With the personnel in place and Chen Xiao's orders issued, the Purple Firmament Pavilion began to operate in an orderly fashion, stirring up quite a stir in the Tian Bei region.
However, this was limited to the Tian Bei area.
Time passed peacefully, day by day, and in the blink of an eye, it was the day for the Purple Firmament Pavilion to officially open and recruit disciples and elders.
Thanks to the deterrent effect of the Wind and Lightning Pavilion case, Chen Xiao's recruitment of personnel this time was extremely smooth. Although no Dou Zun experts joined, it still attracted some Dou Zong experts with clean backgrounds. The strongest among them was named Qiu Cheng, who had reached the Seven-Star Dou Zong level!
With such strength, as long as he didn't provoke powerful enemies, it was enough to dominate a region in the Central State.
Chen Xiao specifically asked Qing Lin to investigate, and only then did he learn the reason. Qiu Cheng had no children and only took one disciple, who died at the hands of the Pavilion Master of the South Wind and Lightning Pavilion seven years ago.
Since then, Qiu Cheng had disappeared. However, the South Wind and Lightning Pavilion had its disciples and elders attacked from time to time, suffering considerable losses.
Having understood the inside story, Chen Xiao let the matter go completely.
Apart from the disciples and elders who came to participate in the assessment, most of the major forces in the Central State showed considerable respect. Some sent elders to congratulate them, while others sent gifts even if they couldn't attend in person.
In this way, after several days of busyness, the bustling crowd at Qifeng Mountain gradually subsided.
Evening.
Chen Xiao sat on the main seat of the grand hall, perusing the list of congratulatory forces.
Among the "One Hall, One Tower, Two Sects, Three Valleys, and Four Pavilions," excluding the Soul Hall, which had a terrible reputation, and the Sound Valley, which chose to remain in seclusion, only the Ice River Valley was not on the list.
The rest, including the Flower Sect, Heavenly Underworld Sect, Burning Flame Valley, and other forces with whom they had no prior interaction, had all given face.
Just as Chen Xiao was pondering where the Purple Firmament Pavilion had offended the Ice River Valley, Cao Ying, who had just seen off the Cao family members, entered the grand hall.
"Ying'er, why have you come over here?"
Cao Ying usually spent her time refining medicine in the backyard, or interacting with Little Fairy Doctor and the other women, occasionally strolling through the Pill Hall. She rarely paid attention to other matters and seldom came to the grand hall.
Meeting Chen Xiao's somewhat puzzled gaze, Cao Ying smiled and sat down beside him. Then, with a flip of her jade hand, she took out a brand-new medicinal formula.
"This is... a new formula for Spirit Nurturing Dust?"
"Yes, the formula for Spirit Nurturing Dust was lost in ancient times. Although we obtained the formula, many of the medicinal ingredients have either become extinct or have new names. I've been researching for several months to create this new formula. However, other medicinal ingredients are fine, but there's no clue about one of the main ingredients. I can only think of some substitutes. Have someone keep an eye out for it. Once it's found, I need to refine it to see its efficacy. I've also asked the Pill Tower and the Cao family to help collect it."
Medicinal formulas, unlike Dou Skills and Cultivation Techniques, are not necessarily better for being older. What Cao Ying said were real problems.
Thousands upon thousands of years, or even longer, were enough to change too many things. It was not unusual for the names of many medicinal ingredients to change accordingly.
Chen Xiao nodded slightly, "Are these the medicinal ingredients that can replace that main ingredient?"
"Yes, the specific effects can only be known after refining."
"Soul Infant Fruit, Spirit Dragon Heavenly Ganoderma, Nine Nether Star Leaf Lotus..."
Chen Xiao muttered them silently, committing them to memory.
Immediately, with a thought, he flipped his palm and took out a simple wooden box woven from branches.
Upon opening it, a golden fruit about the size of a fist immediately came into their view.
