Chapter 473: Young Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan

"An entire bottle of Emperor Blood!" When Xiao Yan pulled out the Blood Bottle, the faint but overwhelming aura seeping from it caused countless Soul Clan members' Dou Di Bloodlines to boil.

At that moment, countless mouths went dry, eyes locked onto the Blood Bottle in Xiao Yan's hands!

They all knew exactly what it was!

In the Soul Clan, everyone knew that if you earned merit, passed the Trial, retrieved resources from ancient Secret Realms and surrendered them to the clan, or captured disciples of Dou Emperor Families, you might earn a Blood Bottle to enhance your Dou Di Bloodline!

The Soul Palace hunts Spiritual Souls on the Dou Qi Continent—so what do Soul Clan disciples do in their daily lives?

The answer was obvious: they target Dou Emperor Families.

Where else would the Dou Di Bloodline come from? That's why the Soul Clan has always been at odds with other Dou Emperor Families—YaoLi had been terrified just hearing the name Soul Clan.

Soul Clan disciples also hunt Spiritual Souls!

Take the Heavenly Tomb, for example—an ancient Secret Realm once located at the border where the Xiao Clan and Gu Clan territories met. Naturally, other Dou Emperor Families also had overlapping territories, and the Secret Realms there became frequent battlegrounds for disciples vying for resources, where clashes between clans were commonplace.

Dou Emperor Family disciples rarely appear on the Dou Qi Continent for one simple reason: the resources there are beneath their notice, nowhere near as enticing as the Secret Realms born from the world-creation of ancient Dou Emperors.

Aside from a few extremely rare resources like Heavenly Flames and the Bodhi Tree, places like Tian Shan Xue Tan and the Dan Realm held no appeal for them at all.

The Divine Grade Bloodline holders, Hun Feng and Hun Yu, glanced at Xiao Yan a little longer—but quickly looked away. That tiny amount of Dou Di Bloodline offered them no benefit whatsoever.

But for Soul Clan disciples with Bloodlines below Six-Star, it was immensely valuable.

"This Ten Heavenly Elder is ranked last?"

"He actually has a whole bottle—this much could boost a Bloodline to Five-Grade, maybe even higher."

"But he's only a Three Star Dou Zun."

Several Six-Star Dou Di Bloodline Dou Zun couldn't help swallowing hard. Even though they were only One or Two Star Dou Zun and knew Xiao Yan was strong, they still couldn't suppress their greedy longing, muttering: "Though the Soul Palace is our faction, still—"

Seeing Xiao Yan pull out a whole bottle of Dou Di Bloodline, countless others were driven mad with envy. Who else, besides Hun Feng, Hun Yu, and a few powerful Dou Sage Elders, could produce an entire bottle at once?!

Yet this Ten Heavenly Elder, who joined from outside the Soul Palace, actually possessed a whole bottle—how could anyone not be driven mad with envy?

Even the three Elders froze for a moment upon seeing Xiao Yan produce a full bottle of Dou Di Bloodline, for they knew its value.

Hun Lao Gui had once told Xiao Yan that one full bottle required the Soul Points of a half-Sage Spiritual Soul—imagine its worth.

For a moment, the three exchanged glances, and deep in their eyes flickered a trace of greed—mainly because Xiao Yan wasn't even Soul Clan; he'd merely joined through the Soul Palace.

You show up and immediately make such a show—how are we supposed to handle this?

"No wonder the Soul Palace has such a culture—the Soul Clan is even worse." Xiao Yan sighed inwardly. This was a den of wolves—all starving.

But fortunately, so was he.

A thunderous boom erupted from within Xiao Yan's body—suddenly, the sky darkened, surrounding light dimmed, and in that instant, the shadow beneath Xiao Yan's feet became like the Nine Underworld, swallowing the entire Guang Chang.

Beneath this abyss, as if dwelled an ancient, monstrous Asura.

Líng Jìng Dà Yuánmǎn Soul Force surged like terrifying Demon Qi, ravaging the entire Guang Chang, crushing the space with overwhelming Soul Power—as if a demon that had slept for countless years had suddenly awakened.

"Líng Jìng Dà Yuánmǎn Soul Force?!"

BOOM! BOOM! Continuous roars filled the air—right where Xiao Yan stood, a terrifying Soul Storm formed. The invisible storm raged wildly around him; crackling sounds echoed as streaks of lightning fell from the sky.

