Xiao Hua's gaze swept over her figure. A sizable number of experts stood gathered around Feng Qing Er, their eyes darkening with hostility the moment they saw Xiao Yan's group.
They finally settled beside a tall white-haired man clad in bright, luxurious robes. The man appeared to be around thirty years of age—yet for the Heaven Demon Phoenix clan, such an age was still considered youth.
He was strikingly handsome, his smile carrying a serene grace, as though he was favored by the heavens themselves. At a glance, it was clear he was far from ordinary.
"Qing Er, is that the man you spoke of—the one carrying the essence blood of the demon phoenix?" the white-haired man asked with a faint, almost playful laugh as his eyes landed on Xiao Yan.
"Yes. However…" Feng Qing Er's silver teeth clenched tightly, unwillingness seething in her tone. "I did not expect that in just a few short years, he would actually reach the Dou Zun class…"
Like Xiao Yan, Feng Qing Er had advanced to Dou Zun — yet her expression darkened as she remembered how Xiao Yan had once suppressed her when she was still Dou Zong.
Though she now possessed more trump cards and had inherited the Heaven Demon Phoenix's power, the sting of that humiliation remained. She had expected that with her new strength she would finally hold the upper hand. Instead, Xiao Yan's rise to Dou Zun had left her unsettled.
The white-haired man beside her smiled faintly, voice low as he spoke directly to her concern. "Leave Xiao Yan to me. Whether he carries the demon-phoenix essence or not, we can confirm it once we bring him in for an examination. And if he has already absorbed the essence, we have methods to extract and refine it from within his blood."
Feng Qing Er inclined her head, a small, reluctant nod. Despite Xiao Yan's advancement, she trusted the man at her side. He had inherited the Heaven Demon Phoenix's legacy earlier than she had and wielded that power with mature skill. Among the younger generation of their tribe he ranked among the very best — handling Xiao Yan should pose no great difficulty.
"But be careful," Feng Qing Er warned quietly, her voice threaded with caution. "Do it without causing unnecessary harm. He is, after all, the cousin of the Mansion Master of Moonlit Chaos Mansion."
At the mention of Xiao Hua, the white-haired man's eyes flickered — a flash of fear that he quickly crushed beneath a composed mask. His expression grew grave. He drew in a steadying breath and answered in a low, measured tone, "Understood. For the sake of Mansion Master Xiao's face, we will only subdue him lightly."
As a member of the Heaven Demon Phoenix tribe, the white-haired man understood all too well the terrifying might of Moonlit Chaos Mansion. He could not afford to provoke them into war — a single reckless act might bring about the downfall of his tribe at his own hands. Thus, he had no choice but to show restraint.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan could clearly feel the cold gazes of Feng Qing Er and the white-haired youth. Yet, he paid them no mind. With his current strength, even if the two of them joined forces, the chances of defeating him were slim to none.
Shifting his eyes away from Feng Qing Er, Xiao Yan's expression turned faintly amused as he scanned the gathered experts. Among the countless factions drawn to this place, he spotted several familiar faces — and one group in particular stirred the killing intent in his heart.
"Chen Tian Nan…Profound Xuan Sect…"
His gaze locked onto the gray-robed elder leading that group, his eyes narrowing as he muttered the name under his breath.
"It truly is as they say — enemies are fated to cross paths."
A ferocious gleam flickered across Zhen Tian Nan's features as his own gaze landed on Xiao Yan. He sneered inwardly, 'Without the protection of the Pill Tower and Yao Zun-zhe, brat, I truly wish to see how you can act so arrogantly here. Let's see how you stir the heavens this time!'
The enmity between them ran deep. Years ago, during the Pill Gathering, Zhen Tian Nan's son had attempted to kill Xiao Yan. Instead, his son had perished by Xiao Yan's hand. Blinded by rage, Zhen Tian Nan had tried to personally cut Xiao Yan down, only to be stopped by the Three Associate Heads of the Pill Tower and Yao Zun-zhe himself.
Since then, Zhen Tian Nan could only swallow the grudge, nursing his hatred in silence. But here, within the perilous chaos of the ancient ruins, no rules would shield Xiao Yan. A vicious light flashed in his eyes as a thought surfaced in his heart — so long as he moved carefully, this ancient ruin might become Xiao Yan's burial ground.
Although the old man concealed himself well, the faint trace of killing intent still did not escape Xiao Yan's senses. His brows knitted slightly, a flicker of annoyance flashing across his face. If it were only one opponent, he would not care in the slightest. However, if these two were to join forces, the situation could become somewhat troublesome.
"Oh? Hehe… it seems the Champion of the Pill Gathering finds himself in quite a pinch…"
A delicate voice suddenly drifted over from nearby, interrupting his thoughts.
