Chapter 504

Time flew by; in the remaining months, Xiao Yan stayed on East Dragon Island, frantically refining elixirs. Crafting a Nine-Treasure Pill was clearly impossible, but he still had some confidence in refining an Eight Grade Peak Nine Revolution Heaven Changing Pill.

Zhu Li stared at the nine-colored Pill Thunder descending from the sky; after these past months, he was now numb, not knowing what to say.

"To refine an Eight Grade Pill that summons nine-colored Pill Thunder at this age—even among the Yao Clan, that's explosive!"

Xiao Yan had trained for a considerable time at the Hua Sect and Thunder Pool; he was now twenty-nine years old.

At twenty-nine, refining an Eight Grade Pill that summons nine-colored Pill Thunder—this age and alchemical talent would shock the entire Yao Clan into awe as a supreme genius!

Moreover, this was the second Pill to summon nine-colored Pill Thunder! The time required was reduced by a third compared to the first, and the Pill Thunder's power was even stronger, clearly demonstrating its exceptional quality!

Space twisted as Xiao Yan stepped out of the passage, wearing a filthy Alchemist Long Robe; though his face was dirty, a smug smile lingered on his lips—he was clearly very satisfied with this elixir.

Though Xiao Yan had spent these days refining pills, he had sensed many powerful auras appearing on Dragon Island; it seemed the Elders who had refused to join the battle and trained outside had returned.

With these returning Elders, Zi Yan's unification of Dragon Island should pose little problem.

"Elder Zhu Li, has Zi Yan not emerged from her seclusion yet?" Xiao Yan asked.

Zhu Li shook his head. "Not yet. This time, Dragon Emperor Adult's seclusion won't be short; when the four islands gather again, Dragon Emperor Adult must break through to Nine Rank to suppress the Three Great Dragon Kings."

Hearing Zhu Li's words, Xiao Yan's eyelid twitched; he sighed bitterly. "Ah, truly enviable—to break through to Nine Rank. Most people wouldn't even dare dream of such a realm."

"Hehe, Master Xiao Yan needn't be discouraged. The Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit has appeared only six times in the entire history of the Dou Qi Continent. For the Void Ancient Dragons, Dragon Phoenix Bloodline is the supreme pinnacle—only Dragon Emperor Adult possesses it across the entire continent. For us beasts, bloodline is paramount. And in my view, Master Xiao Yan reaching Dou Sage won't be particularly difficult." Elder Zhu Li stroked his beard, his eyes scanning Xiao Yan.

After all, Xiao Yan was an Alchemist! Dou Sage? That's just a matter of refining a Nine-Treasure Pill!

For others, refining a Nine-Treasure Pill was nearly impossible—but for Xiao Yan? Who could say? In Zhu Li's estimation, Xiao Yan would refine a Nine-Treasure Pill sooner or later.

Xiao Yan sighed and nodded; he knew well that Zi Yan's bloodline was inherently exalted, so her rapid advancement was natural—yet anyone would feel a slight imbalance in their heart.

"I wonder if Xun Er could break through to Dou Sage? That wouldn't be so exaggerated, right?" Xiao Yan thought. Even if the Gu Clan was powerful, it could only be slightly stronger than the Void Ancient Dragon Clan—Xun Er wouldn't break through to Dou Sage, surely.

"It's time, Elder Zhu Li. Please give this jade pendant to Zi Yan for me. Tell her something." Xiao Yan handed over a new Soul Jade pendant, bowed slightly, and prepared to leave East Dragon Island.

Seeing Xiao Yan's intent to depart, Zhu Li did not stop him. The atmosphere on East Dragon Island was now extremely tense, constantly on guard against attacks from the Three Great Dragon Islands. Staying here long-term wasn't safe. After a brief pause, he nodded. "Understood."

"Young Master Xiao Yan, take this Space Jade Slip. Should you ever need to come to East Dragon Island in the future, crush it—the Space Power within will automatically form a Void Passage to teleport you here." Zhu Li took a beautifully crafted silver Jade Slip from his storage ring and handed it to Xiao Yan with a smile.

Xiao Yan accepted it without refusal, smiling. Such Space Jade Slips could only be crafted by experts above Half-Sage level, and their creation was extremely intricate.

