In the span of a single night, Xiao Yan almost ceaselessly drew out toxins from the demonic poison spot and used the Luster Lotus Heart Fire to purify them. As the sky gradually brightened, he slowly opened his eyes in the stone house. The night’s purification did not leave him with any sense of exhaustion; on the contrary, due to the replenishment of immense fighting spirit, his state was at a perfect peak. His eyes occasionally flickered with a sharp light, a result of the overwhelming fighting spirit within.
He glanced down at the demonic poison spot on his chest; its area had noticeably shrunk. Seeing this, Xiao Yan shook his head in dissatisfaction. He had extracted nearly ten portions of toxin throughout the night, and yet, compared to the entirety of the demonic poison spot, it was still just a small fraction.
After absorbing all the fighting spirit from those ten toxins, Xiao Yan could faintly feel his strength improving. Although this feeling wasn’t particularly noticeable, it was quite remarkable. After all, each star in the Battle Sect level required an immense amount of energy. If Xiao Yan were to follow conventional methods of cultivation, even with his speed, it would likely take him at least three to four months to reach this point. Achieving this in one night was already quite impressive.
Between each star in the Battle Sect level, there was a significant gap. Therefore, in the Central Continent, the classification of Battle Sect powerhouses was more refined. Each star was roughly divided into early, middle, high, and peak stages. However, this division was too subtle for most people to use, but it was useful for measuring one’s own strength. Based on Xiao Yan’s estimation, after absorbing the fighting spirit from the demonic poison spot, he should be at the mid-stage of the one-star Battle Sect.
“Ah, the ranks of Battle Sect are indeed hard to advance. No wonder Elder Su Qian has been practicing for so many years, and his rank has not increased much…”
With a light sigh, Xiao Yan put on his robe. The fighting spirit in his body was now saturated and needed some time to adapt before he could absorb more from the demonic poison spot. Luckily, with his current strength, the demonic poison spot no longer posed a significant threat; instead, it served as a mobile repository of fighting spirit for him.
“It seems I should set off now. The Four Pavilion Gathering should be happening in the next few days.”
Leaping off the bed, Xiao Yan quickly packed his things and left without lingering. When he exited, a few Gold-Eating Rat guards bowed in respect. He waved his hand, stepped on the air, and climbed the skies, like ascending a celestial ladder, under the envious gazes of the guards.
Standing above the sky, Xiao Yan looked down at Tianmu Mountain and couldn’t help but smile. Walking on the air was something he had long dreamed of, and now it was finally a reality.
As Xiao Yan ascended, two figures hurriedly appeared.
“Little Brother Xiao Yan, are you leaving?” Jin Shi appeared, looking at Xiao Yan and immediately asked.
Xiao Yan nodded and smiled, “I have important matters and cannot stay here any longer. I thank the two seniors for your hospitality. If I have the chance, I will visit again.”
Hearing this, Jin Shi and Jin Gu didn’t press further, only sighing helplessly. “Little Brother Xiao Yan, you have done a great favor for our Gold-Eating Rat Clan. If you ever have trouble, please don’t forget us two old bones.”
Xiao Yan nodded softly. The Gold-Eating Rat Clan, with their numerous numbers and extensive intelligence, was good to befriend.
“Seeing how rushed you look, we won’t keep you. May the wind be at your back, Little Brother Xiao Yan,” Jin Gu said with a smile and a bow.
“Thank you, Senior Jin Gu. Goodbye!” Xiao Yan smiled, clasped his hands in farewell, and then, with a flash of light, shot out towards the Tianmu Mountains. In a few blinks, he vanished from their sight.
Given Xiao Yan’s speed, it took him less than ten minutes to leave the Tianmu Mountains. With his current strength, if he used his bone wings, he would be even faster. However, the words of the White Wolf King from that day always stayed in his mind. Even though he had now reached the Battle Sect level, compared to the so-called Heavenly Phoenix Beast Clan, his strength was still like a mere insect trying to stop a wheel. Thus, he should minimize the use of his bone wings unless absolutely necessary.
