Dozens of elite mercenaries had followed them, yet many now looked at Qinglian with doubt.
For people who had lived in Stone Desert City for years, even decades, this place was far too ordinary.
Under everyone's gaze, Qinglian grew uneasy. She stood close to Xiao Jian, clutching his robe and speaking softly.
"Young Master Xiao Yan… this is where I sensed the disturbance half a year ago."
"It does look empty," Xiao Jian said calmly. "But if Qinglian sensed it here, then it's probably underground."
Xiao Ding nodded.
"There's no mirage here. The air distortion around Stone Desert City isn't strong enough to create one. If we can't see it, the only possibility is below."
"But we can't dig aimlessly," Xiao Yan said helplessly.
"Of course not," Xiao Ding replied with a smile. "We have people skilled at terrain detection. Let them investigate."
He and Xiao Li began giving orders.
Xiao Yan pulled Xiao Jian aside.
"Third Brother… about Hai Bodong…"
"Don't worry," Xiao Jian said calmly. "With Senior Yao Lao around, even if Hai Bodong recovers, he won't lose his mind.
A sixth-tier alchemist isn't someone he can afford to offend. And with our talent laid bare, he has even less reason to turn hostile. The map should be genuine."
As he spoke, Xiao Jian glanced around, then took two map fragments from his ring and placed them into Xiao Yan's hands.
"These fragments seem related to the Purifying Lotus Demonic Flame. One I obtained earlier, one I got from Hai Bodong. He still has half of another fragment.
Once I deal with the Sand Mandala, that piece will come to me as well. When the time comes, you can take them all."
"Purifying Lotus Demonic Flame?"
Before Xiao Yan could fully react, Yao Lao's shocked voice rang out.
A formless soul force unfolded the fragment. In one corner, a vague black lotus could be seen, faint black flames clinging to its surface, giving off an eerie aura.
"This really is the Purifying Lotus Demonic Flame."
Yao Lao spoke solemnly.
"It ranks third among the Heavenly Flames. Anything it touches is purified into nothingness. Its power is terrifying."
Xiao Yan felt his heart surge, then quickly calmed himself. It was only a fragment.
Seeing his hesitation, Xiao Jian patted his shoulder.
"It's just a fragment. Take it. If one day you manage to complete it and obtain the flame, it will benefit both your alchemy and combat."
"But…" Xiao Jian suddenly frowned. "Senior Yao Lao, I've always been curious. Xiao Yan's cultivation method is only Yellow Rank low-tier. With your ability, that doesn't seem right."
Xiao Yan fell silent for a moment, then spoke quietly.
"Third Brother, I'll only tell you this. My technique evolves by devouring Heavenly Flames. It allows multiple flames to coexist."
Xiao Jian blinked in surprise, then pushed the fragment back into Xiao Yan's arms.
"Then you absolutely must keep it."
He then took out another item and handed it over.
"Companion Purple Crystal Source."
Xiao Yan froze.
"So… the one who robbed the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King was you?"
"I only took a little," Xiao Jian said innocently.
Yao Lao appeared, stroking his beard.
"Companion Purple Crystal Source… excellent luck."
He then turned to Xiao Jian.
"Since Xiao Yan has benefited so much, it's only fair I give you something in return. You seem to have wind-attributed Dou Qi.
I have a low-tier Earth-grade wind technique and Dou Skill from an old friend."
"Wind attribute?" Xiao Yan blinked in confusion.
Xiao Jian shook his head.
"My wind and ice attributes are mutations of wood and water. In truth, I possess five attributes....wood, fire, earth, metal, and water."
He opened his palm. Five different Dou Qi attributes rose at once.
Silence.
Even Yao Lao was stunned.
"Five attributes…"
Yao Lao examined Xiao Jian closely, then took his wrist.
No Dou Qi vortex. An extremely powerful physique. Abundant vitality…"
His expression grew complex.
"This resembles an ancient cultivation method, long lost."
After a pause, he smiled.
"I only have a high-tier Xuan Rank metal technique, but I do have a low-tier Earth-grade earth attribute set. You're fortunate."
He tapped Xiao Jian's brow, sending information flooding into his mind.
After a moment, Xiao Jian recovered and bowed solemnly.
"Thank you, Senior Yao Lao."
"For now, don't attempt fusion," Yao Lao advised. "But in the future, try combining attributes in different proportions. You may even become an alchemist."
Unlock 300+ Chapters via My Patreon Collection
✨ Available in Shop Now
patreon.com/HeavenlyYinYang