Chapter 681: I Refuse!

The true form of Wuxu Swallowing Flame appeared, sweeping its hand, and endless Black Flame surged forth, re-sealing the entire Yao Realm and reinforcing the sealing.

Both Xiao Yan and Hun Tian Di's Soul Force were Imperial Soul, and Xiao Yan indeed held nothing back, unleashing his strongest Soul attack!

Xiao Yan still had hidden cards—his Infernal Flames had not yet been used; his Burning Art had already reached Emperor Grade, and Buddha Fury Lotus was undoubtedly a true Emperor Grade Dou Technique.

But did Hun Tian Di have no stronger techniques?

More importantly, Hun Tian Di's true trump card was his Cultivation Realm—if he did not suppress his Cultivation Realm, Xiao Yan would struggle even to escape.

Gradually, the Soul Storm began to weaken; with a whoosh, Hun Tian Di swept his hand, and the aura of Nine-Star Dou Sheng Peak instantly crushed the raging Soul Storm.

Hun Tian Di looked at the blood knife shattered in his hand, his eyes slightly narrowing as he gazed at Xiao Yan in the distance.

The power of the Asura Soul Severing Art had surprised him, or rather, Xiao Yan's strength exceeded his expectations! And Hun Tian Di knew that Xiao Yan's greatest strength was his Infernal Flames!

"You are stronger than Lei Ying and Yan Jin—perhaps even their combined efforts could not defeat you now," Hun Tian Di said, his hands behind his back, patting his robe; a tear had appeared on his scholar's white robe!

Xiao Yan retracted his Soul Force and looked at Hun Tian Di standing not far away.

Xiao Yan was no fool—he understood perfectly well what Hun Tian Di meant.

At Eight-Star Late Stage, Xiao Yan's Cultivation Realm could not surpass Lei Ying and Yan Jin; in Hun Tian Di's judgment, Xiao Yan's combat power far exceeded Wuxu Swallowing Flame!

Even if Wuxu Swallowing Flame reached Nine-Star Early Stage, he could still be slain—but if Xiao Yan reached Nine-Star Early Stage, Hun Tian Di had no confidence he could kill Xiao Yan!

The gap between Nine-Star Dou Sheng Early Stage and Eight-Star Dou Sheng Late Stage needs no further explanation, and Wuxu Swallowing Flame is the number one Infernal Flame on the Dou Qi Continent!

It goes without saying how highly Hun Tian Di rated Xiao Yan!

Xiao Yan's Cultivation Realm could only reach Eight-Star Dou Sheng Late Stage, equal to Lei Ying and Yan Jin.

Xiao Yan smiled and said calmly, "Where on the Dou Qi Continent is there still resource left to boost my strength? I'd love to break through to Nine-Star Dou Sheng."

Xiao Yan was not lying—he had risen from Six-Star Dou Sheng to Eight-Star by using Three Infernal Flames, one Nine Grade Peak Profound Pill, and one Soul Golden Pill whose catalyst was the special blood of a Yao Spirit to break into Imperial Soul.

All these things are irreplicable; otherwise, Xiao Yan could never have advanced so much in just half a year.

Even his current Pill Alchemy cannot produce pills capable of rapidly boosting his strength.

Pills like Dou King Pill, Imperial Ultimate Pill, and Zong Shi Pill have resistance—they cannot be used consecutively.

"I've also broken through to Imperial Soul recently, and I've studied all the Yao Clan's scriptures. If you haven't prepared to open the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Cave Mansion and obtain the Imperial Grade Embryonic Pill, then I'll return to the Yan Alliance."

Upon hearing Xiao Yan's words, the entire Yao Realm grew tense; the Four Demon Saints, Hun Mie Sheng, and other experts involuntarily activated their Dou Qi.

After all, Xiao Yan was the most critical step in the Imperial Pill Plan—if he fled, the plan would be destroyed.

Yet regarding Xiao Yan's departure from the Yao Realm, Hun Tian Di merely nodded, smiled faintly, and spread his hands: "Of course. The Xiao Clan is my Soul Sovereign's most steadfast ally—you may enter or leave the Yao Realm freely; no one will stop you."

Hun Tian Di had no fear Xiao Yan would hide—he knew the Contract bound them; now both were Imperial Soul, and a Contract sealed by Soul Force would inflict violent backlash even upon a Dou Emperor if broken.

This was a pact they willingly made; violating it was like striking oneself.

After Xiao Yan departed, Wuxu Swallowing Flame's true form slowly surfaced beside Hun Tian Di and said, "His strength is formidable—his combat talent may even surpass Xiao Xuan. Are you really letting him go?"

Watching Xiao Yan's retreating figure, Hun Tian Di's eyes flickered with a strange light. "The more one possesses, the more weaknesses one has."

"When he so readily surrendered the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade, he already understood the cost of being drawn into this war—he made his choice."

Wuxu Swallowing Flame glanced at Hun Tian Di beside him, then at the direction Xiao Yan had left.

