Somewhere in the void space.
A brilliant golden light cut through the darkness, leaving a trail of light, and in that light, two figures, one large and one small, walked out, talking and laughing.
Feeling that familiar breath, Zi Yan's vigilance was completely let down.
Then, her pupils gradually dilated again.
"Chen Guan, who is this little girl?"
Looking at the cute girl who looked somewhat similar to Chen Guan, Zi Yan's expression was extremely complicated. For a moment, she didn't bother to ask about the change in Chen Guan's strength.
"Daddy, who is she?" The girl took Chen Guan's big hand and looked curiously at the first person she saw after leaving the Void Thunder Pool.
Hearing the girl's words, Zi Yan's pretty face suddenly fell.
It's over, there's no way to grab the second place.
Seeing Zi Yan's expression, Chen Guan felt a surge of amusement, but he didn't intend to tease her any further. He smiled and said, "What are you thinking about? You know exactly how many sisters you have. I've been stuck in the Void Thunder Pool for months, so I haven't had the chance to have children with anyone."
Zi Yan thought about it and agreed, but she still muttered, "Then why does she call you Daddy?"
"We'll talk about this as we walk. Xiaojiu, she's one of your mothers... From now on, just call her Mother."
On the way out, Chen Guan had considered what name to give the girl. After much deliberation, he decided to call her Xiaojiu for now.
As for the official name, he could discuss it with Medusa and the others, or he could wait until Xiaojiu grew up and let her choose whatever she liked. It wasn't because of naming problems, after all.
"Okay, Xiaojiu, I'll remember. Mother~" the girl called sweetly, blinking her big eyes.
Although Zi Yan was filled with doubt, the call of "Mother" delighted her. A maternal glow shone in her eyes, a familiarity that felt like treating her as her own child. She immediately took Xiao Jiu's other hand, enjoying the feeling of being part of a family of three.
"Xiao Jiu's true form is the Nine Profound Golden Thunder. When I entered the Void Thunder Pool..."
On the way back to Dragon Island, Chen Guan explained everything, clearing up all of Zi Yan's doubts.
However, Zi Yan suddenly paused, her thoughts etched in her arms, her gaze even more wary than before.
"You can't set your sights on her."
After understanding the full story, Zi Yan couldn't help but recall her past with Chen Guan, and inexplicably felt a sense of Medusa's worry.
Chen Guan was speechless and glared at her fiercely.
"Since Xiao Jiu calls me daddy, I'm your daddy for life. She's different from you!"
Hearing this, Zi Yan stuck out her tongue, convinced.
Upon closer inspection, Xiaojiu's situation was 'appearingly close, but inwardly distant', and there was a significant difference between them.
The most obvious point was that they had previously been on equal terms.
...
Casting her evil thoughts behind her, Ziyan doted on Xiaojiu, spending almost all their time together, save for special occasions.
Three days later,
the 'neglected' Chen Guan returned to his old spot, ready to continue his search for the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan.
The increase in strength also boosted his spiritual power. Although he was still at the Great Perfection of the Heavenly Realm, his efficiency would undoubtedly be much greater than before.
Just as Chen Guan was about to begin his work, Ziyan appeared, leading Xiaojiu.
With a wave of her delicate hand, a blood clot materialized.
"It suddenly occurred to me that I now possess the body of a dragon and phoenix, and my bloodline is even superior to my father's. Try using my blood."
Chen Guan nodded slightly, saying nothing more.
This little blood was insignificant.
And since it had already been taken out, he couldn't possibly ask her to take it back.
"Okay, keep in touch with Dieyi during this time, and keep an eye on the ancient race."
"Okay, I got it. I'm planning to take Xiaojiu back to Qingce Manor to see her other mothers. I've also informed Sister Yun; they'll be amused when they see Xiaojiu."
Ziyan flashed a sly smile, completely lacking the dignity of a Dragon Emperor in front of her own people.
Chen Guan could imagine that scene, but since he had done nothing wrong, he let her cause trouble.
"Go."
"Goodbye, Daddy!"
Xiaojiu waved goodbye. In just a few days of spending time together, Ziyan had completely won her favor, her status second only to Chen Guan.
Knowing Chen Guan was busy and couldn't be disturbed, she was happy to accompany Ziyan on an adventure to see the world.
After watching the two women leave, Chen Guan immediately withdrew his gaze and focused his attention on his business.
As he had expected, the range of his spiritual power, after entering the void, had significantly expanded.