Xiao Yan slowly turned his head, gazing at the crowd of Soul Clan disciples behind him, their eyes like starving wolves. His own eyes were now pitch black—though naturally dark as black pearls, they had become darker, more terrifying.

The instant those eyes opened, everyone who met them felt their Spiritual Soul about to be severed—those eyes seemed capable of devouring all souls, sending chills down every spine.

"Jie jie jie… You too want to become Soul Points?"

Puff! As Xiao Yan's gaze fell upon them, those without even Spirit Realm Soul Force instantly felt their souls struck hard—blood spurted from their mouths as if their hearts had been pierced.

Even Soul Clan disciples with Dou Zun cultivation, Spirit Realm Soul Force, and Six or Seven-Star Dou Di Bloodlines now felt a chill down their necks, instinctively touching their throats.

It felt as if an invisible blade rested against their necks, cold and unyielding.

Xiao Yan now possessed Líng Jìng Dà Yuánmǎn Soul Force, combined with the Shura Soul Severing Technique, perfected to its limit—a Earth Rank Advanced Grade technique bordering Quasi Heavenly Rank. Who could possibly withstand its might?

At this moment, even Hun Ya, with his Eight Grade Dou Di Bloodline, showed a hint of seriousness. Líng Jìng Dà Yuánmǎn Soul Force was enough to make them shed their condescension.

The three Elders also suppressed the greed in their eyes—Xiao Yan had now demonstrated sufficient value.

After all, Xiao Yan had entered the Soul Realm only with the Soul Palace's Master's approval.

An outsider, a Three Star Dou Zun, joining the Soul Clan—there were only two possible reasons: either Hun Mie Sheng was a fool who let anyone in, or this man's strength had impressed the Master.

Clearly, Hun Mie Sheng was no fool—the Soul Palace was essentially the Soul Clan's 'branch office,' and its fearsome reputation had been built single-handedly by Hun Mie Sheng!

How could such a man be a fool?

Xiao Yan was, of course, the latter. Such a man was a treasure even without Dou Di Bloodline.

Slowly withdrawing his Soul Force, Xiao Yan had not come here to fight—he came to obtain the Soul Clan's Dou Di Bloodline and Clan Mark.

When all returned to calm, Xiao Yan smiled brightly and asked: "Three Elders?"

Looking at Xiao Yan, the three nodded—acknowledging him as a Soul Clan member.

The lead Elder spoke sternly to all on the Guang Chang: "Those who have completed the Adult Ceremony, depart. Return to your cultivation."

Though many were curious how this Ten Heavenly Elder would obtain the Dou Di Bloodline, none dared defy the Elder's command.

Soon, the Guang Chang stood empty—only the three Elders and Xiao Yan remained.

"Since you've obtained the Blood Bottle and are now one of our own, you naturally qualify for the Ceremony to receive the Clan Mark." The lead Soul Clan Elder nodded, sweeping his hand—immediately, ancient array lines ignited across the Guang Chang, radiating immense Soul Force, covering the entire plaza.

This ritual array carried an indescribable aura—similar to Dou Di Bloodline! It must have been created by a Soul Clan Dou Emperor!

Seeing this ancient ritual array, Xiao Yan knew—it was beginning.

Just as Xiao Yan calmed his mind, preparing to receive the Dou Emperor ritual array, a voice came from the Guang Chang's entrance.

"Let me handle it."

At those words, the three Elders paled, their eyes filled with terror—they didn't even dare look, immediately dropping to one knee and bowing deeply: "Welcome, Clan Leader!"

"Clan Leader?!" Xiao Yan's eyes widened as he stared at the man walking slowly toward him from the side of the Guang Chang.

The first glance told Xiao Yan: elegant, handsome—he looked like a scholar if given a book, a nobleman if given a fan.

Hun Tian Di! Soul Clan Clan Leader!

Hun Tian Di smiled at Xiao Yan and said: "According to Dou Emperor Family tradition, every Young Clan Leader's Adult Ceremony must be conducted personally by the Clan Leader."

"You are the Young Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan; naturally, it falls to me."

Xiao Clan?!!!

The three Elders' hearts trembled violently! Wasn't the Xiao Clan annihilated? And it was destroyed by our Soul Sovereign! The lead Elder was especially stunned—he had personally taken part in the Xiao Clan's extermination!

