Hearing these words from Gu Yuan, Xiao Yan, who had been tense all along, finally exhaled deeply in relief. He had already witnessed the terrifying strength of the Hun Clan firsthand. In the world of Dou Qi, aside from the Gu Clan, it would be hard to find another power capable of rivaling them. If the Gu Clan had chosen to remain inactive, the Pill Alliance might have faced a life-or-death crisis.
After seeing Gu Yuan’s decision, the many elders within the grand hall exchanged complex glances. They understood that, from this day onward, the peace of the Gu Clan would vanish forever. Two of the most powerful forces upon the Dou Continent, after over a thousand years, were once again preparing for confrontation—this time truly a battle between life and death. Victory means survival, defeat meant destruction.
Gu Yuan’s resolution spread quickly throughout the upper echelons of the Gu Clan. Soon, the entire Gu Domain was gripped with a tense air. Numerous experts were dispatched toward the Central Plains, silently watching the movements of the Hun Clan.
As the Gu Clan entered high alert, Xiao Yan did not immediately leave the Gu Domain either. His body still contained a great deal of residual energy from the Nine-Grade Mysterious Pill. This lingering force was of little benefit and could harm him should it remain too long inside. He needed to refine and assimilate it as soon as possible before it could cause further damage.
Within a quiet grove on an isolated mountain peak stood a bamboo house. Gentle winds blew through, swaying the bamboos like rolling green waves upon a sea.
“Xiao Yan Gege, the medicinal herbs you requested are here in full. Is there anything else you might need?” Standing inside the house, Xun’er asked, her refined robes failing to conceal her graceful, captivating form. On her perfectly chiseled face was a serene smile—one that could even melt the heart of a hardened warrior into tender submission.
Before Xun’er floated many jade boxes. Inside them flickered astonishing energies—none common by any means.
Xiao Yan only cast a casual glance at them before his gaze settled upon her enchanting figure. Stepping closer, he boldly embraced her waist, drawing her close. “One more thing is missing: a lovely young maiden.”
Teased by Xiao Yan, Xun’er gave him a coy, blushing glare—her delicate charm reaching its most irresistible degree. Her allure made Xiao Yan’s gaze burn with desire, especially as this goddess among the younger generation revealed such rare tenderness.
Softly leaning into Xiao Yan’s arms, Xun’er’s slender fingers gently lifted the edge of his robe. Upon his chest remained several red scars—two fingers wide and etched by Hun Yan, one of the Four Demon Saints of the Hun Clan during their previous battle at the Medicinal Domain. Though these wounds were now but faint traces, they still hinted at the severity they once held.
Running her fingers across them, Xun’er’s clear, crystal-like eyes filled with worry and grief. Clenching her teeth softly, she murmured, “How dare they hurt you?”
“Heh, just minor injuries,” Xiao Yan chuckled, then cupped Xun’er’s face. Without hesitation, he captured her soft lips with a firm kiss, causing her face to bloom red as she pulled away playfully angry. Then, with a swift motion, he darted onto the bed and waved his hand. Instantly, all the floating jade boxes burst open, revealing various herbs suspended in midair.
“Xun’er, protect this chamber—I must spend some time refining the medicinal force of the Mysterious Pill inside me. Do your best not to allow disturbances.” As matters turned serious, Xiao Yan also grew solemn. Letting out a low cry, Xiao Yi swiftly emerged on his shoulder, its mouth opening to release a flame cauldron that began absorbing all floating herbs.
As Xiao Yan commenced his refinement process, the flush on Xun’er’s face slowly dissipated. She nodded gently before stepping back, quietly closing the wooden door behind her, and lightly touching her lips while gazing warmly into the distance.
“Hehe, Young Miss,” came suddenly an old familiar voice from behind her. Startled, Xun’er quickly turned around to see Ling Ying standing a short distance away.
Her cheeks reddening slightly again, she greeted politely: “Ling Lao.”
With an affectionate grin, Ling Ying approached her side, gazing briefly toward the chamber before muttering with emotion: “Your discernment, my dear, truly surpasses even my aged and clouded vision. I always believed Master Xiao Yan would achieve greatness, yet I never imagined he’d reach heights far beyond even what I could foresee.”
