Chapter 367

In the Ancient Realm, within a little world opened by the Gu Clan's Dou Emperor, atop a mist-shrouded steep peak, a slender green shadow flickered in and out of the fog.

The woman before her wore an ancient, stunningly beautiful long gown; the upper garment was exquisitely handcrafted, and when the wind blew, faint phoenix shadows flapped their wings; beneath it, the fabric clung tightly to her slender, willow-like waist.

The hem of her skirt swayed with the breeze, like snowfeathers, drifting and fluttering—exceedingly beautiful, perfectly matched.

Her bright eyes were captivating; her three thousand black tresses were loosely bound with a pale purple ribbon, and as the light wind stirred them, they floated gently, giving the young girl an ethereal, refined grace.

"Sigh."

Xun Er stood atop the mountain peak, her soft sigh breaking hearts; her beautiful eyes gazed upon this world—the very cultivation paradise outsiders craved—yet to her, it felt like a prison.

Since parting at Jia Nan Academy, Xun Er had returned to the Gu Clan for over three years, nearly four—she had not seen the figure in her heart for nearly four years.

Xun Er had clearly matured greatly; now, compared to the girl she once was, she had lost a touch of naivety and gained a calm, water-like serenity rooted deep in her spiritual soul.

"Ling Lao."

The girl did not turn around; her rosy lips parted slightly, and a clear, ethereal voice, like silver bells, echoed across the mountaintop.

As her voice faded, the shadow beneath a rock twisted strangely, then coalesced into the figure of an elderly man—it was none other than Ling Ying!

Upon appearing, Ling Ying bowed respectfully to the girl.

"Miss."

A year ago, Ling Ying had traveled to inquire about the Northwest Region and the Yan Alliance; at that time, Xiao Yan had just participated in the Sect Grand Meeting, and he had informed Xun Er.

The Yan Alliance won a decisive victory; Xiao Yan killed Bone Child Elder and refined a Seven-Grade Pill that summoned Pill Lightning.

When he heard this news, Ling Ying was utterly stunned.

After two years apart since leaving Jia Nan Academy, Xiao Yan's combat power had already reached the level capable of killing a Dou Zong! And his pill alchemy—Seven-Grade!

At first, Ling Ying hardly believed it, but after inquiring through multiple channels and verifying, he confirmed it was true.

Xun Er brushed her finger across her storage ring, withdrew a scroll, and handed it to Ling Ying, saying softly: "Brother Xiao Yan was already a Four-Star Dou Huang a year ago, strong enough to kill a One-Star Dou Zong. I believe that after a year, he now has the ability to cultivate the remaining three seals of the Emperor Seal Technique."

!?

Hearing Xun Er's words, Ling Ying immediately broke into a cold sweat on his forehead and back!

Although the Emperor Seal Technique was a modified, inferior version, its original form was created by the Gu Clan's Dou Emperor! Are you seriously just giving this away? Is that really wise?!?!

The last three seals of the Emperor Seal Technique require cultivation beyond Dou Zong to learn; although it's impossible for an ordinary person to advance from Four-Star Dou Huang to Dou Zong in just one year, Ling Ying could not deny Xiao Yan's talent and ability—he truly believed Xiao Yan could master the Emperor Seal Technique.

But the problem was, not just anyone could learn it.

"The Xiao Clan and our clan have had an ancient alliance; this is merely an Earth-Class High-Level Combat Technique. Supporting our ally demonstrates our clan's great righteousness."

"Now that the Soul Sovereign is powerful, if our clan shows unwavering loyalty to our ally, we may gain unexpected benefits."

Xun Er spoke slowly, unsure whether she was speaking to Ling Ying—or to the hidden Tong Xuan Elder watching from the shadows.

Ling Ying waited quietly for a moment; when no one emerged to stop him, he dared to take the scroll.

"Ling Lao, before I enter seclusion, I wish to know some news about Brother Xiao Yan." Xun Er's voice was as still as a deep well.

Ling Ying silently sighed inwardly; the only person who could make Xun Er care was one—and even the Clan Leader had no such fortune.

Though he was no longer the Gu Clan's strongest Dou Huang and had advanced to Dou Zong, he still could not escape his fate as a messenger pigeon.

Sensing Ling Ying's departure, Xun Er let out a faint sigh; for some reason, she always felt a heaviness in her chest, a sense of constriction—so she had specifically summoned Ling Ying to give Xiao Yan the last three seals of the Emperor Seal Technique, and to inquire about Xiao Yan's status before entering seclusion.

"Brother Xiao Yan, I wonder if you ever think of Xun Er… I miss you so much."

At this moment, on the Yunlan Mountain Range, Xiao Yan lay on the Azure Lotus Platform, staring blankly at the azure sky.

The room had long since been burned to ashes by the Azure Lotus Earth Core Fire, revealing the blue sky above; Cai Lin had already departed, occupied with relocating the Snake Empire's capital and dividing the territory of the Heavenly Snake Mansion.

