Chapter 486: Acquaintance

"I'll go with you."

"No need!" Feng Qing'er cried out in alarm, then spoke coldly: "I can handle it myself."

Seeing Feng Qing'er step out of the pavilion, the handsome man in white robes couldn't help but stare, mesmerized, at her back.

In the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan today, Feng Qing'er's beauty and talent had made her the goddess countless men dreamed of.

"Qing'er is indeed ambitious—she came here immediately to investigate the Ancient Ruins," said Elder Huang Xuan, a Five-Star Dou Zun, stroking his beard and nodding in satisfaction.

She has ambition! This child has the makings of a Dou Sage!

Feng Qing'er came this time because the clan speculated the Ancient Ruins might contain the bones of an Ancient Heaven Phoenix—perhaps even something valuable—so she led the team here.

That way, she could claim her share of any treasure found.

But Feng Qing'er never in her wildest nightmares imagined he'd be here too!

At the edge of a small lake beside the Hai Gu Shan Mai, moonlight shimmered softly on the water's surface, where a figure in black robes stood silently, gazing at the moon's reflection.

Seeing that black-robed figure—even without seeing his face—Feng Qing'er knew exactly who it was: Xiao Yan.

Standing at a distance, Feng Qing'er stared at that back, struck by shock, fear, and a flicker of anger.

You're the Champion of the Pill Gathering—why are you fighting over a Heaven Tier Low Grade Dou Technique?! Just refine a few Eight Grade Pills—you could trade for one easily!!

Before coming, Feng Qing'er had wondered if Xiao Yan might show up, but then she thought: someone of his status would never come to a low-level Dou Sage's Ruins.

No matter how much she calculated, she never imagined he truly had no Heaven Tier Dou Technique!

The black-robed figure slowly turned, moonlight falling upon him—revealing Xiao Yan's faint smile, his piercing gaze sweeping over Feng Qing'er's entire body.

Under that gaze, Feng Qing'er involuntarily stepped back half a pace, fists clenched, teeth biting her red lips, frozen in uncertainty.

"You've grown stronger," Xiao Yan murmured, eyes half-lidded, a teasing glint in his gaze.

Xiao Yan's words were a veiled jab: yes, your strength has improved—but you're still weak.

In the past year, Feng Qing'er had broken through to Eight Rank and strengthened her bloodline, ruling her clan with effortless authority—so much so she'd nearly forgotten Xiao Yan existed.

Shhh shhh shhh—a night breeze swept by, then footsteps approached: Xiao Yan walked slowly, each step as if crushing Feng Qing'er's heart.

She could flee—or attack—but her reason screamed: if she chose either, the next second she'd be a corpse, life snuffed out. Death would be the best outcome—she dared not imagine the worst.

Xiao Yan walked slowly—those few dozen meters took a full minute, giving her ample time to think.

Gradually, a dark shadow drew near, carrying a wave of heat—heat she would never forget.

Feng Qing'er lifted her beautiful eyes in despair, the face before her now less than half a meter away.

He—was standing before her again!

Plop—Xiao Yan's large hand gently rested on Feng Qing'er's delicate shoulder; the touch made her body tremble uncontrollably, frozen in place.

"Don't be so afraid," Xiao Yan said softly, as if chatting over tea. "Think about it—you broke through Eight Rank and enhanced your bloodline. All thanks to me. Strictly speaking, I'm your benefactor."

Though true, something felt deeply wrong.

"But," Xiao Yan's hand moved, warm fingers tracing her smooth chin, thumb roughly kneading her soft red lips, "you haven't even said thank you."

With her chin lifted, Feng Qing'er's lips trembled as she whispered: "Thank you… Master's grace."

Feng Qing'er didn't dare move—an inert doll, standing perfectly still.

Xiao Yan patted her shoulder and guided her forward. "Come on—such a beautiful moonlit night. The view is lovely."

Xiao Yan pushed the dazed Feng Qing'er forward, stopping by the lake. How could she care about scenery now? The terror from over a year ago crept back into her mind.

