Spring passed and autumn came — the seasons turned once more.
Liu Xi had been absorbing the Soul Essence for an entire year. This time, the quantity was truly immense. Only now, after a full year, did he finally finish refining all of it.
Deep within Ancient Dragon Island, atop a secluded peak, Liu Xi slowly opened his eyes. His gaze was vast and starry, his calm smile warm and serene. On his handsome face, tranquility reigned.
Glancing around, Liu Xi paused for a moment, then chuckled softly.
The mountain he had chosen for seclusion was now blanketed in lush greenery, vibrant and alive. Clearly, during his absorption of the Soul Essence, faint traces of its energy had leaked out, enriching the plants and infusing them with flourishing vitality.
Placing his palm on the stone platform, Liu Xi rose lightly into the air. His azure robe fluttered gracefully before he descended again. The garment was spotless, neither wrinkled nor worn — as if untouched by time — and it flowed freely around him with effortless elegance.
"It's still not enough," he murmured with a faint smile. "This should only be a portion of the Soul Essence meant for the Void Devouring Flame. Still, reaching the Perfect Heaven Realm Soul isn't bad at all."
Even ten times the essence he'd obtained before had not been enough to push him into the Emperor Realm Soul, though he was now closer than ever.
"Strange," Liu Xi mused. "With this much essence, I should've crossed the threshold already. It's as though I'm standing before the gate but can't kick it open… Is it waiting for the right surge of power?"
Though a touch disappointed, he didn't dwell on it. He had never expected to break through to the Emperor Realm Soul so easily.
"What I lack now," he muttered, "is one great burst — a power strong enough to shake my entire soul and blow open that door. Once that happens, I'll reach the Emperor Realm Soul."
That realm was the final step before Dou Di itself — a boundary that only one force could help him surpass: a Heavenly Flame.
With that thought, Liu Xi leaped from the mountaintop, descending swiftly toward the main hall below. As he traveled, his sharp perception sensed a drastic change — the aura of the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe was far stronger than when he had entered seclusion.
"So many powerful auras… This must be the true depth of the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe. It seems even the seniors who roamed the void have returned."
Even he, now a formidable 4-Star Dou Saint, felt a twinge of unease before such might. These returning experts were at least 7-Star Dou Saints — high-level Dou Saints capable of shaking continents.
Arriving at the grand hall, Liu Xi saw Zi Yan waiting outside, flanked by three white-haired elders.
The oppressive aura that made even him wary emanated from them. Though their gazes were calm, each regarded Liu Xi with a faint, measuring look.
As Liu Xi landed, Zi Yan's usually solemn face brightened with a playful smile that softened her imperial bearing.
"Big Brother."
"Zi Yan." Liu Xi smiled back, then turned respectfully toward the three elders, cupping his hands. "Liu Xi greets the three seniors. Zi Yan, may I ask who they are?"
Zi Yan stepped to his side and explained with a proud smile. "They were my father's commanders back in his reign. After he vanished, they searched across the Dou Qi Continent — and even ventured into the void itself."
She gestured to the kindly elder at the front. "This is First Commander Zhu Bei. Grandpa Zhu Bei is a Late 8-Star Dou Saint — one of our clan's pillars."
Zhu Bei bowed slightly, his voice gentle. "The Dragon Emperor flatters me. I'm just an old relic now, but I'll serve the tribe as long as I draw breath."
Zi Yan smiled sweetly. "Grandpa Zhu Bei, don't feel guilty. My father still lives, merely trapped beneath the magma. I'll rescue him soon enough."
She then motioned to the next. "This is Second Commander Zhu Yu, an Early 8-Star Dou Saint."
Zhu Yu's sharp, cold eyes exuded killing intent by nature. His expression alone could make most tremble. He gave a curt nod. "No need for formalities."
"And lastly," Zi Yan said, turning to the broad-shouldered one, "this is Third Commander Zhu Fei, a Late 7-Star Dou Saint. Without the three of them, our Ancient Void Dragon Tribe would never have secured our dominance over the Beast Region."
Zhu Fei's booming voice echoed through the hall. "We've heard all that happened. Thank you, little friend, for helping us learn that the former Dragon Emperor still lives. Otherwise, we'd have no face to return."
Three high-level Dou Saints — such strength rivaled even the Gu and Hun Clans. Liu Xi couldn't help but marvel at the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe's power.
"I share a deep bond with Zi Yan," Liu Xi said warmly. "Helping her find her father is my honor. There's no need for such thanks."
Zhu Bei's eyes gleamed with subtle meaning. "Little friend, your deeds have earned my tribe's respect. I trust you won't disappoint our Dragon Emperor's faith in you. Second, Third — let's give them some privacy."
Once the three departed, Liu Xi slipped his arm around Zi Yan's slender waist, smiling. "So, they know everything now, huh?"
Zi Yan puffed her cheeks in mock indignation. "Of course they do, Big Brother~ You think anyone could hide it?"
Liu Xi chuckled softly. "I'll take responsibility, naturally. By the way, how long was I in seclusion? And what's the situation with the Hun Clan? Has the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame appeared yet?"
At his questions, Zi Yan leaned into him, voice tender but laced with teasing resentment. "A whole year! Sister Xian'er missed you terribly and went into seclusion out of frustration. Qing Lin missed you, too, and went to the Underground Serene Snake Network to train. Only I stayed behind, busy managing everything, suffering alone from longing. You heartless man…"
Liu Xi could only smile helplessly. He wished he could spend more time with them — but the Hun Clan's millennia-long plan was nearing its critical stage. He couldn't relax, not now.
After venting her frustration, Zi Yan's tone turned serious. "Big Brother, after you raided the Hall of Souls, their forces completely withdrew. In this past year, they haven't even retaliated. No one knows what the Hun Clan is planning."
Her expression darkened slightly. "But the Central Plains have been unusually calm — because of a shocking event. The Ling Clan, one of the ancient clans, has vanished entirely."
Liu Xi's brows furrowed. "Vanished?"
Zi Yan nodded solemnly. "The Ling Realm closed inexplicably two years ago. When it reopened, the entire realm — millions of clansmen — had disappeared without a trace. The news swept across the continent. Even though the Ling Clan had declined somewhat, they were still a supreme force above all others. Their disappearance caused a greater stir than the Hall of Souls' destruction."
'So it's begun,' Liu Xi thought, his eyes narrowing. 'The Hun Clan's millennia-long plan is underway.'
Because of the Ling Clan's calamity, the Hun Clan had no time to deal with the stolen Hall of Souls. The Gu Clan and other ancient clans were equally shaken, leaving the entire Central Plains in an eerie, suffocating silence.
(End of Chapter)
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