Chapter 377: Not Very Smart

"Sister Ya Fei, these elixirs are entrusted to you for auction." Xiao Yan pulled out several pill bottles, each filled to the brim with pills.

Su Mei, who had come to escort Ya Fei, blinked rapidly—these pills, piled like candies in the bottles, were all Fifth-Grade or higher, some even Sixth-Grade.

Though not of the Imperial Ultimate Pill variety, most were DragonPower Pills, Dou Wang Pills, and Sixth-Grade Low-Class healing elixirs—but these were precisely the most urgently needed pills in the Black Horn Region, since not everyone could afford an Imperial Ultimate Pill.

Then Xiao Yan produced several brocade boxes; even without opening them, it was clear that anything requiring sealed, isolated storage must be a treasure.

Among them was even the Breakthrough Sect Pill he had once overproduced—since he hadn't sold it, he'd kept it to establish the Miter Clan's reputation, letting the Black Horn Region know that the Miter Clan was under Xiao Yan's protection!

Ya Fei looked at these pills capable of making the entire Black Horn Region tremble, smiled faintly, and stored them in her space ring.

Glancing at Xiao Yixian, Ya Fei paused for half a second, then stepped forward, the tip of her red high heel lifting slightly as her red lips lightly kissed Xiao Yan's cheek.

"Wishing you swift victory," Ya Fei knew her place well; knowing Xiao Yixian was present, she did not overstep—only a light kiss on the cheek, leaving a faint lip print.

Ya Fei understood her own weakness; it was Xiao Yixian, with her Eternal Calamity Poison body, who could truly aid Xiao Yan. She knew her position and would never let Xiao Yan stagnate—she also knew he would go far beyond her.

Without lingering, Ya Fei left behind a fragrant breeze and departed with Su Mei from another direction.

Ya Fei was a gentle haven, not a hero's grave.

Zi Yan covered her mouth, stifling a laugh as she glanced at Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan shot her a look, then turned to Xiao Yixian and said, "Let's go. If those people are smart, we'll reach Jia Nan Academy today."

"We'll brew the Poison Pill once we reach Jia Nan Academy."

Xiao Yixian nodded slightly. Brewing Poison Pills wasn't just difficult due to gathering medicinal materials—it was also a test for the Alchemist. Xiao Yan himself dared not be overconfident; he needed a place absolutely safe and quiet, and Jia Nan Xue Yuan Nei Yuan had just such a perfect location.

The Library Pavilion!

Not only was it guarded by the Two Elders of a Thousand Books, but the Pavilion itself was sealed by a Space Lock set by the Dean—the elusive, unseen head of the academy. Brewing Poison Pills there was ideal.

Then Xiao Yan, Xiao Yixian, Zi Yan, and the two Lion Kings strode out boldly through the front gate of the inn.

The instant Xiao Yan and his group emerged from the inn, the entire Black Emperor City seemed to awaken—countless eyes locked onto them from all directions.

"Finally willing to leave the city."

"Let's follow. Every major auction in the Black Horn Region doesn't end when the auction does."

Many still remembered the auction hosted by the Six Gates, where the Blood Sect was wiped out outright. Naturally, many curious onlookers had gathered.

"Sect Master, doesn't Xiao Yan seem a bit odd? He's leaving the city so openly—he must know dozens of powerful figures are waiting for him inside and out."

At that moment, in the Black Emperor Sect's council hall, Alchemist Qi Shan frowned hesitantly.

Mo Tian Xing frowned and asked, "What of the tracking mark?"

"Report, Sect Master, confirmed—the Puti Huati Yan is still on Xiao Yan," Qi Shan replied.

"Father, could Xiao Yan have discovered the mark?" Mo Ya, beside him, worriedly asked.

"Young Sect Master, rest assured—this special Secret Technique mark is extremely concealed. Even a Seventh-Rank Alchemist cannot sense it," Qi Shan said confidently.

"Sigh—if only our Black Emperor Sect had uncovered even a shred of information about the Bodhi Heart or the Bodhi Tree from the Puti Huati Yan after all these years, we'd never have put it up for auction," Mo Tian Xing gazed far beyond Black Emperor City, his brow furrowing as he spoke coldly.

"What of the other sects?"

"All are ready."

"Good, hehehe—the power of a Seventh-Rank Alchemist is formidable, but against the entire Black Horn Region, what can you do!"

Hearing this, Qi Shan and Mo Ya exchanged glances, then smiled in agreement.

At this moment, Xiao Yan and Xiao Yixian's group walked like a family on a countryside outing, strolling, admiring mountains and waters. Xiao Yan occasionally teased Xiao Yixian until she rolled her eyes repeatedly, utterly speechless.

