A strange gray current clashed with a golden flame in the hands of the two graceful maidens, making no loud noise. The two elements merged silently, producing only faint hissing sounds and energy ripples. This sudden turn of events startled the black-robed elder and his companion, who immediately stepped forward, intending to intervene, but paused after a moment of hesitation. They cast an astute glance at Little Healer Immortal, their eyes revealing hints of surprise. The latter’s beauty and poise were on par with Xuner’s, and what surprised them most was her strength. A Dou Zun of such a young age was truly astonishing. It was baffling how this boy managed to have so many remarkable girls around him. “What are you doing?” Xiao Yan, standing nearby, also paled slightly upon seeing Little Healer Immortal and Xuner suddenly clash. He quickly reached out to separate them, but as he was about to do so, the slender, jade-like hands that had briefly touched each other withdrew. The gray current and golden flame dissipated swiftly. “Before coming here, I had heard of Elder Sister Little Healer Immortal’s formidable Poison Body. Now, seeing it in person, it truly lives up to its reputation. But during this time, thank you for taking care of Brother Xiao Yan,” Xuner took a small step back, rubbed her hands gently, and smiled. “Xiao Yan has also mentioned you many times. Meeting you now, I can see why he is so smitten with such a peerless maiden,” Little Healer Immortal replied warmly, her voice like a warm breeze. Though the two women spoke with apparent cordiality, Xiao Yan felt a subtle tension between them. He sighed inwardly; both women possessed extraordinary qualities: one with a naturally toxic body, the other with the bloodline of an ancient emperor. Their meeting seemed to hint at a mutual unwillingness to yield, was this perhaps the competitive nature between excellent women? “Alright, our business here is done. Let’s take a break, and this isn’t the place for a conversation,” Xiao Yan shook his head, his tone resigned. Hearing his words, Xuner and Little Healer Immortal nodded slightly. Seeing this, Xiao Yan moved first, heading towards the Ye Family in the center of the city. Xuner and her group followed, drawing numerous gazes from the crowd. As Xiao Yan and his party descended, the entire Leaf City began to hum with activity. The battle today would soon spread through the Central Continent like wildfire.
When Xiao Yan and his companions landed at the Ye residence, Ye Zhong hurriedly led all the Ye clansmen to welcome them, his face filled with respect. After witnessing today’s incredible battle, he had a clear understanding of Xiao Yan’s power. Even the formidable Ice River Valley, which had unleashed its full might, was left in shambles, highlighting his prowess. Although he knew that much of this was due to the timely reinforcements, he understood that rallying such powerful allies was a feat in itself.
“Big Brother Xiao Yan, are you alright?” seeing Xiao Yan unharmed, Xinlan was overjoyed.
Xiao Yan nodded with a smile, pointing at Xuner and introducing her to Xinlan, “This is Xuner. I’m sure you’ve heard of her.”
“hee hee, one of the founders of the Pan Gate, Senior Xuner, indeed. As a Pan Gate member, how could I not have heard of her?” Xinlan giggled, covering her mouth.
Xuner was taken aback, but then her elegant face broke into a gentle smile, causing the hearts of the young Ye clan members around her to skip a beat. “Hehe, so you’re also a student of the Inner Academy,” she said softly.
“Senior Ye Zhong, can you provide us with a place to talk?” Xiao Yan smiled, turning to Ye Zhong.
“Hehe, Sir Xiao Yan, it’s nothing, just a small matter,” Ye Zhong hastened to assure him, nodding and leading the way.
Xiao Yan smiled and, with Xuner and Little Healer Immortal, followed. In the courtyard, many Ye clan members jostled to catch a glimpse of the two unique beauties behind Xiao Yan. The young men among them envied him, for one such girl was rare enough, let alone two. From their perspective, there was little more to wish for in life than this.
Xiao Yan, however, had no time for such thoughts. Guided by Ye Zhong, they entered the Ye family council hall. After seating his guests, Ye Zhong discreetly withdrew, leaving the space for Xiao Yan and his companions.
Xiao Yan sank into a chair, his tense body gradually relaxing. Feeling the subtle pricks of pain in his meridians, he couldn’t help but grimace. The Three Reincarnations of Heavenly Fire indeed had its aftermath, and if not for his robust physique, he would be lying on the ground, unable to rise.
“Brother Xiao Yan, what are your plans next?” Xuner gently pushed a teacup toward Xiao Yan, her voice soft.
