As the night gradually enveloped Ye City, the clamor that had erupted from the day’s earth-shattering battle began to fade away. However, many hearts were still ablaze with excitement and enthusiasm due to that monumental confrontation. Such a battle was indeed rare, even in the Central Region. What piqued the curiosity of all the people in Ye City the most was the identity of the woman in green who appeared at the end. The Ice River Valley was a formidable force in the Central Region, and the people from the Dan Realm naturally knew this well. Yet, even the powerful Ice River had to acquiesce under the gaze of countless eyes, retreating with his subordinates in utter disarray. All of this was due to the enigmatic woman in green. It was evident that this woman possessed an incredibly daunting background.
A crescent moon hung in the dark sky, casting a slightly cold light that washed down over the city, which had suffered the devastation of the day, draping it in a silvery gauze. In a guest room deep within the Ye Family residence, Xiao Yan sat cross-legged on the bed, his hands forming the seals for cultivation. With every breath, there was a faint, hot aura swirling around him. Although Xiao Yan did not sustain serious injuries from the day’s fierce battle, his Dou Qi was nearly depleted. The tyrannical energy produced by the Heavenly Fire Three Profound Transformations also caused some damage internally. If not for his strong physique, some of his meridians might have been torn apart by that energy.
Streams of energy from the world slowly flowed into Xiao Yan’s body. After being refined, they turned into a constant flow of Dou Qi, streaming through his meridians, gradually reducing the lingering pain…
This quiet cultivation continued for about two to three hours. Finally, Xiao Yan’s tightly closed eyes slowly opened, a hint of red returning to his previously pale face. His depleted Dou Qi, after rest, was much more plentiful again.
“Still not strong enough. My current strength can only handle the peak experts of the Battle Sect level. As for those at the Dou Zun level, I can only cause them some harm if I use my final move, the Destruction Lotus; otherwise, it would be hard to inflict any significant damage…”
Opening his eyes and feeling the condition of his body, Xiao Yan let out a sigh of relief. Then, he muttered to himself, “Today, there were too many strong enemies. This made me truly realize my own strength. In the Central Region, everything depends on power. If Xun’er hadn’t arrived today, we wouldn’t have fared well. But if I had possessed strength on par with or surpassing Ice River’s, I could have completely handled the situation on my own instead of relying on luck for help…”
Xun’er could save him once or twice, but what about three or four times? Although the ancient Gu clan behind Xun’er was extremely powerful, Xiao Yan was quite wary of them. He didn’t know what connection the Xiao family had with the Gu clan, but their goal was clear: they wanted to obtain the Ancient Emperor Jade from him, just like the Soul Palace. However, unlike the Soul Palace, they used a gentler approach.
News of Xun’er’s rescue would soon reach the Gu clan. Xiao Yan didn’t know how they would react, but it was best to prepare for the worst. If one day the Gu clan decided to take the Ancient Emperor Jade by force, he must have his own strength!
Xiao Yan believed that even if he were to become their enemy, Xun’er would never act against him. This was evident from the fact that the Gu clan still didn’t know he had the Ancient Emperor Jade. If Xun’er could keep such an important matter secret, it clearly showed her position in her heart.
Of course, if things went that way, Xun’er would be caught between love and family loyalty, and no matter who won, she would suffer. This was something Xiao Yan did not want to see.
“In the end, it’s still a matter of insufficient strength. If I had enough strength, even the Gu clan wouldn’t dare to make a move…”
Sighing, Xiao Yan clenched his fist. The more he advanced, the more he felt that strength was the most crucial thing! Family, love, and everything else needed to be protected by sufficient strength!
A piercing glint flashed in his dark eyes. Gently touching his chest, Xiao Yan felt the remaining part of the Demon Poison Spot. If he could fully refine it, he believed he could reach the level of a Four-Star Battle Sect. And if he obtained the Three Thousand Flame Fire later, he might even reach the peak Battle Sect stage. At that point, even a super-strong opponent like Ice River would pose a challenge he could manage!
“Once my injuries are healed, I’ll start refining the Demon Poison Spot. It’s been in my body for so long; it’s time to get rid of it…”
Loosening his fist, Xiao Yan was just about to re-enter his cultivation state when his eyes suddenly shifted toward the window. He smiled, “Since you’re here, why hide?”
With Xiao Yan’s laughter, a soft chuckle entered the room. A green figure then flitted in, standing gracefully before Xiao Yan, smiling, “It’s so late, Xiao Yan ge, why aren’t you resting?”
