Word Count: 3,052 Words
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Ye Zhong could only nod with a bitter smile at these words. "Grandmaster Xiao Yan is willing to save our Ye Clan, and we are immensely grateful. Although clan rules forbid lending the Sun Fire Ancient Altar to outsiders, with the Ye Clan in such dire circumstances, clinging to old rules would only lead to our destruction."
Xiao Yan nodded lightly when he saw that Ye Zhong offered no excuses.
The Pill Gathering wouldn't begin for another six months, and Ice River Valley would need time to receive the news and arrive. Xiao Yan couldn't afford to waste any time.
He had successfully refined the Heaven Flame Spirit Pill, which had doubled his cultivation speed, allowing him to reach 5-star Dou Ancestor upon leaving seclusion.
But 5-star Dou Ancestor was far from sufficient. If he could win the Pill Gathering championship, then according to Hun Huzi, he would qualify to participate in the Hun Clan's coming-of-age ceremony.
Xiao Yan wanted to advance his cultivation further before the Hun Clan's coming-of-age ceremony!
During this ceremony, clan members would have their Clan Marks activated, and the Hall of Souls would bestow rewards—Qi Methods, Dou Techniques, and other prizes—upon Honorable Elders and Tianzuns who had made significant contributions. It was a grand occasion for the Hun Clan.
Xiao Yan had already collected considerable Dou God Bloodline. He planned to obtain the Hun Clan's Clan Mark at this coming-of-age ceremony!
Only then could he begin cultivating the Emperor Soul Technique, striving to reach the Heavenly State of Spiritual Strength and become a 9th-tier alchemist as soon as possible. This would give him the confidence to venture to the Gu Realm and reunite with Xun Er.
Even without Hun Huzi's detailed explanation, based on the coming-of-age ceremonies preserved by the Xiao Clan, Xiao Yan could guess that this ceremony wouldn't be peaceful. His own certainly hadn't been.
Ye Zhong instructed his clansmen to clear the hall, then personally led Xiao Yan's group toward the depths of the Ye Clan. After about ten minutes, an extremely remote gravel plaza appeared before them. An ancient-looking altar stood in the plaza's center. The massive stones used in its construction were covered with the marks of time, clearly indicating the altar had existed for many years.
The Sun Fire Ancient Altar was one of the Ye Clan's cultivation holy grounds. With the altar present, Ye Clan alchemists could collect Sun Flame for alchemy.
Although this Sun Flame lacked the special abilities of Heavenly Flames, its power equaled that of the Life Transforming Flame.
Xiao Yan noticed the exceptionally bright light as he approached the altar. The closer he got, the more intense and pure the energy in the surrounding area became. Substantial beams of light poured down from the sky, reflected by smooth stone walls, and converged on a black stone monument at the altar's center.
'Worthy of being the Ye Clan's secret realm. The fire-attribute energy in this ancient altar is extremely rich and perfect for cultivation.' Xiao Yan nodded to himself. Indeed, every major power possessed its own secret realm.
"Beneath the stone monument is an Earth Eye leading to the earth's depths. When the monument is moved, Core Flames emerge and ignite the gathered sunlight to form Sun Flame. Of course, that's how it used to work." Ye Zhong explained, a bitter smile on his face as he looked at the ancient altar.
Xiao Yan frowned slightly at this. "Used to? What happened?"
"Alas." Ye Zhong sighed heavily, his face filled with bitterness. "Starting ten years ago, for unknown reasons, Core Flames rarely emerged from the Earth Eye. Other flames couldn't ignite the sunlight to form Sun Flame either. This caused our Ye Clan's alchemy to advance slowly, worsening our already difficult situation and leading to today's predicament."
Xiao Yan nodded slightly, not concerned about this issue. His purpose wasn't to borrow the Sun Flame but to cultivate using the pure natural energy here.
"Qing Lin, while I cultivate, go with Xin Lan to check Ye City's medicinal shops. Look for tier 8 medicinal ingredients or natural treasures suitable for magical beasts. Purchase whatever you find." Xiao Yan handed several tier 6 and tier 7 pills to Qing Lin.
Having this rare opportunity in Ye City, Xiao Yan planned to acquire as many tier 8 medicinal ingredients as possible. The Pill Gathering would definitely require participants to prepare their own materials.
