Word Count: 3,475 Words
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"But what's strange is that the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe hasn't shown any reaction at all." Hai Bodong voiced his confusion from the side. Shouldn't the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe be the most furious? Xiao Yan had captured their genius and even refined the corpses of their tribe members.
Yet the result was that the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe hadn't made a move. Instead, the inexplicable Ice River Valley and Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe had started jumping around.
Xiao Yan waved his hand. "The Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe is no major concern. The current problem is still the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe."
"Do you know the strength of their tribal experts?" Xiao Yan asked, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest of his chair.
"The Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe actually isn't as powerful as the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe or the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe. Most of them have impure bloodlines. It's only because of their vast numbers and extensive territory that they can be ranked alongside the other two as one of the three great tribes. The Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe rules over most of the snake tribes on the Dou Qi Continent. Their numbers far exceed the other two major tribes, spanning the Beast Region, Central Region, and all four cardinal regions." Ya Fei explained, her red lips parting gently.
"There should be Dou Saints within their tribe. Rumor has it that the Chief of the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe, Yao Xiaotian, is a 1-star Dou Saint," Yao Ye added.
Xiao Yan fell silent for a moment, then murmured, "A 1-star Dou Saint... that is indeed troublesome."
Xiao Yan was indeed an 8th-tier alchemist, but to a Dou Saint, an 8th-tier alchemist wasn't enough unless Xiao Yan could refine medicinal pills capable of summoning nine-colored Pill Lightning.
After all, pills of that level could allow a Dou Venerate to instantly become a Dou Saint. Even Dou Saints would owe Xiao Yan a favor for such a thing.
But no matter how arrogant Xiao Yan was, he knew he couldn't possibly refine medicinal pills with nine-colored Pill Lightning, at least not yet.
That was why the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe dared to be so arrogant. They didn't fear the influence of an 8th-tier alchemist. Their Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe's power was vast, spread throughout the Dou Qi Continent.
The reason Xiao Yan hadn't killed Feng Qing Er back then was partly because he was wary of the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe. Just because they wouldn't go all out against him for Feng Qing Er didn't mean they wouldn't take action.
Even if they only sent some Dou Ancestors or low-star Dou Venerates to harass the Yan Alliance, it would be a major headache.
Xiao Yan pondered for a while, then looked up at Qing Lin, who was standing beside him refilling his tea. He said softly, "Perhaps the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe targeting us isn't such a bad thing."
Qing Lin's cultivation had started to slow down. She was now a 5-star Dou Ancestor. For ordinary people, this would already be extremely fast, but for Qing Lin who possessed the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils, it seemed somewhat slow.
The main issue was that the snake slaves Qing Lin controlled were too low-level. The strongest was only She Tian Hao, so absorbing their cultivation couldn't help her advance quickly.
The snake-type magical beasts in the entire North-Western Region were no longer sufficient for Qing Lin. The Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe might actually be an opportunity!
Their strongest Chief was a 1-star Dou Saint, which meant the tribe's core strength ranged from Dou Ancestor to Dou Venerate. If there was a 1-star Dou Venerate from the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe with impure bloodline, Qing Lin might be able to control them with her Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils.
Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed as a plan instantly formed in his mind. He said in a deep voice, "Qing Lin, come with me to the Pill Region. The Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe clearly wants to resolve this before the Pill Gathering. I think they're afraid that if I win the Pill Gathering championship and gain the Pill Tower's support, they won't be able to act against us."
Xiao Ding nodded. "Third Brother is right. With the Pill Gathering approaching, the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe is being so urgent because they want to use the Yan Alliance as leverage to restrain you and force you to submit."
"The more they act like this, the less we can compromise!"
Everyone nodded. If Xiao Yan won the Pill Gathering championship, the Yan Alliance would become terrifying. This represented not just alchemy skill level, but also Xiao Yan's potential.
While potential didn't equal strength, a genius 8th-tier alchemist with potential represented many things. His influence would rise to another level. There might even be Dou Saints willing to make a move, betting that Xiao Yan could reach 9th-tier alchemist.
After all, 9th-tier alchemists were truly too rare. Sometimes you really had to take a gamble to become acquainted with one.
Xiao Yan touched his Bone Flame Ring. Although he had never met Venerable Yao, he knew that Venerable Yao was the previous Pill Gathering champion. Perhaps he had some connections in the Pill Tower.
He might need to borrow Venerable Yao's name and claim some connection.
