Chapter 299: The Tian Yan Sect
The third fragment of the Purifying Lotus Demon Saint's map had surfaced.
Upon receiving this news from the Lord of Black Seal City, Xiao Yan's first reaction was surprise. However, his surprise quickly shifted to curiosity when he heard another piece of information:
The person carrying the map fragment was a powerful expert whose cultivation even the Black Seal City Lord couldn't discern.
If it were any ordinary expert, Xiao Yan wouldn't have cared too much. But someone whose strength was undetectable to the Black Seal City Lord? That was noteworthy.
It was important to remember that while Xiao Yan didn't consider the Black Seal City Lord particularly impressive, the man was still a renowned figure in the Black Corner Region. With cultivation approaching the peak of Dou Huang, he was unquestionably a formidable presence in this area.
Yet, for someone like him to be unable to gauge this mysterious figure's strength? This meant the expert's true power was likely at least that of a high ranking Dou Zong.
In the Black Corner Region, a high level Dou Zong was an unrivaled existence. If such a figure were a local, they would undoubtedly be well known.
What puzzled Xiao Yan more was the question of why a powerful expert with such a high level of cultivation would possess, but seemingly not recognize, the value of the Purifying Lotus Demon Saint's map fragment.
Could it be that someone is deliberately orchestrating this?
Xiao Yan's mind churned as the pieces fell into place. The sudden ease with which these map fragments appeared felt too convenient, even suspicious. The Dou Qi Continent was vast, and gathering all four fragments was said to be a near impossible task.
Yet, in the original timeline, Xiao Yan had managed to find them with surprising ease. Now it seemed more likely that someone was manipulating events from the shadows, perhaps trying to guide him or another toward the map.
With these thoughts in mind, Xiao Yan ceased his hesitation and swiftly made his way toward Black Seal City. With his current strength as a Dou Zun, it took only two incense sticks' worth of time to traverse the space tunnel and cover thousands of miles from the Jia Nan Academy to Black Seal City.
At the City Lord's Mansion, the Black Seal City Lord was pacing anxiously, his thoughts troubled. Across from him sat an elderly man in a white robe, sipping tea with a serene expression.
"Why so restless, City Lord? This map fragment was a gift to you, wasn't it? Even if you sell it, it's free money. Surely it's nothing to be so worried about," the white robed elder said with a faint smile.
The Black Seal City Lord forced a laugh, his face full of helplessness. "Senior, to tell the truth, this map fragment's existence has been sought after for months by a powerful figure. I was tasked with investigating it in secret. To think it would end up in your possession... I've already informed that figure, and I'm sure they'll arrive soon."
"Oh?" The elder's smile stiffened slightly, and his aged eyes showed a flicker of surprise. "You're saying someone else was already looking for this map fragment?"
"Yes, Senior," the City Lord replied with a sigh. "That person is also incredibly powerful, and I cannot afford to offend them."
The City Lord's predicament was evident. Between these two influential figures, either could crush him with a thought. One misstep could spell his doom.
Has someone else already discovered the Purifying Lotus Demon Saint's secret?
The elder frowned slightly, his thoughts turning. If so, could this be the fated individual foretold by the Tian Yan Diagram? I must see for myself what this person is capable of.
As he mulled this over, the air in front of him shimmered with a spatial ripple. A silver portal appeared, and a black robed young man emerged from within.
"A Dou Zun!"
The elder's eyes widened in astonishment as his gaze met Xiao Yan's. Both individuals sized each other up, a flicker of surprise in their eyes.
The elder was stunned that such a young man had reached the Dou Zun realm, while Xiao Yan marveled at encountering another Dou Zun.
"Lord Yanxiao, you've arrived at last!"
Compared to their mutual shock, the Black Seal City Lord looked as if a great burden had been lifted off his shoulders. Pointing at the elder, he quickly explained, "This esteemed gentleman is the one who possesses the map fragment."
"Understood."
