Chapter 475: Departure

Xiao Yan walked again before Tian Dian; when he learned this was the only remaining structure left by the Xiao Clan, his perception of it changed entirely.

Upon looking again, Xiao Yan realized that while the first mural appeared to depict two ancient beasts battling, a tiny figure in the corner was actually fighting a small beast.

These murals recorded how the Xiao Clan's Dou Emperor rose step by step through battle, triumphing again and again, from a powerless weakling to the strongest man on the Dou Qi Continent.

The final carving, at the deepest part of the hall, showed Xiao Potian fighting another human.

"The first Dou Emperor on the Dou Qi Continent?"

In the Life and Death Gate, Xiao Yan had heard from Ancestor Xiao Xuan that the Xiao Clan was extremely ancient—not only once the most powerful Dou Emperor Family on the Dou Qi Continent, but Xiao Potian himself had been the continent's first Dou Emperor.

Even ancient beings like Dou Sages could live for thousands of years or longer; Xiao Yan had never heard of a Dou Sage dying of old age. Take this refined and amiable Hun Tian Di beside him—his age, if revealed, might frighten Xiao Yan to death.

Not to mention Dou Emperors! Xiao Yan couldn't even imagine how long a Dou Emperor might live; "as long as heaven and earth" couldn't possibly describe it—perhaps they wouldn't die unless the Dou Qi Continent itself perished?

If not for the sudden disappearance of all Dou Emperors across the Dou Qi Continent, those Dou Emperor Families would never have fought over the Tuoshe Ancient Jade or scrambled to enter the Tuoshe Cave seeking the chance to become an Emperor.

Back then, our own family had a Dou Emperor sitting sipping tea!

As long as the Dou Emperor lives, the Dou Di Bloodline will never dry up, for the source of the Dou Di Bloodline originates from the Dou Emperor.

But the sudden disappearance of all Dou Emperors harmed ancient bloodline families like the Xiao Clan—once severed from the source, the older the bloodline, the faster it withered, ultimately leading to the Xiao Clan's decline.

Xiao Yan guessed that originally there had been more than eight Dou Emperor Families; after the Dou Emperors vanished, there may have been a war across the entire Dou Qi Continent, as families fought to seize each other's Emperor Inheritance and compete for resources.

Only then did the number of Dou Emperor Families shrink to eight, and ancient super-beasts like the Ancient Heavenly Phoenix, Ancient Heavenly Feng, Ancient Heavenly Snake, and Swallowing Python all went extinct, leaving only the strongest among them—the Grand Void Dragon—clinging to life.

Given the lifespan of beasts, Xiao Yan didn't believe these super-beasts could die of old age—they must have been destroyed by war.

Xiao Yan had been to Dragon Island; the Grand Void Dragons' strength had collapsed severely—a half-Sage serving as Three Elders, even weaker than the Soul Sect.

The Grand Void Dragon royal bloodline was dwindling; counting Zi Yan and the Three Great Dragon Kings, only four Dragon Kings still possessed Ancestral Dragon power—worse off than some Dou Emperor Families.

Although beast bloodlines differ somewhat from Dou Di Bloodlines, if the Grand Void Dragons continue to decline, they will become the second Xiao Clan—the Ancestral Dragon bloodline will vanish entirely, turning them into the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan or the Nine Underworld Dark Python Clan.

Xiao Yan's heart sank. Why had all the Dou Emperors vanished suddenly? Even Hun Tian Di and Ancestor Xiao Xuan probably didn't know the answer—only Tuoshe Ancient Emperor, who reappeared thousands of years after all Dou Emperors disappeared, might hold the truth within his remaining cave.

Suppressing his emotions, Xiao Yan turned to the calm Hun Tian Di beside him. On the Dou Qi Continent, Alchemists were indeed revered, holding exalted status; even to request an Alchemist to refine an Elixir required advance payment, with no guarantee—failure meant failure.

But this was Hun Tian Di.

With a hum, Hun Tian Di unleashed an invisible Soul Force; the moment it appeared, even though Xiao Yan had reached Heavenly Realm Soul Force, his soul still trembled uncontrollably.

"Imperial." Without doubt, Hun Tian Di possessed an Imperial Soul!

Possessing the strongest Soul Power on the Dou Qi Continent, the peak cultivation, training the Dou Emperor Cultivation Method and Heavenly Rank Advanced Battle Art, commanding all resources of the Soul Sovereign—he was unquestionably invincible beneath a Dou Emperor!

"Even if Xiao Xuan were fully revived, he wouldn't be Hun Tian Di's match."

