Chapter 402

"Three-Star Peak Dou Zong." Xiao Yan clenched his fists, a hint of joy flashing in his eyes. Even with elixirs aiding him, rising from Eight-Star Demonic Realm to Three-Star Peak Dou Zong in just three months was an unimaginable speed!

Refining Infernal Flames does not directly raise one's Cultivation Realm, but if one enters Enlightenment during refinement, or absorbs energy from the Infernal Flame's space, it may boost one's Cultivation Realm!

This time, although Xiao Yan did not enter the mysterious state of Enlightenment as he had when refining Blue Lotus Earth Core Flame and Bone Spirit Cold Flame, the space of Nine Dragon Thunder Flame brought him an unexpected boon.

Because he refined Nine Dragon Thunder Flame, some of its power was drawn into his body, rapidly purified by the unique force of Falling Heart Flame, allowing Xiao Yan to ascend one Star in just one month—and two Stars in total—reaching Three-Star Peak Dou Zong!

If he had just one more month, he might even reach Four-Star!

"Huh? The Burn Scripture evolved? Heaven Tier Mid-Grade??!" Xiao Yan froze—had the Burn Scripture really evolved?!

As the owner of the Burn Scripture, Xiao Yan himself was stunned.

This clearly exceeded his expectations!

"What did I miss?"

Xiao Yan had calculated: theoretically, fusing the twelfth-ranked Nine Dragon Thunder Flame should not have triggered the Burning Scripture's evolution—it should still have been lacking something.

The Burn Scripture evolved to Heaven Tier Low Grade after absorbing Han Feng's Sea Heart Flame—this happened three years ago. Since then, Xiao Yan had fused other Infernal Flames.

The twentieth-ranked Nether Poison Flame, the eighteenth-ranked Wind Fury Dragon Flame, and now the twelfth-ranked Nine Dragon Thunder Flame.

But according to Xiao Yan's calculations, all three Heavenly Flames were ranked relatively low; even though Nine Dragon Thunder Flame was second only to Bone Spirit Cold Flame, it still shouldn't have pushed the Burning Scripture to Heaven Rank Mid Grade—especially since Nether Poison Flame had already fused with Xiao Yixian's Poison Pill.

"Could it be that once the Burn Scripture evolves, even if the Infernal Flame leaves the body, it won't regress—only the quality of Battle Qi will drop?" Xiao Yan murmured to himself. He guessed that once the Cultivation Method evolved, it stayed evolved—even if the Infernal Flame wasn't in the Nalings—the experience bar remained.

"But that still doesn't add up. Even then, it should still fall short of Heaven Tier Mid-Grade. What else did I overlook?"

At that moment, Xiao Yan's gaze flicked to the side, where a small cat lay comfortably in the lava, its black tail exposed, four tiny paws paddling through the molten flow, happily swimming as if it were a pool rather than a Sea of Fire.

Xiao Yan had found the culprit!

"Of course! Mao Wu evolved to Earth Sub Flame!" Xiao Yan suddenly realized—he'd forgotten about this guy!

The first Heavenly Flame Xiao Yan refined was the Sub-Flame of Void Swallowing Flame, but back then, Mao Wu was a newborn Heavenly Flame, weaker even than the Falling Heart Flame of the Heavenly Flame Master—after refinement, the Burning Scripture only reached Profound Rank, still pathetically weak.

Xiao Yan had overlooked this: even as a Sub-Flame, it was the Sub-Flame of the second-ranked Void Swallowing Flame. If it reached maturity, the Burn Scripture would undergo a massive evolution.

In the Legacy Site of the Nether Poison Reverend, Mao Wu evolved to Earth Sub Flame—this increased the Burning Scripture's "experience points." Hence, after fusing Nine Dragon Thunder Flame, it evolved to Heaven Rank Mid Grade!

"If Mao Wu evolves into Heavenly Emperor Fire, just below the original form!!" Xiao Yan swallowed hard. Earth Sub Flame was already equivalent to a low-ranked Infernal Flame—if it became Heavenly Emperor Fire, wouldn't it rank among the top ten?

If he were fortunate enough to refine Three Thousand Yan Flame, and Mao Wu evolved into Heavenly Emperor Fire, could he possibly reach Heaven Tier Advanced Grade?!

Xiao Yan's eyes instantly burned with heat. No wonder Void Swallowing Flame ranked second—even its Sub-Flame possessed such terrifying power!

But soon, Xiao Yan grew somber. Despite consuming so much Infernal Flame energy, Mao Wu showed no signs of further evolution. It seemed that nurturing it to grow was no easier than his own journey into Heavenly Realm Soul.

