Chapter 247: A Storm is Brewing
"Bodhi Transformation Saliva?"
Upon hearing the name slip from Xiao Yuan's lips, both Pavilion Mistress Yao and Elder Yan were momentarily taken aback, then quickly sank into thought.
Seeing their reactions, Xiao Yuan's heart skipped. Could they actually have news about it? He had merely asked on a whim, not expecting a lead—but from their expressions, it didn't seem like they were entirely unfamiliar with the substance.
He glanced at Xiao Yixian beside him, and even she—typically calm and composed—had a faint look of delight in her eyes. All along the journey, they had found nothing regarding the Bodhi Transformation Saliva, and now, to possibly discover a clue here was truly unexpected.
"There's an ancient and rare tree called the Bodhi Tree," Elder Yan finally said, "buried deep in remote mountains. Its roots, when left undisturbed for over a thousand years, may produce a thick, heart-shaped gel-like substance known as the Bodhi Heart. The Bodhi Transformation Saliva is a secretion on the surface of that heart."
Xiao Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly. This much, Yao Lao had told him before.
"If consumed," Elder Yan continued with a tone of awe, "Bodhi Transformation Saliva can cleanse the body, correct flawed constitutions. As for the Bodhi Heart itself—it is a treasure born of heaven and earth. It's said that when refined properly, it can even replace a human heart. If a cultivator's heart is destroyed, the Bodhi Heart can preserve their life... and even empower them beyond their original strength. Most importantly, it continuously nurtures the soul—an irresistible benefit to any alchemist."
His voice trembled slightly with excitement.
"It can... replace a heart? Strengthen the soul?"
Hearing this, Xiao Yan's eyes lit up. If he could get one, his strength would surely soar. He could finally go find Xun'er.
But then... if he used it in his teacher's body reconstruction...
A trace of hesitation appeared in his eyes—but the thought quickly solidified. His teacher came first. Without Yao Lao, he wouldn't be here. For his master's revival, no expense would be spared.
As for soul enhancement, he could borrow his third brother's Soul Nurturing Pearl. Xiao Yuan would certainly agree with his choice.
That Bodhi Transformation Saliva, however... it looked like Third Brother had prepared it for the white-robed girl—Xiao Yixian.
So she's probably another sister-in-law... Xiao Yan mused, glancing between them.
"I once read in an ancient, near-forgotten text," Elder Yan added, "that a Dou Saint known as Bodhi Zi appeared on the continent a thousand years ago—he had consumed a Bodhi Heart. But whether that's truth or myth, who can say?"
Dou Saints were too distant a concept for most.
Xiao Yuan nodded, a little surprised at Elder Yan's knowledge—he knew more than Yao Lao had shared.
"So it truly is a treasure of the heavens," Pavilion Mistress Yao sighed in admiration.
"Then what about the Bodhi Transformation Saliva?" Xiao Yuan brought the conversation back.
Elder Yan smiled. "Not too rare in itself. It's said the Pill Tower in Central Plains has it. Some other top forces might have some as well. You may have better luck in Central Plains."
"Central Plains..." Xiao Yuan muttered. It made sense—but did that mean there was none in Black-Corner Region?
"Thank you, Elder Yan. We'll take our leave."
He turned and left with Xiao Yan and Xiao Yixian.
As they walked, Xiao Yuan sighed, "It seems once we're done with matters in Black-Corner Region, we'll need to head for Central Plains."
He had hoped Black Emperor Sect might possess it, but now that seemed unlikely.
"Brother, should we go to the estate Black Emperor Sect arranged? I've been staying there the last few days hunting herbs. The auction has a few main ingredients for the Bone-Fusing Blood-Melting Pill—we must get them."
Xiao Yan said this in a low voice.
"We just killed one of their elders—how are we supposed to buy from them?"
Xiao Yuan paused, chuckling dryly. "Will the Bodhi Saliva be in the auction?"
"I doubt it. I've heard nothing of the sort."
"Then we'll lay low for now. When the auction starts, we'll attend. If they misbehave—then they can't blame us for being ruthless."
With that, they found an inn.
Inside, Xiao Yuan introduced, "By the way, this is also your sister-in-law, Xiao Yixian."
"Sister-in-law!" Xiao Yan grinned.
