Word Count: 3,557 Words
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"You... you... you..."
In an instant, the Eight Great Elders, the three giants, and everyone present stared in slack-jawed disbelief as Xiao Yan casually walked out of the Star Region under his own power. Their gazes darted upward to the Three Thousand Burning Flame hovering placidly behind him.
You have got to be kidding me!
"Xiao Yan... what in the world happened? Where are the Hall of Souls people?" Xuan Kong Zi's face was a mask of astonishment, his mind struggling to comprehend the scene before him.
Xiao Yan tossed Mu Gu's corpse to Xuan Kong Zi with a casual flick of his wrist and smiled confidently. "The Three Thousand Burning Flame and I joined forces to drive off the Hall of Souls Venerables. We also killed this Mu Gu."
The sight of Mu Gu's body left Xuan Kong Zi and the others gaping in absolute shock. The scenario was simply unimaginable.
"You killed a Hall of Souls Venerable?!" Qiu Ling's eyes bulged. They had all been preparing to mount a desperate rescue. A 6-star Dou Ancestor with a half-step Dou Venerate puppet, facing four Hall of Souls Venerables and the volatile Three Thousand Burning Flame...
Making it out alive would have been miraculous enough, yet he had driven off three and killed one?!
Xiao Yan waved his hand modestly. "It was all thanks to Senior Three Thousand Burning Flame. We've come to an agreement. It's willing to set aside past grievances and lend me its power. After a hundred years, I'll set it free."
Xuan Kong Zi and Tian Lei Zi exchanged glances. So that's how you subdue the Three Thousand Burning Flame...
Countless stunned gazes fixed on the spatial rift in the sky, or more precisely, on the slender figure standing at its edge.
"That's... Grandmaster Xiao Yan! He made it out!"
"He's actually alive? Heavens, how is this even possible?!"
"The ancients weren't lying. Great opportunity truly lies within great danger," The Dou Venerate Old Qing Hua lamented with a shake of his head. "If only I'd had half this young man's courage and stepped up to help the Three Thousand Burning Flame against the Hall of Souls, perhaps it would have recognized me as its master."
To never dare, to never fight, is to have never truly lived.
The top ten Pill Gathering finalists who had escaped the Star Region all felt a pang of regret. It turned out that sending charcoal in snowy weather truly was rewarded!
All those strange gazes made even Xiao Yan feel somewhat self-conscious despite his thick skin. He smiled at the equally stunned Xuan Kong Zi and the others hovering in the air. "There's no need to worry. The Three Thousand Burning Flame and I have reached an understanding. I'll be returning to the Star Region soon to refine it."
His meaning was clear: I still have things to do. The show's over. Everyone can go home now.
They all understood immediately that Xiao Yan was about to refine the Three Thousand Burning Flame. Not just Old Qing Hua and Song Qing, but even Xuan Kong Zi and Tian Lei Zi wore expressions of unconcealed envy.
The Three Thousand Burning Flame!
The Pill Tower had spent countless years nurturing it from infancy to maturity, even helping it reach the level of a Dou Venerate, and now all that work would benefit Xiao Yan.
"Oh, right, Association Head Xuan Kong Zi, I heard that Pill Tower elders can select a pill recipe. Is that true? Do you have any tier 8 recipes suitable for magical beasts that can summon five-colored Pill Lightning?" Xiao Yan remembered his promise to Zi Yan.
He was running short on recipes, and with the Association Head right here, it was the perfect opportunity to ask.
"For magical beasts?" Xuan Kong Zi was taken aback. Why would a human want recipes for magical beasts? After considering this, he replied uncertainly, "We haven't developed many recipes for magical beasts. A tier 8 pill that can attract five-colored Pill Lightning is extremely difficult to find, but I'll do my best to look for something suitable."
Xiao Yan cupped his hands politely. "Then I thank Association Head Xuan Kong Zi in advance."
"No need for such formality. You saved Holy Pill City, dealt with Mu Gu, and you're the Pill Gathering champion. This is a small matter." Xuan Kong Zi waved his hand, finding Xiao Yan more and more pleasing to the eye.
A future pillar of the Pill Tower indeed.
Xiao Yan's gaze swept to where Cao Ying stood not far away. The moment their eyes met, her pulse quickened treacherously. A flutter of anticipation rose in her chest despite her best efforts to suppress it.
"You still owe me a pill."
His words struck like a blade of ice, cutting through any romantic notions she might have harbored!
Cao Ying's eyes widened slightly. Of all the things he could have said after his miraculous return, this was what he chose?!
The voluptuous beauty's hands clenched into fists at her sides. This infuriating man possessed every type of flame except the fire of passion! Her ample chest rose and fell rapidly as she struggled to contain her frustration.