The fruit resembled a baby, lifelike, looking like a miniature human. A faint fragrance emanated from it, causing the souls at the brows of Chen Xiao and Cao Ying to tremble involuntarily.
"Soul Infant Fruit?!"
Recognizing the fruit, Cao Ying's red lips parted slightly, and she looked up in astonishment.
"I happened to get one in the extreme northern ruins. You can try using it first," Chen Xiao explained briefly.
There were no such medicinal ingredients in the False Heaven. This Soul Infant Fruit was something he had just pre-paid for.
Of the substitute medicinal ingredients Cao Ying listed, Chen Xiao didn't know much about the others, but he had a deep impression of the Soul Infant Fruit.
This thing could be found in the ancient ruins within the Beast Region!
Coincidentally, those ancient ruins also contained the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit that Zi Yan needed, so Chen Xiao was bound to go there.
Therefore, after a moment's thought, he pre-paid for the Soul Infant Fruit.
Anyway, his pre-payment opportunities had no urgent items for now. It was free to use, so might as well use it early and enjoy it.
"Okay, I'll go refine it. Don't disturb me these few days. Go see Sister Xian'er and Cai Lin."
Cao Ying didn't ask for details. Seeing that the last main ingredient was found, she was eager to try refining the Spirit Nurturing Dust. After putting away the Soul Infant Fruit, she left in a hurry after saying a word.
Watching Cao Ying leave, Chen Xiao shook his head helplessly. Just as he was about to get up, he saw ripples appear in the space at the entrance of the grand hall, followed by Zi Yan's enchanting figure.
Seeing Chen Xiao in the hall, Zi Yan stepped forward and came before Chen Xiao. Without any pretense, she sat on his lap, her Xingtian Eye directly facing Chen Xiao's mouth.
Rich and generous!
This girl had become increasingly casual and boundaryless over the past half-year.
"Let's get down to business."
Patting her pert buttocks, Chen Xiao got straight to the point.
At Qifeng Mountain, Zi Yan could be seen anywhere, except in this grand hall. She rarely visited it even once in half a year.
Therefore, Chen Xiao was absolutely certain that she had come this time with a purpose.
And it wasn't a minor matter.
Not surprised to be seen through by Chen Xiao, Zi Yan chuckled foolishly before saying, "I want to... go see my father."
"Have you made up your mind?"
"I decided long ago. Actually, I don't really care, I'm used to it. It's just that the situation on Dragon Island isn't good. If he can return, the elders will definitely be very happy, and the issue of division can be easily resolved," Zi Yan said casually.
Chen Xiao stared at her for a moment before nodding in agreement after a long pause.
"Alright, then notify the clan later and have them send an elder at the Dou Sheng level. The old Dragon Emperor and the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit, we'll resolve both matters together!"
Just in time, he had already pre-paid for the Soul Infant Fruit, so this made things convenient.
"I'm afraid I'll have to go back personally. Whether it's the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit or that old fellow, both are of great importance. I need to explain things in person. By the way, I'll also bring Uncle Hei out with me, so he can continue searching for the Tian Bei ruins in our stead!"
Clearly, Zi Yan had already thought ahead, her thoughts very clear.
Chen Xiao, Zi Yan, and the Little Fairy Doctor had been searching the Tian Bei ruins non-stop for the past few months, but unfortunately, they still had no leads.
"Okay, then you go. I'll wait for you at the Purple Firmament Pavilion. Qing Lin went to the edge of the Beast Region to retrieve the Ten Thousand Beast Spirit Flame. Contact her when you return and bring her along," Chen Xiao nodded.
The Purple Firmament Pavilion had entered its proper operational phase, and resource collection had already begun.
Chen Xiao's first target was the Ten Thousand Beast Spirit Flame, ranked twenty-second on the Heavenly Flame list.
Cao Ying had already refined and absorbed three Heavenly Flames. With her experience and current strength, plus the protection of the many Dou Zuns in the Purple Firmament Pavilion, it would be difficult for her to have any accidents while refining and absorbing the Ten Thousand Beast Spirit Flame.
