Chapter 300: Cai Lin's Breakthrough
"Yes, my lord!" The Black Seal City Lord's excitement was barely contained. The mention of Liao Du carrying information about a Dou Sheng's relic only fueled his enthusiasm.
Judging by Xiao Yan's demeanor, it seemed he was already considering a journey to the Southwestern Continent.
The City Lord vividly remembered Xiao Yan's promise to take him along when entering the Dou Sheng's relic. Though the relic might be fraught with danger, the opportunities it contained were equally immense. Even if Xiao Yan claimed the primary treasures, a mere leftover would be a monumental fortune for him.
The City Lord was well aware that even a single artifact from such a relic could elevate him to a Dou Zong and perhaps grant him a chance to glimpse the path to Dou Zun.
In the Black Corner Region, adventure and risk taking were woven into the bones of its inhabitants. The saying "Fortune favors the bold" wasn't just a phrase it was a way of life for those born in this rugged land.
Moments later, the City Lord returned to the hall, bringing Liao Du with him.
"My lord!"
Liao Du was dressed in a black robe, his face flushed with vigor. Since receiving Xiao Yan's gift of a seventh tier alchemist's notes, his skills had improved significantly. Already a fifth tier alchemist, the constant practice and demand for his services had pushed him toward the sixth tier.
He understood well that his progress was all thanks to the black robed youth before him.
"Tell me about the Poison Saint's relic its exact location and provide detailed information about the Southwestern Continent," Xiao Yan said with a polite smile.
"Yes, my lord!" Liao Du replied eagerly, producing a map from his storage ring.
"My lord, over the past few months, I've drafted a rough map of the Southwestern Continent. While it's not perfect, it captures the general layout and key locations."
"Hmm, not bad," Xiao Yan muttered, his eyes lighting up as he accepted the map and began examining it.
"The Southwestern Continent is primarily hot and humid, covered in vast tropical rainforests. These conditions have fostered the growth of countless unique plants and insects. In terms of medicinal herbs and poisonous creatures, it rivals even the Central Plains," Liao Du explained.
"The abundance of strange creatures and plants has led to the rise of numerous Dou Techniques and cultivation methods centered on toxins. Among these, the Gu Holy Sect, which specializes in controlling venomous creatures, is the strongest. It is also the only faction in the Southwestern Continent openly known to possess a Dou Sheng expert.
"Beneath the Gu Holy Sect are several other factions led by Dou Zuns. While not as powerful, these factions still hold sway as regional overlords. For example, the Poison Saint's relic is located in the Thousand Mile Poison Marsh, which lies within the territory of the Profound Poison Sect.
"The Profound Poison Sect may not compare to the Gu Holy Sect, but it boasts two Dou Zun experts, making it a significant force."
"So, the factions in the Southwestern Continent are slightly stronger than those in the Northwest?" Xiao Yan remarked, raising an eyebrow.
Liao Du chuckled, his expression tinged with pride.
"My lord, that's only half the story.
"While the known factions occupy less than half of the Southwestern Continent, the remaining territory is dominated by the Ten Thousand Mountains an endless expanse of peaks teeming with danger and opportunity.
"Countless reclusive powerhouses and exiled sects from the Central Plains and beyond have hidden themselves within these mountains. It is said that the Ten Thousand Mountains harbor at least three Dou Sheng level factions, as well as numerous strange and malevolent beings."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan's gaze sharpened.
So, the Southwestern Continent is far more complex than it appears on the surface.
A single faction like the Gu Holy Sect wouldn't have been enough to make Xiao Yan cautious. With his current strength, only a Dou Sheng could truly threaten him. The Soul Clan's Saintess, Hun Miao Miao, had been an exception; her abilities and lineage made her far more formidable than a typical Dou Zun.
But the hidden depths of the Ten Thousand Mountains home to unknown numbers of reclusive Dou Shengs were a different matter entirely.
The more secrets a place holds, the more enticing it becomes, Xiao Yan mused, his interest piqued.
The Southwestern Continent's mysteries made it a compelling destination. Beyond the Poison Saint's relic, the prospect of encountering the Nether Poison Flame and even reconnecting with Hun Miao Miao offered enough motivation for the journey.
For Xiao Yan, who sought rapid advancement, devouring Heavenly Flames was one of the few remaining paths to power.
While the Central Plains' Three Thousand Burning Flame might help him reach the mid stage of Dou Zun, its immense power made it a risky target. Even a nine star Dou Zun would hesitate to approach the flame, let alone Xiao Yan.
The smarter move would be to first secure additional Heavenly Flames and refine his strength before attempting to subdue the Three Thousand Burning Flame.
"Very well. I've decided."
Xiao Yan's gaze settled on Liao Du.
"First, I'll make a brief return to the Central Plains to handle some affairs. After that, I'll head to the Southwestern Continent."
Liao Du bowed deeply. "If my lord requires assistance, I am at your service."
Xiao Yan smiled but didn't respond immediately. His thoughts turned briefly to his companions especially Cai Lin and Han Yue.
