Chapter 316: The Great Trickster Xiao Yuan
"Hehe, kid, you sure don't hold back. You said you'd cripple him and really did it."
The old man in black glanced meaningfully at Xiao Yan, then looked at Xiao Yuan and said.
"If he weren't from the Gu Clan, with what he just said humiliating Xiao Yan, Xun'er would have killed him already. There's no way he could've gotten away with such arrogance."
Xiao Yuan smiled faintly without affirming or denying anything.
"As for what happened today, you two elders may report every detail to that so-called Elder Council. But I also ask that you convey a few words for me. Xun'er once said that there were old alliances between our clans, yet her visit to the Xiao Clan doesn't seem entirely pure in intention. Of course, I know she means no harm, but some of your old geezers are clearly eyeing things that belong to my Xiao Clan. Honestly, do they even have any shame left? Is this how the so-called 'low-profile' Gu Clan treats their allies?
The kindness Xun'er has shown, our Xiao Clan will remember. But if those old bastards keep acting shamelessly, causing trouble for my Xiao Clan or putting Xun'er in a hard place, then when I visit the Gu Clan one day, I won't be so polite. Xun'er is indeed one of yours, but she's also my little sister, someone I watched grow up. Our Xiao Clan may be declining, but not just any decrepit relic has the right to provoke us. If they don't believe it, let them try."
Xiao Yuan spread his arms, and a hint of defiance and ferocity appeared on his handsome face.
"Haha! You're a real piece of work, kid. A Dou Zong daring to threaten Dou Zun and Dou Sheng experts—old man here likes your spirit!"
The white-haired elder laughed heartily.
"Indeed, worthy of that man's bloodline," said the black-robed elder with a smile.
Next, a ripple of soul energy spread out from Xiao Yuan, and the figure of the Heavenly Flame Venerable appeared quietly.
"Also, you two old gentlemen couldn't even subdue the Heavenly Flame Venerable working together. Besides, your mission is to protect Xun'er, so no one can blame you for not stepping in earlier. If those old men try to punish you, I'll speak on your behalf as a member of the Xiao Clan. I believe I have that right."
As he spoke, Xiao Yuan tapped his brow, and a faint, flickering crimson-gold mark appeared.
"A clan mark?"
Seeing the mark on his brow, both black-robed elders cried out in shock.
"The Xiao Clan's bloodline mark?"
Xun'er, too, was stunned by Xiao Yuan's display, staring at the crimson-gold mark in disbelief.
"Wasn't the Xiao Clan's bloodline supposed to be exhausted?"
The white-haired elder couldn't help but ask.
"That's the theory, but I guess I'm a little different. Anyway, I'm the only one in the clan whose bloodline has awakened to that so-called Dou Emperor bloodline. And I can sense that I'm not the only one with it."
Xiao Yuan said with a sly smile.
Of course, he couldn't really sense anyone else with the Emperor bloodline—he just knew that an ancestor of theirs was still in the Heavenly Flame space.
"Even if there's some resonance from shared bloodlines, can it really be sensed from that far away?"
The two elders weren't fools. They hesitated, then voiced their doubts.
"That, I'm not sure. When my bloodline awakened, I did feel something. But I don't know much about this stuff, so I can't say for certain."
Xiao Yuan continued his bluff.
"I'll ask my father when I return. Seeing Third Brother awaken his bloodline makes me happy too!"
Xun'er smiled gently and said softly.
"Hehe, want to stay a few more days? You know, that trash is seriously injured now, not exactly fit to move around."
Xiao Yuan glanced at the gravely injured Ling Quan in the crater and said to Xun'er with a chuckle.
"No need. My identity is special—I can't stay out long. I'm already content having had these few days. Besides, with such a badass big brother like you, I can't wait to go back and brag!"
Xun'er replied with a bright smile.
"Go say goodbye to Xiao Yan. Don't worry, within three years at most, I'll bring Xiao Yan to the Gu Clan. Then, you can leave Xiao Yan to handle, and I'll deal with the old farts. As long as I'm here, nobody will dare point fingers at my sister."
Xiao Yuan nodded seriously.
"Alright! I'll look forward to that day!"
Xun'er smiled and walked toward Xiao Yan.