"Okay, then I'm going?"
Zi Yan nodded, provocatively nudging him restlessly. Just as Chen Xiao was about to get angry, she flickered and disappeared from her spot.
After calming himself in the hall for half a day alone, Chen Xiao finally got up and walked to the backyard.
After some deliberation, he headed straight for Cai Lin's courtyard.
When Chen Xiao entered the room, Cai Lin was sitting at the table, resting her fair chin and looking affectionately at Yao Yao, who was toddling after the Little Heaven Swallowing Python.
At this moment, Cai Lin showed none of her usual regal majesty as Your Majesty; only the profound, unshakeable tenderness and doting of a mother remained.
Having completed her non-existent mission as queen, her focus had clearly shifted.
"Mommy... Daddy~"
"Daddy... hug~"
As soon as Chen Xiao stepped into the room, Yao Yao spotted him.
She immediately forgot about the Little Heaven Swallowing Python she had been playing with, calling out in her soft, milky voice. She opened her chubby little hands and wobbled towards him.
After being sealed, Yao Yao, who was less than a year old, seemed no different from an ordinary child, apart from being more delicate and cute.
"Slow down, slow down, Yao Yao, you're so good."
Chen Xiao squatted down, picked up his pouncing daughter, and smiled broadly, unable to hide his doting affection.
The father and daughter were intimately affectionate, paying no mind to anyone else. One nuzzled her little face into her daddy's embrace, while the other lowered his head to playfully tease the little one in his arms. Cai Lin, watching their warmth, couldn't help but roll her eyes, a smile blooming on her lips, making her look exceptionally beautiful.
...
Late at night.
Yao Yao had long since fallen into a sweet slumber. Chen Xiao, embracing Cai Lin's plump and soft body, leaned close to her ear and spoke in a low voice about important matters.
"I received news that there is an ancient ruin in the Beast Region containing a Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit..."
"Zi Yan has already returned to Dragon Island to call for people. When she gets back, I'll have to go to the Beast Region too. Do you want to come along? And while we're there, we can check out the territory of the Nine Nether Earth Python Race and select a place for the Snake-People Race, and then figure out how to secure it later."
"Also, it's rumored that the Nine Nether Earth Python race has some connection to the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, and there might be an opportunity suitable for you there."
Rumors meant they weren't guaranteed, and if they weren't guaranteed, they could be slightly embellished.
After all, Chen Xiao's objective was the Nine Nether Yellow Spring within the Nine Nether Earth Python territory, and the opportunity there for Cai Lin.
This opportunity was immense, enough to allow Cai Lin to ascend to the heavens in one step, and Chen Xiao absolutely would not let it slip away.
The ancient ruins, the most suitable dwelling place for the Snake-People Race, and the potential opportunities – each of these points greatly appealed to Cai Lin.
"If we both go, what about Yao Yao? Let's wait until she's a little older."
Chen Xiao thought seriously and then nodded in agreement.
Although Cai Lin's opportunity was great, it would take a very long time. Once started, it wouldn't be something that could be finished in a short period; it would require years.
The current time was still more than three years away from the Pill Tower's triennial Pill Gathering, seven to eight years away from the disappearance of the Spirit Clan and the activation of the Soul Clan's thousand-year plan, and more than ten years away from the opening of the original timeline's Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Cave and the ascension of Hun Tiandi to Emperor.
Such a long time was enough to accomplish many things. A delay of a year or even half a year in Cai Lin's strength improvement was not a significant problem.
After all, their current strength was already far ahead compared to the same point in the original timeline.
Of course, while Cai Lin could afford a slight delay, Chen Xiao himself could not slacken in his own strength improvement. He was determined to go to this ancient ruin!
"Won't there be any problems with Zi Yan's father?"
"No, when we were underground at the Jia Nan Academy, I found some traces. It's basically confirmed that the old Dragon Emperor is there."