Cai Lin has been preparing for her breakthrough. Once she ascends, her strength will rival even Dou Zuns.
Before long, Xiao Yan finalized his plans.
His next steps were clear: return to the Central Plains, ensure his companions were secure, and then set off for the unexplored wilds of the Southwestern Continent.
Xiao Yan nodded slightly, then stood up and spoke calmly, "When I prepare to head to the Southwestern Continent, I'll come back to bring you along."
With that, the space before him rippled, and his figure disappeared from the sight of the Black Seal City Lord and Liao Du.
After Xiao Yan vanished, the two exchanged glances, their faces breaking into sly grins accompanied by eerie chuckles.
It was clear that both were in high spirits.
Above the skies of the sprawling Jia Ma Holy City, another spatial rift appeared. This time, however, the powerful auras in the city didn't stir. Everyone knew that the return of their Alliance Leader was imminent.
Hovering above the city, Xiao Yan took a moment to survey its ever expanding grandeur. Then, his figure disappeared, reappearing within the grand hall of the Alliance Leader's palace.
Inside, Cai Lin was seated gracefully, exuding an air of majesty.
"You're back?"
Seeing Xiao Yan appear before her, Cai Lin's lips curved into a faint, breathtaking smile.
"Heh heh heh!"
Seeing her in such a radiant state, Xiao Yan chuckled mischievously and reached out to wrap an arm around her slender waist.
However, just as the two embraced, a powerful Dou Huang aura suddenly appeared outside the grand hall.
"Who dares disturb this Alliance Leader at such a time?" Xiao Yan frowned in displeasure, but his expression soon shifted when he sensed the aura's source.
As the hall doors creaked open, a figure stepped inside a classical beauty dressed in a flowing cyan dress and adorned with a golden phoenix crown. Her graceful figure and jet black hair left no doubt: it was Yun Yun.
"Well, Yun'er, you've come so quickly. Were you that eager to see me?" Xiao Yan teased, his arm still wrapped around Cai Lin's waist.
Letting go now would only upset Cai Lin, which was the last thing he needed.
"Of course, I wanted to see you, Xiao Yan," Yun Yun replied, her soft smile concealing a trace of danger.
This was the third time Xiao Yan had returned, yet he always sought out Cai Lin first. While Yun Yun was patient and understanding, it was difficult not to feel a twinge of dissatisfaction.
"Come now, you know I've always kept you in my thoughts. It's just that I had urgent matters to discuss with Cai Lin every time I returned," Xiao Yan explained with a sheepish grin.
Then, with a burst of suction force, he pulled Yun Yun into his arms.
Now, with a beauty in each arm, Xiao Yan's enviable predicament could have driven any man to jealousy.
But his good fortune didn't end there. Moments later, several less powerful yet familiar auras approached the hall.
As the doors opened once more, Xiao Yi Xian, Ya Fei, and Yao Ye entered, their gazes tinged with a mix of longing and reproach.
For a moment, Xiao Yan felt his head ache under the weight of their collective stares.
"Oh, our dear Alliance Leader is as biased as ever. He only thinks about his 'elder sister' and forgets about the rest of us," Ya Fei said, her voice carrying a note of playful grievance.
But Xiao Yan was no novice in matters of the heart. A sly grin spread across his face as he gestured, and the grand doors of the hall closed with a resounding thud.
"Heh heh. Ladies, it seems you've all missed me dearly. Since you're all here, let's rekindle old feelings together," he said, stepping forward with a wolfish glint in his eyes.
At his suggestion of an impromptu reunion, the women's expressions shifted drastically.
Moments later, Xiao Yan found himself sitting alone in a chair, looking smug.
"You think you can outplay me? Too naive!" he thought triumphantly.
But Cai Lin, ever the queen, soon struck back.
"By the way, did you all know? While he was away, this rascal added yet another 'little sister' to our family," she said, her sultry voice tinged with icy glee.
The atmosphere in the hall froze, and Xiao Yan's smirk faltered.
As expected, the revelation ignited a storm of pointed glares.
Chaos erupted once again, though Xiao Yan eventually managed to quell the situation by addressing each of the women individually and sending them back to their quarters.
That night, he devoted himself to "special training" with Cai Lin, ensuring her strength rose to new heights.
Over the following days, Xiao Yan visited each of his companions. From stargazing with Yun Yun to training sessions with Yao Ye, he spent time strengthening bonds and cultivation alike.
He even helped Xiao Yi Xian and Ya Fei stabilize their newfound Dou Wang levels.
By the year's end, the entire Jia Ma Holy City had transformed under the brilliance of the ever growing Flame Alliance.
As winter's first snow blanketed the city, a dazzling seven colored pillar of light erupted from the Alliance Leader's palace, piercing the heavens.
The once pristine snowflakes turned radiant, bathing the city in a kaleidoscope of colors.
Simultaneously, an overwhelming aura descended upon the city, causing even seasoned experts like Yun Shan and Fa Ma to tremble.
"This… This is the aura of a Dou Zun!"
Cai Lin had broken through.
(End of Chapter)
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