"Mao Wu, let's go. Time to head home." Xiao Yan called out loudly.

Meow~o(=∩ω∩=)m!

Upon hearing this, Mao Wu perked up its ears, flicked its tail, stepped lightly through Space, and instantly, a cluster of Black Flame ignited—then it dove straight into the Black Flame, returning to the Nalings. As the first resident, it wanted to check on the new arrival—see if the newcomer was eating well.

After leaving the Flame Valley, Xiao Yan met the Second Elder and Third Elder—two white-haired old men who offered him a flattering smile, standing there dumbly waiting.

"Master Xiao Yan, congratulations on emerging from seclusion."

"Master Xiao Yan is truly a dragon among men! In just three months, you've reached Three-Star Peak Dou Zong—truly a hero, a genius!"

Hearing these two elders' flattery, Xiao Yan shuddered, his skin prickling with goosebumps.

He knew why: first, his strength was formidable—he'd fought the Second Elder to a standstill; second, of course, his connection to Ancestor Fenyan and Ancestor Xiao Xuan.

"Enough, enough, you two Elders. I haven't given those trivial matters a second thought. You don't need to be this way—it's starting to make me uncomfortable." Xiao Yan waved his hand dismissively, his face clearly saying no.

If they were beautiful women, fine—but two old men? He simply couldn't bear it!

The Second Elder and Third Elder nodded with smiles. The Second Elder said: "Since Master Xiao Yan has emerged from seclusion, do you have any plans? If you wish to travel, we two old men know this area well—we can guide you."

Xiao Yan thought for a moment, then shook his head: "No need. I've cultivated for quite some time—it's time to return to the Yan Alliance. Where is Master Tang? I'd like to bid him farewell."

"The Valley Master is in the Grand Hall. Master, this way," the Third Elder smiled.

Soon, Xiao Yan arrived at the Grand Hall, where Tang Zhen was handling routine paperwork. As Valley Master, the Fenyan Valley had countless affairs to manage—such as assigning control of its Space Channels to various Factions.

"Xiao Yan, you've finally emerged! Three-Star Peak Dou Zong—in just three months, such a leap is truly enviable," Tang Zhen said, walking slowly toward Xiao Yan. Though Three-Star Peak Dou Zong wasn't much, this was Xiao Yan—this man's feats never ceased to amaze.

"Master Tang, you flatter me. I've merely relied on the advantage of elixirs," Xiao Yan shook his head humbly.

"Nonsense—those elixirs were made by you yourself! I'm an Alchemist too, but alas, my talent is lacking. You truly are someone to envy," Tang Zhen laughed heartily.

"I've come to bid you farewell, Master Tang. It's time for me to return to the Yan Alliance," Xiao Yan cut straight to the point.

"Is that so? Very well. If you ever need help, come to the Fenyan Valley—we will always be your friends," Tang Zhen extended his hand and shook Xiao Yan's.

"Then I thank you. To all of you, I apologize for any offense I may have caused upon my arrival. Mountains and rivers will meet again—until we meet once more." With that, Xiao Yan stepped on Space and vanished instantly—the sensation of harnessing Space's power was exhilarating.

At that moment, an old man clad in Fire Cloud Robes appeared beside Tang Zhen, speaking gravely: "His acceptance by the Ancestor is not merely because he is Xiao Xuan's descendant."

Tang Zhen nodded solemnly: "Master Huo Yun sees clearly. I understand what must be done."

Tang Zhen turned to an Elder named Chi Huo below the Grand Hall: "Is Liu Qing, the current Family Head of the Liu Family in Tian Huang City, an old classmate of Xiao Yan's? Do they have any past connection?"

Elder Chi Huo frowned: "I'm not certain, but the Liu Family and the Cheng Family have long competed for control of our Fenyan Valley's Space Wormholes."

"Investigate. If the Liu Family has ties to Xiao Yan, offer them some leeway—you understand what I mean," Tang Zhen had investigated Xiao Yan thoroughly over the past three months.

"Yes!"

In the Space Channel, Xiao Yan naturally had no idea he'd just altered the fate of Liu Qing's family. But then again, it was no surprise—among top-tier experts, a single casual remark could change the destiny of a minor clan.

Just like the Ye Family of Ye Xin Lan—Xiao Yan's mere gesture could revive them from ruin.

With his greatly enhanced Cultivation Realm, Xiao Yan's speed through the Space Wormhole had increased several-fold. After three months of cultivation, he was eager to return home—after all, Cai Lin, who was carrying his child, had only two or three months left before giving birth—if he counted the ten-month gestation, how could he not hurry?!

