The Mo Tie Mercenary Corps could use this opportunity to establish a foothold, bolstered by the Rakshasa Sect's techniques and resources. With access to Rakshasa's Dou Techniques and supplies, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li's cultivation would progress swiftly.
Lu Man and Bai Ya returned to their original roles, while Xiao Heng emerged from seclusion, his Dou Qi soaring from three-star to seven-star Dou Huang.
"Xiao Yi Xian, Qing Lin, stay here and take care," Xiao Heng said to the two women. "I'm heading back to the Jia Ma Empire."
"Stay safe," Xiao Yi Xian replied.
"Come back soon, Young Master!" Qing Lin said, her face full of reluctance.
Xiao Heng nodded and left the courtyard. After delivering a batch of fourth- and fifth-grade pills to Su Mei for sale in the neighboring courtyard, he soared away from Rakshasa City.
"Safe travels, my lord!" Su Mei bowed toward his departing figure, a flicker of shock in her alluring eyes. After wiping out the Blood Sect, she could no longer gauge Xiao Heng's strength. His power surpasses mine now, she thought, glancing at the pills in her hand before heading to Rakshasa City's auction house. To fetch a high price, the pills needed a public auction.
___
In Fei Yue City, a sprawling courtyard buzzed with activity as over a hundred people clashed in a training field. A streak of blue light approached, landing at the field's edge.
"Young Master Xiao Heng, here to see the captains?" Xue Lan jogged over from the sidelines.
"Yes," Xiao Heng nodded.
"They're inside," Xue Lan said, pointing to an open doorway.
"Good. Take this." A flash gleamed from his cyan ring as he tossed a jade vial to Xue Lan.
"Young Master, what's this?"
"You're a nine-star Dou Zhe, right? This'll help you break through," Xiao Heng explained, heading inside.
Xue Lan opened the vial, revealing a pale cyan pill—a second-grade pill designed to aid nine-star Dou Zhe in advancing to Dou Shi. Besides Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, the Mo Tie Mercenary Corps had only two low-tier Dou Shi.
In the spacious hall, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li sat across from each other.
"Big Brother, Second Brother, how's the Black-Corner Region treating you? Settling in?" Xiao Heng asked, pouring himself tea.
"It's great—perfect for young fighters to hone their skills," Xiao Li said with a grin.
"Is the Rakshasa Sect under your control?" Xiao Ding asked.
"Yes. Whatever you need, just ask them," Xiao Heng replied.
"Got it," Xiao Ding said, accepting without hesitation.
"Third Brother, are you heading back to the Jia Ma Empire?" Xiao Li asked.
"Yep. The Yun Lan Sect isn't to be trifled with. They won't let you off easily after you challenged their young sect leader," Xiao Heng said, chuckling.
"Our strength is too weak to help. This time, it's all on you," Xiao Ding said, his expression rueful.
"Don't worry. You're both nine-star and eight-star Dou Shi now, not far from Da Dou Shi. Take these pills." Xiao Heng handed them several jade vials.
After a few more instructions, Xiao Heng departed. At his seven-star Dou Huang speed, reaching the Jia Ma Empire's heart, Jia Ma Holy City, would take only a few days. En route, he stopped in the empire's largest northern city to obtain a third-grade alchemist badge.
Entering an alchemist competition without a badge? Unacceptable. The Soul Fusion Pill recipe from this contest is decent, and it's a chance to show off. With strength like mine, not flexing is a wasted opportunity.
As for the conflict between Queen Medusa's soul and the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python's soul sharing one body, Xiao Heng had a solution. Why bother with a Soul Fusion Pill? Crafting a new body for each solves it perfectly. But that would wait until Xun Er returned to the Gu Clan. Until then, the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python was with Xiao Yi Xian, who'd ensure it remained a compliant little snake.
Arriving at the outskirts of Jia Ma Holy City, Xiao Heng entered through the gate. It was the final day to register for the alchemist competition, and he signed up under the name Yao Xuan.
Leaving the Alchemist Guild's registration hall, Xiao Heng bumped into Xiao Yan in the corridor. "Well, if it isn't Brother Yan Xiao! Cutting it close for registration?" Xiao Heng said, using the alias they'd agreed upon.
"It's Brother Yao! I'm here for the internal test for guild-recommended participants," Xiao Yan said with a grin. The test weeded out impostors and assessed the strength of internal candidates.
"I see!" Xiao Heng chuckled.
"And this is?" Otto, standing beside Xiao Yan, asked, his eyes fixed on the third-grade alchemist badge on Xiao Heng's chest.
"This is my sworn brother, Yao Xuan," Xiao Yan said smoothly.
"You must be Master Otto. Yan Xiao's mentioned you," Xiao Heng said, taking the lead.
"Young friend, you're quite accomplished! I'm sure you'll rank well in the competition," Otto said warmly.
"Here's hoping!" Xiao Heng replied with a smile.
Soon, the Jia Ma Empire's little princess arrived, inviting Xiao Yan to a gathering. Noticing Xiao Heng, roughly Xiao Yan's age and sporting a third-grade alchemist badge, she extended an invitation to him as well.
Both declined politely and left together. "Brother Heng, I'm off to detoxify Nalan Jie later. Feel free to explore Jia Ma Holy City," Xiao Yan said, briefly explaining the task.
"That's a solid move. You'll secure herbs to restore soul strength and absorb some pure Dou Qi—two birds, one stone!" Xiao Heng said, grinning.
"Go handle it. I'm off to mess with Old Hai!" Xiao Heng said, departing. Xiao Yan meditated briefly before heading to Nalan Jie's residence.
Xiao Heng made his way to the Miteer Auction House, its facade exuding grandeur, the interior gleaming with opulent decor.
Barely a few steps inside, he was greeted by Ya Fei. "Little Brother Xiao Heng, it's been ages!" she purred, her seductive gaze captivating.
"Sister Ya Fei, I've got big business. Fetch your clan leader," Xiao Heng said, cutting to the chase. His goal was to acquire high-grade herbs.
"Little Brother, it's not that I doubt you, but you need to show some proof. The clan leader isn't easily summoned," Ya Fei said with a helpless smile.
"I know the drill. Here's a fifth-grade Dou Ling Pill as a deposit," Xiao Heng said, casually tossing her a jade vial.
"Alright, wait here!" Ya Fei said, signaling a stunning maid to escort Xiao Heng to a private booth.
"Oh, and tell them my name is Yao Xuan," Xiao Heng added.
"Don't worry, I won't reveal your real identity," Ya Fei assured him, sashaying away. Several entering guests gawked, nearly tripping over themselves.
Ya Fei was efficient. Within twenty minutes of the maid leading Xiao Heng to the booth, she returned with a white-haired elder.
"You must be Master Yao Xuan. So young!" Miteer Tengshan said, his tone deferential.
"No flattery needed. You've verified the Dou Ling Pill, I presume?" Xiao Heng said.
"It's genuine. What does Master Yao require?" Miteer Tengshan asked.
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