Chapter 406: Getting the Better of Others (10,000 Characters)

Of course, after founding the Yan Alliance and proposing the Yan Alliance Covenant, Xiao Yan, the initiator of the covenant, was often seen only in glimpses—he naturally wouldn't know.

In truth, within the Yan Alliance, Nalan Yanran's reputation was immense; over the years, she had earned the most Yan Yuan through battlefield achievements.

After all, Nalan Yanran was different from Xiao Yixian, Qing Lin, and Zi Yan—they listened only to Xiao Yan, and otherwise mostly cultivated alone; unless the Yan Alliance faced grave danger, they were rarely seen.

Nalan Yanran, by contrast, was the Yan Alliance's sharp blade—pointed anywhere, she struck there, constantly on the move, serving as the vanguard of the Yan Alliance's advance into Zhongzhou.

Many in Zhongzhou Xiyu and the North Domain first heard of the Yan Alliance through rumors of a female sword god who wielded a sword and was nearly invincible among Dou Huangs.

Yet now, Nalan Yanran had lost her earlier calm and ease, for the scarred man before her possessed extraordinary strength.

"Huangquan Pavilion, Wang Chen… I will not hand over the Jing Ling Bai Hu to anyone." Nalan Yanran's right hand tightened slightly on her sword hilt—Wang Chen was at the peak of Dou Zong, two and a half stars higher than her.

If he were an ordinary peak-of-Dou-Zong, Nalan Yanran wouldn't fear him—but Wang Chen was no ordinary man; he was the heir of Huangquan Pavilion, a disciple of the Huangquan Zunzhe.

Though Nalan Yanran had received a Dou Zong inheritance and was nearly unmatched in the Northwest Region, her opponent also possessed a Dou Zong inheritance—and his Dou Zong was still alive.

"I, Wang Chen, am not so easily dismissed," the scarred man grinned, a chilling edge lurking beneath.

Nalan Yanran's eyes sharpened as she activated her cultivation method. She had heard of Wang Chen of Huangquan Pavilion—ruthless, ferociously strong, now deliberately seeking out Dou Zong elders to fight.

Wang Chen slowly lowered his palm; thick black energy surged upward. He stared at Nalan Yanran, licked his crimson tongue across his lips, then his eyes turned instantly sinister: "If so, let me see if your sword is as sharp as Tang Ying's!"

No sooner had he spoken than his body shot forward like a black thread, appearing before Nalan Yanran in a blink—a fist coated in black energy, carrying a stench of blood, struck straight for her heart without a single flourish.

"Darkness attribute Dou Qi!" Nalan Yanran gasped—darkness attribute Dou Qi? Such an attribute was exceedingly rare; she had never seen it before.

Nalan Yanran, seasoned from countless battles for the Yan Alliance, reacted swiftly—whirlwinds surged around her body, her black sword flickered into a blossom of blades, then a wall of fierce wind erupted.

"Corrupting Corpse Hand!"

His fist opened instantly, his palm transforming into a horrifying pitch-black hue; the black energy claw marks twisted unnaturally around the wind vortex, lashing straight for Nalan Yanran's throat.

Every move was a killing technique!

Nalan Yanran's eyes flashed—her left fingers shot out five spiraling pale green Gale Winds, intertwining into a slender green thread that pierced the air with a piercing whistle, streaking like lightning toward the black hand.

Boom! The two energies collided—but clearly, Nalan Yanran's weaker cultivation realm could not break his Dou Technique; a dark streak shattered the wind vortex and struck her raised sword.

Instantly, an extreme coldness traveled up the blade, spreading to her five fingers—a numbness made her grip falter, nearly losing hold of her sword.

"Hahahaha! So that's all you've got!" Wang Chen roared, then gathered dark Dou Qi into his right fist and slammed it forward.

Nalan Yanran fixed her gaze on the rapidly expanding black fist imprint in her pupils—then, in an instant, darkness-infused sword qi erupted from her entire body.

Just as Nalan Yanran prepared to unleash the final technique of Wind's Extreme, a spatial ripple appeared—a black-robed figure materialized before her as if teleporting, so fast even Wang Chen barely reacted.

"A peak-of-Dou-Zong bullying a Star Seven Dou Huang girl? How mighty your Huangquan Pavilion is," a faint laugh drifted from beneath the hood.

"Hmph! Want to be a hero? See if you've got the guts!" Wang Chen sneered at the sudden arrival, then brought down his heavy dark fist.

Facing the dark fist, the black-robed figure slowly extended one finger—the tip glowing with a wisp of Black Flame.

