Chapter 444: The Hall Master

Xiao Yan didn't know how well he'd fulfilled his role as the inheritor, but at least he'd delivered the information to Yao Zunzhe's closest friends and family, and handed over the relics to those closely tied to him.

Stepping out of the room, Xiao Yan and Xiao Yixian landed in the hall; Xiao Yan then planned to return to Jia Ma Empire first, to see Cai Lin—besides giving her the elixirs, he intended to spend some time by her side.

Xiao Yixian, walking slowly behind Xiao Yan, gazed at his back with her beautiful eyes, lost in thought, a strange glint in her gaze.

After hesitating a moment, Xiao Yixian spoke: "Xiao Yan."

"Hmm?" Xiao Yan stopped and turned to Xiao Yixian. "What's wrong? Did you sense someone following us?"

Xiao Yan's eyes darkened with tension—was that super-strong observer who'd been watching him? Had he discovered Xiao Yan's identity as a Soul Hall Venerable?!

If facing a Sage Emperor, even Xiao Yixian, fully in control of the Eternal Calamity Poison body, would be in danger.

Xiao Yixian shook her head, her beautiful eyes fixed on Xiao Yan, and after another pause, asked: "Will you die?"

There was a trace of fear in Xiao Yixian's voice.

"Everyone dies—even Dou Di."

"That's not what I mean—I mean, will you suddenly—" Xiao Yixian couldn't finish; a plea shone in her eyes. She dared not speak further.

Xiao Yan paused, then understood—it must have been the shock of Yao Zunzhe and Xuan Yi's fates that struck Xiao Yixian's heart.

Xiao Yan grinned, flexing his strong shoulders and raising an eyebrow. "Look at these biceps of mine—who could kill me?"

Xiao Yan grinned, hands on hips, utterly confident: "Don't worry—I won't die."

"Let's go. I need to return to Jia Ma Empire soon; I'll come back when the Star Domain opens."

Looking at Xiao Yan's back, what Xiao Yixian didn't say was that she had no parents, no family—Xiao Yan was the only one she could call kin. If Xiao Yan died… she couldn't imagine what her world would become.

After returning to the Ye Family Mansion, Xiao Yan arranged for Zi Yan and Xiao Yixian to stay in Sheng Dan Cheng and wait for his return.

"Qing Lin, come with me back to Jia Ma Empire—Cai Lin might need someone to care for her, and your SnakeTribe bloodline makes you more suitable." Xiao Yan thought for a moment—he was a father for the first time, and knew nothing.

Qing Lin nodded and smiled: "Understood, Young Master."

Though Qing Lin didn't understand why the mighty Mei Du Sha Queen needed care, she would obey any order from Xiao Yan.

She probably never imagined she'd be caring for the Mei Du Sha Queen because she'd just given birth!

"Xiao Yan, don't forget to come back!" Zi Yan stared fixedly at Xiao Yan—this guy had promised to return quickly several times, only to vanish for a year or more, forcing her to eat bitter medicinal materials for a whole year—it was nearly killing her!

"Relax—I'm determined to claim the Three Thousand Yan Flame. I'll return when the Star Domain opens in a month. Here, take these—save them, they'll last you a month." Xiao Yan pulled out many bottles of pill medicine sugar pills and handed them to Zi Yan.

Seeing so many pill medicine sugar pills, Zi Yan's face instantly lit up with a satisfied smile—she was being sensible.

"Master Yao, I need to return to Jia Ma Empire—please watch over Zi Yan and the others."

Heavenly Flame Zunzhe nodded like a mature young boy.

Xiao Yan and Xiao Yixian exchanged a glance and smiled faintly—they no longer needed many words; their understanding was already complete.

Just as Xiao Yan prepared to open a Space Channel with Qing Lin to leave Sheng Dan Cheng for Jia Ma Empire, a large group from the Inner Court approached.

With a thud, including Xin Lan and Ye Zhong, all knelt before Xiao Yan.

"Big Brother Xiao Yan, you saved our Ye Family—your great kindness will never be forgotten by all of us!" Xin Lan, tears in her eyes, prostrated herself fully before Xiao Yan.

Seeing such a grand gesture, Xiao Yan was startled and said sternly: "Get up." He waved his hand, a powerful Soul Force lifting everyone to their feet. "I don't like this. I can only save you once—next time's trial must be won by your own strength."

Because of Xiao Yan, the five families' examination added a new rule: no outside help—even using a husband or fiancé's name was forbidden.

Xiao Yan single-handedly changed the rules of Dan Tower!