Sensing she was about to leave, Xiao Yan looked at her elegant, beautiful face, and a trace of reluctance surfaced in his heart. "You're leaving already?"
Xun'er nodded lightly. They had only just reunited before Ling Quan and the others showed up. If she stayed longer, it might not be just Ling Quan next time. If stronger people came and tried to force Xiao Yan and Xiao Yuan back to the Gu Clan, things could get very messy.
Seeing this, Xiao Yan sighed lightly. He didn't say anything to try and keep her, knowing she had her reasons for leaving.
"Wait for me in the Gu Clan. Once I participate in the Pill Gathering, obtain a Heavenly Flame, and reach Dou Zun, I'll come find you!"
Looking at Xiao Yan's serious expression, Xun'er gave a sweet smile and nodded slightly. "I'll be waiting."
After saying this, she looked deeply into his eyes, then didn't linger. With a gentle movement, her graceful figure soared into the sky, landing softly on the four-winged unicorn. Her flowing hair and ethereal aura made her seem like a celestial fairy, mesmerizing to behold.
"Haha, Xiao Yan, take care. Hurry up and get stronger. Don't make Miss Xun'er run all the way here to save you again. A man should rely on himself!"
The two black-robed elders laughed loudly and vanished as the space around them twisted. When they reappeared, they were already on the back of the four-winged unicorn.
As before, a few trembling Black Abyss Guards stepped forward to dig Ling Quan's broken body out of the rubble and placed him on the unicorn.
Xun'er gazed affectionately at the tall figure standing in the courtyard below. After a moment, she waved her jade sleeve, stirring a fierce wind. The unicorn let out a deep roar and flapped its wings, quickly flying away from Ye City.
"Brother Xiao Yan, take care."
Her soft, delicate voice drifted down with the wind, spiraling into Xiao Yan's ears.
He watched the dark silhouette fly away, slowly clenching his fist within his sleeve.
"Xun'er, wait for me in the Gu Clan. Next time we meet, I'll bring the kind of power that will make even the Gu Clan take notice. I'll prove your judgment was right. The Xiao Clan has no trash!"
The great black shadow quickly vanished at the edge of the sky. The courtyard's atmosphere turned somewhat melancholy.
Xiao Yan stood staring at the sky where she had disappeared, and after a long silence, he sighed softly.
"Don't worry. The day you two reunite won't be far off."
Xiao Yuan stepped up, put an arm around Xiao Yan's shoulder, and said with a gentle pat.
"Mm. Brother, I believe in you—and in myself!"
Xiao Yan nodded and murmured as he looked at the now-empty sky.
"Tsk, didn't think you'd manage to snatch a girl from an ancient imperial clan. Not bad, kid. Old man approves!"
The Heavenly Flame Venerable had long seen through the relationship between Xiao Yan and Xun'er. He stepped forward, gave a thumbs-up, and said with a grin.
"Senior, please don't tease me."
Xiao Yan smiled wryly and shook his head. If he had Dou Zun strength now, the Gu Clan would definitely treat him much more seriously.
"You two go ahead and chat. I need to get back to training. This new body of mine is amazing—my energy absorption has skyrocketed. It feels incredible!"
With a blissful expression, the Venerable vanished in a flash.
Watching him disappear, Xiao Yuan shook his head in exasperation and then smiled. "Alright, let's focus on preparing for the Pill Gathering. As your teacher's disciple, you better win first place!"
"Brother, aren't you participating?"
Xiao Yan was surprised, catching the implication in his words.
"Hehe, I don't need some Three Thousand Flames. My alchemy skills are already enough. I'll focus on Dou Qi and Dou Techniques. Then I'll take you to propose marriage to the Gu Clan. If they don't agree, we'll just take her!"
Xiao Yuan grinned mischievously.
"Brother, please don't. That would just make things hard for Xun'er."
Xiao Yan smiled helplessly.
"Really now, Xiao Yan? Got a girl and forgot your brother, huh?"
Xiao Yuan raised his middle finger in mock heartbreak.
"How could I? Xun'er's important, but so are you, Third Brother! I'm just worried you might be at a disadvantage on their turf!"
Xiao Yan scratched his head and chuckled.
"Oh please, when have I ever lost out? Worry about yourself—you're only a two-star Dou Zong right now. What have you even been cultivating?!"
