"Zi Yan, what's going on outside?"
Stepping out of the Sun Fire Ancient Altar, Chen Xiao looked at the bored Little Dragon Person by the edge with a hint of curiosity.
Compared to Cao Ying's nervousness, Chen Xiao wasn't worried at all about Little Fairy Doctor being disturbed.
After all, in the original timeline, when Little Fairy Doctor formed her Poison Pill, a Dou Zun-level battle erupted, yet even then, it didn't affect Little Fairy Doctor in the slightest, let alone the current Dou Zong-level skirmish.
Moreover, Chen Xiao was eighty to ninety percent sure that the troublemakers weren't here for them.
Ever since arriving in Central State, Chen Xiao, Little Fairy Doctor, and Zi Yan headed straight for Holy Pill City. The journey was so smooth that even Zi Yan found it unbelievable; they hadn't made any enemies along the way.
The only minor spat they had was with Song Qing from the Pill Tower.
But Song Qing clearly didn't have this kind of capability.
"It seems like the Black Flame Sect, the one the Ye Family's Grand Elder mentioned, is back again. Because I was protecting you all, I didn't dare to go too far, so I didn't hear very clearly. I'm not sure how they ended up fighting," Zi Yan replied, sounding uncertain.
Hearing this, Chen Xiao and Cao Ying finally understood.
The Black Flame Sect was a somewhat well-known force within the Pill Domain and had an ambiguous relationship with Ice River Valley, one of the three valleys.
This sect was very close to Ye City, and after getting last place in the Ye Family's assessment, they increasingly disregarded the Ye Family and had always coveted the Sun Fire Ancient Altar.
Little did they know, before Chen Xiao and the others arrived, the Sun Fire Ancient Altar hadn't produced any sun fire for many years.
However, Chen Xiao distinctly remembered that the Black Flame Sect had only issued an ultimatum to the Ye Family right before the next Five Great Clans assessment, and it was in the original timeline, after Xiao Yan arrived in Central State, that they personally brought coffins to intimidate the Ye Family.
At this point in time...
Even if relations were tense, it shouldn't have escalated to this extent.
"We can't let them keep fighting. If the commotion is too loud and disturbs Sister Xian'er, it'll ruin everything," Cao Ying urged, a hint of urgency in her voice.
Chen Xiao waved his hand slightly, signaling her to calm down.
"Don't worry. If Xian'er can sense the outside world now, she'll naturally know this has nothing to do with us. If she can't sense it, then there's no question of disturbance."
After a brief explanation, Chen Xiao left the Heavenly Demon Puppet guarding the Sun Fire Ancient Altar and headed towards the Ye Family's main hall with Zi Yan and Cao Ying.
Soon, when the three arrived at the hall, they found the place already in shambles.
In the center, two black-robed elders with gloomy expressions stood. Surrounding them, besides Ye Zhong, were three other Dou Zong powerhouses, all elders of the Ye Family, encircling them.
A lean camel is still bigger than a horse; despite the Ye Family's decline, they still had a full four Dou Zongs!
From the scene, it looked like Ye Zhong and the two from the Black Flame Sect had exchanged a blow but stopped short of a full fight; otherwise, the battlefield would have already moved to the sky.
"Zhao Hei, Qin Mo, Black Flame Sect, don't you dare go too far! My Ye Family may not be as glorious as before, but we are not something your Black Flame Sect can easily manipulate. If we truly fight, you won't gain anything!"
Noticing Chen Xiao and the others' arrival, Ye Zhong, dressed in a green robe, bristled with anger and roared at the two from the Black Flame Sect.
"They're the Black Demon Twin Fiends. These two are quite well-known in the Pill Domain. I once heard Fourth Uncle and the others mention them. Within the Black Flame Sect, their strength is second only to their Sect Master; both are Peak six-star cultivators," Cao Ying whispered, introducing them after hearing Ye Zhong's address.
Chen Xiao nodded slightly, not paying much attention to the two, but rather focusing on Ye Zhong.
The Black Flame Sect coveting the Sun Fire Ancient Altar and repeatedly provoking them, leading the Ye Family to finally lose patience and retaliate, seemed reasonable enough.
But at this point in time, especially today, with them coincidentally being at the Ye Family, the Ye Family suddenly losing patience was very thought-provoking.
"Heh heh, Ye Zhong, put away your bluff. Given the Ye Family's current situation, how many more years can you maintain the title of one of the Five Great Clans? If the Ye Family is smart, surrender to my Black Flame Sect as soon as possible. Otherwise, when the Ye Family loses its status as one of the Five Great Clans, heh heh heh, you'll have to bear the consequences!"
Scanning the four Dou Zongs, including Ye Zhong, the two elders surrounded in the middle remained unfazed. One of them even threatened them arrogantly.
The current Ye Family had four Dou Zongs.
But even the strongest, Ye Zhong, was no match for either of them.
And besides Ye Zhong, the two three-star Dou Zongs and one one-star Dou Zong were even less of a concern.
