Chapter 602: The Future of the Dou Qi Continent (Supplement, Requesting Monthly Votes)

Xiao Yan had captured only four Alchemist Soul Bodies: Yao Li and YaoAo of the Yao Clan, the Bone Child Elder from the Sect Grand Meeting, and Mu Gu of the Soul Sovereign.

All four had harbored grudges against Xiao Yan and sought to kill him, only to be slain by him, their Soul Bodies subsequently seized.

"Sigh, the Xiao Clan's Young Clan Leader joining the Soul Sovereign—what a bizarre world this has become." The Dan Tower Ancestor also sighed and shook his head; he had indeed once had some ties to the Xiao Clan.

A thousand years ago, Xiao Chen, a cousin of Xiao Xuan, the Xiao Clan Clan Leader, had been on friendly terms with him, but later Xiao Chen entered the Strange Flame Realm seeking the Pure Lotus Demonic Fire and vanished without a trace.

Xiao Yan smiled and did not dwell on the matter; a thousand years ago, the Xiao Clan had been powerful enough to challenge the Soul Sovereign, but now the Yan Alliance was but an ant before the Soul Sovereign—Hun Tian Di could erase the entire Yan Alliance at any moment.

"Ancestor, I have come this time for a Pill Formula. I humbly beg you to grant it to me." Xiao Yan dropped the subject and spoke directly.

How could the Dan Tower Ancestor not guess? To the Soul Sovereign, the Dan Tower had only two values: one was himself, for he was a Nine Grade Profound Pill, and after a thousand years of evolution, he had reached the peak of Nine Grade Profound Pill, just one step away from becoming a Golden Pill.

But that step was not easy for him to take.

The second was a fragmented Imperial Grade Pill Formula left behind by the Dan Tower's Founder, a Peak Strength cultivator at Nine Star Peak Dou Saint.

Back then, Hun Xu Zi entered the Dan Tower to cultivate Pill Alchemy; besides genuinely intending to learn the Dan Tower's methods, his other motive was this Imperial Grade Pill Formula.

But later, his identity was discovered by the then Tower Master—otherwise, Hun Xu Zi might have succeeded back then.

The Dan Tower Ancestor looked at Xiao Yan and sighed deeply: "Hun Tian Di's desire to break through to Dou Emperor is no secret; naturally, his greed for this Formula is understandable."

With a soft hum, the Dan Tower Ancestor withdrew from within his own Pill's inner space a simple, ancient Scroll—so plain it resembled a piece of sheepskin, utterly unlike modern Pill Formulas, more like those from ancient times.

And indeed, the Dan Tower Founder who created this Formula was an extraordinarily ancient powerhouse, from an era when Dou Emperors had vanished, when countless strong cultivators had sought alternative paths to break through to Dou Emperor.

After all, without Source Qi, the old path to becoming Dou Emperor was blocked—only new ways remained.

This powerful Alchemist intended to rely on Pill power: ordinary Emperor Pills required Source Qi, but since Source Qi no longer existed on the Dou Qi Continent, he aimed to create an Emperor Grade Pill that needed no Source Qi.

Naturally, he failed—and rumors claimed the Dan Tower Founder died from exhausting his life essence during the refining process.

The Formula in the Dan Tower Ancestor's hands wasn't even a proper Formula—it was barely a concept, or even less than that: merely experimental data. In today's terms, it was nothing but scrap paper.

The Dan Tower Ancestor gazed deeply at Xiao Yan, filled with profound helplessness—he could not alter or stop the tide of this world.

Think of it: if Xiao Yan stood with the Soul Sovereign, who on the entire Dou Qi Continent could stop Hun Tian Di's advance???

This was an unbeatable ending!

Originally, only Hun Xu Zi could not refine the Emperor Pill—this Scroll would be useless to him. But with Xiao Yan added, it became possible.

Rumors even said that the several Dou Emperor Families had once agreed not to send cultivators above Five-Star Dou Saint to interfere on the Dou Qi Continent, precisely to protect the Dan Tower and prevent its annexation by the One Hall—otherwise, the Dan Tower would have been destroyed long ago.

But such agreements were merely toys of the powerful. Xiao Yan knew the Soul Sovereign merely lacked the manpower to deal with the Dan Tower right now—they needed their strength to acquire the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade. Why go through such trouble otherwise?

Seeing the Scroll in the Dan Tower Ancestor's hand, Xiao Yan showed no irrational frenzy; he said: "If you are willing to trade, I will do my best to fulfill your request."

For Xiao Yan, this Scroll was not something he needed—it was Hun Tian Di who needed it. If Xiao Yan obtained this Formula, Hun Tian Di promised to give him the complete Emperor Soul Scripture and fully assist him in seizing the Pure Lotus Demonic Fire.

Hearing Xiao Yan's words, the Dan Tower Ancestor merely smiled faintly and slowly shook his head; both knew the truth perfectly well.