"Hahaha, you don't need to worry about us, kid. These old bones of ours aren't afraid of death." Hai Bodong laughed heartily. He was already satisfied to have entered the Dou Ancestor realm. Back when he was the Ice Emperor, he had even dared to offend Queen Medusa. He definitely wasn't someone who feared death.
Xiao Ding stood up, his expression solemn. "Third Brother, take Qing Lin and Elder Yao to the Pill Region. There, Ice River Valley and the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe shouldn't dare to act too recklessly. With Elder Yao protecting you alone, there shouldn't be any problems."
"In the next half year, the Yan Alliance will halt expansion and contract its territory. If they want land, let them have it. We'll temporarily avoid conflict and focus on the safety of our people."
"We'll wait for you to return as champion after half a year!"
"Big Brother..." Xiao Yan looked at the decisive Xiao Ding and nodded heavily. "I understand. The humiliation of this half year, when I return as champion, I will definitely reclaim it for you!"
He then smiled, his eyes carrying a glint of icy coldness. "I may not be able to do anything about the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe, but there are some grudges I can settle along the way, which will also relieve some pressure on the Yan Alliance."
Yao Ye was startled and asked, "Xiao Yan, do you want to make a move against the Wind Lightning Pavilion?"
Xiao Yan shook his head, the corners of his mouth lifting as a cold light flickered in his eyes. "The Wind Lightning Pavilion is merely a jumping clown that can be dealt with anytime."
Ya Fei's beautiful eyes widened in shock, her red lips slightly parted. "Little Brother Xiao Yan, you want to take revenge on Ice River Valley?!"
Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed, a fierce light flashing through them. Perhaps it was time to use the Hall of Souls' methods.
…
Within the territory of the Profound Lion Sect was a stretch of ocean. Naturally, the Dou Qi Continent also had oceans. Or rather, this was a massive inland lake, but because it was so large, it was called a sea.
This ocean was different from any Xiao Yan had seen before. The seawater appeared blue-green because beneath this ocean grew various green plants, similar to coral reefs.
Looking down from above, it seemed as if there were grasslands beneath the waves.
Like the Magic Beast Mountain Range, the Heaven Eye Mountain Range, and the Wind Lightning Mountain Range, this blue ocean was also a treasure trove of resources, serving as an important source of minerals and aquatic products for the Profound Lion Sect.
Yet even the Profound Lion Sect didn't know that beneath a deep trench in this ocean lay a Space Lock, and within it stood a massive, black Hall of Souls!
This Hall of Souls was enormous in scale. Occasionally, Hall of Souls Protectors in their robes could be seen coming and going from the hall, submitting the soul bodies they had hunted.
Although this wasn't one of the twenty-four Disha Halls, it was a branch hall just below that rank. The one managing this branch hall was a Hall of Souls Honorable Elder known as Venerable Qing Hai.
"Jie Jie Jie, this old man was lucky this time. In a certain ancient ruin, I found a 1-star Dou Ancestor's soul body. That fellow kept resisting, but in the end, I subdued him."
"It seems Soul Envoy Mu won't need long before being promoted to Protector. Truly congratulations."
The massive Space Lock isolated the seawater. Looking from inside, it felt like being at the bottom of a sea trench, with only very faint rays of light shining down from above.
Soul Envoys in Soul Robes came and went in groups of two or three. Although most of them didn't know each other's appearances or identities, they could confirm each other through Soul Robes, soul stones, soul bags, and such items.
"Have you heard? The Yan Alliance had a major battle with Ice River Valley and the Wind Lightning Pavilion not long ago."
"I heard about it. It's a pity I wasn't there. Big battles like that are the best times to collect soul bodies."
"Wait, don't you guys feel it's getting a bit hot?"
"Are you imagining things? We're in the deep sea. How could it possibly be hot?"
"Huh? It really is... getting hotter and hotter!"
Suddenly, the seawater actually began to boil, boiling more and more violently! In no time, space itself started to distort, and a mass of black flames ignited. Even the seawater couldn't extinguish it, and instead, the water was brought to a furious boil!
A black-robed figure emerged from the void of black flames.
"Dou Venerate!"
"What kind of flame is that! Could it be the Pill Tower launching an attack!!"
"No! Look quickly, that's a Hall of Souls Honorable Elder!"
But very soon, the Soul Envoys and Protectors here discovered that the appearing figure was actually wearing a Soul Robe. Moreover, that Soul Robe was even higher grade than a Heaven Grade Protector's. It was an Honorable Elder's Soul Robe!!!