Xiao Yan nodded with a faint smile. He could sense the City Lord's unease and didn't press him further. Instead, he turned his attention to the white robed elder.
"Senior, it seems you hold the fragment of the Purifying Lotus Demon Saint's map. To be frank, I've been seeking it for some time. May I know your price?"
The elder's expression shifted subtly at Xiao Yan's words. He regarded Xiao Yan with a more solemn gaze, seemingly appraising him.
"You know about the Purifying Lotus Demon Saint? Interesting..."
Xiao Yan didn't respond, simply returning the elder's gaze with calm confidence.
After a moment of silence, the elder finally relented. A faint light flickered in his hand, and an aged, yellowed map fragment appeared.
"This is indeed a remnant of the Purifying Lotus Demon Saint's map," the elder said, flicking his fingers. The fragment transformed into a stream of light and flew toward Xiao Yan.
"This fragment was brought to the Black Corner Region by the decree of my sect, meant to find its destined bearer. I didn't expect someone to come seeking it directly. Perhaps you truly are the fated one."
The elder's words carried a mysterious weight, making Xiao Yan's eyes narrow slightly.
"Senior, given the significance of this map, your sect's willingness to part with it so freely is... surprising. May I ask which sect possesses such profound strength to disregard the treasure left by someone like the Purifying Lotus Demon Saint?"
Xiao Yan's tone was light, but his intent was clear.
Hearing this, the elder's gaze deepened. A faint smile appeared on his face as he studied Xiao Yan.
"It seems you already know the map's true purpose. Interesting... very interesting."
Xiao Yan remained silent, waiting for the elder to continue. After a moment, the elder spoke again.
"My sect, the Tian Yan Sect, is not based here in the Black Corner Region. As you've guessed, we hail from the Southwestern Continent. Our purpose with this map fragment is not simple, but whether you are the one we seek depends on what happens next..."
"Our sect is called the Tian Yan Sect. Perhaps you've never heard of it," the white robed elder said with a faint smile.
"Tian Yan Sect?"
Contrary to the elder's expectations, Xiao Yan didn't appear confused. Instead, his expression shifted slightly, and a glimmer of recognition flashed in his eyes.
"The Tian Yan Sect was founded in ancient times by the Celestial Yan Sovereign. Although the Sovereign fell during that era, the sect's legacy has persisted throughout the long history of the Dou Qi Continent.
"This sect specializes in divination and calculation. While its combat strength is nothing extraordinary, its ability to predict and manipulate outcomes has allowed Tian Yan Sect experts to outwit even those far stronger than themselves.
"Although the sect has remained secluded for generations, the occasional hints of its activities suggest it possesses immense power. Even today, it is said that the Tian Yan Sect's successive leaders are among the most mysterious of Dou Sheng powerhouses."
Xiao Yan's calm and detailed explanation caused the smile on the white robed elder's face to freeze, gradually replaced by a look of astonishment.
"Who... who are you? How do you know so much about the Tian Yan Sect?"
The elder's shock was justified. Despite the sect's formidable strength, it had very few members and remained hidden from the world. Even Dou Sheng level experts might know little about it. Yet Xiao Yan not only recognized it but also recited its history with startling accuracy.
So, he really is a member of the Tian Yan Sect founded by the Celestial Yan Sovereign, Xiao Yan thought with growing caution.
The Tian Yan Sect was no ordinary organization. The Celestial Yan Sovereign had been an ancient Dou Di, a figure so powerful that even other Dou Di feared him. His mastery of divination was unparalleled, said to be capable of glimpsing even a fragment of a Dou Di's fate.
Though the sect itself was enigmatic, its strength was undeniable. Not even the Xiao Clan fully understood its depth. In terms of secrecy, the Tian Yan Sect rivaled even the Hun Clan and might even surpass it.
"I am of the Xiao Clan," Xiao Yan replied with a faint smile.
The elder's expression shifted again upon hearing those two words. Smiling, he cupped his hands in greeting. "So, you're from the Imperial Clan. No wonder you know so much about the Tian Yan Sect."