"This is a debt you owe, and I'll collect when I emerge next. I want a pill that strengthens the physique, preferably one designed for magical beasts." Xiao Yan seemed completely oblivious to how her chest rose and fell with agitation, simply stating his request as if discussing the weather.
Perfect. Cao Ying's pill would settle his debt to Xiong Zhan in one stroke.
A flawless plan!
Meanwhile, Little Fairy Doctor stood quietly to the side, her gentle eyes fixed on the man who had returned safely. She made no move to approach or compete for his attention.
As long as he was unharmed, nothing else mattered.
Xuan Yi noticed this passive display, her aged eyes clouding with memory. Venerable Yao had once rejected her affections in favor of dedicating himself to his disciple, Han Feng. She had simply accepted his decision without fighting for what her heart desired.
If only she had been braver, had defied his rejection and insisted on staying by his side... perhaps their story would have ended differently.
"Some things in life, you only get if you dare to reach for them, even if you risk being turned away."
She rested a hand on Little Fairy Doctor's back and gave her a subtle push. "Go on. Don't live with regrets, as I have."
The soft push startled Little Fairy Doctor, but she didn't resist. She drifted toward Xiao Yan like a white cloud carried on an invisible breeze.
The approaching white silhouette caught Xiao Yan's attention, and he sighed inwardly. He was well aware of what she had been willing to do for him just moments before.
"Don't worry, I'm fine." He reached out and gently took her cold, jade-like hand.
His touch sent warmth flooding through Little Fairy Doctor's entire being. Her beautiful face lit up with undisguised joy, though traces of lingering terror remained in her slightly reddened eyes. The vulnerability in her expression stirred something deep within his chest.
A wave of complex emotion washed over Xiao Yan.
The hardest debt to repay in this world is a beauty's devotion. Little Fairy Doctor had followed him across the vast Central Plains without a single word of complaint. Through danger and hardship, she had remained steadfast at his side. Although he had done everything in his power to help her resolve the Woeful Poison Body, it was still difficult to offset the sentiment of such unwavering companionship.
Little Fairy Doctor's fingers tightened around his as she gazed into his familiar face. Xuan Yi's words and tragic story echoed in her mind, kindling an unfamiliar but fierce courage within her heart.
Xiao Yan's expression softened at the sight of her reddened eyes. He scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "It was all Zi Yan's fault. She didn't—mmph!"
A gentle fragrance enveloped him as something soft and warm pressed against his lips.
The flap of a butterfly's wings could unleash a storm. Spurred by Xuan Yi's tragic tale and her own fear of loss, she had finally found the courage to act on her feelings!
What began as a light touch deepened as her trembling hands came to rest against his chest. For a heartbeat, nothing else existed beyond the connection between them.
A gentle kiss, but one carrying the weight of profound emotion.
"As long as you're safe..." Little Fairy Doctor leaned against his chest, tears brimming in her eyes. Only the steady rhythm of his heartbeat could finally calm her frayed nerves. The deep concern in her voice was unmistakable. The news of him being trapped had terrified her beyond measure.
"Little Fairy Doctor..."
In an instant, Little Fairy Doctor's cheeks turned bright red, panic flashing in her eyes. She didn't know what had come over her, why she had suddenly kissed him. She must have been possessed!
"I-I still have to refine the Poison Pill!" Only then did she become aware of the countless eyes upon them!
Her naturally quiet temperament couldn't bear the scrutiny. She pressed her palms against his chest and pushed away, her face burning as she fled toward the Ye Clan's residence as if her life depended on it.
Countless pairs of eyes turned to Xiao Yan, including two particularly intense gazes burning with jealousy.
"Good lad. While other alchemists use pills to win over Dou Venerates, you seem to have your own special methods." Xuan Kong Zi stroked his beard meaningfully. There's something wrong with your appeal!
You must have spiked your pills!
Many male alchemists nodded to themselves. They had learned something valuable today. No wonder he was the champion; his techniques were truly profound.
With so many eyes on him, Xiao Yan felt his scalp tingle. Without another word, he shot straight back into the Star Region to begin refining the Three Thousand Burning Flame.
…
Back in the Star Region, Zi Yan had been feeling slightly guilty about forgetting to relay his message. Now she was grinning mischievously, covering her mouth as she giggled. "Hehehe, Xiao Yan, how did that feel?"
"Feel my ass. Let's not waste any more time." Xiao Yan quickly changed the subject and turned to face the massive Three Thousand Burning Flame, his expression growing serious. "I ask for your guidance, Three Thousand Burning Flame."
"I gave you my word, and I won't go back on it," the Heavenly Flame replied in its low, resonant voice. "But you should know that even with my cooperation, refining a Heavenly Flame remains an incredibly dangerous process."
"I understand. I'll prepare a medicinal bath that will help me refine the Heavenly Flame while also fortifying my body to better adapt to its tempering effects."
