Chapter 420: The Arrival of the Venerable of Flame!

"But strangely, the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan hasn't stirred at all." Hai Bodong frowned beside him. Shouldn't the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan be the one raging mad? Xiao Yan had captured their prodigy and refined the corpses of their clan members.

Yet the result? The Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan stayed silent, while the inexplicable Ice River Valley and the Nine Underworld Earth Snake Clan jumped out instead.

Xiao Yan waved his hand and said, "The Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan isn't a real threat. The real issue now is the Nine Underworld Earth Snake Clan."

"Do you know the strength of the Nine Underworld Earth Snake Clan's internal elites?" Xiao Yan lightly tapped the armrest of his chair.

Ya Fei's red lips parted as she explained, "The Nine Underworld Earth Snake Clan is actually weaker than the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan and the Ancient Dragon Clan. Most of them have impure bloodlines, but their numbers are vast and their territory sprawling, allowing them to stand alongside the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan and the Ancient Dragon Clan as one of the Three Great Families. They rule over most of the Snake Race across the Dou Qi Continent, their numbers far surpassing the other two races, spanning the Beast Region, Central Region, and the East, South, West, and North Four Domains."

Yao Ye added, "There should be a Dou Saint in their clan. Rumor has it their Clan Leader, Yao Xiao Tian, is a One Star Dou Saint."

Xiao Yan fell silent for a moment, murmuring, "A One Star Dou Saint… that's truly troublesome."

Xiao Yan was indeed an Eight Grade Alchemist, but to a Dou Saint, an Eight Grade Alchemist meant little—unless Xiao Yan could refine a Pill that summoned Nine Color Pill Lightning.

After all, a pill of that caliber could make a Dou Zun instantly become a Dou Saint—meaning even Dou Saints would owe Xiao Yan a favor.

But even if Xiao Yan were arrogant, he knew he couldn't yet refine a Nine Color Pill Lightning pill—at least not now.

That's why the Nine Underworld Earth Snake Clan was so arrogant—they weren't afraid of the influence of an Eight Grade Alchemist. Their power was immense, spread across the entire Dou Qi Continent.

When Xiao Yan had spared Feng Qing'er'er, it was because he also feared the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan. They wouldn't die for Feng Qing'er'er, but that didn't mean they wouldn't act.

Even sending a few Dou Zongs or low-tier Dou Zuns to harass the Yan Alliance would be an enormous headache.

Xiao Yan pondered for a while, then looked up at Qing Lin, who stood beside him pouring tea, and whispered, "Perhaps the Nine Underworld Earth Snake Clan targeting us might not be all bad."

Qing Lin's cultivation had begun to slow; she was now a Five Star Dou Zong. For an ordinary person, that would be extremely fast—but for Qing Lin, who possessed the Qi San Hua Tong, it seemed sluggish.

The main reason was that the Snake Slaves she dominated were too weak; the strongest was even She Tianhao, so her absorption of their cultivation didn't advance quickly.

The Snake Race beasts in the Northwest Region could no longer satisfy Qing Lin—perhaps the Nine Underworld Earth Snake Clan was an opportunity!

Their strongest Clan Leader was a One Star Dou Saint, meaning their core strength lay between Dou Zong and Dou Zun. If Qing Lin encountered a Nine Underworld Earth Snake with impure bloodline and a One Star Dou Zun's power, she might be able to control it with her Three-Flower Soul Gathering.

Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed, a plan instantly forming. He said firmly, "Qing Lin, come with me to the Dan Domain. The Nine Underworld Earth Snake Clan clearly wants to settle this before the Pill Gathering—I suspect they fear that if I win the championship, the Dan Tower will support me, and they won't dare act."

Xiao Ding nodded and said, "Third brother is right. The Pill Gathering is imminent, and the Nine Underworld Earth Snake Clan's urgency suggests they want to use the Yan Alliance as leverage—to pressure you into submission."

"The more they act like this, the less we can compromise!"

Everyone nodded. If Xiao Yan won the Pill Gathering championship, the Yan Alliance would become terrifying—not just because of his alchemy skill, but because of his potential.

Potential isn't strength, but an Eight Grade alchemy prodigy with potential means many things. His influence would rise further, and even Dou Saints might risk acting, betting that Xiao Yan could reach Nine Grade Alchemist.

After all, Nine Grade Alchemists were exceedingly rare. Sometimes you had to gamble just to meet one.

