The arrival of the Pharmacist Elder and his companions brought unprecedented excitement to the Falling Star Pavilion. The disciples and even some elders, who had only heard of the Pavilion Master in legends, were extremely curious. For years, the Wind Venerable had practically raised the Falling Star Pavilion on his own. Yet, he had kept the position of Pavilion Master vacant, believing staunchly that the Pharmacist Elder would one day return. And indeed, that day had arrived as he predicted. The next day after handling Xiao Yan’s affairs, he gathered all the disciples and announced the return of the Pavilion Master.
This was a monumental event for the Falling Star Pavilion. In the past, the Wind Venerable had led both the Wind and Thunder Pavilions, but now, the true leader had changed. Naturally, the disciples found it somewhat difficult to adapt, yet fortunately, this unfamiliarity did not last long before being replaced by an enthusiastic excitement. Even the younger generations, who had just begun their journey, were not unfamiliar with the name of the Pharmacist Venerable. Some of the elder disciples, particularly those with a lot of experience, were overjoyed. They knew well the reputation the Pharmacist Elder once held in the Central Plains, and in terms of fame and prestige, he might even surpass the three giants of the Dan Tower. Having such a figure as the Pavilion Master, how could the Falling Star Pavilion not grow strong?
The Pharmacist Elder could only smile bitterly at this, but this time, he did not refuse. After everything that had happened over the years, he realized the gap between an individual and a formidable force unless one was truly invincible. His previous carefree lifestyle had left him vulnerable to the Soul Palace’s scheming. Now, with a chance to start anew, he vowed not to repeat the same mistakes. Moreover, Xiao Yan, for his father’s sake, would soon face off against the Soul Palace. Support from the Pavilion would be crucial. Xiao Yan’s daring rescue further solidified the Pharmacist Elder’s resolve to focus entirely on his disciple.
Seeing that the Pharmacist Elder did not refuse, the Wind Venerable was relieved. He had always believed that the Falling Star Pavilion belonged to the Pharmacist Elder; he had merely been managing it until his return. Their bond was unbreakable, and for the sake of the Pharmacist Elder, the Wind Venerable had searched tirelessly. A mere Pavilion Master’s position was trivial compared to their friendship. And knowing the Pharmacist Elder’s lack of aptitude for management, the Wind Venerable would still handle these matters to alleviate any headaches.
After settling Xiao Yan, the Wind Venerable and the Pharmacist Elder decided to close the pavilion to prevent retaliation from the Soul Palace and ensure Xiao Yan’s undisturbed recovery. Protected by the great array, the Soul Palace would find it difficult to reach them. All other matters would wait until Xiao Yan awakened.
Closing the pavilion faced no opposition. The space, though not as vast as the Alchemy World, was not small, and the rich energy here made it ideal for cultivation. With the gates closed, Little Healer Immortal and the others chose to stay, unwilling to leave until Xiao Yan awoke. No one objected to their presence, as their strength, considered first-rate in the Central Plains, would bolster the Pavilion’s defenses significantly.
The days passed quietly amidst the green mountains, and two months slipped by. During this period, there were no signs of retaliation from the Soul Palace. The Wind Venerable had sent people to investigate, and though the Central Plains remained lively, there was no news of major Soul Palace actions, nor any mention of their destroyed branch. Clearly, the Soul Palace had contained the news.
Both the Pharmacist Elder and the Wind Venerable were puzzled. The Soul Palace’s nature was not to stay inactive for long, so something must have preoccupied them, allowing the matter to rest temporarily. This respite was a relief, as the Falling Star Pavilion was not yet a match for the Soul Palace. A war would likely weaken the Pavilion, possibly fatally.
Taking advantage of this break, the Pharmacist Elder and the others worked to strengthen the Falling Star Pavilion. Another month passed, and Xiao Yan still showed no sign of waking, though his pale complexion had improved, and his breathing normalized.
During this time, the Little Healer Immortal and the others accepted the position of guest elders at the Wind Venerable’s invitation, aligning themselves more closely with the Pavilion. The Heavenly Fire Venerable also agreed, as he had nowhere else to go. The playful Zi Yan joined on a whim, pulling Bear War along with her.
The addition of these powerful forces delighted the Wind Venerable and the elders. Three Dou Zun-level experts joining at once carried significant weight, potentially elevating the Falling Star Pavilion to the top among the four. However, they overlooked the greater potential: if the Pharmacist Elder fully recovered, his charisma could make the Pavilion a major power in the Central Plains.
Time flowed, and half a year passed. Despite improving, Xiao Yan remained unconscious. To prevent disruptions, the back mountain was declared off-limits. Only the Wind Venerable and a select few could enter. This piqued the curiosity of the disciples, but they learned only that Xiao Yan was recovering in the stone tower.
In the northwest of the Dou Qi Continent, in the Jia Ma Empire’s Holy City, everyone knew that the true ruler was no longer the Jia Ma royal family, but a coalition known as the Flame Alliance. Every citizen knew the name Xiao Yan, the founder of the Flame Alliance, who ended the Cloud Mountain Sect’s era and created a new one. For the younger generation, this name represented honor and struggle, as everyone knew that the man who had accomplished so much was once called a waste.
In the heart of the Holy City, a grand and towering hall stood, offering a panoramic view of the city. It was the seat of the highest power in the Jia Ma Empire. On the heavily guarded roof, a woman in a brocade robe stood, her exquisite figure outlined despite the loose-fitting dress. Her beauty, with a hint of imposing dignity, was captivating. As she gazed at the moon, a slender figure lingered before her eyes.
“It has been five or six years, Xiao Yan. You promised to return. If you break your word, even in death, I will have you torn apart!” The woman’s eyes, filled with allure, flickered with complexity.
“Mother…,” a childish, sweet voice suddenly sounded behind her. The woman’s icy expression melted into a beautiful, never-before-seen smile. She turned to face the source of the sound.
On the stone steps, a two-year-old child hovered mysteriously, their feet barely touching the ground—something only a Battle Sect could do. The child’s delicate face, like a porcelain doll, and mischievous eyes, were striking. As the child’s clothes stirred, a small, colorful snake emerged, coiling around the child’s shoulder, reminiscent of the Seven-Color Sky-Devouring Snake Python.
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