On the Dou Qi Continent, the word "refuse" did not exist.

If the Soul Sovereign could not gather the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade, this broken Imperial Grade Pill Formula was useless. But if they gathered the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade, even the Gu Clan could not stop Hun Tian Di.

After looking at Xiao Yan, the Dan Tower Ancestor sighed and slowly handed him the Scroll: "The tide of the Dou Qi Continent is beyond my power—or even the Dan Tower's—to alter. If anyone has the authority to steer its direction, perhaps you are one of them."

"I am merely a Nine Grade Profound Pill, long accustomed to life and death. I exist only because the Alchemist who refined me left a fragment of his soul within me."

"My mission is not to guard this Scroll—it is to guard the Dan Tower."

"Xiao Yan, no matter how the Dou Qi Continent changes in the future, I hope you will forge a good fortune with the Dan Tower—protect it, leave it a path to survive."

Looking at the Scroll the Dan Tower Ancestor extended, Xiao Yan fell silent for a moment, not immediately reaching out to take it.

Xiao Yan understood the Dan Tower Ancestor's words perfectly—he understood the hidden currents surging across the Dou Qi Continent.

Though the Dou Emperor Families had agreed not to interfere in Dou Qi Continent affairs, the very existence of such an agreement proved the continent had always been under the control of those few families.

Today's so-called "One Hall One Tower" existed only because the Dou Emperor Families allowed them to grow—meaning, the moment those families broke the agreement, the entire Dou Qi Continent would be instantly carved up, with no resistance possible.

Among all factions, the only one possibly spared from the Dou Emperor Families' control was Xiao Yan's Yan Alliance—not only because Xiao Yan had ties to the Gu Clan, but also because he had interests tied to the Soul Sovereign.

Though Xiao Yan's cultivation was inferior to the Dan Tower Ancestor's, all could see clearly: Xiao Yan was the future, his potential boundless. Even now, his Pill Alchemy surpassed the Dan Tower.

If Xiao Yan could refine a Nine Grade Profound Pill, he would be the top Alchemist on the Dou Qi Continent—only the Yao Clan Clan Leader and Hun Xu Zi could rival him.

When the Dan Tower Ancestor learned Xiao Yan was sent by the One Hall, he gave up resistance—how could he possibly resist?!

If Xiao Yan had been enemies with the One Hall, the Dan Tower Ancestor would have unhesitatingly joined him against the Soul Sovereign—at least there would be a chance at the future.

But now—Xiao Yan was one of the Ten Heavenly Elders of the One Hall, and in the future, possibly the Great Heavenly Venerable, Deputy Head, or even Head of the Hall—there was no gamble left for the Dan Tower.

Looking at the Scroll extended before him, Xiao Yan's mind churned with countless thoughts.

With a soft snap, Xiao Yan seized the Scroll, his eyes firm as he nodded: "Ancestor, rest assured—I am not an ungrateful man. I will not forget the Dan Tower's kindness. My master once cultivated Pill Alchemy here; my entire lineage bears the Dan Tower's imprint."

"No matter whether Hun Tian Di becomes a Dou Emperor, I will do my utmost to preserve the Dan Tower."

Xiao Yan's Soul Contract with Hun Tian Di not only obligated him to assist the Soul Sovereign in refining the Emperor Pill—it also protected him: should Hun Tian Di one day become a Dou Emperor, he must acknowledge the Xiao Clan's status and not erase it.

This Soul Contract was born of mutual will—meaning, even if Hun Tian Di became a Dou Emperor, he could not contradict his own will, could not strike his own hand.

Moreover, if either the Soul Sovereign or the Gu Clan eventually produced a Dou Emperor, it might not be bad for the Dou Qi Continent as a whole. Take the Yao Clan: once no longer aloof, Yao Emperor's legacy and certain ancient Pill Refining Methods might spread, inevitably raising the overall Alchemist level of the Dou Qi Continent.

The reason no one on the Dou Qi Continent can now refine Profound Pills or Golden Pills is partly because the Yao Clan monopolized the legacy, causing the continent's Alchemy to be lower than in ancient times.

Hearing Xiao Yan's promise, the Dan Tower Ancestor smiled and nodded: "Heh, Yao Chen's disciple—you wouldn't be blind twice."

"Ancestor knew my master?" Xiao Yan asked curiously after securing the Formula.

"We met a few times. His Alchemy talent was no less than yours. Alas, what a pity." The Dan Tower Ancestor patted Xiao Yan's shoulder: "The future of the Dou Qi Continent is entrusted to you."

Xiao Yan could only smile bitterly—what could he do? He was just an employee!

After the Dan Tower Ancestor departed, Xiao Yan opened the Scroll. The Formula was absurdly fragmented—more accurately, it was not a Formula at all, but derived from an ancient Pill capable of helping Nine-Star Dou Sheng Peak or Semi-Emperor cultivators break through to Dou Emperor.

