Word Count: 3,166 Words
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Xiao City had become a vital stronghold for both the Yan Alliance and the Xiao Clan, essentially their third nest after Wu Tan City and Jia Ma Sacred City.
Three burrows for the clever hare.
Talented people were not necessarily loyal, but Xiao Clan members were different. They might be foolish or lacking in ability, but their loyalty to him was absolute. At worst, their shortcomings were being a bit naive, occasionally simple-minded, and sometimes lazy.
Many of those Xiao Yan had purged were intelligent and gifted individuals, including several alchemists from the former Medicine Gang. Smart, yes, but not loyal.
Between stupidity and treachery, Xiao Yan would always choose the former.
People like Ya Fei, with her shrewd mind and keen insight, were exceedingly rare. Sometimes, one simply had to take management into their own hands.
Three days later, Xiao Yan did not linger further. He had more pressing matters to attend to. This visit had merely served to remind everyone that the Little Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan was very much alive.
Don't go assuming he's dead!
…
Black-Corner Region, Peace Town.
"Every visit here brings different feelings." Xiao Yan walked through Peace Town's bustling streets, observing the endless flow of people and carriages. The lively scene brought back memories of his first arrival here.
This was where his destiny had changed course.
He retraced his steps down that familiar alley until he reached the old shop with its precariously hanging signboard. The wooden door creaked open to reveal the same dim, dilapidated interior as always.
But this time, Hun Lao Gui was not dozing behind the counter. In fact, the glass cabinets filled with precious artifacts had vanished entirely. Only the old ghost himself remained.
"What's this? Have you finally decided to renovate this decrepit place?" Xiao Yan joked.
Of course, he knew renovation was hardly Hun Lao Gui's intention. With his current Spiritual Strength, Xiao Yan could finally perceive some of Hun Lao Gui's true strength: a Heavenly State soul and Dou Saint cultivation.
As for the precise level within the Heavenly State or how many stars the old ghost had reached as a Dou Saint, that remained beyond his ability to determine. But one thing was certain: Hun Lao Gui was extraordinarily powerful.
Hun Lao Gui slowly turned to face him. His appearance remained that of a decrepit elder on death's doorstep, but this time his eyes were no longer dull and vacant. They had become profound, as if capable of seeing through all things.
"Heavenly State soul, Grade 6 Hun Clan Dou God Bloodline…" Hun Lao Gui's eyes, showing only the faintest trace of black, fixed on Xiao Yan with penetrating intensity. An ugly smile emerged. "The Asura Soul Reaping Technique cultivated to perfection. Not bad at all."
Xiao Yan smiled in return. "You once promised that if I broke through to the Heavenly State, you would give me the true Asura Soul Reaping Technique scroll."
He extended his hand shamelessly, feeling no embarrassment whatsoever in demanding what he had been promised.
Hun Lao Gui flipped his palm and produced a scroll radiating three ominous colors: black, white, and gold. The moment the scroll appeared, the Asura shadow within Xiao Yan's own shadow snapped its eyes open and stared intently at it.
As the Asura shadow's awareness stirred, the scroll trembled slightly in response.
Xiao Yan could not help but swallow when he saw the scroll, his eyes gleaming with undisguised greed.
High Tian Class!
Those three words alone would drive anyone on the Dou Qi Continent into a frenzy!
He had initially dismissed this technique with contempt when he first encountered it because cultivating it entailed a deadly trial. Had his life force not been exceptionally resilient and the Yin-Yang Mysterious Dragon Pill not saved him, he would have died. Moreover, the technique required Heavenly State Spiritual Strength, whereas he had only just reached the Soul State at the time.
But now! Now that he had truly reached the Heavenly State and acquired a Grade 6 Hun Clan Dou God Bloodline, his perspective had completely changed.
Was absorbing Heavenly Flames not equally dangerous? He had already achieved the Heavenly State! A voice in his heart urged him forward: Hurry up and master it; master it and you'll be invincible!
Xiao Yan cleared his throat and approached Hun Lao Gui with feigned composure. "Ahem, since you're looking for someone to inherit your legacy, I suppose I'll reluctantly do you this favor."
Just as his fingers were about to grasp the scroll, a wave of Spiritual Strength knocked him back.
"Hey! What's the meaning of this, Hun Lao Gui? Showing it just to tease me? If you don't want to hand it over, just say so! Keep it and take it to your grave for all I care!" Xiao Yan unleashed a string of curses at the old ghost.
