Chapter 333: Selling Out the Master
Within the dazzling seven-colored thunderclouds, Xiao Yuan stood tall, wreathed in intertwining blue and black lightning, like a true god of thunder. His arms opened wide, seemingly embracing the very heavens.
In the next instant, the thunderclouds responded to his will, converging toward his chest as though summoned.
The colorful clouds transformed into strands of lightning that were absorbed into Xiao Yuan's body, painting his originally dual-toned lightning with radiant, dazzling hues.
Around him, cracks in space began to form—dark rifts flickering in and out of existence, as though unable to withstand the destructive energy now seething within him.
As more thunder energy poured into him, the glow of his lightning deepened. The azure sparks turned pitch-black, and an aura of terrifying destruction rose, chilling to the bone.
"Is that the aura of Black Demon Lightning?!"
A shocked and incredulous voice echoed across the starry domain.
"It is indeed. This young man is extraordinary," another aged voice responded. "Xuan Yi has gone to handle the matter. Judging by his cultivation technique, he shouldn't be from the Soul Hall, but caution is always wise."
"Black Demon Lightning…"
In the spatial rift, a graceful, mature woman gazed through the thunderclouds at Xiao Yuan. Her beautiful eyes revealed a trace of surprise.
To possess Yao Chen's Black Demon Cauldron and have such profound alchemy at his young age… those two points alone were enough for Xuan Yi to conclude this youth was likely the infamous disciple of Yao Chen causing waves throughout Central Plains.
And the young man beside him had a strong soul and similar features—they were likely brothers and fellow disciples under Yao Chen.
Which meant… they must know where Yao Chen was!
Yao Chen!
Her gaze on Xiao Yuan sharpened, though her mind drifted to memories of the past.
Below, the rainbow thunderclouds visibly shrank. Onlookers were puzzled by the sudden change, casting questioning glances skyward.
As the oppressive clouds dispersed, sunlight bathed the land again. The warmth, like sunshine after a storm, left many feeling refreshed and renewed.
But as everyone basked in the light, their eyes were soon drawn upward once more—to the lone figure hovering in the sky, now sheathed in pitch-black lightning. The destructive energy he emitted made even some Dou Zuns pale.
"My god! That black lightning around him—is it the legendary Black Demon Lightning?! No wonder he dared enter the thundercloud!"
A sharp-eyed observer exclaimed in awe.
Black Demon Lightning—a terrifying force that only appeared when refining mythical ninth-tier pills. No one could imagine how this man had tamed it.
Xiao Yuan clenched his fists in the air, feeling the surging strength in his body and indulging in the satisfaction.
The thunder tempering had upgraded his body to a level on par with a Heavenly Demon Puppet. Absorbing the thundercloud's energy had also enhanced his internal Black Demon Lightning—powerful enough that, if unleashed, could fatally wound even a seven-star Dou Zun like Tian Huo Zun Zhe.
With only physical strength comparable to an eighth-ranked magical beast, he could now easily crush Tian Shuangzi from Ice River Valley.
His Dou Qi cultivation also advanced—he had reached eight-star Dou Zong.
The sheer power of seven-colored Pill Thunder was undeniable.
Having dealt with the thunder, it was time to reap the rewards. Xiao Yuan formed a seal with both hands. The Black Demon Cauldron opened, and a rainbow pillar shot into the sky.
Within it hovered a transparent, multicolored pill, like divine nectar flowing inside—a true marvel.
Dense spiritual energy coalesced into a thumb-sized humanoid form beside it, remarkably resembling Xiao Yuan.
With a flick, the pill fell into his hand. He admired it, nodding with satisfaction.
This was a true milestone in his alchemy career.
"A pill of this level…"
Many around them stared with envy. Their minds stirred—though the alchemist was impressive, his strength seemed lacking. Perhaps...
Tian Huo Zun Zhe instantly sensed this shift. He flashed to Xiao Yuan's side, releasing his seven-star Dou Zun aura, sending a wave of pressure so intense that many staggered or nearly knelt.
"Heh, not bad, brat. I'll be counting on you for pills in the future."
He patted Xiao Yuan's shoulder and chuckled.
"Haha, no need to be so polite, Senior Tian Huo. We're close. Just say the word and I'll make whatever you need."
Xiao Yuan laughed and nodded.
"Good, good!" Tian Huo Zun Zhe smiled warmly. He hadn't expected that in less than two years, he'd not only be resurrected but witness Xiao Yuan ascend to eighth-tier alchemist status.
What a remarkable young man!
"There's someone watching from above. You can't sense them yet—but I'd wager it's one of the Pill Tower's Three Giants. Maybe more."
Tian Huo Zun Zhe's voice echoed via soul transmission.
"The Three Giants?" Xiao Yuan paused, trying to probe—nothing. He felt nothing at all.
He wasn't disheartened. The Three Giants were far too powerful. If they didn't want to be seen, he'd never sense them.
As the two descended, before they could greet the others, a surge of soul power formed a barrier, enveloping the entire Ye estate.
Those outside suddenly found they couldn't see anything within—the courtyard had been sealed by a powerful being.
"Hm?"
