Seeing Xiao Yan make up his mind, Venerated Skywind did not say much more. After a moment of contemplation, he took out an ancient jade from his ring and handed it to Xiao Yan, saying, “Take this Star Jade. In the future, I can use it to find you. And if you encounter any trouble that you can’t handle, just crush it, and I will sense it.” Xiao Yan nodded slightly and accepted the ancient jade solemnly, storing it in his ring. He clasped his hands and said to Venerated Skywind, “Thank you, Elder Skywind.”
Venerated Skywind waved his hand with a smile, patted Xiao Yan on the shoulder lightly, and said slowly, “The fact that Yao Chen entrusted such a technique to you shows how highly he values you. Even that beast Han Feng coveted it back then, but Yao Chen never passed it to him.”
Xiao Yan nodded silently. The Medicine Ancestor had poured a great deal of effort into him, something he was well aware of. Therefore, in his heart, he treated the Medicine Ancestor like a father. Over the years, to gain the strength to rescue the Medicine Ancestor, he too had put in a lot by himself.
The path of cultivation is lonely and dull, but Xiao Yan gritted his teeth and persevered. From being the clan’s trash, he had climbed to where he was now, through hardships that few could match. Figures like Xun Qing’er and Tang Ying, though exceptionally talented, had powerful backing. But Xiao Yan could only rely on the Medicine Ancestor and his own efforts.
“After we retrieve the Burning Sky Pavilion, I will immediately scout the Temple of Souls’ presence in the Netherworld City. During this time, I will secretly contact some old friends of Yao Chen. If we can gather them, reclaiming Yao Chen should not be too difficult,” said Venerated Skywind. Though the Burning Sky Pavilion was strong, it still lagged behind the monstrous power of the Temple of Souls, whose true strength was enigmatic. Acting rashly might result in not only failing to save Yao Chen but losing the Burning Sky Pavilion as well.
Xiao Yan nodded. He knew full well how terrifying the Temple of Souls was, and understood that one wrong move could spell doom.
“Well, time is pressing, I won’t stay any longer. Remember to take care of yourself. From my estimates, that Xun Qing’ear might not give up the Ancient Phoenix Blood Essence easily, so keep an eye open. After all, the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan are no easy characters. If you encounter insurmountable troubles, shatter the Star Jade,” said Venerated Skywind.
Xiao Yan nodded slightly, made a gesture of respect towards Venerated Skywind, then nodded at Lin Yan, and the two flew off the giant eagle, heading toward the ground.
As they left, Venerated Skywind let out a sigh, his gaze turning to the Western Central Continent, muttering, “Old fellow, finally some news. Don’t worry, I’ll save you this time.”
With that, he flicked his sleeve, and a gust of wind arose. The giant eagle cried sharply, flapping its massive wings and transforming into a whirlwind, vanishing over the horizon.
Xiao Yan and Lin Yan landed on a treetop, looking up at where Venerated Skywind disappeared. They clenched their fists, grateful to have finally found an ally. As for the demon poison mark, Xiao Yan’s current strength allowed him to handle it. While he couldn’t digest it in one go, that wasn’t necessary. Its energy was too potent; slow, methodical refinement suited him better.
“Xiao Yan, where are we going next?” Lin Yan asked, turning to Xiao Yan.
“What city is the Pill Tower in?” Xiao Yan coughed, surveying the area, and asked awkwardly, having only known it was central but not its precise location.
Lin Yan rolled his eyes. The Pill Tower was legendary. How could Xiao Yan not know? “It’s in Pill City, home to the most alchemists on the continent. It commands an area stretching a thousand miles around, called the Pill Territory. It’s quite a distance from here. Even using a spatial wormhole, it’d take about a month.”
“In that case, lead the way, find a city with a spatial wormhole, and head for Pill City,” Xiao Yan smiled, glad to have a guide.
“Alright.” Lin Yan nodded. “You’re going to the Pill Gathering, right? Heh, Liu Qing’s family is also around there.”
“Liu Qing, huh?” Xiao Yan smiled, fondly recalling the straightforward man.
“He talks about you often. But now, he’s the head of his family—quite pompous, but always gets bossed around by the old fogies.”
“If we pass nearby, we should visit him,” Xiao Yan said, nostalgic for his old comrades.
Lin Yan nodded, and with a flap of his energy wings, flew into the distance. Xiao Yan followed closely…
In this ethereal world, the sky was perpetually shrouded in clouds, like a fairyland. Energy here was unusually dense, making cultivation far more effective.
The terrain brimmed with steep mountains. Occasionally, streaks of light would flash across the sky, radiating powerful auras, enough to turn many heads.
Beneath the mist lay a perilous peak, sharp as a sword, thrusting into the clouds. The mist obscured its summit.
On the misty peak sat a graceful figure, meditating, hands forming a seal, breathing energy dragons swirling about her delicate nose.
Dressed in simple green, her elegance was refreshing. Her tiny waist, bound by lavender silk, showcased enticing curves. Her serene face, every bit as beautiful as Xun Qing’ear, held tranquil, otherworldly eyes capable of quelling rage.
She seemed a fair maid, or a spotless lotus, exuding an elusive aura, enchanting yet untouchable. Such a girl, endowed with the essence of nature, could humble even the proudest of men.
The world’s rich energy swirled around her like stars revolving around the moon, flowing into her body at her will.
After an hour, she opened her glowing eyes, a golden flame darting out, exuding an awe-inspiring pressure that even stifled the surrounding energy, creating a subtle disturbance.
Rising gracefully, she glanced behind her, smiling, “Elder Ling, you can come out.”
Her radiant smile lit the surroundings.
As she spoke, a shadow shifted, materializing as Ling Ying, who bowed, grinning, “Miss’s perception is getting terrifying. I only just arrived, and you spotted me.”
To this small flattery, she responded neutrally, casually brushing back her hair, “Is there a reason for Elder Ling’s visit?”
“If there was nothing, I wouldn’t dare disturb Miss,” Ling Ying replied, recognizing the remarkable girl before him as Xiao Yan’s beloved Xun’er.
“I’m not interested in clan affairs,” Xun’er dismissed, conjuring a clear man’s face from the mist, which she studied tenderly.
Ling Ying chuckled. “I think you’ll be interested in what I have to say.”
Xun’er’s eyes lingered on the face, glancing at Ling Ying briefly. “Hopefully… proceed.”
Ling Ying coughed, then said, “I’ve learned a young man named Xiao Yan has appeared in the northern Central Region.”
The misty face vanished, Xun’er’s figure trembling slightly. She inhaled deeply, her voice barely audible. “Are you certain?”
“Most likely, it’s him,” Ling Ying smiled.
Xun’er turned abruptly, her usually calm face now filled with rare joy. With firm steps, she descended, declaring, “Prepare! I am leaving the Ancient Realm!”
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