After an hour outside the city, Xiao Yan's group reached a small hill. From above, they surveyed the surroundings—the place was clear waters and green mountains, unmistakably a good spot.

"Sigh." Life was hard, Xiao Yan sighed.

Shaking his head, he spread his hands as if muttering to himself: "Gentlemen, you've followed for over an hour. I'm about to fly straight back to Jia Nan Academy—after that, you won't get another chance. Don't say I didn't give you one."

"This place has cool winds and clear waters—it's a Blessed Land. Dying here isn't bad, isn't it?" Xiao Yan smiled faintly, his gaze sweeping the heavens and earth.

Even those with weak Soul Force would sense the watchers—those burning stares were utterly unhidden.

"Heh, no wonder the Lord of Xiao City—such boldness truly makes him a heroic youth."

"Hahaha, dying here truly suits the Lord of Xiao City's status."

At that moment, figures burst forth from the tree shadows and dense forest—suddenly, powerful figures from numerous Black Horn Region sects surged out.

At this point, the Black Horn Region's warriors couldn't help but grow envious. For days, rumors had spread across the region that Xiao Yan had paid a high price for the Puti Huati Yan—and even claimed he had discovered the exact location of the Bodhi Tree.

As the saying goes: men die for wealth, birds die for food. Instantly, countless reckless, bloodthirsty warriors flooded into Black Emperor City.

Now, these warriors leapt into the sky, surrounding them in a tight circle.

"Hmph!" The elder servant standing beside Xiao Yan—the Great Lion King—snorted, stepping forward. Instantly, the aura of a Dou Zong crashed like a tidal wave—BOOM! Several low-level Dou Huangs were flung back instantly, overwhelmingly powerful.

This was a Dou Zong—even a dozen Dou Huangs together couldn't match him.

Sensing the terrifying power of the transformed Purple Crystal Winged Lion King, many attackers paled—but their obsession with the Puti Huati Yan, or rather the word "Sage Emperor," refused to die. They encircled Xiao Yan's group from afar, layer upon layer.

Xiao Yan found nothing strange about this. Even if he were only a Seventh-Rank Alchemist, let alone an Eighth-Rank, they'd swarm him like locusts if they saw a chance, tearing him apart.

Just as Xiao Yan himself—would he fear the other Seven Clans? If profit were involved, he'd tear them apart too.

These people all imagined themselves as protagonists in legendary tales, dreaming of seizing a heavenly fortune, achieving Liu Di Cheng Sheng, and fearlessly defying pursuers.

Without a word from Xiao Yan, the Lion King stepped forward, his Dou Zong aura surging like a storm—anyone who dared approach must first pass through him! Xiao Yan had given him and his son the Transformation Pill; though it was a transaction, the debt of the elixir was too great to repay—now he was willing to stand as shield.

Seeing a Dou Zong guarding Xiao Yan, everyone present grew even more certain: Xiao Yan truly knew the secret of the Puti Huati Yan—and the location of the Bodhi Tree!

The Bodhi Tree! The Bodhi Three Treasures! How could anyone not be envious?

But the Lion King stood before them, his Dou Zong aura rolling like waves—every faction's warrior drew a sharp breath. Even Peak Dou Huangs and half-step Dou Zongs dared not advance. To oppose a Dou Zong was to court death.

At that moment, a vast expanse of green mist surged—and finally, a Dou Zong appeared.

"Hmph. Just a Dou Zong Yi Xing? How bold your words are." A stronger Dou Zong spiritual pressure surged from the horizon—Eagle Mountain Elder stepped through the air, appearing nearby in a single step, his terrifying aura instantly shattering the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King's pressure.

"Eagle Mountain Elder! He was here after all."

"Not just Eagle Mountain Elder—look over there."

"That's the Black Emperor Sect! Mo Tian Xing! Damn, this guy's planning a dirty move!"

Mo Tian Xing arrived with the Black Emperor Sect's warriors, spotted Xiao Yan, and smiled faintly—as if greeting an old friend—but deep in his eyes lay cruelty.

"What? Does everyone want Puti Huati Yan? Or are you after the whereabouts of the Bodhi Tree?" Xiao Yan squinted at them all, smiling pleasantly, showing not the slightest fear.

At that moment, Old Man Ying Shan stepped forward, his gaze piercing through everything as he fixed Xiao Yan with eyes like an eagle's, and said in a low voice, "Hand over Puti Huati Yan and reveal the Bodhi Tree's location—I'll leave immediately!"

His eyes remained locked on Xiao Yan; from the very start, his target had been Puti Huati Yan, but Xiao Yan was simply too rich to outbid.

Upon hearing Old Man Ying Shan's words, countless people drooled with greed, their eyes burning with envy.

The whereabouts of the Bodhi Tree!