"Jie Jie Jie." Hun Lao Gui bared his teeth in a grin, eyes gleaming as he studied Xiao Yan. "Boy, creating a High Tian Class Soul Skill requires not only cultivating it to perfection but also consuming enormous amounts of Spiritual Strength and time. Did you truly think I would give it to you for nothing?"
Xiao Yan rolled his eyes dramatically. He understood there were no free lunches in this world, but he had hoped for at least a complimentary breakfast!
A High Tian Class Dou Technique's value was immeasurable. If forced to quantify it, the price would equal a Tier 9 Mysterious Pill.
Unfortunately, he could not refine such pills yet, and his soul points had been completely exhausted. He was utterly destitute!
"I'm broke. Not a single soul point to my name. Hun Lao Gui, just state your terms. If I can meet them, I'll agree. If not, we go our separate ways." Xiao Yan spread his hands, adopting the demeanor of a dead pig unafraid of boiling water.
If this was a transaction, then name your price.
"Jie Jie Jie, boy, you've met Hun Tiandi, haven't you?" Hun Lao Gui's eyes narrowed to slits, a sharp glint flashing within.
Xiao Yan's heart lurched. He scrutinized Hun Lao Gui carefully and frowned. "I have. What of it?"
"I want you to use the Asura Soul Reaping Technique to battle him."
The words sent a shock through Xiao Yan's system. If he had not met Hun Tiandi, he could have talked tough. But having seen him, any bravado would be hollow.
Xiao Yan still possessed some self-awareness.
"Don't tell me you want me to..." Xiao Yan stared at Hun Lao Gui in astonishment. Was the Hun Clan experiencing severe internal division?
Hun Lao Gui sneered coldly. "You think I wish to betray my clan?"
Xiao Yan nodded. A Hun Clan member teaching an outsider to challenge his own Clan Head… what else could it mean!
"I will never become a traitor to the Hun Clan." Hun Lao Gui's eyes sharpened with unwavering resolve.
This left Xiao Yan thoroughly confused. Then what did he mean?!
"So you have a personal vendetta against him?"
Hun Lao Gui shook his head. "Not exactly a vendetta. I'm merely one of countless bones paving his path to power."
Understanding dawned. To become Clan Head, Hun Tiandi must have defeated innumerable Hun Clan prodigies. This Hun Lao Gui was simply one of them.
"I fought him years ago and lost. But in that battle, I transcended my limits and gained a flash of insight. Afterward, I created this… something that surpassed the original. The true Asura Soul Reaping Technique!" Hun Lao Gui's eyes grew distant and fiery, as if reliving that ancient battle.
This complete version of the Asura Soul Reaping Technique was Hun Lao Gui's creation. Or rather, it was his evolution of the original.
Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed. 'To create a High Tian Class Soul Skill, this Hun Lao Gui's cultivation must be extraordinarily high. Yet even someone like him fell to Hun Tiandi. The man truly deserves his reputation as the Dou Qi Continent's apex existence. Terrifying indeed.'
"By the time I perfected the Asura Soul Reaping Technique, Hun Tiandi had already achieved an Emperor State soul. I know I'll never reach that level in this lifetime. But you can." Hun Lao Gui fixed his gaze on Xiao Yan. He was well aware of the Di Pill Plan and naturally knew Xiao Yan was the chosen one.
Refining the Di Tier Pill required Emperor State Spiritual Strength. The Hun Clan would certainly help Xiao Yan achieve that breakthrough.
Now Xiao Yan understood Hun Lao Gui's true desire. He wanted validation for the technique he had created.
He could never break through to the Emperor State, but Xiao Yan could. He wanted to see what his technique looked like at its absolute pinnacle.
As for defeating Hun Tiandi, Hun Lao Gui had never harbored such delusions. That was why he only asked Xiao Yan to challenge, not to win.
He simply wanted to know if his created Soul Skill qualified to stand against Hun Tiandi!
Xiao Yan noticed a pattern among Hun Clan members while observing Hun Lao Gui. Each possessed an intense obsession. Hun Tiandi's was becoming a Dou God; Hun Lao Gui's was seeing his technique measured against Hun Tiandi's cultivation.
Perhaps this fierce fixation formed the Hun Clan's foundation, the very essence of their souls.
Xiao Yan sank into contemplation. Challenging Hun Tiandi carried extreme danger. If he thought reaching Emperor State soul meant defeating Hun Tiandi, his brain must have been squeezed in a door.
