Word Count: 2,912 Words
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"Ah!!"
The moment Feng Qing Er swallowed the pill, endless waves of dark, baleful aura erupted from within her. A torrent of overwhelming Spiritual Strength drilled into her bloodline and soul with terrifying precision.
What kind of cultivation did Xiao Yan possess now? A Dou Saint with a late Heavenly State soul and the abilities of a 9th-tier alchemist! The methods he had employed before were child's play compared to what he could accomplish now.
This pill surpassed the original Tier 7 Asura Soul Pill by leagues. Not only could it attract seven-colored Pill Lightning, but it also carried Spiritual Strength infused with the Asura Soul Reaping Technique, which Xiao Yan had cultivated to the major level.
This invasion targeted not just her soul but her bloodline as well, corrupting everything that made her who she was.
The simultaneous tearing of her soul and the violent collision of bloodline forces unleashed agony so intense that even someone of Feng Qing Er's cultivation found it unbearable. Tendrils of dark Spiritual Strength rampaged through her meridians, shredding her from within.
The pain wrenched an uncontrollable scream from her throat, and her miserable cries echoed throughout the chamber.
"You're being rather loud. Can't even handle this bit of pain?" Xiao Yan frowned. The pills he refined had always been quality work. Feng Qing Er's suffering stemmed solely from the pill's overwhelming potency.
Not only would it strengthen her Spiritual Strength, but it would also scour impurities from her bloodline. The tearing sensation came from those elements being forcibly purged.
"Sigh. Young people these days."
His dismissive words reached Feng Qing Er's ears. She clenched her teeth and balled her hands into tight fists. No matter how her body burned with agony, no matter how her muscles spasmed and twisted, she forced herself to swallow every sound that tried to escape her throat.
Fortunately, the torment proved mercifully short. After about the time it took to drink a cup of tea, the pain vanished. In its place came a scorching warmth that flowed through her limbs and bones, soaking into every fiber of her being.
The soul connection that had once been completely severed suddenly blazed back to life. Along with that restored link came a flood of spiritual information pouring directly into her consciousness.
The current Asura Soul Reaping Technique was a High Tian Class Soul Technique, and Xiao Yan had cultivated it to the major level, with only one final tribulation standing between him and perfection. This Asura Slave Seal was incomparably stronger than the previous one, capable of transmitting spiritual information directly. Nothing about Feng Qing Er could remain hidden from Xiao Yan now.
What he sought was detailed information about Huang Tian. Almost immediately, he witnessed the scene of Feng Qing Er desperately pleading with the Three Phoenix Saints to withdraw, only to be blasted aside by Huang Tian's power.
'You can't save someone determined to destroy themselves. Since it was all for his own interests... there's nothing left to say.' Xiao Yan murmured inwardly.
From Huang Tian's perspective, his actions weren't wrong. This had never been a question of right versus wrong, only one of clashing positions. Since their stances were fundamentally at odds, there was nothing to hesitate over and nothing to pity. Between true enemies, reconciliation was impossible. The conflict would end only when one side was completely erased.
He glanced at Feng Qing Er. She remained in shock from the pill's effects, her breathing coming in short, ragged gasps that made her chest heave with each desperate intake. The pill's residual energy had spread a delicate flush across her skin; what had been snow-white was now stained a feverish pink, the whole picture undeniably tempting.
Xiao Yan rubbed the bridge of his nose. Perhaps he had misjudged her. Feng Qing Er had done her best; she couldn't truly be said to have betrayed him. He cleared his throat. "Ahem. How long do you plan to stand naked in front of me?"
His words snapped Feng Qing Er back to awareness. Her cheeks reddened slightly, though she had little left to feel shy about. In front of Xiao Yan, her dignity was already worth less than dust.
A soft hum vibrated through the air as a long dress materialized over her body. Unlike her previous seven-colored plain dress, this gown was deep black, adorned with colorful butterfly patterns that shimmered faintly with her every movement.
The dark silk clung to her form, concealing her nakedness yet utterly failing to tame what lay beneath. The fabric molded itself to the heavy fullness of her breasts, each breath shifting their soft weight visibly beneath the thin material. From there it traced the narrow cinch of her waist before stretching taut over the voluptuous flare of her hips and the firm, rounded swell of her rear. Every curve the gown tried to hide, it sculpted into sharper relief instead. Just watching those enchanting lines shift with her slightest movement was enough to set blood running hot.
Even Feng Qing Er herself hadn't expected her clothing to transform this way. Surprise flickered across her face, soon replaced by a trace of desolation in her eyes. Now, not only her soul but even her bloodline had been stained with his color. How utterly tragic!
Though her bloodline strength and Spiritual Strength had both improved, the price was her entire life. What a desolate bargain.
Xiao Yan slid a cup of hot tea across the table toward her and spoke in an unhurried tone. "Drink some tea and head back. Treat everything that happened today as if it never occurred. I won't go back on what I promised you."
Feng Qing Er sighed inwardly. She understood now that the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe's fall to this point had been unavoidable all along. So long as Zi Yan returned to the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe, the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe was destined to yield its position. Conflict between the two had been written into fate.