"But this Puti Huati Yan was purchased by me with my own money—why should I hand it over to you?" Xiao Yan smiled pleasantly, not the least angered, still as calm as ever.

"Heh, Lord Xiao, we've discovered the elixirs you offered were fake—your auction is invalid," Mo Tian Xing chuckled beside him, his voice booming like a bronze bell. "Since your elixirs are counterfeit, Puti Huati Yan must be put up for auction again—and rightfully returned to the Black Emperor Sect."

"Hey, that's right—if the Black Emperor Sect's Sect Master says so, Puti Huati Yan must be handed over," someone from the Black Horn Region shouted in support.

Who wouldn't covet Puti Huati Yan? Everyone knew Mo Tian Xing was lying—if the elixirs were fake, the rule was still "no returns once sold."

But now, everyone was desperate to find any excuse to seize the goods.

"Boy, even if you're a Seventh-Rank Alchemist, a dead Seventh-Rank Alchemist is no Alchemist at all. If you're wise, hand over the Puti Heart Flame and refine a Breakthrough Pill for me as payment—I'll protect you. Otherwise, you'll die without a grave!" Mo Ya said coldly.

Not just Mo Ya—everyone present longed to strip Xiao Yan bare and seize every elixir on his person.

Many factions had secretly reached an agreement: the Black Emperor Sect and Old Man Ying Shan take Puti Huati Yan; the rest divide Xiao Yan's elixirs. The Bodhi Tree's whereabouts would be shared by all.

They're all a nest of snakes and rats!

Xiao Yan looked at the covetous powerhouses of the Black Horn Region and said calmly, "So you're saying that the genuine gold and silver I spent on two Seven-Grade Pills to buy the Puti Heart Flame has become my original sin?"

"Alas, the world's morals have declined."

Yan Zun sighed, lamenting the darkness of this world.

"Pfft," Zi Yan sneered. "If you want to rob, just rob! Why act like a bunch of women?"

Hearing this from a little girl who looked like Zi Yan, Mo Tian Xing and the others flushed red and pale, but he merely gave a cold snort, still radiating arrogance.

Xiao Yan shrugged. "I don't blame you—it's the Black Horn Region. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Robbing? Everyone's done it—I've robbed the Heavenly Snake Mansion before."

"But to have so many people rob me at once? That's a first—even a Huang Hua Gu Niang has never boarded a bridal sedan like this."

"I have little patience. Hand over Puti Huati Yan and the Bodhi Tree's location—or face the consequences," Old Man Ying Shan's Spiritual Pressure pressed forward aggressively—he was growing impatient.

Surrounded by nearly the entire Black Horn Region's powerhouses, Xiao Yan remained relaxed. "I don't like hiding my strength. To be honest, you're all a bunch of chickens and dogs—not worth a thing."

"I'll show mercy—leave now, and I won't pursue you."

"Otherwise—kill on sight!"

Xiao Yan's eyes instantly turned icy. A terrifying aura erupted from his body. The Infernal Scripture had already reached Heavenly Rank; Xiao Yan's Eight-Star Demonic Realm Qi was no weaker than an ordinary Demonic Sovereign's. The scorching heat instantly raised the air's temperature several degrees.

"Hahaha! Young man, such bold words—no wonder you dared kill so many of my Mo Yan Valley disciples!" A booming laugh echoed from afar, thunderous and reverberating through the Inner Court, lingering like sacred chants that shook the soul.

In moments, dozens of tiny black dots appeared in the crowd's sight. A few blinks later, they transformed into a group of figures radiating ferocious energy, descending from the sky.

Xiao Yan's gaze slowly swept over the roughly twenty figures, then settled on the one at the center.

He was an old man with blood-red hair, draped in a skull-patterned yellow robe. His face was gaunt, almost skin stretched over bone—like a skull. His sunken eyes glowed with a faint, eerie light, like ghostly flames, radiating strangeness and dread.

The Founder of Mo Yan Valley—Di Mo the Old Ghost—Seven-Star Demonic Sovereign!

Seeing Di Mo the Old Ghost appear, Xiao Yan did not panic—instead, he smiled faintly.

"Seven-Star Demonic Sovereign… Looks like Mo Tian Xing is delivering a fine gift. I'll accept it."

Now that all the players had arrived, Xiao Yan was the one who couldn't wait!

"Since you won't listen, don't blame me. You brought this on yourselves!" Xiao Yan's voice turned utterly icy. "Kill them all!"

With a boom, Xiao Yixian—who had been quietly standing aside—suddenly unleashed a terrifying aura: the Spiritual Pressure of a Nine-Star Demonic Sovereign enveloped the area.

"Nine-Star Demonic Sovereign!!"

(End of Chapter)