In just three days, this young father returned to the Yan Alliance's territory, back within the borders of the Jia Ma Empire.

While reviewing Scrolls and managing affairs between the Yan Alliance and the Serpent Empire in the Imperial Palace, Cai Lin furrowed her delicate brows, her beautiful eyes flickering with unusual light.

"All of you, withdraw," Cai Lin suddenly said.

The serpent officials below, still reporting, froze in shock—this was barely the start of court! What, does the sovereign refuse morning audience?

Naturally, no serpent dared defy her—they slowly withdrew. Even Hua She Er, as the Shadow Guard, showed remarkable discretion and quietly left the palace—her gaze suggested she knew something.

Cai Lin gently adjusted her robes, glancing at the empty Space before her: "How much longer are you going to hide?"

As Cai Lin finished speaking, a cluster of Black Flame suddenly appeared out of thin air, and Xiao Yan, clad in a black robe, slowly stepped out of the Space Wormhole, smiling: "Hehehe, long time no see, Cai Lin. How have you been lately?"

Cai Lin sat upon the Imperial Throne, majestic and commanding, her beauty making the moon hide and flowers blush.

She slowly rose from the Imperial dais and descended step by step; as she approached, the entire Imperial Palace hall brightened instantly, capturing Xiao Yan's gaze.

She wore a supreme golden robe, her tall figure unable to be concealed by the golden dragon robe, its curves exquisitely perfect, each step graceful and flawless.

Her silver hair flowed over her shoulders, ethereal and distant; when Cai Lin's bright eyes met his, it felt as if the sky itself had been illuminated, his heart trembling.

The woman before him was so beautiful it inspired sighs—she was a goddess, one to be worshipped. Even Xiao Yan, at this moment, stared blankly, memories of the past few months involuntarily flashing through his mind.

"You've reached Third-Star Dou Zong?" Cai Lin scanned Xiao Yan, then asked sharply.

Cai Lin's voice remained as cold and distant as mountain streams.

"Huh? Oh, three months ago I went to the Burning Flame Valley and gained some opportunities," Xiao Yan replied honestly.

Hearing Xiao Yan's cultivation had risen again, nearly surpassing her own, Cai Lin's eyes flickered with dangerous light.

She despised being protected—she was a strong woman! But now she carried life within her, unable to break through to Dou Zun.

"There's a Seventh Rank Peak Pill that can increase your chance of breaking through to Dou Zun by twenty percent—or wait until after the Pill Gathering, and I'll refine for you an Eight Grade Pill to help you break through?" Xiao Yan sensed her mood and immediately made a promise.

No sooner had Xiao Yan finished speaking than a wave of killing intent enveloped him; Cai Lin's eyes narrowed slightly, her expression as icy as Nine Underworld.

Xiao Yan froze solid. Did he say something wrong??

"Do you think I want the pill?" Cai Lin said coldly.

"Huh?" Xiao Yan was baffled. What did she mean? If she didn't want it, fine—he'd rather not hunt for medicinal materials anyway.

Seeing Xiao Yan's dumbfounded expression, Cai Lin's killing aura vanished instantly. She gently extended her jade hand, grasped his left hand, and placed it softly upon her lower abdomen.

Instantly, a current surged through Xiao Yan's body; his keen Soul Force naturally sensed life beneath his palm—faint, extremely faint, and sealed by a Secret Technique, which was why he hadn't noticed it at first.

Only when his left hand touched Cai Lin's lower abdomen did he perceive it.

Xiao Yan's face lit up with excitement—an indescribably wondrous sensation, beyond words. In simple terms, it was the feeling of his child!

Seeing Xiao Yan's speechless, overjoyed expression, Cai Lin's eyes slowly softened with tender affection. Perhaps this was fate—inescapable, all because of the accidental union with the Lotus Earth Core Fire.

"It's been six or seven months already—why hasn't it swollen yet?" Xiao Yan bluntly asked a bizarre question.

All Cai Lin's romantic fantasies shattered. She scowled: "SnakeTribe and humans are different. The Four Great Elders said it may still take another year."

"Oh, a year… so shortly after the Pill Gathering," Xiao Yan murmured inwardly. That meant he'd still have time to return after the gathering.

"Don't stand there—sit, sit, sit," Xiao Yan hurriedly said.

"I'm a Ninth-Star Dou Zong, not some ordinary person!" Cai Lin gave him a side-eye. She could fly through sky and earth—standing was a problem?

After Xiao Yan bombarded her with questions, Cai Lin found him annoying and changed the subject: "You went to Jia Ma Sheng Cheng? Yesterday, Yao Ye said two strangers came looking for you."

