Feeling the tension in Liu Xi's expression, Qing Lin stepped behind him and gently massaged his shoulders. Her voice carried a faint chill as she asked softly, "Young Master, that woman clearly has problems. Should I kill her?"
Liu Xi exhaled slowly, his tense muscles easing a little. The cold gleam in his eyes flickered as he replied evenly, "That woman can't be touched. Moving against her now would stir too many waves. For the time being, we'll keep our distance… but the day will come when we settle everything. Xinlan, continue."
Seeing Liu Xi's darkened expression, Ye Xinlan immediately understood that the invitation from that woman was problematic. Sharing the same standpoint as Liu Xi, she mentally placed that woman firmly among the enemy.
After gathering her thoughts, Ye Xinlan said, "After that mysterious woman took Xiao Yan away, no one knows what deal she made with the Hall of Souls, but they stopped launching large-scale attacks against the Falling Star Pavilion. However, the Yellow Spring Pavilion, Ice River Valley, and Profound Sky Sect have grown increasingly bold, openly targeting the Falling Star Pavilion. They raid cities, ambush Elders on missions, and constantly provoking conflict. Rumor has it the Hall of Souls is secretly supporting them."
Liu Xi nodded slightly. It wasn't hard to understand. Since Gu Xun'er took Xiao Yan away, she wouldn't allow him to be distracted by external threats. Whether she struck a bargain or something else, the Hall of Souls' restraint made sense. But restraint did not mean forgiveness — they simply used other factions to keep the Falling Star Pavilion in chaos.
Ye Xinlan paused briefly, then continued, "Later, Medicine Sovereign contacted the Flower Sect and formed an alliance with them. He also reached out to many reclusive experts, gathering quite the momentum. His reputation soared for a while."
"Is that so?" Liu Xi's tone carried faint amusement. Medicine Sovereign's influence was indeed formidable — even after being entangled with Xiao Yan's trouble, he still managed to rally powerful allies. His alliance with the Flower Sect wasn't surprising; they already had old ties, and the Flower Sect had recently been oppressed by the Profound Sky Sect.
What mattered to Liu Xi, however, was how the Pill Tower — and allied forces like Wind Lightning Pavilion, Burning Flame Valley, and Sound Valley — were reacting to the shifting tides.
"What about the Pill Tower? How are they handling the current situation, and where do the other major factions stand?"
Ye Xinlan replied promptly, "The Falling Star Pavilion did send envoys, subtly proposing an alliance. But there were disagreements among the upper ranks, and in the end, the response was a polite refusal. Even so, the Tower maintains friendly relations, occasionally providing them with medicinal resources. As for the rest of the Central Plains powers, most remain neutral, unwilling to get involved in the conflict between the Profound Sky Sect and the Falling Star Pavilion–Flower Sect alliance."
Liu Xi nodded in understanding. The situation was clear: the Profound Sky Sect, backed by the Hall of Souls, stood against the Falling Star Pavilion, supported by the Gu Clan. The remaining factions either sided with one or the other, or like the Pill Tower, stayed neutral, avoiding entanglement.
The balance of power in the Central Plains was taking shape — but Liu Xi knew this balance was fragile. Once the Hall of Souls or the Gu Clan made their true moves, that balance would shatter.
'Once equilibrium collapses, the entire Central Plains will drown in war, and I'll lose this precious cradle of growth. I'll have to face the crushing pressure of the ancient clans directly. Half Saint… it's still far from enough. To those ancient races, I'm nothing but prey to carve at will. I must become stronger.'
Drawing a deep breath, Liu Xi's calm expression returned. In this world, strength was the ultimate truth. Intrigue and schemes meant little compared to overwhelming power. To survive, he had to keep climbing.
The path to Dou Saint was not easy. Even with immense talent, it demanded years of accumulation and refinement of Dou Qi. To advance faster, there were only two possible shortcuts.
The first — Heavenly Flames. If he could absorb a truly supreme Heavenly Flame, it might allow him to break through in one leap. But such flames were unattainable now: the Void Devouring Flame was out of reach, the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame had yet to emerge, and the Gold Emperor Incinerating Heavenly Flame was practically courting death. That road was closed.
The second — the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree. That was the true path to transcendence.
The legendary Bodhisattva Ancient Tree, known as the Tree of Wisdom and Reincarnation, was among the top three treasures of the Dou Qi Continent. It was said that beneath it, one could attain enlightenment and ascend to sainthood on the spot. Exaggerated or not, its power was undeniable.
The tree bore three treasures — the Bodhisattva Heart, the Bodhisattva Seed, and the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree's Enlightenment Ground. The first two were tangible sacred objects; the third, an ethereal opportunity — yet proven real. Comprehending beneath the tree granted insight equal to centuries of cultivation.
Xiao Yan himself had relied on this chance to rise from 9-Star Dou Zun to Peak 9-Turn Dou Zun, and then, through the Bodhisattva Heart, to step into the Saint Realm.
Liu Xi's heart stirred. To reach Dou Saint swiftly, he could not miss this chance.
According to what he knew, the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree was set to emerge within half a year — and word of it might already be spreading. Whether it be the Bodhisattva Heart, the Bodhisattva Seed, or enlightenment beneath the tree, Liu Xi was determined to claim one. But the moment the ancient clans got involved, chaos would follow.
From what he recalled, the so-called "younger generation" competition was merely a front — the older generation had all been hiding in the shadows, ready to shatter space and clear the field with a single blow.
Danger or not, fortune favored the bold. Opportunities like this were never handed freely.
Liu Xi clenched his fists. With his Half Saint strength, even if things went awry, he could still escape alive.
He sank into deep thought. Qing Lin and Xinlan, sensing his focus, wisely stayed silent. After a long while, a faint smile curved Liu Xi's lips.
"I've been sitting still too long. It's time to move again. Xinlan, handle matters in the Pill Tower and the Ye family for me. Tomorrow, I'll go bid farewell to Association Head Xuan Kong and Association Head Tian Leizi. Qing Lin, you're coming with me."
"Yes, Senior!" Ye Xinlan answered solemnly. Ever since Liu Xi became one of the Pill Tower Giants, the Ye family's status had risen sharply among the Elders.
"Yes, Young Master," Qing Lin replied softly. Her desires were few — being at his side was enough.
Night fell quietly. After Ye Xinlan excused herself, flushed and flustered from earlier, Qing Lin relaxed at last. She slipped behind Liu Xi, wrapping her arms around him.
"Young Master, I missed you every day while you were in seclusion," she murmured, her voice laced with warmth. "Stay tonight… don't leave again."
Liu Xi chuckled, the corners of his lips rising. "Alright."
Her soft body pressed against his, her breath intoxicating. After a year of unbroken cultivation, even Liu Xi couldn't deny he needed a little… reprieve. He pulled Qing Lin gently into his arms and carried her toward the curtained bedchamber.
That night was one of warmth and quiet joy.
(End of Chapter)
---
This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on Patreon, There is 2 Chapters Ahead of Release for Free Members on my Patreon.
Support me if you like this Fanfiction.
Patreon,com/Fallen_Archangel_
(Remove comma for dot.)
Leave a 5 star Review and a Power Stone.