Chapter 316: Xiao Yan Will Thank the Old Man

At this moment, in the Deep Abyss Gorge, pavilions and encampments had sprung up, and countless powerful sects from Chu Yun Empire waited outside.

After all, the legend of the Nether Poison Sovereign's inheritance had drawn countless powerful figures from the Chu Yun Empire, and many mighty sects had dispatched disciples to come.

The strongest Poison Sect and Ten Thousand Scorpions Gate had both sent their Sect Masters.

But after the Space Lock opened and everyone entered, just a few days later, the Space Lock suddenly closed—and this closure lasted five months, nearly half a year!

"Sigh, our Sect Master has been inside for nearly half a year now, and our sect is in complete chaos."

"Don't even mention it—our sect isn't much better. Although our Sect Master didn't enter, most Elders and elite disciples went in; now our sect is split into factions, and if they don't come out soon, the sect will split in two."

With gloomy faces, everyone present were disciples of various sects, all ordered to guard here and wait for the Space Lock to reopen.

"Let's think positively—perhaps the Nether Poison Sovereign's inheritance has opened, and they're now undergoing the Trial. If someone gains the Dou Zun inheritance, the Chu Yun Empire will become utterly dominant."

"Don't even dream about it—even if the Dou Zun inheritance trial truly opened, the Poison Sect's Sect Master is a Dou Zong Yi Xing, and the Ten Thousand Scorpions Gate didn't just send their Sect Master—they brought their mountain-guarding demonic beast too. There's no way it'd fall to our sect."

"That's not certain—what if the Nether Poison Sovereign's inheritance has an age limit? Those old bastards may not have the potential we young ones do."

"I heard that when Nalan Yanran of the Yan Alliance reached Dou Ling, she received Yun Potian's inheritance—now her power is terrifying. Recently, the Three Empires sent five Dou Huang to assassinate her together, but failed. Not only did Yun Lan Sect's Sect Master Yun Yun and Ice Emperor Hai Bodong repel them, but they also drew out a Dou Zong; of the five Dou Huang, only one returned—the rest all died in Jia Ma Sheng Cheng."

When the Dou Zun inheritance was mentioned, everyone present erupted into lively discussion.

"The Sect Grand Meeting is about to begin—this year, the Yan Alliance will probably attend."

"So what if they attend? Even if the Yan Alliance produces a Dou Zong, it's only Dou Zong Yi Xing. In raw power, they're still far behind the Three Empires—each of the Three Empires has Dou Zong experts."

"The real problem is the initiator of the Yan Alliance Covenant—he's a Sixth-Rank Alchemist, and even younger than the Dantian Alchemist Gu He back then. Don't forget—the Sect Grand Meeting isn't just about power; it's also about Alchemist competition. That's exactly how Gu He rose."

While the sect disciples in the gorge were all in heated discussion, none of them noticed—the Space Lock had opened!

Hu hu!!! Suddenly, a fierce toxic miasma slowly seeped out from the Space Lock; the emerald-green poison grew thicker and thicker until it shot straight into the sky!

"Deep Abyss Toxic Miasma!!!"

"How could this be! This is the Deep Abyss Toxic Miasma! Wasn't it said to have vanished completely!!"

At the instant they saw the toxic miasma appear, everyone's hearts sank. After nearly half a year, they'd forgotten—this was the Deep Abyss Gorge, the most dangerous place in Chu Yun Empire, where toxic miasma once filled the air, capable of killing even Dou Zong!

"Run, everyone!!"

In an instant, screams and rushing wind filled the entire gorge; everyone unleashed their unique techniques and fled desperately toward the gorge's exit.

The sects originally agreed to come here to wait for people—now they didn't get people, they got this deadly toxic miasma!

"Wait—look! The toxic miasma doesn't seem to be heading toward us!"

A few bold ones turned back and realized—the toxic miasma, which should have sealed the entire valley, had instead bypassed them, shooting skyward like a pillar of poison, not blocking the valley as it once did.

Seeing this strange sight, everyone halted their flight and stared at the poison pillar. Soon, some experts noticed something odd.

"Huh? Look—aren't there people inside that poison pillar!"

At that moment, everyone looked—and suddenly realized five dark shadows were clearly inside the poison pillar, unharmed by the poison!

On the backs of two demonic beasts covered by giant Black Cloth sat two black-robed figures, while another black-robed figure stood at the front.

"Standing unharmed in toxic miasma—could they have received the Nether Poison Sovereign's inheritance!!"

"Two demonic beasts? Could that be the Scorpion Beast of the Ten Thousand Scorpions Gate!"

"And the one standing at the front—is that Poison Sect's Sect Master Du Gu Tian Gao? But why are they wearing black robes?"

"Do you need to ask? Obviously, they're afraid others will covet the Dou Zun inheritance!"

Upon hearing this, many eyes flickered with hidden intent.

So many sects had gathered here—many Hidden World Strong Experts had left seclusion, even from Mu Lan Empire, Luo Yan Empire, and Jia Ma Empire; these experts' intentions were obvious.

Those who couldn't get inside didn't necessarily need to enter to obtain the Dou Zun inheritance!

