Chapter 314: Xun'er – "What a shame Third Brother's surname isn't Gu… Wait, could it even be?"
As night slowly draped over Leaf City, the uproar caused by the day's earth-shattering battle gradually faded. However, the hearts of many were still stirred with excitement and awe. Such a high-level battle was a rare spectacle, even across the vast Central Plains.
What captivated the people of Leaf City the most was the identity of the green-robed girl and the white-robed young man. Ice River Valley was a dominant force in the Central Plains, a fact well known in the Pill Region. Yet even Ice River Valley's master had bowed his head to that girl before ultimately being killed by the powerhouse accompanying the white-robed youth.
This battle had nearly annihilated Ice River Valley's upper echelon. Something like this hadn't happened in the Central Plains in years.
One of the prestigious Three Valleys had fallen in a single day. Many could only sigh in disbelief.
A crescent moon hung high in the dark sky. The faint, cold moonlight sprinkled across the devastated city, giving it a soft silver glow.
In a guest room deep within the Ye Family estate, Xiao Yuan sat cross-legged on the bed. His hands formed cultivation seals, and each breath he took drew in streams of fiery energy that circled his body.
Though he hadn't been seriously wounded in the day's battle, his Dou Qi was nearly depleted. The violent power of the Skyfire Three Mysterious Change had also caused internal damage. If not for his strong physique, some of his meridians might've been torn apart by the surge of energy.
Streams of heaven and earth energy gradually flowed into his body, refined into pure Dou Qi that replenished his depleted state. The stinging pain within his meridians slowly faded.
After two to three hours of quiet cultivation, Xiao Yuan opened his eyes. His pale face had regained some color, and his Dou Qi had recovered substantially.
"My strength still isn't enough… Today, Teacher's presence was exposed. That means time is running out. Thankfully, Soul Hall can't act recklessly within the Pill Region, but just to be safe, I should prepare ahead."
He gazed at the ancient black ring on his finger with a worried expression.
Xiao Yuan always planned for the worst. With Xiao Yan having used Yao Lao's power in battle and himself having deployed the Bone Spirit Cold Flame, it was now obvious to anyone watching that Yao Lao was nearby. While others might not know the full story, Soul Hall certainly would.
"Teacher, once we've resolved things with Little Fairy Doctor, let's head to Holy Pill City."
He gently stroked the ring as he spoke.
"Mm, that's a good idea," Yao Lao's figure floated out from the ring with a smile. "Even though the Ye Family is in the Pill Region, if a powerful enemy seals the space, not even the three Pill Tower Heads might detect it in time. Tianhuo Venerable is strong, yes—but Soul Hall's forces are far deeper than you think. It's best to remain cautious."
He was very satisfied with Xiao Yuan's growth. While his Dou Qi advancement had slowed a bit, his combat power had leapt dramatically. Not many four-star Dou Zongs could kill Dou Zuns.
"By the way, Teacher… if you wish to be resurrected, I can begin preparations at any time. But I'm not content yet. When reviving Tianhuo Venerable, we used his own body and top-tier materials.
But your original body is gone. Using any random Dou Zun's body just doesn't feel right. I still want to give you a perfect vessel."
Xiao Yuan frowned slightly, his tone sincere.
"Haha, it doesn't matter much. As long as I'm revived, the materials don't have to be extravagant. But seeing you so determined makes me happy. I've waited so many years—a little longer won't hurt."
Yao Lao patted his shoulder gently.
He understood Xiao Yuan's intentions. As a disciple, he wanted to give his teacher the best possible body. And with his own strength and standards rising, he no longer wanted to settle for less.
"Teacher, about advancing to eighth-tier alchemist… any guidance?"
Xiao Yuan felt reassured and brought up his most pressing concern.
"Eighth-tier, huh…" Yao Lao stroked his beard and thought for a moment before saying, "From your use of the Soul Mirror today, I can tell your soul power has reached the peak of the Mortal Realm."
"Mortal Realm peak?" Xiao Yuan asked curiously.
"Yes. The soul realm has four major tiers: Mortal, Spirit, Heavenly, and Imperial. Most people, even seventh-tier alchemists, never surpass the Mortal level. The power within varies greatly, of course. You're at the very top of that realm.
Some seventh-tier alchemists may, by luck, glimpse the Spirit Realm. Reaching that stage allows one to instill spiritual essence into pills—this 'soul-infusion' gives eighth-tier pills their defining quality.
Ninth-tier pills, on the other hand, require the pill to develop consciousness—almost a new lifeform. That takes Heavenly Realm soul power. And beyond that, the Imperial Realm is legendary, tied to the fabled 'Emperor-Tier Pills'—which are said to be related to Dou Emperors."
He continued, "Back then, you and Xiao Yan were exposed to a trace of Spirit Realm soul energy from me. That means your soul has more innate spirituality than most at your level. That difference will help you break through more easily than others."
Then he tapped Xiao Yuan's forehead. "I once obtained a soul cultivation method. It's time I passed it to you."
Xiao Yuan closed his eyes and received the technique.
After a while, he murmured, "Soul-Nurturing Spirit Manual…"
"Most soul-cultivation methods are lost. Even I only ever obtained this one. The Pill Tower might have something, but acquiring it won't be easy.
I didn't give it to you earlier because your foundation wasn't stable. But now, with your current level and that touch of spirituality in your soul, you're ready."