Xiao Yan touched his Bone Flame Ring. Though he'd never met the Alchemy Sovereign, he knew the Alchemy Sovereign had been the champion of the last Pill Gathering—so perhaps he had connections within the Dan Tower.

Xiao Yan might need to borrow the Alchemy Sovereign's name, to claim kinship.

"Hahaha, you kid don't worry about us old bones—we're not cowards who fear death." Hai Bodong laughed loudly. Having reached Dou Zong, he was already content. The Ice Emperor who had dared to offend Mei Du Sha Queen was no man afraid of death.

Xiao Ding stood, his expression grave. "Third brother, take Qing Lin and Yao Lao to the Dan Domain. There, even the Ice River Valley and the Nine Underworld Earth Snake Clan won't dare act too recklessly. With Yao Lao guarding you alone, it should be fine."

"For the next six months, the Yan Alliance will halt expansion, retreat our territories. If they want land, give it to them. We'll avoid battle as much as possible to protect our clan members."

"We'll wait for you to win the Pill Gathering championship in six months!"

"Big brother…" Xiao Yan looked at Xiao Ding's decisive face and nodded heavily. "I understand. This six months of humiliation—I'll repay it all when I return as champion!"

Then Xiao Yan smiled, his eyes glinting with icy coldness. "I can't do anything about the Nine Underworld Earth Snake Clan for now—but some debts can be settled easily, and it'll ease pressure on the Yan Alliance."

Yao Ye gasped. "Xiao Yan, are you planning to strike the Wind Thunder Pavilion?"

Xiao Yan shook his head, a cold smirk curling his lips. "The Wind Thunder Pavilion is nothing but a clown. Easily dealt with anytime."

Ya Fei's beautiful eyes widened, her red lips parting. "Xiao Yan brother, are you planning to retaliate against the Ice River Valley?!"

Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed, a flash of ferocity passing through them. Perhaps it was time he used the Soul Hall's methods.

Within the territory of the Shi Ming Clan lay an ocean. Naturally, the Dou Qi Continent had oceans—or rather, a massive inland lake, so vast it was called a sea.

This sea differed from the oceans Xiao Yan had seen before; its waters appeared bluish-green, for beneath it grew various green plants, like coral reefs.

From above, it looked like an underwater grassland.

Like the Mo Shou Shan Mai, Heaven Eye Mountain Range, and Wind Thunder Mountain Range, this blue sea was a treasure trove rich in resources—the Shi Ming Clan's vital source of minerals and aquatic goods.

Yet even the Shi Ming Clan didn't know that at the bottom of a deep trench beneath this blue sea lay a Space Lock—and within that Space Lock stood a massive black Soul Hall!

This Soul Hall was enormous. Occasionally, Soul Envoys clad in Soul Robes could be seen entering and exiting, delivering the Spiritual Souls they'd hunted.

Though not one of the Twenty Four Earth Sha Halls, it was a branch hall second only to them, governed by a Soul Hall Venerable known as Qing Hai.

"Jiejiejie, this time I've had good fortune—I found a One Star Dou Zong's Spiritual Soul in an Ancient Ruin. Though the fool resisted fiercely, I eventually subdued him."

"Then you won't need long to ascend to Guardian. Congratulations indeed."

The massive Space Lock isolated the seawater; from within, it felt like being deep in a trench, with only a faint sliver of light filtering down from above.

Many Soul Envoys in Soul Robes moved back and forth, walking in small groups. Though most didn't know each other's faces or identities, they could still confirm each other's status by their Soul Robes, Soul Stones, and Soul Bags.

"Have you heard? The Yan Alliance recently clashed with the Ice River Valley and the Wind Thunder Pavilion."

"I heard. Too bad I wasn't there—battles like that yield the most Spiritual Souls."

"Wait… do you feel any heat?"

"Are you imagining things? This is the deep sea—how could it be hot?"

"Huh? It's… getting hotter!"

Suddenly, the seawater began to boil—boiling more violently! Soon after, space twisted. A mass of Black Flame erupted, unable to be extinguished by seawater—even boiling the sea itself!

A black-robed figure emerged from the void of Black Flame.

"Dou Zun!"

"What kind of flame is that! Is the Dan Tower attacking?!"

"No! Look— that's a Soul Hall Venerable!"

