Word Count: 3,320 Words
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Suddenly, a fragrant breeze drifted over. Xiao Yan struggled to open his eyes and found Xun Er's exquisitely beautiful face filled with deep concern. There were even faint tears glistening in her eyes.
"Xun Er, I'm not dreaming, am I?" Xiao Yan raised his hand and spoke in a somewhat hoarse voice.
Xun Er supported Xiao Yan's arm, then gently took his raised hand and placed it against her own cheek. Feeling the warmth from his large palm, she softly shook her head. "This isn't a dream, Xiao Yan ge-ge. It's really me, Xun Er."
"Cough, cough!" Xiao Yan suddenly coughed violently.
"Xiao Yan ge-ge! I have medicinal pills here." Xun Er hurriedly retrieved a tier 8 medicinal pill from her storage ring. With Xiao Yan's experience as an 8th-tier alchemist, he could naturally tell that the quality of this pill was far from low.
Xiao Yan smiled and shook his head. "No need. This is just the side effect of using a Secret Technique. Besides, I'm an alchemist myself. I have plenty of medicinal pills."
He truly wasn't pretending. The combined burden of the Skyfire Three Mysterious Change and the Asura Soul Reaping Technique was extremely taxing on both body and soul. Not to mention, he had forcefully unleashed the Nine-Colored Fire Lotus to clash with Venerable Bing, pushing his body to its absolute limit.
He had only managed to endure through the power of the Yin-Yang Life and Death Flame. Now that he had withdrawn it, his injuries naturally erupted.
Xun Er's small mouth pouted slightly, her cheeks puffing up a bit. She looked at Xiao Yan with a hint of grievance and said unhappily. "Xiao Yan ge-ge is always like this. You never accept anything Xun Er gives you."
Xiao Yan found himself speechless. As a principled, somewhat traditional young man—a 'steel-type straight man'—he had always been reluctant to depend on the girl he liked.
But after being called out like this, he had no choice but to set aside his pride. With a hint of craftiness, he said, "If Xun Er is willing to feed me, then I'll take it."
After speaking, he opened his mouth with an 'ah' sound, just wide enough to accommodate a single medicinal pill.
Teased this way, Xun Er's cheeks instantly flushed red. Her beautiful eyes grew misty as her jade-like hand picked up the pill and gently placed it in his mouth. Her slender fingers inevitably brushed against his lips, making her recall their time at the academy.
For a moment, Xun Er's heart raced like a startled deer, overcome with shyness. As the pill entered his mouth, Xiao Yan closed his lips and didn't forget to lightly kiss her fingertip.
This kiss sent what felt like an electric current through Xun Er's entire body, making her go weak all over. Though they had kissed before, they had never tried this kind of play!
It had to be said that Xiao Yan's mind was full of creative ideas, and his methods were quite varied.
Whether it was the effectiveness of Xun Er's pill or the magic of love, Xiao Yan's body actually recovered!
How miraculous indeed.
From the background, Little Fairy Doctor's beautiful eyes flickered with a barely perceptible trace of sadness as she watched Xiao Yan and Xun Er's intimate interaction.
Although she had shared more intimate moments with Xiao Yan, they had only kissed twice, and the first was just to refine a Heavenly Flame!
Little Fairy Doctor suddenly felt she had suffered a great loss. Her first kiss had been given up for a Heavenly Flame!
She then released her Woeful Poison Body, and her hair and eyes returned to their original state.
"Ahem, this old man stands on your side." Venerable Tian Huo flew to Little Fairy Doctor's side, expressing his support for her. Keep going, work hard—you can definitely turn the tide!
After recovering, Xiao Yan returned with Xun Er, whose cheeks were still somewhat flushed.
The two Gu Clan Dou Venerates exchanged glances when they saw Xun Er's somewhat bashful expression, both seeing helplessness in each other's eyes.
In the Gu Clan, and even among all Dou God Clans, countless geniuses tried every method imaginable just to win a single smile from the beauty.
"If this news spreads back to the clan, those young brats will definitely go crazy."
"Mm, it might even bring disaster."
The two old men used secret voice transmission to agree that, for today, they must play dead and pretend they'd seen nothing.
"Ahem."
Xiao Yan lightly cleared his throat and gestured to Xun Er. "This is Little Fairy Doctor." He then turned to Little Fairy Doctor. "This is Xun Er."
This time, neither Xun Er nor Little Fairy Doctor extended their hands. They simply nodded at each other with smiles.
Little Fairy Doctor then said to Xiao Yan, "You and Miss Gu haven't seen each other for many years. You must have much to discuss. Elder Yao and I can handle Venerable Yan She."
