The deity carefully savored that peculiar sensation. After quite a while, Xiao Yan finally and slowly opened his eyes, exhaling a breath as his gaze flickered. “I feel something, but I can never truly break through that barrier. It seems once things here are settled, I need to find a secluded place for a proper retreat. If it drags on too long, it will be counterproductive.” Xiao Yan muttered softly. Although he had already touched upon this mysterious barrier more than once, he was always just a hairbreadth away from a true breakthrough.
After pondering for a moment, Xiao Yan calmed his mind once more, waving his hand so that the emerald green flame surged back into the medicine cauldron. With a flick of his fingers, over ten jade boxes emerged from his ring and landed beside him. The “Azure Profound Longevity Pill” had already been successfully refined, and now Xiao Yan needed to refine some pills for Zi Yan. This little girl seemed to be on the verge of a breakthrough recently and required an enormous amount of energy to complete this advancement. Thus, Xiao Yan brought out all the rare medicinal materials that Yao Ye had sent that day without hesitation.
Though these ingredients were precious, they paled in comparison to the value of assisting Zi Yan’s breakthrough. Now at the Dou Wang level, she could match even common Battle Emperor powerhouses, and her terrifying brute force was something even Xiao Yan dared not take lightly. If she were to smoothly advance to the Battle Emperor stage, her strength would likely surge again, allowing her to perhaps rival even Battle Sect powerhouses.
At this crucial time, Xiao Yan sorely needed such a powerhouse. The mysterious Soul Temple gave Xiao Yan immense pressure, and if Medusa hadn’t intervened back then, even he might have been captured by that Vulture Guardian. If that happened, the Xiao family would truly be done for.
Thinking of the dire situation the Xiao family would face if he were to be captured, Xiao Yan’s expression grew extremely grim. Clenching his fists, he murmured, “It seems I must reach the Battle Emperor stage as soon as possible. That way, even if I encounter that Vulture Guardian again, I’ll have a fighting chance. The Xiao family needs my protection, so I can’t afford even the slightest accident!”
His resolve clear, Xiao Yan clenched his jaw, making up his mind. Once he resolved his second brother’s issues, he would immediately enter a deep retreat, swearing not to stop until he reached the Battle Emperor stage!
With a plan in mind, Xiao Yan no longer dawdled. He waved his hand and the fragrant medicinal materials from the jade boxes entered the medicine cauldron, enveloped by the emerald flame.
Refining pills was significantly easier compared to refining elixirs. While crafting elixirs might take him a long time, refining pills was like child’s play. In less than an hour, he turned all the medicinal materials in the jade boxes into thumb-sized pills. Thinking of Zi Yan’s dislike for bitter tastes, he also added some special flavorings, making them taste like candy.
Tucking three full bottles of pills into his storage ring, Xiao Yan exhaled deeply, tidying up the chamber before walking out.
Upon exiting, Xiao Yan went to the front courtyard, only to see many people gathered there. A glance revealed Lin Yan, Liu Qing, and others, which made him slightly surprised. These guys, who usually roamed around outside, had all ended up here.
The bustling crowd in the courtyard noticed Xiao Yan’s presence and greeted him with joy.
“Hehe, Alliance Leader Xiao, that title is indeed impressive…” Lin Yan said with a laugh, jesting at Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan shook his head helplessly, glancing at Lin Yan, Lin Xiu Ya, and Liu Qing before bowing with a smile, “I haven’t had the chance to properly thank you three.”
“We just wanted to follow you for some experience, and I don’t think we helped much. Those true powerhouses didn’t really gain much from us,” Lin Xiu Ya sighed, recalling how during the Cloud Rumbling Sect battle, they only intercepted the Cloud Rumbling Sect Elders, leaving the real fighting to the strong ones.
“Those Elders of the Cloud Rumbling Sect trained for so many years to achieve their current levels. You are still young; by the time you reach their age, you might already be at the Battle Sect stage.” Xiao Yan smiled, believing that with their talents, reaching such a level with some opportunities wasn’t impossible.
Hearing this, Lin Xiu Ya and the other two smiled, confident in themselves. Their youth and peak life stages were their greatest assets. Given enough time, they would surely achieve great heights.