Xun’er smiled beautifully, her eyes sparkling with pride. Others praising her usually left her composed and indifferent, yet compliments toward Xiao Yan stirred genuine joy within her heart.
Sighing fondly, Ling Ying reminisced: “Now that I look back, everything feels a little unreal. Several decades ago, Xiao Yan had barely scraped through enough power just to overcome Nalan Yanran. Today however, he’s won recognition directly from Elder Patriarch Gu Yuan himself!”
Xun’er sat gracefully atop the steps, delicately propping her chin against her white hands while dreamily smiling to herself. Deep gratitude swelled in her soul—grateful she spent her childhood within the tiny town of U-Tan, whose memories would stay cherished deep within her forever.
The pill Xiao Yan sought to create wasn’t particularly advanced, yet somewhat obscure. These unique recipes served a singular purpose—to soothe the ferocious nature of the Nine-Grade Mysterious Pill and enhance successful absorption.
Though purified using the Devouring Flame Lotus, fully refining it in such a way required much longer, and moreover failed to extract every ounce of its potency—undoubtedly unacceptable losses. After all, even achieving creation of the Nine-Grade Mysterious Pill was no ordinary feat. Not until absorbing the energy from four nascent pills did anomalies arise enabling this miraculous birth. Thus having already consumed it, maximizing its benefits became paramount!
At Xiao Yan’s current level, completing this refinement took merely half a day’s effort. By the time dusk painted golden hues into the horizon, three distinct-colored pills drifted above—an inch in size each, vibrant with divine essence.
Opening his eyes, Xiao Yan swallowed all three in one gulp. Then with a single motion, he leapt into the sky-bound flame cauldron. At Xiao Yi’s command, countless rosy flame serpents spiraled outward to completely encase Xiao Yan’s body.
As soon as the trio of pills activated within him, the residual powers locked away in his flesh started trembling—soon yielding to the synchronized onslaught of both external and internal flames. Before long, rigid crystal formations melted entirely into torrents flowing freely through his meridians—eventually echoing with rhythmic rushing sounds.
Sitting cross-legged amid the fire vortex, Xiao Yan maintained solemn composure. With every surge transformed into pure spiritual energy strengthening his physical core, his six-star Dou Saint aura solidified significantly, even gradually escalating toward the middle-stage threshold—a true testament to the Nine-Grade Mysterious Pill’s immense capability.
Eleven days passed before Xiao Yan finally completed the transformation. Every last trace of pill energy was converted to raw combat energy, merging inseparably with his form.
Finally emerging from the furnace cauldron, Xiao Yan slowly opened his eyes. Immediately fire lizards coiled tightly around his frame before being inhaled gently into his breath. Then with a final shimmer, the cauldron dispersed effortlessly.
Feet lightly touching earth, Xiao Yan closed his eyes briefly before satisfaction dawned over his expression. The outcome fell exactly within expectation—he stabilized firmly at mid-sixth Star Dou Saint, climbing roughly a complete cultivation rank higher solely due to this Nine-Grade Mysterious Pill alone—an awe-inspiring leap indeed!
“Yet unfortunately…” Xiao Yan tightened his fist momentarily. “Reaching this stage means my body has grown extremely sensitive to medicinal forces—even consuming another Nine-Grade Pill may not replicate today’s effects unless upgrading to the ultimate Nine-Tier Golden Pill…”
Just then, the door creaked open, signaling Xun’er’s arrival. Grinning brightly amidst sunlight casting elegant silhouettes, she stepped forth greeting sweetly: “Congratulations, Xiao Yan Gege! Your powers have soared once again!”
Returning her bright smile, Xiao Yan rubbed his palm thoughtfully across his arm. While his present state could harness the formidable power of the Nine Mystical Thunder, its application remained restricted—for which discretion dictated its limited use unless facing dire circumstances.
“Oh? So the leaders from the Flame and Lightning clans finally arrived?” Xiao Yan arched his brow approvingly before nodding slightly. Given his status now—not simply existing as one person alone but representing the Pill Alliance—a titan among Central Plain territories—its importance warranted even respect among ancient bloodlines like the Gu Clan itself.
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