"Quite a fanciful idea," Xiao Yan thought at a glance—its creator had intended to replace Source Qi with Pill power.

But Xiao Yan knew instantly it was impossible: breaking through to Dou Emperor required far more than mere energy. Had sheer power been enough, Xiao Xuan would have succeeded long ago.

There would be no such problems today.

The content of this Formula was fundamentally flawed—unachievable.

"Forget it. It's not my concern. Once Hun Tian Di obtains the Imperial Grade Embryonic Pill from the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Cave Mansion, I'll study it then."

Of course, Hun Tian Di never intended to refine an Imperial Grade Pill; this Pill Formula was meant to be used after he opened the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Cave Mansion, obtained the Primitive Pill, and combined it with this incomplete formula to jointly complete the refinement of the Primitive Pill.

After all, Dou Emperors had vanished too long, and the Imperial Grade Pills left by the Yao Clan to help Dou Saints break through to Dou Emperor status had all been consumed by the Yao Clan, leaving hope that an Imperial Grade Pill could still be refined.

Perhaps the incomplete Imperial Grade Pill Formula in Xiao Yan's hands is now the only one of its kind in this world.

What Xiao Yan and Hun Xu Zi must do is reverse-engineer this formula back to its original version requiring Source Qi, then refine the Primitive Pill according to that original version.

Seeing Xiao Yan obtain the Scroll, Zi Yan walked over; her expression was somewhat unnatural, for she did not know how the Dou Qi Continent would change, or what would become of her Tai Xu Ancient Dragon Clan.

If Hun Tian Di truly became an Emperor, who could resist him?

"Worrying about these things is useless—we cannot stop the Soul Sovereign, and becoming an Emperor doesn't mean anything. He has his path to Dou Emperor status; we have our own lives." Xiao Yan gently stroked Zi Yan's silken hair.

Just as the Jia Ma Empire dominated the Northwest Region, did the Yun, Luoyan, and Mulan Empires, once enemies of the Jia Ma Empire, not also get wiped out?

"Then shall we return to the Yan Alliance and wait for the Demon Fire's descent?" Zi Yan asked.

Less than three months remain until the descent of the Pure Lotus Demon Fire; the Yan Alliance is now urgently mobilizing its strength, aiming to secure sufficient power to compete for the Demon Fire upon its arrival.

Now that Xiao Yan has obtained the Pill Formula, it is equivalent to gaining the Soul Sovereign's support; combined with Zi Yan, the Dragon Emperor of the Tai Xu Ancient Dragon Clan, and if Cai Lin can emerge from seclusion, Xiao Yan's chances of securing the Pure Lotus Demon Fire will greatly increase—nearly certain.

Even the Shi, Yan, Yao, Lei, and even the Gu Clan would find it difficult to wrest it from Xiao Yan.

This time, Xiao Yan's opponents are all the Dou Emperor Families!

In the previous millennium, when the Demon Fire descended, the Xiao Clan had not yet been destroyed; the Eight Dou Emperor Families once vied for the Pure Lotus Demon Fire, but none succeeded—even Xiao Xuan's cousin, Xiao Chen, perished in the Demon Fire Space.

But Xiao Yan possesses a trump card none of the Dou Emperor Families have: the Burning Scripture!

"Zi Yan, return to Shou Yu first and check on Cai Lin's condition in the Huang Quan Shan Mai. I must go to the Human Hall." Xiao Yan said.

With three months remaining, Xiao Yan has enough time to cultivate the complete Emperor Seal Technique; with this Heavenly Rank Advanced Grade Soul Cultivation Technique, his chances of securing the Pure Lotus Demon Fire will greatly increase.

"Now that the Burning Scripture has reached Heavenly Rank Advanced Grade, if we can obtain the Pure Lotus Demon Fire, it has a strong chance of evolving into a Demi-God Grade Cultivation Method!"

"If I possess a Demi-God Grade Burning Scripture, should Hun Tian Di truly become an Emperor, perhaps I will have the strength to stand against him."

Xiao Yan's eyes flickered with a strange glint; a smile touched his lips. He and Hun Tian Di were merely using each other: Hun Tian Di used Xiao Yan to refine the Imperial Grade Pill, while Xiao Yan used Hun Tian Di to obtain all the Strange Fires!

If I could also obtain Swallowing Flame, who knows what height the Burning Scripture might reach! If I could elevate my Soul Force to the Emperor Realm and my Cultivation Realm to Nine Star Peak Dou Saint, who dares say a Dou Saint cannot transcend ranks!

Who said I was flaking out?!

I'll post three more chapters tonight—my monthly votes are slipping out of the top hundred! Hold onto the top hundred, and next month I'll keep daily updates of twelve thousand words!