That battle had passed a thousand years; over these thousand years, Hun Tian Di could not have stood still.

Hun Tian Di slowly opened his palm; Soul Force began to coalesce, forming before Xiao Yan an object resembling a Dou Technique Scroll.

"This is a Soul Contract. If you help my clan refine the Emperor Pill, the Xiao Realm is yours. When the Pure Lotus Demon Fire emerges, my clan will assist you in obtaining it."

A man as calculating as Hun Tian Di would never trust Xiao Yan's word alone—after all, Xiao Yan was a Xiao Clan member, not a Soul Sovereign disciple; their relationship was purely one of interest-based transaction.

In ancient times, Alchemists were required to swear Soul Contracts to guarantee they wouldn't cheat during Spirit Refining; but now, all Soul-related matters had been seized and monopolized by the Soul Sovereign, leaving the entire Dou Qi Continent utterly ignorant of the Soul.

The Soul Sovereign's vast resources stemmed largely from their monopoly over Soul-related matters—only they possessed such knowledge; how could they not be wealthy?

Smiling, Xiao Yan showed no hesitation—he released his Soul Force and imprinted his soul mark onto the Contract. He didn't need to ask about consequences; failure likely meant annihilation of his spiritual soul.

Xiao Yan certainly didn't believe Hun Tian Di would help him unconditionally—he was now bargaining with a tiger; one misstep and he'd be utterly destroyed!

With a hum, the Soul Contract dissolved into a wisp of soul-light and merged into the depths of Xiao Yan's soul—similar to Qing Lin's Qi San Hua Tong Soul Contract, except Qing Lin's Qi San Hua Tong used soul illusions to control lower-bloodline Snake Race and forcibly impose contracts, a brutally dominant method.

Seeing Xiao Yan so decisively abandon the chance to become an Emperor, Hun Tian Di studied him curiously and asked: "To so easily forsake the chance to become an Emperor—few can do that."

Xiao Yan waved his hand. "Everyone's goals differ. I only wish to restore the Xiao Clan, ensure my family lives in peace, and let our people dwell securely. Becoming an Emperor… is not necessary."

"Now my goal is to marry the Gu Clan's daughter."

?!

Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Hun Tian Di paused in surprise. To a man who sought only to become an Emperor and had never considered marriage or children, Xiao Yan's mindset was incomprehensible.

After glancing down at the Xiao Realm, Xiao Yan used his Soul Token to depart—he wasn't in a hurry; at least now he lacked the power to move the entire Xiao Realm, let alone revive its life as the ancestral home of the Xiao Clan.

Before leaving, Xiao Yan gave Hun Tian Di a meaningful glance and smiled: "Becoming an Emperor isn't necessarily a good thing."

After Xiao Yan had been gone for some time, space twisted, and a figure in black robes stepped out from Space, speaking gravely: "The Ling Clan's Clan Leader left the Ling Realm not long ago. No trace of Ancient Jade was detected on him, but he must be desperate—trying to negotiate a transaction with you using the Tuoshe Ancient Jade."

Hearing the black-robed figure's words, Hun Tian Di smiled faintly, a flicker of ferocity hidden deep in his eyes, murmuring: "The entire Ling Clan—those ancient beings who've lived for millennia—are less perceptive than a child barely twenty."

"The Ling Clan… has no value for alliance. Xu Wu Tun Yan, prepare yourself. Though it's a bloodline nearly dried up, it should still yield its final scrap of value."

Whoosh—the black-robed figure ignited wisps of Black Flame; this figure was none other than Xu Wu Tun Yan, the second-ranked Strange Fire on the Strange Fire Ranking—the true, original source!

"The Alchemist has been gathered. It is time."

"A thousand years—I've waited a thousand years!" Hun Tian Di turned to gaze behind him, at the final mural at the deepest center of Tian Dian, his eyes burning with fervor and malice.

The man who fought the Xiao Clan's Dou Emperor and ultimately lost was the founding ancestor of the Soul Sovereign.

"Whether becoming an Emperor is good or not—I, Hun Tian Di, will become a Dou Emperor!"

After leaving Tian Gang Hall, Xiao Yan did not retrace his steps but moved toward the Black Horn Region; after all, he had now reached Heavenly Realm Soul Force and obtained the Dou Di Bloodline—he should be qualified to cultivate the true Shura Soul Severing Technique.

Whether he could master it was uncertain, but at least he must claim this advantage first—a Heavenly Rank Advanced Soul Technique! Such a technique could hardly be cultivated without the corresponding Bloodline Power.

