In a lush and verdant valley, a faint, alluring fragrance wafted, occasionally punctuated by the swift passage of agile magical beasts. The intermittent low growls echoed, infusing the valley with vitality. Deep within this valley, dense purple light radiated, and within it lay a massive cocoon spanning several feet wide. Though the contents were indiscernible, the immense energy contained within clearly indicated that this was no ordinary object. The surface of the light cocoon fluctuated in brightness, rhythmically, like a heartbeat. If anyone with keen senses were present, they would detect that whenever the light changed, subtle ripples appeared in the natural energy throughout the valley. Then, those energies would be absorbed into the light cocoon, making it glow even more brightly.
Near the light cocoon, Medusa sat cross-legged on a large boulder, her eyes fixed intently on any movement from the cocoon. After a long while, she would relax slightly, glancing at the cave below the cliffs, which exuded a strong medicinal fragrance. She shook her head helplessly. Xiao Yan had been in the cave concocting pills for a month, yet it seemed far from over. Moreover, after Zi Yan transformed into a cocoon three days ago, there had been no other reactions. Each day, the cocoon absorbed more and more energy, but it remained unchanged. This indicated that Zi Yan’s advancement might take a considerable amount of time.
One person crafting pills, another ascending through a cocoon—this left the valley under the sole guardianship of Medusa. This made her somewhat bored, but since both Xiao Yan and Zi Yan couldn’t be disturbed, she had to stay vigilantly in the valley. Even when she ventured out, she had to return swiftly. This monotonous duty frustrated her greatly.
After about five more days of this tedious guard, the status quo was disrupted by a commotion from the cave. On this day, Medusa continued her usual practice of meditation, keeping a portion of her awareness on the cocoon. Suddenly, a deafening explosion erupted from the cave, causing the entire valley to tremble.
Opening her eyes in shock, Medusa looked towards the cave, seeing thick smoke billowing out. A slightly disheveled figure emerged, coughing violently. Stepping out of the smoke-filled cave, the bright sunlight made Xiao Yan instinctively shield his eyes. As he adjusted, he looked down at his tattered robes and sighed ruefully. The Emperor Pill was extremely powerful, and any instability in its refining process could lead to an explosion as devastating as a full-strength attack from a Dou Wang. In previous attempts, Xiao Yan had immediately halted the process at the first sign of instability, sacrificing the herbs but ensuring safety. This cautious approach had kept him from making any major mistakes.
In the past few days, Xiao Yan had successfully refined the three Emperor Pills he needed. With the remaining herbs, he had thought of crafting another pill for himself. However, during the process, the pill again showed signs of instability, and he hesitated to waste the last set of herbs, leading to the explosive finale.
This explosion would have severely injured Xiao Yan if not for the crimson cauldron deflecting most of the force. He felt a bit relieved; his defenses were not strong, and a direct hit might have caused severe injuries.
Wiping the ashes from his face, Xiao Yan scanned the valley, his gaze landing on the large purple cocoon. He then turned to Medusa, asking, “What is this?”
Seeing Xiao Yan’s disheveled appearance, Medusa smiled wryly, “This is Zi Yan.”
Hearing this, Xiao Yan was surprised and then excited, “Is she advancing?”
“Yes, but she has been in the cocoon for several days without any movement. It seems her advancement will take a while,” Medusa nodded.
Xiao Yan smiled, not surprised. Magical beasts often took a long time to advance, especially something as unique as Zi Yan.
“Did you succeed in refining the pills?” Medusa asked, scanning Xiao Yan.
“Yes, but I got greedy, which is why I’m in this state,” Xiao Yan replied with a wry smile.
“Your aura is becoming increasingly unstable, fluctuating between strength and weakness. Your Dou Qi is also about to break through to Battle Emperor soon,” Medusa observed, feeling the immense Dou Qi emanating from Xiao Yan.
“It won’t be long. This pill crafting session benefited me greatly. I expect to break through in ten days,” Xiao Yan said with a pleased smile.
“The gap between Battle Emperor and Battle Sect is vast. Even with the breakthrough, complete transformation will take at least half a year to a year. It seems you’ll need a closed cultivation period,” Medusa said, her eyes lowering.
Xiao Yan nodded. This closed cultivation would likely take some time.
“This pill crafting took a month. My elder brother’s people should have arrived at the designated location. After I deliver the pills, I’ll return for closed cultivation. I won’t emerge until I reach Battle Emperor!” Xiao Yan said confidently, touching the white fire mark on his forehead, feeling its warm glow, and resolving, “Teacher, wait for me. I’ll rescue you and Father as soon as I can!”
Seeing the steely determination in Xiao Yan’s eyes, Medusa nodded, “Don’t worry, I’ll watch over Zi Yan and protect you.”
Xiao Yan smiled and bowed, “Thank you. I’ll deliver the pills and return for a brief rest before my closed cultivation.”
“Okay,” Medusa murmured, turning to the cocoon.
Without further ado, Xiao Yan circled the cocoon, assuring himself of its stability before flying out of the valley. Hovering in the sky, he identified his direction and sped towards the northern horizon.
After a while, Xiao Yan slowed, spotting a mountain with faint human activity. He materialized on the peak and sensed several breaths of air becoming fine and weak below.
“Come out,” Xiao Yan said calmly.
His words sparked a commotion, and dozens of figures appeared, led by an elderly man who knelt in surprise, “Greetings, Alliance Leader.”
The group behind him also knelt, their voices echoing in unison. Xiao Yan’s gaze swept over them, stopping on the green badge on their chests, adorned with an exquisite fire lotus.
Landing, Xiao Yan asked, “You are the people sent by my elder brother?”
The elder hastily approached, presenting a scroll. “Alliance Leader, I am Bai Lisheng, now an official of the Flame Alliance. I was sent by Elder Xiaoding.”
Xiao Yan nodded, taking the scroll. “Thank you. I have urgent matters and cannot return to the capital. Ensure the items are delivered safely. They bear my soul mark, and I can track them if they are intercepted.”
“Rest assured, no one dares to touch our Flame Alliance’s belongings,” Bai Lisheng said confidently.
Xiao Yan nodded, “Notify my elder brother that I will be in closed cultivation for six months to a year. During this time, he will handle the alliance affairs.”
“Yes, sir,” Bai Lisheng responded, retreating and leading the group back into the forest.
Seeing them leave, Xiao Yan nodded, satisfied with their capability. The strongest among them was the elderly man at the peak of Dou Ling.
“Now that the pills are done, it’s time to begin my closed cultivation,” Xiao Yan murmured, rising into the air. Suddenly, he noticed a soul imprint being activated from a hundred miles away. “That place… Qing Shan Town…”
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