thanks to Yan Guardian's intervention, this branch temple was spared disaster—Yan Guardian deserves full credit." Hun Lu, ever "sensible," skipped the investigation entirely and pinned all blame on Wu.

Xiao Yan casually tossed Wu's Soul Stone to Hun Lu and said calmly: "I intend to appoint someone else to replace Wu as Guardian, to manage this branch temple on my behalf. No objections?"

Hun Lu caught the Soul Stone and chuckled: "Hehehe, of course not—everything in this branch temple belongs to Yan Guardian; as long as sufficient Soul Bodies are submitted according to protocol, all is well."

"Due to Wu Ying's misconduct, this branch temple's Soul quota for this cycle need not be audited."

Xiao Yan shook his head: "No. Follow the rules."

Hun Lu paused, then nodded, leading his subordinates to the innermost Soul Altar. He placed his own Soul Token upon it, revealing a string of numbers.

The moment he saw the numbers, Hun Lu's expression changed drastically—he realized Xiao Yan had deposited YaoAo's Soul Body on this very altar, which naturally counted toward this branch temple's achievements.

"Enough?" Xiao Yan, already aware of the outcome, asked calmly.

"More than enough! Yan Guardian is truly formidable—this surpasses even some branch temples established centuries ago!"

Hun Lu stepped beside Xiao Yan and said: "I will have my subordinates deliver your new Tian Ji Protector Soul Robe as soon as possible."

"Mm." Xiao Yan merely nodded slightly, saying nothing more.

Seeing Xiao Yan ignore him, Hun Lu gritted his teeth, pulled a brocade box from his storage ring, and upon opening it, a medicinal fragrance so soothing it eased the soul flooded the air.

"This is a Small Soul Black Purple Pill at Six-Grade Peak—it enhances Soul Force for cultivators below Common Realm Fullness. Worth twenty thousand Soul Points—more valuable than a Po Zong Pill."

Xiao Yan's eyes sharpened; gazing at the pill inside the box, his breath quickened slightly. Twenty thousand Soul Points!! That's no small sum! Do Soul Sovereigns really earn Soul Points this easily?!

And it was a pill that directly increased Soul Force—its value was unimaginable!

Hun Lu reluctantly closed the brocade box and handed it to Xiao Yan: "A gift to celebrate your promotion to Tian Ji Protector. I only hope that one day, should you meet the Dan Saint, you might speak well of me."

Xiao Yan's expression turned grave; he gained a new understanding of Hun Xu Zi's towering status within the Soul Sovereign.

"Hehehe, of course not a problem. In the Northwest Region, I'll have many places needing your guidance, Hun Lu Enforcer." Xiao Yan's laugh was genuine—who wouldn't smile at such a precious gift?

Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Hun Lu smiled too, chuckling: "Hehehe, Yan Guardian is too kind—I too have many places where I must rely on you. It's getting late; I must inspect other branch temples. I'll take my leave."

The two exchanged glances and both laughed: "Hehehe."

This corporate culture truly had culture.

Xiao Yan nodded politely, clasped his hands, and said: "Then I shall not detain you, Hun Lu Enforcer."

Once Xiao Yan sensed Hun Lu and his two subordinates had fully departed, his expression instantly changed; he murmured: "At least things are stabilized now. With this Enforcer's connection, perhaps I can learn of certain events ahead of time."

"Sigh… Ancestor, this game is hell mode."

Xiao Yan stepped out of the Soul Altar chamber and found the Soul Envoys still kneeling on the ground—clearly, Wu had ruled with brutal tyranny.

"Rise."

"Yes, Young Master Yan, Guardian!"

All Soul Envoys wore Soul Robes, but Xiao Yan could sense their awe—and even fear—as they stared at him. After all, a Tian Ji Protector stood right here; even Wu Hu had been only a Di Ji Protector, and he had died at Xiao Yan's hands—how could they not feel awe and fear?

After a moment of deep thought, Xiao Yan spoke in a low voice: "In a few days, I will send someone in to take over this branch temple. Treat him as you would treat me!"

"Yes!"

After arranging everything, Xiao Yan left the Soul Sovereign. He ultimately had to leave the Jia Ma Empire and return to Jia Nan Academy—after all, Xun Er was still waiting for him there.