Hearing these considerate words that made one's heart ache, Xiao Yan couldn't help but waver slightly.
Little Fairy Doctor didn't give Xiao Yan a chance to respond. She disappeared in a flash and used Woeful Poison to seal Venerable Yan She.
Xiao Yan sighed inwardly, then cupped his hands toward the two Gu Clan elders. "The two Gu Clan seniors must be tired after traveling thousands of miles to the Pill Region. You can rest at the Ye Clan below. Xun Er, let's go down and talk."
Xun Er nodded slightly. Xiao Yan took the lead, his figure darting toward the center of the city where the Ye Clan compound was located.
As Xiao Yan's group descended, the entire Ye City gradually stirred with commotion. Today's earth-shaking battle would likely spread throughout the Central Plains like wind before long.
After all, the renowned Ice River Valley had lost almost all its elite forces, and the Valley Master, First Elder, and the other elders had all fallen!
From this day forward, the Three Valleys would become Two Valleys and One Alliance!
The two Gu Clan elders watched Xiao Yan's retreating figure and exchanged glances. One of them transmitted, "Old Lin, did you see that just now?"
The elder called Old Lin narrowed his eyes, thought for a moment, then nodded heavily. "Mm, though he fled quickly, there's no mistake. That was Venerable Qing Hai from the Hall of Souls."
Not long after eliminating Ice River Valley, upon seeing two more Dou Venerates appear, Qing Hai naturally didn't linger and opened a Wormhole to leave.
However, even though he fled quickly enough, he still couldn't escape the eyes of the two Gu Clan elders.
"Isn't this Xiao Yan an alchemist? How did he get involved with the Hall of Souls?"
"I don't know. Logically, the Hall of Souls and alchemists are mortal enemies, incompatible as fire and water. They couldn't possibly cooperate... unless he's an alchemist of the Hall of Souls, like Mu Gu or Hun Huzi."
For a moment, both were startled by their own deduction. The Xiao Clan allied with the Hun Clan??? After thinking it over, both shook their heads. This was impossible. The Xiao Clan was exterminated by the Hun Clan. How could this Xiao Yan possibly join the Hall of Souls?
Both felt they were overthinking things.
Not long after the Ice River Valley Master and others fell, the Ye Clan members returned from their hiding places, just in time to see Xiao Yan and his group land within their compound.
Ye Zhong hurriedly led all the Ye Clan members forward to greet them, his face full of respect. After today's earth-shaking battle, he had clearly witnessed Xiao Yan's power. Even a formidable faction like Ice River Valley had met such a disastrous end when they came out in full force!
Now looking again, there were two more Dou Venerates! This Xiao Yan's influence was even stronger than that of ordinary 8th-tier alchemists!
"Big Brother Xiao Yan, are you all alright?" Xin Lan rushed forward with joy on her face as she saw Xiao Yan unharmed.
Xiao Yan smiled and nodded, then pointed to Xun Er and said to Xin Lan, "This is Xun Er. I'm sure you've heard of her."
"Hehe, of course I've heard of her! In Jia Nan Academy's ranking of heavenly couples, you and Senior Sister Xun Er have always been at the top." Xin Lan covered her mouth and laughed playfully.
At these words, Xun Er was slightly taken aback and looked a little embarrassed. Soon, though, a gentle smile appeared on her elegant face, causing the hearts of the young Ye Clan members nearby to flutter. She chuckled softly, "Hehe, Junior Sister Xin Lan is too kind."
"Xun Er, this is Qing Lin, the child I told you about that Big Brother and Second Brother adopted."
Xun Er's beautiful eyes showed surprise. "Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils... No wonder the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe was after you."
Qing Lin saw Xun Er and hurriedly bowed, saying somewhat nervously, "This servant Qing Lin greets Miss Xun Er."
Xun Er helped her up and shook her head. "Qing Lin need not be so formal."
"Thank you, Miss."
Xun Er then looked toward Zi Yan and nodded in greeting. "Senior Sister Zi Yan, it's been a long time."
Zi Yan quickly hid behind Xiao Yan, watching Xun Er warily. Back at Jia Nan Academy, she had always been extremely cautious around Xun Er.
The Ancient Void Dragon's intuition told her that this woman posed a great threat to her, was very powerful, and absolutely unbeatable!
Xiao Yan awkwardly rubbed his nose upon seeing Zi Yan hide behind him. He had never seen her act this way toward anyone before.
Changing the subject, he looked at Ye Zhong with a smile. "Elder Ye Zhong, could you arrange some quiet guest rooms for us?"