Boom!! The fist and finger collided—a violent gale blew off the black-robed figure's hood.

Even without seeing his face, merely from his silhouette, Nalan Yanran instantly recognized him and cried out: "Xiao Yan!"

Nalan Yanran was momentarily stunned—she hadn't expected to see him here, let alone that he'd intervened!

Xiao Yan gently pushed forward—Black Flame erupted from his fingertip, whooshing forth in a vast wave. Sensing Xiao Yan's Three-Star Dou Zong power, the carefree Wang Chen's face turned ashen; he abandoned all caution and leapt backward.

"Three-Star Dou Zong!" Wang Chen stared in shock—wasn't it said in Huangquan Pavilion that Xiao Yan was merely an Alchemist? How could his power be this strong!

Wang Chen looked down—his fist's flesh was charred. Though a minor wound, it was clear Xiao Yan hadn't even used his full strength.

Xiao Yan stood with his hands behind his back, gazing coolly at the stunned Wang Chen: "I won't kill you—but the Tian Shan Xue Tan must have a place for the Yan Alliance."

Xiao Yan couldn't bring himself to bully these kids. A Nine-Star Dou Huang's Soul Points were barely a few thousand—useless.

Sensing Xiao Yan's Three-Star Dou Zong cultivation realm, Wang Chen gritted his teeth, ceased his foolishness, and turned away, rushing toward Tian Shan Xue Tan.

Seeing Wang Chen leave, Xiao Yan turned to face Nalan Yanran behind him and smiled: "Long time no see."

At that smile, Nalan Yanran's heart swirled with mixed emotions—this man had once been her betrothed, had caused the scandal of breaking their engagement; though the contract was dissolved, she still couldn't fathom what their relationship truly was now.

"Long time no see," Nalan Yanran muttered awkwardly.

Xiao Yan chuckled, glancing at the white fox on her shoulder: "You taking up fox breeding now?"

Nalan Yanran shot him a glare, hugging the Jing Ling Bai Hu: "This is the Jing Ling Bai Hu. To reach Tian Shan Xue Tan, you must pass through a natural maze array—if you don't know the entry method, you'll be trapped until the energy tide ends. But this Jing Ling Bai Hu is immune to the maze—follow it, and you'll walk out safely."

Xiao Yan's eyes flickered with curiosity—he stepped forward, leaning close to examine the white fox in her arms, murmuring: "This fox has such ability? But its power can't even be classified as a beast, can it?"

Seeing Xiao Yan lean in, Nalan Yanran's cheeks flushed slightly; she tightened her arms around the fox and whispered: "You're too close."

Xiao Yan realized—the fox's position was indeed awkward. No wonder it was so comfortably nestled there.

"Cough, uh—where's your master? Isn't she here?" Xiao Yan asked. If Nalan Yanran was here, the Yan Alliance's leader should be Yun Yun.

Xiao Yan hadn't seen Yun Yun in a long time—he hadn't spotted her when he returned to Jia Ma. That gentle, water-like woman had aided him repeatedly in her youth—he always felt a lingering sense of indebtedness toward her.

"Master's been busy delivering meals lately."

"What? Delivering meals? Isn't she leading this expedition?" Xiao Yan froze—delivering meals? What nonsense!

Nalan Yanran shook her head: "No. This time, no one from the Yan Alliance came here except me. The Four Directions Pavilion Assembly is approaching—the Yan Alliance can't spare anyone for escort duty."

Xiao Yan was stunned: "Huh? No one came? But I heard in Huaguo City that the Yan Alliance clashed repeatedly with the Wind-Thunder Pavilion—did you kill all those Wind-Thunder Pavilion people yourself?!"

At this, Nalan Yanran proudly lifted her head—yes, it was this lady who did it. In front of Xiao Yan, she suddenly seemed like a different person.

"Then let's go. Since the Yan Alliance sent only you, I'll escort you to the summit." Xiao Yan waved his hand—Wind Wrath Dragon Flame tore open a path, piercing through the thick fog.

"I don't need you to escort me!" Nalan Yanran hugged the fox tighter.

"What if you run into that guy again?"

"Hmph, next time I might not lose—if I were his equal, I'd cut him down!" Nalan Yanran declared proudly.

Xiao Yan's expression twisted—he remembered how the Feng Miss spoke the exact same way. Don't let the wind blow your tongue off.

"You're so troublesome. Fine—I'll follow you. As long as we don't meet those four from the Four Pavilions, I won't interfere. Happy?" With that, Xiao Yan pulled on his Hood and vanished into the darkness.