“Although we didn’t participate in the actual battle, we did make significant progress. A few days ago, each of us advanced one star in our cultivation. While it’s not as incredible as your growth, it’s still a considerable improvement,” Lin Xiu Ya explained, satisfied.
Xiao Yan noticed that the three of them indeed had a stronger aura than when they left the inner academy, just as Lin Xiu Yao had said, their strength had progressed.
“It seems you haven’t taken any Dou Spirit Pills yet. I’ll refine one for each of you during my retreat. They should help you advance another star. Think of it as my thanks for your assistance.” Xiao Yan suggested, thinking for a moment.
Surprised, the three nodded eagerly, unable to resist the allure of the Dou Spirit Pills. Even they couldn’t resist its temptation. The onlookers in the courtyard cast envious glances at the trio.
“Hehe, Chief Xiao… about that…” The shadowy Goo Bone Old Man, Iron Bird, and Su Mei exchanged a glance, clearing their throats and smiling dryly.
Seeing their hesitant expressions, Xiao Yan knew what they were after and reassured them, “Don’t worry, within half a month, the three Imperial Great Elixir Pills will be delivered to you.”
“Chief Xiao, your reputation is impeccable. We just worry about the Black-Corner Region. We’ve been away for months, and it’s a chaotic place. You know how it can get…” The three sighed in relief, particularly the Goo Bone Old Man, who chuckled wryly.
Xiao Yan nodded, smiling, “On my return to the Black-Corner Region, my second brother will accompany me to take charge of the Xiao Gate. I may need your assistance, and I will visit often.”
The three readily agreed, “Of course, we are allies with the Xiao Gate and will do our utmost to help.”
Xiao Yan smiled, relieved. With their support, his second brother should have fewer troubles. Of course, he couldn’t fully trust the Goo Bone Old Man and the others, but he wasn’t too worried. After all, he still had the substantial support of the inner academy.
In the Black-Corner Region, as long as the major forces didn’t unite, no single force dared to challenge the inner academy. With its support, the Xiao Gate would be safe and secure.
“You’re going into seclusion?” In a quiet room, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li were both surprised to hear Xiao Yan’s words.
“Yeah, I’ve felt a few times that I’m close to breaking through to the Battle Emperor stage, but I’m always just short. This time, I’m determined to reach it!” Xiao Yan nodded firmly.
Xiao Ding thought for a moment, “Your strength is the most important thing. Do as you please. Leave the matters of the Yan Alliance to me and your second brother.”
Xiao Yan nodded, glancing at Xiao Li, whom he had given the “Azure Profound Longevity Pill” and detailed its effects, ensuring he could temporarily avoid the “Life-Consuming Pill”’s interference.
“Second brother, when the Goo Bone Old Man and the others return to the Black-Corner Region, you must go with them. Be careful there, and remember to improve your strength. Aim to reach Battle Emperor within ten years. I’ll also refine a Dou Spirit Pill for you during my retreat.”
Xiao Li nodded, knowing that despite the “Azure Profound Longevity Pill,” he still wasn’t completely free from the “Life-Consuming Pill” unless he reached the Battle Emperor stage within the added lifespan. Otherwise, he would still die from running out of time.
“Oh, where will you be going for your seclusion?” Xiao Ding asked, suddenly.
Xiao Yan fell silent for a moment, then said softly, “Monster Mountain Range. I once found a valley there full of rare medicinal herbs. I’ll go there for my retreat, though I’m not sure how long it will take. It won’t be brief, though.”
“Monster Mountain Range? Do you need protection?” Xiao Ding asked, frowning slightly.
“No, I’ll bring Zi Yan with me.” Xiao Yan shook his head, looking at Xiao Ding. “After I leave, manage the Yan Alliance. If anything significant happens, send someone to my retreat. I’ll inform you after I settle in.”
Xiao Ding nodded, patting Xiao Yan’s arm and smiling, “Focus on your training. The Xu Clan’s current glory is built on your strength, so your strength is paramount. When do you plan to leave?”
Xiao Yan smiled, exhaling a light breath. “Now…”
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