A dense gray-black poison mist filled the entire room, swallowing everything in sight. Within the haze, Liu Xi, cloaked in a veil of azure flame, sat quietly—his form flickering faintly in the poisonous fog.
He swallowed another Qi Recovery Pill, replenishing the Dou Qi that had been consumed to less than half. The azure flames surrounding his eyes rippled softly as his gaze fell upon the bed, where Xiao Yixian lay motionless, her breath now long and deep—steady, powerful.
It had been nearly a month since her seclusion began. The poison mist leaking from her body had only grown thicker and deadlier with each passing day, so much so that even Liu Xi felt the strain of resisting it.
For that month, the inner chamber had been completely sealed by his Heavenly Flame to contain the toxin, while Zi Yan stood guard outside, frightening away every petty intruder. The timing for a breakthrough had been less than ideal—but not once was Xiao Yixian's advancement disturbed.
Then, at long last, the swelling aura within her body came to a halt. A moment of silence followed—before her power surged violently.
Boom!
A terrible suction burst forth from her core, devouring the thick poison mist that had filled the room for weeks. The toxins were drawn into her body like a tidal wave being swallowed whole.
Liu Xi's tense expression finally relaxed, a faint smile curling at his lips. "Heh… finally, another true Dou Zong by my side. Once she condenses her Poison Core and fully controls her Woeful Poison Body, her strength will rival even a Dou Zun. Now that's a comforting thought."
It had been years of patient effort, and now, the fruits of that labor were finally ripening.
The instant the last trace of poison mist vanished into her body, a vast and oppressive aura erupted from Xiao Yixian. The shockwave shredded Liu Xi's flame barrier like paper, spreading outward in all directions.
The nearby city of Xuan Yin quaked under the weight of that power. Even Liu Xi, standing right beside her, felt the pressure. It wasn't overwhelming, but it carried enough weight to remind him just how vast the gap between a Dou Huang and a Dou Zong truly was.
Only by stepping into the Dou Zong realm could one be considered a true elite of the continent.
In the skies above, spiritual energy churned violently, condensing heavy black clouds that rolled across the horizon until they smothered the entire city beneath their shadow.
Within Xuan Yin City, panic spread. Those sensitive to power could feel the crushing aura. The city's ruler, Yin Hao, an 8-Star Dou Wang, collapsed in horror, his legs trembling uncontrollably.
"W-What kind of powerhouse has come to my city? Are they here for me? No… I can't die here! I have to run!"
Without hesitation, he abandoned his sect and fled into the wilderness—a scene all too common in the chaotic Black-Corner Region.
Mercenaries and travelers throughout the streets fell to their knees, shivering under the invisible pressure that blanketed the entire city.
Back in the room, Xiao Yixian's long lashes fluttered. Slowly, she opened her grayish-purple eyes, cold and lifeless at first—but burning faintly with new vitality.
Her slender figure rose gently into the air. Her snow-white hair cascaded down her shoulders, her pale complexion ghostly yet beautiful. Bare feet hovered inches from the ground, her white robes fluttering lightly as she walked in midair—without wings.
That was the mark of a Dou Zong.
Though her form remained still, the immense aura radiating from her body warped the surrounding air. The very energies of heaven and earth spiraled eagerly around her.
"Dou Zong…"
Liu Xi couldn't help but murmur softly, envy and admiration threading through his voice. Though his own breakthrough wasn't far, that final barrier could easily take another year—or longer.
As her gaze drifted to him, a gentle warmth flickered within Xiao Yixian's deathly eyes. The iciness she once carried had begun to melt.
She took a single step, the air rippling beneath her feet as she appeared before him. A faint, soft smile curved her lips.
"Young Master," she said gently, "I've broken through to Dou Zong… and I think I'm stronger than a normal 1-Star Dou Zong."
Liu Xi's eyes softened. "A perfected Woeful Poison Body… of course you'd be stronger. You've grown powerful—but also thinner."
His voice carried genuine affection as he reached out to brush her pale cheek—only for Xiao Yixian to recoil abruptly, like a startled kitten. She retreated several meters in a flash, leaving his outstretched hand frozen awkwardly in midair.
Her face flushed slightly as she stammered, "Young Master, it's not that I don't want you to touch me… it's just that my body is still filled with poison."
Liu Xi chuckled, lowering his hand. His eyes drifted over her lithe form, his tone playful yet regretful. "What a shame… quite a big problem indeed. I'll have to find a way to fix that soon."
A faint blush crept up Xiao Yixian's pale cheeks. Folding her arms over her chest, she muttered in mock annoyance, "And just what exactly are you regretting, hmm? You're so improper…"
Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed outside.
"Brother! Can I come in now?" Zi Yan's bright, excited voice called. "Did Sister Xian'er really break through? That aura was incredible!"
"Come in," Liu Xi said, smiling.
The door creaked open, and Zi Yan bounded inside, her amethyst-like eyes sparkling as she stared at Xiao Yixian. "So this is the aura of a Dou Zong… I'm so jealous!"
Xiao Yixian smiled softly. With a thought, she withdrew her overwhelming power. In a few breaths, the energy in the room calmed, the black clouds above the city dispersed, and light returned to the sky.
Still, the people of Xuan Yin City would never forget the terror they'd felt that day.
Xiao Yixian turned to Zi Yan with gentle reassurance. "With your talent, you'll reach this realm soon enough."
Zi Yan pouted, rubbing her head in frustration. "Easier said than done. I don't even know how much energy I'll need to accumulate for my next breakthrough…"
Liu Xi smiled. "The more you accumulate, the greater your potential. Don't rush. When the time's right, it'll happen naturally."
He then turned serious. "Xian'er's breakthrough is a great thing—but we've already lost another month. There's been no news of any major auctions in the Black-Corner Region, so it's time we head straight to the Inner Academy."
His eyes lingered mischievously on Xiao Yixian as he added, "Once we get the map, we'll go directly to the Central Plains. I can't wait to find a cure for your body's poison."
Her cheeks flushed crimson, her heart fluttering despite herself. She knew exactly what he meant—and yet, a faint warmth filled her chest. After all, her Woeful Poison Body had been her burden for far too long.
(End of Chapter)
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