"Nice to meet you." Xiao Yixian returned a gentle smile. "You two talk, I'll rest upstairs."
After she left, Xiao Yan couldn't help but tease, "Do the other sisters-in-law know?"
"Of course," Xiao Yuan rolled his eyes. "I don't hide these things."
He then explained the ambush on Xiao Yu and Lin Xiuyuan.
"Just a few days gone and that happened?" Xiao Yan's expression hardened. "Originally I thought I'd need more time to build up before taking down the Flame Valley, but since you're back—then it's time."
Then he paused, more serious.
"Brother... you're looking for the Bodhi Saliva for sister-in-law?"
Xiao Yuan nodded gravely. "Her condition is special. Without it, she won't live past ten more years."
Xiao Yan was stunned.
He hadn't expected someone who looked so well to be dying.
"That's why I came to you. We need to get this done. But Black-Corner Region won't help much—it's time we move to Central Plains."
"Agreed. This can't wait."
Xiao Yan nodded solemnly. "I'll keep my eyes open just in case. If I hear anything—"
"No need," Xiao Yuan interrupted. "You're a Dou Emperor now. It's time you look to broader horizons. Xun'er is still waiting for you."
"I understand."
Seeing that there were no further instructions, Xiao Yan turned to the ring in Xiao Yuan's hand.
Whoosh
Yao Lao's spirit slowly manifested.
Xiao Yan immediately dropped to one knee. "Teacher! I have succeeded—the Heavenly Flame fusion is complete!"
He revealed a vivid blue flame.
With a pull, he split it into three—Green Lotus Flame, Fallen Heart Flame, and Ocean Heart Flame.
His cultivation surged—his Flame Mantra had advanced to intermediate earth-tier.
"Good, good!" Yao Lao was trembling with emotion.
Both his disciples now had three Heavenly Flames. His resurrection, once so uncertain, now had a solid foundation. With the power of these flames, even his future strength would be far greater.
"You've done well," Xiao Yuan said. "Since you've awakened, then I'll entrust you with this."
He handed Xiao Yan three rings, each forged with compressed Heavenly Flame.
"These are lethal weapons. Drip your blood into them to ease use—but only in dire need. Misuse could kill you."
He also warned of Soul Hall, who had begun pursuing him again.
Xiao Yan's expression turned grim.
Anyone who worried his brother like this was bound to be terrifying.
"I'll let Teacher explain the rest. I need to start cultivating immediately."
Xiao Yuan turned and left.
"Teacher... what happened while I was fusing the flames?" Xiao Yan asked solemnly, watching his brother's fading silhouette.
Returning to his room, Xiao Yuan found Xiao Yixian reclining elegantly on the bed.
"All done?" she asked lazily.
"Yeah. I'll need you to guard me—I need to refine that Scorpion King's Dou Qi. I need to be stronger before I face our stalker. Dou Zong-level battles aren't easy."
"Soul Hall?"
She guessed immediately. Xiao Yuan smiled wryly.
"It's not about you. They're after me—not the Poison Sect matriarch."
Xiao Yixian gave a helpless chuckle. "How strong?"
"Peak Dou Zong."
Her smile faded.
That strong?
Unless she self-destructed her constitution, there was no way to beat someone like that.
"Don't worry. Just guard me—I've got this."
"Alright. Begin."
With a smile, Xiao Yuan sat cross-legged and began cultivating.
—
Meanwhile, in a VIP room elsewhere in the city, a sinister atmosphere reigned.
A red-haired old man sat at the head—Elder Fang Yan, Great Elder of Flame Valley. Several other powerful elders stood respectfully behind him.
But the true center of the room was a gray-robed figure cloaked entirely in shadow.
"Are you certain the one we're looking for is in Black Emperor City?" Fang Yan asked hesitantly.
"You doubt my tracking skills?" the figure's voice was like ice.
Fang Yan paled. "I dare not. I just worry he might have slipped through..."
The chill intensified. He shut up immediately.
"This mission is by decree of a Soul Hall Elder. I'm merely borrowing your local influence. If you continue talking, not even your Valley Master can protect you."
Fang Yan broke into cold sweat.
"One more thing—the auction's rare herbs must also be turned over to the Elder. You understand me?"
"Yes! Of course!" Fang Yan bowed, trembling.
(END CHAPTER)
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