The people inside also noticed. Before they could react, a graceful woman in a qipao stepped through a spatial rift. She exuded no aura, yet even Tian Huo Zun Zhe felt deeply suppressed.
This pressure was born of absolute power.
Xiao Yan, who had had white flames in his eyes, suddenly snapped into clarity.
"Teacher?" he asked internally.
Yao Lao: Read but not replying.
"???"
Xiao Yan was utterly confused.
"You are…?"
Xiao Yuan stepped forward and cupped his fists politely.
"You're Yao Chen's disciple?" the woman asked, examining his handsome face.
"I am. Yao Lao is indeed my teacher."
Xiao Yuan replied calmly. Though the woman appeared youthful, her strength and alchemy explained her ageless appearance.
"I am Xuan Yi, one of the three presidents of the Pill Tower's Alchemist Association. I was once acquainted with your master."
Xuan Yi's expression softened. Her eyes were warm, like she was looking at a junior she cared about.
"Oh! Aunt Xuan—I've heard Master mention you before!"
Xiao Yuan's face lit up with admiration as he stepped closer.
"Really? What did he say about me?"
Xuan Yi actually blushed slightly, brushing her hair back shyly.
"Well… it's not my place to talk about my teacher behind his back. But he's here—ask him yourself."
Xiao Yuan wore a troubled look, then stepped aside and gestured to Xiao Yan's unassuming black ring with a sly smirk and raised brows.
Xuan Yi followed his gaze and her eyes lit up. In a flash, she appeared in front of Xiao Yan.
Caught off guard, Xiao Yan was stunned, but quickly greeted her. "Hello, Aunt Xuan. I'm also Master's disciple."
He handed her the ring.
"Thank you."
She smiled, and the moment her soul force touched the ring, Yao Lao's spirit emerged—immediately accompanied by a furious outburst:
"You two little brats! You sold me out?!"
Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan turned their heads in unison, gazing serenely at the blue sky, white clouds, and the soothing sun—so peaceful and lovely.
"You—both of you!"
Yao Lao pointed at Xiao Yan, shivering in fury—but didn't point at Xiao Yuan.
Because Xiao Yuan was shielded behind Xuan Yi.
"Yao Chen… turn around and look at me!"
Her voice trembled. Her eyes brimmed with tears.
Yao Lao froze. He awkwardly turned his head—and met those tearful eyes.
At a loss, he floundered.
Knowing this wasn't their cue to remain, Xiao Yuan quietly led everyone into the house.
But of course, curiosity got the better of them. Soon, multiple sets of eyes peeked through cracks in doors and windows.
Yao Lao had no idea what to do. His clever disciple had run off and left him to face this situation alone.
"Xuan Yi… it's been a while. Heh… you're as radiant as ever."
He smiled awkwardly.
"Look at you now! I told you to stay in the Pill Tower, but you didn't listen. Do you know how devastated I was when news of your death came out?!"
Tears streamed down her cheeks.
"If I hadn't been guarding the Star Region, I would've come to find you myself. Feng Xian messaged me recently saying you were alive—but didn't say where! If I hadn't come today to watch your disciple refine pills, how long would it have taken to see you again? Were you ever planning to find me?"
Yao Lao became even more flustered. He had a great mind for alchemy—but charming women? That was his disciple's forte.
And that little brat was off eavesdropping!
"It's not that I didn't want to… it's just, in my current state…"
"You think I would reject you?"
Xuan Yi's tearful face tugged at the heartstrings.
Yao Lao hovered helplessly, wanting to comfort her, but his incorporeal hand passed through her shoulder.
To solidify his soul completely, he'd have to reach Heavenly Perfection—something even he had not achieved, even in his prime.
Feeling his ghostly touch, Xuan Yi wept harder.
"I know you wouldn't. But seeing me like this… it would only sadden you. My disciples are improving fast. Soon, they'll help me restore my body. After all these years, a little longer won't hurt."
Yao Lao sighed, his tone gentle.
"You didn't come to spare my feelings?" she asked, red-eyed.
"Sigh… yes."
Yao Lao rubbed his nose awkwardly. He was too old for this kind of emotional confrontation.
"Then you should've stayed in the Pill Tower. After leaving, you wandered aimlessly! Soul Hall's been hunting soul bodies for years—and you, thinking you're untouchable just because of your Heavenly Flame? If you had stayed, would Soul Hall dare make a move?"
Xuan Yi's grief turned into anger.
"But I'm still here, aren't I? Sure, it was rough, but I met two amazing disciples. If I'd stayed in the Pill Tower, I'd never have found them."
Yao Lao smiled with pride.
Refining pills was fulfilling, but cultivating great disciples—now that was true joy.
"Besides, I left the Pill Tower to find Han Shanshan. You know that. She vanished without a trace—I had to look."
But before he could finish, Yao Lao's soul began to flicker violently, turning from solid to ethereal. Pain contorted his face.
"Yao Chen, what's wrong?!"
Xuan Yi frowned at the mention of Han Shanshan—but now, her concern overwhelmed everything.
Inside the house, Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan's faces turned pale.
(END CHAPTER)
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