When he judged the moment right, Xiao Yan casually asked questions: any news from the Grand Void Dragon Clan? The Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan's status? The strength of the Nine Underworld Python?

But Feng Qing'er only knew trivial, inconsequential details.

"Hmm," Xiao Yan pondered, glancing at her. "So why did your Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan come to the Ancient Ruins?"

The Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan didn't need a Heaven Tier Dou Technique—it was a human cultivation technique; they had their own beast techniques and bloodline powers. They had no reason to be here.

Many Magical Beast Families came because they'd heard of an Ancient Forest, hoping to dig up medicinal materials to eat or sell—few even had Eight Rank beasts.

Hearing Xiao Yan's question, Feng Qing'er's eyes flickered with a strange glint. "Our clan heard an Ancient Forest had appeared—we came to see if any Ancient Medicinal Materials were present."

Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed slightly, his lips curling upward. Feng Qing'er had no idea Xiao Yan had reached the Heavenly Realm Soul—lying to him was suicide!

Though Feng Qing'er's words were half-truths—or perhaps all true—Xiao Yan's Soul Force Perception sensed she deliberately concealed something.

Xiao Yan smiled, his hand stroking her silken hair. "Not only has your cultivation improved—you've grown bold too."

Soul Force surged—beneath Xiao Yan's feet, the Shen Yuan suddenly opened a pair of blood-red demonic eyes. A rustling sound echoed as black Spiritual Energy Sealing Chains erupted from Feng Qing'er's Soul Body.

These Hun Chains differed from ordinary ones—each bristled with sharp barbs, like thorns.

"Ahh!!"

The barbs plunged deep into Feng Qing'er's Soul Body, tightening violently, as if tearing her soul apart, hooking into the very essence of her soul—excruciating pain.

Xiao Yan, now at Heavenly Realm Soul, was far beyond Feng Qing'er's power—even with the complete Asura Soul Severing Art, his Asura Slave Seal had grown stronger. Even a Pill Giant couldn't break it now.

"Aaaah!" Feng Qing'er screamed, convulsing on the ground, faint rainbow light flickering from her body—useless against the Asura Soul Severing Art.

"Please, Master, forgive Qing'er!" She forced herself to kneel, begging through soul-deep agony.

To Xiao Yan, Feng Qing'er's value lay solely in information—if she withheld anything, she had no use.

"Though I've already cultivated Bone Wings, you're still an Eight Rank Magical Beast…" Xiao Yan's Soul Force swept through, locking onto the location of her Magic Core.

Every Eight Rank Magical Beast possessed a Magic Core—equivalent to its heart.

Sensing Xiao Yan had targeted her Magic Core, Feng Qing'er's eyes widened in terror. She crawled on all fours, grabbing his pant leg, looking up with tear-filled eyes, shaking her head desperately: "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I know I'm wrong—don't kill me, don't—"

At this moment, Feng Qing'er felt only the terror of death—true confrontation with death was overwhelming fear; to ignore it was impossible.

Xiao Yan's eyes were icy, staring down at the tear-streaked, trembling Feng Qing'er—no trace left of the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan's prodigy.

Whoosh—one Hun Chain appeared in Xiao Yan's hand, the other end wrapped around Feng Qing'er's neck, yanked sharply upward, lifting her throat.

"Ugh…" Feng Qing'er felt her soul suffocating, face twisted in agony.

Xiao Yan bent low, whispering into her ear: "Feng Qing'er, if you ever lose your value, I'll take you to the Soul Temple."

Soul Temple!! The moment those two words escaped, Feng Qing'er's spirit shattered—tears burst uncontrollably from her eyes.

Feng Qing'er closed her eyes and nodded repeatedly.

Seeing this, Xiao Yan smiled coldly. He felt no emotion toward Feng Qing'er; she was merely still useful at this moment.

At least until Zi Yan completes her unification, the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan and Shou Yu still need Feng Qing'er.

Even Xiao Yan could not escape the saying: those with value do not die so easily.

