Chapter 710: The Will of Yao Chen: Teaching Without Discrimination

Several days later.

"Brother Xiao Yan, every Alchemist on the Dou Qi Continent has come to watch you refine Pills."

Xiao Yan wrapped his arms around Xun Er's slender waist; the two stood together in Space, gazing down upon the entire Black Horn Region like immortal lovers.

Not only did the top Alchemists from Xiao Dan Ta arrive to watch, but even Shen Nong the Elder and Hun Xu Zi came early. The two of them are now the only Alchemists on the Dou Qi Continent ranked below Xiao Yan, and the most likely to break through to Golden Core Grand Master.

"It's a pity I couldn't witness Brother Xiao Yan winning the Pill Gathering Champion." Xun Er's beautiful eyes held a trace of regret.

Xun Er naturally knew Xiao Yan planned to enter the Pill Gathering, but back then her Bloodline had not yet stabilized, and the Gu Clan monitored her tightly, so she couldn't be there to see Xiao Yan claim the championship.

Xiao Yan pulled Xun Er into his arms and smiled with his familiar confidence: "Today, I'll let you see the most brilliant side of me as an Alchemist."

"Mm." Xun Er melted into his embrace; the soft, warm feeling was intoxicating.

"Yue Er and the others have arrived, Brother Xiao Yan—you'll be busy now." Xun Er smiled lightly, pointing to several figures appearing in the Xiao Clan's main camp within Jia Nan Academy.

Xiao Yan's goal wasn't merely to refine a Ji Pin Dan Yao—he also intended to elevate the overall level of Alchemy on the Dou Qi Continent.

Alchemy above Ji Pin, like that of Xiao Dan Ta's Grand Elder, Shen Nong the Elder, and Hun Xu Zi—they've each forged their own paths. Whether they break through depends entirely on their own insight; Xiao Yan has little to teach them, and can only let them observe his refining, leaving it to them to absorb as much as they can.

But Alchemists below Ji Pin are still in the learning phase, so this time, besides refining himself, Xiao Yan planned to personally mentor a few Alchemists he believed had potential, hoping that after the Great Thousand World's passage is reopened, someone might one day become a Sage Emperor.

So he wouldn't leave the Dou Qi Continent with a generation gap—no successors to carry on.

Xiao Yan received Yao Chen's inheritance; Yao Chen was a true Mentor, who had once guided Fa Ma in life, embodying "teaching without discrimination." Xiao Yan naturally inherited Yao Chen's principle and intended to pass on all of Yao Chen's Alchemy techniques without reservation to every Alchemist on the Dou Qi Continent—including the Soul-Raising Method.

Thus, besides refining himself, Xiao Yan summoned several people to personally guide them in refining Pills of different Ranks.

They were Fa Ma, President of the Jia Ma Empire Alchemist Guild; Xin Lan of the Ye Family; and Princess Yue Er. None of them possessed high talent: Fa Ma still lingered at Six-Grade High; Xin Lan was Six-Grade Low; Yue Er, who had trained under Xiao Yan the longest, reached Qi Zhi Gao Ji—just a step away from Eight Grade.

Also present were Yao Tian and Yao Ling of the Yao Clan, as well as Cao Ying and Dan Chen, who had joined the Yao Hall.

These four were unquestionably the most talented young Alchemists on the Dou Qi Continent after Xiao Yan—all had successfully refined Eight Grade Pills that summoned Nine Color Pill Thunder, each just a step away from Ji Pin.

Xiao Yan would personally guide them in refining Six-Grade, Seven-Grade, Eight-Grade, and Ji Pin Pills, using these as examples to spread Alchemy across the entire Dou Qi Continent.

"Alchemy on the Dou Qi Continent has declined severely. I believe my Master, even in the netherworld, wouldn't wish to see this. I'll teach as much as I can—perhaps one among them will one day become a Sage Emperor." Xiao Yan gazed at the figures below; though becoming a Sage Emperor was nearly impossible, if the passage were ever reopened and the ancient era restored, perhaps there might be a chance.

Xun Er's gaze lingered on Cao Ying and Dan Chen, then looked up at Xiao Yan, her beautiful eyes blinking as she said: "Brother Xiao Yan is truly kind-hearted, generous, and benevolent toward all."

"Cough, cough—I've always upheld great righteousness, inheriting my Master's true essence. You know that, Xun Er." Xiao Yan glanced aside.

At that moment, in the courtyard of Xiao Palace.

A slender figure in a red robe stepped out to greet the guests.

Naturally, it was Xiao Yu.

Though her attire was simple, even plain, her figure was extraordinary—her round, long, beautiful legs captivated the soul; paired with her tall stature, they were peerless.

"Big Sister Xiao Yu, it's been a long time." Xin Lan, dressed in a simple blue dress, ran joyfully to Xiao Yu; before meeting Xiao Yan, Xin Lan had been close friends with Xiao Yu in Jia Nan Academy.

"Big Sister Xiao Yu." Princess Yue Er, wearing a small floral dress, playfully hugged Xiao Yu's arm and grinned mischievously.

