Chapter 451

"Y-y-y-you."

For a moment, all eight Elders and the three Elder Giants stared in stunned silence at Xiao Yan, who had walked out of the Star Domain by himself, then looked up at the Three Thousand Yan Flame behind him.

You're kidding me!

"Xiao Yan… you—what on earth is going on? Where are the Soul Hall people?" Xuan Kongzi's face was filled with shock; he couldn't fathom what had just happened!

With a sharp whistle, Xiao Yan tossed Mu Gu's corpse straight to Xuan Kongzi and smiled cheerfully: "I teamed up with Senior Brother Three Thousand Yan Flame and finally drove off the Soul Hall Venerable—Mu Gu was killed by us."

Seeing Mu Gu's corpse, Xuan Kongzi and the others were utterly stunned, unable to believe it.

"You killed a Soul Hall Venerable?!" Qiu Ling's eyes bulged. They'd all assumed they'd have to rush in to rescue someone—a Sixth-Star Dou Zong with a half-step Dou Zun puppet, facing four Soul Hall Venerables and a Three Thousand Yan Flame ready to explode.

Not only did you survive, you drove off three and killed one!?

Xiao Yan waved his hand and shook his head: "It's all thanks to Senior Brother Three Thousand Yan Flame. I've reached an agreement with him—he's willing to lay down his grudge and lend me his power. After I pass away in a hundred years, he'll be free."

Xuan Kongzi and Tian Leizi exchanged a glance—so that's how you tame the Three Thousand Yan Flame.

Dozens of stunned gazes fixed on the space rift in the sky—more precisely, on the slender figure standing at the edge of that rift.

"That's… Master Xiao Yan! He's out!"

"He's still alive? Good heavens, this is unbelievable!"

"The ancients weren't lying—truly, danger brings opportunity. Sigh—if I'd had half this kid's courage, if I'd dared help the Three Thousand Yan Flame fight the Soul Hall back then, maybe it would've chosen me as its master," sighed Qing Hua the Old Monster, a Dou Zun.

If you don't fight, you might as well be dead.

The top ten from the Pill Gathering who'd escaped the Star Domain all felt regret—they now realized that offering help in times of need truly mattered.

Surrounded by countless strange stares, even Xiao Yan's composure wavered slightly. He smiled at Xuan Kongzi and the others, who were equally stunned in the sky, and said: "No need to worry—I've reached an understanding with the Three Thousand Yan Flame. I'll re-enter the Star Domain shortly to refine it."

Xiao Yan's meaning was clear: I've got work to do. Go home. Stop gawking. There's nothing left to see.

Hearing this, everyone understood he intended to refine the Three Thousand Yan Flame. Instantly, even Xuan Kongzi and Tian Leizi, let alone Qing Hua and Song Qing, wore looks of envy.

The Three Thousand Yan Flame—after the Dan Tower spent so much effort nurturing it from infancy to adulthood, even elevating it to Dou Zun status—now all belonged to Xiao Yan.

"Oh, by the way, President Xuan Kongzi, I heard Elders of the Dan Tower can choose one Pill Formula, correct? Do you have any that summon Five-Colored Pill Lightning and are suitable for beasts?" Xiao Yan remembered his promise to Zi Yan.

After all, Xiao Yan was already running low on Pill Formulas, and since the President was here, he might as well ask for some.

"For beasts?" Xuan Kongzi blinked. Why would a human need a beast-specific Pill Formula? After a moment's thought, he replied uncertainly: "Beast-specific formulas are rarely developed—and an eighth-rank one that summons Five-Colored Pill Lightning? That's extremely difficult. I'll do my best to find one for you."

Xiao Yan bowed respectfully: "Thank you, President Xuan Kongzi."

"No need for thanks. You saved Sheng Dan Cheng and eliminated Mu Gu for the Dan Tower—you're the Pill Gathering Champion. This is nothing." Xuan Kongzi waved his hand, looking at Xiao Yan with growing approval.

The Dan Tower's future pillar.

Then Xiao Yan glanced at Cao Ying nearby. Seeing him look her way, Cao Ying tensed instantly, heart pounding wildly, wondering why he was staring at her.

"You still owe me one Pill."

Xiao Yan's words doused her enthusiasm like a bucket of ice water.