With a hum, the black-robed figure took out a pitch-black command token. A beam of soul light shot from the token, and the Hall of Souls' Space Lock opened.
In a flash, the figure in the Soul Robe descended and landed on the ground.
When everyone saw the Soul Command Token in his hand, bearing the blazing-hot 'Yan' character, all the Soul Envoys were frightened into dropping to one knee, shouting loudly, "Greetings to Venerable Yan!"
Even the Heaven Grade Protectors, despite this Hall of Souls not being under Venerable Yan's jurisdiction, bowed their heads and dared not show the slightest disrespect.
The newcomer, of course, was Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan had come alone, without bringing Venerable Tian Huo. He slowly walked toward the pitch-black grand hall by himself. Arriving at the main doors, he slowly raised his head, his voice carrying Dou Qi as it spread throughout the entire Hall of Souls: "Venerable Qing Hai, I've come a long way. Won't you come out and meet me?"
Boom boom boom!!!
Suddenly, a terrifying Dou Venerate's aura swept from the dark hall, unleashing overwhelming pressure that crashed down. In response, black flames burst out with a hiss, breaking through the Dou Venerate's suppression.
As the Hall of Souls' main doors opened with creaking sounds, a blue-haired elder wearing a Dou Venerate Soul Robe but not using a hood to conceal his appearance suddenly appeared in Xiao Yan's sight.
"Venerable Yan, you certainly have nerve, actually daring to come alone. This is the Hall of Souls under my command. If you want to swallow it up, I'll make sure to bite a chunk out of you!"
Xiao Yan fixed the blue-haired elder with a steady gaze. If he hadn't risen so rapidly, the Hall of Souls branch that Protector Wu established at the Misty Cloud Sect would have been under this Dou Venerate's control.
Xiao Yan smiled, showing not the slightest fear of this veteran Hall of Souls Honorable Elder. He stepped into the grand hall, and with a wave of his arm, the doors closed behind him.
"Venerable Qing Hai, I haven't come today with hostility. I've come to discuss a transaction with you." Xiao Yan's voice transmitted from within the Soul Robe.
Venerable Qing Hai was stunned upon hearing this, then his brows furrowed tightly. He had never expected that Venerable Yan, with whom he had a competitive relationship, would come to discuss a transaction with him!
"I have nothing to discuss with you! Please leave." Venerable Qing Hai snorted coldly, flicking his sleeve. Negotiating with an enemy—such deals were always treacherous!
Xiao Yan chuckled lightly. "I heard from Protector Li that Venerable Qing Hai suffered injuries in his youth that left a persistent ailment. You've been searching everywhere for a cure. You even once sought out that old fellow Mu Gu, only to be refused by him in the end."
!?
Venerable Qing Hai's eyes widened as he looked at Xiao Yan. He had also heard rumors that this fastest-rising Hall of Souls Honorable Elder was actually an alchemist who had competed with Mu Gu for the Pill Saint's trial.
Whoever passed the Pill Saint's trial would be promoted to Tianzun!
Tianzun! How many people in the Hall of Souls yearned for that!
Xiao Yan took out a scroll and said with a smile, "Nine Flavor Yellow Spirit Pill, a tier 8 medicinal pill that can summon three-colored Pill Lightning, effective for those below 4-star Dou Venerate. It can clear internal injuries and persistent ailments, increase lifespan by thirty years, and restore youth to the body."
At these words, even Venerable Qing Hai, who had reached the strength of a 2-star Dou Venerate, couldn't help but quicken his breathing! At the Dou Venerate realm, tier 8 pills were essential. Yet, when seeking pills from an alchemist, not only did one need to prepare the ingredients, but sometimes even the pill recipe needed to be prepared.
And his identity as a Hall of Souls Honorable Elder prevented him from seeking pill recipes from the Pill Tower. Yet now Venerable Yan actually had the recipe himself!
If an alchemist could refine a particular special pill on their own, it spared so much trouble. One wouldn't need to search everywhere for recipes and alchemists like Hai Bodong had done in the past.
A smile instantly appeared on Qing Hai's withered face. With enough benefits, even enemies could become friends. He immediately let out a strange laugh: "Jie Jie Jie, I wonder what Venerable Yan needs me to do, or whom to kill."
"With your strength, you wouldn't be able to kill that person," Xiao Yan said calmly. "I've only heard that you command a quasi-Tian Class sealing Dou Technique, one that can seal off space and cut off the world. I just need you to help seal the space and lay down a grand formation, to prevent the target from escaping."
