Chapter 425

Suddenly, a fragrant wind swept over, and Xiao Yan struggled to open his eyes, seeing Xun Er's exquisite face filled with deep concern, her beautiful eyes even glistening with tears.

"Xun Er, am I not dreaming?" Xiao Yan raised his hand and spoke with a hoarse voice.

Xun Er gripped Xiao Yan's arm, took his raised hand, and pressed it against her cheek, feeling the warmth from his large palm, then shook her head gently and said: "It's not a dream, Brother Xiao Yan—it's me."

"Cough! Cough!" Xiao Yan suddenly coughed twice.

"Brother Xiao Yan! I have an elixir here!" Xun Er hurriedly pulled out an Eight Grade Pill from her space ring; with Xiao Yan's experience as an Eight Grade Alchemist, he naturally recognized the pill's quality was not low.

Xiao Yan smiled and shook his head: "No need. This is just a side effect of the Secret Technique. Besides, I'm an Alchemist—I have plenty of elixirs myself."

Xiao Yan wasn't pretending at all—the combined strain of the Heavenly Flame Three Mystical Changes and the Asura Soul-Slicing Art placed an extreme burden on his body and spiritual soul, let alone forcing a direct clash with the Ice Sovereign using the Nine Colored Fire Lotus; his body had truly reached its limit.

Only the power of the Yin-Yang Life and Death Flame had kept him going; now that he had withdrawn the Yin-Yang Life and Death Flame, his injuries erupted violently.

Hearing this, Xun Er pouted slightly, her cheeks puffing up, gazing at Xiao Yan with a plaintive look and said discontentedly: "Brother Xiao Yan always does this—you never accept anything I give you."

Xiao Yan was speechless. As a well-rounded youth of his country and a stoic straight man, he had always refused to rely on the girl he loved.

But after Xun Er said that, Xiao Yan could only set aside his pride and said with a hint of mischief: "If Xun Er is willing to feed me, then I'll take it."

As soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Yan opened his mouth with a soft "Ah," just the right size to fit one pill.

Mocked like this, Xun Er's cheeks instantly flushed red, her beautiful eyes soft as silk; she picked up the pill with her jade hand and gently placed it into Xiao Yan's mouth, her fingertip unavoidably brushing his lips, causing her to recall her days at the academy.

For a moment, her heart fluttered wildly with shy delight. As the pill entered his mouth, Xiao Yan closed his lips and, without fail, lightly kissed her fingertip.

That kiss sent a jolt through Xun Er's entire body, leaving her limbs tingling. Though they had kissed before, they had never tried this kind of play!

It must be said, Xiao Yan had an endless supply of clever ideas and played in very creative ways.

Whether it was the potency of Xun Er's pill or the magic of love, Xiao Yan's body actually recovered!

Truly miraculous.

Watching Xiao Yan and Xun Er's intimate display, Xiao Yixian's beautiful eyes flickered with a barely noticeable shadow of sorrow.

Though she and Xiao Yan had shared even more intimate acts, they had only kissed once—and that was only to refine the Strange Flame!

Xiao Yixian suddenly felt cheated—her first kiss had been for the sake of refining a Strange Flame!

Immediately, Xiao Yixian released her Eternal Calamity Poison body; her hair and eyes returned to their original state.

"Cough, this old man stands on your side," the Heavenly Flame Sovereign flew to Xiao Yixian's side, showing his support, encouraging her: you can still turn this around.

After recovering his body, Xiao Yan returned with Xun Er, whose cheeks were still flushed.

The two Gu Clan Dou Zun, seeing Xun Er's shy expression, exchanged glances, each reading the same helplessness in the other's eyes.

In the Gu Clan and among all Dou Emperor Families, countless geniuses strained endlessly just to earn a single smile from a beauty.

"If this gets back to the clan, those little rascals will go mad."

"Yeah, it might even bring trouble."

The two old men whispered to each other, unanimously agreeing they must pretend to be dead and see nothing.

"Cough."

Xiao Yan cleared his throat softly and said to Xun Er: "This is Xiao Yixian." Then he turned to Xiao Yixian: "This is Xun Er."

This time, neither Xun Er nor Xiao Yixian extended their hands—only nodding with smiles.

Xiao Yixian then said to Xiao Yan: "You and Miss Gu haven't seen each other in years—you have much to discuss. Master Yao and I will handle the Smoke Snake Sovereign."

