Chapter 375: Xiao Yuan: I'm Really a Nice Guy—The Wind Lightning Pavilion Elders Grew So Strong Following Me!
Within the starlit domain engulfed in purple-black flames, fire surged and temperatures soared to such extremes that even someone of Xuan Kongzi's caliber couldn't linger long. Space itself twisted chaotically, and if not for a sealed barrier at the outer edge, these flames would've erupted like a volcanic explosion—bringing annihilation to the Sacred Pill City.
At the heart of this flame-devoured dead zone was a hollow area—completely devoid of any flame flow. Every trace of fire that reached this zone would split apart and reroute on its own.
There, a thin figure sat cross-legged. From his body, a deep dark-purple flame faintly rose. Every flicker of this fire caused violent ripples throughout the boundless ocean of flames around him.
The young man had been seated there, motionless, for nearly ten months. His body barely shifted, his breathing barely detectable. If not for the lingering life force around him, one would think he had long turned into a lifeless corpse.
As he sat in this deathlike meditation, thin strands of dark-purple flame seeped from his pores, wrapping his entire body like vines, tempering his skin, muscles, and even bones in an unusual refining process.
Under the constant refinement of the dark-purple fire, Xiao Yan's once fair skin gradually darkened into a bronze hue, filled with dormant explosive power.
His very breath seemed synchronized with the domain itself. Every inhale stirred flame tsunamis, every exhale calmed the fire sea. The entire domain moved with him.
Hiss!
Suddenly, a space rift tore open in the distance. Purple-black flames surged toward it like wild stallions, seeking release.
"Hmph! Back!"
A cold snort echoed, followed by the flash of golden light. In an instant, the surging flames recoiled like frightened beasts. A white-robed figure appeared in the domain.
Only one person could suppress the Three Thousand Burning Flame so easily—Xiao Yuan, now long returned to the Pill Domain.
"Still haven't finished devouring it after eight months?"
Frowning at the motionless figure in the empty zone, Xiao Yuan felt a slight concern.
According to Wind Venerable's information, the ancient ruin had already emerged. While still sealed by a terrifyingly powerful Dou Qi barrier, the seal had begun weakening. Within a month, even a single Dou Zun could break through it.
However, the ruin lay deep in the Beast Domain, and with the journey ahead, plus preparations required in Starfall Pavilion, Xiao Yuan needed to leave soon.
Wind Venerable had already gone ahead to prepare.
Today, Xiao Yuan had come into the star domain both to check on Xiao Yan's condition and on his puppets.
Months ago, after returning to the Pill Domain, Xiao Yuan had visited the star domain and left his puppets in the hottest areas for tempering.
The Heavenly Demon Puppets could absorb powerful elemental forces to strengthen themselves—just like how they used pill lightning. The scorching energy of the Three Thousand Burning Flame was ideal for this purpose.
"Come."
With a gesture, seven dark-golden figures flew over and kneeled before him in mid-air.
Xiao Yuan scanned them, eyes glinting with satisfaction.
The Wind, Cloud, Thunder, and Lightning Elders had reached Three-Star Dou Zun; Fei Tian was at Four-Star; even Lei Venerable had climbed to Six-Star!
For them to reach such levels through normal training would've taken decades. But now, as Xiao Yuan's puppets, their growth had been monstrous.
"I really am a good guy," Xiao Yuan chuckled, retrieving the six puppets. He then looked to Mo Yu.
Mo Yu, though still short of Nine-Star Dou Zun, had reached the peak of Eight-Star—impressive, but not surprising to Xiao Yuan.
Each advancement in the Dou Zun realm required exponentially more energy. Even after several months of cultivation himself, Xiao Yuan had only just stepped into Four-Star Dou Zun, and that was aided by his breakthrough in soul power.
His training demanded five times the energy of a normal person. Even with the bloodline of a peak Dou Emperor, it was still not enough.
Then again, most would consider it miraculous to advance a single star in a year—never mind two stars in a few months.
"Looks like he won't wake anytime soon… Seems like next time we meet, he'll be a Dou Zun. Hmph, keeping up pretty well, aren't you."
Xiao Yuan gave one last glance at the meditating Xiao Yan, sighed, and stowed Mo Yu in his ring. He left behind a strand of golden flame imbued with a soul message for Xiao Yan, then turned and exited the domain.
As he emerged, the Three Elders of the Pill Tower quickly resealed the domain and turned their attention to him.
"Don't worry—Xiao Yan's fine, though he'll need more time. I left him a message; once he comes out, he'll know what to do."
Xiao Yuan smiled reassuringly.