But soon, the Soul Envoys and Guardians here realized the figure wore a Soul Robe—higher than a Tian Ji Protector's robe! It was a Venerable's robe!!

A hum rang out. The black-robed figure pulled out a pitch-black Soul Token. A beam of soul light shot from the token, and the Soul Hall's Space Lock opened.

A snap. In a flash, the robed figure appeared on the ground.

Seeing the Soul Token in this person's hand—the character "Flame" radiating scorching heat—all Soul Envoys immediately knelt on one knee, shouting: "Hail the Flame Venerable!"

Even the Tian Ji Protectors, even though this Soul Hall was not under the Flame Venerable's jurisdiction, bowed their heads in respect, daring not to be disrespectful.

The newcomer was naturally Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan came alone, without the Heavenly Flame Venerable, slowly walking toward the pitch-black hall. When he reached the gate, he slowly lifted his head, his voice carrying Dou Qi throughout the entire Soul Hall: "Venerable Qinghai, I've come a great distance—will you not come out to meet me?"

BOOM—BOOM—BOOM!!! Suddenly, a terrifying Dou Zun aura erupted from the dark hall, its crushing pressure instantly slamming down—meow—a burst of Black Flame surged forth, shattering the Dou Zun pressure.

As the Soul Hall's gates creaked open with a grating sound, a blue-haired old man clad in a Dou Zun Soul Robe, his face fully exposed without a hood, appeared squarely in Xiao Yan's sight.

"Flame Venerable, you truly have boldness—to come here alone! This Soul Hall is under my command; if you seek to swallow it whole, I'll bite off a piece of your flesh!"

Xiao Yan regarded the blue-haired old man with grave eyes. Had he not risen so powerfully, the Soul Hall built by Wu the Guardian atop Yun Lan Sect would have fallen under this Dou Zun's jurisdiction.

Xiao Yan smiled, showing no fear of this veteran Soul Hall Venerable, stepped into the hall, then swept his hand—slamming the Soul Hall's gates shut.

"Venerable Qinghai, I have no hostile intent today. I've come to propose a transaction." Xiao Yan's voice emerged from within his Soul Robe.

Upon hearing this, Venerable Qinghai froze, then furrowed his brows—he never imagined the Flame Venerable, his rival, would come to negotiate a transaction with him!

"I have nothing to discuss with you! Leave." Venerable Qinghai snorted, flicking his sleeve—any transaction from an enemy was surely poisoned!

Xiao Yan smiled lightly and said: "I heard from Li the Guardian that when you were young, you suffered an injury that left a stubborn ailment, and you've been searching far and wide for a cure. You even sought out that old bastard Mu Gu—but he refused you."

!?

Venerable Qinghai's eyes widened as he stared at Xiao Yan, for he had heard rumors—that this fastest-rising Soul Hall Venerable was in fact an Alchemist, and had competed with Mu Gu for the Dan Saint trial.

Whoever passed the Dan Saint trial would ascend to Tian Zun!

Tian Zun—how many in the Soul Hall yearned for it!

Xiao Yan pulled out a scroll and smiled warmly: "Nine Flavor Yellow Spirit Pill—an Eight Grade Elixir capable of summoning Three-Colored Pill Lightning. Effective below Four Star Dou Zun. It clears internal injuries and stubborn ailments, extends life by thirty years, and restores youthful vitality."

Upon hearing this, even Venerable Qinghai, a Two Star Dou Zun, could not help but quicken his breathing! At the Dou Zun level, only Eight Grade Elixirs suffice. To request an Elixir from an Alchemist, one must not only prepare Medicinal Materials but even the Pill Formula itself.

Yet his status as a Soul Hall Venerable barred him from obtaining a Pill Formula from the Dan Tower—yet now, the Flame Venerable himself possessed one!

If an Alchemist can personally brew a special Elixir, he saves immense effort—unlike Hai Bodong, who had to scour the world for Pill Formulas and hunt down Alchemists.

Venerable Qinghai's withered face instantly broke into a grin. Where there was profit, even an enemy could become a friend—he let out a sinister chuckle: "Hehehe, what task do you need me to perform? Whom do you want me to kill?"

"You lack the strength to kill him. But I've heard you know a Quasi Heavenly Rank Flame Sealing Dou Technique capable of locking Space and severing Heaven and Earth. I only need you to seal the space and set up a Demonic Array to prevent his escape." Xiao Yan spoke calmly.