Xiao Yan looked at Xin Lan, patted her shoulder, and said earnestly: "Xin Lan, your talent isn't weak—you've just been distracted by Ye Family affairs and couldn't focus on cultivating Alchemy. Keep going—I believe you'll win the next five families' examination with your own strength."

Hearing Xiao Yan's affirmation, Xin Lan nodded firmly.

Xiao Yan gestured, and Black Flame surged forth, burning through Space to form a Black Flame passage, and with Qing Lin, he sped toward Jia Ma Empire at maximum velocity.

Xiao Yan probably never imagined that soon after, the Ye Family would voluntarily relinquish its seat among the five families, sell it at a high price to the Xiang Family, and apply to join the Yan Alliance as its Alchemy Hall!

Xiao Yan himself was eager to return; he fully activated the Burning Scripture, unleashing the power of Void Swallowing Flame, rapidly shortening the distance through Space—his speed even surpassed that of some low-level Dou Zun.

In less than two days, he crossed nearly half the Dou Qi Continent and returned to Jia Ma Empire's borders.

In Cai Lin's palace in the SnakeTribe Empire, the Four Great Elders each took a direction, joining forces to activate a SnakeTribe Secret Technique—a seven-colored energy shield enveloped Cai Lin in her true form, aiding her labor.

Nearly two days had passed, yet the fetus had not been born—its aura continued rising, absorbing Cai Lin's strength!

"Such a powerful aura!" The Four Great Elders were all at Dou Huang Peak or even half-step Dou Zong—but even together, they could barely suppress the fetus's power inside Cai Lin, unable to assist her delivery.

"How is this possible! It hasn't even been born, yet its power has already reached Dou Huang Peak! No—it's half-step Dou Zong!" The Three Elders' face turned shocked—even with the SnakeTribe's highest Secret Technique and Soul Sovereign Soul Pills, the birth was expected to be terrifying, but this power far exceeded their expectations!

"Wait—I feel more than one life! Could it be twins?!" The Two Elders cried out—she had sensed not one, but two life signals!

"Watch out!!" The strongest of the Four Great Elders shouted—suddenly, a powerful seven-colored energy burst from the shield, a fierce gust sweeping through the entire palace.

Puff!! The Four Great Elders were struck hard, spitting blood as they flew backward, crashing into the walls with a boom.

"Dou… Dou Zong?!!"

The Four Great Elders' scalps prickled—born with Dou Zong power?! This was impossible!

Neither Xiao Yan nor Cai Lin had anticipated this—Cai Lin's body had been forged by Heavenly Flames, carried the noble seven-colored bloodline of the Void-Swallowing Python, and had obtained half-Sage blood from the Ruins of the Biyan Snake Sage, while Xiao Yan had already refined many different flames.

Thus, the fetus's power far surpassed all imagination.

Just as the energy shield was about to shatter, two Yin-Yang fish pierced Space, spitting out black-and-white bubbles that enveloped Cai Lin.

"Heavenly Flame Dou Technique—Yin-Yang Duality."

Xiao Yan's voice echoed from Space—whirring, the Yin-Yang Twin Flames became two-colored fire: the flame of life protected Cai Lin, while the flame of death dismantled the terrifying Energy Storm.

Space twisted—no doubt, Xiao Yan had arrived.

Xiao Yan formed a hand seal, and ten thousand beast spiritual flames surged from his dantian, merging with the Yin-Yang Twin Flames to create a new flame—the Ten Thousand Beasts Yin-Yang Flame, a New Different Flame.

The three-colored flame, now a stream of life-infused fire, gently seeped into Cai Lin's body. Xiao Yan could clearly feel the immense pain she endured.

Yet even so, Cai Lin uttered not a single cry, gritting her teeth and enduring.

This sight stunned Qing Lin, who had come along—the infamous Mei Du Sha Queen… was pregnant?!

When did this happen?!

Qing Lin suddenly realized, turning to Xiao Yan, the Young Master, who was tenser than he'd ever been during the Pill Gathering—her expression was utterly priceless.

Young Master Yan and Mei Du Sha Queen have conceived a child!

So that's why they sent her back to take care of him!

At this moment, Qing Lin seemed to have discovered something monumental—her entire body froze, her mind nearly crashing.

At this moment, the flame Xiao Yan summoned was incredibly gentle; strands of the Fused Strange Fire drifted down, slowly settling upon Cai Lin's body.

At this moment, those strands of flame were like the return of spring—each tender caress seemed to melt ice and snow.