Looking at the girl who, under the soft lamplight, appeared exceptionally elegant and charming, a warm feeling welled up in Xiao Yan’s heart. The emotions that had been suppressed for years, in this moment of solitude, burst forth like a volcano, unable to be concealed.
Reaching out, Xiao Yan held Xun’er’s delicate hand. Its smoothness was like fine, warm jade, making it almost impossible to let go.
Xun’er blushed, a look of embarrassment rarely seen by others, but she didn’t pull away. After so many years apart, her feelings for Xiao Yan had not diminished; instead, they had deepened with time, permeating her entire being.
Xun’er moved lightly and sat down beside the bed, her head resting gently on Xiao Yan’s now broader shoulder. She whispered softly, “Xiao Yan ge, I missed you these years…”
Hearing the words filled with a reliance that would astonish outsiders, a warmth spread through Xiao Yan’s heart. He slid his arm around her slender waist, burying his face in her silky green hair, inhaling the faint fragrance. Some of the irritations in his heart seemed to dissipate at that moment.
Xun’er allowed Xiao Yan to hold her. After a while, she lifted her head, her lively eyes meeting his. Turning her hand, she produced a golden scroll, which she then handed to Xiao Yan.
“This contains the latter three seals of the Imperial Seal Decree. With your current strength, you should be able to practice the third seal…”
Xun’er said softly, “Don’t refuse, Xiao Yan ge. The Central Region is not the Black-Corner Region. Here, strong cultivators abound, and having more life-saving techniques makes it safer. I can’t stay here with you, so you can’t make excuses to avoid practicing the Imperial Seal Decree.”
Staring at the glowing golden scroll, Xiao Yan was taken aback, then smiled wryly. This girl always seemed to want to give him her things. Under Xun’er’s gaze, Xiao Yan hesitated slightly but didn’t put on a show. He took the scroll. He was indeed interested in the Imperial Seal Decree, and Xun’er was right. In the Central Region, if he lacked sufficient means, his safety would be compromised. Xiao Yan had personally experienced the power of the Imperial Seal Decree. The Mountain Opening Seal and Sea Reversing Seal were formidable weapons when he was at the Dou Wang and Battle Emperor stages. However, as he advanced to the Battle Sect stage, the power of these two seals had weakened against some opponents. To increase their potency, he needed the subsequent cultivation methods of the Imperial Seal Decree…
Seeing Xiao Yan accept the scroll, a smile graced Xun’er’s face. Xiao Yan had shed the brashness of his youth and had become more mature and composed.
“Oh, by the way, Xiao Yan ge, no one else knows that the Ancient Emperor Jade is with you, right?” Xun’er suddenly asked, her tone serious.
“Uh…” Xiao Yan nodded slightly. This matter was too significant, and he wouldn’t disclose it easily. Not even Little Healer Immortal and the Heavenly Fire Venerable knew about it.
Relief washed over Xun’er’s face at his response.
“Is the Ancient Emperor Jade also desired by the Gu clan?” Xiao Yan asked, frowning slightly.
Hearing this, Xun’er hesitated before nodding gently. “The Ancient Emperor Jade is related to the mystery of the Dou Emperor. As you know, since the ancient times, very few have reached the Dou Emperor stage. The Dou Emperors of old seemed to vanish overnight, leaving only traces in ancient texts…”
Xiao Yan was slightly startled to hear this, his spirit roused. “Then, gathering all the Ancient Emperor Jades would allow us to enter the Dou Emperor stage?”
“The vast Dou Qi Continent houses numerous relics left by ancient masters. However, most of these relics are incomplete. Still, every discovery of a relic creates a stir across the continent.” Xun’er’s beautiful eyes turned to Xiao Yan. “The most recent discovery was of a heavily damaged Dou Emperor relic. It attracted countless strong cultivators, and Elder Ya Chen also participated.”
Xiao Yan’s brows lifted. He had heard Elder Yao occasionally mention that the Burning Heaven Method was acquired by chance. Could it be that the method was found in the so-called Dou Emperor relic?
“Tuo She Ancient Emperor was the last known Dou Emperor on the Dou Qi Continent. He left behind the Emperor’s Mansion hidden in the void. The mansion is well-preserved. Both our Gu Clan and the Soul Palace wish to enter it. The Ancient Emperor Jade is the key to opening the Emperor’s Mansion…”
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