This was a vast, debris-strewn plaza. At the center stood a colossal stone platform, and at its peak, a gigantic dark wormhole spanned dozens of yards, slowly spinning. An astonishing spatial fluctuation continuously overflowed from it. “Puff! Puff!” The silence of the debris-filled plaza lasted for a while before muffled sounds suddenly echoed out. As these sounds reverberated, intense spatial fluctuations appeared in the wormhole. One by one, silhouettes emerged straight out of it, scattering haphazardly across the plaza.
“Finally, we’re out. That cursed spatial wormhole was unbearably arduous.” Upon landing on the ground, Lin Yan deeply inhaled the fresh air from the outside, smiling as though he was set free. Beside him, Xiao Yan nodded with slight agreement, his gaze scanning around. By now, the plaza was already filled with figures emerging from the wormhole. As a result, this formerly quiet plaza abruptly became brimming with activity.
“Is this the Pill Territory?” Xiao Yan rubbed his hands, withdrew his curious gaze, and asked.
“No,” Lin Yan shook his head. “This is merely the Central Region of the Zhongzhou, which is also called such. And the Pill Territory lies at the heart of the Central Region.”
“Central Region,” Xiao Yan was taken aback.
“Hehe, if you consider the Central Zhongzhou as the center of the Dou Qi continent, then this Central Region can be regarded as its heart. Most of the well-known top-tier forces usually establish their headquarters here,” Lin Yan explained with a smile. “Our present location is in the southwestern part of the Central Region, where the most renowned faction is the Sound Valley and the Blazing Flame Valley. These two dominant powers reign over the region. Of course, besides these two, there exist other countless factions, but in comparison to the Sound Valley and Blazing Flame Valley, they fall far short. Moreover, Liu Qing’s clan resides within this southwestern domain.”
“Blazing Flame Valley?” Hearing this, Xiao Yan’s heart stirred. He had long heard of this force, and the Heavenly Flame Tri-Transform, which accompanied him for years, was something that belonged to this very force. Hence, Xiao Yan held a great interest towards them.
“The Great Hall, the Tower, Two Sects, Three Valleys, and the Four Pavilions. Amongst the strength rankings, both the Blazing Flame Valley and the Sound Valley rank high, even surpassing Feng Lei Pavilion by much. Particularly, this Blazing Flame Valley, possessing several centuries of inheritance and rich foundations—hehe, additionally, let me tell you in a whisper. Inside the Blazing Flame Valley, there exists a kind of special flame known as the Nine Lotus Lightning Flame.”
Suddenly, Lin Yan drew close to Xiao Yan, speaking enigmatically.
Xiao Yan lightly smiled, albeit with some frustration. Even though he was aware that the Blazing Flame Valley contained a unique flame, it would be impossible to act against it. Ignoring the Blazing Flame Valley’s overwhelming prowess, should he genuinely attain the Nine Lotus Lightning Flame, perfect seals set up by those strongholds would make swallowing it unfeasible. Instead, he would probably incur wrath from a formidable group more intimidating than the Feng Lei Pavilion.
However, although Xiao Yan couldn’t target the Nine Lotus Lightning Flame, his curiosity piqued significantly when it came to the Heavenly Flame Tri-Transform. After cultivating for so many years, he comprehended its profound complexity. To a person holding more than one form of unique flame inside, this was a great boon. If he could procure the methods to cultivate the last two transformations, Xiao Yan’s combat abilities would surge drastically!
“If a chance presents itself, I’ll try obtaining the last two variations of the Heavenly Flame Tri-Transform. Nevertheless, this time, unless under special circumstances, I shouldn’t divulge that I’m able to wield this skill too, to avoid inviting any undue hassle like from the previous Feng Lei Pavilion fiasco,” Xiao Yan murmured to himself in contemplation.
“How far are we still from the Pill Territory?” Raising his head, Xiao Yan asked Lin Yan.
“The trip isn’t short, but the Central Region houses plenty of spatial short distance portals which should get us to the Pill Territory in roughly six to seven days.” Calculating momentarily, Lin Yan turned to look at Xiao Yan. “Liu Qing’s family is stationed in Heaven-Huang City—a city right along our route which contains the portal leading to the Pill Territory.”
Upon hearing, Xiao Yan expressed some surprise, then grinned in agreement. “That works well; I can conveniently visit that guy again. It has been quite a few years since I met Liu Qing. I wonder how he’s doing now.”