!!! Venerable Qing Hai's eyes narrowed. With his 2-star Dou Venerate strength, he was being asked only to prevent the target's escape, merely as a backup!!
This Venerable Yan was setting a grand trap. He was going after a big fish!
"May I ask, who is Venerable Yan's target."
"Ice River Valley, Venerable Bing."
…
A day later, once everything had been settled, Xiao Yan arrived at Cai Lin's bedchamber.
As the ruler of the Snake-People Tribe, she naturally knew that Xiao Yan was taking Qing Lin to the Pill Region for refuge. The Yan Alliance would face great difficulty and danger in the next half year.
"Cai Lin, do you want to come with me to the Pill Region?" Xiao Yan couldn't help but ask, even though he had already guessed her answer.
Cai Lin transformed back to human form. A pair of flawless, beautiful legs that countless men coveted stepped down from the bed as she slowly approached Xiao Yan. Her tone was cold, "As the Queen of the Snake-People Tribe, do you expect me to abandon my people and leave?"
"I..." Xiao Yan also knew that with Cai Lin's character, she was the type who would rather die in battle than flee.
"Hmph, say no more. My Medusa race once lived in the Beast Region, in the Underworld Snake Earth Vein, but we were later driven out by those fellows. How could we fear them!" A sharp glint flashed through Cai Lin's eyes as she mentioned this piece of history.
This was only natural, since the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe were merely descendants of the Ancient Heaven Serpent, and there were more than one kind of descendant.
"I will eventually lead my tribe back to the Underworld Snake Earth Vein."
Xiao Yan knew Cai Lin's temperament was that domineering. Once she set her mind on something, no one could change it, not even him.
"Alright, but you must listen to me on this matter. If the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe's elite Dou Saint come to kill, you must go to the Space Lock in the mountain range behind the Misty Cloud Sect. Second Brother will meet you there. Don't ask what that place is. If you hide there, you should be safe. I believe the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe wouldn't dare to forcefully attack that place." Xiao Yan's eyes held seriousness as he spoke earnestly.
Seeing the seriousness in his eyes, a strange light flashed through Cai Lin's beautiful eyes. She only turned her head away, neither agreeing nor refusing.
Looking at her exquisite face, Xiao Yan felt his heart tremble. He suddenly lowered his head and kissed her full, rosy lips. Cai Lin's beautiful eyes widened, but after a moment, she didn't resist. Instead, she slowly closed her eyes, wrapping her arms tightly around her lover's neck and responding to his kiss.
After Xiao Yan and Cai Lin parted with a deep kiss, he arrived at the Jia Ma Imperial Palace where Little Fairy Doctor, Zi Yan, Xin Lan, and the others were already waiting.
Xiao Yan didn't plan to bring too many people this time. After all, he was heading out to seek refuge, though, of course, there was also vengeance to be had.
Sometimes a faction needed to show appropriate dominance. If you were bullied and didn't retaliate, it would only invite more and more troubles.
Just like the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe. They knew that if they did not act strong, others would covet them. After all, every part of a Heaven Demon Phoenix was a treasure.
"Little Brother Xiao Yan, take this Space Boat with you. The journey will be more comfortable with it." Ya Fei picked up Xiao Yan's large hand, her own hand appearing much smaller by comparison.
She placed a silver toy-like small boat in his palm.
Looking at the small boat, Xiao Yan said, "Then how will Sister Ya Fei cross the wormholes?"
Ya Fei smiled gently. "Silly little brother, the Miteer Auction House will also close for half a year. I can finally have some time to rest. I think the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe won't bother with a small woman of Dou Grandmaster strength. This small boat is naturally useless to me."
A glimmer flickered in Xiao Yan's eyes as he tightly embraced this 'elder sister' who had supported him from the days back in Wu Tan City until now.
Men were like this. The impressions left during one's weakest times were the most profound.
"You're being silly. It's not like we're parting forever. We all believe you will definitely win the Pill Gathering championship." Ya Fei gently stroked Xiao Yan's back, her voice warm and gentle.
Xiao Yan slowly released his hands and nodded. "Let's go. We're heading to the Pill Region! In half a year, I will definitely win the Pill Gathering championship!"
The group directly opened a wormhole. Xiao Yan injected Dou Qi into the small boat, and an exquisite silver vessel floated within the wormhole.
Whoosh!
Propelled by powerful Dou Qi, the small boat transformed into a silver light and shot at extreme speed toward the Pill Region.