Hearing her considerate words, which tugged at the heart, Xiao Yan's resolve wavered slightly.

Xiao Yixian gave Xiao Yan no chance to respond; she vanished in a flash, sealing the Smoke Snake Sovereign with Eternal Calamity Poison.

Xiao Yan sighed inwardly, then bowed to the two Gu Clan Elders: "Two Senior Brothers of the Gu Clan have traveled a great distance to the Dan Domain—surely you're weary. The Ye Family below can offer you rest. Xun Er, let's go down and talk further."

Hearing this, Xun Er nodded slightly; seeing this, Xiao Yan moved first, descending toward the Ye Family at the city's center.

As Xiao Yan and the others descended, Ye Cheng gradually stirred with unrest; today's earth-shaking battle would surely spread across Zhong Zhou like wildfire.

After all, the vast majority of Ice River Valley's elite, including its Valley Master and senior Elders, had all perished!

From now on, the Three Valleys become Two Valleys and One Alliance!

The two Gu Clan Elders watched Xiao Yan's back, exchanged glances, and one whispered: "Old Lin, did you see that just now?"

Elder Lin squinted, thought for a moment, then nodded firmly: "Yes, though he moved fast, it was definitely him—the Soul Sovereign, Qinghai."

After eliminating the Ice River Valley, seeing two more Dou Zun appear, Qinghai naturally didn't stay—he opened a Space Wormhole and fled.

Even though he fled swiftly, he still couldn't escape the eyes of the two Gu Clan Elders.

"Isn't Xiao Yan an Alchemist? How did he get involved with the Soul Sovereign?"

"No idea. Logically, the Soul Sovereign and Alchemists are mortal enemies—no cooperation should be possible… unless he's a Soul Sovereign Alchemist, like Mu Gu or Hun Xu Zi."

Both men were startled by their own reasoning—had the Xiao Clan allied with the Soul Sovereign? They paused, then shook their heads; impossible. After all, the Xiao Clan was destroyed by the Soul Sovereign—how could Xiao Yan possibly join them?

Both felt they had imagined too much.

Shortly after the Ice River Valley Master and others perished, the Ye Family returned from their hiding places, just in time to see Xiao Yan and the others landing within the Ye Estate.

Ye Zhong immediately led all Ye Clan members forward, his face filled with reverence; after today's earth-shaking battle, he had clearly witnessed Xiao Yan's influence—even the mighty Ice River Valley, deploying its full strength, ended in such ruin!

Now look—two more Dou Zun have appeared! Xiao Yan's influence is stronger than that of an ordinary Eight Grade Alchemist!

"Big Brother Xiao Yan, are you alright?" Seeing Xiao Yan unharmed, Xin Lan beamed with joy and hurried over to greet him.

Xiao Yan nodded with a smile, pointing to Xun Er: "This is Xun Er—I'm sure you've heard of her."

"Hehe, of course I've heard! In Jia Nan Academy's divine couple rankings, you and Sister Xun Er have always been number one." Xin Lan giggled, covering her mouth playfully.

Hearing this, Xun Er was momentarily stunned, slightly embarrassed; then, her elegant face broke into a gentle smile that made the young Ye Clan members' hearts race. "Haha, Xin Lan, you're teasing me."

"Xun Er, this is Qing Lin—the child my older and younger brothers adopted, whom I told you about."

Xun Er's beautiful eyes widened in surprise: "Qi San Hua Tong—no wonder the Nine Underworld Earth Snake Clan hunted you."

Qing Lin, seeing Xun Er, immediately bowed deeply and nervously said: "Bi Nu Qing Lin, bows before Miss Xun Er."

Xun Er helped Qing Lin up and shook her head: "Qing Lin, no need for such formalities."

"Thank you, Miss."

Immediately, Xun Er looked at Zi Yan and nodded in greeting: "Sister Zi Yan, it's been a long time."

Zi Yan quickly hid behind Xiao Yan, eyeing Xun Er with sharp caution. Back at Jia Nan Academy, Zi Yan had always been deeply wary of Xun Er.

The Ancient Dragon's instinct told her this woman posed a great threat—her strength was immense, and she could never win against her.

