True to his title as the leader of the Dark Alliance, he even wore a high-grade Nalan. With a curl of his lips, Xiao Yan unceremoniously pried the dark blue Nalan off Han Xue’s finger. Nalan also had different levels, and high-grade Nalan was extremely rare; even in the Black-Corner Region’s auction house, it would be hard to find one, let alone purchase it. Over so many years, even Xiao Yan had never worn a high-grade Nalan and had to make do with low-grade ones that were quite shabby. In the past, Xiao Yan had not been too picky about Nalan, but after one unexpectedly shattered during his training, he began to pay closer attention. He had always kept valuable items inside the Nalan, and last time, thanks to the separation by the Fallen Heart Flame, those precious items remained intact. However, there was no guarantee of such luck next time. Therefore, if he could have a high-grade Nalan, it would indeed be reassuring. After all, high-grade Nalan was far more secure and durable than low-grade ones.
As he played with the dark blue Nalan, Xiao Yan’s soul power probed into it but was surprised to find that the Nalan repelled his soul force. “No wonder it’s a high-grade Nalan, it even has this kind of protective function,” he grinned. Xiao Yan also vaguely knew that high-grade Nalan could be set with a soul imprint by its owner. Thus, even if someone else got the Nalan, they would need to erase the soul imprint to access the items within, and the Nalan’s owner would sense it. This nearly autonomous defensive feature was unique to high-grade Nalan and was a major reason for their high value. Given that Han Xue was essentially dead, Xiao Yan naturally didn’t worry about being sensed, so a fierce soul force surged out and roughly erased the soul imprint left by Han Xue, then replaced it with his own. Thus, this high-grade Nalan officially changed hands! Satisfied, he put on the dark blue Nalan. As Xiao Yan’s mind stirred, his soul force entered the Nalan without any hindrance. His inspection lasted only a moment, and he slowly withdrew his mind from the Nalan, his eyes twinkling with a joy that he couldn’t conceal. The number of things Han Xue had gathered in the Black-Corner Region over the years was incalculable. Various rare medicinal herbs that were almost impossible to find outside were stored in abundance in the Nalan, along with various cultivation techniques and battle skill scrolls. Clearly, these were the items exchanged by pill requesters who sought his help in refining pills. Although it was just a cursory glance, the wealth stored in the Nalan made Xiao Yan very excited. Though he did not obtain the most important ‘Sea Heart Flame’ from killing Han Xue, he did acquire all of Han Xue’s belongings. The treasures stored in this dark blue high-grade Nalan could drive any Black-Corner Region powerhouse mad.
The Medusa Queen still looked at Xiao Yan with icy coldness, her eyebrows slightly furrowed, as she sighed inwardly. If she had stayed out of the fray today, Xiao Yan would surely have been killed. And with that, she could have avenged the humiliation he caused her. But at the critical moment, her usually indifferent heart suddenly pounded fiercely. A faint pull coming deep from her soul compelled her to act. “Damn it, I will finish you off with my own hands, sooner or later!” Gnashing her silver teeth, Medusa was well aware that if she had been in her former state, instead of helping Xiao Yan, she would have perhaps even exacerbated the attack, making it more fatal. All these hesitations now stemmed from the fusion of their two souls. While she had full control over her body, the spirit of the Sky-Swallowing Serpent subtly influenced her. Having been by Xiao Yan’s side for a year or two, the Sky-Swallowing Serpent had become quite fond of him. This affection also influenced Medusa, changing her subconsciously over time. Ideally, having merged with the Sky-Swallowing Serpent’s soul, Medusa should leave and return to the Tager Desert to be with the Snake People. But now, she lingered around Xiao Yan due to the influence of the serpent’s attachment. When Xiao Yan sensed Medusa’s gaze, he awkwardly laughed and backed away a few steps. Though he didn’t understand why she, who clearly wanted him dead, would save him, he was still exceedingly wary of Medusa, who could kill without blinking. Especially now, in his weakest state, he lacked even the strength to flee. “Cough, Your Majesty, thank you for your rescue. I will remember this kindness and repay it in