Chapter 539

Because the Bodhi Ancient Tree contains the Bodhi Heart, whoever obtains it will have their heart transformed into Bodhi.

The most direct proof was last time the Bodhi Ancient Tree appeared: a Two Star Dou Zun, by some extraordinary stroke of luck, somehow obtained the Bodhi Heart among a crowd of Nine-Turn Dou Zun and Half-Sage experts, and eventually became the famed Bodhi Ancient Sage, renowned throughout an era.

This near-divine effect is enough to drive everyone mad; whoever obtains the Bodhi Heart is directly granted a pass to ascend to Dou Sage and join the pinnacle tier of this world.

"No wonder the Ancient Treasure Pavilion agreed to Xiao Yan's spirit refining promise—it's because the Bodhi Tree is about to emerge!"

Many others also realized: if the Bodhi Ancient Tree emerges, Bodhi Seeds will begin circulating in the market; once Dou Qi Continent has Bodhi Seeds, the Alchemists capable of refining Bodhi Pills will become super sought-after.

There is only one Bodhi Heart, but many Bodhi Seeds—each time the Bodhi Ancient Tree appears, it produces numerous Bodhi Seeds; even if you can't obtain the Bodhi Heart, securing even one Bodhi Seed is a massive profit, and if refined into a Bodhi Pill, it can also grant Dou Sage status!

The Bodhi Ancient Tree is essentially a Dou Sage production line—a supreme treasure!

But for some unknown reason, the Bodhi Ancient Tree, which normally appears once every thousand years, has not surfaced in nearly ten thousand years.

A single Bodhi Pill is already sufficient to serve as the grand finale of this Space Trade Fair.

Without doubt, as soon as this news breaks, the entire Dou Qi Continent will go mad.

"Baoshan Elder, do you know the exact location where the Bodhi Ancient Tree will appear?"

Upon hearing the question, many fixed their gazes on Baoshan Elder—could the auctioned intelligence be the location of the Bodhi Ancient Tree?

But to everyone's surprise, Baoshan Elder directly replied: "Gentlemen, do not rush. Since the Ancient Treasure Pavilion chose to reveal this information, we will not continue to conceal it. This time, the Bodhi Ancient Tree will appear deep within the Manhuang Ancient Domain."

"Manhuang Ancient Domain!!!"

Instantly, everyone's expressions changed—the Manhuang Ancient Domain has the power to strike fear into even the bravest hearts!

Xiao Yan and Xiao Yixian exchanged glances instantly—what a coincidence?! Right at our doorstep!

Xiao Yan and Xiao Yixian both knew full well how terrifying the Manhuang Ancient Domain was; once, Xiao Yan fought a life-or-death battle with a super Fierce Beast nearly at Nine Rank, and when the beast realized it couldn't defeat him, it retreated—and only after that did the beast tide in the Manhuang Ancient Domain cease.

It goes without saying that although most Fierce Beasts within the Manhuang Ancient Domain are savage and irrational, there are still some leader-level super beings among them, and these beings are likely near Nine Rank or even fully Nine Rank.

The two places with the most demonic beasts are Shou Yu and the Manhuang Ancient Domain.

An elder's eyes gleamed as he murmured: "No wonder the three factions of the Ancient Treasure Pavilion released this intelligence."

"Why? They have Nine-Turn Dou Zun and even Half-Sages—entering the Manhuang Ancient Domain shouldn't be hard."

"Haha, you vastly underestimate this deadly land. If Dou Zun enter the Manhuang Ancient Domain, they might still survive—but if a Dou Sage enters, the entire place will turn upside down. The waters there run too deep; rumors say even the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan's Dou Sage dare not enter—anyone who goes in dies. Do you think the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan and the Nine Underworld Python Clan don't want to enter the Manhuang Ancient Domain to seek the relics and essence-blood of the Ancient Heavenly Snake and Ancient Heavenly Phoenix?"

"Entering the Manhuang Ancient Domain alone is suicide; only by drawing in more people to scatter the attention of the super Fierce Beasts can one profit from the chaos."

Suddenly, many understood the deeper meaning.

"Haha, every time the Bodhi Ancient Tree emerges, it triggers a Sky Phenomenon. Within this month, you will gradually sense it—I assure you, my words are no lie." Baoshan Elder smiled warmly. "The intelligence has been given to you; this Space Trade Fair has now concluded successfully. Thank you all for your continued patronage."

In the grand hall, the atmosphere fell silent for a moment, then people gradually rose and exited the hall.

If everyone rushes to the Manhuang Ancient Domain only a month later when the Bodhi Ancient Tree emerges, few will go—but if given a full month, Dou Zun from beyond Zhong Zhou will flood into the Manhuang Ancient Domain!

And this is precisely the effect the three factions of the Ancient Treasure Pavilion wanted!

