Chapter 436: Xiao Yuan Begins to Doubt Life
"Why are they suddenly so desperate to collect soul bodies? The Soul Hall used to do this quietly… launching open warfare like this is unheard of."
Xiao Yan asked, visibly puzzled.
"The Soul Hall definitely has a plot behind gathering soul bodies, but what exactly it is—I haven't been able to uncover."
Yao Lao sighed deeply.
Xiao Yuan's heart grew heavier. From the looks of it, the Soul Hall had significantly accelerated their collection process… Could it be that they were losing patience?
"The Northwest is in chaos. The Lion Nether Sect continues its aggressive expansion. Any sect or kingdom that refuses to submit is completely annihilated. This allows the Soul Hall to gather soul bodies even faster. Where quality is lacking, they compensate with sheer numbers."
Yao Lao looked at his two disciples.
"As for the Jia Ma Empire, during your years away, thanks to the joint efforts of the Xiao Clan and the Mittel Family, it has grown into one of the top ten powers in the Northwest."
"Normally, the Lion Nether Sect wouldn't be enough to push Jia Ma into a defensive stance, but with Soul Hall experts backing them, the Empire is now hanging by a thread. Before you left, you asked me to secretly send protectors to the Xiao Clan, so I assigned one of our elder founders from Starfall Pavilion and a team of strong allies. If not for them, the Jia Ma Empire might already have fallen."
Yao Lao said solemnly.
"Also, the Heavenly Snake Mansion isn't doing well either. Though a mid-level power in the Northwest, they're only marginally stronger than the Thunderclap Valley at its peak. However, your little maid is now a six-star Dou Zun. With the power of the Triple-Colored Serpent-Pupil, she can even battle seven-star Dou Zuns—no need to worry."
Xiao Yuan nodded, eyes dimming slightly.
"Teacher, I suggest we take the initiative. If we strike at Soul Hall directly, they won't have time to do anything else!"
Xiao Yuan declared.
"Hmm… with your current strength, you might even surpass me. Attacking one of their sub-halls shouldn't be a problem. In that case, I'll prepare a squad for you to command."
"Also, I used a temporary space tunnel to send Little Doctor Immortal and the others away. They've been reinforcing the spatial path, but due to some recalibration issues, it took time. They should be back in a few days."
Yao Lao smiled.
Xiao Yuan nodded in relief—seemed he wouldn't need to rush there himself.
"You two rest today. Don't worry too much about the Jia Ma Empire. For some reason, the Soul Clan's Dou Shengs aren't showing up. Little Doctor and Cai Lin both carry my spatial jade slips—if anything happens, I can tear through space instantly."
Yao Lao reassured them.
Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan nodded. Then, Xiao Yan remembered something and pulled out the emerald-like jade slip from his ring—the invitation from Yao Xingji.
"This is the Yao Clan's medicine canon invitation that Third Brother told me to request. Teacher, I figure you might need it?"
At the word "medicine canon," Yao Lao's hand trembled slightly. Though subtle, both Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan noticed.
Yao Lao stared at the jade slip for a long while, then finally exhaled slowly and accepted it with a shaky hand.
"...It's not time yet. There are still some years to go."
He stored it away quietly.
Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan nodded. Though Yao Lao appeared calm, they knew he was anything but.
"Once I finish constructing the spatial tunnel, you two should visit home. It's been years. You should go back."
Yao Lao said, a hint of nostalgia in his tone. Back when they left, Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan were still teenagers. Now, they were titans of the continent.
Xiao Yuan nodded. "Teacher, let's find a safe, hidden place."
Seeing his serious look, Yao Lao agreed.
—
Deep within the Star Realm, inside a secluded stone tower—
"I've set up barriers here. Unless a Dou Sheng vastly stronger than me intervenes, no one can spy on us."
Yao Lao said.
"Teacher, I'd like to introduce someone—my ancestor, Xiao Xuan."
As he spoke, a blue-robed figure floated out from Xiao Yuan's soul-nurturing ring.
"Xiao Xuan?"
Yao Lao naturally knew the name. The moment he sensed the genuine Emperor-tier soul aura, he respectfully bowed.
"Junior Yao Chen greets Senior Xiao Xuan."
"No need to be formal. I've heard about your situation. I can't believe the Yao Clan would exile someone with your talent. They may not recognize you—but the Xiao Clan does. From now on, we're family."
Xiao Xuan waved and smiled.
Tears welled in Yao Lao's eyes.