In the Pill Region, nothing surpassed medicinal pills in value.
"Qing Lin understands," she nodded gently, accepting the pills from Xiao Yan.
"Grandmaster Xiao Yan, if you need medicinal ingredients, our Ye Clan still has some reserves." Ye Zhong gritted his teeth and spoke in a deep voice.
Xiao Yan waved his hand and shook his head. "Elder Ye Zhong, your Ye Clan can barely protect itself now. If you have suitable ingredients, I can exchange pills for them. I, Xiao Yan, don't take things for free."
Ye Zhong sighed inwardly. Making an 8th-tier alchemist owe a favor wasn't easy. Xiao Yan clearly understood the old saying: free things are the most expensive.
Following Ye Zhong's directions, Xiao Yan smoothly arrived at an ancient altar. Beams of light poured down from the sky like substance, casting into the altar and bringing waves of warmth.
'Such abundant fire-attribute energy,' Xiao Yan thought, taking a deep breath and absorbing the gentle Sun Flame power. 'Although not equal to Burning Flame Valley's Flame Valley, it's not far behind. Moreover, this fire-attribute energy is gentler than in Flame Valley.'
'But it's quite strange. Logically, with such rich fire-attribute energy at this ancient altar, the Earth Eye should be able to produce Sun Flame.' Xiao Yan's moving gaze stopped at the bottomless Earth Eye at the altar's center.
Xiao Yan blinked, hesitated for a moment, then carefully moved to the edge of the Earth Eye. He peered inside, but only endless darkness met his sight. Where this Earth Eye led, apart from its creator, probably no one knew.
'I can sense considerable energy below. There should be an Earth Vein there.'
Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed. Such abnormality suggested something was amiss.
'Let's see what mischief this ancient altar is hiding.' Xiao Yan flicked his sleeve, and an intangible fire python coiled in his palm.
The Fallen Heart Flame had already gained spirituality and possessed considerable intelligence. The transparent fire python affectionately flicked its tongue when Xiao Yan summoned it.
"Be good now. Go see what exactly happened to the Earth Vein beneath this ancient altar." Xiao Yan smiled. What was an Earth Vein to the Fallen Heart Flame? It was originally born in Earth Vein magma. It could survive freely even in the magma world beneath the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower. This small ancient altar was nothing.
Hiss hiss!
At Xiao Yan's command, the Fallen Heart Flame transformed into a finger-thick snake and swooshed into the Earth Eye.
Even Spiritual Strength at the Soul State wouldn't dare enter the Earth Eye's depths, risking scorching from Sun Flame. But for a Heavenly Flame Spirit, it was as comfortable as soaking in a hot spring.
Xiao Yan wasn't anxious. The Fallen Heart Flame had intelligence and would handle things properly. He sat cross-legged at the ancient altar and began operating the Flame Mantra, absorbing the Sun Fire power gathered.
Time passed unknowingly during cultivation. Xiao Yan's Dou Qi increased slowly as minutes and seconds ticked by.
"Hmm?" His eyes suddenly snapped open, narrowing as he looked toward the Earth Eye.
Suddenly! The ancient altar trembled slightly. Soon after, a colorless transparent small snake emerged from the Earth Eye with a blood-red bead in its mouth.
"Core Bead?!"
The Core Bead, also called Core Fire Bead, was an energy sphere formed from the earth's deep essence after countless years of condensation. It contained extremely vast energy within.
Its greatest value was as a substitute for Monster Cores. Since Core Beads contained massive energy, they could replace Monster Cores needed for tier 8 or even tier 9 pills.
Especially when refining tier 9 pills, Monster Cores were generally not used because Rank 9 magical beasts were extremely, extremely, extremely rare! Even among the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe and Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe, Rank 9 magical beasts were ancient monsters with extremely long lifespans who rarely died.
Moreover, even when they died, it was usually from old age, with their bodies stored in burial grounds. Who would dare dig them up?
Therefore, special energy crystals like Core Beads generally replaced Monster Cores when refining tier 9 medicinal pills.
Xiao Yan's heart couldn't help but beat a little faster when he saw this Core Bead; he understood very well just how rare Core Beads were.
"Well done!"
Xiao Yan had never expected to obtain such a treasure just by coming here to cultivate. This was an incredible stroke of luck!