Carrying the power to invigorate a Magical Beast's life force and the warmth of the Flame of Life, Xiao Yan manipulated the Strange Fire with exquisite precision, soothing the restless new life within.

With the power of Xiao Yan's Strange Fire, Cai Lin, returned to her true form, finally eased some of her pain; she struggled to open her eyes and saw Xiao Yan, drenched in sweat, exerting every ounce of strength to control the Strange Fire.

The tension on his face was something Cai Lin had never seen before; her gaze softened considerably.

Under the soothing influence of Xiao Yan's Fused Strange Fire and Soul Force, it began to take effect—the restless new life within her abdomen slowly calmed, and Cai Lin's breathing gradually returned to stillness.

"Cai Lin, I will use the Strange Fire to nourish your bloodline and body," Xiao Yan took a deep breath—this was infinitely more tense than participating in the Pill Gathering.

This isn't Spirit Refining!

Cai Lin said nothing, nodded gently, and her bloodline began to boil and circulate.

On the Dou Qi Continent, giving birth to a powerful child poses extreme danger to the mother.

When Cao Ying was born, her overwhelming Soul Power nearly killed her mother. As for Dan Chen, Xiao Yan didn't know, but he could guess.

Clearly, the fetus inside her hadn't even been born yet, yet its power had already broken through to Dou Zong—and Xiao Yan sensed another life, though its fluctuation was far weaker.

Even though Cai Lin's bloodline was the Seven-Colored Devouring Sky Serpent and her Cultivation Realm had reached Halfway to Dou Zun, this was still an extremely dangerous situation!

With a sharp snap, Xiao Yan clapped his hands together; Cai Lin and Xiao Yan unleashed their power simultaneously. Qing Lin involuntarily held her breath, growing tense—not just Qing Lin, but even the Four Great Elders forgot their wounds.

Every eye locked onto Xiao Yan and Cai Lin; everyone held their breath, daring not to exhale, terrified that the slightest movement might disturb Xiao Yan.

Then, a baby's cry rang out—a dazzling beam of seven-colored light burst forth, radiant and beautiful, like a rainbow hanging in the sky.

"It's out!"

Xiao Yan's eyes sharpened; he snatched up the bedsheet and moved like a gust of wind to Cai Lin's side, wrapping the sheet around her perfect form.

Cai Lin's face was terrifyingly pale—Xiao Yan had never seen her so weak. A large pool of blood stained the floor of the bedchamber; the volume shocked even him.

Even with Cai Lin's immense strength, this much blood loss was extremely dangerous.

Looking at the utterly weakened Cai Lin, Xiao Yan couldn't help but feel heartache—he understood the hardship of motherhood, the immense pain Cai Lin had endured.

Xiao Yan tightly held Cai Lin's slender body in his arm, pulled an eighth-rank Healing Pill from his storage ring, touched her soft, red lips with his fingers, gently pried open her teeth, and placed the pill inside her mouth.

The pill dissolved into a warm flow, slowly restoring her; a trace of color returned to Cai Lin's face.

"Where's the child?" Cai Lin struggled to open her eyes—now, she bore no trace of her former commanding, domineering aura, only the gentleness of a mother.

It was hard to imagine this was the same ruler of the Snake People Empire, known for her ruthless decisiveness.

"Don't worry, they're both fine," Xiao Yan enveloped the crying infant, radiating seven-colored light, with his Ten Thousand Beasts Yin-Yang Fire.

Strangely, this infant was born clutching a seven-colored serpent egg—the source of the radiant light was this tiny, fist-sized egg.

They were twins: the infant was entirely human, inheriting Xiao Yan and Cai Lin's human bloodline and the power of the Strange Fire, while the seven-colored egg inherited Cai Lin's Devouring Sky Serpent Bloodline and Xiao Yan's Soul Power.

Xiao Yan could clearly sense—the soul bond he once shared with Cai Lin, that Soul Embryo, was inside this egg!

Controlling the Strange Fire, the infant floated gently toward Cai Lin.

Seeing the infant safe, Cai Lin's exquisite face broke into a mother's smile. As if sensing her aura—or moved by her maternal tenderness—the crying infant fell silent, giggling, and stretched out its tiny, fragile hand to caress Cai Lin's cheek.

With a crack, the serpent egg shattered—a tiny, snow-white snake, looking lazily content, burst free from the shell. Under the light, its pure white body emitted a faint, elusive seven-colored glow—exquisitely beautiful.

The seven-colored snake, seeing the Strange Fire surrounding it, opened its mouth and swallowed the entire flame whole; after feasting, it curled up and fell asleep.

