. This morning, Yao Chen, who had been in seclusion, emerged. After using the Bone Spirit Cold Fire to refine the evil spirit, he devoured it. He then consumed the Seven Illusions Soul-Clearing Pill, crafted by Xiao Ling. This pill not only restored Yao Chen's spiritual power but also cleansed his soul of the impurities left behind by the evil spirit.
Yao Chen has now returned to his peak strength without a physical body, more than capable of dealing with even peak Dou Zong warriors. If Yao Chen were to possess Xiao Ling's body, with Xiao Ling's recovery abilities, he wouldn't have to worry about side effects and could even unleash the power of a low-star Dou Zun.
Upon hearing Xiao Ling's words, Hai Bodong nodded without hesitation, saying, "Master Xiao Ling, rest assured! With me, Hai Bodong, here, I will protect the Xiao family. You've taken such good care of my Mitel family so many times, how could I not do such a small favor?"
A faint smile crossed Xiao Ling's face. He stood, clasped his fists, and said, "Then Xiao Ling would like to thank Master Hai in advance. I will reward you handsomely upon my return from Canaan Academy."
Hai Bodong quickly stood and waved his hand, saying, "Master Xiao Ling, you are being polite. Your kindness to my Mitel family is far more than this small favor."
The two exchanged a smile and sat down again to discuss a few details. Afterward, Xiao Ling stood up to take his leave.
Hai Bodong personally escorted Xiao Ling out of the Mitel family. Watching Xiao Ling's retreating figure, he silently resolved to live up to Xiao Ling's trust.
...
After leaving the Mitel family, Xiao Ling returned to the Xiao family home and met with Xiao Yan first, informing him that he would be heading to Canaan Academy the next day.
He then informed Xiao Zhan and several elders of the results of his discussion with Hai Bodong, reassuring them.
Although Xiao Ling's departure from the Jia Ma Empire would undoubtedly impact the Xiao family, with Hai Bodong's support and Xiao Ling's lingering influence, the Xiao family should be safe.
Upon returning to Canaan Academy, Xiao Ling planned to hand over the Xiao family's Tuo She Ancient Emperor Jade to Xiao Xun'er, asking her to bring it back to the Ancient Clan.
Gu Yang, the Second Elder of the Ancient Clan's ancestral temple, was responsible for protecting the Tuo She Ancient Emperor Jade and possessed the strength of a late-stage five-star Dou Sheng. However, he had been ambushed by Void Devouring Flame a century prior, his soul merging with that of a Soul Clan member, becoming a Soul Clan undercover agent within the Ancient Clan.
He possessed a Tuo She Ancient Emperor Jade belonging to the Spirit Clan, stored within the system. Even the Soul Heavenly Emperor, with his omnipotent powers, would never be able to locate it.
Without the ability to gather all eight Tuo She Ancient Emperor Jades, the Soul Heavenly Emperor, no matter how hard he tried, would be unable to ascend to the Dou Emperor stage.
After learning through an undercover agent planted by the Soul Clan within the Ancient Clan that the Xiao family's Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade was in the hands of the Ancient Clan, Soul Emperor Tiandi, given his cautious nature, would likely not risk the other six clans' detection by having Soul Palace take action against the Xiao family.
While the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade is extremely valuable and crucial to advancement to the Dou Emperor, its rarity also means that possessing it without a certain level of strength would only lead to significant trouble.
A genuine Soul Clan investigation would easily reveal Xiao Ling's possession.
This would only lead to endless trouble, and Soul Palace would undoubtedly dispatch powerful individuals to attack Xiao Ling to obtain the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade.
In the original novel, the Soul Clan, in order to obtain the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade, used Yao Chen's soul form to plot against Xiao Yan, leading him into a Soul Palace ambush. Even Xiao Yan's renowned blade, Siming, was shattered by the Star-Picking Ghost.
Xiao Ling simply sought to steadily improve his strength, preferring to avoid trouble if possible. Since this Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade wouldn't be of any use to him now, it would be better to give it to Xiao Xun'er, which would also be considered a good deed.
...
The next morning.
The next morning, the dawn was just breaking. Xiao Ling rose early, quietly opened the door, and went to wake Zi Yan, who was still asleep. Then, he packed his things and took Qing Lin and Xiao Yixian with him.
Just then, Xiao Yan arrived.
"Cousin Xiao Ling, I'm not too late, am I?" Xiao Yan scratched his head, his face unable to conceal his excitement.
Nodding slightly, Xiao Ling observed Xiao Yan's excitement and smiled faintly. "You seem quite excited. Without further ado, let's set off now."
Patting Qinglin's little head, Xiao Ling smiled and said, "Qinglin, call out Xiao Hei. We'll need him to carry us from now on."
After six months of feeding by Xiao Ling, Liekongzuo was now accumulating energy, preparing to break through to a seventh-level magical beast. Lately, he had been a bit listless. Therefore, it was best not to call him out for such a long journey.
Qinglin nodded obediently and replied softly, "I understand, young master."
With that, Qinglin patted his sleeve, and a small black snake emerged. Its body gradually expanded, and soon, the six-winged black snake king returned to its original size.
The six-winged black snake king first let out a hissing sound, then lowered its head and nuzzled Qinglin's cheek.
Feeling the Six-Winged Black Snake King's affection, Qinglin reached out her small hand and rubbed its head.
Xiao Yan watched intently as Qinglin summoned the Six-Winged Black Snake King, his eyes filled with undisguised envy.
Because he often came to Xiao Ling's place to learn alchemy, Xiao Yan occasionally interacted with Qinglin and the other girls, and he had heard of Qinglin's unique abilities.
Back then, the ten-year-old Qinglin had casually summoned a fourth-tier snake pet, truly startling Xiao Yan.
With a slight exertion of force, Xiao Ling was the first to leap onto the Six-Winged Black Snake King's broad back. Seeing Xiao Ling's gesture, the others followed suit.
Qinglin patted the Six-Winged Black Snake King's head, pointed in the direction of Canaan Academy, and commanded it to take flight.
At Qinglin's command, the Six-Winged Black Snake King flapped its wings and soared into the sky with a roar.
Standing on the Six-Winged Black Snake King's back, the wind whistled in his ears, and the scenery below rapidly receded.
Accompanied by strong winds and expectations, everyone rushed towards Canaan Academy with their own thoughts. The road ahead was still long, and their story had just begun.
...
The six-winged black snake king flew all the way, passing through the thick clouds.
Suddenly, the scene below became clear, and a vast black plain appeared before his eyes.
The land was filled with gloomy fog, with rolling mountains and deep valleys vaguely visible.
Strange lights flashed in the valley from time to time, as if hiding unknown dangers and secrets.
In the distance, dilapidated castles stood on the plains, surrounded by messy tents and people coming and going with vigilant expressions.
The people on the Black Horn Region Plain were originally busy or chatting, but when the huge body of the six-winged black snake king suddenly appeared, everyone was stunned for a moment, their faces full of shock.
(End of this chapter)