When Xiao Yan heard the news from the Black Seal City Lord, his initial expression was surprise.
However, when he received another piece of news, the surprise in his eyes turned into astonishment.
The powerful figure who appeared with the fragment of the Demon Saint's map was actually a master whose cultivation level even the Black Seal City Lord couldn't see through.
If it were an ordinary powerful figure, Xiao Yan might not care too much.
But what level of strength must a powerful figure whose strength even the Black Seal City Lord couldn't detect be?
It should be noted that although the Black Seal City Lord was nothing in Xiao Yan's eyes, he was already a well-known powerful figure in the Black Corner Region.
At the very least, his cultivation level was close to the peak of Dou Huang, yet such strength couldn't detect the true strength of that powerful figure.
This meant that the true strength of this mysterious powerful figure was probably at least at the level of a high-level Dou Zong.
A high-level Dou Zong might not seem like much in the Central Continent, but in a place like the Black Corner Region, that was already a near-invincible existence.
At the very least, if this person were a local of the Black Corner Region, they should be a renowned figure.
What suddenly made Xiao Yan suspicious was that if this person possessed the strength of a high-level Dou Zong or even Dou Zun, how could they not see the preciousness of the Demon Saint's fragmented map?
If that were the case, then…
Thinking of this, Xiao Yan's previously indifferent attitude suddenly tightened.
He originally thought that the fragmented map of the Pure Lotus Demon Saint was just an accident, but now it seemed that someone was secretly pulling the strings.
Otherwise, how could the vast Dou Qi Continent allow Xiao Yan in the original story to find all the map fragments so easily?
The Dou Qi Continent is vast and boundless; even a Dou Sheng expert would find it incredibly difficult to collect all four fragments. How could such a coincidence happen?
Thinking this, he no longer hesitated and quickly flew towards Black Seal City.
With his current strength, and having traversed the spatial tunnel, he only needed two quarters of an hour to cross a thousand miles, arriving directly from Canaan Academy to Black Seal City.
Inside the city lord's mansion, the Black Seal City Lord was pacing anxiously, lost in thought. Opposite him, an elderly man in white robes calmly sipped his tea with a smile.
"What's wrong, City Lord? Is it too much of a burden for you to handle this fragment?"
the white-robed elder asked with a smile, seeing the Black Seal City Lord's anxious expression.
"This is practically free. Although the price of this fragment might not be high, it's still worth several hundred thousand gold coins. For you, it's free money."
"Heh." Hearing the white-robed elder's words, the Black Seal City Lord chuckled awkwardly and said helplessly, "My lord, to be honest, a powerful figure asked me to secretly inquire about this fragment half a year ago.
I just didn't expect it to be in your hands. I've already informed that person, and I believe he'll be here soon."
"Oh?" Hearing the Black Seal City Lord's reply, the elder's smile faltered slightly, and a hint of surprise appeared in his old eyes.
"You mean, someone is already inquiring about this fragment?"
"Yes, that person's cultivation is also profound. I really can't afford to offend him."
The Black Seal City Lord helplessly spread his hands.
Neither Xiao Yan nor this white-robed elder were top-tier experts he could afford to offend; their mere presence was enough to make him breathe heavily.
Thinking of this, the Black Seal City Lord couldn't help but feel a headache coming on.
"What's going on!"
He was, after all, a top-ranked expert on the Black List, ruling Black Seal City and wielding considerable power and wealth. But now he had encountered two powerful figures. If he accidentally angered either of them, it would be his doom.
"Has someone actually discovered the secret of the Demon Saint's fragment ahead of time?"
The white-robed elder was silent for a moment.
"I wonder if this person is the one destined for tribulation predicted in the Heavenly Evolution Diagram. I want to see what kind of background this person has." As
the white-robed elder was thinking, he saw a fluctuation in the space in front
of him. With the unfolding of a silver light circle, a black-robed youth appeared before him.
"Dou Zun!"
The white-robed elder and Xiao Yan exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes!
The white-robed elder was surprised that Xiao Yan's strength had reached Dou Zun, and Xiao Yan was also somewhat surprised that the white-robed elder's strength was also Dou Zun.
How come there are so many Dou Zun now?
"Lord Yan Xiao, you've finally arrived!"
Compared to the surprise of the two, the Black Seal City Lord looked relieved.
With Xiao Yan's arrival, he could finally escape from the gap between these two powerful figures. He immediately pointed to the white-robed elder beside him.
"This gentleman is the old man with the incomplete map."
"I know."
Xiao Yan nodded with a smile.
He naturally noticed the Black Seal City Lord's unease and then looked at the white-robed elder, smiling as he said, "Old man, it seems that the incomplete map of the Pure Lotus Demon Saint is in your hands. To be honest, I'm actually missing a piece of it. Why don't you name your price?"
Upon hearing the words "Pure Lotus Demon Saint," the old man's face showed a hint of astonishment, and his gaze towards Xiao Yan became even more serious.
"Hehe, my friend, I didn't expect you to know that I have the fragment left behind by the Pure Lotus Demon Saint."
Xiao Yan smiled without saying a word, simply looking at him quietly.