With a splash, the Hun Chains vanished entirely; with a snap, Feng Qing'er collapsed onto the ground. Xiao Yan looked toward the lake and said softly, "There. Your life is back in your own hands. I hope you won't make me want to take it again."

If the Three Saints were here, they would surely applaud Xiao Yan: you're the one who truly carries on the Spirit Hall's spirit!

"Thank you, Master. Thank you for your mercy."

After a round of "friendly" exchange, Xiao Yan finally learned the full story.

It turned out the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan had consulted ancient Phoenix genealogies and Ancient Texts, learning that once, a powerful Ancient Heaven Phoenix had fought to the death with an equally powerful Void Ancient Dragon, until heaven cracked and space shattered.

They likely perished together, yet no matter how hard they searched, no corpses could be found. This time, with the Ancient Ruins opening, the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan used a Secret Technique to detect faint traces of the Ancient Heaven Phoenix and Void Ancient Dragon within the Ruins, suspecting some powerful treasure had emerged.

Hearing Feng Qing'er's words, Xiao Yan sighed helplessly. The Void Ancient Dragon Clan truly couldn't be relied upon—they didn't even know about such a crucial matter, still embroiled in civil war.

What if, after they finish fighting each other, the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan wipes them all out?

Xiao Yan looked down at Feng Qing'er, kneeling in despair, thought for a moment, then pulled out his Space Jade Slip from his storage ring. Slowly he lifted her head, pinched her cheek, and slipped the Slip into her mouth.

"This is my Soul Jade Slip. If anything happens, contact me. Don't lose it." Xiao Yan smiled slightly, but the smile carried a hint of threat and coldness.

Feng Qing'er nodded frantically with the Slip in her mouth—if she lost it, she'd lose her life!

Xiao Yan smiled, satisfied, and tidied her slightly disheveled hair, carefully brushing the dirt from her colorful skirt. Even when he deliberately brushed certain places, she dared not resist at all.

If one didn't know, one would surely think this was a husband arranging his wife's clothes!

"Clean yourself up. Don't let anyone notice." Xiao Yan smiled, urging her to hide it well.

Feng Qing'er, biting the Slip, now felt not the slightest urge to resist. She nodded vigorously, not daring to utter a single word.

Xiao Yan smiled, then ceased his torment and vanished into the darkness.

Long after Xiao Yan had left, Feng Qing'er finally dared to remove the Slip from her mouth. She wanted to crush it—but her hands were already powerless. Her beautiful, gem-like eyes held only endless despair, confusion about the future, and boundless regret.

Why had she ever provoked him in the first place!

Time passed slowly, and the seal of the Ancient Ruins was finally about to break.

When the first ray of morning light spilled down, piercing the darkness shrouding the Shan Mai, the mountains—just moments ago quiet—exploded instantly with explosive energy. The air rang with a ceaseless roar of rushing wind as countless figures, like locusts, surged toward the center of the mountains.

For today, the seal would fully emerge!

At the edge of the Shan Mai, Xiao Yan and the others were fully prepared, gazing at the distorted Space ahead.

Watching the countless figures streaking across the sky, Xiao Yan and the others couldn't help but shake their heads. Many were only Dou Huang or even Dou Wang in strength—but the mere words "Saint Ruins" were enough to drive countless others mad.

They imagined discovering hidden treasures within and rising to greatness overnight.

Such fantasies were far from rare.

"Let's go."

Xiao Yan wasted no time. With a wave of his hand, Little Lion King carried everyone forward as a streak of Purple Light, flying toward the Ruins.

At this moment, the Hai Gu Shan Mai had erupted with astonishing vitality. This energy came from the countless figures soaring through the air—under such terrifying crowds, even the Shan Mai's inherent chilling aura was forcibly diluted.

On the way to the Ancient Ruins, relying on his superior Soul Perception, Xiao Yan sensed that the hidden, long-silent energies within the surrounding peaks had now stirred, shooting out as streaks of rainbow light.