Seeing Xiao Yan suddenly disappear, Nalan Yanran was dumbfounded—just like that, you left?!

Nalan Yanran bit her lip, stomped her foot, and muttered angrily: "That guy!"

Along the way, some foolish individuals spotted the Jing Ling Bai Hu in Nalan Yanran's arms—but after she killed a few reckless fools, everyone learned not to mess with her.

As Nalan Yanran drew closer to the maze, she drew the gaze of more and more people who could not pass through it.

"Let's all act together—seize the Jing Ling Bai Hu, and we'll each get a share of the Tian Shan Xue Tan!"

"Hand over the Jing Ling Bai Hu!"

But this time, a cold snort rang out, and instantly, the sound spread like a sonic wave, striking those who sought to target Nalan Yanran—every one of them spat blood and collapsed.

Xiao Yan had perfected his Ancient Dragon Roar; the sonic Dou Technique was impossible to defend against.

Seeing the mass collapse, some astute onlookers smirked coldly: "Fools all. That woman is Nalan Yanran of the Yan Alliance. The Yan Alliance fears neither the Wind and Thunder Pavilion—its ranks are filled with countless powerful cultivators. How could it lack a Dou Zong to guard her?"

Though the Tian Shan Xue Tan had not been seized by any major faction, it was tacitly understood that the mountain range's dominant beast race, the Shi Jin Shu Clan, held two slots, the Four Pavilions each held one, and the remaining four slots were up for grabs by strength alone.

As the saying goes, a crossing dragon doesn't suppress the local snake—the Shi Jin Shu Clan were the masters of this Shan Mai. Had the Four Pavilions not been so formidable, the Tian Shan Xue Tan would have belonged entirely to them.

The Yan Alliance, now a rising power of Dou Zun stature, was naturally regarded as equal to the Four Pavilions.

Xiao Yan shed his Soul Robe and slowly followed behind Nalan Yanran as they entered the natural maze.

The mist here was nearly ten times denser than within the mountain range—so thick one could not see their own hand. Worse, the most troubling aspect was that even a Spirit Realm Soul could barely pierce through it.

"So this is the so-called natural maze. Indeed troublesome." Xiao Yan scanned the surroundings with solemn eyes and murmured.

The natural forces of heaven and earth were always to be revered.

At that moment, Xiao Yan suddenly felt a chill on his palm—Nalan Yanran's voice came from before him: "It's me."

Even as Nalan Yanran gripped his hand, Xiao Yan could not see anyone before him—evidencing just how potent the natural maze was.

Xiao Yan shrugged. Though he could simply use Swallowing Flame to devour the mist outright, or even skip the summit entirely, since he could hold her hand and gain a little advantage, he had no objection to taking a few extra steps.

Amid the thick mist, Xiao Yan felt the soft texture of her palm—like holding a superior piece of jade—delicate, tender, and irresistibly captivating.

Nalan Yanran's Jade Hand, hardened by years of sword practice, was soft yet not weak, her fingers long, the entire hand possessing an uncanny sensation that stirred Xiao Yan's heart.

Xiao Yan, being mischievous, slowly squeezed her hand as they walked, as if feeling her bones. The Nalan Yanran leading ahead flushed crimson, yet she did not withdraw her Jade Hand. The two walked forward in silence, still holding hands.

Soon, they emerged from the maze.

After stepping out, Nalan Yanran gently released his hand—and to her surprise, a sense of loss stirred within her.

At this moment, Xiao Yan surveyed the surroundings. He had come to the mountain summit primarily to broaden his horizons, to see the famed Tian Shan Xue Tan, and to prevent the Four Pavilions from acting covertly.

Those who had passed through the mist had already been filtered out; now Xiao Yan saw only about twenty to thirty people. Naturally, the Four Pavilions each had representatives present.

The Lady Feng of the Wind and Thunder Pavilion was naturally the center of attention—her phoenix-like noble aura made her an instant leading figure among them.

Seeing Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran appear, the Lady Feng, clad in a seven-colored robe, let out a cold snort.

Wang Chen and Tang Ying, sword on back, were also among them.

"Huh? You've become a Dou Zong? What are you doing here?" Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran turned their gazes to see a young girl in green robes, curiously studying Xiao Yan.

"That's Mu Qingluan of the Star Fall Pavilion," Nalan Yanran whispered to Xiao Yan. She knew Xiao Yan, as a hands-off leader, knew little of the Four Pavilions' members.

"Star Fall Pavilion? The faction founded by Wind Venerable Gu Ling?" Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed as he studied the girl. After all, Wind Venerable was rumored to be a close friend of Medicine Venerable.