Seeing Xiao Yan's attitude, the old man beside him stopped beating around the bush. After a moment of contemplation, a flash of light appeared in his hand, and a yellowed, incomplete map appeared.
"This incomplete map is the treasure left behind by the Pure Lotus Demon Saint."
The white-robed old man smiled slightly, flicked his finger, and the Demon Saint's incomplete map transformed into a stream of light and flew towards Xiao Yan.
"This item was brought to this Black Corner Region by the sect, originally intended for it to meet a destined person. Unexpectedly, someone has taken the initiative to find it. I wonder if you are the legendary destined person?"
Upon hearing the white-robed old man's words, Xiao Yan's pupils shrank slightly, and his gaze towards the white-robed old man became more solemn.
"You probably know a thing or two about the function of this Demon Saint's incomplete map, so you must also know its preciousness."
"I'd like to know just how powerful your sect is, that it would be so generous as to give away a treasure left behind by a peerless powerhouse like the Pure Lotus Demon Saint.
Also, judging from your accent, sir, you must be from the Southwest Continent."
Hearing Xiao Yan's tone, the white-robed elder's gaze deepened, and he smiled meaningfully at Xiao Yan, saying, "It seems you know the purpose of this Demon Saint's fragmented map?"
Xiao Yan nodded, but didn't say anything more.
Seeing his expression, the white-robed elder slowly spoke.
"My sect is called the Heavenly Evolution Sect, which you probably haven't heard of."
"The Heavenly Evolution Sect?"
To the white-robed elder's surprise, Xiao Yan didn't look confused; instead, his expression changed slightly.
"The Heavenly Evolution Sect was founded by the Heavenly Evolution Supreme of the ancient times. Although this supreme expert perished in ancient times, the legacy he left behind has never been erased in the long history of the Dou Qi Continent.
This sect is most skilled in deduction. Although their direct combat strength is mediocre, they rely on their powerful deduction abilities to outwit even experts several levels higher than themselves.
Although the Heavenly Evolution Sect has always secluded itself from the world, based on the occasional clues revealed by this sect, it can be inferred that the sect's strength is extremely terrifying. Even today, the past sect leaders of the Heavenly Evolution Sect are probably extremely mysterious figures among Dou Sheng experts."
Seeing Xiao Yan's calm and composed demeanor, the smile on the white-robed old man's face gradually froze, and finally, a hint of surprise appeared on his face.
"You, who exactly are you? How do you know so much about the Heavenly Evolution Sect!"
It's no wonder he was surprised. Although the Heavenly Evolution Sect was extremely powerful, its members were very few, and it had remained secluded for many years. Even Dou Sheng level experts might not know about this sect.
Yet Xiao Yan not only knew about it, but even its history was so clear.
"Sure enough, this guy really is from the Heavenly Evolution Sect founded by that Heavenly Evolution Supreme."
Seeing the white-robed elder's astonished expression, Xiao Yan didn't gloat; instead, he was somewhat solemn.
The Heavenly Evolution Sect was no ordinary powerful force. That Heavenly Evolution Supreme wasn't a Dou Sheng expert, but a Dou Di level expert from ancient times.
Moreover, he was the kind of expert that even other Dou Di experts feared greatly, simply because his deductive methods were incredibly profound, allowing him to glimpse even the fate of Dou Di experts.
And although the Heavenly Evolution Sect was just a sect, its true strength was unknown even to the Xiao Clan. The sect's mystery was no less than that of the Soul Clan in its heyday.
Even more mysterious than the Soul Clan. Of course, mystery doesn't equate to power, but the fact that even the Xiao Clan couldn't fully unravel its mysteries speaks volumes about this sect's extraordinary nature.
"I am a member of the Xiao Clan!" Xiao Yan said with a faint smile.
Upon hearing the name "Xiao Clan," the white-robed elder's face showed a hint of realization. He smiled and cupped his hands in greeting to Xiao Yan, saying, "So you're from an imperial clan. No wonder you know so much about my Heavenly Evolution Sect."
"Now that you know my identity, sir, could you tell me your sect's true purpose in throwing this fragment of the Demon Saint's Map into the Northwest Continent?"
"The Heavenly Evolution Sect has always used divination as its method. I wonder what your sect has deduced this time?"
Hearing Xiao Yan's question, the white-robed elder simply smiled and then slowly asked, "Since you're from the Xiao Clan, you naturally know that the Pure Lotus Demon Flame has already been taken away by that Xuan Emperor of the Xiao Clan.
Logically speaking, since the Pure Lotus Demon Flame has been taken away, the Demon Saint's Map should be of little use.
But why do you still want to collect this fragment of the Pure Lotus Demon Saint's Map?"
Xiao Yan was slightly taken aback and slowly replied, "Perhaps, I just want to witness the true splendor of this peak expert from thousands of years ago."
"Is that so?"
The white-robed elder smiled mysteriously.
"Fate brought you to the Demon Saint's Remnant Map, which means you have a great affinity with the Pure Lotus Demon Saint. Even knowing the map has lost its original purpose, you still collect it, indicating that fate is slowly pushing you forward."