Xiao Yan, by contrast, now felt utterly lost.

"I'm screwed."

Internally, Xiao Yan was also panicked; he had no idea how Xun Er would react upon learning this, and he feared losing her more than anything.

Yet as a man, he could not ignore Cai Lin's situation and simply run away.

"Master Xiao Yan, Her Majesty has sent me to bring you your meal." At that moment, Hua She Er, Cai Lin's personal bodyguard, arrived with food.

Seeing the charred ruins, Hua She Er's expression turned peculiar. What the hell happened here? Did you fight with a Spiritual Flame?

After placing the food down, Hua She Er withdrew a letter from her storage ring and handed it to Xiao Yan, her face twisted with oddness: "This is a letter from Her Majesty for you, Master Xiao Yan."

Hua She Er looked baffled—why would Her Majesty communicate with Master Xiao Yan via letter? Why not speak face to face?

After delivering the letter, Hua She Er left.

Xiao Yan sighed, then slowly opened the letter. Its contents were simple: Cai Lin would raise the child alone, required no involvement from Xiao Yan, would not interfere with or restrict his personal life, and there was no marital affection between them.

Although the letter's tone was cruel, as if severing ties with Xiao Yan, he could sense Cai Lin's concern in every line.

Cai Lin and Xiao Yan shared a unique spiritual connection; moreover, during her time beside him at Jia Nan Academy, she had already known of Xun Er's relationship with Xiao Yan.

Furthermore, when Xiao Yan had once risked his life to save Qing Lin, he had told Cai Lin: if Xun Er came looking, let her wait a little longer.

Xiao Yan himself had been on the brink of death, leaving his final words without forgetting to mention Xun Er—Cai Lin, even if foolish, understood her place in his heart, and knew his inner turmoil, which was why she had written him this letter.

After reading the letter, Xiao Yan slapped himself hard—*smack! *

"Heh, this whole mess is my fault." Xiao Yan rose abruptly; this was not his original world—the Dou Qi Continent was not Earth; this was a world where strength reigned supreme, and he needed to rethink his approach.

With sufficient strength, nothing was a problem.

Xiao Yan unfurled his Dou Qi wings, regaining his resolve; he decided to first refine a pill for Zi Yan, then enhance his own cultivation—especially his Dou Technique and Cultivation Realm.

In a nearby palace of the Snake Empire, Cai Lin, reviewing documents, suddenly sensed something and slowly raised her head toward the horizon; a faint smile appeared on her lips, her eyes filled with tenderness.

This expression had never been seen before.

Gently caressing her lower abdomen, Cai Lin murmured: "My man will have only you."

At this moment, atop the mountain peak, Zi Yan felt she had been deceived.

Three days! She had waited three full days!! You promised it would be quick! Are you messing with me?!

"Sorry, Zi Yan, something came up and delayed me." Seeing Zi Yan's furious, gritted-teeth expression, fists clenched, Xiao Yan quickly apologized.

Blame it on the Ten Thousand Beasts Spiritual Flame—it's just too powerful.

Finally, Zi Yan held back and didn't beat Xiao Yan up—after all, her elixirs still depended on him to refine.

"Hurry up and refine my elixir," Zi Yan snorted.

"Alright, alright, right now, immediately." Just as Xiao Yan pulled out the alchemy furnace, a familiar yet heart-stopping aura brushed against his perception.

"Ling Lao?!" Xiao Yan's heart slammed hard! Cold sweat poured down his forehead, his teeth trembled, his expression like a thief caught in the act.

"Xiao Yan?"

"Sorry, Zi Yan, I've got an urgent matter—I'll be right back." With that, Xiao Yan immediately unfurled his Dou Qi wings and flew off in another direction.

Only Zi Yan remained, stunned in place, battered by the cold wind.

At this moment, Ling Ying had just arrived at Jia Ma Sheng Cheng when Xiao Yan walked straight toward him.

"Ling Lao, it's been a long time," Xiao Yan said with a smile, walking slowly forward.

Ling Ying had long given up—even as a Dou Zong, he still couldn't evade Xiao Yan's Soul Perception. It wasn't surprising; after all, Xiao Yan's Soul Force had advanced faster, and now he had reached the Spirit Realm!

Ling Ying smiled bitterly and said, "Young Master Yan's perception has become truly terrifying."

Xiao Yan smiled, but the smile felt forced. He quickly asked, "May I ask what brings you here, Ling Lao? How is Xun Er?"

Ling Lao smiled and nodded. "The young lady is well. Since she will soon enter a heritage realm for cultivation and must enter seclusion for a time, she specifically sent me to deliver the final three seals of the Emperor Seal Scripture to Young Master Yan."

"Heh, the young lady truly understands Young Master Yan. Who would've thought you've already reached Star Eight Demonic Realm? With this pace, you won't need a year to enter the Dou Zong realm—now you're ready to cultivate the final three seals of the Emperor Seal Scripture."

