Chapter 377: Wind and Thunder Pavilion Delivers Another Loss
On this day, as the morning light emerged on the horizon, the disciples of Starfall Pavilion who were doing their morning training all turned their eyes to the sky. There, several figures stood in midair, their robes fluttering in the breeze, carrying an extraordinary presence.
"Xiao Yuan, remember to be extra cautious during this trip. If you encounter trouble, retreat immediately!"
Venerable Feng looked at the group, who were fully geared and ready, and spoke in a deep voice.
Xiao Yuan smiled and nodded, turning his gaze toward Yao Chen beside Venerable Feng. He took a deep breath, cupped his fists, and said respectfully, "Teacher, rest assured. Even if the Dou Saint's remains resurrect, I'll kill it again and bring it back to you personally!"
As soon as he said this, he didn't delay any further. With a wave of his hand, he turned and shot toward the exit, and in the blink of an eye, the group disappeared from everyone's view.
"Old man... your disciple is truly fierce."
Watching the direction in which Xiao Yuan had disappeared, Venerable Feng's face twitched slightly, unable to help but exclaim.
Yao Lao also smiled and shook his head. After all these years, he had gotten used to Xiao Yuan's personality.
"He and Xiao Yan... they're both good kids!"
"I still think this kid's cheeky personality is a bit more interesting."
A familiar female voice rang out. Yao Lao turned his head and saw Xuan Yi, who had somehow appeared without anyone noticing.
"What? Not happy to see me? Should I leave then?"
Xuan Yi furrowed her brows and pretended to turn around.
"Hey, that's not what I meant. I mean... didn't the spatial tunnel finish forming yesterday? You—"
Before Yao Lao could finish, Xuan Yi let out a light laugh and blinked mischievously. "I did it on purpose. Looks like you still have a conscience!"
Yao Lao's old face turned red. Just as he was about to use Venerable Feng as a scapegoat, he turned only to find... the man was long gone.
Bro?! Where'd you go?!
"Someone has better awareness than you!"
Xuan Yi laughed, grabbed Yao Lao's hand with her soul power, and flew deeper into the Starfall Pavilion.
The scorching sun hung high, with not a cloud in sight.
"Screech!"
The silence of the sky was suddenly broken by the cry of a crane. A white silhouette streaked across the distant sky, cutting through the air like a gust of wind.
As it got closer, one could see that the white figure was a massive snow-white crane. Several figures sat cross-legged on its broad back — precisely the group led by Xiao Yuan that had left Starfall Pavilion.
Their destination, the Beast Region, was sure to be anything but smooth. Too many powerhouses had been drawn to the ancient ruins, and acquiring what they needed would not be easy. Though Xiao Yuan was confident, he still brought Cai Lin, Zi Yan, Venerable Tianhuo, and even Xiong Zhan with him. With such a formidable lineup — plus Xiao Yuan's current strength — they could practically do as they pleased in the Beast Region, barring any peerless old monsters.
Of course, there was also his junior sister, Mu Qingluan.
She was from the Beast Region's Qingluan tribe and was quite familiar with the area, which would save them a lot of trouble.
"Sigh, what's so fun about the Beast Region anyway? Why go there..."
Zi Yan grumbled about the destination. Apparently, she hadn't had the best experience there.
Xiao Yuan knew well that during the time Zi Yan had gone missing, she had likely traveled to the Beast Region. That place was home to most of the magic beast clans on the Dou Qi continent. Though the Ancient Void Dragon clan was extremely mysterious, there was likely a bloodline connection among them that allowed Zi Yan to sense her kin and led her to the Beast Region.
Cai Lin smiled slightly at Zi Yan's muttering.
Even though Zi Yan had grown into a stunning woman thanks to a pill from Xiao Yuan, her personality remained the same — still that cute little girl, which made her quite endearing.
"Alright, stop grumbling."
Xiao Yuan smiled and tossed a small jade bottle to Zi Yan. She caught it, peeked inside, and immediately grinned as she poured the pills into her mouth like beans. After a few crunches, she laughed:
"That place's no easier to navigate than Central Plains. Since the ancient ruins are in the Beast Region, if you want to secure anything from it, be ready for a bloodbath."