"Hehe, Mr. Xiao Yan is too polite. Such a small matter is naturally no problem." Ye Zhong nodded quickly as he personally led the way.
Xiao Yan smiled and followed, with Xun Er, Little Fairy Doctor, and the others close behind.
The courtyard was still crowded with many Ye Clan members. Some young clansmen showed envy in their eyes upon seeing the two women of different but equally outstanding temperaments behind Xiao Yan. For ordinary people, having just one woman of such beauty and temperament would be heaven's blessing, yet Xiao Yan enjoyed the fortune of having both. In their view, what more could one regret in life after reaching such heights?
Xiao Yan naturally had no time to care about what these people were thinking. After giving Xiao Yan a small nod, Little Fairy Doctor quietly returned to her room, not wanting to disturb his time alone with Xun Er.
Since even Little Fairy Doctor said nothing, the others naturally took the initiative to return to their rooms to rest. After all, they had just emerged from a great battle; everyone's Dou Qi was depleted and needed time to recover. Xun Er also did not disturb Xiao Yan too much, knowing he needed time to refine the medicinal pill and heal his wounds.
It was not until midnight that Xiao Yan finished refining the medicinal pill Xun Er had given him Feeling his body restored to its original state, he couldn't help but sigh. "Ah, it seems an 8th-tier alchemist is nothing special to the Gu Clan. This pill's quality is quite high. It's probably a healing pill that attracted three-colored Pill Lightning."
From this glimpse, one could see the Gu Clan's foundation and understand just how high Xun Er's status was within the clan. Back then, a Dou Saint had been sent to protect her, and now she casually produced tier 8 medicinal pills. In all his time in the Central Plains, Xiao Yan had only seen one Dou Saint old monster at Burning Flame Valley.
Xiao Yan's eyes suddenly turned toward the room's window as he smiled. "Since you've come, why hide?"
With his Soul State Spiritual Strength, even ordinary Dou Venerates would find it difficult to escape his perception.
As his laughter faded, a soft chuckle drifted into the room. A graceful green-clad figure then flashed in, standing elegantly before Xiao Yan and smiling at him. "Xiao Yan ge-ge, are your injuries healed?"
Looking at the girl before him who appeared especially elegant and moving under the soft lamplight, a warmth quietly surged in Xiao Yan's heart. The emotions suppressed for many years erupted like a volcano in this moment of privacy. It was something impossible to conceal.
Reaching out, Xiao Yan seized Xun Er's snow-white jade hand with a domineering grip. It felt smooth to the touch, like the finest warm jade, making one reluctant to let go.
Having her hand held by Xiao Yan, Xun Er's face showed a bashfulness rarely seen by outsiders, but she didn't struggle free. After being separated from Xiao Yan for so many years, their feelings hadn't faded but had instead settled and become even more mellow with time, permeating every part of their bodies.
Xiao Yan then gently pulled, bringing Xun Er into his embrace.
Xun Er didn't resist, burying herself in Xiao Yan's chest. Xiao Yan greedily breathed in her long-missed fragrance while Xun Er savored the familiar embrace she had yearned for.
"Xiao Yan ge-ge, have you... ever blamed Xun Er for leaving you?" Xun Er's voice was very soft, carrying a hint of guilt and dimness.
After all, it was her clan's decision that had separated them for six full years. This time, she had forcefully escaped from the clan to leave the Gu Realm, but she would have to return to the Gu Clan again soon.
A sharp pain pierced Xiao Yan's heart at that moment. He gripped Xun Er's jade hand even tighter and held her closer as he softly replied, "I have."
Xun Er's body trembled slightly. Sensing her panic, Xiao Yan tightened his hold and said, "But I blame myself even more for not having enough strength, for lacking the power to make those stubborn old folks in the Gu Clan acknowledge me."
"Xiao Yan ge-ge..." Xun Er slowly lifted her head, looking into those bright, determined eyes. For some reason, guilt stirred within her, because she knew the cause of this separation had been herself, not Xiao Yan.
"Xiao Yan ge-ge, I don't need you to be strong. Even if you were just an ordinary Dou King, a Dou Grandmaster in Wu Tan City, or even just at the 3rd-stage of Dou Disciple, Xun Er would still only want to be with you."
Xiao Yan was deeply moved by Xun Er's heartfelt confession. He gently pinched her adorable nose and said, "Ordinary children all have 3rd-stage Dou Disciple strength. Are you cursing me to lose all my Dou Qi?"
"Xun Er didn't mean that, I just..."