Seeing Ye Zhong's increasingly grim expression, Cao Ying, standing beside Chen Xiao, couldn't help but sigh and shake her head.
"The Ye Family has indeed declined. Among the Five Great Clans, the Black Flame Sect only dares to act like this towards the Ye Family."
"Sister Cao Ying, how strong are the other four families?" Zi Yan asked with some interest.
"I'm not sure about the Dan, Qiu, and Bai families, but I can confirm that they can easily invite several Dou Zun powerhouses. As for our Cao Family, we also have several Dou Zuns we're on good terms with, and an Iron-Clad Honored One is even a permanent resident of the Cao Family."
"The influence of Alchemists is truly terrifying," Chen Xiao praised.
Even the Ice River Valley only had two Dou Zun powerhouses. Yet, each of these four great families could invite several Dou Zuns. If they were to separate from the Pill Tower, they would at least be among the four major forces, somewhere between the Three Valleys and the Four Pavilions!
Shaking off these distracting thoughts, Chen Xiao looked at the scene but did not step forward, choosing to observe from the sidelines.
Regardless of whether today's situation was orchestrated by Ye Zhong, Chen Xiao had no intention of interfering.
He had no interest in things that offered no benefit.
Ye Zhong also noticed the three standing in the distance and wasn't too surprised by their observation.
After all, apart from the small cooperation of using the Sun Fire Ancient Altar this time, they had no other connection.
Of course, although he was mentally prepared, there was still a hint of regret.
He wasn't very familiar with Chen Xiao and Zi Yan, but he knew Cao Ying's identity very well. If the three of them were willing to intervene, the threat of the Black Flame Sect could be resolved without any effort.
Even the Ice River Valley behind them was nothing to worry about.
Taking a deep breath, Ye Zhong looked at the Black Demon Twin Fiends.
"At the very least, my Ye Family is still one of the Five Great Clans. Since you don't dare to act, please leave, you two."
The Black Demon Twin Fiends were very displeased with Ye Zhong's attitude, but what Ye Zhong said was true.
As long as the Ye Family hadn't lost its status as one of the Five Great Clans, the Black Flame Sect still had to show some restraint.
Without much hesitation, the Black Demon Twin Fiends left with a flick of their sleeves, disappearing from sight in an instant. If it weren't for the mess on the floor, there would be no trace of their presence.
After the Black Demon Twin Fiends left, Ye Zhong arranged for people to clean up the ruined living room, while he went over to Chen Xiao and the other two.
"Please excuse me, little friend."
Chen Xiao shook his head slightly, skipping the topic directly and saying, "I promised the Grand Elder to resolve the issue of the Sun Fire Ancient Altar's sun fire no longer appearing. This matter has been resolved, but Xian'er still needs a few days to finish. Afterward, the Grand Elder can check it himself."
Upon hearing this, Ye Zhong's face lit up with joy.
The Sun Fire Ancient Altar returning to normal undoubtedly added a glimmer of hope for the Ye Family's next Five Great Clans assessment.
"May I ask what caused the issue with the altar?"
"The Fire Attribute energy within the Earth Eye was too dense, already solidifying into liquid and blocking the Earth Eye."
Seeing Ye Zhong ask, Chen Xiao briefly explained.
As for the Earth Core Pearl, he wasn't generous enough to take it out and return it to the Ye Family.
"Grand Elder, taking this opportunity, let's discuss another matter. Although the Sun Fire Ancient Altar has returned to normal, if the Ye Family wants to pass the next assessment on its own, forgive my bluntness, but hope is still slim."
Ye Zhong opened his mouth, unable to refute.
It was true; the younger generation of the Ye Family had a clear gap, lagging far behind the other four families.
"Therefore, if the Ye Family wants to pass this hurdle, there's only one way: enlist outside help!"
"The Grand Elder must have considered this, but simply struggled to find suitable candidates. On this matter, I can introduce someone to the Grand Elder. In the Jia Nan Academy in the Black-Corner Region, there's a person named Xiao Yan. This person has been taught by a famous master, and his talent is also quite good, no less than Ying'er. If you can get his help, it won't be difficult for the Ye Family to pass the next Five Great Clans assessment."
Chen Xiao only stated the candidate. As for how to persuade Xiao Yan, and how the Ye Family would approach Xiao Yan, that was none of his concern.
Although Xiao Yan's growth trajectory had changed due to Chen Xiao, his alchemy skills were not significantly affected.
Giving Xiao Yan a few more years to grow, solving the Ye Family's current problem would be a piece of cake.
A hint of surprise appeared on Ye Zhong's face, and he even glanced at Cao Ying beside Chen Xiao, as if asking, Are you sure Xiao Yan's alchemy talent is comparable to Cao Ying's?
It wasn't surprising that Ye Zhong had doubts; Cao Ying's reputation among the Five Great Clans was simply too great now.
In the past, there was still Dan Chen of the Dan Family competing with her, but now, even Dan Chen was slightly inferior.