Now that Xiao Yan possessed the Soul Sovereign's Clan Mark and the Dou Di Bloodline, he could even refine the Emperor Soul Scripture—this Soul Technique should be sufficient.

Xiao Yan's heart burned with excitement; a Heavenly Rank Advanced Battle Art was nearly legendary! Even the Burning Scripture was only at Heavenly Rank Intermediate level.

But the Burning Scripture had brought Xiao Yan immense benefits: increased success rate in absorbing Strange Fires, unparalleled Fire Control Power, and the unique ability to host multiple Strange Fires within his body—all had greatly benefited him.

His Alchemy had advanced so rapidly precisely because his Fire Control Power had always surpassed peers of his level; now, Xiao Yan's Fire Control Power was certainly sufficient to refine Nine-Treasure Pills, and even the Heavenly Rank Intermediate Burning Scripture granted enough Fire Control Power to refine Nine Grade Profound Pills.

Of course, Pill Alchemy couldn't rely solely on Fire Control Power—especially at the Nine-Tier level, countless other factors were required; Fire Control Power was merely one among them.

One week later, Xiao City in the Black Horn Region.

Xiao City, even across the entire Black Horn Region or the Northwest Region of Zhong Zhou, was extremely significant.

Xiao City now had another nickname: Black Medicine City!

From this name alone, one could easily grasp its current status—here, all kinds of Pills circulated, including Poison Pills, Demonic Pills, Soul Pills, and various illicit Pills.

From afar, the entire Xiao City teemed with vitality; here, you could smell medicinal incense permeating the whole city, the Heavenly Earth Essence Qi extraordinarily dense.

Today, Xiao City is not only the largest Elixir city in the Black Horn Region, the place with the most Alchemists, but also the largest Medicinal Material cultivation city in the Black Horn Region.

Around Xiao City, medicinal herbs grew thickly, spiritual herbs glowed brightly; vast Pill Fields and mountain ranges encircled Xiao City, giving the feeling of living within a Yao Mountain and medicinal forest.

At the center of Xiao City stood a magnificent courtyard—naturally, it was the main compound of the Xiao Clan, the dominant power of Xiao City.

In a pavilion within this elegant courtyard, a graceful figure rested her chin on her hands, gazing at the sky, her expression thoughtful—naturally, it was Xiao Yu, Xiao Yan's cousin.

Xiao Yu wore a red gown, like crimson clouds, stunningly beautiful; her legs sat sideways, long and slender, her figure tall and lithe; beneath those slender legs, her rounded, firm hips stood out even more, her willow waist tightly cinched, making anyone who looked at her feel their heart race.

"What are you thinking about?"

"Thinking of you?!"

Suddenly, a familiar male voice came from behind; Xiao Yu's body trembled, and she spun around sharply.

Xiao Yu's beautiful eyes widened in surprise, her Red Lips slightly parted; though they had not seen each other for a long time, that familiar figure and voice remained unmistakable.

Hearing this, Xiao Yan blinked, smiled at the graceful figure before him, and whistled: "Thinking of me what?"

At Xiao Yan's whistle, Xiao Yu's cheeks instantly flushed crimson, tears welling in her eyes—whether from anger or joy, she could not tell.

"Think of you, huh!" Xiao Yu lifted her leg and kicked out, her long leg like a jade whip lashing toward Xiao Yan.

Naturally, Xiao Yan easily blocked it, grabbing her firm, smooth, jade-like leg; he couldn't resist giving it a light squeeze—when there's a chance to take advantage, don't be an idiot!

Just as before: one bit more and too plump, one bit less and too thin—the touch was perfect.

Feeling Xiao Yan's teasing touch and that same innocent, pitiful expression he'd worn since childhood, Xiao Yu flew into a rage.

"How can you never behave?" Xiao Yan grinned, and this moment eased his mind, reminding him of the carefree days in Wutan City.

"You! Let go!" Xiao Yu covered her skirt with both hands and shouted angrily.

Xiao Yan grinned mischievously, then suddenly released her; Xiao Yu, unprepared, cried out and stumbled forward, crashing straight into Xiao Yan's arms.

"Xiao Yu, you're taking advantage of me—you're the big pervert," Xiao Yan accused first.

Xiao Yu's cheeks flushed crimson; she drew her long sword and chased Xiao Yan, slashing at him just as she had when he'd 'accidentally' seen her bathing as a child—back then, too, she'd chased him across the world with her blade.

"Huh? Cousin Xiao Yan, you're here?" Soon, Xiao Mei's voice came from outside the courtyard.