On the Dou Qi Continent, strength was the only law.
She slowly picked up the teacup. Her beautiful eyes lingered on Xiao Yan's face, filled with an emotion she herself could not name. Then she tipped her head back and drained the tea in one swallow.
As her sleeve rose to hide her face, a single tear slipped free and traced down her cheek unseen. When she lowered her arm, it was a completely new Feng Qing Er looking out at the world, one who had said farewell to her past self.
"Thank you for the tea, Master." She slowly bent her knees, set the empty cup before him, and bowed in thanks.
"I won't make things difficult for you or your clan. When the time comes, you need only fulfill your duties properly." Xiao Yan tossed her a token. "Take this Soul Command Token. If anything happens, use it to contact me."
This was no ordinary Hun Clan token; it was a subordinate Soul Command Token of the Tenth Tianzun, equivalent in rank to an Honorable Elder within Xiao Yan's division of the Hall of Souls.
Feng Qing Er looked down at the Soul Command Token in her palm and understood at once. She had effectively joined the Hall of Souls. From this day forward, she was this man's subordinate.
"Qing Er understands." She carefully tucked the token away and nodded.
Whether fortune or disaster awaited, she couldn't know. She no longer had any choice in the matter. At least the worst outcome had been avoided; the Feng Clan wouldn't suffer the fate of Medusa's people, driven into the barren wastelands, homeless and scattered.
Feng Qing Er pushed the door open with a soft creak and stepped outside. Dozens of Ancient Void Dragon warriors immediately turned toward her, their gazes locking onto her figure.
"Let her go."
Xiao Yan's voice drifted from within the chamber. Not a single warrior of the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe dared utter a word of objection.
Without question, Xiao Yan's standing on Eastern Dragon Island now rivaled Zi Yan's own. He had effectively become Eastern Dragon Island's second Dragon Emperor!
Feng Qing Er bowed deeply in Xiao Yan's direction, then unfurled a pair of black, rainbow-shimmering Demon Phoenix wings and soared away from Eastern Dragon Island. The future of the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe now rested on her careful management. One misstep would plunge them into eternal ruin.
…
After resolving the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe's affairs, Xiao Yan made his way to the Dragon Emperor's palace where Zi Yan sat upon the Dragon Throne, handling various tribal matters.
"You didn't kill that mongrel bird?" Zi Yan raised her head, a trace of majesty in her bearing as she looked at him.
Xiao Yan shrugged and strolled toward the throne. "Installing a puppet ruler to control the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe is far better than wiping them all out. With her managing the hundreds of millions of Heaven Demon Phoenix tribesmen, they won't be able to cause any trouble."
"Besides, their Tribe Leader Huang Tian has already reached 5-star Dou Saint. Before we fully unify the Dragon Islands, it's unwise to move against the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe. Having an informant is always more advantageous."
Zi Yan gave him a long, searching look but didn't refute him. Though the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe had aided the Northern Dragon King, she knew that annihilating an entire race wasn't appropriate.
Replacing their leader with someone obedient was indeed the best strategy.
Xiao Yan moved behind the throne. His large hand gently lifted a few strands of her gray-white hair, his eyes reflecting a trace of heartache. "You've overdrawn your life force. With your Dragon Phoenix bloodline, even peak tier 8 pills would struggle to replenish what you've lost. You'll need a tier 9 pill. We should visit the Pill Tower as soon as possible to find a suitable recipe."
Restoring Zi Yan's depleted life force absolutely required a Tier 9 Treasure Pill. Xiao Yan currently had no such pill on hand, leaving him no choice but to journey to the Pill Tower to trade for one.
"You're heading back to the Central Plains? Perfect timing, I'll come along!" Zi Yan's face lit up with a bright smile.
Xiao Yan blinked in surprise. "You want to visit the Pill Tower too? Eastern Dragon Island just endured a major battle. Wouldn't leaving now be... somewhat inappropriate?"
"It's fine. The three Dragon Kings were gravely injured this time; who knows how long it'll take them to recover their strength." Zi Yan waved dismissively. "My current cultivation isn't sufficient to fully summon the Dragon Slaying Sword, and the island's inheritance has already been exhausted. If I relied on ordinary methods to reach 5-star Dou Saint, it would probably take decades or even a century." She winked at Xiao Yan and grinned. "Hehe, besides, I have a feeling my cultivation advances faster when I'm with you."
Though she longed to resolve the three Dragon Kings immediately, using the Dragon Slaying Sword again would drain her life force beyond any hope of recovery. Moreover, the three Dragon Kings were merely injured, not dead. Who knew what contingencies they had prepared on their respective islands? Active offense and passive defense were entirely different matters.
On enemy territory, nothing was guaranteed. The safest approach was to wait until she reached 5-star Dou Saint and fully mastered the Dragon Slaying Sword before settling accounts.