"Qingluan, tell us about the power distribution in the Beast Region. It'll help us prepare — know who we can mess with and who to avoid."
Prepared as always, Xiao Yuan turned toward Mu Qingluan, who sat cross-legged nearby, and asked with a smile.
Mu Qingluan looked up, glancing at Xiao Yuan with a peculiar expression. Who would've thought that this senior of hers now shared the same realm as her teacher? A realm she had dreamed of reaching.
"The Beast Region is home to nearly seventy percent of the magic beast clans of the Dou Qi continent. It's a world of beasts. Among them, there are three major clans — the Heavenly Demon Phoenix clan, the Nine Nether Earth Serpent clan, and the Ancient Void Dragon clan.
Subordinate relationships are very strong here. A powerful clan can have many subordinate tribes who obey their lead. The connections are incredibly intricate, far more complicated than the main-branch sect system among humans.
My clan, the Qingluan tribe, isn't on par with the Heavenly Demon Phoenixes, but we're still fairly well-known. We have nearly ten subordinate clans under our rule, and combined, their power is quite formidable."
Xiao Yuan's eyes showed some surprise. This unique environment had cultivated a unique structure. While such hierarchies also existed in the human world, they weren't nearly as deeply rooted. Sometimes, the human heart was far more complex than a beast's.
"The Nine Nether Earth Serpent clan has the most subordinates among the three major clans. Their numbers are vast, but as a result, their bloodline has become increasingly diluted." Mu Qingluan shrugged. "The Heavenly Demon Phoenix clan, on the other hand, enforces strict bloodline purity. Even their dead must be buried in the clan's forbidden grounds. If outsiders obtain a Phoenix corpse or related materials, there are only two options — hand it over or face a deadly hunt."
At this, Xiao Yuan suddenly remembered — didn't Xiao Yan still have some Ancient Phoenix blood essence on him?
Heh heh heh... this trip to the Beast Region was going to be unlucky for that guy!
"As for the most mysterious Ancient Void Dragons, I haven't heard of them having any subordinate clans. Probably because they're not interested — if they were, many powerful tribes would surely flock to them."
As she spoke of the Ancient Void Dragons, a trace of reverence appeared on Mu Qingluan's face. Unlike the Heavenly Demon Phoenixes or Nine Nether Earth Serpents who climbed up the hierarchy, the Ancient Void Dragons were born as kings — the undisputed rulers of beasts since ancient times.
Zi Yan popped the last pill into her mouth, chewed, patted her belly in satisfaction, and casually said:
"The Heavenly Demon Phoenix clan isn't all that. The magical beast world has many ancient low-key bloodlines. Though fewer in number, they are incredibly powerful — even the Phoenix clan doesn't dare provoke them easily. Hmph, just a bunch of descendants with some diluted ancient Phoenix blood. If their true ancestors were still around, maybe they'd be worthy. But sadly, there are no real Ancient Phoenixes left in this world!
Also, the Ancient Void Dragons do have subordinate clans. You just don't know about them."
Mu Qingluan's mouth opened slightly in shock. The Ancient Phoenix — such a legendary name — she had only seen in ancient texts. They were said to rival even the Ancient Void Dragons in power. She never expected to hear such names from this purple-haired older sister.
"My Qingluan tribe is considered a reputable group in the Beast Region. If the Void Dragons had subordinates, how could I not know?"
Although she suspected Zi Yan was telling the truth, without proof, she couldn't fully believe it and asked directly.
"Qingluan tribe?"
Zi Yan raised an eyebrow, glanced at Mu Qingluan with a strange smile, chuckled, and then said no more.
"You—"
Mu Qingluan was visibly annoyed. Xiao Yuan quickly stepped in to prevent a confrontation.
"The ancient ruins this time are located in the Beast Bone Mountain Range, considered part of the Nine Nether Earth Serpent territory. Rumor has it there are Heavenly-ranked Dou Techniques inside. The Nine Nether Earth Serpent clan's experts will definitely get involved, and the competition will be intense. Be careful. Once you find the Dou Saint remains, get out quickly."