Xiao Yan's heart stirred at the familiar tone. He raised his head, and his eyes immediately landed on a tall and slender young lady. Her long hair was half-tied with simple ornaments, yet that very simplicity enhanced her refined beauty.
Her shoulders were protected by phoenix-engraved armor, while her black-and-azure battle dress, layered over tight-fitting white inner clothes, perfectly outlined her graceful curves. In her hand rested a white-violet spear carved with phoenix motifs, as if faint echoes of a phoenix's cry lingered in the air around it.
She radiated not only beauty and elegance but also a spirited heroism — a dashing charm capable of stirring admiration from both men and women alike.
"Yan Xiaoyu?" Xiao Yan's mind rippled as recognition dawned. His brows lifted slightly. If she is here… then Moonlit Chaos Mansion must also be present in this ancient ruin.
Xiao Yan's gaze shifted as he pondered inwardly. His eyes swept across Yan Xiaoyu's group and fell upon two delicate figures, each no less than her in beauty and grace.
Noticing his gaze, the two young women returned it with gentle nods. One wore an innocent smile, bright and lively, while the other revealed a calm and composed smile, serene as still water.
"Hehe, Xiao Yan, it has indeed been a long time," Yan Xiaoyu laughed lightly, her voice carrying across the crowd of gathered experts before the ancient ruin. "I heard you claimed the title of Champion in the Pill Gathering, seizing it from Cao Ying herself. It seems you did not bring shame to your teacher's name."
With Qing Xiu, Zhu Ling and Qing Lin by her side, Yan Xiaoyu led them toward Xiao Yan, deliberately revealing their cordial relationship before the surrounding experts.
"It was nothing more than a stroke of fortune," Xiao Yan replied with a smile. "Had I not studied my teacher's technique, refining that Tier 8 Medicinal Pill would have been far more difficult. Attracting five-colored Pill Lightning was purely incidental."
Memories surfaced in Xiao Yan's mind. During the encirclement by the Wind-Lightning Pavilion, he had nearly been forced into a dire state. Normally, their strength alone would not have been enough to suppress him, but he had not anticipated them summoning the tribe leaders of both the Earth Tiger Tribe and the Silver Moon Wolf Tribe.
At that critical moment, it was Yan Xiaoyu and Qing Lin, who happened to be traveling nearby, had intervened and saved him. Without their timely aid, he would have suffered grievous injuries even before his teacher arrived. Because of this, Xiao Yan held a lasting good impression of them. Moreover, the fact that Yan Xiaoyu was the disciple of his cousin, Xiao Hua, added yet another layer of favorable regard toward her.
Yan Xiaoyu and the other two were renowned even across the vast Central Plains, not merely because they were the direct disciples of the Mansion Master and the two Hall Masters, but because their strength allowed them to fight opponents of higher realms with ease.
Countless youths, whether hailed as geniuses or not, had once sought to court them—trying every means to draw their attention or capture their hearts. Yet all failed. As disciples of Wei Jie, Mei Ling, and Xiao Hua, mere appearance or background was far from enough to impress them.
Thus, the moment they moved closer to Xiao Yan, the surrounding experts were drawn to the scene, causing Feng Qing Er, the white-haired young man, and Zhen Tian Nan to unconsciously furrow their brows.
"I never heard you knew Xiao Yan…" Qing Xiu tilted her head, surprise flashing in her eyes.
"If I had said so, Senior Martial Cousin would have pestered me endlessly and annoyed the Falling Star Pavilion to death…" Yan Xiaoyu rolled her eyes, sighing helplessly.
She understood Qing Xiu's nature all too well, which was why she had chosen not to reveal her friendship with Xiao Yan. Otherwise, Qing Xiu would surely have dragged her to the Falling Star Pavilion, demanding a pill refinement contest under the pretext of her 'amicable relationship' with Xiao Yan.
Zhu Ling let out a faint sigh, silently agreeing with Yan Xiaoyu. She then lifted her gaze, cupped her hands politely, and greeted Xiao Yan.
"My name is Zhu Ling. This noisy one is Qing Xiu. I have long heard of the fame of Yao Zun-zhe's disciple and am truly impressed. Mister Xiao Yan's speed of advancement is such that even disciples within our Moonlit Chaos Mansion would feel ashamed."
Though her words sounded courteous, they were no empty flattery. Zhu Ling spoke from the heart. For disciples of Moonlit Chaos Mansion, advancing to the Dou Zun realm was not considered overly difficult. But for one outside their Mansion, such progress was truly rare. To think that Xiao Yan, who had entered the Central Plains only a few short years ago, had already reached this height—it was indeed worthy of respect.