Plump and furious, Cao Ying gritted her teeth—this man was all fire, yet how could he say something so heartless!

"It's your debt—I'll expect repayment the next time I come out. I want a Pill that strengthens the body—preferably one suitable for beasts." Xiao Yan ignored Cao Ying's heaving chest and stated his demand outright.

The Pills Cao Ying crafted would perfectly settle her debt to Xiong Zhan.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yixian stood quietly to the side, watching the man without approaching or demanding anything.

As long as he was safe, that was enough.

Beside her, Xuan Yi watched the unassuming Xiao Yixian, her old eyes flickering with memories. Once, the Medicine Sovereign had rejected her confession because he was devoted entirely to teaching Han Feng—and she, too, had never fought for him.

If only Xuan Yi had been braver back then—ignored the Medicine Sovereign's refusal and stayed by his side—perhaps things would've turned out differently.

"Some things require more initiative—even if he says no."

Xuan Yi gently placed her hand on Xiao Yixian's back and gave her a soft push: "Go. Don't be like me."

With a light push, Xiao Yixian's face first startled—then she made no resistance, floating gracefully to Xiao Yan's side.

Seeing the white, graceful figure glide toward him, Xiao Yan sighed inwardly—he knew exactly what Xiao Yixian had done.

"Don't worry—I'm fine." Xiao Yan took her cool jade hand and patted it gently.

On Xiao Yixian's clear, beautiful face now bloomed unmistakable joy; her lovely eyes had turned slightly red, looking heartbreakingly tender and pitiful.

Xiao Yan's heart swelled with complex emotion.

Nothing in this world is harder to repay than a beauty's devotion. Xiao Yixian had walked ten thousand miles with him to Zhong Zhou, never uttering a single complaint. Though Xiao Yan had fully helped her overcome the Eternal Calamity Poison, it still couldn't balance the weight of her unwavering loyalty.

Xiao Yixian sniffled, gazing at the man before her, recalling Xuan Yi's words—and the story of her past. A peculiar emotion stirred within her.

Seeing Xiao Yixian's eyes nearly brimming with tears, Xiao Yan's heart softened. He scratched the back of his head awkwardly: "It's all Zi Yan's fault—she didn't…"

Suddenly, a fragrant breeze swept over him—he felt his lips brush against something soft.

A butterfly flapped its wings—and finally, a storm arrived. Because of Xuan Yi and the Medicine Sovereign's story, she had finally acted!

The kiss, light as a dragonfly touching water, made Xiao Yan feel genuine emotion.

The kiss was light—yet the feeling was heavy.

"You're safe," Xiao Yixian leaned against Xiao Yan's chest, her eyes brimming with tears. Only when she heard his heartbeat did she finally relax—she could even hear the deep worry in his voice. Clearly, hearing he was trapped had terrified her.

"Xiao Yixian…"

Instantly, her cheeks flushed visibly red; her eyes filled with panic. She didn't know what had come over her—why had she kissed him? She'd lost her mind!

"I—I still need to refine the Poison Pills!" Only now did Xiao Yixian realize how many people were watching!

Naturally reserved, she couldn't bear it—she shoved Xiao Yan away and fled like a startled bird toward the Ye Family Mansion.

In an instant, countless eyes turned toward Xiao Yan.

"Good lad—other Alchemists use Pills to win the aid of Dou Zun powerhouses. You? Not so much." Xuan Kongzi stroked his beard. Your charisma's got issues!

Added medicine!

Instantly, many male Alchemists nodded inwardly—learned something. No wonder he's the Champion—brilliant tactics!

Surrounded by so many stares, Xiao Yan's scalp prickled. Without another word, he flew straight into the Star Domain to begin refining the Three Thousand Yan Flame.

After returning to the Star Domain, Zi Yan, who had once felt some guilt, now grinned mischievously, covering her mouth as she peeked at Xiao Yan and said, "Hehehe, Xiao Yan, how do you feel?"

"Feel your head, enough wasting time," Xiao Yan immediately changed the subject, then gazed at the massive Three Thousand Yan Flame, his expression turning solemn. "I rely on your guidance, Three Thousand Yan Flame."

"Since I promised you, I won't break my word. But you know—even if I'm willing to let you refine it, refining a Heavenly Flame carries immense risk," the Three Thousand Yan Flame rumbled.

