In the topmost level of the Dan Tower, there was an extremely spacious and grand hall. Generally, it was only used to receive esteemed guests, and only then would the leaders of the Dan Tower meet them here. At this moment, in the once-empty hall, several figures were seated casually, with maidens respectfully serving tea.
“Ha ha, Respected Wind, it’s been many years, but you still seem as carefree as ever,” chuckled Xuankongzi from the head of the grand hall, looking at the smiling old man in green robes within the hall.
The old man in green robes was naturally the Venerated Wind, who had rushed here from the Falling Star Pavilion without a moment’s rest after receiving Xiao Yan’s message. Hearing Xuankongzi’s words, he shook his head and smiled, “How could I be as comfortable as you? My Falling Star Pavilion is nothing compared to the Dan Tower, merely a small role.”
Seated beside the Venerated Wind was another elderly man with an expression that seemed somewhat rigid. His body stood erect like a spear, giving off an extremely sharp feeling, as if he was not a person but a sword brimming with piercing coldness.
“Ha ha, I have not left the Dan Domain for quite some time. I don’t seem to know this friend?” Xuankongzi’s gaze shifted, and he also smiled at the elderly man with the stiff expression.
“I’ve long forgotten my original name. Later, I named myself Iron Sword,” the stern-faced elder replied politely, making a slight bow with a somewhat forced smile on his face.
“Iron Sword? Could you be the Venerated Iron Sword who single-handedly wiped out the Jade Sword Sect five years ago?”
Upon hearing this, a look of surprise flashed across Xuankongzi’s face.
The elder, now known as Iron Sword, shifted slightly, nodding faintly, clearly not wishing to dwell on the topic.
“This old fellow has always been this way. His enmity with the Jade Sword Sect runs deep, and it’s not something that can be explained easily,” the Venerated Wind said with a smile, his gaze sweeping across the hall, “Where’s Xiao Yan? That boy summoned me, yet he hasn’t shown up yet?”
“Ha ha, Venerated Wind, how could it be so? How dare a junior mock you, Elder?”
As soon as the Venerated Wind’s voice faded, a light laugh came from outside the hall, followed by several figures pushing open the door and entering slowly.
Once inside the hall, Xiao Yan’s gaze immediately fell on the Venerated Wind. He let out a sigh of relief; the Venerated Wind was indispensable for this mission, and seeing him here finally put Xiao Yan at ease completely.
“Nine-star Battle Sect?” The Venerated Wind’s gaze scanned Xiao Yan, and he paused, surprised, “I distinctly remember that when we last parted, you had just become a Battle Sect. How did you manage to soar to nine stars in just over a year?”
The staid-faced Venerated Iron Sword, nearby, also showed some astonishment, though his eyes were calm. He had heard about Xiao Yan in detail from the Venerated Wind, who was clearly very pleased with Dust Medicine’s disciple. Initially, the Venerated Iron Sword hadn’t thought much of it, but upon meeting Xiao Yan in person, he sensed the extraordinary aura beneath that young face.
“Ha ha, just a stroke of luck,” Xiao Yan smiled as he entered the hall. Behind him were the Little Healer Immortal, the Heavenly Fire Venerable, and Zi Yan, who was wearing a languid and uncaring expression. This girl was quite displeased with Xiao Yan bringing her to meet these mysterious people, thinking that the time could have been better spent sleeping.
The Venerated Wind smiled, and his gaze moved to Little Healer Immortal and the Heavenly Fire Venerable, then froze. Even the staid-faced Venerated Iron Sword looked serious, closely watching the two, feeling their strength, which seemed to even surpass his own.
“These two?” The Venerated Wind blinked, noting their close relationship with Xiao Yan. But what surprised him most was the incredible strength of Little Healer Immortal and the Heavenly Fire Venerable, both of whom had reached the three-star Dou Zun level!
“They are my friends and our allies on this mission. This is the Little Healer Immortal, and this is the Heavenly Fire Venerable,” Xiao Yan explained with a smile.