Had anyone else said this, he wouldn't have reacted—but this was Xiao Xuan! The former patriarch of the Xiao Clan, the strongest under the Dou Di in his era!
For such a man to acknowledge him—that was truly moving.
"Teacher, I may not match your depth in soul research. I used the Soul-Nurturing Pearl to form an initial soul body for my ancestor. But to restore him fully… I'll need your help."
Xiao Yuan said seriously.
"So that's why you asked me to find the Soul-Nurturing Ring... Leave it to me. While I can't guarantee full Emperor-tier restoration without a body, I'll get him as close as possible. Still… a nine-star Dou Sheng body isn't easy to find."
Yao Lao knew Xiao Yuan had high standards. He wouldn't accept just any vessel.
"There'll be a way."
Xiao Yuan smiled.
"Seems like you already have something in mind."
Yao Lao chuckled.
"Please keep this secret, Teacher. If the Soul Clan finds out, we'll lose our trump card."
"Don't worry. Oh, there's a talented disciple in the Pavilion named Youquan. You should train her a bit when you have time. I don't plan to take any more students. And since you're already a master yourself, it's time you passed the torch."
"Alright, I'll keep an eye on her."
Xiao Yuan agreed.
—
Life soon became relaxed. Xiao Yuan guided disciples from time to time. With his status, even senior elders came to him for advice.
"Haah!"
In a wide training field within the Star Realm, disciples sparred and practiced. But most eyes were fixed on the white-robed youth in the center—Xiao Yuan, calmly giving guidance with a gentle smile and expert grace. Many admired him with genuine awe.
In one corner, a group of girls giggled among themselves, stealing glances at Xiao Yuan. At their center stood a slim, long-legged girl in red—Youquan. Though focused, her gaze never left Xiao Yuan.
"Hehe, Youquan-senpai… are you crushing on him?"
"Stop it!"
Her cheeks flushed.
"You're our most talented disciple. Even the Pavilion Master took notice during your assessment! Sure, the Young Pavilion Master is amazing, but you don't have to feel inferior."
"You don't get it. Compared to him, my talent's nothing."
Still, her eyes sparkled.
"Why don't you just talk to him? You'll never know unless you try!"
"I heard he already has several love interests…"
"Exactly! That makes him easier to approach. Besides, you're a top-tier talent—we need you as a future pillar of the Pavilion. He'd never reject that!"
Urged on, Youquan gave in.
"Okay, okay, stop pushing. I'll go!"
—
Xiao Yuan looked up and smiled as the red-robed girl approached.
"You're Youquan, right? Teacher mentioned you."
He sized her up—a beautiful girl with outstanding potential. She looked a bit shy, but her aura spoke of confidence and drive.
Seventeen years old and already at Dou Wang level.
That was a remarkable achievement—even by Central Plains standards. With the right support, she could absolutely become a Dou Zun.
Maybe even a Dou Sheng.
If she took over Starfall Pavilion one day, Xiao Yuan could finally kick back.
He was already planning ahead.
Youquan's eyes lit up. "Young Pavilion Master, could I trouble you for some guidance?"
"Show me what you've got."
Xiao Yuan nodded.
With flushed cheeks, she performed a newly mastered Earth-tier palm technique.
Xiao Yuan stood with hands behind his back, calmly watching. He pointed out a few minor flaws. What surprised him was how quickly she corrected them—her comprehension was astonishing, even better than Xiao Yan's when it came to technique.
After finishing her demonstration, Youquan wiped the sweat from her brow and asked shyly:
"How did I do?"
"Very good—but there's room for improvement."
Xiao Yuan smiled and flawlessly demonstrated the move himself.
Boom.
Youquan was stunned.
So this… was genius.
He had watched her perform once—and then executed it perfectly, without flaw. This was real talent.
Xiao Yuan wasn't surprised. He had practiced countless Heaven-tier techniques. A low-grade Earth technique was child's play now.
Remembering Yao Lao's request, he smiled.
"You're very gifted. I want to take you as my disciple. Will you accept?"
"...Huh?"
Youquan froze. She lowered her head, silent.
Xiao Yuan blinked.
Wait. She's hesitating?
He began to doubt reality.
He was a peak Two-Turn Dou Zun, quasi-Emperor soul, peak eighth-tier alchemist, Young Pavilion Master of Starfall Pavilion, and Pill Tower elite…
And she was unsure?
What was wrong with this world?
(END CHAPTER)
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