"I know. I'll prepare a tub of medicinal essence to help me refine the Heavenly Flame while also strengthening my body, making me more adaptable to the Three Thousand Yan Flame's body tempering effect."

Xiao Yan pulled out a large basin. He had prepared for this refinement of the Three Thousand Yan Flame—it was the strongest Heavenly Flame he had ever refined, ranked among the top ten, and this time he intended to absorb the excess Heavenly Flame energy to boost his strength.

Clatter-clatter—he withdrew numerous precious medicinal materials from his storage ring, all gathered from the Wanyao Mountain Range. Besides these, Xiao Yan even took out Heavenly Soul and Earth Core Jade Mother.

An Alchemist refines pills—not just pills. Tailoring medicinal essences to an individual's constitution is one of the Alchemist's signature skills.

Xiao Yan had thoroughly studied all medicinal material texts and possessed profound understanding of herbal principles.

Though not refining a pill, it still took Xiao Yan an entire day to finally complete the mixture of Heavenly Soul and Earth Core Jade Mother. The medicinal essence glowed like a celestial pool, radiating waves of light.

Xiao Yan stepped directly into the basin wearing his Alchemist Long Robe and sat cross-legged to meditate. Seeing Xiao Yan ready, the Origin Flame Seed hidden within the flame body transformed into a Purple-Black Flame and drifted slowly toward him.

Losing its Origin Flame, the colossal dragon body instantly dissolved into a Sea of Fire. Streams of starlight poured down from above.

Seeing Xiao Yan use Earth Core Jade Mother to brew the medicinal essence, Zi Yan's eyes widened with longing. She blinked, tore open Space, and plopped into the basin with a splash.

"Xiao Yan, let's do this together."

"Together?!" Xiao Yan immediately understood what this girl intended—she wanted to piggyback on his medicinal essence.

"Fine. The Three Thousand Yan Flame should be enough for both of us. If you can't hold out, get out yourself," Xiao Yan sighed, shaking his head, but didn't drive her away.

"Hehe," Zi Yan plopped right onto Xiao Yan's lap, leaning back against his chest.

Feeling Zi Yan's body heat, Xiao Yan glanced down—and caught a single drop of medicinal essence dripping from her hair, sliding down her neck, tracing her collarbone, drawing his gaze to a certain spot.

Xiao Yan swallowed hard. He felt himself stiffen—but this time, it wasn't a fist.

He immediately gathered all his focus. He couldn't afford another mistake. One slip could be an accident. Two, and Xun Er would definitely chop him dead!

He pulled out a Soul-Returning Pill and swallowed it. A fierce medicinal force surged through his body. The Burning Scripture activated. Xiao Yan slightly opened his mouth, and a suction force drew the Three Thousand Yan Flame into his body.

As Xiao Yan began refining the Three Thousand Yan Flame with the Burning Scripture, the surrounding Heavenly Flame energy surged into activity. The entire Star Domain transformed into a colossal Purple-Black nebula, with Xiao Yan and Zi Yan at its center.

The terrifying Three Thousand Yan Flame, channeled through the Burning Scripture, relentlessly forged Xiao Yan's body. The Heavenly Rank Intermediate Burning Scripture revealed its ferocity—its refining speed was astonishing.

Without doubt, Xiao Yan's goal this time wasn't Nine-Star Dou Zong—he intended to break through to Dou Zun in one go!

The Heavenly Flame Spirit Pill increased his chance of breaking through to Dou Zun by twenty percent. Combined with the Three Thousand Yan Flame's energy and the Burning Scripture's immense power, Xiao Yan estimated his success rate at seventy to eighty percent.

If he still couldn't reach Dou Zun, he might as well reincarnate again.

Because he preserved the Three Thousand Yan Flame's sentience, refining it went remarkably smoothly—he completed it in less than a month, fusing it into his Nascent Soul.

Void Devouring Earth Sub Flame, Ten Thousand Beasts Spiritual Flame, Yin-Yang Dual Flame, Netherworld Poison Flame, Blue Lotus Earth Core Fire, Wind Fury Dragon Flame, Sea Heart Flame, Falling Heart Flame, Bone Spirit Cold Fire, Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire—now with the addition of the Three Thousand Yan Flame, Xiao Yan had refined eleven Heavenly Flames!