Yet Xiao Yan had no intention of approaching Wind Venerable. Based on those he knew connected to Medicine Venerable—Han Feng and Mu Gu—

Medicine Venerable's judgment of people was truly terrible; all his acquaintances were villains, and in the end, he was betrayed by his own.

Judging by Medicine Venerable's poor judgment, Wind Venerable was almost certainly another villain. They called themselves sworn brothers, but who knew if he'd been involved in the betrayal too?

Xiao Yan smiled and said to the girl: "So now there's a rule that Dou Zong can't come here? I'm not entering the Tian Shan Xue Tan—can't I just come to enjoy the scenery?"

Mu Qingluan covered her mouth and laughed softly: "Xiao Yan of the Yan Alliance. Indeed, you're as intriguing as the rumors say."

Not long after Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran reached the platform, a short old man at the stone steps glanced at them, then slowly spoke: "I am Jin Shi, Clan Leader of the Shi Jin Shu Clan. Since you've all made it here, you're clearly no ordinary folk—and you must know the rules of Heaven Eye Mountain: only those who pass our Rat Wave Sonic Array may claim the remaining eight slots."

Hearing this, Xiao Yan stared at the dense tide of rats and frowned—it was a sonic Sealing Array.

"Shall I help you?" Xiao Yan turned to Nalan Yanran beside him. He, as a Dou Zong, had no right to enter the array—but Nalan Yanran was the Yan Alliance's sole hope. If all the Four Pavilions passed and she failed, the Yan Alliance would lose face.

And among the thirty present, all were Nine-Star Dou Huang or half-step Dou Zong from various factions of Zhong Zhou and the North Domain—only Nalan Yanran remained a Seven-Star Dou Huang, the weakest in cultivation realm.

Nalan Yanran had heard of the power of the Shi Jin Shu's Rat Wave Sonic Array. Sonic attacks were Xiao Yan's specialty; such unique sound waves were extremely hard to defend against—even some weak half-step Dou Zong couldn't withstand them.

If it were Xiao Yan, it would be simple—he'd activate his internal dragon qi with the Ten Thousand Beasts' Spiritual Flame, then unleash an Ancient Dragon Roar and show them who truly ruled the roar realm!

After a moment of silence, Nalan Yanran ceased her stubbornness and nodded, accepting Xiao Yan's aid.

"Leave it to me. I'll leave some Living Flame within you, guard your Soul with Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire, and you'll take a Soul-Returning Pill to accelerate Spiritual Energy Restoration—you'll pass without issue." Xiao Yan grinned, patted his chest in assurance.

What's a Rat Wave Sonic Array? Child's play. With me, even if you were a Dou Zhe, I'd get you through.

Hearing this, Nalan Yanran covered her mouth and laughed softly, her beautiful eyes fixed deeply on Xiao Yan: "Thank you."

"We're both of the Yan Alliance. Your strength rising benefits the Yan Alliance."

Nalan Yanran blinked, murmuring softly: "Only because of the Yan Alliance?"

"Hm?"

At that moment, Jin Shi's eyes suddenly snapped open, sweeping the entire crowd, then he waved his hand—the faint voice echoed in every ear:

"Time's up. The trial begins!"

Hearing this, Xiao Yan shrugged, yawned, and sat down in a shady spot, watching the Nine-Star Dou Huang brats struggle and squeal through the trial.

The Rat Wave Sonic Array was indeed formidable—most Nine-Star Dou Huang failed, blasted back and spitting blood from the sonic waves.

After a moment, Xiao Yan shook his head: "Enough watching. This Rat Wave Sonic Array is nothing special. Let's not waste time."

Xiao Yan stood, brushed off his backside. The Rat Wave Sonic Array matched his estimate—equivalent to the power of a One-Star Dou Zong using an Arcane-Rank High-Level sonic Dou Technique.

"Extend your hand."

It was a pity—this was nothing like Xiao Yixian's healing. He barely used any Spiritual Flame here.

Nalan Yanran nodded, slowly raising her hand. Their palms slowly pressed together. As they touched, her body shuddered as if struck by lightning—warmth swiftly flowed from her palm into her Spiritual Energy, spreading through her entire body.

Just as Xiao Yan prepared to help Nalan Yanran cheat, the Shi Jin Shu Clan Leader Jin Shi slowly approached him and smiled: "Master Xiao Yan, might I have a word with you?"

Xiao Yan slowly turned to the old man, showing not the slightest surprise, and smiled faintly: "It seems Clan Leader Jin Shi has a Transaction to propose."

"My services are expensive."

Day Five

(End of this chapter)