Back then, he was only a Dou Zun, and as cannon fodder, he barely survived!

And yet! This kid is the Young Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan???

The Young Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan joins the Soul Sovereign?! Are you kidding me!

Even though all three Elders had reached Dou Sage, their minds were reeling—what the hell is going on?!

But none of the three dared to speak, dare not ask, dare not look—because it was Hun Tian Di who said it.

Hun Tian Di waved his hand, and the three Elders—who moments ago had commanded awe and been revered by countless Soul Clan Disciples—now fled as if granted divine pardon, each using their own methods to depart, leaving only Xiao Yan and Hun Tian Di behind.

After a brief moment of shock, Xiao Yan relaxed his body, for vigilance before this man was meaningless—he had known the immense risk when he entered the Soul Sovereign.

Moreover, Xiao Yan currently had no conflict of interest with the Soul Sovereign; the Tuoshe Ancient Jade had already been handed over to Hun Xu Zi, and he himself still held value—otherwise, Xiao Yan would already be dead.

Thus, Xiao Yan had the right to stand tall before Hun Tian Di.

"You possess many Strange Fires; your cultivation method is highly unusual," said Hun Tian Di calmly, seeing through Xiao Yan's secrets at a glance.

Xiao Yan spread his hands and shrugged. "So? You want them?"

Hun Tian Di smiled and shook his head. "These Strange Fires hold no value for me. Compared to your cultivation method, your Pill Alchemy is worth countless times more."

To Hun Tian Di, even the Dou Emperor cultivation method or Dou Techniques of the Xiao Clan held no allure. His heart now held only one boundless desire—for that one thing, he would sacrifice the entire Soul Sovereign.

And what Hun Tian Di valued most was Xiao Yan's Pill Alchemy.

Hun Tian Di glanced at the Blood Bottle on the ground, flicked his finger through Space, and with a *beng! * the Blood Bottle instantly exploded, streams of blood splattering across the ground.

As the Dou Di Bloodline merged into the Array, a hum rang out—the entire Array emitted waves of crimson light, the Dou Di Bloodline writhing as if awakened, crawling across the earth!

*Pūpūpū!!! * The writhing blood surged like countless fine needles, violently piercing Xiao Yan's body, then ruthlessly bursting through his pores, madly rushing into his Spiritual Soul.

!!!!

In an instant, Xiao Yan's Spiritual Soul felt as if pierced by ten thousand arrows—agonizing pain seared through him, his face instantly paling as he involuntarily sucked in a sharp breath.

Hun Tian Di smiled. "The strength of our Soul Sovereign's bloodline lies naturally in the Spiritual Soul."

Though Xiao Yan had prepared himself, this level of agony twisted his face, veins bulging violently!

Xiao Yan gritted his teeth, forcing himself to endure the tearing pain, his eyelids drooping despite his will.

Xiao Yan immediately sat cross-legged, waved his hand, and the scroll of the Emperor Soul Scripture appeared before him—he flung it open with force.

*Whirrrrrr! * The scroll unfurled, and a torrent of immensely potent Soul Information slammed straight into Xiao Yan's third eye.

Xiao Yan knew he absolutely could not fall asleep—even if Hun Tian Di had said nothing, the transformation from nothing to something here was equivalent to being reborn; if he slept, it meant failure.

So Xiao Yan endured this extreme pain while simultaneously cultivating the Emperor Soul Scripture, diverting his attention.

He had once tried this one-mind, two-tasks method during his Spirit Refining!

Watching Xiao Yan endure such extreme pain while cultivating the Emperor Soul Scripture, Hun Tian Di smiled faintly and left the Guang Chang.

He would never assist—should Xiao Yan fail even this simple trial, he could never help forge the Emperor Pill.

In the silent Guang Chang, time flew by—before they knew it, ten days had passed, during which Xiao Yan had remained seated cross-legged the entire time.

His gaze never left the scroll of the Emperor Soul Scripture; its terrifying Soul Information nearly drowned his mind—if Xiao Yan had not reached Líng Jìng Dà Yuánmǎn, he could never have cultivated the Emperor Soul Scripture.

Even this was only the upper volume, yet this Soul Cultivation Technique was at least Heaven Tier Low Grade—the difficulty was evident; even Xiao Yan had spent a full ten days just to finish reading it.