Shortly after the Fallen Heart Flame snake emerged with the Core Bead, terrifying energy erupted from the Earth Eye with a boom. Xiao Yan hurriedly retreated backward.
When sunlight again shone on the ancient altar, wisps of Sun Flame rose from the Earth Eye.
Xiao Yan immediately understood as he looked at the rising Sun Flame and the Fallen Heart Flame snake holding the Core Bead in his palm.
'No wonder Sun Flame stopped appearing from the Earth Eye. This Core Bead formed and blocked the passage.' Xiao Yan smiled slightly. He would consider this Core Bead his payment for clearing the blockage.
The Fallen Heart Flame obediently spat out the Core Bead. Xiao Yan picked it up and examined it, exclaiming with delight, "Such fierce energy! This Core Bead's energy probably equals a Rank 9 Monster Core. I really struck it big this time."
Xiao Yan estimated that this Core Bead could easily be exchanged for a tier 8 pill capable of attracting two-colored Pill Lightning.
Getting what amounted to a tier 8 pill for free out of nowhere made even Xiao Yan beam with joy; anyone would find it hard to contain their happiness.
After all, Xiao Yan's goal wasn't just tier 8. These tier 9 pill materials were essential if he wanted to advance further. Although he had barely started, at least now he had one ingredient.
"The energy has become even richer after clearing the Earth Eye. If I can cultivate here for half a year, I can advance another star!" Xiao Yan rejoiced, stored the Core Bead, and then continued cultivating.
However, heaven only granted Xiao Yan seven days of this pleasant cultivation time.
At noon on the seventh day, Xiao Yan slowly opened his eyes and looked at the white snow drifting down from the sky. This spectacle of 'snow in June' brought him not the slightest surprise, because he knew who had arrived.
Whoosh whoosh whoosh!!
Zi Yan, Qing Lin, and Venerable Tian Huo all appeared beside Xiao Yan in an instant. Then Ye Zhong also arrived at the ancient altar, his face pale as he gazed at the strange weather phenomenon.
"First Elder Ye Zhong, this matter has nothing to do with your Ye Clan. Hide as best you can, or leave the Ye Clan manor." Xiao Yan clasped his hands behind his back and spoke in a deep voice.
"I-I understand. Grandmaster Xiao Yan must return victorious." Ye Zhong nodded and immediately ordered all Ye Clan members to leave the manor.
This battle, regardless of the outcome, would probably shock the entire Pill Region and even the Central Plains!
Almost simultaneously, space distorted in the sky above as figures dressed in white quickly surrounded the entire Ye Clan manor.
These figures all wore an identical badge on their chests: a bone-chillingly cold, exquisite snowflake.
Ice River Valley!
The crowds in Ye City looked at the falling snow, completely bewildered about what was happening.
"Are these all people from Ice River Valley?"
"What are they doing in Ye City with such a terrifying display of force?"
"Could they also be targeting the Ye Clan?"
"Impossible! Ice River Valley's status far exceeds the Ye Clan's, not even inferior to the Dan Clan and Cao Clan. Why would they covet the Ye Clan's Ye City?"
"Then why are they mobilizing such forces? For sightseeing?"
Ye City fell into chaos due to the Ice River Valley army suddenly pressing down from outside. No one understood who could possibly cause one of the Three Valleys to mobilize so grandly.
Cold air from outside the city spread like a heavenly shroud, causing Ye City's temperature to plummet. It stopped once it had extended to within a hundred meters of Ye City, then dispersed further, completely enveloping the city. With this cold air barrier, Ye City was completely surrounded, with no way in or out!
"Xiao Yan, hand over the Woeful Poison Body, or today will be your death anniversary!"
An aged voice spread throughout Ye City. The crowds finally realized what was happening—Xiao Yan had come!
"Ah? That Xiao Yan from the Yan Alliance came to the Ye Clan?"
"No wonder Ice River Valley mobilized so grandly. They're here to eliminate the Woeful Poison Body."
"Ice River Valley truly are heroes serving the people! If that Woeful Poison Body erupted, all of Ye City would become a dead zone!"
Xiao Yan looked up; among the countless white figures, two possessed the strongest auras.
Venerable Tian Huo said, "The one on the left is Tian She, a half-step Dou Venerate. The one on the right is Ice River Valley's First Elder, a 1-star Dou Venerate. Venerable Bing isn't here."