This Space Jade Slip wasn't merely for sending messages—it directly teleported the user away or summoned a powerful ally.

"If so, I won't linger longer. Should you ever need anything in the future, if I can help, I will spare no effort." Xiao Yan bowed to Elder Zhu Li, then opened a Void Passage and departed.

Watching Xiao Yan leave, Zhu Li stroked his beard, and behind him, several old figures appeared.

"That's Xiao Yan—the husband chosen by Dragon Emperor Adult?"

"Hehe, you'll have to ask Dragon Emperor Adult yourself. We dare not influence his decisions."

The elders, upon seeing Xiao Yan, nodded silently—clearly satisfied.

Soon after stepping out of the space, Xiao Yan gazed at the endless mountain ranges and land below, then looked up at the blue sky, exhaling softly. Compared to the endless black Void Space, the true continent felt far more refreshing.

Xiao Yan stretched, pulled out the glowing Ancient Jade Token from his storage ring, and knew the ancient tomb's opening time was near.

"Xun Er…" Looking at the Ancient Jade Token, Xiao Yan's eyes softened; the girl who always called him "Brother Xiao Yan" surfaced in his mind.

From Wutan City to Jia Nan Academy, she had always been by his side. Now, Xiao Yan would reclaim her again!

Even the mysterious Gu Clan couldn't stop him!

Xiao Yan took a deep breath. He knew the coming trials rested solely on his own strength. The Ancient Realm—even the Soul Sovereign could not interfere. No matter what happened, he could rely only on himself.

After securing the Ancient Jade Token, Xiao Yan pulled out the Soul Token. Soon, a space rift opened, and Three Heavenly Venerable Ghost Ming stepped forth from another void.

"You're here sooner than expected," Xiao Yan said, smirking at the old man before him.

"Jiejiejie! After all, Ten Heavenly Venerable possesses unparalleled charisma—even this old man can't resist it." Three Heavenly Venerable Ghost Ming stared at Xiao Yan, his eerie laugh echoing.

"Stop staring at me like that. I said it, and I'll deliver. Here—we're even." Xiao Yan casually tossed a Pill Bottle to Three Heavenly Venerable Ghost Ming; inside was the Nine Revolution Heaven Changing Pill!

Catching the bottle firmly, Three Heavenly Venerable Ghost Ming opened it, sniffed, and instantly wore a rapturous expression.

"Excellent elixir—truly a Nine Revolution Heaven Changing Pill!" His eyes gleamed with greed. He was a Low-Level Half-Sage, having remained so for over a decade, still far from Mid-Level. Yet this single pill could instantly elevate him!

"Jiejiejie! Ten Heavenly Venerable is truly the Pill Gathering Champion! At such a young age, refining a Nine Color Pill Thunder Eight Grade Pill—truly admirable!" Even now, he treated Xiao Yan with great courtesy.

"Enough, enough. I've got things to do. No more chit-chat." Xiao Yan had no patience for this Three Heavenly Venerable. He needed a bath, a fresh outfit, and the best possible state before entering the Ancient Realm!

This time, Xiao Yan planned to go alone.

The Gu Clan—a mysterious and powerful race, passed down since ancient times, possessed talents that ordinary people envied beyond measure. What others saw as an arduous cultivation path, they viewed as a smooth road straight to the Dao. With minimal cultivation, they became the powerful figures others could only dream of, swiftly surpassing their peers who toiled endlessly, crowning themselves with glory after glory.

In ancient times, Dou Emperor Families weren't as secretive as now; they often traveled across Zhong Zhou. But after the Dou Emperors vanished, a war among Dou Emperor Families ensued, and the few remaining families gradually retreated into obscurity.

To enter the Ancient Realm, one must first reach Shen Cheng—a massive city entirely owned by the Gu Clan. It functioned as a city for Gu Clan descendants, though unlike their true settlements, this city mainly hosted guests and offered no cultivation grounds—it was essentially an outer city.

The Gu Clan descendants' true residence and cultivation city lay within the Ancient Realm, just like the Soul Realm's Soul Corpse City.

Ling Quan, whom Xiao Yan knew, was a Gu Clan descendant born in Shen Cheng. His Dou Emperor Bloodline mutated to Six-Grade, so he was recruited into the Ancient Realm and eventually became a Commander of the Black Smoke Army.