"Let's go. We'll deal with the Bodhi Ancient Tree later—first, handle other matters."

Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Xiao Yixian and the others nodded and followed him out.

As Xiao Yan departed, countless eyes fixed tightly on his back; many glinted with cold light, their gazes locked in a struggle between greed and reason.

Everyone knew that offending Xiao Yan would bring no good end—not even the Gu Clan, but even offending an Eight Grade Peak Alchemist would be disastrous.

But if one could seize the prize, hide away, cultivate in seclusion for a while, change one's name and identity, then a hundred years later, one would still be a mighty hero! Didn't Xiao Yan himself once do exactly that—storming the Snake Empire to seize Cai Lin's Lotus Earth Core Fire?

After leaving the Space Trade Fair, Xiao Yan and the others stopped at a desert of yellow sand.

"Ya Fei, hide in the Void Space for now." Xiao Yan pulled the Soul Robe from his storage ring and draped it over Ya Fei.

Realizing she was still a liability in battle, Ya Fei's beautiful eyes dimmed slightly; she made no resistance, nodded, and said: "Be careful, Xiao Yan brother," then, before everyone's eyes, stole a kiss on Xiao Yan's cheek, her face flushed, and stepped into the Black Flame passage.

Xiao Yan rubbed his nose, cleared his throat twice, and changed the subject: "Everyone, you've been following us for a while now—if you keep going, I'll be heading back to the Gu Clan to visit relatives."

Xiao Yan's voice carried Dou Qi—he knew perfectly well that since they left, countless Dou Zun had been trailing them, even following through space like leeches.

Of course, although Xiao Yan was close to Xun Er, his ties to the Gu Clan were weak—he had no space Jade Slip from any Gu Clan Dou Sage, so he couldn't summon one.

Moreover, Dou Emperor Families had an agreement: none would directly interfere in Dou Qi Continent affairs, allowing it to develop naturally. Otherwise, the entire Dou Qi Continent would long ago have been enslaved by the Dou Emperor Families.

But the Gu Clan cannot act—the Soul Sect can. His ties to the Soul Sect are far from ordinary; he possesses a Soul Token, and Zhu Li gave him a space Jade Slip—though this slip opens a passage to Dragon Island, it can also be used for rescue in emergencies.

Upon hearing the name "Gu Clan," even those who suspected Xiao Yan was bluffing dared not act rashly.

Those who reached High-Level Dou Zun knew of the Dou Emperor Families and their agreement not to interfere—but they still feared it! What if the Gu Clan's beloved daughter flew into a rage? They wouldn't even need to lift a finger!

Seeing Xiao Yan shamelessly exploit the Gu Clan's reputation, even Xiao Yixian couldn't help but smile faintly.

The Gu Clan's name indeed deterred many from acting—but the Dou Qi Continent has never lacked desperate killers, nor has it lacked people like Xiao Yan.

For example, the Scorpion Demon Three Ghosts.

Seeing the space before them twist into three black-robed figures, Xiao Yan didn't need to ask—he knew exactly who they were.

"Of course, those three old devils couldn't swallow their anger."

"Hey, you all know what kind of sect Yunyu Sect, founded by these three old devils, really is. This sect cultivates its strength by breeding flesh vessels—selecting talented young girls, giving them cultivation methods, forcing them to train for over a decade, then using Yunyu Sect's unique sexual techniques to absorb their Dou Qi, after which these women all wither and die within ten days."

"The several beauties beside Xiao Yan all possess Special Physiques—these three old devils have coveted them for a long time."

After emerging, Xiao Yixian and the others had not donned black robes—since Xiao Yan had revealed himself, there was no need to conceal anything.

Seeing the three blocking their path, Cai Lin's eyes darkened instantly, for rumors said Yunyu Sect had once tried to ally with the Tianming Sect and the Nine Underworld Python Clan, but for some reason had been rejected.

Seeing the three women, the Scorpion Demon Three Ghosts' eyes gleamed with lust—for them, women with Special Physiques were the most coveted treasures.

"Haha, who would've thought the Qi San Hua Tong is here too—one each, enough for my three brothers to feast well." The weakest among them, Renxie Old Man, couldn't help but stare at Qing Lin—his disgusting gaze made Qing Lin's face turn icy, her eyes flashing a cold, lethal intent.

Feeling the Scorpion Demon Three Ghosts' naked stares, Cai Lin and Xiao Yixian's faces gradually turned cold, Dou Qi condensing like lightning in their palms.

Xiao Yan's Soul Force swept over them and immediately knew their strengths: Nine-Turn Dou Zun, Eight-Turn Dou Zun, and one Six-Turn… no wonder they had such confidence.

Together, they could retreat unscathed even against a High-Level Half-Sage.