Mu Qingluan took a deep breath, shot a glare full of resentment at the carefree Zi Yan, then sat down and closed her eyes — clearly exasperated by this mischievous purple-haired sister.
Xiao Yuan could only smile helplessly. Zi Yan didn't care — after eating her fill, she just cuddled up with Cai Lin and fell asleep.
Cai Lin smiled bitterly. This child...
Due to the friction between Mu Qingluan and Zi Yan, the journey became rather quiet. Fortunately, after about four days of travel, that silence was broken by the looming silhouette of a vast mountain range ahead.
The Beast Region — they had arrived!
Though not as large as the Central Plains, the Beast Region was still vast. Layer upon layer of endless mountains stretched into the distance, giving off a wild and untamed aura.
Though it was known as the Land of a Hundred Thousand Mountains, that was only an estimate. The actual number far exceeded that. These mountains extended beyond human reach, and time had left countless treasures hidden within, just waiting to be uncovered.
The ancient ruins this time had appeared in the Beast Bone Mountain Range, a well-known region due to its horrifying sea of bones. Countless beast remains were discarded there, and over time, strange beast energies leaked from them. While useless to humans, these energies were nourishing to magical beasts. As a result, this place became a favorite gathering ground for many magical beasts.
The Beast Bone Mountain Range was located in the southwestern part of the Beast Region. Given that the ruins had already appeared, Xiao Yuan's group headed there without delay after entering the region.
The Beast Region had clearly become chaotic due to the ruins' emergence. On the way, Xiao Yuan and his group encountered many other powerhouses heading in the same direction — both human cultivators and magical beasts in human form. The news of the ancient ruins had evidently spread far and wide.
However, most of the people they encountered were Dou Sect or sub-four-star Dou Zun level. Xiao Yuan didn't feel threatened.
"Our main goal is the Dou Saint remains. But if we come across anything good, we're taking it. Otherwise, our luxurious lineup would be wasted!"
Xiao Yuan smiled as he looked at the mountains rushing past below.
He was quite interested in that Great Heavenly Creation Palm!
After two days of nonstop flight, a pale white glow appeared on the horizon — starkly out of place among the lush green mountains. But seeing it, Xiao Yuan and the others lit up with excitement. After nearly ten days of travel, they had finally arrived.
As they approached, the skies grew increasingly crowded. More and more figures darted through the air toward the bone-white mountain range.
"That's the Beast Bone Mountain Range. Two elders from Starfall Pavilion are stationed here. Let's rendezvous with them before discussing our next move."
Staring at the white mountains in the distance, Mu Qingluan's expression grew heavy. Even from far away, she could sense several powerful auras.
"Alright."
Xiao Yuan nodded slightly. With the Beast Bone Mountain Range now teeming with all sorts of powers and individuals, charging in blindly could make them a target. He was strong but not looking for unnecessary trouble.
Seeing Xiao Yuan agree, Mu Qingluan took out an ancient jade from her storage ring and crushed it lightly.
Moments later, a figure soared from the mountains and swiftly approached them. Before long, the figure landed on their giant crane. Upon seeing Xiao Yuan and the others, the man sighed in relief.
He was an elder in gray robes, wearing the badge of a Starfall Pavilion elder. However, he looked slightly disheveled, as if he had just come out of a tough fight.
"Elder Hu, what happened? Where's Elder Qi?"
Mu Qingluan asked, visibly concerned.
"Sigh..." Elder Hu let out a bitter smile, then said with anger, "Elder Qi and I were ordered by the Pavilion Master to scout the Beast Bone Mountains. Many powerful factions are already here, each claiming territory near the ruins. Elder Qi and I were lucky enough to find a peak close to the ruins. Just as we began setting up camp with some disciples...
We ran into people from the Wind and Thunder Pavilion."
"Wind and Thunder Pavilion?"
Xiao Yuan frowned. Most of their combat strength had joined him already. The remnants — just a bunch of nobodies — dared show up here for the ancient ruins?
"They dared to make a move?"
Mu Qingluan's expression darkened with fury. Wind and Thunder Pavilion had long since fallen. Where did they suddenly get the guts?
(END CHAPTER)
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