Seeing this gentle smile of Cai Lin's, Xiao Yan was momentarily stunned; he closed his eyes slowly, then reopened them—his gaze now held no hesitation, only resolve. He whispered softly: "Let's hold a wedding. We need a proper title."

Hearing Xiao Yan's sudden words, Xiao Yan could clearly feel Cai Lin's slender body tremble slightly.

Looking at her stiff frame, her uncertain eyes, her usually cold and elegant face now replaced by an unusually rare flush—she looked even more alluring than ever.

Seeing this captivating scene, Xiao Yan's heart warmed; he wrapped his arms around her delicate, boneless waist, holding the infant, and smiled gently—then kissed her, as her eyes, slightly stirred, gazed upon him. In an instant, warmth and springtime filled the room.

"Let's name our daughter Xiao Xiao."

Though Xiao Yan wanted to throw a grand wedding, Cai Lin, ever thoughtful, refused; in the end, they simply invited the high-ranking members of the Yan Alliance and Xiao Yan's closest relatives to a meal to announce it.

At this small ceremony, Xiao Zhan learned he had a granddaughter—he was overjoyed, dragging the clan's Elders into a drinking session until they were utterly drunk.

When the high-ranking members of the Yan Alliance learned Xiao Yan had married the infamous Mei Du Sha Queen and secretly given birth to a daughter, they were left utterly speechless.

Hai Bodong even gave Xiao Yan a thumbs-up: "You pulled this off? That's even more impressive than winning the Pill Gathering Champion!"

As for Ya Fei and Xiao Yu, who had come from Xiao City, their beautiful eyes naturally held a barely perceptible trace of envy.

Especially Ya Fei—her gaze carried a quiet sorrow and longing that made Xiao Yan's heart tremble.

It was no wonder—she had always assumed Xiao Yan would marry Xun Er; she never imagined it would be Mei Du Sha Queen first!

This stirred something within her—could she strike first and claim the advantage?

These past days, Xiao Yan had fully become a father, enduring daily torment as a Dou Zong mercilessly yanked his hair.

Xiao Xiao's power had already reached Dou Zong; even without cultivation or technique, when Xiao Yan couldn't retaliate or defend, it was still excruciatingly painful.

Fortunately, Qing Lin, the young maid, was there—her Qi San Hua Tong could soothe Xiao Xiao, and with her own strength, she was now the only one in the Yan Alliance, besides Cai Lin, who could keep Xiao Xiao in check.

After taking the Shi Dan, Xiao Xiao's physique grew steadily stronger.

As for the Seven-Colored Devouring Sky Serpent, Xiao Yan found its power weak—far below Xiao Xiao's level, appearing only as a Third Grade Magical Beast at birth—but he could clearly sense the terrifying Bloodline Power within it.

Yet Xiao Yan had no inheritance of the Devouring Sky Serpent, nor suitable Pills—he couldn't unlock its potential.

Deep within the Yan Alliance, in a quiet courtyard, Xiao Yan stood at the cliff's edge, gazing into the distance; nearby, Cai Lin held Xiao Xiao—she had ignored the affairs of the Snake Empire entirely, spending all her time beside Xiao Yan.

This tranquil life was something both Xiao Yan and Cai Lin hadn't enjoyed in many years.

"Are you thinking about how to tell her?" Cai Lin walked over, holding Xiao Xiao—her "her" clearly meant Xun Er.

That moment of Enlightenment had made Cai Lin aware of Xiao Yan's relationship with Xun Er—how Xiao Yan had desperately gathered Strange Fires because of the powerful Gu Clan.

Xiao Yan smiled tenderly, gently stroking Xiao Xiao's cheek and the Devouring Sky Serpent curled up asleep on her; he whispered softly: "Whether intentional or not, I owe Xun Er an explanation. I can't delay any longer."

Cai Lin's eyes flickered with pain as she grabbed Xiao Yan's hand; she too bore responsibility for this matter.

Xiao Yan gently patted Cai Lin's Jade Hand and said, "Don't worry, I can handle it. If the Gu Clan tries to use this to hinder me, I won't retreat."

At that moment, a Soul Information suddenly arrived—Heavenly Flame Zunzhe had shattered the Soul Jade pendant he had given him!

Upon receiving the Soul Information, Xiao Yan's eyes widened in shock.

The Soul Information from Heavenly Flame Zunzhe was extremely brief: The Hall Master has issued a mission—destroy Sheng Dan Cheng!

(End of Chapter)