Xiao Yan produced a large basin from his storage ring. He had come prepared for this moment. This was a top-ten Heavenly Flame, the most powerful he had ever attempted to refine. Moreover, he planned to absorb the excess energy to advance his own cultivation.
A series of clatters rang out as he retrieved numerous precious medicinal ingredients from his storage ring, all harvested from the Ten Thousand Medicinal Mountain Range. He even brought out Core Soul Marrow and Core Mother Jade, treasures rare enough to make any alchemist's heart race with envy.
An alchemist's skills extended far beyond pill refining. Tailoring medicinal solutions for an individual's constitution was one of their most profound arts.
Thanks to his extensive study of countless pharmacopeia, Xiao Yan's understanding of medicinal properties was truly exceptional.
Though it wasn't pill refining, preparing the bath still consumed an entire day. Only after painstakingly blending the Core Soul Marrow and Core Mother Jade did he finally produce a medicinal liquid that glowed with ethereal light, resembling a celestial pond from the heavenly palace.
Clad in his alchemist robes, Xiao Yan stepped into the basin and sat cross-legged to regulate his breathing. The moment he was ready, the Essence Flame hidden within the burning body of the Three Thousand Burning Flame separated itself, drifting toward him as a sphere of purple-black fire.
With its essence gone, the immense dragon-shaped body dissolved into a sea of fire while wisps of stellar energy flowed down from above to merge with the flames.
The sight of Xiao Yan actually using something as precious as Core Mother Jade for a mere bath made Zi Yan's mouth water with desire. She blinked, tore open a rift in space, and leaped into the basin with a splash.
"Xiao Yan, let's do this together!"
"Together?!" Xiao Yan instantly understood her intention. The little glutton wanted to mooch off his medicinal bath.
"Whatever. The Three Thousand Burning Flame should be enough for both of us. If you can't handle it, get out on your own." He sighed and shook his head but made no move to chase her away.
"Hehe." Zi Yan settled onto his lap with obvious satisfaction, her back pressing against his chest as she made herself comfortable.
The sudden warmth and softness of her petite form made Xiao Yan acutely aware of their intimate positioning. He glanced down just as a droplet of the precious medicinal liquid slid from the tip of her silky purple hair, tracing a tantalizing path down the graceful curve of her neck and across her delicate collarbone...
He swallowed hard, feeling something harden—and this time, it wasn't his fist.
Zi Yan shifted slightly, her brow furrowing as she felt something firm pressing against her. "Xiao Yan," she murmured innocently, adjusting her position to get more comfortable. "There's something hard..." She wiggled again, unaware of the effect her movements were having!
Xiao Yan's forehead was beaded with sweat, but it had nothing to do with the heat of the medicinal bath.
"Stay still," he said through gritted teeth.
"Mmm, this spot's much better," she murmured contentedly, wiggling once more to settle in.
Xiao Yan closed his eyes and silently counted to ten. He thanked every divine being that Zi Yan remained in her loli form. If she had been in her adult body... He forcefully banished that dangerous line of thought. He couldn't afford another mistake. One mistake could be explained as an accident, but two? Xun Er would definitely chop him into a thousand pieces!
Taking a steadying breath, he tossed an Ancestor Progression Pill into his mouth. A fierce medicinal power erupted through his meridians, providing a welcome distraction. As the Flame Mantra began to circulate, he opened his mouth and drew the Three Thousand Burning Flame into his body with powerful suction.
The moment the refinement began, wild energy surged throughout the region. The entire Star Region transformed into a vast, swirling nebula of purple-black fire with Xiao Yan and Zi Yan at its heart.
The terrifying Three Thousand Burning Flame, channeled through the Flame Mantra, repeatedly hammered his physical form. The Intermediate Tian Class Qi Method revealed its true ferocity, its refinement speed nothing short of astonishing.
Xiao Yan's ambition was crystal clear. He wasn't aiming for 9-star Dou Ancestor. He intended to break through to Dou Venerate in one explosive leap!
The Heavenly Flame Spirit Pill increased his chances by twenty percent. Combined with the Three Thousand Burning Flame's energy and the power of his Qi Method, Xiao Yan estimated he had at least a seventy to eighty percent chance of success.
If he still failed after all this preparation, he might as well reincarnate and start over.
Because he had preserved the Heavenly Flame's sentience, the refinement process proceeded incredibly smoothly. In less than a month, he had fully absorbed and fused it into his Acceptance Soul.
Nihility Devouring Flame's Earth Seed Flame, Ten Thousand Beast Flame, Yin-Yang Twin Flame, Ghostly Poison Flame, Green Lotus Core Flame, Wind and Thunder Fury Flame, Sea Heart Flame, Fallen Heart Flame, Bone Chilling Flame, Nine Dragon Lightning Flame, and now the Three Thousand Burning Flame—Xiao Yan had refined eleven kinds of Heavenly Flames!