Imitating Xun Er's gesture, Xiao Yan extended a finger to press against her tender red lips and smiled. "Don't worry. Though I don't yet qualify to catch your Gu Clan's eye, believe me. Within three years, I, Xiao Yan, will openly propose to the Gu Clan and marry their young miss."
Xun Er's beautiful eyes showed infatuation. After all, what young girl wouldn't want to hear her beloved say he would marry her?
Xun Er pouted and said with a hint of charm, "The Gu Clan has other young misses too."
Xiao Yan was first stunned, then burst into laughter. "Hahaha, then I'm very curious. Are there other Gu Clan young misses as beautiful as Xun Er?"
Xun Er pretended to be angry, her jade fingers pinching Xiao Yan's waist.
After some playful banter, Xun Er seemed to remember something. She took out a jade token from her storage ring, hesitated a moment, then handed it to Xiao Yan.
"Mm? What's this?" Xiao Yan played with the jade token. He thought Xun Er had brought him another super-powerful Dou Technique from the Gu Clan, letting him eat soft rice again.
But after sensing it with his Spiritual Strength, he discovered this wasn't an inheritance jade token but just a very ordinary jade token, with only the character 'Gu' carved on it.
"Xiao Yan ge-ge, within the Gu Realm of the Gu Clan, there is a place called the Heavenly Tomb. The Heavenly Tomb opens once every twenty years. It's an ancient ruin and the burial place of countless experts. The Heavenly Tomb is extremely mysterious, containing the power and projections of many ancient powerhouses. If you defeat them and gain their recognition, you can absorb the energy imprints they left behind and thus increase your own strength," Xun Er explained.
Upon hearing 'Heavenly Tomb,' Xiao Yan's heart was instantly shaken. Back then, Hun Lao Gui had mentioned that the Gu Clan possessed a truly wondrous secret realm called the Heavenly Tomb. Most importantly, the message left by ancestor Xiao Xuan said that only after collecting three kinds of Heavenly Flames and cultivating the Skyfire Three Mysterious Change could Xiao Yan come to the Heavenly Tomb to find him.
To be honest, this trial set by the ancestor was something ordinary people simply couldn't accomplish. However, Xiao Yan estimated the ancestor should have left methods regarding the other two Heavenly Flames, allowing later Xiao Clan descendants to possess three Heavenly Flames even without a miraculous Qi Method like the Flame Mantra.
"Time flows much slower inside the Heavenly Tomb than outside. Each time it opens, you can remain inside for half a year. But half a year in the outside world is equivalent to three years in the Heavenly Tomb. It's truly a sacred land for cultivation," Xun Er continued.
"A sixfold time difference!" Xiao Yan's eyes shone. Not only were there inheritance energy bodies, but time was slowed! This was simply invincible!
"How does one get in?" There was no doubt that the Heavenly Tomb greatly tempted Xiao Yan. He had already fulfilled his ancestor's requirements, so if there was a chance, he definitely wanted to go!
"The Heavenly Tomb opens once every twenty years. There are still more than three years until the next opening. It usually opens shortly after my Gu Clan's coming-of-age ceremony. Normally, each Dou God Clan has its own quota to enter. It's just that now, the Xiao Clan's quota..." Xun Er's eyes showed a hint of guilt. After the Xiao Clan was destroyed, the Heavenly Tomb essentially fell under the control of the Gu Clan.
The quota that belonged to the Xiao Clan was, of course, reassigned to the Gu Clan. Even though Xun Er had spoken to the clan's higher-ups, saying that as the Little Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan, Xiao Yan should rightfully be allowed to enter the Heavenly Tomb, for those Gu Clan elders who had already finalized the allocations, giving up one spot would just mean one less person from their side could enter. They had no intention of relinquishing the Xiao Clan's quota.
Xiao Yan immediately understood. This jade token was an invitation to the Gu Clan's coming-of-age ceremony. The next Heavenly Tomb opening was still over three years away!
That meant he only had three years!
Yet another three-year agreement. Xiao Yan truly seemed to have a fated connection with the number three.
He gently patted Xun Er's head and said, "Silly girl, it's not your fault. On the Dou Qi Continent, isn't it perfectly normal for those without strength to be looked down upon?"
Xun Er's eyes dimmed slightly as she said softly, "But... half of the Heavenly Tomb originally belonged to your Xiao Clan, Xiao Yan ge-ge. Now..."
Xiao Yan gave a gentle laugh, shaking his head and replying with indifference, "What's gone is gone. There's no such thing as 'originally' or 'what if'. The decline of the Xiao Clan is simply a fact."