Many had already secretly locked onto Xiao Yan and the others.

"I'm the eldest disciple of the Poison Sect—may I ask if the Sect Master is here?" Several men in Poison Sect attire spread their wings and bowed respectfully.

Seeing the Poison Sect act, several figures in Ten Thousand Scorpions Gate attire also slowly rose into the air and asked: "I'm the Sixth Elder of the Ten Thousand Scorpions Gate—is the Sect Master here?"

Those most likely to receive the Nether Poison Sovereign's inheritance inside the Space Lock were naturally the Ten Thousand Scorpions Gate and Poison Sect—their strength spoke for itself; if they were ruthless enough to poison everyone else, they'd become the sole candidates.

Beneath the black robes, Xiao Yan's lips slowly curled into a cold smile. His powerful Soul Force had already sensed that they were now locked onto by everyone.

Not just Dou Wang and Dou Huang—he even sensed Dou Zong, and not just one!

"Jie jie jie, Poison Sect? Ten Thousand Scorpions Gate? Never heard of them."

As soon as Xiao Yan spoke, all disciples of the Poison Sect and Ten Thousand Scorpions Gate were stunned—this meant their Sect Masters had not received the Nether Poison Sovereign's inheritance, and perhaps… were already dead!

The Poison Sect and Ten Thousand Scorpions Gate members exchanged glances and slowly retreated, but did not fully withdraw—they formed a covert formation momentum surrounding Xiao Yan and the others.

"Gentlemen, our Sect Master is missing—we hope you can provide some information and come with us to the Poison Sect."

"This matter involves many sects of Chu Yun Empire—if you don't explain clearly, you won't be able to leave Chu Yun Empire."

Instantly, hidden experts emerged from the shadows—among them were even several Peak Dou Huang and one Dou Zong Yi Xing!

Undoubtedly, all their goals were the Dou Zun inheritance!

People die for wealth; birds die for food.

"Jie jie jie, interesting—when was the last time someone dared block my path? I've forgotten. But those who block my path—die!" Xiao Yan growled, and behind him, the spectral poison fire's wings burst open like a vast sea of poison.

Although Xiao Yan's cultivation realm was far below the Nether Poison Sovereign's, the poison of the Spectral Poison Fire was not something an ordinary Dou Huang could challenge.

Sensing Xiao Yan was only a Three Star Dou Huang, many secretly sneered: "A Dou Huang dares to seize a Dou Zun inheritance? Today, heaven has a path but you won't take it; hell has no door but you walk right in. Hand over the Dou Zun inheritance—or this will be your grave. Today is your death day!"

"Exactly! Hand over the Dou Zun inheritance! Or face certain death!"

Xiao Yan didn't mind—in the Dou Qi Continent, cultivation is a struggle for power; where there are people, there is the martial world!

"You really think I'm fish on a chopping block." Xiao Yan sneered inwardly, waved his hand, and endless poison fire miasma surged like tidal waves, engulfing the entire gorge.

"Poison! Everyone take your Anti-Poison Pill and activate your Cultivation Method to resist!"

Facing Xiao Yan's overwhelming poison, powerful sects with deep foundations pulled out their best techniques.

If it were a Dou Zun's poison, they'd flee immediately—but a Dou Huang's poison? Many powerful sects in Chu Yun Empire had special defenses.

But they didn't know—this wasn't ordinary poison. The Spectral Poison Fire, like Sea Heart Flame and Bone Spirit Cold Fire, possessed dual properties!

Hu hu hu!! The toxic miasma surged forward, and suddenly, all living things that touched it burst into flame!

"Ahh!! What is this!!"

"Fire! This is fire!"

"Quick, use Dou Qi to defend—this poison is dangerous!"

"Run! This poison follows Dou Qi into the body—there's no defense!"

For a moment, the deadly poison of the Netherworld Poison Flame raged like a natural disaster—this terrifying flame was a phenomenon beyond the comprehension of the Chu Yun Empire's Poison Masters.

This was poison born of Heaven and Earth: it could burn enemies and invade their bodies through Dou Qi. Even a Peak Dou Huang could hardly maintain his Dou Qi in battle, as the poison relentlessly corroded his inner energy—eventually, even if he didn't die, his entire Cultivation Realm would be stripped away. It was utterly terrifying.

This scene made the powerful figures standing nearby, who had no intention of intervening, shudder inwardly. Many exchanged uneasy glances—Dou Zong inheritance, how terrifying!

Suddenly, Space rippled—a dark shadow appeared instantly above Xiao Yan's head. It was a Dou Zong, who had used Void Instant Shift to strike with a palm!

"A Dou Zong has acted!"

Facing the Dou Zong's palm aimed directly at his crown, Xiao Yan didn't even lift his eyelids. The Netherworld Poison Flame condensed in his palm, the Burning Art activated—he raised his head and slammed his palm forward!

Gong gong gong!! The two palms collided, unleashing a terrifying shockwave that blasted both parties apart.

Xiao Yan glanced down at his palm—his palm was now pitch black. The Dou Zong's strike had been laced with deadly poison.

