Chen Guan had already taken the lead in the final stages of the battle. Without the Ten Thousand Snakes Formation and the four elders, the Nine Netherworld Python Clan's plans had been thwarted.
"Alright, leave the rest to your friends. Boy, find a quiet place. I have something to tell you. I don't have much time."
Hearing the voice of the Old Dragon Emperor in his mind, Chen Guan nodded slightly. He greeted Medusa, Little Medical Fairy, and the others, then vanished. When he reappeared, he was at the edge of the Ancient Forest.
This place was sparsely populated, even by magical beasts, making it ideal for conversation.
He casually cast another barrier before asking.
"Senior, let's talk here."
"Well, don't be so senior. Just call me uncle."
Chen Guan felt his body tremble as his immense strength was instantly drained away. Then, a piercing pain like ripping through his limbs ensued, causing him to hiss.
Looking up, the nearly transparent Old Dragon Emperor wore a wry smile, his eyes darting…
Seeing the guilty-looking Old Dragon Emperor, Chen Guan rolled his eyes. How could he not understand the complexities of this?
He'd previously wondered, if the Old Dragon Emperor could use his blood to leave a hidden hand within himself, why didn't he leave it within Zi Yan? Wouldn't that be safer?
Now he understood: this power wasn't so easily borrowed.
The old man, out of concern for his daughter, had become the perfect 'vessel'! "Boy, what's that look in your eyes? Only
through
hardship can one become a dragon. Now, letting you experience this power will greatly benefit your future cultivation. Under the same conditions, you'll definitely advance faster than those without this opportunity."
"Yes, I understand."
Chen Guan said, his expression apologizing.
Honestly, the Old Dragon Emperor's actions didn't bother him at all. With Zi Yan around, the other party would most likely not harm him. Leaving a hidden hand would even better protect his life.
His only frustration was that using this backup plan against the Nine Netherworld Python clan was a waste.
Furthermore, word of today's events would undoubtedly spread, and by then, the threat he posed to the Soul Palace would skyrocket. If the Soul Palace attacked again, he would be facing at least a Semi-Saint!
Fortunately, he had been prepared, having already taken control of the Small Dan Pagoda.
"Alright, enough joking, let's get down to business."
"I left a thought within you, intending to save you in a moment of danger. However, the discovery of the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit in this ruin was something I hadn't anticipated."
"The Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit is extremely special, with few records even within the clan. I was worried those young men wouldn't understand how to wield it, leading to irreversible consequences. Therefore, I had no choice but to make an appearance."
Chen Guan nodded slightly, fully understanding.
I've been saying this before. Even though the Ten Thousand Snakes Formation is bizarre and powerful, the combined might of all Dou Zun could easily defeat it, or even escape. It's simply not worth the effort of a peak Saint.
Even if it were just a fleeting thought.
"The Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit—the very word 'origin'—is of paramount importance. Whether it's obtained by the Grand Void Ancient Dragon or the Heavenly Demon Phoenix, members of the ordinary bloodline would struggle to digest it, and using it would be a disaster rather than a blessing."
"You could say the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit is only suitable for those with the purest bloodlines of the two clans—that is, the royal family."
"Last time, I heard Zi Yan say that now that Dragon Island's powerful warriors have dispersed, many have left to seek me out. I imagine no one knows how to properly utilize the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit. Therefore, this matter can only be entrusted to you."
The old Dragon Emperor's expression was solemn, a truly momentous matter.
As long as the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit could be used to its full potential, even if he were trapped in the Ancient Emperor's Caverns forever, Dragon Island would remain safe. Combined with the items he left for Zi Yan, they could subdue any enemy!
"Chen Guan, I have no choice but to do this!"
"Okay, remember, the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit can't be consumed directly. Even Zi Yan, with her Dragon Emperor bloodline, wouldn't be able to digest it. Ordinary neutralization methods would be equally ineffective. Before consuming the Dragon Emperor Origin Fruit, you must prepare two essential items."
"Ancient Dragon Marrow, Demonic Phoenix Heart!"
...
Chen Guan conversed with the old Dragon Emperor for a full quarter of an hour, thoroughly inquiring about every detail. Only after the old Dragon Emperor's consciousness completely dissipated did he return alone.
After this conversation, Chen Guan understood why the old Dragon Emperor had told him individually, rather than waiting until Zi Yan regained consciousness.
This matter was indeed quite complex, requiring the intervention of an alchemist. Even the most prepared would be scrambled by the ordinary person.
More importantly, there were some things that were meant only for him to do!
Chen Guan felt no burden about this.
On the side of the Sky Demon Phoenix Clan, after the incident at the ruins, the situation was already a fight to the death.
As for the Taixu Ancient Dragon, he clearly remembered the split and had plenty of targets to choose from.
Returning to the battlefield again, everything had calmed down. Apart from the corpses of the Nether Serpent Guards scattered all over the ground, the only people left were Medusa and others, as well as a few close forces such as the Starfall Pavilion and the Burning Flame Valley.
As for the others, seeing that the situation had calmed down and that it was impossible for them to snatch anything from Chen Guan, they had already left.