"So it is Lady Zhu Ling and Lady Qing Xiu. You are too courteous. This Xiao Yan has only benefited from a few fortunate encounters after joining the Falling Star Pavilion." Xiao Yan cupped his hands, returning their greeting with equal politeness.
"I have also long heard of the accomplishments of Lady Zhu Ling and Lady Qing Xiu. If the two of you had participated, I fear this Xiao Yan would not have been able to claim the title of Champion of the Pill Gathering." He added with a faint laugh.
Back during the Pill Gathering, Xuan Kong Zi had mentioned these two names when they reunited with Xiao Yan's master. Though neither had participated in that event, Xiao Yan understood well that if they had, winning the championship would have been far more difficult.
What astonished him most was learning that both ladies had already established the foundations of Tier 9 Alchemists. Were it not for their Spiritual Strength still lacking the Heavenly State, the Moonlit Chaos Mansion would have boasted two more Tier 9 Alchemists—an achievement even among top factions, only those Eight Ancient Clans could claim to have five such figures within their ranks.
"Then how about we compete in pill refinement sometime in the future?" Qing Xiu suddenly interjected with a bright, eager smile.
At her words, both Zhu Ling and Yan Xiaoyu sighed, their hands rising to their temples as though already suffering a headache.
From this, coupled with her reputation, Xiao Yan immediately understood her nature. Qing Xiu's passion was pill refinement and challenging other alchemists. To her, victory or defeat mattered little—she simply wished to witness others' methods and learn from them.
The real trouble, however, was that she would never let things rest. Once she set her eyes on an opponent, she would continue to pester them relentlessly, sometimes even demanding over a hundred matches. It was no wonder that many alchemists avoided her as though fleeing a plague.
Fearing he would be pulled into that endless cycle, Xiao Yan quickly shifted the topic, turning toward the ancient remains.
"Has Lady Zhu Ling also come for the Tian-Class Technique?"
"We do not particularly desire the Tian-Class Technique," Zhu Ling replied, clearly grasping his intention. She shook her head gently and added with a faintly mysterious smile, "But within these ruins, we have found something far more enticing."
Xiao Yan understood that Zhu Ling would not reveal the item they sought, yet he still felt relieved to know they had little interest in the Tian-Class Technique hidden within the ancient remains.
Though curiosity stirred within him, he pushed it aside. The topic had only been brought up to deflect Qing Xiu's eagerness to issue a challenge.
"Regardless, since the Falling Star Pavilion has joined the Supreme Court Alliance, that makes us allies. If you require our aid in contending for the Tian-Class Dou Technique, you only need to call upon us," Yan Xiaoyu said softly.
"If it truly comes to that stage, this Xiao Yan will certainly seek your help." Xiao Yan smiled faintly and nodded. He felt fortunate that Moonlit Chaos Mansion was present. He knew well that the battle for the Tian-Class Technique would inevitably be bloody, with countless forces competing for it.
Yan Xiaoyu nodded in return. She, too, understood the situation clearly. Although two powerful factions were watching Xiao Yan with malicious intent, it was uncertain who would truly prevail if they clashed.
More importantly, every faction coveted the Tian-Class Dou Technique. None of them would expend their full strength before securing it. They needed to conserve their power for the decisive moment when the treasure emerged.
Moreover, should the Tian-Class Dou Technique fall into anyone's hands, that faction would immediately become the target of all others. Thus, even if Xiao Yan's situation seemed perilous, it had not yet reached the point where he needed to beg for aid.
Even so, with Moonlit Chaos Mansion at his side, the likelihood of Xiao Yan seizing a Tian-Class Dou Technique had undoubtedly increased.
Bang!
The ground quivered violently, pulling Yan Xiaoyu from her thoughts. The massive hall, silent until now, suddenly rumbled with a deafening sound. All eyes turned as a colossal stone door, glowing a dull crimson, slowly creaked open. Behind it yawned a pitch-black tunnel that exuded an ancient and oppressive aura.
"The entrance has opened!"
At that cry, countless eyes burned red with greed. Some could no longer restrain themselves. With a flicker of movement, several figures appeared at the tunnel's mouth before charging inside amidst wild laughter.
In an instant, the sea of gathered experts erupted into chaos. Shadows streaked forward in every direction as one figure after another dashed toward the tunnel. From the looks of it, all feared that the treasures within would be snatched away before they could claim them.
Compared to the reckless masses, consumed by greed and desire, Yan Xiaoyu's group and Xiao Yan's group remained motionless. After all, if the remnants of an elite Dou Sheng could be entered so easily, would it not be far too much like child's play?
Puff—!
