Once the medicinal pill entered his mouth, it was cool at first. After being swallowed, a gentle and refreshing warmth rose in his abdomen.
The medicinal properties of a healing pill were not as potent as those of a breakthrough pill, nor did they use frenzied ingredients like monster cores.
Refining it was more of an enjoyable experience.
The gentle medicinal power repaired the hidden injuries in his body. Han Feng's brows relaxed as he quietly experienced the process of his body regaining its vitality.
As a seventh-grade pill, the Heavenly Life Pill not only had excellent healing effects but could also enhance one's appearance and slow down aging.
For some old and frail female Dou Emperors who had no chance of advancing to Dou Ancestor, the Heavenly Life Pill was a divine medicine.
However, a seventh-grade pill was not something every Dou Emperor could afford.
Only those Dou Emperors with background and power could buy one.
The refinement was completed, and the effect of the medicine was perfect. Han Feng had repaired all the hidden injuries in his body. He felt as if he had been rejuvenated, looking much younger.
In his previous life, Han Feng had not married, and it seemed he had no relatives in this life either.
No matter which Han Feng it was, they both had a tacit understanding to remain single when it came to major life events.
However, in Yao Chen's last words from his previous life, he had mentioned a regret about not being able to hold a grandson or granddaughter.
So, in this life, Han Feng decided to fulfill his master's last wish as much as possible.
Although he wasn't very knowledgeable about matters between men and women, and even found them a bit troublesome, it probably wouldn't be difficult if he actually tried.
Walking out of the training chamber, Han Feng felt an unprecedented sense of refreshment.
The physical troubles had been temporarily dealt with.
Improving his aptitude was not something that could be solved in a short time, so he finally had some free time to go out and take a look around.
Arriving once again at the elegant bamboo study, Han Feng picked up a brush and wrote a letter.
"To Jia Nan Academy..."
In the future, if Han Feng wanted to deal with the Hun Clan, the eight great ancient clans were a force that could never be ignored.
And this Jia Nan Academy happened to have some connection with the Lei Clan.
In addition, Han Feng was still unclear about the exact location of the Ancient God's Mansion, only knowing that it was also related to Jia Nan Academy.
In any case, "Jia Nan Academy" was definitely a very important place.
He had to find a way to get on good terms with them as soon as possible.
The key problem was that his current reputation as the Medicine Emperor seemed to be negative in Jia Nan Academy.
It would not be easy to reverse this prejudice.
But no matter how difficult, he had to try.
First, he would release some goodwill and see how the other side responded.
After sending the letter, Han Feng took the time to meet with the key members of Feng City.
The experts he had recruited were all quite strong. Among them were five Dou King experts and one fifth-grade alchemist, enough to sustain the daily expenses for medicinal pills.
Even if he left for a while, he wouldn't have to worry too much.
Although fighting was incessant in the Black-Corner Region and some small factions could be wiped out at any time, Feng City was not a simple place.
As long as he, a sixth-grade alchemist, was around, Feng City's position was as stable as Mount Tai.
Three days later, a reply came from Jia Nan Academy.
Han Feng opened it and saw that the characters on the paper were written with powerful strokes; the writer was quite skilled.
As for the content, it was just some pleasantries. It didn't slap Han Feng in the face, only stating that they were busy with official duties and would have a chat with the Medicine Emperor when there was an opportunity in the future.
The situation wasn't too bad. At least on the surface, both sides were amicable. If he found an opportunity to talk, he would surely gain something.
This kind of matter could only be handled slowly; it couldn't be rushed.
Putting the matter of Jia Nan Academy aside, Han Feng continued to look at the map on his desk, on which a location was circled.
"Wu Tan City"
The Xiao Clan, one of the eight great ancient clans, was currently hidden in this small city.
He had learned of this in his previous life, but by that time, the Xiao Clan had already been destroyed. There was only one descendant of the Xiao family named Xiao Yan, who used Jia Nan Academy as a springboard to enter the Central Plains in search of the culprit who had destroyed his clan.