As Hun Tian Di said, Xiao Yan valued emotion and loyalty, treating those around him with great care—he surrendered the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade precisely to prevent the Xiao Clan from entangling with the Soul Sovereign and suffering casualties.

Hun Tian Di was the opposite—he could sacrifice the entire Soul Sovereign if it meant becoming an Emperor; Blood Sacrifice Seven Clans, Blood Sacrifice the entire Dou Qi Continent—he would not hesitate.

There are too many things that can threaten Xiao Yan—family, wife and daughters, friends, clan members—so Hun Tian Di was not worried at all.

Hun Tian Di turned and looked toward the direction of Hun Lao Gui. "You have earned the right to keep that Dou Technique in the clan's Treasure Hall."

Even Hun Tian Di wanted to learn the Asura Soul Severing Art!

If Hun Tian Di breaks through to Dou Emperor, the Asura Soul Severing Art might evolve into an Emperor Grade Dou Technique!

"What do you plan to do with the Yao Clan?" Wuxu Swallowing Flame asked, looking down at the Yao Spirits and others.

Now that the Yao Spirit had lost his Special Physique, Xiao Yan had broken into Imperial Soul, and the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade had been secured, the Yao Clan was utterly useless.

Seeing Hun Tian Di's gaze, the Yao Spirits and others trembled, their eyes filled with fear and deep hatred.

"For now, our sole goal is the Emperor Pill. Until it is forged, let them live," Hun Tian Di said coolly.

"Once my injuries heal, I will use the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade to locate the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Cave Mansion," Wuxu Swallowing Flame said calmly.

In the battle against the Gu Clan, to obtain the Gu Clan's Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade, Wuxu Swallowing Flame had taken a full-force strike from Lei Ying and Yan Jin and suffered serious injuries.

Of course, Xiao Yan knew nothing of Hun Tian Di and Wuxu Swallowing Flame's conversation. After teleporting out of the Yao Realm, Xiao Yan took a deep breath, oriented himself, and shot toward the Shou Yu and Xiao Realm direction like an arrow loosed from a bow.

With his Imperial Soul, Xiao Yan now controlled half the Dou Qi Continent.

Xiao Yan could even use his Imperial Soul to achieve a form of "foreseeing the future."

For example, he could sense that three days from now, a small town would be flooded by a storm and entirely submerged, with only thirteen survivors.

The Imperial Soul observes with microscopic precision, like a god watching the world, enabling foresight.

"Why is everyone so gloomy?" Suddenly, a bright laugh rang out from outside the hall of the Xiao Realm.

"Brother Xiao Yan!"

"Xiao Yan!"

"Third Brother!"

Hearing Xiao Yan's voice, Xun Er and the others snapped their heads toward the door. With his current strength, unless he wished it, no one could sense him.

Seeing Xiao Yan return, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li sighed in relief and shook their heads helplessly: "Third Brother, you're finally back."

Without Xiao Yan, they always felt something missing—especially after the massive events recently, when Xiao Yan was absent, everyone felt uncertain.

"Xiao Yan," Cai Lin said upon seeing him return, stepping instantly through Space from the Snake Emperor Empire, giving him a side-eye.

You went to attend the Yao Scripture Ceremony, and now the entire Yao Realm is gone; soon after, the Soul Sovereign declared war on the Three Clans and successfully seized all the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jades.

You've been gone for only half a year, and the whole world has turned upside down!

"Brother Xiao Yan, the Gu Clan's Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade…" Xun Er bit her red lips, her beautiful eyes filled with confusion and helplessness—she did not know what the future held, or what would become of the Gu Clan.

"I know."

Xiao Yan gently pulled Xun Er into his arms, stroking her hair as he comforted her: "Don't worry—I made a pact with Hun Tian Di. If I help him forge an Emperor Pill to aid his ascension, he won't touch the lands of the Yan Alliance; at that point, the people of the Gu Clan should be safe."

Of course, Xiao Yan's contract with Hun Tian Di also includes a clause that Hun Tian Di cannot strike against the Xiao Realm after becoming Emperor—otherwise, wouldn't that be cutting the bridge behind you?

Moreover, even if Hun Tian Di becomes Emperor, he'll still need Xiao Yan for pills in the future, so the Yan Alliance is essentially a safe haven.

Upon hearing Xiao Yan would help Hun Tian Di forge an Imperial Grade Pill, Yun Yun, Nalan Yanran, and others unaware of Xiao Yan's true identity were momentarily puzzled.

Xiao Yan released Xun Er and sat down to reveal certain matters to everyone present.

He disclosed everything—down to the last detail—the annihilation of the Yao Clan, his pact with Hun Tian Di, and that he himself was the head of the Soul Sect.

At this point, there was nothing left to hide.

"You joined the Soul Sect?!" Nalan Yanran realized this only now, her mouth wide enough to swallow a duck egg, her beautiful eyes wide as she stared at Xiao Yan.

Is this that shocking?!