"Tsk tsk tsk. There are truly many Dou Zun here."

Including Eight Rank beasts, at least thirty Dou Zun had come to compete for the Heavenly Rank Dou Technique.

Soon, Xiao Yan's group arrived at the Ruins' entrance.

A quick glance revealed a basin stretching a thousand li wide—but now, the entire basin was filled with piles of skeletal remains. From afar, it looked like a vast sea of white bone, blindingly stark, evoking a chilling dread.

Around this sea of bones, countless figures stood densely packed, their burning gazes fixed on the distorted Space at the center. As soon as the Space Seal vanished, this sea of people would surge forward like an endless tide.

When Xiao Yan arrived, he immediately felt several cold gazes—naturally, Lei Zunzhe, the Nine Underworld Spirit Python, Huang Xuan, and others.

Xiao Yan smiled at Lei Zunzhe and the others, then glanced at Feng Qing'er at the center. She now wore a cold expression, as if she didn't recognize Xiao Yan, refusing to look his way.

As for what she truly thought inside—that remained unknown.

Of course, some were friendly toward Xiao Yan—for example, the Burning Flame Valley. Xiao Yan saw its master, Tang Zhen, and Tang Huo'er waving at him.

Suddenly, Xiao Yan frowned, staring at the distorted Space, his eyes narrowing slightly. He whispered, "Here it comes."

No sooner had Xiao Yan spoken than—splash!

The Space twisted violently, emitting a sound like flowing water. As this sound spread, the Space's fluctuations grew increasingly intense.

Boom! The Space exploded. Countless eyes flickered crimson, breaths grew heavy, and hands gripping weapons tightened slowly.

Boom boom boom!! From beneath the bone sea surged an immensely terrifying energy, blasting away all those greedy for quick gains.

A colossal palace, as vast as a mountain range, rose from beneath the bone sea!

Compared to this immense palace, even the peaks seemed tiny. Gazing up at this colossal structure standing between heaven and earth, a profound sense of insignificance arose naturally.

The palace was entirely crimson, appearing from afar as if wreathed in flames. Amid the stark white bone sea, it stood out with blinding intensity.

Seeing the palace appear, even Xiao Yan's gaze sharpened, his eyes alight with heat. From all the gathered intelligence, this Ancient Ruins was far from as simple as it seemed—something hidden lay within. This Sage Emperor was no mere half-Saint or low-level Saint—he was no ordinary figure.

"The gate's open!"

"Charge! The Heavenly Rank Dou Technique is mine!"

"Dream on!"

At the instant the gate opened, many eyes turned red. Those unable to contain themselves immediately activated their forms, flashing forward in mere moments to stand before the passage, then charged inside with roaring laughter.

Seeing how desperately these figures rushed, Hai Bodong sneered with disdain. If the Ruins truly rewarded speed, the Dou Zun would've stormed in long ago—why would it be left to these Dou Wang and Dou Huang?

As expected, the moment the gate opened, the dark passage turned crimson. The solid floor slowly cracked open, and then—scalding, crimson magma erupted forth. Simultaneously, the walls of the wide passage blasted out dazzling blue flame pillars. Anyone touched by these blue flames didn't even cry out—they turned instantly to ash.

"Of course there are traps guarding it," Xiao Yan and the others weren't surprised. Which Ancient Ruins doesn't have some defense?

After the flame passage calmed, Hai Bodong looked at Xiao Yan and asked, "Go in?"

"Yes. It's about time. Waiting any longer is pointless."

Just as Xiao Yan was about to let the Little Lion King enter the hall, his eyes suddenly narrowed—he whipped his head around, his Soul Force Perception sensing a familiar aura!

Space twisted, and then several petals drifted out from the Space Channel; a faint, elegant floral scent filled the air, and several graceful figures emerged from the Space Channel.

Flower Sect!

But what startled Xiao Yan was not the arrival of the Flower Sect—it was the leader at the head of the group: none other than Yun Yun, whom he had not seen in a long time!

(End of Chapter)