It was clear that between the Great Perfection of the Heavenly Realm and the Emperor Realm, soul power continued to grow, though without a significant qualitative change.
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This was very similar to the situation between Soul Emperor and Ancient Yuan. While at the same realm, the former was clearly closer to the Dou Emperor.
Amidst the turbulent currents of the void, Chen Guan carefully sensed the changes within. His understanding of the soul and mental power deepened, and the concept of time grew increasingly blurred.
After an unidentified number of days, Chen Guan suddenly felt a surge of energy.
He sensed two terrifying auras rapidly approaching him from the same direction.
Their auras were even more powerful than his own!
These were two supremely powerful beings!
Suppressing his ecstasy, Chen Guan directed all his mental energy in one direction, beginning a two-way charge.
Soon, he saw two white-robed elders enter his sight.
The resonance within their bloodlines indicated they were indeed members of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, and their bloodlines were extremely potent.
"Junior Chen Guan of the Ancient Dragon Clan, are you the Great Elder Zhukong and the Second Elder Zhuwen?"
Chen Guan impatiently transmitted his message through his mental power.
One was a late-stage eight-star Dou Sheng, the other an early-stage eight-star Dou Sheng!
Only the Great Elder and the Second Elder could possess such strength.
According to the ancient dragon clan's records, both elders had been gone for nearly a thousand years, reaching the strength of an early-stage eight-star and a mid-stage seven- star, respectively.
Chen Guan wasn't surprised that, after all these years, they had each made breakthroughs.
After all, this chaotic void could be considered a training ground; anyone who could survive would undoubtedly improve their strength.
The several elders recovered previously proved this point.
"My name is Zhu Kong."
"Zhu Wen."
The two elders' eyes gleamed, confirming Chen Guan's suspicions.
"Junior, is your surname Chen? That doesn't seem to be a common surname."
Great Elder Zhu Kong was puzzled, but he didn't suspect Chen Guan of any ulterior motives. Anyone willing to enter the chaotic void in search of the old Dragon Emperor was undoubtedly a loyal and devoted individual.
"As the Great Elder said, I'm not a member of the Ancient Dragon Clan. I'm the son-in-law of the Old Dragon Emperor. This is a long story. The two elders should first follow me back to Dragon Island. Once you meet the
Old Dragon Emperor, all your doubts will be resolved." The Old Dragon Emperor has returned to Dragon Island!
This was the only thought on the two elders' minds, their excitement barely contained.
This wasn't the first time Chen Guan had witnessed such behavior.
Leading the two elders back to Dragon Island, Chen Guan channeled a thought to inform Zi Yan.
He remained seated in the volcano.
A moment later, Zi Yan appeared high in the sky, personally greeting the two elders.
Predictably, both sides were thrilled.
However, Chen Guan seemed oblivious to the sound, his mind racing with countless thoughts.
After over ten minutes, Chen Guan finally regained consciousness.
"Zi Yan, take the two elders to see the cave abode first."
There was no need for him to explain his identity personally; once the Great and Second Elders met the Old Dragon Emperor, Ming Xie, and the others, they would naturally understand everything.
Besides, the two elders probably had no interest in listening to what he had to say right now...
After giving his instructions, Chen Guan once again sank into a state of chaotic thought, automatically shutting himself off from the outside world.
He sat cross-legged in the volcano, seemingly doing nothing, day after day...
Zi Yan escorted the two elders to the Ancient Emperor's Cave and then returned. She was puzzled by Chen Guan's deep thoughts, but she didn't bother him.
Until one day, she received a message from Medusa. To be more precise, it had been sent to Qingce Manor by the Ancient Clan.
The Medicine Clan's Pharmacopoeia would begin in a month and a half!
The Medicine Clan was inviting all to attend the ceremony.
The Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan and the Alchemy Alliance were undoubtedly among those invited, but they hadn't yet arrived.
Since this involved an ancient race, and at this sensitive time, Zi Yan had no choice but to awaken Chen Guan and ask for his opinion.
Chen Guan, snapping out of his thoughts, smiled after hearing Zi Yan's account, a smile tinged with a hint of madness.
The Medicine Clan's Pharmacopoeia... it's already late.
If it had been a few days ago, knowing what was going to happen, he would definitely not have joined in the fun.
But now...
the return of the First and Second Elders had caused him to rethink all his plans, and even given rise to some bold ideas he hadn't dared to contemplate before.
"Go, I must go!"