Even the composed Venerated Wind felt a jolt. It had been just over a year, and Xiao Yan had not only surged from a beginner Battle Sect to nine stars, but also gained two friends, both powerful three-star Dou Zuns. Such rapid growth was truly astonishing.
“Ha, no wonder he’s the disciple that old man favored. Common reasoning cannot judge him,” the Venerated Wind mused bitterly. A year ago, Xiao Yan was just a rookie in the Central Plains, but now, he had earned a great reputation. The shocking competition at the Alchemist Meeting had spread throughout the Central Plains. If the Wind Lightning Pavilion heard of these rumors, they would likely be in a state of shock. An eighth-grade Alchemy Master was not one to be trifled with.
“This is the Venerated Iron Sword, another ally I’ve found. Unfortunately, some old friends were wary of the Soul Hall, and I didn’t force them. Their factions feared the Soul Hall’s wrath. But Iron Sword is a free agent. Back then, Dust Medicine did him a great favor. Without that, he wouldn’t have avenged his blood feud. When I told him I was going to rescue Dust Medicine, he came along willingly.”
Xiao Yan nodded silently, recognizing the Venerated Wind’s efforts. But the Soul Hall’s strength deterred even other Dou Zuns, and it was commendable that Iron Sword was willing to stand up.
“Xiao Yan thanks the Venerated Iron Sword on behalf of my master,” Xiao Yan bowed solemnly.
“As I can now seek revenge, it’s all because of Dust Medicine. Now that I’ve avenged my blood debt, I have no more attachments. As long as I can save that old man and repay his kindness, storming the Soul Hall is worth it. Those half-human, half-ghost creatures, I’ve long wanted a piece of them,” the Venerated Iron Sword said in a hoarse voice.
Hearing the resigned tone in his voice, Xiao Yan was silent. Someone who could even sacrifice themselves was truly fearsome, but thankfully, he was on their side.
“Xuan Kongzi has already briefed me on Dust Medicine’s situation. I’ve been seeking allies, unaware that the Soul Hall had shifted its target. Otherwise, if we went to the City of Darkness, we’d alert them,” the Venerated Wind said, stroking his beard.
“But I didn’t expect them to move the prisoner to the Wailing Spirits Mountain Range. The terrain is complex, and the cold mist is thick. If we lose sight of him in the mist, even the Soul Hall would struggle to find him. It seems they’re also worried about Dust Medicine being rescued,” Xiao Yan added.
“Time is not on our side. We must prevent the Soul Hall from transferring the elder again, or our efforts will be in vain,” the Venerated Wind agreed.
“Yes, we need to act swiftly. Night brings more trouble,” the Venerated Wind nodded, then asked, “When do you plan to leave?”
“Tomorrow!”
The Venerated Wind was slightly surprised but nodded. Time was of the essence. Moving quickly, they could catch the Soul Hall off guard and retreat swiftly before their reinforcements arrived.
“Very well, let’s depart tomorrow,” he conceded, then looked at Xiao Yan.
Xuankongzi, surprised by the swift decision, nodded reluctantly, standing up, “Since you’ve made up your mind, I wish you good fortune on your journey!”
“Thank you, Elder Xuan,” Xiao Yan replied, his dark eyes flashing with resolve. He had worked hard for this day, and now, it was time to act!
“Master, wait for me. This time, I will rescue you from the Soul Hall!”
The next day, as the first ray of dawn pierced the darkness, several figures quietly emerged from the Dan Tower, disappearing into the horizon without drawing any attention. On a mountain peak outside Sacred Pill City, a few figures flashed out of the void, landing on the peak.
“Let’s go,” Xiao Yan, after a quick headcount, turned sharp and serious, and led the group, transforming into a blurred black line and dashing towards the distant sky. Behind him, the Venerated Wind, Little Healer Immortal, and others followed swiftly.
The rescue operation had officially begun!
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