When Xiao Yan emerged from the spatial vortex at the bottom of the lake, he immediately sensed the hidden space behind him quietly dissipating. From that moment on, the Magical Beast Mountain Range would no longer hold such a mysterious location. Though a bit regretful, Xiao Yan couldn't help but feel a flicker of doubt in his heart. Could it be that this secret realm only existed because of that demonic sword?
Shaking away the lingering thoughts, he rose from the lake and soared out of the water. This trip to the beast burial ground had been treacherous beyond words, but the rewards had been equally immense. Not only had he successfully cultivated the Infinite Void Demon Body, but he had also refined two Heavenly Flames, allowing Flame Mantra to finally evolve into a Heaven Rank Dou Technique. Even the Heavy Xuan Ruler had undergone a drastic transformation.
The only remaining instability was the demonic sword remnant within his body. However, it didn't seem to be having any negative effect on him at the moment. Xiao Yan figured that once he restored his strength to peak level, he could probably deal with it. Until then, it might even serve as a hidden trump card in moments of crisis.
With a wave of his hand, he dispelled the spatial barriers he'd previously set up and flew away from the lake. Due to the suppressive effect of the Heavy Xuan Ruler, he could clearly feel the previously chaotic surge of power in his body gradually solidifying. This was good news. At the very least, he wouldn't need to waste time adjusting to his newfound strength.
Rather than returning immediately to the small valley where he had left Yun Yun, Xiao Yan flew in the direction of the Purple Winged Heavenly Lion's lair. Though he had never visited its den before, his powerful soul perception allowed him to pinpoint the beast's exact location with ease.
At that moment, the Purple Winged Heavenly Lion was lazily basking in the sun outside its cave. As a high-rank magical beast that had developed beast flame, its purple flame was intimately connected to sunlight. That's why it often sunbathed like this—to store up enough energy in preparation for future battles.
It had recently fought a fierce battle against a human woman. Although it had ultimately won, it had been severely injured and was currently recuperating. That was why it hadn't personally gone out to hunt her down—it had left that task to its subordinates. Days had passed with no success. Even the seal it had placed on her would soon wear off. That woman would no doubt come back for round two very soon.
"Roar!"
Suddenly, the Purple Winged Heavenly Lion sensed a terrifying aura approaching rapidly. It quickly lifted its head and saw a black-haired youth walking over calmly. The youth looked thin and unassuming, yet the lion felt as though a primordial beast was standing before it.
"You're the Purple Winged Heavenly Lion?" Xiao Yan cast a sidelong glance at the king of the Magical Beast Mountain Range and asked casually.
"Yes..." the lion lowered its massive head immediately. It could sense the overwhelming power radiating from Xiao Yan. Though it had always ruled this mountain range with unmatched arrogance, it wasn't a fool. It knew exactly who could be messed with and who absolutely couldn't. It might have mocked Yun Yun's ambition, but in front of Xiao Yan? It could only lower itself in submission.
"You're surprisingly clever," Xiao Yan chuckled. He had expected the beast to put up some prideful resistance, but this submissiveness saved him the trouble of making an example of it. If more second-generation heirs and pampered clan young masters had this kind of awareness, they wouldn't constantly bring disaster upon their families.
After some lighthearted thoughts, Xiao Yan casually leaned against a large boulder and asked, "No need to be so nervous. I didn't come to fight. I just want to ask you a few questions. If you answer honestly, I won't cause you any trouble. A few days ago, a woman came to find you—what did she want?"
"She came for the Purple Spirit Crystal on me," the lion replied obediently. It had no intention of lying. It understood very well—if it dared lie and was caught, it would be doomed beyond saving.
"You're quite honest. I'll spare your life." Xiao Yan gave a rare compliment. He had been present during that earlier battle and already knew Yun Yun's true purpose. He had asked just to gauge the beast's attitude. Clearly, this magical beast had some brains.
The lion remained silent, but in its heart, it couldn't help muttering, 'What nonsense... if you were facing someone who could slap you into paste with a flick of their finger, wouldn't you be honest too?'
"Let me see that Purple Spirit Crystal." Xiao Yan extended his palm and smiled.
The Purple Winged Heavenly Lion let out a sigh, but it had expected this. It obediently handed over the crystal. Xiao Yan looked over the violet-colored gem, a faint grin curling at his lips. Then, with a flick of his finger, a strand of grayish-white flame silently seeped into the crystal.
The reason Yun Yun had traveled all the way here for this crystal wasn't for leisure. It was meant to help Nalan Yanran improve her cultivation. And as someone who was always happy to "help," Xiao Yan didn't mind giving his ex-fiancée a "hand."
Of course, while Xiao Yan's temperament had softened in this life—particularly toward Xun'er, Xiao Yixian, and others—when it came to Nalan Yanran… if he didn't mess with her until she mentally collapsed, he'd feel unworthy of the title Demonic Wrath Saint.
"Here, take it." Xiao Yan casually tossed the Purple Spirit Crystal back and said with a smirk, "When that woman returns to ask for the crystal, pretend to lose to her and hand it over. Understand?"
"Understood," the lion answered with utmost caution, gently biting the crystal and bowing its head respectfully.
"Good." Xiao Yan nodded with a slight smile. "If you perform well, you'll be rewarded."
Hearing this, the Purple Winged Heavenly Lion's eyes lit up with joy. Although it didn't know Xiao Yan's full strength, it could sense that this young man was at least a high-rank Dou Zong. And a powerhouse like that wouldn't lie so easily. Maybe—just maybe—he could help it complete its transformation into a human form!
But clearly, the lion had no idea what kind of person Xiao Yan really was. This was a guy who wouldn't hesitate to trick little girls—what mercy would he show to magical beasts? Promising benefits? That was just bait. Xiao Yan would never pass up a chance to freeload. Everything he said just now had been to draw a big, fat empty promise.
Though Xiao Yan disliked managing factions or responsibilities, when it came to making empty promises, he was quite proficient. After all, at his core, he was still a guy from Earth—and in this department, he was already miles ahead of the naive folk of the Dou Qi Continent.
(End of Chapter)
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