the future!” he said, embarrassed, under the cold stare of Medusa. Ignoring Xiao Yan’s embarrassment, Medusa met his eyes with a cold, indifferent look, her hands clenching, and colorful energy emerging. Seeing this, sweat broke out on Xiao Yan’s forehead. Indeed, this woman was unpredictable. Just moments after saving him, she was going to attack again. “Swish!” Just as Medusa took a step forward, a whooshing sound came from the sky, and Su Qian, the old Elder, appeared before Xiao Yan. He watched Medusa warily, smiled, and asked, “May I ask who you are? Maybe we have a connection with our Gannan Academy.” Su Qian’s appearance brought Xiao Yan a sigh of relief. Carefully moving behind the elder, he whispered, “Great Elder, be careful. This woman is more fickle than turning pages.” Hearing Xiao Yan’s caution, Su Qian couldn’t help but twitch his mouth. He wondered what exactly had happened between them, prompting such relentless pursuit. What frustrated him most was that Xiao Yan provoked such a powerful opponent. The woman before them, if it came to a fight, even he, Su Qian, wouldn’t have a fifty percent chance of winning. With Su Qian’s arrival, Medusa stopped and ignored his question, her icy glare fixed on Xiao Yan. Her voice was chilly, “What you did to me can only be atoned by your life. This is the last warning! Next time, I won’t hold back!” Without waiting for a response, Medusa turned and shot into the sky, disappearing in a burst of multicolored light. Seeing her leave, Xiao Yan wiped his forehead, shook his head, and thought, dealing with such a woman was truly a headache. It seemed he needed to have a serious talk with her soon, otherwise, this endless pursuit would never end. “You… you’re too reckless. But I’m really curious, with her strength, how did you manage to do those things?” Su Qian turned to Xiao Yan, his expression odd, shaking his head. With his extensive experience, he could sense something from Medusa’s previous words. Provoked by Su Qian, Xiao Yan coughed a few times, feeling awkward. There seemed to be no other way but to play dumb. Forcing himself on a woman wasn’t something to be proud of, though this woman was not ordinary. “Ah, forget it. Be careful, her strength is too terrifying. Even I don’t have a good chance against her,” Su Qian said, seeing Xiao Yan’s reluctance to speak. Xiao Yan nodded with a wry smile. “Hmm? Is that an Oceanside Nalan? You’re not modest, are you? Han Xue went through great lengths to get that Nalan, and now you’ve benefited from it easily.” Su Qian’s eyes fell on the dark blue Nalan on Xiao Yan’s finger, and he expressed a hint of envy. Xiao Yan shrugged and smiled, “It’s just a spoil of war.” “Most of the credit for killing Han Xue goes to you, even though it was that woman who gave the final blow. Naturally, no one would contest your possession of this,” Su Qian smiled and then turned his gaze to Maple City, filled with people on the city walls, and said, “Now that Han Xue is dead, the Dark Alliance will probably collapse soon. The thorn in our hearts can finally be removed.” Xiao Yan nodded slightly and said regretfully, “Unfortunately, I couldn’t get the Sea Heart Flame. That flame was already absorbed by Han Xue, and when the guy pulled out his soul, the Sea Heart Flame disappeared with it.”
“At least you have the compensation of the Oceanside Nalan, which isn’t bad,” Su Qian shook his head, his smile fading. “But the most important thing is that you’ve attracted the attention of the Soul Hall. That mysterious organization is not something ordinary forces can compare to.”
A touch of worry appeared on his face, clearly, he was also extremely wary of the mysterious Soul Hall. Xiao Yan smiled and said calmly, “Even if they don’t come to me, I will eventually go to them. It’s inevitable…”
Su Qian was taken aback, looking at Xiao Yan’s smiling face, he nodded silently and didn’t press further. He patted Xiao Yan on the shoulder and sighed, “For now, focus on healing. Improve your strength before that organization comes. You will see how fearsome they are…”
With that, Su Qian turned and walked slowly toward the distant plain. Xiao Yan smiled, watching Su Qian’s figure gradually disappear. He had anticipated a confrontation with the Soul Hall, but he was grateful that he now had the strength to protect himself and Old Medicine. If he were in his prime state, he was confident he could repel that bizarre black fog. Now, he had that kind of strength!
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