!!! Venerable Qinghai's eyes narrowed—his own Two Star Dou Zun strength was merely a backup to prevent the target's escape?!

This Flame Venerable is playing a grand game—he's hunting a giant fish!

"May I ask, Flame Venerable, who is your target?"

"Ice River Valley. Ice Venerable."

A day later, after finalizing all arrangements, Xiao Yan arrived at Cai Lin's imperial chamber.

As ruler of the Snake Empire, she naturally knew Xiao Yan intended to bring Qing Lin to the Dan Domain for refuge—that the Yan Alliance would face extreme hardship and danger over the next half-year.

"Cai Lin, would you come with me to the Dan Domain?" Xiao Yan couldn't help but ask, though he already guessed her answer.

Cai Lin reshaped into human form, stepping down from the bed with legs so beautiful they made countless men drool. She walked slowly toward Xiao Yan, her voice icy: "As Empress of the Snake Empire, you ask me to abandon my Dragon Clan Subordinates?"

"I…" Xiao Yan knew—given Cai Lin's nature, she would rather die fighting than flee.

"Hmph. No need to speak further. My Mei Du Sha Clan once lived in Shou Yu, in the Snake Vein Earth Vein—until those bastards drove us out. Do you think we fear them now?" Cai Lin's eyes flashed with sharpness as she recounted this history.

It was natural—after all, the Nine Underworld Earth Python Clan were merely descendants of the Ancient Heavenly Snake, and the Ancient Heavenly Snake had more than one lineage.

"I will one day lead my clan back to the Snake Vein Earth Vein."

Xiao Yan knew Cai Lin's nature—she was domineering; once she decided, no one—not even Xiao Yan—could change her mind.

"Fine. But you must listen to me. If a Dou Sage from the Nine Underworld Earth Python Clan comes, you must flee to the Space Lock in the Yun Lan Sect Back Mountain Range—my second brother will meet you there. Don't ask what that place is. Hide there—it will be safe. I believe even the Nine Underworld Earth Python Clan won't dare launch a direct assault on it." Xiao Yan's gaze was solemn, his tone serious.

Seeing Xiao Yan's serious eyes, Cai Lin's beautiful eyes flickered with something unusual—but she turned her head away, neither accepting nor refusing.

Gazing at Cai Lin's exquisite face, Xiao Yan's heart trembled. Suddenly, he lowered his head and kissed her full, crimson lips. Cai Lin's eyes widened—but she made no struggle, slowly closing her beautiful eyes, clasping her lover's neck tightly, meeting his kiss.

When Xiao Yan and Cai Lin finally broke their deep kiss and arrived at the Jia Ma Imperial Palace, Xiao Yixian, Zi Yan, Xin Lan, and others were already waiting.

Xiao Yan did not intend to bring many people—this time, he was going into hiding, yet also seeking revenge.

Sometimes a Faction must act with appropriate dominance; if you suffer an insult and do not retaliate, you invite more calamity.

Like the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan—they know that if they are not forceful, their entire bodies are treasures, and they will be targeted.

"Xiao Yan brother, take this Space Flying Ship—it will make the journey more comfortable." Ya Fei gripped Xiao Yan's large hand; compared to his, her hand was tiny.

A silver toy shaped like a small boat was placed in his palm.

Looking at the little boat, Xiao Yan said: "Then how will you, Ya Fei, traverse the Space Wormhole?"

Ya Fei smiled gently: "Silly brother, the Miter Guild will shut down for half a year—I finally get to rest. I doubt the Nine Underworld Earth Python Clan will care about a little woman with only Grand Dou Shi cultivation. This ship is useless to me."

Xiao Yan's eyes flashed—he tightly embraced this "sister" who had supported him since Wutan City.

Men are like this—the impressions left during their weakest moments are deepest.

"Silly you—it's not a farewell forever. We all believe you'll win the Pill Gathering Champion." Ya Fei gently patted Xiao Yan's back, her voice soft.

Xiao Yan slowly released his hold, nodded, and said: "Let's go—to the Dan Domain! In six months, I will win the Pill Gathering Champion!"

The group immediately opened a Space Wormhole. Xiao Yan infused Dou Qi into the little ship—a sleek silver vessel floated within the wormhole.

Shhh! With powerful Dou Qi propelling it, the ship shot forward as a streak of silver light toward the Dan Domain.

(End of Chapter)