“I need to rescue my teacher from the Soul Temple,” Xiao Yan’s hand gripped the teacup tightly, his dark eyes flashing with a cold gleam.
“Your teacher, should be the Honorable Medicine Ancestor, Master Yao Chen, right?” Xuner was unsurprised by Xiao Yan’s answer. She had already investigated when she returned to the Ancient Clan, and thus knew of Elder Yao’s identity.
Xiao Yan nodded slightly.
“Yao Chen?” The black-robed elder was a bit startled upon hearing the name, then looked at Xiao Yan in astonishment, “I didn’t expect him to be your teacher. That old man’s alchemy skills are unparalleled on the Dou Qi Continent.”
“Indeed, we crossed paths with Yao Chen a few times back then, though we were merely ordinary Battle Sects at the time…” the white-haired elder chimed in, his voice tinged with nostalgia.
Xiao Yan smiled, turning to the pensively silent Xuner. He asked, “What’s the matter?”
“Given today’s events, the Soul Temple will certainly be on guard and might even transfer Elder Yao Chen to another prison. If you go recklessly, you might only fall into their trap,” Xuner hesitated, then spoke.
“Don’t underestimate the Soul Temple. Our Ancient Clan has fought them many times, yet they remain unscathed. With your current strength, even with the assistance of these two Dou Zuns, a poorly planned attempt to rescue Yao Chen from the Soul Temple will be difficult,” the white-haired elder reminded, “Miss cannot stay long this time, she must return within ten days. Your identity is special to our Ancient Clan. Until you have the means to protect yourself, it’s best not to interact with us…”
Xiao Yan frowned, not fully comprehending the significance of his ‘special’ identity. He knew, however, that the Ancient Clan had ties to the Xiao Clan, and they coveted the Jade of the Emperor Ancient. Medicinal Ancestor once warned him that disclosing its presence would bring dire consequences. For this reason, he was always cautious when dealing with the Ancient Clan.
“Brother Xiao Yan, the Soul Temple’s power is far greater than what you’ve seen. You mustn’t be careless. The task of rescuing Elder Yao Chen and Uncle Xiao rests on your shoulders,” Xuner’s face was somber, fearing that Xiao Yan’s rashness might lead to his capture by the Soul Temple. After all, the Soul Temple’s true goal was the Jade of the Emperor Ancient in Xiao Yan’s possession.
Xiao Yan’s expression darkened. After this recent battle, his strength had been largely exposed. Given the Soul Temple’s information network, they would soon know. If he rushed to the Soul Temple, he might not only fail to save the Medicine Ancestor but also jeopardize his companions.
Tightening his grip on the teacup, Xiao Yan felt a surge of restlessness. Each day he delayed, the Medicine Ancestor suffered more. The thought was excruciating.
Seeing Xiao Yan’s distress, Xuner sighed softly, saying no more. Her silence settled over the hall. After a long moment, Xiao Yan finally exhaled deeply, his voice low, “For now, I won’t seek out the Soul Temple…”
Relieved, Xuner reassured him, “Brother Xiao Yan, don’t worry. Elder Yao Chen is no ordinary Dou Zun. The Soul Temple won’t harm him easily. When I return, I’ll use the Ancient Clan’s resources to locate him. If we find any leads, I’ll send word to you right away.”
Xiao Yan nodded slightly. Since now wasn’t the best time to rescue the Medicine Ancestor, his next step was to prepare for the Dan Tower’s Pill Gathering. Obtaining the Three Thousand Blazing Flames would greatly enhance his power. At that point, even against someone like Bing Heduo, he would stand a chance. Then, he could secretly gather forces to rescue the Medicine Ancestor. As for his father, Xiao Zhan…
Thinking of his father, Xiao Yan’s eyes darkened. Since his disappearance, he had no news of Xiao Zhan. If it weren’t for the soul light in the Jade of the Emperor Ancient, he might have thought his father had fallen victim to the Soul Temple.
“Maybe I can get some information about Father from that Qinghai…” Xiao Yan’s fingers tapped on his storage ring, his eyes suddenly gleaming dangerously. As a revered elder of the Soul Temple, Qinghai must know a lot.
“But whether it’s rescuing the Medicine Ancestor or Father, it all depends on having the strength… So, I must get the Three Thousand Blazing Flames!”
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