Because Han Feng and Xiao Yan shared a common enemy, the Hun Clan, they had crossed paths during the future "War Against the Hun."
Eight great clans, eight ancient jades.
Since ancient times, each great clan had been in charge of a fragment of the ancient jade.
The destruction of the Xiao Clan was likely also due to this ancient jade.
Han Feng himself had no designs on the ancient jade. In his previous life, they had desperately protected this thing, but in the end, weren't they still defeated by the Hun Clan?
When one's own strength was insufficient, protecting the ancient jade was meaningless.
"I'll go to the Xiao Clan first. I owed that kid Xiao Yan a favor back then, so I have to repay it in this life."
At the very least, they shouldn't be annihilated in confusion without even knowing the reason.
For something like the Tou She Ancient God's Jade, an innocent man gets into trouble for his wealth.
Of course, he was also a little curious to see what the Xiao Clan was like now.
That was once the head of the eight great clans, the most powerful Dou God clan.
Thinking of this, Han Feng did not stay in Feng City for long. After giving some instructions to his subordinates, he left alone.
The news of Han Feng leaving the city spread not long after, but no faction dared to make a move on Feng City. Especially after the Pill Lightning had descended a few days ago, it had already made many experts in the Black-Corner Region ponder how they should curry favor with Han Feng in the future.
Black Emperor Sect.
After listening to his subordinate's report, Mo Tianxing waved his hand to dismiss him.
"He left. Where is he going?"
Logically speaking, now that Han Feng had just refined a seventh-grade pill, it was the best time for him to awe the experts of the Black-Corner Region.
Faced with a summons from a seventh-grade alchemist, presumably no one would refuse, not even him, a Dou Ancestor!
But Han Feng had given up this opportunity. If he wanted to summon them again in the future, the effect would probably not be as good as it was now.
"Perhaps he has something urgent to attend to?"
Mo Tianxing could only think so.
In any case, he would never have guessed that Han Feng currently didn't care about the experts of the Black-Corner Region at all, including him.
———
Half a month later.
Outside Wu Tan City, located in the northeastern region of the Jia Ma Empire, a man with his hair tied up, dressed in a dark cyan robe, walked slowly. He looked up at the wide and imposing city gate. On the city wall, the three large characters for "Wu Tan City" were rendered in bright lacquer, the font grand and majestic.
He had finally arrived.
Han Feng suppressed some of the thoughts in his mind and stepped into this city once again.
Compared to the ruins in his previous life's memory, the current Wu Tan City was what you would call a city. Vendors set up stalls on the streets, pedestrians came and went, and in some small taverns, customers chatted and laughed.
This world was still mostly populated by ordinary people.
Walking on the street, Han Feng felt an inexplicable sense of peace in his heart.
Was this the life of an ordinary person? It seemed he had been detached from the mortal world for too long.
In the great war of his previous life, how many living beings had perished on the continent? Heaven and earth themselves had mourned for them.
In comparison, the peace of the present was truly something to be cherished.
Walking all the way to the main gate of the Xiao family's residence, Han Feng paused for a few seconds as he looked at the two Dou Practitioners standing guard on either side of the gate.
This should... be the right place, right?
———
"Clan Head, a distinguished guest has arrived at the residence today. His appearance and bearing are extraordinary, and it seems he has come specifically to see you."
After meeting Han Feng, the butler felt that he couldn't make a decision on his own and came to report to Xiao Zhan.
"Oh?"
Xiao Zhan put down his brush and began to think.
A distinguished guest?
Could it be a friend from the imperial capital?
After the Xiao family was forced to leave the imperial capital, they had lost contact with almost all their former friends.
Only a few still remembered their old friendship.
"Then let's go and meet him."
Xiao Zhan stood up and walked towards the door.
Han Feng was currently sitting in the guest hall of the Xiao family's residence, feeling somewhat emotional about what he had just seen and heard.