"Since you now know my identity," Xiao Yan said, his tone steady, "would you mind telling me the real reason your sect placed the Purifying Lotus Demon Saint's map fragment in the Northwest Continent?
"The Tian Yan Sect is known for its ability to divine heavenly secrets. I can't help but wonder... what have you foreseen this time?"
The elder chuckled softly, seemingly amused by Xiao Yan's directness. "Young friend, since you are of the Xiao Clan, you must know that the Purifying Lotus Flame was already claimed by the Xiao Clan's own Celestial Emperor in ancient times.
"By that logic, the map of the Demon Saint should no longer serve much purpose. So, why are you still seeking these fragments?"
Xiao Yan paused, caught off guard by the question. After a moment, he replied, "Perhaps I simply wish to witness the legacy of this peak powerhouse from millennia past."
"Is that so?"
The elder's lips curled into a mysterious smile.
"Fate brought the map fragment to you, young friend. This means you share a deep connection with the Purifying Lotus Demon Saint. Though you know the map has lost its original value, you continue to pursue it. That persistence reveals the hand of destiny guiding you forward."
These people from the Tian Yan Sect are really just fortune tellers with a fancier name, Xiao Yan thought irritably, though he kept a polite smile on his face.
"Elder, perhaps you could speak more plainly," Xiao Yan urged.
The elder's smile widened as he continued, "The Purifying Lotus Demon Saint was no ordinary Dou Sheng."
"Of course not!" Xiao Yan interrupted with an exaggerated eye roll. "He was a peak powerhouse, one step away from becoming a Dou Di. He was also the previous master of the Purifying Lotus Flame!"
The elder laughed at Xiao Yan's impatience but pressed on.
"The Demon Saint held a secret that even Dou Di level experts would tremble to uncover. This secret concerns the very survival of the Dou Qi Continent itself.
"And the one who inherits his legacy... will bear the burden of the continent's fate!"
The elder's words struck Xiao Yan like a bolt of lightning. His body stiffened, and a cold chill spread through him as he processed the gravity of what he'd just heard.
"What is this secret?" Xiao Yan demanded, his voice sharper now.
The elder smiled and shook his head. "I don't know."
Xiao Yan clenched his fists, the urge to punch the elder almost irresistible.
"This secret is a weighty karma, one that even Dou Shengs dare not bear lightly. How could someone like me, a mere Dou Zun, possibly know its true nature?"
Seeing Xiao Yan's frustration, the elder added, "If you are curious about this secret, perhaps you should pay a visit to the Southwestern Continent. After all, the Purifying Lotus Demon Saint fell there long ago."
With that, the elder waved his sleeve, and a spatial rift opened behind him.
"I've told you all I can. The rest is up to you to uncover."
With those parting words, his figure vanished into the rift, leaving only a faint echo behind.
"Farewell, young friend. May we meet again if fate allows."
As the elder disappeared, Xiao Yan stood in silence, his mind awash with questions.
What secret could the Purifying Lotus Demon Saint possibly carry that was so monumental it could decide the fate of the entire Dou Qi Continent? Could it really have something to do with the Purifying Lotus Flame?
The flame, while immensely powerful, didn't seem like it could pose a threat to Dou Di level experts.
"Lord Xiao!"
The voice of the Black Seal City Lord interrupted Xiao Yan's thoughts. The man's face was finally free of tension, clearly relieved that the conversation hadn't escalated into a conflict.
"I thought you might end up fighting," the City Lord said with a nervous chuckle. "If that had happened, I wouldn't have survived the aftermath!"
Xiao Yan smiled faintly, shaking off his lingering thoughts. With a flick of his finger, he sent a Huangji Pill flying into the City Lord's hand.
"Well done. You've earned this," he said.
The City Lord's face lit up with joy as he clutched the pill, bowing deeply. "It is my honor to serve you, my lord!"
"Go fetch the alchemist from the Southwestern Continent. I have some matters to discuss with him."
(End of Chapter)
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