"I'll train hard, Teacher."
Yao Lao chuckled. "Don't push yourself too hard. I still have some sway in the Pill Tower. You don't need to worry too much about safety."
"I'm good at stress relief," Xiao Yuan replied with a smirk, remembering his 'leg therapy' from earlier. A knowing smile crept across his face.
"Hmph, I bet you are."
Yao Lao snorted, imagining what happened when his perception was blocked earlier.
Knock knock knock
"Brother, are you training?"
It was Xiao Yan.
"No, come in."
Xiao Yuan exchanged a glance with Yao Lao and nodded.
The door opened. Xiao Yan walked in with Xun'er in tow.
"Teacher?" Xiao Yan was startled to see Yao Lao present.
"Haha, no worries. This girl likely already figured out who I am."
Xun'er smiled and bowed. "Xun'er greets Master Yao. Thank you for everything over the years."
Yao Lao waved it off. "I should thank these two brats. Without them, I wouldn't be here today. Don't worry—once I have a body again, I'll personally escort Xiao Yan to your clan to propose. Even as a soul, I'm confident my title as a ninth-tier alchemist gives me the right."
Xun'er blushed at his words.
"You are renowned as the continent's greatest alchemist, Master Yao. I'm sure my clan will honor that. If you need materials for your revival, I'd be happy to help."
Yao Lao smiled, but Xiao Yuan jumped in: "Sure, how about a full Dou Sheng skeleton and the blood of a ninth-rank magical beast?"
"Ah?!" Xun'er's expression crumbled. "Third Brother, I can't just dig up our clan's ancestral tomb…"
"Brother, that's a bit much," Xiao Yan added with a twitch.
"Haha, just teasing. But yes, the better the materials, the stronger Teacher will be after resurrection."
Xiao Yuan laughed, then looked seriously at Xiao Yan.
"Indeed. A random Dou Zun body just doesn't compare to Teacher's original strength. We should do our best," Xiao Yan nodded.
"I'll see what I can do when I return home," Xun'er said solemnly.
"We'll wait for your good news!" Xiao Yuan smiled.
"Don't worry. With your talents and Teacher's status, the Gu Clan will treat you with respect."
"Plus, the sooner Teacher gets a body, the sooner we can visit your clan to propose."
"Third Brother…"
Xun'er's face turned scarlet again, hiding her head on Xiao Yan's shoulder. That shy, lovable expression would leave every Gu Clan genius dumbfounded with jealousy if they saw it.
Xiao Yuan raised a brow at Xiao Yan, who nodded slightly. Yao Lao also chuckled happily.
"So… did you come for something important?"
Xiao Yuan finally asked.
"I didn't. It's Xun'er who has something to say."
Xiao Yan smiled, glancing at her.
Xun'er took a deep breath, composed herself, and produced a golden scroll.
"What's this?"
Xiao Yuan blinked.
"A high-grade Earth-tier Dou Technique. I gave it to Brother Xiao Yan when we parted ways, hoping to protect him in the Central Plains.
Even though I've had access to anything I wanted in the Gu Clan, I never felt the freedom I once had in the Xiao Clan. Only around Third Brother can I be a carefree little sister. Only with Brother Xiao Yan do I feel peace.
To be honest, I've always envied him. He had you, Brother Xiao Li, Brother Xiao Ding… If I could choose, I'd rather be your real sister—not the Gu Clan's heiress.
That's why I want you to accept this technique, Third Brother."
Xiao Yuan smiled warmly. "I'll take it. But you definitely can't be my blood-related sister, or Xiao Yan might cry."
Realizing the implication, Xun'er blushed and peeked at Xiao Yan.
"No matter what, to me, you've always been my sister. Someday I'll visit your clan. Some things Xiao Yan can't do—but I can. That's why I cultivate."
He stored the scroll and looked at the pair with quiet determination.
"Brother…"
Xiao Yan's eyes reddened slightly. For years, Xiao Yuan had shielded him—just like he did when Xiao Yan lost his Dou Qi long ago.
Xun'er smiled radiantly. Same old Third Brother. Always dependable.
If only she truly had an older brother like Xiao Yuan… The pressure in the clan wouldn't all fall on her.
…Wait. If Third Brother's last name were Gu, wouldn't that be the same as Father?
She shook her head to chase away the ridiculous thought.
This was fine. Just fine.
"I'll take Brother Xiao Yan away now. I can't stay long in the Central Plains, but I want him with me."
"Go. Xiao Yan, don't bully her. Or else I won't show mercy."
"Don't worry, Brother."
To Xiao Yan, his third brother's words carried the same weight as their father's or Teacher's.
"You two go. I need to train seriously now. No interruptions."
Xiao Yuan waved them off.
"Tsk. If the Gu Clan knew what Xun'er really thinks, they might regret sending her to the Xiao Clan."
Yao Lao sighed.
"I knew she wouldn't be happy there. Today's behavior confirms it. But it's nothing unusual—old families are always full of rigid traditions.
Still, she asked for help, so as her brother, I won't let her down.
Teacher, any way to boost my Dou Qi training? I've spent too much time on alchemy lately."
Xiao Yuan frowned slightly.
"There are ways—but they won't be easy."
Yao Lao said grimly.
"Please teach me."
Xiao Yuan responded without hesitation.
(END CHAPTER)
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