Even with the Ghostly Poison Flame residing within Little Fairy Doctor, his Acceptance Soul now contained ten distinct Heavenly Flames!
But Xiao Yan was far from finished. He still needed to absorb the vast energy of the Star Region to advance his cultivation, so he continued the process.
Within the swirling chaos of purple-black fire, the temperature soared ever higher until space itself twisted and buckled under the pressure. At the center—like the eye of a storm—was a hollow zone where all the fire converged, only to split apart and pour into Xiao Yan's body in thin streams. Each wisp was rapidly purified by the Fallen Heart Flame into the most refined Dou Qi.
This absorption continued for nearly six months, long after the medicinal bath had been completely drained by both him and Zi Yan.
Xiao Yan sat motionless as a meditating monk while faint purple-brown flames seeped from his pores, coiling around his body like fine tendrils. The flames tempered his skin, muscles, and even his bones through a mysterious process of refinement.
Zi Yan had also benefited greatly from their shared cultivation. Leaning peacefully against his chest, she slept deeply while a gentle purple light flickered over her form.
Then one day, the entire Star Region began to quake violently. Space shuddered as if struck by a massive earthquake, and with thunderous cracks, it shattered like glass.
After half a year with his eyes closed, Xiao Yan suddenly snapped them open. The overwhelming might of a Dou Venerate exploded outward, and the surrounding space collapsed on a massive scale, unable to withstand his newfound power!
ROAR!!!
A sky-shaking dragon's roar, indistinguishable from that of a real dragon, echoed from within his body. Vast and mighty dragon might permeated the area, causing the Star Region's collapse to accelerate!
A Dou Venerate, master of space itself, was terrifying indeed!
Stretching languidly, his skin rippled while his bones emitted a series of crisp snaps, like a complex machine finally activating after years of dormancy.
'So this is the power of space!' Xiao Yan clenched his fist, feeling formless Spatial Strength gathering in his palm.
Previously, he had relied on the Nihility Devouring Flame's Earth Seed Flame to traverse space. But now, as a true Dou Venerate, he had earned the right to master Spatial Strength himself.
No more inflated Tianzun status!
The energy required to become a Dou Venerate was genuinely astronomical. Only by absorbing most of the Heavenly Flame's energy, combined with medicinal assistance, had he barely managed to break through this threshold!
'Hmm? My dragon aura has grown stronger.' Examining his inner condition, Xiao Yan was surprised to discover that the trace of dragon aura from the Yin-Yang Mysterious Dragon Pill had become far more potent, now surpassing even the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe's essence blood stored within his bone wings.
He glanced at Zi Yan, still sleeping soundly against him, and frowned thoughtfully. 'This girl couldn't possibly have helped me break through to Dou Venerate... could she? No, it must be coincidence.'
Opening his palm, ten miniature Essence Flames began spinning above it in perfect formation.
Ten kinds!
If word of this got out, even the Yan Clan's Head would want to have a 'chat' with him. Everyone knew he possessed multiple Heavenly Flames, but no one could imagine he had collected ten! And this was after giving one away. Otherwise, half the Heavenly Flame Ranking would belong to him alone.
Of course, the Earth Seed Flame was merely a descendant of the Nihility Devouring Flame, though it possessed similar spatial abilities.
"Hey, Zi Yan, wake up. You've been asleep for half a year," Xiao Yan said, gently nudging the slumbering girl.
"Mmm... let me sleep a bit longer," Zi Yan mumbled, shifting her body with a hint of childish petulance.
She couldn't remember the last time she had slept so peacefully, free from worry and fear. Somehow, with Xiao Yan nearby, she always felt completely secure.
Xiao Yan flicked her forehead lightly. The sleeping Dragon Queen's eyes snapped open, blazing with indignation at being disturbed. A Dragon Queen's temper upon waking was truly fearsome!
"You dare disturb this Queen's rest?" she grumbled, though the effect was somewhat diminished by her adorable yawn.
"Still making a fuss? We'll be heading to Dragon Island once we leave here," Xiao Yan said with a smile.
He was now a genuine 1-star Dou Venerate, equal to a Hall of Souls Tianzun in power, and he possessed a life-saving Dou Saint token. If things went sideways, escape would not be an issue.
The mention of Dragon Island instantly banished all traces of drowsiness from Zi Yan's expression. Her face grew serious, even apprehensive.
"Really? You'll really take me home?" Zi Yan's voice was small, vulnerable in a way that tugged at one's heart.
She was finally going home...
A wave of nervousness washed over her. Although it was her homeland, she hadn't returned in so many years. No one had ever come to find her. What if her tribe rejected her?
Noticing her anxiety, Xiao Yan gently patted her head in reassurance. "What are you afraid of? If your tribe doesn't want you, you can always stay with the Yan Alliance."
"The Yan Alliance will always be your home."