As expected, the truth revealed itself in the very next instant. Not long after numerous figures had rushed into the tunnel, the pitch-black passage suddenly blazed bright red. The hard ground split open, and searing lava burst forth, bubbling and splattering violently. At the same time, the walls of the vast tunnel spat out countless demonic-blue fire pillars.
Anyone who touched these blue flames was instantly reduced to ash, vanishing without even the chance to let out a final scream.
This sudden, merciless change obliterated the first wave of intruders in the blink of an eye. Those still rushing forward froze in shock, but the ones charging behind them crashed directly into their halted bodies.
Agonized cries erupted as more were pushed helplessly into the inferno. In moments, the tunnel became a deathtrap, and the entrance to the great hall once again descended into chaos.
"Hmph. A mere fire path dares to stop us?"
When the uproar finally settled, the true powers among the great factions stepped forward. Though the fiery trial was terrifying to ordinary experts, in their eyes it lacked the force to deliver a fatal threat.
Not long after those words were spoken, majestic waves of Dou Qi surged forth. In the blink of an eye, they condensed around their bodies, forming protective layers as the experts transformed into streaks of light and rushed into the blazing fire path with sizzling sounds.
This time, the demonic-blue fire pillars did not instantly reduce them to ashes. Instead, their flames clashed fiercely with the protective Dou Qi, creating a temporary stalemate. With such defenses, many experts pressed forward toward the tunnel's end. Even so, a number of unlucky ones were still swallowed by the flames, their Dou Qi unable to withstand the relentless expenditure.
"Since each of us possesses a unique flame, this so-called fire path might as well be a pathway leading directly to the treasure trove. Let's go." Qing Xiu giggled softly as she stepped forward.
Ao—!
With a wave of her sleeve, a phoenix cry reverberated as black-and-white flames surged forth, wrapping around her figure. Her flame exuded the aura of both life and death, embodying the endless cycle of nirvana and rebirth—an immortal fire that seemed capable of extinguishing all yet rekindling anew.
Zhu Ling sighed faintly as a dragon's roar erupted from within her body. A violet-gold flame coiled outward, radiant and fierce. It carried the majesty of an ancient sovereign, as if the heavens themselves would tremble before its wrath. Within its brilliance was the weight of kingship, a flame that suppressed all beneath the sky.
Meanwhile, Yan Xiaoyu's body was engulfed by blazing white-red fire. Within the crackling blaze, faint thunder roared, as if lightning itself coursed through the flames. Her flame was wild and untamed, embodying the destructive force of a storm at its peak—blazing fire fused with roaring thunder, a force that could shatter mountains and split the heavens.
Xiao Yan's gaze lingered on the three of them, a faint astonishment flickering within his eyes. Each flame was different, yet all radiated an equal level of might.
He could feel the Heavenly Flame within him being forcefully suppressed by their flames, leaving him unsettled. For the first time, doubt stirred in his heart as he wondered what kind of strange flames they possessed—flames he had never once heard of, nor imagined they could command.
"Ke ke. Xiao Yan, we will enter first." Yan Xiaoyu smiled faintly. She ignored the rich astonishment flickering in his eyes as she swept her sleeve, enveloping Qing Lin and the disciples of Moonlit Chaos Mansion. In the next instant, their figures shot toward the blazing entrance, vanishing into the incomparably hot fire path.
Naturally, Zhu Ling and Qing Xiu also offered their farewells before stepping forward. They had their own mission, and no intention of letting the Heaven Demon Phoenix discover the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit hidden within the depths of the ruin.
Xiao Yan merely nodded, his gaze following their retreating figures. His eyes narrowed slightly, his heart weighed down by what he had just sensed.
"My Myriad Beast Lotus Flame… is actually being suppressed. Just what kind of flames do they wield to reach such a level…?"
The Myriad Beast Lotus Flame he cultivated was the merger of six Heavenly Flames—the Three Thousand Burning Flame, Fallen Heart Flame, Sea Heart Flame, Wind and Thunder Fury Flame, Green Lotus Core Flame, and Ten Thousand Beast Flame.
A fusion of such magnitude was enough to strike fear into ordinary Heavenly Flames. Yet, under the presence of those three women's flames, even his own Heavenly Flame felt a faint trace of fear.
Still, Xiao Yan did not hesitate. With a thought, his Dou Qi surged, and a prismatic flame burst forth from his body. Jade-gold in hue, streaked with thunderous violet and ocean-blue depths, the fire pulsed with beastly roars and destructive might. It swept outward, encompassing the elders of the Falling Star Pavilion within its protective embrace.
Only then did Xiao Yan step into the fire path as well. Yet, even as he advanced, his mind could not let go of the mystery of their flames—it gnawed at him like an unyielding shadow.
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