Xiao Yan nodded but didn't speak. Venerable Tian Huo, however, directly waved his hand and collected the Sun Flame from the ancient altar in his palm. He struck out with his palm, and an extreme heat shot skyward, instantly melting all the surrounding snow and breaking the formation set by Ice River Valley's disciples.
"Tian Shuang Zi, you don't have the qualifications to be arrogant here. Have Venerable Bing come out, or you'll all be staying here permanently!"
Venerable Tian Huo stood at the front, his peak 3-star Dou Venerate aura surging toward Ice River Valley's people like a torrential river. The terrifying pressure made Ice River Valley's disciples stagger, their legs going weak.
Tian Shuang Zi revealed a cold smile, feeling Venerable Tian Huo's terrifying pressure, and his aged voice transmitted, "Tian Huo, your fire control techniques are indeed formidable, but your Yan Alliance has offended too many powers. This time it's not just my Ice River Valley."
Suddenly, space distorted, and grayish-black poisonous gas surged from a wormhole. A figure then emerged from within.
The old man swept his gaze over Xiao Yan and the others, then his eyes narrowed, fixing intently on Qing Lin beside Xiao Yan. He said in a deep voice, "It truly is the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils."
"3-star Dou Venerate! You're from the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe!"
Xiao Yan hadn't expected Venerable Bing to actually recruit an elite Dou Venerate from the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe!
Tian Shuang Zi spoke solemnly, "Venerable Yan She, let's not waste words. This boy is an 8th-tier alchemist, and this is the Pill Region. If we attract the Pill Tower's experts, we'll have serious trouble."
The one called Venerable Yan She from the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe nodded, his eyes fixed on Qing Lin. No matter what, their Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe could never allow the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils to mature.
If she reached Dou Venerate realm, probably only their tribe leader could resist her control. She had to be eliminated now, in the cradle!
Originally, elite experts from the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe wouldn't have arrived at the Pill Region so quickly. He belonged to the Yan Snake Tribe, a branch of the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe that ruled a mountain range outside the Pill Region, and had come hoping to gain merit by capturing Qing Lin after learning of her presence from Ice River Valley.
Venerable Tian Huo's expression grew grave as he transmitted, "Xiao Yan, what now? If Venerable Bing doesn't appear, I can cover your escape."
"Venerable Bing is probably nearby. That fellow is very cautious." Xiao Yan then laughed coldly. "But I'm not without helpers either."
"You go capture that Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils holder and that boy. I'll handle this 3-star Dou Venerate." Venerable Yan She transformed into a black shadow and charged at Venerable Tian Huo as soon as he finished speaking.
Tian Shuang Zi nodded at Tian She beside him. The two charged at Xiao Yan and Qing Lin from left and right.
Xiao Yan showed no panic seeing a Dou Venerate and a half-step Dou Venerate attack, and smiled slightly. "Don't think you're the only ones who can find Dou Venerate helpers."
Suddenly, overwhelming black fog surged from all around the Ye Clan manor. This black fog instantly isolated the surrounding world, sealing space and drowning even the grand formation set by Ice River Valley's disciples.
"Jie Jie Jie, Tian Shuang Zi, it's been so long, yet your strength hasn't improved much." A large hand instantly reached out and seized Tian Shuang Zi's arm. The Dou Venerate's might directly sent the half-step Dou Venerate Tian She flying.
Tian Shuang Zi's eyes widened in shock when he saw the newcomer. "You're Qing Hai!!"
…
Meanwhile, far away at a wormhole on the Pill Region's edge, space rippled as figures shot through the void. They landed neatly in the plaza with swooshing sounds. Powerful, murderous auras erupted like volcanoes, instantly silencing the entire area. Everyone stared dumbfounded at these black figures.
Those with sharper eyes had their hearts pounding violently. They discovered that even the weakest among these figures was at least at the Dou Ancestor realm!
The two black-robed elders leading them were especially notable. The distorted space around them became quiet just from their casual stance. The vast aura faintly emanating from them made many self-proclaimed experts tremble throughout their bodies.
They were Dou Venerates!
With a swoosh, all the Dou Ancestor experts knelt on one knee except for the two Dou Venerates, who merely bowed. A graceful figure gently landed on the plaza.
"Xiao Yan ge-ge, with Xun Er here, whoever dares touch you, I will kill!"