Seeing Xiao Mei, Xiao Yan froze.

Xiao Mei wore a sheer, embroidered robe, her snow-white skin faintly visible; her hair, wavy like waves, fell over her shoulders, fluttering in the wind like rippling ripples.

In her hands she carried a tray laden with pastries and fruit; as Xiao Mei ran toward him, Xiao Yan couldn't tell whether the tray held fruit or a nuclear bomb.

Her explosive figure was devastating.

Seeing Xiao Yan's stunned expression, Xiao Yu stomped on his foot and glared: "Xiao Mei is your cousin."

Hearing Xiao Yu's words, Xiao Mei blushed deeply, stepped closer to Xiao Yan, and whispered: "If it's Cousin Xiao Yan… I don't mind."

!?

Xiao Yan was stunned—she shouldn't say that!

Xiao Yu yanked Xiao Yan away loudly: "No! Even if there's a relation, it's forbidden!"

Xiao Yu's voice grew quieter as she spoke, and this scene terrified Xiao Yan—he quickly changed the subject and fled, running off to inspect various parts of Xiao City.

After all, this Xiao City was once his own handiwork; he wondered whether he should erect a tombstone for Han Feng—he'd given Xiao Yan a city and an Infernal Fire, after all; even if no merit, there was still labor.

Xiao Yan didn't rush to find Hun Lao Gui—he couldn't possibly run off.

Rarely returning to the Black Horn Region, Xiao Yan fulfilled his duty as a Jia Nan Academy graduate, visiting his teachers and juniors, offering a few pointers.

With Xiao Yan's current Cultivation Realm, he could not only guide students—even Elder Su Qian, and the two Library Pavilion guardians, Qian Lao and Bai Lao, he could offer advice.

Even though Qian Lao and Bai Lao had broken through to Dou Zun, they were only One Star Dou Zun—far inferior to Xiao Yan; it was clear how astonishingly fast Xiao Yan had advanced.

The Burning Scripture had indeed held Xiao Yan back for several years, but after acquiring Mao Wu, his progress accelerated rapidly; the benefits of the Infernal Fires were too numerous—he even suspected that with so many Infernal Fires, his body might now be more Yan Clan than the Yan Clan itself.

Over these days, Xiao Yan fulfilled his duty as Clan Leader, patrolling the entire Xiao City.

This inspection alone plunged Xiao City into silence for half a year.

Xiao Ning and the other Xiao Clan elders who had originally entered the Inner Court under Xiao Yan's guidance were devoted solely to Cultivation—their Cultivation Realm was decent, but their administration was a mess.

Xiao Mei was even worse—she had nothing but loyalty. As for Xiao Yu, she was alone and powerless; her administrative talent paled next to Ya Fei's.

Corruption ran rampant throughout Xiao City; many Medicinal Materials meant for the Yan Alliance had been swapped with inferior ones, and precious herbs were concealed.

If you cheated others in the Black Horn Region, he wouldn't care—but you dared to steal from the Yan Alliance?!

Though Xiao Yan wasn't skilled in administration, his Heavenly Realm Soul made him more powerful than mind-reading; before him, those whose Cultivation Realm hadn't even reached Dou Huang had no chance of hiding anything.

In three days, half of Xiao City's administrators vanished—some expelled, some executed; even several who had graduated from Jia Nan Academy were not spared.

This divine-level scrutiny and Yama's iron-fisted ruthlessness made everyone who had once harbored disloyal thoughts breathe a sigh of relief.

The Clan Leader might not be here often—but he would return!

Seeing Xiao Yan's merciless, iron-fisted methods, many were shocked—even Xiao Mei and other Xiao Clan members turned pale; they understood that if they ever betrayed the family, Xiao Yan would not spare them either.

As the Xiao Clan grew stronger, some naturally became arrogant, forgetting how weak the clan had once been.

And as Young Clan Leader, he must replace his father in managing the entire family.

"Xiao Yan… maybe you should find someone more capable to manage Xiao City… I…" Xiao Yu felt deeply ashamed; in Xiao Yan's absence, she had been the city's supreme authority.

Xiao Yan patted her shoulder and shook his head: "No—Xiao City will still be managed by you."

"But—"

"Don't worry—I'll just come back more often to keep an eye on things."

Seeing Xiao Yan's smile, Xiao Yu nodded gently.

Xiao Yan once didn't understand why some people favored kin over merit; now he understood—neither was right or wrong.

Favoring kin emphasizes loyalty; favoring merit emphasizes ability.

(End of Chapter)