An internal struggle wracked him. Why did this NPC's quest have to be so perilous?!
Though the reward was undeniably generous.
Hun Lao Gui was in no hurry. He understood that someone like Xiao Yan could never resist a High Tian Class Dou Technique. That inner drive toward greater power burned within him.
If Xiao Yan had lacked the ability to cultivate it, that would be one thing. But now, with the technique right before him and the capability to cultivate it, he would take the risk!
Xiao Yan possessed that adventurous heart unique to the truly strong!
"Fine. I accept your terms."
Whoosh!
The complete Asura Soul Reaping Technique scroll floated before him. Hun Lao Gui's expression of 'I knew you would' made him bristle with annoyance.
"Jie Jie Jie, once you use your Spiritual Strength to read the scroll's information, you'll have agreed to our arrangement and established the contract." Hun Lao Gui's eerie laugh echoed. The Hun Clan was not like those minor clans of the Dou Qi Continent; they possessed the means to establish Soul Contracts.
"Tch, when have I, Xiao Yan, ever broken my word?" Xiao Yan dismissed him with a snort. When had he ever broken a promise? His word was his bond.
Such suspicion! Truly the small-minded judging others by their own standards.
Without further hesitation, Xiao Yan opened the High Tian Class Soul Skill. Instantly, overwhelmingly powerful spiritual information flooded his mind, making his head throb. Simultaneously, two strange energy streams—one gold, one black—drilled into his shadow.
More precisely, they pierced directly into the Asura shadow's brow!
ROAR! ROAR!
With a resonant hum, the Asura shadow turned berserk, consumed by madness, frenzy, and agony. The pain transmitted directly to Xiao Yan's soul!
It felt as if the Asura shadow were being torn apart, as if it were trying to split itself and grow two additional forms!
Gritting his teeth, Xiao Yan channeled his Spiritual Strength in a frantic surge. With a deep hum, a strange golden symbol appeared on his soul body's forehead.
The Hun Clan's Dou God Bloodline mark!
When this golden symbol manifested, Xiao Yan's Spiritual Strength instantly became more powerful and resilient!
He sat cross-legged and immediately began practicing according to the scroll's instructions. Activating the Emperor Soul Technique, he directed endless streams of Spiritual Strength into the Asura shadow.
The three-colored Asura shadow devoured his Spiritual Strength like a bottomless pit. If not for Xiao Yan's cultivation of the Emperor Soul Technique, his Heavenly State soul, and the abundant soul light clusters Hun Lao Gui had collected in the shop, this technique might have drained him completely!
This technique felt like the creation of a madman, and only a madman would dare cultivate it!
Split the soul to be reborn. No construction without destruction!
Hun Lao Gui watched silently as three-colored light radiated from Xiao Yan's body. His gaze remained calm. If Xiao Yan couldn't even pass this initial stage, all further cultivation would be meaningless.
Countless soul light points and wisps of spiritual qi flowed into Xiao Yan. Time ticked by. Merely reaching the entry level took him a full month!
ROAR! ROAR! ROAR!
With a tearing sound that echoed from the shadow abyss, the Asura demon shadow's back suddenly split open. Four arms burst forth from within its body.
A golden radiance erupted as a new form grew from the right side of the original shadow. This body radiated matchless holiness, brilliant golden light streaming from it, conveying an impression of supreme sanctity and invincibility.
Meanwhile, on the left side emerged an utterly ordinary form. Its body resembled white jade. It bore neither noble holy light nor ominous demonic aura. It was simply plain, like a common mortal.
Both of these newly formed bodies kept their eyes tightly shut, and their forms were faint, nothing like the evil demon body Xiao Yan had cultivated to perfection.
Xiao Yan, still seated cross-legged, slowly opened his eyes and looked down into the shadow abyss. There, he saw the three-headed, six-armed Asura.
Suddenly, the two closed-eyed figures snapped open their eyes. The golden figure's eyes glowed with golden holy light; the white jade figure's eyes were black as pearls, just like a human's.
A single body, three heads, six pairs of eyes—all gazing at Xiao Yan in unison. The sight sent chills down his spine, making his scalp prickle.
When you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes back at you.
Most disturbing of all, these three heads and six arms all bore Xiao Yan's exact likeness.
It was as if there were three versions of himself, with the white jade form being the most perfect replica. It was an exact duplicate!
Imagine being stared at by such a being. How could his scalp not tingle with dread?