"You've stayed in Sacred Pill City long enough—it's time you explored the world a bit more," Xuan Yi said gently.
"Take that old man with you, too," she added, handing him the ancient ring that housed Yao Lao and a silver scroll. "Open the scroll in a quiet place at Starfall Pavilion."
Taking the ring, Xiao Yuan slipped it on and held the scroll. He could sense the terrifying spatial power within.
"Aunt Xuan… this scroll?"
"It constructs a space passage. Once Xiao Yan finishes, I won't need to guard the city anymore. I'm planning to head over myself."
Xuan Yi smiled.
Beside her, Xuan Kongzi and Tian Lei Zi exchanged helpless glances.
She was off to play again, which meant they'd be the ones stuck with all the work.
Well, she was their youngest junior—what could they do but indulge her?
"Alright, I'll be off then," Xiao Yuan said, bowing to the three elders.
"Safe travels," Xuan Yi said warmly.
"Farewell, Aunt Xuan, Elders."
Xiao Yuan turned and flew toward his waiting group. In a flash, they took off toward the southern region of the Central Plains.
"Do you think this child might reach that legendary realm?" Xuan Yi asked softly.
"So many geniuses have risen over the years, but breaking through to Dou Di… that's no easy task," Xuan Kongzi sighed.
"Dou Sheng, though—that should be no problem," Tian Lei Zi added.
They fell silent, each thinking of their own stagnant progress.
Starfall Pavilion, located deep in the southern region of the Central Plains, was the most mysterious of the Four Pavilions. Its disciples were few but gifted; its headquarters well-hidden, shrouded in secrecy.
The Wind Lightning Pavilion, by contrast, had been all but ousted from the Four Pavilions. After losing Lei Venerable and the North Pavilion, the West and South had merged into the East just to stay relevant.
But they dared not confront Xiao Yuan.
After all, the next Pill Tower Grand Elder, a peak eighth-grade alchemist, could summon dozens of Dou Zuns at will. That he hadn't wiped them out already was mercy enough.
Even traveling at the speed of Dou Zun experts, it took Xiao Yuan's group nearly half a month to reach the southern region. Another week or so brought them to the outskirts of the Tianxing Mountain Range.
"Old Wind said Starfall Pavilion is hidden somewhere inside," Xiao Yuan said. "You need a special method to enter—even a Dou Zun couldn't just walk in."
Little Doctor Immortal had gone to investigate the Graveyard of the Calamity Poison Body. Tang Huo'er returned to the Blazing Flame Valley to prepare for her Dou Zun breakthrough. Yun Yun, meanwhile, had been named successor of the Flower Sect and was preparing to ascend as sect master.
Thus, only Cai Lin, Tianhuo Venerable, Zi Yan, and Xiong Zhan traveled with him.
"Zi Yan, can you find the way in? If you do, I'll reward you with a Transformation Pill," Xiao Yuan teased.
"Hmph! I can transform myself now—I don't need your pill. You just want to see me grow up, pervy man!"
Zi Yan crossed her arms and pouted.
"Too late."
Xiao Yuan flicked his finger, and a Transformation Pill flew into her mouth.
"You—!"
Before she could respond, a strange green light erupted from her body. Her petite figure instantly blossomed into a stunning beauty. Her long purple hair flowed to her waist, her body now curved and elegant—rivaling Cai Lin herself.
"Wow, not bad!" Zi Yan admired her hands and her now mature figure.
Then she cast a teasing glance at Xiao Yuan.
"Maybe you should change back," he muttered, frowning. "I liked the cute little version better."
"You jerk!"
Zi Yan flew at him in a rage, fists pounding.
Sonic booms and spatial distortions rang through the air. Xiong Zhan stood frozen.
Good grief!
This guy's insane! I've been punched by Zi Yan before, and even without her full strength, she nearly broke me. But Xiao Yuan's taking her hits like they're nothing!
"Enough. You're adults now—act like it," Cai Lin sighed, pulling Zi Yan back and giving Xiao Yuan a pointed glare.
This child's already dumb, and you're teasing her?
"Ahem, it's been a long journey. Just letting off steam," Xiao Yuan grinned.
"Ugh."
Cai Lin sighed again. Sometimes he acted like a wise old sage, other times like an immature brat.
Still, she'd chosen him—so she'd stick by him, no matter how foolish.
"Young people are so full of life," Tianhuo Venerable chuckled. "But this mountain range isn't as ordinary as it seems."
With Xiao Yuan's help, he'd reached the peak of Eight-Star Dou Zun—just a step from Nine-Star.
And with that power came clarity.
He could tell… there was a natural formation hidden deep within this mountain.
(END CHAPTER)
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