Ye Zhong found it hard to believe that an unknown young man could surpass the younger generation of the Five Great Clans, excluding Cao Ying.
"I'm just providing the Grand Elder with an option. As for the Grand Elder's decision, I won't interfere. Xiao Yan and I are just ordinary friends."
Understanding what Ye Zhong was thinking, Chen Xiao said directly.
He had already given the precise location of Jia Nan Academy. If the Ye Family took it seriously, it would be easy to find the target and verify whether what he said was true.
Ye Xinlan of the Ye Family could do it.
Ye Zhong nodded seriously, taking this matter to heart.
As Chen Xiao said, he had also thought of asking for outside help before. Unfortunately, throughout the entire Pill Domain, young people with such abilities were either from the other four great families or disciples of the Pill Tower, making it impossible to find a suitable target.
This previously unheard-of Xiao Yan, however, was worth learning more about; there was no loss in doing so.
Having fulfilled his promise, Chen Xiao immediately used the excuse of going back to look after Little Fairy Doctor and headed towards the Sun Fire Ancient Altar, no longer chatting idly with Ye Zhong.
...
Time flowed silently in waiting.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
On this day, Zi Yan and Cao Ying were chatting, while Chen Xiao was pondering how to help Zi Yan contact Eastern Dragon Island.
Although suppressing Zi Yan's bloodline made the girl safer, problems also arose; the connection between Zi Yan and Dragon Island became difficult.
Eastern Dragon Island drifted in the chaotic void. If they didn't reveal themselves, it would be difficult for others to contact them.
Just as Chen Xiao was deep in thought, a gentle breeze suddenly brushed past him.
Chen Xiao instantly snapped out of his contemplation. Zi Yan, who was conversing with Cao Ying, also looked up in surprise. Both of them could clearly sense that this was no ordinary breeze, but a phenomenon caused by the convergence of heaven and earth energy.
"It's Sister Xian'er!"
Zi Yan reacted quickly, immediately getting up and looking towards the sealed Sun Fire Ancient Altar, her small face filled with anticipation.
Chen Xiao and Cao Ying also stood up, looking towards the center of the altar.
They saw that above the sky, heaven and earth energy was rapidly converging, and faintly, an indistinct vortex was forming high in the air.
"That's not right, why is the commotion so small?"
Seeing this scene, Zi Yan looked up at Chen Xiao.
Chen Xiao had repeated it multiple times: after Little Fairy Doctor condensed her Poison Pill, her strength was bound to skyrocket.
Yet, the current commotion wasn't even as intense as when they themselves advanced to Dou Huang. If they hadn't been so close and constantly paying attention, they probably wouldn't have noticed the changes in the world around them.
Such a scene clearly didn't fit the expected display of a sudden surge in strength.
Chen Xiao wasn't surprised. He chuckled and explained, "Xian'er's situation is unique. She possesses the Woeful Poison Body. If the energy within her body were to erupt, it would be incredibly terrifying. Now that she's condensing the Poison Pill and converting this energy for her own use, it's already enough to support her breakthrough. Naturally, she doesn't need to absorb massive amounts of natural energy like we do for our breakthroughs."
This was like the principle of a full cup overflowing, and it applied even to ordinary breakthroughs.
If you had just entered the Nine-Star Dou Huang realm and then obtained an opportunity to attempt a breakthrough to Dou Zong, you would first need to absorb natural energy to reach Peak Dou Huang before you could break through.
Conversely, if you started your attempt at Dou Zong from Peak Dou Huang, having prepared more thoroughly in advance, the amount of natural energy you'd need to absorb would be smaller, and the commotion during the breakthrough would naturally be less significant.
Zi Yan understood, nodding vigorously.
Cao Ying's apricot eyes sparkled with a vibrant light, and a look of eager anticipation appeared on her delicate face.
"How far can Sister Xian'er reach?"
She had contributed to Little Fairy Doctor condensing her Poison Pill.
Watching Little Fairy Doctor break through at this moment gave her a sense of accomplishment, as if she had participated in the creation of a top-tier powerhouse.
"I'm also looking forward to it," Chen Xiao replied with a smile, not revealing any spoilers.
In fact, he could only roughly estimate and couldn't accurately determine what level Little Fairy Doctor would advance to this time.
After all, Little Fairy Doctor condensed her Poison Pill several years earlier than in the original timeline.
The gentle breeze stirred by the natural energy lasted for a full fifteen minutes before gradually settling down.
It was then that a series of creaking sounds came from within the sealed Sun Fire Ancient Altar. Immediately, Chen Xiao and the two others saw the surrounding stone walls quickly return to their original appearance, revealing a slender, elegant figure in white.
She had changed into a new, well-fitting plain white dress, which made her incredibly slender waist appear even more delicate. Her waterfall-like silver-white hair cascaded down, just touching her hip line.
Having escaped the fate of being born and dying in calamity, she now possessed an added ethereal quality.
Only when she smiled, the gentle warmth in her eyes was like an unchanging spring breeze that had endured through the years.
As always, never changed!
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