Lin Yan smiled, continuing, “Liu Qing is now the patriarch of his family. His cultivation talent surpasses mine. During the time we separated, he was already a three-star Battle Emperor. Now, he’s possibly reached the seven-star level. Since you’ve decided, I’ll take the lead. With the two of us’ speeds, it will only take about a day to arrive.”
With a grin, Xiao Yan nodded. There was still considerable time before the Alchemist Convention started. En route, he intended to amass additional Beast Flames to nourish his transformative Inner Fire seed.
Seeing no resistance from Xiao Yan, Lin Yan spared no words, shivering momentarily, unfolding wings of Dou Qi. Moving swiftly, he vaulted into the sky.
A Battle Emperor-level warrior, whilst not exceptionally rare in Zhongzhou, could enter the ranks of near-expert fighters. Observers, recognizing his ascent, cast envious eyes upon him, thinking: becoming a Battle Emperor at such young an age foreshadows limitless potentials.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan treading space ascended into the sky, joining Lin Yan, transforming both into streaks of light vanishing amongst startled gazes.
“Strolling mid-air? A Battle Sect? That youngster, a Battle Sect!” Some spectators, coming back to their senses, erupted with incredulous cries following their disappearance. Reaching Battle Sect status, no easy task anywhere, let alone inZhongzhou, made this sighting a rare sight indeed, thus sparking such an awestruck reaction from onlookers.
Heaven-Huang City, no smaller in size than TianBei City, possessed a direct portal to the Pill Territory. This greatly enhanced the city’s population density beyond that of Tianbei.
Within the bustling confines of this vibrant city, power shifted rapidly amongst multiple influential families with two prominent dynasties — the Liu and Cheng clans – presiding dominantly atop local hierarchy. Though neither qualified to control this inter-regional spatial passageway independently – jurisdiction was maintained by Blaze Valley – whose reach extended far across numerous urban centers, leaving behind none that dared challenge, barring the mysterious Sound Valley. Notwithstanding lesser influence compared to its fire-centric rival, the secluded sect commanded equal if not greater fear, serving clear testimony to its own fearsome might.
Over the expansive territories claimed exclusively by Blaze Valley, including Heaven-Huang, subordinate groups like the aforementioned families vied periodically for temporary ownership rights granted selectively over the spatial gateway. Such privileges conferred unofficial rule over their hometown, though no entity ever monopolized it indefinitely; yet another testament to strategic manipulations masterminded behind-the-scenes ensuring perpetual checks and balances stayed firmly ensconced.
Rapidly covering great distances, Xiao Yan approached the outskirts within twenty-four short hours of travel—occasional mountain detours adding minor yet notable discoveries of two Beast Flames en route supplementing evolving internal reservoirs. Incorporating acquired essences seamlessly proved relatively effortless given current strength—endless beasts lurking amidst rugged wilderness presenting ample opportunity for straightforward harvesting…
“Herein lies the Heaven-Huang your spoken words heralded?”
Raising his gaze towards distant verdant skylines cloaked beyond thick canopy cover revealed partial glimpses—eliciting amused query punctuated softly.
Lin Yan affirmed nodding; keen optics sweeping panoramic vistas alertly issuing wary reminder—”Be cautious moving forward; these remain territories governed strictly underneath auspices Burnflame Gorge. Don’t flaunt Heavenly Flame Three Metamorphoses openly without restraint despite them valuing battle techniques less zealously compared elsewhere. Displaying foreigner adept proficiency potentially invites unnecessary scrutiny or animosity.”
During passage, detailed sharing transpired enlightening companion regarding exclusive possession spanning signature Burnflame martial skills eliciting astonishment mingled shock revealing hidden expertise extending far beyond mere Windthunder Sect alone, prompting advice reiterated frequently advising utmost circumspection concealing abilities whenever practicable prudent. Smiling affirmingly, Xiao Yan cast searching vision afar—looming behemoth metropolis sprawl materializing ahead—monolithic edifice blending harmoniously amid lush forest expanse stretching vast horizon-less expanses…
“Let’s proceed; according latest intel, spatial access control temporarily vested current tenure Lieu Clan facilitating smooth transit… Curiosity burgeoning regarding progression Liu Qing achieved post separation—remembering once revered inner academy powerhouse requiring uplifted necks gaze upward reverently—wonder current accomplishments attained traversing years passed…”
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