"Strangers? Looking for me?"

"Two young women."

!?

Xiao Yan's mind instantly flooded with images of young women—but most were from the Yan Alliance; they shouldn't be strangers to him.

Seeing Xiao Yan's thoughtful expression, Cai Lin grew irritated. How many romantic entanglements do you still have outside?!

She grabbed Xiao Yan and kicked him straight into the air.

Xiao Yan shouted his innocence: "I swear, I haven't!"

As Xiao Yan stepped onto Space, less than half a minute later he arrived at the Jia Ma Imperial Palace. When he saw the two who sought him, he froze—because he recognized one, but not the other.

Queen Yao Ye was entertaining them; sensing his approach, she looked up and smiled: "Master Xiao Yan, you've arrived just in time. These two little beauties are yours to host."

Xiao Yan grimaced. If you don't want me dead at Medusa Queen's hands, don't say things like that.

"Senior Han Yue, long time no see," Xiao Yan politely bowed to Han Yue, whose silver hair gleamed like snow.

He recognized Han Yue—she had guided him into the Tian Fen Lian Qi Ta, and they had once jointly obtained Earth Heart Tempering Milk. As for the other woman, who bore a resemblance to Han Yue, he had no recollection.

Sensing Xiao Yan's confusion, Han Yue introduced: "This is my younger sister, Han Xue."

The woman had willow-like brows, snow-white skin, a tall figure, and wore a purple robe that accentuated her voluptuous curves. With a nervous expression, Han Xue, resembling Han Yue, said: "Hello, Master Xiao Yan."

"Oh, uh, hello, hello," Xiao Yan nodded, then asked: "I heard you two came looking for me—what is it you need?"

Seeing Xiao Yan cut straight to the point, Han Yue's expression turned grave: "Our Han Family of Tianbei City wishes to join the Yan Alliance."

!!!!!!!?

Xiao Yan paused. Though the Yan Alliance was relatively free, that freedom had limits—no one joined a faction without reason; it only invited trouble upon their own clan.

The Yan Alliance wasn't exactly a benevolent organization either—it had many restrictions.

"May I ask why?" Xiao Yan inquired.

Han Yue's expression was solemn: "The enemy of my enemy is my friend."

Yao Ye, aware Xiao Yan had vanished for three months and knew little of the Yan Alliance's affairs, explained: "Han Yue's Han Family resides in Tianbei City, on the outer edge of Zhong Zhou. Tianbei City also has the Hong Family, who are allied with the Wind and Thunder Pavilion, and have long oppressed the Han Family."

Hearing Yao Ye mention the Hong Family, Han Xue bit her red lip, anger mixed with grievance: "The Hong Family, relying on their alliance with the Wind and Thunder Pavilion, is stronger than us. They constantly suppress our Han Family and even dared to demand that my sister and I marry Hong Chen, to dominate all of Tianbei City… so…"

At once, Xiao Yan understood.

Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body!

Xiao Yan had known three months ago that the Yan Alliance planned to expand into Zhong Zhou, intending to use the Four Directions Pavilion Assembly—a major gathering on Zhong Zhou's periphery—to establish their reputation and fully enter Zhong Zhou.

Doing so meant the Yan Alliance would be taking a slice of the Four Pavilions' cake—and since Xiao Yan had cultivated the Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body, the Wind and Thunder Pavilion would naturally come knocking first.

It was likely that over these three months, the Yan Alliance had clashed repeatedly with the Wind and Thunder Pavilion.

After all, the Yan Alliance was merely a newly risen Dou Zun faction, while the Wind and Thunder Pavilion was an established one. Unless Xiao Yixian intervened, the Yan Alliance—with only Heavenly Flame Zunzhe present—could not defeat the Wind and Thunder Pavilion.

But the Yan Alliance was still a Dou Zun faction. If the Hong Family could rely on the Wind and Thunder Pavilion, why couldn't the Han Family rely on the Yan Alliance? After all, Han Yue and Xiao Yan were classmates who had once fought side by side.

Xiao Yan had secretly taken the real Earth Heart Tempering Milk. Though Han Yue and her sister hadn't recognized it at the time, they had agreed to share it—he had taken the best portion, and he still felt a twinge of guilt.

"I understand. The Wind and Thunder Pavilion, right? If they'd spoken politely after I cultivated the Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body, I'd have spoken politely too. But since they won't play nice, don't blame me if I take their Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body too." Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed slightly. Honestly, he'd coveted that technique for a long time—just never had an excuse!

Now the excuse had arrived.

The Four Directions Pavilion Assembly is worth going to see.

The third day

(End of Chapter)