"No, what I mean is, when he recognizes Zi Yan and discovers your relationship with Zi Yan..."
Hearing this, Chen Xiao couldn't help but be taken aback.
Now that he had Yao Yao, he knew how terrifying a father could be. If his own daughter suffered any grievance, he would definitely not bother distinguishing right from wrong and would immediately unleash Sun Moon Same Sky.
And the old Dragon Emperor, from a God's-eye view, was notoriously doting on his daughter...
"It's fine. We can go see him, but he likely won't be free for a while!"
With that thought, Chen Xiao's anxiety immediately vanished.
Now that Xun Er possessed a piece of the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade, she could significantly influence when the Ancient Emperor Cave would open. Chen Xiao still had plenty of time to develop.
Perhaps, by the time the Ancient Emperor Cave opened, he wouldn't even fear the Old Dragon Emperor anymore?
Although that was a long shot, one had to have some ambition, right?
...
Zi Yan's return was faster than Chen Xiao had anticipated. In just two days, Chen Xiao saw her again.
Emerging from the spatial passage with her were an old man clad in white linen robes and Hei Qing, whom Chen Xiao had met before.
"Chen Xiao, this is Uncle Hei, you've met him. And this is the Grand Elder of my Eastern Dragon Island, Qingshan!" Zi Yan introduced them familiarly on the Purple Firmament Pavilion's plaza.
"Brother Hei Qing, we meet again."
After nodding a greeting to Hei Qing, Chen Xiao shifted his gaze to the old man.
"Chen Xiao greets you, Senior."
From this Grand Elder, Chen Xiao couldn't sense even the slightest fluctuation of Dou Qi. It was as if the person before him was an ordinary individual with no power at all, countless times weaker than Xiao Yan at the third stage of Dou Qi.
However, even a fool could tell this was impossible.
The Grand Elder of Eastern Dragon Island was undoubtedly a genuine Dou Sheng expert!
Chen Xiao didn't have a strong impression of him, but he remembered that Eastern Dragon Island had a Third Elder named Zhu Li, who was already a Half-Saint. It was easy to imagine that the Grand Elder and Second Elder would only be more formidable.
Considering the matter of the Old Dragon Emperor and the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit, it wasn't surprising that such a figure had been brought out.
"No need for formalities, young friend. I only emerged from seclusion yesterday, but I've already heard that thanks to you, Zi Yan was able to return to Dragon Island safely. For that kindness alone, you are forever a distinguished guest of my Eastern Dragon Island!" Grand Elder Qingshan said with a kind and friendly smile.
Since Zi Yan had not yet officially taken the position of Dragon Emperor, it was fine for him to address her directly.
The same applied to Hei Qing; once Zi Yan officially became Dragon Emperor, he would certainly not dare to let Zi Yan call him Uncle Hei anymore.
After a brief introduction, Grand Elder Qingshan's expression turned serious and solemn. With a flick of his sleeve, a barrier enveloped their surroundings.
"Young friend, Zi Yan mentioned that you've discovered the whereabouts of the Old Dragon Emperor and the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit. Is this true?"
Grand Elder Qingshan looked directly into Chen Xiao's eyes. Even though his reason told him Chen Xiao had no reason to lie, the matter was of great importance, and he couldn't help but want to confirm it personally.
Meeting the Grand Elder's gaze, Chen Xiao's expression remained unchanged. His eyes were firm as he stated, "It is absolutely true!"
Receiving the answer he most wanted to hear, Hei Qing's eyes flashed with excitement.
Grand Elder Qingshan, however, remained silent for a long time. Under their watchful eyes, the corners of his eyes reddened, and he gradually lost his composure, no longer exuding the dignity of a Dou Sheng expert.
"Your Majesty, the Dragon Emperor!"
"That's wonderful! Heaven has been kind; we finally have news of you!"
-----------
Machine Translation by: beta.randomtranslator.com
Read 1400+ original & fanfic translations and Translate for Free at: www.randomtranslator.com