A soft hum—on a space plaza outside Shen Cheng, a young man in elegant attire, a white jade belt at his waist, slowly descended.

Naturally, it was Xiao Clan's Young Clan Leader—Xiao Yan!

As the saying goes, "Man needs clothes as horse needs saddle." He wasn't wearing his old black robe this time. This outfit was the one Ya Fei had once given him—for grand occasions!

"Is that Shen Cheng?" Xiao Yan gazed at the distant city, a colossal metropolis wrapped in a golden light shield. Legend said Shen Cheng was built in ancient times by a Dou Emperor; even the shield contained a trace of Dou Emperor power, protecting the city from outside invasion.

In the sky, many others traveled the same route as Xiao Yan. Judging by their flight speed, most were formidable. Yet Xiao Yan saw no familiar factions—he felt a chill. They said Zhong Zhou was teeming with hidden experts. Now he saw it: these experts' strength rivaled that of Elders from top-tier factions, yet they remained utterly unassuming, terrifyingly low-key.

"It seems the Adult Ceremony is also the Gu Clan's stage to display their strength."

Though the grasslands stretched vast, they meant little to Xiao Yan. In less than ten minutes, the looming city—once faint—now stood clearly before his eyes.

At first sight, Xiao Yan and others were stunned. This city wasn't the imposing fortress they imagined. Built from pale green stone, centuries of erosion had left it looking decayed, exuding an ancient aura that carried the weight of antiquity.

Outside Shen Cheng's gates, several queues formed. One had to verify identity before entering, and only when the Adult Ceremony officially began would the Ancient Realm's entrance open.

"Hm? Ling Quan?" Xiao Yan smiled wryly. Seeing Ling Quan checking invitation slips ahead—he couldn't help but think: "Fate is cruel."

After all these years, Ling Quan's strength remained at Dou Zong—Ninth Star Dou Zong—and still hadn't broken through to Dou Zun.

But Xiao Yan didn't know: Ling Quan should have broken through to Dou Zun long ago. After all, he was a Six-Grade Gu Clan Dou Emperor Bloodline, and a Commander of the Black Smoke Army.

Yet he had angered Xiao Yan. Back then, Xiao Yan had implanted a sliver of gray Heavenly Punishment Thunder into him. That single sliver cost him immense effort, great cost, and years to remove—thus delaying his breakthrough.

This has left him ranked last among the Eight Commanders, even at risk of being surpassed by his subordinates—he's doomed to accomplish nothing in this lifetime.

When Xiao Yan arrived at the city gate, Ling Quan naturally saw him and exclaimed: "Xiao Yan!! You!!"

After his shock, Ling Quan's face turned utterly dark—because of Xiao Yan! He was forced to guard the gate here! And if he loses a challenge during this Adult Ceremony, his position as Commander will be replaced!!

How could he not hate him!

"This is no place for you!"

Ling Quan's sudden grim expression and cold shout drew many gazes snapping over, finally pausing in surprise on Xiao Yan's figure.

"Xiao Yan? Could it be the Xiao Yan of the Yan Alliance! The Pill Gathering Champion!"

"It must be him—such youth, yet his bearing is truly remarkable."

Xiao Yan's victory as Pill Gathering Champion had already stirred uproar across Zhong Zhou; now, even on the Dou Qi Continent, Xiao Yan carried considerable fame.

Many were curious what grudge the Gu Clan's Black Smoke Army Commander bore against this Pill Gathering Champion.

Xiao Yan glanced at Ling Quan, sized him up, then shook his head and said pityingly: "Tsk tsk tsk—Ninth-Star Dou Zong? Sigh, once you were mighty and imposing. Now, you've truly shamed the Gu Clan. A Ninth-Star Dou Zong as Commander? Go hang yourself."

Hearing Xiao Yan's tone of disdain and mockery, several Dou Zun elders chuckled. Though it was already extravagant to assign a Ninth-Star Dou Zong to guard a gate, this was the Gu Clan's Shen Cheng—and for a Ninth-Star Dou Zong to be a Black Smoke Army Commander? That was absurd.

Humiliated by Xiao Yan, and already blocked from breakthrough by him, Ling Quan's rage surged into his heart, clouding his mind with fury.

"Xiao Yan!!!!"