He stopped at a mountain peak outside the Tianmu Mountains, retrieving the northern map he had bought in Huaguge City. He began searching on it.
According to Mu Qing Luan, the Four Pavilion Gathering would be held at the Eastern Pavilion, the headquarters of the Wind and Lightning Pavilion. According to the map, the Eastern Pavilion was located near the central region of the Northern Domain border.
“Such a long way. It will take nearly a day just to get there.” Putting away the map, Xiao Yan sighed. Fortunately, he had reached the Battle Sect level; otherwise, it would have taken at least ten days or half a month. By then, it would be too late.
“I need to hurry. Missing this would be disastrous.”
With a sigh, Xiao Yan turned his gaze eastward. Shimmering silver light slowly appeared on his feet, followed by a low, deep thunder. His figure then dispersed like a wraith…
The Eastern Pavilion of the Wind and Lightning Pavilion, this name carried considerable weight even in the entire Central Continent. As the headquarters of the Wind and Lightning Pavilion, it was filled with powerful figures and had defenses as solid as a fortress. Throughout the years since its establishment, it had weathered many storms, but the Eastern Pavilion had always stood firm. Its reputation had gradually emerged in past battles, ultimately earning its current status.
The Four Pavilion Gathering, as the name suggests, was organized by the four pavilions of the continent. While the main participants were these four pavilions, each gathering was a major event in the Central Continent. Though it couldn’t match the Dan Hui of the Dan Tower, it was still a rare grand occasion.
The gathering was not about the old generation of strong cultivators but the young. Naturally, those representing the four pavilions were the most outstanding among their respective groups. These fresh, talented individuals were crucial for the growth and prosperity of each faction. Thus, the Four Pavilion paid great attention to nurturing the young.
Thanks to their efforts, many prodigies had emerged, such as Feng Qing’er of the Wind and Lightning Pavilion, Tang Ying of the Myriad Sword Pavilion, Wang Chen of the Yellow Spring Pavilion, and Mu Qing Luan of the Starry Sky Pavilion. These names were well-known even in the Central Continent.
Of course, the Central Continent was full of hidden talents, and unexpected geniuses could emerge anytime. However, every Four Pavilion Gathering attracted many forces and countless young, self-assured individuals. While the main participants were usually the four pavilions, other participants were not rejected. To ensure quality, rigorous selection processes were employed, which filtered out the weaker ones.
After all, the Four Pavilion Gathering was quite valuable in youth competitions. Some older, powerful cultivators might not even reach this level.
The location of the Four Pavilion Gathering was typically decided by the previous winner. The last gathering was won by the Wind and Lightning Pavilion, so this time, it was set in the Eastern Pavilion of the Wind and Lightning Pavilion.
The Eastern Pavilion was situated in the Wind and Lightning Mountains at the edge of the Northern Domain. The area was peculiar; perhaps due to its high altitude, it was often riddled with thunder, and the weather was unpredictable. One moment it could be sunny, and the next, a thunderstorm.
The entire Wind and Lightning Mountains were under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Pavilion. It was like their private garden, and other factions without sufficient power dared not touch it.
During this period, the Wind and Lightning Mountains were bustling with activity. Countless people converged on Thunder Mountain, where the headquarters, the Eastern Pavilion, was located.
Outside the Wind and Lightning Mountains, a streak of light flashed across the sky, transforming into a figure on a mountain peak. He gazed down at the stream of people below, pausing in surprise.
The dusty traveler was Xiao Yan, who had been rushing continuously. Over the past few days, he had been pushing himself to the limit, barely stopping. Even with this intense travel, it still took him four days to arrive here.
“The wind and lightning energy here is incredibly dense…”
Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yan gazed into the distance, looking at the massive mountain range, larger than the Tianmu Mountains. The thunder inside the mountains was so loud that it could be heard from afar, and the wind and lightning energy contained within made him somewhat awe-struck.
“This must be the Wind and Lightning Mountains where the Eastern Pavilion is located. It seems I am not too late…”
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