Seeing Zi Yan hiding behind him, Xiao Yan awkwardly rubbed his nose; he had never seen Zi Yan act this way toward anyone.

Changing the subject, Xiao Yan turned to Ye Zhong with a smile: "Elder Ye, could you arrange some quiet guest rooms for us?"

"Haha, Brother Xiao Yan, you're joking—this small matter is no problem at all." Upon hearing this, Ye Zhong immediately nodded and led the way himself.

Xiao Yan smiled and followed, with Xun Er, Xiao Yixian, and the others close behind.

The courtyard was still packed with many Ye family members; several young clansmen, seeing the two women behind Xiao Yan—each with her own unique aura—could not hide their envy. Such beauty and grace in one person was already a blessing beyond reach; Xiao Yan possessed both. To them, to live this way was to have nothing left to regret.

Xiao Yan had no time to care for their thoughts. Xiao Yixian nodded to Xiao Yan, then returned alone to her room, not disturbing Xiao Yan and Xun Er's private moment.

Even Xiao Yixian said nothing; the others naturally returned to their rooms to rest. After the recent battle, everyone's Dou Power was heavily depleted and needed slow recovery. Xun Er also did not intrude on Xiao Yan—he needed time to refine the elixir and heal his injuries.

By midnight, Xiao Yan finally completed refining the elixir Xun Er had given him. Feeling his body restored to its original state, he sighed: "Hmm, it seems an Eight Grade Alchemist isn't that impressive to the Gu Clan. This elixir's quality is high—likely a healing pill that summoned Three-Colored Pill Lightning."

Just from this, one could glimpse the Gu Clan's depth—and how high Xun Er's status truly was. Once, a Sage Emperor was assigned to protect her; now, she casually gives out Eight Grade Pills. In all his time in Zhong Zhou, Xiao Yan had only ever met one Sage Emperor: the ancient monster of the Burning Flame Valley.

Xiao Yan's eyes suddenly turned toward the window and smiled: "Since you're already here, why keep hiding?"

With his Spirit Realm Soul Power, even ordinary Dou Zun could not evade his perception.

As Xiao Yan's laughter faded, a soft chuckle entered the room. A slender green shadow glided in, standing gracefully before him with a smile: "Brother Xiao Yan, are you healed?"

Gazing at the girl before him, her elegance radiant under the soft lamplight, Xiao Yan's heart stirred with a sudden heat. The emotions he had suppressed for years erupted like a volcano—impossible to conceal in this solitude.

Reaching out, Xiao Yan firmly seized Xun Er's snow-white jade hand. Her skin was smooth and supple, like finest warm jade, making one loath to let go.

As Xiao Yan held her hand, Xun Er's cheeks flushed with a blush rarely seen by outsiders—but she did not pull away. After so many years apart, their feelings had not faded; instead, they had deepened over time, becoming richer, permeating every inch of her being.

Then, Xiao Yan gently pulled, drawing Xun Er into his arms.

Xun Er did not resist. She pressed her head against his chest. Xiao Yan greedily breathed in the long-missed fragrance; Xun Er, too, savored this long-absent embrace.

"Brother Xiao Yan… have you ever… blamed me for leaving you?" Xun Er's voice was faint, tinged with guilt and sorrow.

That separation—six full years—was her family's decision. This time, she had fled the clan by force to escape the Ancient Realm, but soon she would have to return to the Gu Clan.

At that moment, Xiao Yan's heart ached. He gripped Xun Er's jade hand tighter, embraced her more fiercely, and whispered: "I have."

Xun Er trembled. Sensing her panic, Xiao Yan held her even tighter: "But I blame myself more—for lacking strength, for not being strong enough to make those stubborn old men of the Gu Clan acknowledge me."

"Brother Xiao Yan…" Xun Er slowly lifted her head, meeting his bright, resolute gaze. For some reason, guilt filled her heart—she knew, deep down, that she herself was the cause of this, not Xiao Yan.

"Brother Xiao Yan, I don't need you to be strong. Even if you were just an ordinary Dou Wang, a Grand Dou Master from Wutan City, even if you had only Third-Stage Dou Power—I only want to be with Brother Xiao Yan."

Hearing Xun Er's heartfelt confession, Xiao Yan was moved. He pinched her cute nose lightly: "Even ordinary children have Third-Stage Dou Power. Are you cursing me to lose all my Dou Power?"