Seeing Ling Quan foolishly unleash the Emperor Seal Technique, Xiao Yan smirked coldly—this kind of temperament? Pathetic.

With a single fingertip pointed through the air, terrifying spatial power instantly crushed down!

Boom!! The armored Ling Quan collapsed face-first to the ground, utterly immobilized.

"Self-deception," Xiao Yan said coldly, staring at the pinned Ling Quan.

Hearing Xiao Yan's words, the immobilized Ling Quan's fury surged into his chest—he spat blood and fainted. He could not accept this: his Dao Heart had been utterly shattered by Xiao Yan; even if he one day broke through to Dou Zun, this would become his Heart Demon.

Of course, this was still the entrance to Shen Cheng—Xiao Yan had just beaten the Black Smoke Army Commander into vomiting blood and unconsciousness; how could the other Black Smoke Army soldiers stand idly by?

Shhh! Shhh! Shhh! Shhh! Shhh! Shhh!

In an instant, nearly a hundred Black Smoke Army soldiers clad in black armor appeared from the gate and city walls, stepping through Space, their spears instantly leveled at Xiao Yan.

Though inferior to Ling Quan, each of these soldiers was at Dou Zong level—a hundred Dou Zong guarding the gate? This was no small display.

Surrounded by these Black Smoke Army soldiers, Xiao Yan showed not the slightest panic.

"Who are you? Do you know that attacking the Black Smoke Army is tantamount to declaring war on our Gu Clan!" A thunderous shout erupted from the city wall, followed by a figure streaking down like lightning, landing heavily before the gate like a steel tower.

Hearing this, Xiao Yan glanced at the man descending from the sky. Like Ling Quan, he wore a lustrous, translucent armor—but his aura was far stronger, a Third-Star Dou Zun.

"Hail, Fifth Commander!"

The surrounding Black Smoke Army soldiers immediately bowed respectfully; one quickly summarized the prior events.

"You are the Yan Alliance's Xiao Yan?"

Upon hearing Xiao Yan's name, the man in green-glowing armor froze, then frowned at him—his gaze held, faintly, a trace of hostility.

Xiao Yan clasped his hands behind his back, calm and unhurried. He glanced at Ling Quan lying at his feet, kicked him aside to clear the path, and said flatly: "Your Gu Clan Commander attacked me—am I not allowed to retaliate? Has the Black Smoke Army taken over the Dou Qi Continent?"

Now that he knew it was Xiao Yan, the Fifth Commander understood the situation. It wasn't just Ling Quan or the Black Smoke Army—most male members of the Gu Clan held deep enmity toward Xiao Yan.

Just recently, at a clan meeting, Xun Er had defied all Elders' objections, rejected every proposal of marriage from the Gu Clan's prodigies, and publicly declared her relationship with Xiao Yan!

Though announced at the Elder meeting, the news could not be kept secret; many Gu Clan prodigies who secretly adored the Clan Leader's daughter had long regarded Xiao Yan as a rival.

This Fifth Commander was among them—though unlike Ling Quan, he was more rational, knew he was unworthy of Xun Er, yet still harbored resentment toward Xiao Yan. After all, his goddess was marrying someone else.

"And let me remind you of one thing: I am not here representing the Yan Alliance." Xiao Yan's gaze was calm, unruffled.

"Not representing the Yan Alliance?"

Xiao Yan took from his storage ring the Ancient Jade Token that Xun Er had given him—the ancient characters carved upon it shimmered vividly.

"That's the Ancient Jade Token!!! Impossible! How could you possibly have the Ancient Jade Token!" The Fifth Commander cried out upon seeing it.

That was a Gu Clan token!

At that moment, Xiao Yan's voice rang out clearly: "Why do I have it? Because I am Xiao Yan, Young Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan!"

"I have come here to represent the Xiao Clan at the Gu Clan's Adult Ceremony."

At these words, not only did the Gu Clan members stare in shock—even some experts behind Xiao Yan who knew of the Xiao Clan were dumbfounded. Most had only known Xiao Yan as the Pill Gathering Champion and initiator of the Yan Alliance Covenant.

They had no idea Xiao Yan was the Young Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan, one of the ancient Dou Emperor Families!

And wasn't the Xiao Clan wiped out a thousand years ago!?

(End of Chapter)