"Hmph!" With a sweep of his hand, eleven kinds of Heavenly Flames instantly merged, twisting and melting the space as the majesty of heaven and earth pressed down.
Did they really think Yan Tianzun was some pushover?
Counting the Ghostly Poison Flame in the Little Fairy Doctor's possession, Xiao Yan had refined a total of twelve kinds of Heavenly Flames! Of the twenty-three known Heavenly Flames, the Tenth Tianzun alone controlled twelve!
Even Hun Lao Gui's eyes narrowed at the overwhelming might of eleven merged Heavenly Flames.
Whoosh!
The shadow abyss suddenly ignited. Eleven kinds of Heavenly Flames transformed the entire space into an inferno, continuously burning the Asura shadow.
Feeling the overwhelming power of the Heavenly Flames, the newly formed entities slowly closed their eyes in submission.
Hun Lao Gui was genuinely surprised. He hadn't expected Xiao Yan to subdue them so easily!
Xiao Yan waved his hand, closing the shadow abyss. Though he could suppress it for now using merged Heavenly Flames, this was a High Tian Class Soul Skill. If he could not acquire more Heavenly Flames, the Flame Mantra might not be enough to restrain it for long!
'Buddha cut his flesh to feed the hawk. This technique cuts the soul to feed the Asura...' Even Xiao Yan felt wary. This thing resembled him because it had absorbed his Spiritual Strength and grown into his likeness.
For now, his greater strength kept him in control. He glanced at Hun Lao Gui. "Don't tell me you never practiced this yourself."
He could not sense any similar aura from Hun Lao Gui.
"JieJie Jie, I did practice it, but I failed the final trial, which resulted in my current condition."
Xiao Yan had faced a life-threatening trial when perfecting the demon aspect, surviving only through sheer luck. The other two aspects would undoubtedly present equally dangerous trials, especially the third.
"But it's very powerful," Hun Lao Gui added with a smile.
Xiao Yan remained noncommittal. How could a High Tian Class Soul Skill not be powerful?
'These Dou God Clan inheritances truly are formidable. They're almost all stronger than same-tier techniques.' The more he encountered, the more Xiao Yan understood the profound foundations of these ancient Dou God Clans that had preserved their legacies since antiquity.
Any random technique from them could crush the Dou Qi Continent's so-called powerful methods, though they were correspondingly harder to cultivate.
'Still, my cultivation is too weak to unleash its true might.' Even Soul Skills consumed not just Spiritual Strength but also Dou Qi for support.
Spiritual Strength alone was not enough. After all, when others used Dou Techniques, their Spiritual Strength was not zero either. As cultivation increased, so did Spiritual Strength, just not as much as Dou Qi cultivation.
To unleash a Soul Skill's true power, Xiao Yan's own cultivation could not lag too far behind.
"If there's nothing else, I'm leaving." Xiao Yan no longer bothered with Hun Lao Gui. He had achieved his goal. Now, his only focus was the upcoming opening of the Heavenly Tomb. He finally had enough strength to visit the Gu Realm.
The Gu Realm would be every bit as dangerous as the Hun Realm. At least among the Hun Clan, Xiao Yan still had some value, but the Gu Realm was different. He and the Gu Clan had conflicting interests!
Hun Lao Gui watched Xiao Yan depart, smiled to himself, and murmured, "The technique I created will not lose out to a Dou God's inheritance!"
One thing Xiao Yan had not considered was that the Dou Techniques and Qi Methods Hun Tiandi cultivated naturally came from Emperor Hun's legacy.
Hun Lao Gui did not want to challenge Hun Tiandi. He wanted to challenge Emperor Hun's inheritance!
…
Xing Tian gripped the silver boat within wormhole space, speeding toward the Yan Alliance.
'Less than two years left…' Xiao Yan gripped the jade token Xun Er had given him, calculating the time. The opening of the Heavenly Tomb drew ever closer.
'My soul may have reached the Heavenly State, but who can say what special power the Gu Clan's Dou God Bloodline possesses…?' The Hun Clan's Dou God Bloodline enhanced Spiritual Strength. What about the Gu Clan's?
That Ling Quan was merely bottom-tier, not even surnamed Gu. What trump cards might true Gu Clan prodigies possess? He could not predict.
'3-star Dou Venerate still isn't enough. I need to improve even more… Pills, secret realms… I must improve more in these two years.'
'Xun Er, wait for me. Two years remain. When the time comes, I'll make every member of the Gu Clan understand that your judgment was never wrong!'