"Damn it, it seems the people of the Heavenly Evolution Sect are all charlatans!" Xiao Yan cursed inwardly, but a polite smile appeared on his face.
"Old sir, why don't you explain yourself more clearly?"
The white-robed elder smiled mysteriously.
"I can only say that the Pure Lotus Demon Saint is not an ordinary Dou Sheng."
"Nonsense, of course I know he's not an ordinary Dou Sheng! He's a peak expert, only one wisp of Origin Qi away from becoming a Dou Di, the former master of the Pure Lotus Demon Flame!"
Xiao Yan couldn't help but roll his eyes, about to ask further, when he heard the elder continue.
"The Pure Lotus Demon Saint harbors a secret that even Dou Di experts tremble with fear. This secret concerns the very survival of the entire Dou Qi Continent!
And whoever inherits his legacy will be the one destined to face the fate of the Dou Qi Continent!"
In an instant, Xiao Yan felt as if struck by lightning, his body stiffening, a strange chill suddenly washing over him.
"What secret is it?!"
Xiao Yan couldn't help but press.
This secret was almost inextricably linked to him.
"I don't know!"
The white-robed elder shook his head with a smile, making Xiao Yan want to slap him.
"This secret is of immense importance even to Dou Sheng experts. How could a mere Dou Zun like me know?"
Seeing Xiao Yan's expression of wanting to vent his anger but having nowhere to do so, the white-robed elder continued with a smile: "If you are interested in this secret, young friend, why not take some time to visit the Southwest Continent? You should know that the Pure Lotus Demon Saint perished there."
With that, he waved his sleeve, and a rift opened in the space before him.
"That's all I can tell you. The rest you'll have to find out for yourself."
With that, his figure vanished into the spatial rift, leaving only a faint voice behind.
"Until we meet again."
Watching the white-robed elder disappear, Xiao Yan fell into a brief moment of contemplation.
What secrets did the Pure Lotus Demon Saint possess that could be related to the survival of the Dou Qi Continent? Could it be the Pure Lotus Demon Flame?
But while the Pure Lotus Demon Flame was incredibly powerful, it didn't seem to pose much of a threat to a Dou Di-level expert.
He longed to return to the Xiao Clan and ask about the Pure Lotus Demon Flame, but considering he couldn't return for the time being, he felt a sense of helplessness.
"My lord!" Seeing the white-robed elder leave, the Black Seal City Lord finally breathed a sigh of relief. He had feared the two would start a war at the slightest provocation.
If that happened, he would be caught in the crossfire.
With their combined strength, even a ripple from the attack could have nearly killed him.
Hearing the Black Seal City Lord call his name, Xiao Yan finally snapped out of his daze. With a flick of his finger, a Royal Extreme Pill flew into the Black Seal City Lord's hand.
"Well done," Xiao Yan nodded slightly.
"Serving you, sir, is my duty," the Black Seal City Lord said, his smile almost reaching his ears, though his tone remained respectful.
"Go and summon that alchemist from the Southwest Continent. I need to speak with him about something."
====================
You can now download the complete English PDF of the story you're currently reading from my Patreon shop. I also have a wide variety of other books available there for you to explore!
I've recently uploaded several new Douluo fanfics, including Adult 18+ titles. Before checking them out, please be cautious, as some stories may contain mature, dark, taboo, or disturbing themes intended strictly for adult readers only.
Here are some recently uploaded Douluo fanfics on Patreon:
"Douluo: Steal Tang San Mother at the Beginning (18+)"
"Douluo: Huo Yuhao Knows the Plot"
"Douluo: Tang San Becomes a Girl (18+)"
"Douluo: Xiao Yan Transmigrates As Tang San"
"Douluo: They Go Wild with Cheats After Reading My Diary"
"Douluo: Writing a Diary, Turns Out I'm the Overpowered One!"
"Douluo: Legend of the Ancestral Dragon"
"Douluo: Double Comparisons, This Yuhao Is Too Cruel!"
"Douluo: Starting with Bibi Dong Burying Me Alive"
"Douluo: Starting with Hypn*tic Time Stop Dual Martial Souls! (18+)"
"Douluo: The Legend of Fallen (18+)"
"Douluo: Plane Master (18+)"
"Douluo: The Shapeshifting Star Sovereign Martial Soul (18+)"
"Douluo: Random Notes (18+)"
"Douluo: The Legend of the Madman (18+)"
"Douluo: Nanny Ye Xishui, Defeating God King Tang San (18+)"
"Douluo: I Actually Have a Tentacle Martial Soul (18+)"
"Douluo: Prime Minister, I Understand (18+)"
"Douluo: Becoming Stronger by Taking Disciples, Goddess Disciples Secretly Hearing My Thoughts (18+)"
"Douluo: The Eclipse of the Thunder Dragon (18+)"
"Douluo: Martial Soul – The Scalpel (18+)"
"Douluo: Lust Evolution (18+)"
"In Douluo Dalu with the Naruto System"
"In Douluo Just Sleeping, and Bibi Dong Exploded (18+)"
Many more are available, with 310+ novels already uploaded.
Your support means a lot—thanks in advance, legends!
Patreon.com/UIGOD_Official
(End of Chapter)