"I didn't mean it—I just…"

Mimicking Xun Er's gesture, Xiao Yan extended a finger and pressed it gently against her tender red lips, smiling: "Don't worry. Though I still lack the status to impress your Gu Clan, believe me—in no more than three years, I, Xiao Yan, will openly come to propose to your clan and marry their noble daughter."

Xun Er's beautiful eyes shimmered with affection. After all, which girl doesn't long to hear her beloved say he will marry her?

Xun Er pouted, coquettishly saying: "The Gu Clan has other noble daughters, you know."

Xiao Yan paused, then burst into laughter: "Hahaha, now I'm curious—are there any other Gu Clan noble daughters as beautiful as Xun Er?"

Xun Er feigned anger, pinching his waist with her jade finger.

After a moment of playful banter, Xun Er remembered something. From her storage ring, she pulled out a jade card, hesitated briefly, then handed it to Xiao Yan.

"Hm? What's this?" Xiao Yan toyed with the jade card, thinking Xun Er had brought him another ultra-powerful Dou Technique from the Gu Clan—something to let him live off her again.

But when he used his Soul Force Perception, he realized it wasn't an inheritance jade card—it was just an ordinary jade card, engraved with a single ancient character.

"Brother Xiao Yan, within the Gu Clan's Ancient Realm lies the Heavenly Tomb. It opens once every twenty years. It is an Ancient Ruin, the burial ground of countless powerful beings. The Heavenly Tomb is profoundly mysterious—it holds the projections of ancient warriors' power. Defeat them, earn their recognition, and you absorb the energy seals they left behind, thereby strengthening yourself." Xun Er explained.

Upon hearing "Heavenly Tomb," Xiao Yan's heart jolted. Once, Hun Lao Gui had mentioned this mysterious Secret Realm of the Gu Clan—the Heavenly Tomb. More importantly, his Ancestor Xiao Xuan's message had said: when Xiao Yan collected the Three Infernal Flames and mastered the Heavenly Flame Three Mysteries Transformation, he must come to the Heavenly Tomb to find him.

To be fair, this trial of his Ancestor was impossible for ordinary people. But Xiao Yan suspected his Ancestor had left hidden methods for the other two Infernal Flames—so even descendants without the miraculous Nine Yang Divine Art could still obtain the Three Infernal Flames.

"Moreover, time flows much slower inside the Heavenly Tomb. Each opening allows entry for half a year—but half a year outside equals three years inside. It's practically a holy land for cultivation." Xun Er explained to Xiao Yan.

"Sixfold time difference!" Xiao Yan's eyes sharpened. Not only did it hold ancestral energy projections—it also slowed time! This was practically invincible!

"How do I get in?" Without question, the Heavenly Tomb held immense appeal for Xiao Yan. He had already met his Ancestor's requirements—if he had the chance, he naturally wanted to enter!

"The Heavenly Tomb opens once every twenty years. The next opening is still over three years away. It usually occurs shortly after the Gu Clan's Coming-of-Age Ceremony. Each Dou Emperor Family receives an entry slot—but now, the Xiao Clan's slot…" Xun Er's eyes filled with guilt, for since the Xiao Clan's destruction, the Heavenly Tomb had effectively been under the Gu Clan's control.

The Xiao Clan's slot had naturally been absorbed by the Gu Clan. Even though Xun Er had pleaded with the high elders, arguing that Xiao Yan, as the Young Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan, deserved entry, the Gu Clan's high council—whose slots were already fixed—refused to relinquish one. Losing a slot meant someone else would be barred.

Xiao Yan immediately understood: this jade card was an invitation to the Gu Clan's Coming-of-Age Ceremony. The next Heavenly Tomb opening was still over three years away!

That meant he had only three years.

Another Three-Year Agreement. Xiao Yan truly had a strange fate with three years.

Xiao Yan gently patted Xun Er's head: "Foolish girl, it's not your fault. On the Dou Qi Continent, lacking strength means being looked down upon—it's only natural."

Xun Er's eyes dimmed. She whispered softly: "But… the Heavenly Tomb was once half yours, the Xiao Clan's… now…"

Xiao Yan smiled lightly, shook his head, and said indifferently: "Lost is lost. There's no 'once,' no 'what if.' The Xiao Clan's decline is fact."

(End of Chapter)