News of Xiao Yan’s return to the Heavenly Alliance spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of the Heavenly Alliance’s territory in less than a day. The entire Heavenly Alliance suddenly became extremely heated, with Xiao Yan’s reputation in the alliance thoroughly displayed… In the past two years, although the alliance had been fiercely battling the Soul Temple, news of Xiao Yan’s disappearance had later caused a significant drop in morale, especially among those who were originally from the Starfall Pavilion. During past crises, when they were in despair, that figure would appear like a god, single-handedly turning the tide with his mighty strength. The shock and reverence brought by each rescue gradually infiltrated their hearts over time, deeply implanting an inner respect and awe for that figure. Although Elder Pharmacist and others kept things under control during Xiao Yan’s absence, causing no riots, the high-ranking members of the Heavenly Alliance could still clearly feel the headaches caused by Xiao Yan’s disappearance. Fortunately, these problems disappeared with Xiao Yan’s return. Now, under the leadership of this spiritual leader, the alliance would finally unleash its terrifying combat power…
As the news of Xiao Yan’s return was buzzing in the Heavenly Alliance, the Soul Temple, on the other hand, fell into an eerie silence. Even the destruction of one of its branches by Xiao Yan was not disclosed; it seemed as if they were swallowing their anger silently. To the ordinary members of the Heavenly Alliance, this was quite a morale booster. Naturally, they associated this with Xiao Yan’s return, and his reputation in the alliance surged once again. His ability to suppress the arrogance of the Soul Temple with his own power could only be described as terrifying.
Of course, such thoughts were limited to ordinary members. The higher-ups understood that this was just the calm before the storm. The Soul Temple was undoubtedly gathering strong forces to deliver a fatal blow to the Heavenly Alliance…
This oppressive calm lasted for about five days. During this period, conflicts between the alliance and the Soul Temple bizarrely decreased. Both sides seemed more restrained, no longer making any moves, each guarding their own territory, maintaining the highest level of vigilance.
Under such strange circumstances, even other factions sensed something amiss. Thus, countless eyes from all over Central Domain once again focused on the Heavenly Alliance and the Soul Temple. Some with sharp senses felt a hint of undercurrents. The confrontation between the Soul Temple and the Heavenly Alliance had been ongoing for years. Although the battles were intense, top-tier fighters had never clashed. Everyone knew that such a clash would signify the ultimate confrontation between the two major powers. If one side lost, it would symbolize the end of the power struggle between the Heavenly Alliance and the Soul Temple.
If the Heavenly Alliance won, the hegemon of Central Domain might change. If they lost, they would always be weaker against the Soul Temple. This seemed like a minor issue on the surface, but it would have a significant destructive impact on the alliance. The members of the Heavenly Alliance took pride in their ability to stand up to the Soul Temple. Losing this pride would mean losing a spiritual belief, which is a serious issue for a large faction.
In this bizarre atmosphere, some people sensed the importance of the situation. This confrontation might be earth-shattering…
While the outside world was buzzing with the movements of the Heavenly Alliance and the Soul Temple, Xiao Yan stayed indoors, contentedly listening to Xiaoxiao’s clear laughter. Unconsciously, he had been away from his daughter for two years. He felt somewhat inadequate as a father compared to Xiao Zhan.
Over two years, Xiaoxiao had grown significantly, transitioning from a clingy little girl to a young, graceful maiden. She had inherited her mother’s charm and was a perfect beauty. As she grew older, she would likely become a mesmerizing young woman.
Xiaoxiao’s soul power was innate and incredibly strong, further enhanced by the existence of the Seven-Colored Devouring Python within her. Her cultivation speed was beyond normal. Xiao Chen, the typically stern and aloof ancestor, was exceptionally kind to Xiaoxiao. According to Little Healer Immortal, while Xiao Yan was away, Xiao Chen imparted all he knew to Xiaoxiao, almost passing on his entire Dou Qi to her.
For Xiaoxiao, who was showered with so much affection, Xiao Yan could only laugh bitterly. It was indeed disheartening to compare. His years of arduous training had brought him this far, but everything he strived for, Xiaoxiao could easily achieve. The difference was enormous…
During these days, Xiao Yan also met with Qing Lin and the Heavenly Fire Venerable. Qing Lin had reached the level of a one-star Dou Sage, holding a high status in the alliance. The Heavenly Fire Venerable, upon meeting, was now back to his peak and had even reached the peak of Dou Venerable with the help of medicines refined by Pharmacist Elder, though he remained a step away from half-sage. The Heavenly Fire Venerable was content, having been saved from certain death by Xiao Yan. Now, he had a new body and even stronger than before. He didn’t have much ambition to compete with the younger generation like Qing Lin or Little Healer Immortal.
For the Heavenly Fire Venerable’s contentment, Xiao Yan could only nod in agreement. Since saving him, the Heavenly Fire Venerable had been a good mentor and friend. His rich experience had helped Xiao Yan avoid many pitfalls. Though he had helped the Heavenly Fire Venerable regain a body, Xiao Yan, being a person who repays kindness tenfold, resolved to help him reach half-sage, no matter how difficult it was.
The oppressive calm continued for several days. Xiao Yan enjoyed these peaceful moments with his family. For some reason, he was beginning to find joy in spending time with loved ones. Perhaps he was getting old, he thought with some self-deprecation. However, good times always come to an end. After about seven days of calm, a blood-red battle notice from the Soul Temple shattered the peace.
In the stone pavilion, Xiao Yan stood with his hands behind his back. The red battle notice lay quietly on the stone table, emanating a faint, thick bloody smell.
“The Soul Temple can’t resist anymore,” said Pharmacist Elder, stroking the stone table with a strange expression, “but this battle notice is directed at you.”
“Xiao Yan has a very high status in the Heavenly Alliance. Defeating him will shatter the alliance’s morale,” Xiao Chen added calmly.
Xiao Yan smiled slightly and flicked his finger, causing the battle notice to open, releasing a burst of blood energy. In front of him, the air solidified into sharp, blood-red characters.
“Xiao Yan of the Heavenly Alliance, in three days, a life-and-death duel at the peak of Fallen Mountain.”
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