Jia Nan Academy, an ancient institution situated at the heart of the Black Horn Region, had for millennia produced peak experts whose names echoed across the continent and reverberated through every earth domain.

The most terrifying aspect of an academy was not the strength of its instructors, but the thousands, even tens of thousands, of powerful experts it had spawned. Should Jia Nan Academy ever face annihilation, and all its alumni were summoned back, the power unleashed would be unimaginable...

At this moment, atop the lush, wooded peak of Jia Nan Academy's Outer Court, a young girl in a pale green robe stood gracefully, her slender waist cinched with a purple sash that accentuated her figure with irresistible allure.

She faced the vast white mist behind the peak, her three thousand silken black tresses cascading down her shoulders, stopping only at her willow-like waist.

Standing with hands clasped behind her back, her tall, elegant form, framed by the faint white mist around her, resembled a blue lotus blooming in the mortal world—ethereal and brimming with spiritual energy.

"Miss." From the shadows behind Xun Er, Ling Ying emerged slowly from the darkness, kneeling on one knee.

The girl turned slowly, her refined, elegant face breaking into a radiant smile that made a hundred flowers pale. The colors of the forest seemed to converge entirely upon her, rendering all gazes unable to look away.

Ling Ying could only laugh and sigh in exasperation—he had rarely seen Xun Er so impatient; only a few times before, and always because of that boy named Xiao Yan.

"How to put it? Xiao Yan, the Young Master... is truly formidable."

The girl smiled faintly, recalling the boy who had stolen her heart. Her usually cold voice softened considerably. She glanced at Ling Ying, then her cheeks flushed with a blush so intoxicating it could drive all of Jia Nan Academy mad. Softly, she asked: "Ling Lao, how is he really?"

Two months ago, Xiao Yan had given Ling Ying a letter and some Elixirs, promising he'd return soon. But who knew this man's words were as deceitful as ghosts—Xun Er had waited two months, and he still hadn't returned!

Xun Er had sent Ling Ying back to the Jia Ma Empire to check—what he found terrified him: in just two months, Yun Lan Sect had been attacked by a mysterious faction, suffering heavy casualties; Yun Shan had died in battle!

And in the end, Xiao Yan had founded the Yan Alliance!

The events of these two months made Ling Ying feel as if decades had passed—how could the Jia Ma Empire have changed so utterly in just two months?

As Xun Er listened to Ling Ying's report, her brow furrowed deeper with each word.

"Mysterious faction? Can you trace its identity?"

Ling Ying shook his head. "By the time I arrived, the battle had ended long ago. There was nothing left to investigate."

"Miss, are you suspecting the Soul Sovereign? But if it were them, the entire Jia Ma Empire—even the entire Northwest Region—would already be a sea of corpses and blood."

Xun Er said: "Could it be the Soul Sovereign's temple? Those ghostly things hunt Alchemists and Soul Bodies everywhere—perhaps they've set their sights on Brother Xiao Yan."

A flash of golden light passed through Xun Er's eyes; a wave of killing intent surged from her body, sending a chill through Ling Ying.

Xiao Yan wasn't just a Fifth-Rank Alchemist—he was an Alchemist who possessed a Strange Fire. It was only natural for the Soul Sovereign's temple to target him.

"Miss, rest assured. With the Young Master's current power, ordinary branch temples cannot touch him. And the Elder probably won't be able to act so easily," Ling Ying said.

Hearing this, Xun Er felt somewhat reassured. She also admired Xiao Yan's skill—he had managed to rally so many powerful experts to fight for him.

Seeing Xun Er calm down, Ling Ying pulled a Soul Token from his space ring. The moment she saw it, Xun Er's face twisted with disgust.

"Miss, the Elders of the clan believe that since it's confirmed the Tuoshe Ancient Jade was lost during the Xiao Clan's history, you have no reason to remain outside. They summon you back to the clan," Ling Ying said, drenched in cold sweat, forcing himself to speak.

It was a recall order—and this wasn't the first time. Previous orders had all been turned away by Xun Er with various excuses.

"I won't go. The Tuoshe Ancient Jade hasn't been found yet." Xun Er snorted, turning her head away—she was resolute.