The Jia Ma Empire's Imperial Family was among the first four Factions to join the Yan Alliance; as a princess, Yue Er naturally knew Xiao Yu.

Xiao Yu looked at the others and said: "Please follow me—I'll show you to the guest rooms where you may rest."

Xiao Yu walked ahead, leading the group into the courtyard; behind her, Cao Ying and the others couldn't help but glance at her back. When Xiao Yan refined the Imperial Grade Pill and became Emperor, Cao Ying, Yao Ling, and others had all been present and knew Xiao Yu was one of those granted a special Sub-Flame.

Though that Sub-Flame was only the fifteenth-ranked Hai Xin Flame—not very powerful, and merely a Sub-Flame, far weaker than the Source—it was still a special Sub-Flame bestowed by Emperor Xiao Yan!

Though Sub-Flames themselves were weaker than the Source, and even those like Xiao Yu and Ya Fei, with far inferior cultivation talent, struggled to control them, these Sub-Flames contained the Emperor's divine protection.

Anyone who dared attack them would be instantly reduced to ashes by an ordinary Sage.

Only three women were widely known as Empress, yet seven others possessed special Clan Marks and had been granted Sub-Flames! Even if these seven weren't necessarily romantic partners of Xiao Yan, their bonds were certainly deep.

Watching Xiao Yu lead the way, Cao Ying's beautiful eyes dimmed slightly—she had been present too, yet received no Sub-Flame.

Cao Ying was unquestionably a woman of exceptional beauty and talent: tall, with a graceful figure, long silky black hair, bright eyes, skin as white and delicate as snow, lips full and slightly upturned, radiating charm. Her gaze carried countless allure, making one feel close—yet concealed profound thought and sharp insight, making her hard to approach.

Yet for some reason, every trait that normally captivated men failed utterly with Xiao Yan.

Today, Cao Ying had deliberately worn the same black outfit she'd worn during her trial against Xiao Yan in Sheng Dan Cheng—black accentuated her temperament and beauty. Wherever she went, she became the center of attention.

"Miss Xiao Yu, may I ask where Xiao Yan is?" After reaching the courtyard, Cao Ying finally couldn't hold back and asked.

Hearing Cao Ying's question, many present turned their gazes toward her; among those who had ever harbored feelings for Xiao Yan, there were indeed many—even Yao Ling, Yue Er, and Xin Lan had once been drawn to his charm.

But after Xiao Yan became Emperor, they all understood: none of them had truly entered his heart. The Sub-Flame was the clearest proof.

They had not received His Majesty's favor!

So some things didn't need to be openly exposed; now that Cao Ying had spoken up, her meaning was different.

Hearing this, Xiao Yu turned and studied Cao Ying. Xiao Yu had once served as a Mentor in Jia Nan Academy; she instantly saw through Cao Ying's hidden thoughts. Cao Ying now looked exactly like those students in the Outer Court tormented by love.

"I don't know what Xiao Yan is doing right now, but he emerged from seclusion a few days ago. Do you have something to ask him?"

"N-nothing at all."

Yet at that moment, a bright laugh rang out.

"Hahaha! Long time no see, how have you all been?"

Hearing that familiar laugh, everyone instantly looked up toward one corner of the courtyard—Space tore open, and Xiao Yan and Xun Er arrived together.

Seeing Xiao Yan appear, everyone's hearts stirred with different emotions.

"Xiao Yan!?"

"Big Brother Xiao Yan!"

"Heh, you rascal."

Seeing the people before him, Xun Er smiled gracefully and whispered to Xiao Yan: "Brother Xiao Yan, I won't disturb you catching up—Ya Fei needs help verifying the truth of Great Thousand World rumors."

Hearing Xun Er's thoughtful words, Xiao Yan gently caressed her cheek and nodded: "Be careful—if any place is too dangerous, notify me."

Xun Er took light steps; as she passed Xiao Yu, she whispered softly: "Big Sister Xiao Yu, this Pill Refining Gathering is entrusted to you."

Hearing Xun Er's words, Xiao Yu's heart trembled; her beautiful eyes widened in surprise as she looked at the ever-beautiful and composed Xun Er beside her. Before she could speak further, Xun Er tore through Space and vanished.

The Miter Guild gathered some information about the Great Thousand World, but these details were hidden within Ancient Ruins—entering them required more than just Nalan Yanran alone; we can't overburden her.

So now, Master Yao, Hai Bodong, and others have all set out to search for the lost civilization of fifty thousand years ago in the Ancient Ruins.

Xiao Yu was not foolish; she understood somewhat what Xun Er's words implied.

Xiao Yan first walked up to Fa Ma, bowed slightly, and said politely, "President Fa Ma, since we parted years ago, we have not met again. Thank you for coming."

Hearing Xiao Yan's courteous words, Fa Ma was greatly startled and quickly replied, "Sir, what are you saying? Do you still think of yourself as that young boy who once participated in the Alchemist Convention? You are now a Dou Emperor. To receive your guidance in Pill Alchemy is a dream sought by every Alchemist on the Dou Qi Continent."

(End of Chapter)