From the Dou Practitioners guarding the gate to the servants who were not even Dou Practitioners, among the Xiao family members he had seen coming and going, the highest level was only an eight-star Dou Practitioner. He hadn't even seen a Dou Master yet.
Was this... really that "Xiao Clan"?
Thump, thump, thump!
The sound of heavy footsteps approached. Han Feng turned his head and finally saw a Dou Master!
"I am Xiao Zhan, the Clan Head of the Xiao Clan."
"I am Han Feng. I have come uninvited. I hope Clan Head Xiao will not take offense."
Seeing that the main person had finally arrived, Han Feng stood up and returned the courtesy with a solemn bow.
"Our guest looks a bit unfamiliar... May I ask where you are from?"
Xiao Zhan was a little puzzled. He searched his memories but had never seen Han Feng before.
"The Black-Corner Region."
Clang!
Xiao Zhan's hand, holding the teacup, trembled slightly, and some tea spilled out.
The Black-Corner Region? That Black-Corner Region known for its chaos?
Seeing Xiao Zhan's stunned expression, Han Feng explained, "When I was young, my clan was destroyed. I followed my master and roamed the continent. Now that I have completed my studies and returned, I am barely making a living in the Black-Corner Region."
Xiao Zhan nodded, a look of realization on his face.
It seemed that this young man with a dignified bearing was not as glamorous as he appeared. Like his Xiao family, he also had a tragic past.
"My condolences, guest. May I ask the purpose of your visit to the Xiao family today?"
Han Feng clasped his fist in a salute.
"I have come specifically for Clan Head Xiao."
"Me?"
Xiao Zhan's eyes widened, his tone filled with confusion.
"Yes."
Han Feng nodded very solemnly and then said directly, "When my master and I were traveling in the Central Plains, we accidentally learned about the eight great ancient Dou God clans of the Dou Qi Continent."
Xiao Zhan's pupils contracted sharply, but his face remained impassive.
Han Feng continued, "Through some special intelligence, we learned that you are the current Clan Head of the Xiao Clan, one of the eight ancient clans."
Xiao Zhan took a deep breath.
"I don't know what you're talking about..."
"I am just a Dou Master. You're talking to me about a Dou God?"
Xiao Zhan looked at Han Feng with a puzzled expression, which also seemed to contain some self-mockery.
Han Feng just said faintly, "Clan Head Xiao, since I have come here, I naturally already have definite information."
Xiao Zhan still did not reply.
"I have come to the Xiao family just to tell you that the Tou She Ancient God's Jade, which is the Xiao family's ancestral jade piece, has already been targeted by another group. When they arrive, it will not be as simple as drinking tea and chatting."
Han Feng took a sip of tea and quietly waited for Xiao Zhan's reaction.
This was ultimately a matter for the Xiao family, and it was not convenient for him to interfere.
After a moment, Xiao Zhan finally sighed.
"Who are those people you mentioned?"
Asking this question was already a tacit admission that the Xiao family was the Xiao Clan.
Han Feng did not hide this.
"The Hun Clan. They were at odds with the Xiao Clan a thousand years ago. Now they have established the Hall of Souls, casting their net over the world. The Jia Ma Empire also has the influence of the Hall of Souls, so it will take them at most about ten years to find this place."
Han Feng took another sip of tea, suddenly thought of something, and said, "If you were in the imperial capital, it probably wouldn't even take ten years."
Hearing this, Xiao Zhan's fist clenched tightly. The teacup shattered, and scalding tea flowed out from between his fingers.
"So that's how it is..."
No wonder his father was suddenly seriously injured and on the verge of death, yet he still wanted him to take the Xiao family and leave the imperial capital.
Those things that had seemed absurd in the past now seemed to be connected by a thousand threads when he thought about them.
"The Hall of Souls is very powerful. Dou Spirits and Dou Kings are everywhere. With the current strength of the Xiao family, forgive me for being blunt, but you can't protect the ancient jade."
