Chapter 285: Old Man, Long Time No See
Xiao Yuan stepped out of his training chamber, and the moment his gaze swept across the courtyard, it landed on the green-robed elder standing there.
It was obvious—this was one handsome old man. Though aged, the heroic air between his brows and the depth in his eyes gave him a dignified presence.
His aura was so ethereal that even with Xiao Yuan's current seventh-tier alchemist soul strength, he couldn't fully lock onto it.
The surrounding wind attribute energy had become unusually active. Space itself trembled faintly around the courtyard, indicating that it had been sealed—clearly, to avoid interruptions during their conversation.
"As expected of a Dou Zong. Reaching this level at such a young age—truly extraordinary."
The green-robed elder gave Xiao Yuan a once-over and nodded with approval.
"You must be the Wind Venerate? Junior Xiao Yuan greets Senior Feng."
Xiao Yuan cupped his hands respectfully to the man standing in the center of the courtyard. Then, he activated his wind attribute cultivation technique, causing emerald-green Dou Qi to spiral around him.
"Soaring Wind Art?"
Sensing the unique nature of Xiao Yuan's Dou Qi, the Wind Venerate's pupils shrank slightly, unable to hide his joy.
That technique—aside from himself—only Yao Chen possessed it. They'd acquired it together alongside the Burning Technique in an ancient ruin. Though not as mystical as the Burning Technique, the Soaring Wind Art had played a huge role in the Wind Venerate's achievements.
"You and him are...?"
The Wind Venerate softened his expression and asked calmly.
"Master and disciple."
Xiao Yuan raised his head and answered without hesitation.
The Wind Venerate nodded slightly. In a flash, he appeared before Xiao Yuan. His gaze held kindness now.
"That's the answer I wanted most—but I need proof."
Xiao Yuan smiled and retrieved the Black Demon Cauldron from his ring.
The Wind Venerate stared at it in silence.
He knew this cauldron well. It had saved his life once. More than that, he could clearly sense a familiar soul signature coming from within.
Proof that Yao Chen still lived—and seemed to be doing well.
As if sensing the presence of an old friend, the soul imprint within the cauldron stirred, and a translucent, elderly figure emerged.
"Long time no see, old man."
Yao Lao's familiar face made the Wind Venerate's eyes grow misty.
"To think I'd see you again like this."
Yao Lao nodded, floating forward with a faint sigh.
"Let's catch up in Dan Territory. I'm not in a condition to show myself right now. This kid here caused quite a stir, and my remaining soul power isn't sufficient to stay long. I'll be blunt—please protect Xiao Yuan."
Yao Lao seemed well aware of the chaos Xiao Yuan had stirred. He spoke with exasperated affection.
"Of course. Since he's your disciple, no one will harm him while I still draw breath."
The Wind Venerate nodded solemnly.
"Heh, your cultivation seems to have stagnated a bit. Help me gather a few materials. Xiao Yuan knows what I need—ask him later. See you in Dan Territory."
Yao Lao gave a final look over his old friend, then smiled and faded into particles of soul light.
"Alright, kid. Tell me everything that's happened over these years."
The Wind Venerate stood there silently for a while, then finally turned to Xiao Yuan, eyes filled with emotion.
"Let's head inside, Senior. Leaving you standing out here would be rude."
Xiao Yuan led him into his training chamber.
"What a rich medicinal aroma. You've been refining pills recently?"
The Wind Venerate inhaled deeply. The scent reminded him of his old training days with Yao Chen.
"Just stabilized my breakthrough to tier seven."
Xiao Yuan nodded with a smile.
"To reach tier seven at your age… your talent surpasses Yao Chen's."
The Wind Venerate couldn't hide his amazement.
With his insight, he could tell Xiao Yuan was only around twenty. To be both a Dou Zong and a seventh-tier alchemist at such a young age—his future was limitless.
"You flatter me. Without my master's guidance, I might not even have become an alchemist, let alone grown this far."
Xiao Yuan replied modestly.
Indeed, without Yao Lao, it was uncertain whether he'd have ever begun the path of alchemy.
"Heh, tell me everything then—how has that old guy been?"
The Wind Venerate chuckled. He already liked Xiao Yuan far more than Han Feng—good looks, good temper, and proper respect.
Xiao Yuan's expression turned serious. "Senior must know what happened to Master back then?"
"I wasn't with him at the time. When I learned the news, Han Feng had already announced that he'd died in a refining accident. Of course, I didn't believe it. I interrogated Han Feng multiple times, but he was slippery. Then he vanished from Central Plains altogether. I've always suspected his involvement, but I could never find proof."
The Wind Venerate's gaze sharpened.
Xiao Yuan sighed. "You were right. Han Feng betrayed him."
Boom!