Yun Yun's eyes were also filled with astonishment, then she said: "So back then on Yun Lan Mountain—"

Xiao Yan rubbed his nose and said: "Yun Shan was also of the Soul Sect. But back then, Wu Guardian tried to eliminate me—he used a Secret Technique to kill the Elders of Yun Lan Sect and Yun Shan. I was low-ranking at the time."

Hearing this, Yun Yun sighed softly. Yun Shan had long been unable to break through to Dou Zong—it was his inner torment. Later, he somehow broke through. Now it seemed he'd been manipulated by Wu Guardian, cultivating some evil Secret Technique that ultimately killed him.

"So now, all we need to do is watch and remain neutral?" Xiao Yixian asked softly.

"Who becomes Emperor makes no difference to me. Becoming Emperor isn't necessarily a good thing—it might invite misfortune." Xiao Yan sipped the flower tea brewed by Xiao Yixian and instantly felt as if he'd returned home, a warm sensation spreading through him.

"But someone may not want you to remain neutral," Cai Lin's eyes flashed with sharpness as she looked toward the distance.

Several extremely powerful auras appeared above the Yan Alliance—naturally, the elites of the Gu, Yan, and Lei Clans.

Click. Xiao Yan set down his teacup. He showed no surprise at their arrival, calmly saying: "Guests have come—why not come in and share a cup of hot tea?"

Shh-shh-shh. Three figures appeared in the Xiao Clan's Hall—naturally, Gu Yuan, Lei Ying, and Yan Jin.

"Father," Xun Er's beautiful eyes held worry, her delicate brows slightly furrowed as she gazed at the middle-aged man in the center, her heart aching—Gu Yuan clearly looked far more worn than before.

Gu Yuan did not speak at length with Xun Er, only nodding with a smile. Keeping distance from her now was best for her—it would keep the Soul Sovereign from targeting her.

Xiao Yan nodded to Xun Er, then whispered to Xiao Yixian: "Xiao Yixian, I'll come find you soon. I might have a way to resolve your Eternal Calamity Poison."

Xiao Yixian's eyes brightened with surprise, and she gave a slight nod.

Xiao Yan bowed to Gu Yuan and said: "Uncle Gu Yuan, both Clan Leaders, please this way."

Certain matters needed to be clarified.

Xiao Yan led the three to a quiet courtyard, where the four sat on stone chairs. The Xiao, Gu, Yan, and Lei Clans—all surviving Dou Emperor Families—were now gathered, save the Soul Sovereign!

"Imperial Soul, Eight-Star Dou Sheng early stage—Xiao Yan, your current cultivation realm truly surpasses my expectations," Gu Yuan noted, having already sensed Xiao Yan's cultivation.

Yet even he was deeply astonished—was this progress too fast?!

"Eight-Star Dou Sheng early stage?!"

"Imperial Soul."

Lei Ying and Yan Jin exchanged glances. No wonder they couldn't sense Xiao Yan's cultivation—he'd reached Imperial Soul! And he was on the same level as them: Eight-Star Dou Sheng!

"I merely broke through to Imperial Soul by consuming a special Golden Pill—just luck," Xiao Yan slowly poured tea for the three, speaking lightly.

"Golden Pill…"

The three exchanged glances, each seeing resignation in the others' eyes. No wonder Hun Tian Di sought Xiao Yan—he could already forge Nine-Star Golden Pills!

Then Xiao Yan was the top Alchemist on the Dou Qi Continent!

"Xiao Yan, has the Yao Clan been annihilated?" Gu Yuan asked.

Xiao Yan nodded. "All Elders above Dou Sheng are dead—including Yao Dan Tribe Leader. The common folk and some young disciples are imprisoned in the Yao Realm—for now, they're still alive."

Hearing Xiao Yan's confirmation, the three understood: Hun Tian Di had indeed obtained all the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jades.

"Xiao Yan, do you know where the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Cave Mansion is?" Lei Ying asked.

Xiao Yan's eyes flickered with a strange light, then he shook his head. "I don't know. The original form of Void Swallowing Flame appears injured, so it hasn't yet used the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jades to locate the cave mansion. But I believe Hun Tian Di will obtain the Imperial Grade Embryonic Pill soon."

Gu Yuan had already been to the Soul Realm—and the result matched his guess: the entire Soul Realm had vanished, swallowed into the Void Space within Void Swallowing Flame, utterly unfindable.

After a moment of silence, Yan Jin said: "Xiao Yan, we can combine the strength of all three clans to help you elevate your cultivation—even to Nine Star Dou Sheng. Only you can compete with Hun Tian Di for the Imperial Grade Embryonic Pill!"

Facing Yan Jin's words, Xiao Yan's expression remained calm, unmoved by the temptation.

Xiao Yan blew gently on the tea leaves in his cup and shook his head. "Clan Leader Yan, I believe Uncle Gu Yuan has already told you—the Yan Alliance and I will not join this struggle, nor will we compete with Hun Tian Di for the Imperial Grade Embryonic Pill."

"I must decline."

(End of Chapter)