Han Feng spoke frankly.
"Are you also here for the ancient jade?"
Xiao Zhan's breathing was rapid as he turned his head and asked.
"No, the ancient jade is useless to me. I just came to remind Clan Head Xiao to make preparations early."
Xiao Zhan nodded, his impression of Han Feng improving considerably.
However, he did not voice his own thoughts, nor did he take out the ancient jade.
He probably still had concerns in his heart. After all, that was the heritage of the Xiao Clan, the belief in the hearts of the Xiao people.
As the Clan Head, he couldn't just hand over the family heirloom so easily.
"Many thanks, Mr. Han, for informing me of this matter. I will remember this kindness."
Seeing Xiao Zhan's solemn bow, Han Feng also quickly stood up.
"Clan Head Xiao, there's no need for this. I... once owed the Xiao family a favor. I have come this time to repay it."
Han Feng said with a smile, "This matter is of great importance. Clan Head Xiao should consider it carefully, but there's no need to worry too much. I will always stand behind the Xiao family. If there is trouble, I will definitely lend a hand."
Han Feng's words were extremely generous. Knowing that the Xiao family would face a powerful enemy in the future, yet still offering such protection, Xiao Zhan couldn't help but be moved.
"I respect Mr. Han!"
Xiao Zhan raised his teacup and drained it in one gulp.
Han Feng returned the gesture and also drank a full cup.
"Please stay at the Xiao residence for a few days, Mr. Han. We can have a good drink later!"
Xiao Zhan still had many matters to deal with on a daily basis. Now that he had received Han Feng's news, he could not relax.
Although Han Feng had said that he could protect the Xiao family, Xiao Zhan only took it as a polite remark.
A man must save himself. If he does not save himself, then heaven cannot save him.
The people of the Xiao family would not abandon their beliefs, but they would not be stubborn either.
There was always a way to solve this matter.
Watching Xiao Zhan leave, Han Feng was led by a servant to a top-tier guest room near the clan head's bedroom.
Unable to refuse their hospitality, Han Feng decided to stay for a few days.
Although he had gained a new understanding of the Xiao Clan's overall strength today, his conversation with Xiao Zhan had been quite satisfactory.
This Clan Head of the Xiao Clan was not a rash person.
He was steady and generous, and not pedantic. Apart from his cultivation being a bit low, everything else was quite good.
In the afternoon, with nothing to do, Han Feng walked out of his room for a stroll.
Before he had gone far, he saw a very young child sitting cross-legged on an open-air stone platform in a small courtyard, his hands forming a hand seal, seemingly cultivating.
How old is he? He's already started cultivating?
Han Feng looked from a distance and found that this child looked somewhat familiar.
Xiao Yan?
Considering the time, this age was about right.
A trace of amusement appeared in his eyes. To see an old acquaintance again, he didn't expect the other party to still be a little kid.
Han Feng quietly approached and watched for a while. He found that Xiao Yan was still in the stage of sensing Dou Disciple and had not truly stepped into cultivation.
However, it seemed he was close.
Han Feng raised his palm and placed it on Xiao Yan's head, at the same time whispering softly:
"Left palace gathers breath, spirit covers the filth;
Looking up and down, grasping the pillar, right pool circles the source."
The four-word foundation-building method was transmitted into Xiao Yan's ears in a special form, without breaking his state of comprehension.
The next second, as if enlightened, Xiao Yan followed the four-word true words and sensed the wisps of Dou Qi from the air.
Xiao Yan quickly recalled the cultivation technique he had memorized before, changed his hand seal, and began to condense Dou Disciple.
Wisps of Dou Qi surged towards Xiao Yan from the surroundings, but very little was absorbed into his body.
Time passed bit by bit.
Finally, buzz!
Xiao Yan felt a warmth in his abdomen.
The next moment, the first wisp of Dou Disciple appeared in Xiao Yan's tender Dantian.
Dou Disciple, Stage One!