"Hehehe, you've already been struck by my Earth Grade Dou Technique: Absolute Death Poison Palm. Within an hour, you'll dissolve into a puddle of blood. If you want the antidote, hand over the inheritance of the Nether Poison Sovereign." The old man sneered—how careless to fight a Poison Master.

Xiao Yan's lips curled upward. This poison meant nothing to him, blessed with the Netherworld Poison Flame. He scoffed: "Your poison? I'll trade the inheritance for the antidote. But mine—what will you give me in return?"

The old man froze in shock, staring at his own palm—his veins had turned a ghostly green. The Netherworld Poison Flame had already surged into his heart, spreading through his entire body!

Before the old man could speak, a dark shadow appeared silently behind him. Xiao Yixian's eyes were icy, her voice like Death itself: "Your life."

Xiao Yixian's index finger glowed with a multicolored poison light. Without mercy, she unleashed a Heaven Grade Dou Technique.

The Misfortune Demonic Poison Claw—she had only trained for a few days, hadn't even mastered the first level, and had only condensed half a finger's worth. But this was still a Heaven Grade Cultivation Method—and it was poisonous!

The Dou Zong tried to defend with Dou Qi—but when he activated it, he realized the Netherworld Poison Flame had slowed his Dou Qi to a crawl. That single moment of delay was his entire life.

Puff! Xiao Yixian's finger pierced the old man's heart. The Misfortune Poison Explosion erupted, spreading through his entire body in a single second.

How could a mere Dou Zong Yi Xing possibly resist the poison unleashed by a Star Seven Soul Body?

He didn't even have time to scream. The terrible Misfortune Poison was lethal on contact—his SpiritFlesh dissolved instantly, and even his Spiritual Soul melted away within a second. His soul couldn't escape the poison of the Misfortune Soul Body.

Seeing a Dou Zong's Soul Body vanish so easily to Xiao Yixian's poison, the Yan Zunzhe, who had intended to work diligently, couldn't help but feel a pang of regret.

A Dou Zong's Soul Body! Even if it was only low-grade Yi Xing, it was still worth ten thousand Soul Points.

And now—it's gone!

Xiao Yan sighed, waved his hand, and collected all the Soul Bodies of those who had rushed toward him and died from the Netherworld Poison Flame into his Soul Token.

Instantly, dozens of the Chu Yun Empire's Dou Wang and Dou Huang powerhouses had their Soul Bodies extracted, turning into blood mist. Their Poison Armor and weapons, beneath the Netherworld Poison Flame, shattered into nothing—not even a speck remained!

For a moment, Heaven and Earth fell silent. Everyone stared, stunned—so many powerful figures gone! A Dou Zong, slain in just two moves!

"Too weak. I thought Chu Yun Empire's Poison Masters might put up at least a little fight." Watching the blood mist drift away, Xiao Yan shook his head slightly, sounding disappointed.

No one dared to contradict him. No one dared to strike again. Though some present were stronger than Dou Zong Yi Xing, they all knew: Xiao Yixian's power was unquestionably that of a high-level Dou Zong—and her poison was deadly.

A high-level Dou Zong laced with poison—no Peak Dou Huang would dare provoke her.

Seeing no one dared to move, Xiao Yan did not slaughter innocents. He sat atop the Lion King and flew toward the Mo Shou Shan Mai.

Xiao Yan did not fly straight back to Jia Ma Sheng Cheng—he returned to the Small Valley. Though Xiao Yixian had slain a Dou Zong Yi Xing with one finger, the more potent her Misfortune Poison Body became, the less optimistic things grew.

With the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King flying at full speed, they returned to the Small Valley in two days.

The Qing Hun You Lan did not need to be ingested—simply keeping it nearby, its fragrant aroma served as a universal antidote.

But after days of observation, Xiao Yan realized: not only could it not reduce the Misfortune Poison Body's toxicity, it couldn't even halt its growth.

It could only slow the Misfortune Poison Body's progression—make it grow more slowly.

"I'm fine," Xiao Yixian said, smiling at Xiao Yan, whose brows were tightly furrowed.

"Sigh, your Misfortune Poison Body is already on the brink of explosion—and you say you're fine." Xiao Yan shook his head. The Puti Huati Yan was still nowhere to be found, and the Qing Hun You Lan could only delay it.

Suddenly, Xiao Yan frowned, his expression strange. Soon after, Tian Huo Zunzhe floated out of his storage ring, smiled at Xiao Yan, then drifted out of the small hut.

Xiao Yan looked at Xiao Yixian, who was utterly confused, and cleared his throat awkwardly: "Uh… Tian Huo Zunzhe just taught me a Flame Sealing technique that can delay the Misfortune Poison Body's explosion. But… to perform it, you must remove all your clothing."

The moment Xiao Yan finished speaking, Xiao Yixian's cheeks flushed crimson.

You're lying!

Outside, Tian Huo Zunzhe stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the sun, muttering: "After all, it's an Heavenly Flame Sealing—can't wear clothes. Isn't that common sense?"

"Hehe, Xiao Yan will thank me."

(End of Chapter)