Even though the Netherworld Poison Flame remained inside Xiao Yixian's body, Xiao Yan's Nascent Soul now contained ten Heavenly Flames!

But this time, Xiao Yan didn't just intend to refine the Three Thousand Yan Flame—he also needed to absorb the Star Domain's vast Heavenly Flame energy to elevate his Cultivation Realm, so he did not stop.

Within the Star Domain, thick Purple-Black Flame spread, its infernal heat rising with every surge, so intense that even Space itself warped grotesquely.

At the center of this Purple-Black Flame, a hollow zone formed—like the eye of a storm. All flames rushing toward it automatically split apart, each tendril flowing into Xiao Yan's body, where Falling Heart Flame swiftly purified them into the purest Dou Qi.

This absorption lasted nearly six months. The medicinal essence had long since been entirely consumed by Xiao Yan and Zi Yan.

Xiao Yan sat motionless like a monk in final meditation. Fine Purple-Brown flamelets seeped slowly from his skin pores, winding around his body like slender vines, refining his skin, muscles, and even bones in a peculiar manner.

Zi Yan also benefited immensely, dozing off against his chest, her body flickering with intermittent Purple Light.

Until one day, the entire Star Domain erupted in violent tremors. Space cracked like shattered glass with booming crashes.

Xiao Yan, who had closed his eyes for half a year, suddenly snapped them open. A Dou Zun aura exploded outward—Space itself could not bear his pressure and collapsed in vast sections!

ROOOOAR!! A thunderous Dragon Roar erupted from within Xiao Yan—indistinguishable from a real dragon's cry. Vast Dragon Might flooded the space, accelerating the Star Domain's collapse.

Dou Zun masters command Space—terrifying indeed!

He lazily stretched, and his skin rippled. His bones, like intricate machinery awakening, emitted crisp, clacking sounds of friction and collision.

"This is the power of Space!" Xiao Yan clenched his fist. An invisible force pulsed within his palm.

Previously, Xiao Yan had relied on Void Devouring Earth Sub Flame to traverse Space. Now, he possessed the authority to command Space itself—he was a true, genuine Dou Zun!

Not a watered-down Heaven Lord!

The energy required for Dou Zun was staggering. Xiao Yan absorbed most of the Heavenly Flame energy and, with pill assistance, barely crossed this threshold.

"Huh? My dragon aura has strengthened?" Xiao Yan looked inward and discovered—the faint dragon aura he'd gained from the Yin-Yang Dragon Pill had grown significantly, surpassing the Heavenly Demon Phoenix blood contained in his Bone Wings.

Gazing at Zi Yan, who slept nestled against him, Xiao Yan frowned and muttered, "Could this girl have been helping me break through to Dou Zun? Impossible. Just coincidence."

Xiao Yan opened his palm—and ten shrunken Heavenly Flame Seeds spun within it.

Ten! If this got out, even the Yan Clan Leader would come to "chat" with Xiao Yan. Everyone knew he possessed more than one Heavenly Flame—but no one imagined he had ten! This was after giving one away—if not, half the Heavenly Flame Ranking would be on him.

Of course, Void Devouring Earth Sub Flame was merely a sub-flame of Void Devouring Flame, though it retained Void Devouring Flame's abilities.

"Hey, Zi Yan, wake up. You've slept for half a year."

"Mmm… let me sleep a little longer," Zi Yan shifted her body, whining playfully.

She'd forgotten when she'd last slept so peacefully—without fear or anxiety. As long as Xiao Yan was near, she felt utterly secure.

Xiao Yan flicked her forehead. Startled awake, Zi Yan glared angrily—Dragon King's morning temper was terrifying!

"Still acting up? After we leave, we're going to Dragon Island," Xiao Yan smiled.

He wasn't just a One Star Dou Zun in power—he also possessed a Sage Emperor's life-saving talisman. If things went wrong, escape would be no problem.

Hearing Xiao Yan was finally heading to Dragon Island, Zi Yan's expression turned serious.

She was finally going home.

For a moment, she felt nervous. Though it was her homeland, she hadn't returned in years, and no one had come to fetch her—she couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Xiao Yan patted her head. "What's there to fear? If your clan rejects you, just stay in the Yan Alliance."

"The Yan Alliance has always been your home."

(End of Chapter)