Just as Xiao Yan planned to fight two at once—tackling Sky Scorpion Elder and Dixie Old Man—while letting Cai Lin and the others hold off Renxie Old Man—Cai Lin seized Xiao Yan's hand, her gaze unwavering: "You handle Sky Scorpion Elder. The rest is ours."

"But—"

"Perhaps my strength now falls short of yours, but whenever you face an obstacle, I will clear it for you—no matter what."

Hearing Cai Lin's decisive voice, even Xiao Yan was momentarily stunned—this, perhaps, was Cai Lin's unique tenderness: a warmth more domineering than any other, scorching like a Heavenly Flame.

Xiao Yan was stunned speechless by this domineering declaration—so this was the feeling of a commanding woman! This was what it felt like to be protected!!

Cai Lin glanced at Xiao Yixian, and in an instant, the two reached mutual understanding.

Xiao Yixian instantly unleashed her Eternal Calamity Body; her black hair turned ash-white, and tendrils of poisonous Heavenly Flame—capable of corroding even Space—wrapped her entire body, faintly taking the shape of a giant bird.

"Hehe, little beauty, you're in such a hurry?" Sensing Xiao Yixian locking onto him, the Human Scorpion Elder smirked, yet his eyes held a flicker of wariness.

After all, Xiao Yixian's own cultivation realm was already One-Turn, and as a holder of the Eternal Calamity Body with Heavenly Flame, who dared underestimate her when she unleashed her full power?

Boom!! Xiao Yixian struck with a Heavenly Rank Dou Technique; her pupils turned ash-white, like a death god indifferent to the world. With one swipe of the Eternal Calamity Claw, five gray poison trails ripped through Space, poisoning all things—space along the path was corrupted.

!!!

"Ha!" Sensing the terror of Xiao Yixian's claw, the Human Scorpion Elder dared not underestimate her—he immediately activated his Defensive Dou Technique.

Sizzle!! The Eternal Calamity Claw slammed into the defense; though it appeared blocked, tendrils of poison exploded outward, and toxic mist surged like a tidal wave toward the Human Scorpion Elder.

"Third brother!" The Earth Scorpion Elder was startled—how could this Eternal Calamity Body be so much stronger than the legends described?

A wave of alertness surged in the Earth Scorpion Elder's heart—BOOM—a seven-colored Heavenly Thunder crashed down.

"Hmph, mere trifles!"

The Earth Scorpion Elder instantly formed hand seals, pointing one finger skyward—his fingertip blazed like the sun: it was the Luo Ri Finger Xiao Yan had purchased—the very Dou Technique they cultivated!

Boom boom boom!!! Floating midair, Cai Lin's cultivation realm was still only Nine-Star Dou Zun—far inferior to the Eight-Turn Dou Zun.

But Cai Lin was not fighting alone.

Sssss!! A flash of green light—suddenly, a colossal blue Sea Python lunged at the Earth Scorpion Elder.

"That's the Chi Snake Race?!"

"Right, didn't the Chi Snake Race attack one of the Yan Alliance's Cities not long ago, and get repelled?"

"It's the Qi San Hua Tong!"

With a hum, Qing Lin formed a hand seal—her Soul Force surged violently, her cultivation realm skyrocketed, instantly rising four stars.

Her eyes flashed green—blinding light lanced toward the Earth Scorpion Elder.

Even the Eight-Turn Earth Scorpion Elder, struck by the Qi San Hua Tong's light, was momentarily dazed—CRACK! Cai Lin gripped her Thunder Whip and lashed out at the stunned Earth Scorpion Elder; the whip curled like a giant python.

Their combined strength was terrifying.

"Damn it, get out of my way!!" The Earth Scorpion Elder shattered their assault with brute force—his terrifying Dou Qi swept outward, a tidal wave of energy blasting the Sea Python and Cai Lin's attacks away.

In that instant, Black Flame appeared—a headless puppet emerged from behind, absorbing all puppet powers. Xing Tian slammed a heavy punch into the Earth Scorpion Elder's back—THUD—the impact sent ripples through Space.

He punched the Earth Scorpion Elder clean into the yellow sands.

"Puppet!"

Before the Sky Scorpion Elder could rush to rescue him, a ghostly figure appeared before him—Xiao Yan, smiling calmly, his eyes glacially cold: "I never thought you, who aren't even a Half-Sage, would dare stand in my way?"

Under the Sky Scorpion Elder's terrified gaze, Xiao Yan's forehead slowly revealed a colorful Clan Mark—the pattern spread across his entire body in an instant, and a power long vanished reappeared upon the Dou Qi Continent!

"This… is the Clan Mark?!!"

Xiao Clan!

The Xiao Clan's Dou Di Bloodline does not enhance Soul Force, nor does it improve Dou Techniques, nor does it bolster physical constitution like the Lei Clan or Yan Clan.

The Xiao Clan's Dou Di Bloodline has only one unique ability: it dramatically enhances Dou Qi!

(End of Chapter)