But now Xiao Yan had no time to complain about the difficulty of this Soul Cultivation Technique; the initial agony of ten thousand arrows had become the unbearable itch of a thousand ants crawling over his skin—he felt countless ants crawling within his Spiritual Soul, yet could not scratch.

*Roarrrr! * A deafening roar echoed as a colossal Asura Shadow emerged from behind Xiao Yan—the shadow coalesced a long sword and plunged it with a *pūchī* into Xiao Yan's Soul Body.

A piercing pain eased the itching slightly, snapping him back to focus to continue cultivating the Emperor Soul Scripture.

About twenty more days passed before the flickering Array slowly dimmed, and Xiao Yan's breath, seated cross-legged on the ground, steadied.

Finally, a faint sound emerged—then a terrifying Soul Storm erupted from Xiao Yan's body, exploding upward with overwhelming Soul Force!

An invisible Soul Vortex formed, its center precisely the Ten Heavenly Lords of the Soul Temple!

"What the hell?! Who created this terrifying Soul Vortex?!"

"It's from the Guang Chang? Could it be that Ten Heavenly Lord from a month ago?!"

Instantly, the entire Corpse Soul City seemed to sense it—everyone turned their gaze toward the city's center; for the first time, the Soul Sovereign's descendants no longer found it ordinary.

Even they had rarely witnessed such a terrifying Soul Storm!

The entire massive Corpse Soul City was engulfed by the vortex—countless Soul Light dots surged from all directions into Xiao Yan's body!

Remember, this was the Soul Realm—where the most abundant thing was not Heavenly Energy, but Soul Light dots!

Just the dense streams of Spiritual Energy formed from these countless dots showed why the Dou Emperor Family's descendants were so powerful!

The entire Soul Realm was a Holy Land for cultivating Soul Force!

The Emperor Soul Scripture was a Heavenly Rank Soul Cultivation Technique—and the hallmark of Heavenly Rank techniques was their ability to absorb Heavenly and Earthly Power within a hundred-li radius!

Xiao Yan's absorption lasted three days and three nights—until the fourth day, when Xiao Yan, seated cross-legged in the Soul Clan's Adult Ceremony Guang Chang, suddenly opened his eyes.

The instant Xiao Yan opened his eyes, every descendant of the Corpse Soul City's mind went blank—their Soul Bodies involuntarily rose a head's height from their crown, then bowed toward Xiao Yan's direction.

Ten Thousand Souls Bowing—Heavenly Realm Soul!

"Ten Thousand Souls Bowing... This is... Heavenly Realm..." Around the Corpse Soul City, Soul Clan Disciples who had reached Dou Zun level all stared grimly at Xiao Yan in the Guang Chang.

Although Xiao Yan's Cultivation Realm had not risen much—only from early Three-Star to late Three-Star—he had merely enhanced his cultivation through the Burning Scripture and the Falling Heart Flame, for there was no energy here, only the Dou Di Bloodline.

But his Soul Force had surged terrifyingly!

This was the Soul Realm—where cultivating Soul Force was twice as effective—and now Xiao Yan had acquired the Soul Sovereign's Dou Di Bloodline, plus the Emperor Soul Scripture, directly shattering the barrier and reaching the Heavenly Realm!!!

Across the entire Dou Qi Continent, those who reached the Heavenly Realm in Soul Force were exceedingly rare. Of course, within the Soul Sovereign, Xiao Yan was not so extraordinary.

After all, the Soul Sovereign primarily cultivated Soul Force, with Dou Qi secondary—many Star Eight and Star Nine Dou Zun, aided by the Dou Di Bloodline's acceleration, had already reached Líng Jìng Dà Yuánmǎn, and even Heavenly Realm was not unheard of.

For example, Hun Yu naturally possessed a Heavenly Realm Soul.

But Xiao Yan is an outsider—he has also reached the Heavenly Realm!

"Hu." Xiao Yan exhaled a breath, like a heavenly being's sigh; all those whose Spiritual Souls had left their bodies trembled in their hearts and snapped back to awareness, unsure what had just happened.

Each wore a dazed expression, staring at one another.

Xiao Yan slowly lifted his gaze, scanning the surroundings; though no one remained in the Sky, Xiao Yan knew countless eyes were fixed upon him.

"What? Does the vast Soul Sovereign have no experience with Heavenly Realm Souls?" Xiao Yan sneered coldly. So many have come to watch just because I broke through to the Heavenly Realm—as if they've never seen one before.

(End of Chapter)