Xiao Yuan rolled his eyes. Though his words sounded critical, they carried encouragement too.
"I'll work hard, Brother!"
Xiao Yan raised his hands in mock surrender.
"You'd better!"
Xiao Yuan tossed him a black, ancient-looking storage ring. "Here, take this."
"Mm."
Xiao Yan accepted the ring and put it on.
Then, Xiao Yuan turned toward the courtyard entrance and said with a smile, "Elder Ye Zhong, why don't you come in and chat? Please tally up the damage—we'll compensate you."
"Hehe, no need to be so polite, young friend Xiao Yuan."
Just then, Ye Zhong's cheerful voice rang out. He and Xin Lan quickly entered the courtyard.
Xiao Yan nodded at them in greeting, then turned to leave—he had to focus on training his Dou Qi and alchemy.
Xiao Yuan sat in the stone pavilion, and the two guests joined him, eyes fixed on him.
With a faint smile, Xiao Yuan pondered for a moment, then spoke:
"Elder Ye, you know that Little Doctor Immortal has the Constituent Body of Calamity and Poison. Over the years, I've been searching for a way to suppress its dangers. Now, everything is ready except for one thing—we need a location of extreme yang and heat to enhance our chances of success. But I'm not familiar with Central Plains and don't know where to find such a place. So I must trouble you."
"Young friend, as it happens, I know such a place."
Ye Zhong smiled.
"Where?"
Xiao Yuan's eyes lit up with surprise.
"Right here in Ye City! Our Ye Clan has a place called the Sunfire Ancient Altar. During the day, sunlight gathers there. Beneath the altar is an underground eye that occasionally releases fire from deep within the earth. When the sunlight meets these flames, they form what we call Sunfire."
Ye Zhong spoke solemnly.
"This Sunfire isn't a Heavenly Flame, but it's stronger than normal beast flames. Many of our ancestors used it to boost pill refinement success. Unfortunately, it doesn't last long before vanishing on its own."
Ye Zhong's tone turned slightly regretful. Still, the Sunfire was valuable—many factions eyed Ye City precisely because of it.
"Sunfire..."
Xiao Yuan murmured. Indeed, the world was full of wonders. The formation of Sunfire reminded him of Heavenly Flames—no wonder the Ye Clan saw it as a treasure.
"If possible, may I use this treasure ground?"
Xiao Yuan asked.
"Of course. But the Sunfire Altar is a sacred place deep within our clan. If something goes wrong, our clan could be destroyed. I hope you'll proceed with great caution. You know better than anyone how dangerous the Calamity Poison Body is."
Ye Zhong's expression was solemn.
"Don't worry, Elder Ye. I'll use Heavenly Flames to create a formation that isolates the altar. Even if something happens, the poison won't leak out."
Xiao Yuan promised with a smile.
"Then I'm relieved. Please follow me."
Ye Zhong let out a breath of relief, smiled, and gestured. Leading Xiao Yuan inward, they walked for about ten minutes before arriving at a secluded stone plaza. In the center stood an ancient altar built from weathered stone, clearly existing for a long time.
As Xiao Yuan approached, he noticed the light was especially bright here. The closer he got, the hotter and purer the surrounding energy became. Beams of light poured from the sky, reflected off polished stone walls, and gathered onto a dark stone tablet at the altar's center.
"Beneath the tablet is a deep tunnel to the earth. Remove the tablet, and flames used to erupt, igniting the gathered sunlight into Sunfire. But… that's how it used to be."
Ye Zhong sighed bitterly as he looked at the altar.
"What happened?"
Xiao Yuan asked, frowning slightly.
"A few years ago, the core flames stopped emerging. Other flames can't ignite the sunlight. The Sunfire can no longer be formed."
Ye Zhong replied quietly.
Xiao Yuan nodded slightly. He hadn't come here for the Sunfire anyway—just to use the area's pure elemental energy to suppress Little Doctor Immortal's condition.
"Once I deal with her issue, I'll take a look at why the altar no longer works."
Xiao Yuan thought for a moment and offered.
"Then I'll thank you in advance."
Ye Zhong nodded, though he clearly didn't hold much hope.
(END CHAPTER)
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