As Xiao Yan stared at the scroll Ling Ying handed him, he was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected that even though Xun Er was far away in Zhong Zhou, she still hadn't forgotten him—always thinking of him, always caring.

Xiao Yan cupped the scroll in both hands, and for no clear reason, he suddenly felt it weighed ten thousand tons.

Seeing Xiao Yan receive the Emperor Seal Scripture with such reverence, Ling Ying nodded with satisfaction. "Heh, since the scroll is now in Young Master Yan's hands, I'll return to report my mission."

"Is there any message you'd like me to carry to the young lady?"

Along the journey, Ling Ying had learned much about the Yan Alliance, and he couldn't help but marvel at Xiao Yan's strength—he'd not only won over a Dou Zun, but had become the dominant force across the entire Northwest Region, clearly poised to unify the region and march toward Zhong Zhou.

"I—I…" Xiao Yan stammered, then his gaze sharpened, his voice deepening. "Some things, I think I should tell Xun Er myself."

"Please tell Xun Er I'm well—I'll be heading to Zhong Zhou soon."

Ling Ying nodded. His sole purpose had been to deliver the item and confirm Xiao Yan was safe, so Xun Er could cultivate in peace.

Before leaving, Ling Ying paused, then used Soul Resonance to speak to Xiao Yan: "Young Master Yan, there are troubling whispers within the clan regarding the young lady. Some Elders wish her to marry one of the young generation."

!!!!!!!?

Xiao Yan's eyes flashed with a blade-like sharpness; an oppressive pressure surged toward Ling Ying, making his heart tremble with dread.

In that instant, Ling Ying felt as if he faced a demon-demon sovereign—his entire body turned icy.

"But the Clan Leader opposes it—he believes the young lady's bloodline hasn't stabilized, and marriage is inappropriate. The matter has been suppressed for now."

"If you go to the Ancient Realm, be wary of Gu Yao—he is now the Black Smoke Army's Demon Sovereign Commander. His talent, strength, and status far surpass Ling Quan's. He's already reached Dou Zun, and among the young generation, he's the most fervent suitor of the young lady."

Ling Ying wasn't trying to discourage Xiao Yan—he was, in fact, deeply confident in him.

If the Gu Clan were to vote on who Xun Er should marry, no one else would vote for Xiao Yan—but Xiao Yan would still have one vote: Xun Er's.

Even if the entire Gu Clan opposed him, Xiao Yan would still have one vote.

So Ling Ying knew Xiao Yan would come to the Ancient Realm—and he warned him: even though Xiao Yan's cultivation had risen swiftly to Star Eight Demonic Realm, in the Gu Clan, such speed meant nothing—true young geniuses were everywhere.

Xiao Yan quickly retracted his aura, his expression returning to its usual confidence. He smiled faintly. "Thank you for the warning, Ling Lao. Don't worry—Dou Zun won't stop me. My ambitions extend beyond that."

"When I visit the Gu Clan, I hope you'll introduce me to that Demon Sovereign Commander."

Seeing the battle intention in Xiao Yan's eyes, Ling Ying knew it wouldn't be long before the Gu Clan's arrogant young generation would be humiliated.

Xiao Yan pulled a jade box from his storage ring and handed it to Ling Ying. "You've had a long journey, Ling Lao. This is a Seven-Grade Imperial Power Purple Pill—a small token."

Ling Ying had been about to refuse, but the moment he heard "Imperial Power Purple Pill," his words died in his throat. This was an elixir even Dou Zongs coveted.

"Then I thank Young Master Yan. Time is late—I must return to report to the young lady. She's probably waiting anxiously." Ling Ying took the brocade box and left, now thinking perhaps being a messenger pigeon wasn't so bad after all.

Watching Ling Ying depart, Xiao Yan's heart ignited a new battle intention.

"Gu Yao… Dou Zun? The Gu Clan's Dou Zuns must be far stronger than ordinary ones."

Xiao Yan's gaze sharpened; the oppressive pressure surged back into his chest. He suddenly realized he'd been arrogant—Xun Er's great Gu Clan would never approve of him.

"At least I must reach Dou Zun!"

Xiao Yan slowly unrolled the scroll; a powerful, overwhelming torrent of Soul Information flooded his mind.

The final three seals of the Emperor Seal Scripture were: Earth-Covering Seal, Heaven-Erasing Seal, and Ancient Emperor Seal. When all five seals were perfected and multiplied together, their power could rival a Heavenly Rank Dou Technique.

Normally, the final three seals required Dou Zong to cultivate—but Xiao Yan, though only Star Eight Demonic Realm, had already reached the Spirit Realm in Soul Force, allowing him to begin cultivation early.

"Before heading to Zhong Zhou, I need to cultivate some Dou Techniques—my current ones are no longer enough."

(End of Chapter)