Ling Ying sighed helplessly. He knew perfectly well this was just an excuse—she'd searched for over a decade and found nothing. What was left to find?

"Miss, your bloodline has already fused with the inner Strange Fire. The clan's demand for your return is growing louder. I've heard not only the Elders, but even the Three Immortals believe you shouldn't remain outside. If this continues, even the Clan Leader may no longer be able to protect your whims."

Puff—a golden flame shot from Xun Er's fingertip, landing on the Soul Token. The token instantly melted.

"Ling Lao, pretend you never saw this token," Xun Er said, her back still turned to Ling Ying, gazing toward the Jia Ma Empire.

Ling Ying could only smile bitterly. He had no idea what magic this boy possessed to make Xun Er act this way.

Days passed. With the Soul Robes delivered from the Soul Sovereign, the time for farewell had come.

On a peak of Yun Lan Mountain, Xiao Yan sat on the grass, gazing at the scenery of Yun Lan Sect. Three years ago, he never would have imagined that, by now, he would be its master.

"You're leaving?"

Yun Yun's voice came from behind. A gentle breeze stirred her long hair. Dressed in a white robe, she stood elegantly. Her sleek, black tresses flowed down her shoulders; the wind lifted her sleeves, giving her an ethereal, tranquil air.

"Yes. I've been away from Jia Nan Academy for over a year. The Xiao Clan is settled. It's time to return and continue my cultivation."

Yun Yun sat beside Xiao Yan, gazing at his youthful profile, smiling faintly. Even she didn't know what feelings she held for him.

Up close, Yun Yun studied his refined, youthful face. In her bright eyes, tenderness surfaced. Xiao Yan had lost his youthful naivety since their first meeting in the cave—he had grown mature.

"The weather is turning cold. You should return. Yun Lan Sect now has my brother in charge. If you still feel guilty about Yun Shan's fate, wander the Jia Ma Empire for a while—clear your mind. The world is like this: the weak are always bullied." Xiao Yan reached out, gently gathering the strands of Yun Yun's wind-tousled hair, his fingers brushing her delicate cheek.

He knew Yun Yun still couldn't let go of Yun Shan's death. To her, Yun Shan was a foster father. To lose him so suddenly—no one could accept it. Even her own sect had nearly been destroyed.

"Mm. Perhaps I'll take a walk through the Jia Ma Empire, if I have time."

Xiao Yan descended the mountain and saw Nalan Yanran waiting below for Yun Yun. He smiled and said: "No need to serve me as slave or maid—just take good care of your master."

With that, Xiao Yan spread his EagleWings and flew toward the Xiao Clan's residence.

Watching Xiao Yan fly away, Nalan Yanran turned to Yun Yun and asked curiously: "Master, is there something between you two?"

Yun Yun's cheeks flushed red. She scolded gently: "What's there? I've helped him a few times. He says he owes me."

Nalan Yanran nodded thoughtfully. "No wonder I sometimes feel strange around him—I guess I feel like I owe him too."

???

Yun Yun stared at her disciple in confusion. That didn't sound right...

All day, Xiao Yan set aside Spirit Refining and Cultivation, spending every moment with his family, drinking and chatting with his father and two older brothers until late into the night.

Seeing his brothers and father drunk, Xiao Yan expelled the alcohol from his body and flew toward the Miter Trading Association.

"I thought you'd forgotten about your sister?" Ya Fei looked up as a shadow appeared at the office door, her beautiful eyes holding a hint of pouting resentment.

Xiao Yan walked slowly into the office, shrugged, and sat down in the chair. "Didn't I come to see Sister Ya Fei?"

Ya Fei put down her pen, stepped behind Xiao Yan, and gently massaged the acupoints on his head. "You're tired," she said, her voice tinged with concern.

Feeling the perfect pressure of her massage, Xiao Yan relaxed back into the soft chair, sighed, and said wearily: "I've run into some trouble. It's complicated."

Ya Fei said nothing more, gently massaging Xiao Yan; Xiao Yan also said nothing else, merely closing his eyes, relaxing his body, and savoring the pressure of the Jade Hand.

(End of Chapter)