Chapter 118: Brother Xiao's Heartbreak
"There's no issue with control, but as for fusion..." Xiao Bai trailed off, shifting gears with a curious tone. "Senior, do you know why both the Poison Pill Method and the resurrection technique require three types of Heavenly Flames?"
"I've speculated on this before," Yao Lao replied, stroking his beard. "It likely ties to the immense power of Heavenly Flames. While the exact strength needed is unclear, fusing three types ensures a high success rate."
"Exactly!" Xiao Bai nodded. "I suspect the creator of the Poison Pill Method had access to three Heavenly Flames during their attempt, hence the record. But a high-ranking Heavenly Flame might suffice alone."
He theorized that the method's originator might have encountered someone practicing the Burning Technique. Otherwise, only Xiao Xuan, with his supreme cultivation, could suppress the toxins of a Calamity Poison Body effortlessly, without needing three flames.
"That's plausible," Yao Lao agreed. "But we can't rule out unique properties emerging from fusing three Heavenly Flames."
"By the way, you didn't answer—can your thunder fuse?" Yao Lao pressed, his eyes glinting with curiosity. The topic had piqued his interest, especially regarding Xiao Bai's thunder, which he suspected aligned with the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. If fusion was possible, it could outshine three Heavenly Flames for refining a new body.
"Not yet," Xiao Bai admitted, catching the old man's eager expression. He knew Yao Lao was thinking of resurrection. While he was optimistic about his five elemental thunders' potential, fusion remained untested.
"Not yet, huh? Got it!" Yao Lao's eyes sparkled, misinterpreting the response as a hint of future possibility.
"You're reading too much into it," Xiao Bai thought, rolling his eyes inwardly.
"Let's revisit the Poison Pill Method once you crack fusion. The materials are tough to gather anyway. But if you succeed with thunder for the resurrection method, don't leave me out!" Yao Lao's voice carried genuine hope. Xiao Bai's innovative thinking gave him a new path to consider, especially since mastering the Burning Technique's flames was risky.
"Deal," Xiao Bai agreed readily. Yao Lao's generosity with the Poison Pill Method deserved reciprocation. Refining a body for resurrection was a small price if he succeeded.
"Haha, excellent!" Yao Lao chuckled, floating lightly. The unexpected hope lifted his spirits. After a moment, his gaze turned peculiar, scrutinizing Xiao Bai.
This kid's got a story.
Since sharing the resurrection method, certain things were understood between them. Xiao Bai knew Yao Lao could control three Heavenly Flames but hadn't asked for help, opting instead to explore substitutes.
"Your friend... she's a woman, isn't she?" Yao Lao's tone was certain despite the question.
The Poison Pill Method required the subject to be unclothed. Xiao Bai's insistence on finding alternatives suggested a personal connection—otherwise, he'd have directly sought Yao Lao's expertise.
"Heh, Senior, you see through but don't call it out!" Xiao Bai grinned, winking.
"Tch," Yao Lao shook his head, amused. "Keep your secrets, kid. But watch out—between that Xiao Clan girl with a big background, the desert's evolved queen, and now a Calamity Poison Body, you're juggling fire. Don't let your backyard burn!"
"Backyard fire?" Xiao Yan, who'd been quietly confused, perked up, sidling over with a grin. "Brother Bai, I've got wine—spill your story!"
"Spill what?" Xiao Bai rapped Xiao Yan's head, smirking. "Heard Nalan Yanran broke through to Dou Shi? A mere ninth-stage Dou Qi like you has time for gossip?"
"Damn, Brother Bai, that's a low blow! Leave her out, and we're still brothers!" Xiao Yan clutched his chest, feigning agony.
"Nalan Yanran's a Dou Shi now," Xiao Bai repeated calmly, eyes twinkling.
"Argh!" Xiao Yan roared, lunging forward. "I'll fight you!"
"Nalan Yanran's a Dou Shi." Xiao Bai, now a merciless repeater, effortlessly restrained him with one hand, no matter how Xiao Yan struggled.
"Xiao Bai, just wait! When I'm a Dou Di, I'll smack your head!" Xiao Yan spat furiously, storming back to train.
"Heh," Yao Lao chuckled, stroking his beard, delighted. "Wish you'd poke him daily—works wonders!"
"Thrilled to see your disciple so ambitious?" Xiao Bai teased, unfazed by Xiao Yan's threats. The kid had been tossing out bold claims since age ten, from Dou Zhe to Dou Shi, now Dou—next, he'd probably aim for Dou Zun.
"Ambition's great, but I don't need him to be a Dou Di. Just respecting his teacher's enough," Yao Lao said, his tone turning wistful as he gazed into the distance.
"Don't worry. He was a brat as a kid, but his heart's solid," Xiao Bai reassured, knowing Yao Lao was haunted by past betrayals.
"Hope so," Yao Lao smiled faintly.
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(End of this chapter)