Zi Yan's words were naturally half-truth, half-excuse. The truth was that Dragon Island's inheritance really had been depleted. Even with her Dragon Phoenix bloodline, truly summoning the Dragon Slaying Sword required reaching 5-star Dou Saint. She knew full well that following Xiao Yan meant nine meals a day!
With the aid of tier 9 pills, reaching 5-star Dou Saint shouldn't be difficult for her. And right before her eyes stood a 9th-tier alchemist! Not clutching this golden thigh for all she was worth would be a crime against herself!
Of course, part of her motivation was genuinely wanting to accompany Xiao Yan, to see if there was anything she could help with as repayment for his aid to Dragon Island.
As for whether some part of her simply wished to remain by his side... that was another question entirely.
The happiness and eagerness in Zi Yan's eyes were plain to see. Xiao Yan smiled and patted her head. "If you want me to refine a tier 9 pill, the price won't be cheap. I wonder what the Dragon Emperor is prepared to offer in exchange?"
Zi Yan flashed her white teeth in a broad grin. She threw an arm around his shoulders and declared grandly, "This Emperor shall trade half of the tribe with you! How does that sound?"
"Hahahaha! Excellent, deal!" Xiao Yan laughed heartily and clapped her palm in a high-five.
Having Zi Yan, a 4-star Dou Saint and Dragon Emperor of the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe, at his side gave him far more confidence, whether he was visiting the Small Pill Tower or embarking on the journey for the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame.
Even if the Small Pill Tower discovered his identity and their guardian attempted to detain him, joining forces with Zi Yan meant he need not fear even the Pill Tower's Old Ancestor.
If Venerable Yao ever learned that his disciple planned to team up with a little buddy to cause chaos in the Small Pill Tower, his spirit would probably rise from the grave in outrage. You unfilial disciple! The Pill Tower is sacred ground for all alchemists across the Dou Qi Continent!
…
Three days later, clouds drifted lazily across an azure sky. Warm sunlight poured down from the horizon, bathing all creation in a languid glow.
A soft hiss split the tranquil air as ripples spread across the sky. A spatial crack tore slowly open, and two figures stepped leisurely through.
"Ah! Finally free from that damned Dragon Island!" Zi Yan sucked in a deep breath of fresh air the moment she emerged, throwing her arms wide. A look of pure bliss bloomed across her exquisite features. "I truly can't fathom why anyone would willingly migrate to such a wretched place."
Xiao Yan could only shake his head helplessly as he watched her transform in an instant from the awe-inspiring Dragon Emperor into a carefree young girl the moment she left Dragon Island. Even as Dragon Emperor now, that mischievous personality from the old days was clearly still alive and well deep in her bones.
"Let's go. I still need to figure out how to get into the Small Pill Tower." Without a guide this time, Xiao Yan had only his memories to rely on. He recalled that Association President Xuan Kong Zi and Association President Tian Lei Zi had once mentioned that anyone capable of refining peak tier 8 pills could enter the Small Pill Tower, become an Elder there, and cultivate within its walls.
The Small Pill Tower was the true core of the Pill Tower, the genuine holy land for every alchemist across the Dou Qi Continent. It could be called the 'research institute' charged with elevating the standard of alchemy throughout the world.
The baseline entry qualification was peak 8th-tier. One could only imagine what kind of monstrous talents resided within. That said, 8th-tier alchemists capable of refining pills that attracted seven-colored Pill Lightning could also enter the Small Pill Tower to study, though they weren't granted access to its resources.
Full members received not only the Pill Tower's resources but also access to its vast collection of ancient pill recipes.
And the tier 10 pill recipe fragment that the Hall of Souls needed was stored inside.
A soft hum vibrated through the air as Zi Yan's body shimmered. She shrank back into the tiny form from her Jia Nan Academy days, then cheerfully hopped onto Xiao Yan's back with a giggle. Pumping her small fist into the air, she cried, "Let's go!"
What could Xiao Yan do when this Dragon Emperor wanted a piggyback ride? He could only indulge Her Majesty.
He surveyed their surroundings briefly to get his bearings, then shot toward the Central Plains' Pill Region with Zi Yan clinging to his back.
Xiao Yan's current speed could only be described as terrifying. Each stride carried them across entire cities, and before long, the familiar Pill Region came into view.
He was no longer the fledgling 8th-tier alchemist and mere Dou Ancestor of the past. Now he stood as a late-stage 2-star Dou Saint capable of rivaling the three Dragon Kings and a 9th-tier alchemist to boot. He could be called a man standing at the very pinnacle of the Dou Qi Continent.
After crossing the Pill Region, Xiao Yan and Zi Yan set foot in Holy Pill City once more. Not to mention Xiao Yan himself, even Zi Yan couldn't help feeling a wave of nostalgia.
This was where Xiao Yan had truly made his name in the Central Plains for the first time. At the Pill Gathering, he had claimed the champion's title with an absolutely invincible display. It was also that very day when he had finally opened his heart to Cai Lin. Xiao Xiao and Xiao Cai had been born around that time as well, and the First Start Pill had served as proof of his graduation from apprenticeship.
That Pill Gathering had truly been a turning point, filled with countless meaningful moments.