At those words, the Wind Venerate's face turned dark. Killing intent exploded from his body, chilling the air.
"That bastard! Yao Chen raised him, taught him everything—and he still turned on him? Unforgivable! I should've crushed him when I had the chance!"
He bellowed with rage.
"When I return, I'll issue a bounty. That scum must still be alive. If I find him, he'll beg for death and be denied."
Calming slightly, the Wind Venerate spoke with icy resolve.
"No need," Xiao Yuan shook his head. "Master already dealt with him. Though still in soul form, his strength has returned to Dou Venerate level, and he's safely in Dan Territory."
"That's good."
The Wind Venerate's mood eased.
"Han Feng's betrayal is closely tied to Soul Hall as well."
"Soul Hall?"
The Wind Venerate's eyes darkened.
"They were after Master's soul strength. Thankfully, the worst never came to pass. They still don't know he's in Dan Territory. My recent publicity was intentional—to draw attention to me instead, ensuring Master's safety."
Xiao Yuan explained.
He continued, "I remembered how Master told me that when you two founded Starfall Pavilion, you insisted on naming him Master, despite his protests. I figured, if anyone could understand what I meant, it would be you. So, I dared to use that identity—banking on Soul Hall not catching on immediately. That way, I'd have time to grow. When they eventually send someone, I'll be ready."
"Damn those wretches...!"
The Wind Venerate ground his teeth. He'd uncovered hints of Soul Hall's activities before, but he hadn't realized they were the ones who targeted Yao Chen.
And now he realized how risky Xiao Yuan's plan was.
"You've got guts, I'll give you that. But your strategy is sound. Starfall Pavilion has been under my care all these years, and in most people's minds, I'm its leader. That old man's been gone too long—most have forgotten him."
"Well, I've hidden long enough. Time to show some fangs."
Xiao Yuan grinned, eyes blazing with fierce confidence.
"Unless one of the Soul Hall Elders shows up personally—I'll kill any Protector that comes!"
The Wind Venerate laughed heartily. "That's the spirit! You remind me of us back in the day. I've wandered for years, pretending to be carefree, but always searching for Yao Chen. Now that I've found him, I'm at ease. I'll stay with you for a while."
He patted Xiao Yuan's shoulder. "He gave you my cultivation art, didn't he? That means he trusted you'd benefit from it. Let me teach you a thing or two. When the Thunder Venerate asked if you were my disciple, I wasn't sure. Now, I can answer proudly."
He sent a message through a jade slip right then and there.
"Oh, one more thing. Based on what I've uncovered, Soul Hall might not just want Yao Chen's soul—they want his alchemy. They're planning something big, and they need top-tier alchemists."
The Wind Venerate paused, eyes distant.
"It started long ago. During an ancient ruin expedition that shocked the entire Central Plains, Yao Chen and I clashed with Soul Hall. That might be when they marked him."
"Ancient ruin?" Xiao Yuan was intrigued.
"Yes. A place full of unimaginable treasures. Yao Chen got the Burning Technique there. That's what Han Feng coveted."
Suddenly, the Wind Venerate grabbed Xiao Yuan's wrist.
"Hmm? Five different Dou Qi attributes?"
His eyes widened in disbelief.
"Yes—and not only five."
Xiao Yuan flipped his palm, revealing swirling Dou Qi in green, red, yellow, white, and black.
"They can even shift into related sub-attributes!"
The Wind Venerate was stunned. He'd never seen anything like this in his life.
"No wonder it felt off. An alchemist with wind affinity? That's rare. Now it all makes sense!"
He nodded in understanding.
"But… have you revealed this ability to anyone else? You'd have more than Soul Hall on your tail otherwise."
"Don't worry, Wind Venerate. I've only shown wind and thunder attributes. They're rare, but not suspicious."
"Good."
The Wind Venerate nodded in approval, growing even more fond of this disciple of his old friend.
"Tell me—what's happened to you and Yao Chen these past few years?"
His curiosity was genuine.
Xiao Yuan's gaze turned distant, his voice soft:
"It all began… with a fallen genius."
—
Meanwhile, at the Wind Lightning Mountains—
On the Thunder Throne of Wind Lightning Pavilion's great hall, the Thunder Venerate stared at the Wind Venerate's reply. His face darkened, and Dou Qi surged violently.
Dark clouds rolled across the mountain. Thunder roared.
"Outrageous! Absolutely outrageous!"
The jade slip nearly shattered in his hand. The message was short—but incredibly domineering:
"Xiao Yuan is my Starfall Pavilion's young master. Anyone who touches him, declares war against Starfall Pavilion. No retreat. No mercy."
"What?! So he can kill my people—but I can't touch him? This is outrageous!"
Furious, the Thunder Venerate turned into a bolt of lightning and stormed out of the mountain.
(END CHAPTER)
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