The ancient ruins were so large, full of opportunities, and they would not waste their time here.
"Chen Guan, you're finally back."
Seeing Chen Guan's return, Zi Yan, who had just woken up, immediately came to greet him. Her pretty face was no longer playful, but unusually serious.
"The Dragon and Phoenix Origin Fruit is of great importance. I must send it back. I'm afraid I can't explore with you guys next time."
Pubfuture Ads
At this point, Zi Yan looked slightly dejected.
She'd finally managed to sneak out of Dragon Island, only to find herself trapped. It was unclear how long it would take for
her to escape again. Even now, she still hadn't considered whether her escape was a deliberate attempt by the clan elders—no, a deliberate attempt by the sea.
Chen Guan reached out his palm, trying to rub the dragon's head as he'd done in the past, but then realized the little dragon had grown into a large one. This wasn't a good move, so he circled around and put his hand behind his back.
"Leaving this thing in our hands isn't safe, but if you go back alone, I..."
"Don't worry. There are no Dou Shengs in these ruins. With my race's natural talent, no one can stop me. Once I'm out of the ruins, I can contact Dragon Island, and they'll come pick me up."
Zi Yan spoke before Chen Guan could finish, her smug expression revealing a certain true nature.
Chen Guan pondered for a moment and didn't try to stop her.
After all, Zi Yan was telling the truth.
Besides, the Great Elder of Xiaodanta was also secretly outside the ruins. Surely no one on Dragon Island was keeping tabs on Ziyan, so there was no need to worry too much about her safety.
"Okay, then you go back first. But remember, don't use the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit before I arrive on Dragon Island. If the elders ask, find an excuse to delay them."
"I'll just say there's a better way to use it within the bloodline inheritance?"
"Sure, just delay them. Once the ruins are resolved, I'll go to Dragon Island as soon as possible."
Ziyan's eyes lit up at this. She didn't care where she stayed; she simply didn't want to be apart.
"Don't lie to me, it's a deal. Sister Dieyi will come, Sister Xiaoyixian will come, Qinglin will come, everyone will come."
Medusa and the others smiled at the revitalized Ziyan, but didn't say anything. Whether they could go depended on Chen Guan's arrangements, and they couldn't let their emotions affect the overall situation.
Zi Yan didn't notice this detail. Seeing no one objected, she agreed, her regrets gone. With a chuckle, she circled behind Chen Guan, made a face, poked his palm, and then left.
"Every time this girl leaves, I feel a sense of emptiness inside."
Medusa, seemingly oblivious to Zi Yan's subtle gesture, sighed, echoing everyone's sentiment.
"There's no need to be sad. We'll meet again eventually, and it won't be long,"
Chen Guan offered, only to receive a roll of the eyes.
Seeing the conversation draw to a close, Yao Chen and the others who hadn't left yet finally approached.
"Brother Guan, long time no see,"
Xiao Yan, who hadn't seen her for over a year, greeted first. His Dou Huang aura was radiant, his head held high, like a soldier awaiting his leader's inspection.
Somehow, every time Xiao Yan made a breakthrough, the person he most wanted to see was Chen Guan, as if a word from Chen Guan would surely motivate him more than a compliment from Yao Chen, his teacher.
"Well, long time no see. It seems you've benefited greatly from Xingyun Pavilion. I almost didn't recognize you."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan was filled with satisfaction, scratching the back of his head and grinning silently.
"By the way, with your cultivation speed, I think you're not far from Dou Zong. I do know a place that might help you advance sooner: the Tianmu Mountains. If you're interested, you can go and see it."
Without any suspense, Chen Guan directly stated the name.
This opportunity, which was of no use to him, was just right for Xiao Yan right now.
As long as it didn't affect him, Chen Guan was happy to see him grow as quickly as possible. He took this as a reward for Xiao Yan's straightforward words.
"Tianmu Mountains? I'll remember that, Brother Guan."
Xiao Yan nodded seriously. His trust in Chen Guan was much deeper than Yao Chen's. Since Chen Guan said so, it was definitely not without purpose.
"Chen Guan, you've truly impressed us old folks this time. However, you've deeply offended the Nine Netherworld Python Clan. This is their territory, so be careful from now on."
Yao Chen and Tang Zhen took over, offering a friendly reminder.
Chen Guan nodded in agreement, not telling them that this time, not only the Nine Netherworld Python Clan but also the Sky Demon Phoenix Clan had been offended.
"I will, and thank you both for your help."
"You're welcome. The Nine Netherworld Python Clan is extremely ambitious. Even if we don't help you, we must intervene just to protect ourselves."
"Valley Master Tang is right. Besides, we're not outsiders. If we were in real danger, I'm sure you would do the same. Well, let's not waste time here. If we don't act now, others will have already reaped the benefits."
Yao Chen and Tang Zhen exchanged words, and after exchanging greetings, they didn't linger any longer. With a slight bow, they each led their men away.
In tacit agreement, no one suggested leaving together.
"Let's go too, and take a look at that so-called Heavenly Rank Fighting Skill!"