Chapter 199: Return to the Imperial Capital
After devouring the Green Lotus Core Flame, Xiao Yan's strength soared once again, leaping directly to the level of a Five Star Dou Zong.
If Queen Medusa, who once declared that he'd have to defeat her to earn her affection, saw this, her reaction would undoubtedly be priceless.
At the thought, Xiao Yan couldn't help but smirk mischievously.
Now, not only had he reached the Five Star Dou Zong realm, but the Flame Mantra had also evolved to a mid tier Earth level technique. Although it hadn't advanced to high tier Earth level, it was still powerful enough to rival most advanced Earth level cultivation methods due to its unique characteristics.
Moreover, his Crimson Flame Demon Body had reached the fifth transformation. Refined by three Heavenly Flames, this body art could now potentially go toe to toe with even a Seven Star Dou Zong.
With three Heavenly Flames at his disposal, Xiao Yan was confident that even without using any trump cards, he could take on an Eight Star Dou Zong. If he went all out, even a Nine Star Dou Zong would find it hard to escape his wrath.
Of course, that was assuming they were ordinary Dou Zong level experts. If he faced a Holy Son from one of the Ancient Clans, victory wouldn't be guaranteed. Such figures, backed by unparalleled inheritances, were the elites among Dou Zong experts and could even survive encounters with Dou Zun level powerhouses.
Still, Xiao Yan wasn't in a rush. After resolving the matters with the Flame Alliance, he planned to head to the Jia Nan Academy to claim the Fallen Heart Flame.
With four Heavenly Flames in hand, he would then fully unleash their devastating potential.
"I wonder if Han Feng has already gone to Jia Nan Academy," Xiao Yan mused, the smirk returning to his lips.
If Han Feng was there, Xiao Yan might just end up collecting not one but two Heavenly Flames. With five Heavenly Flames, even Dou Zun level experts would be left reeling.
Setting aside these musings, Xiao Yan stepped forward, leaving only a fading afterimage behind. His true self reappeared in the small hut where Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin were.
The sudden appearance startled both women. Xiao Yi Xian reacted by lightly punching his shoulder.
"You scared me!"
"Hehe," Xiao Yan chuckled, grabbing her slender hand. "How does it feel to break through to the Da Dou Shi realm?"
"You have the nerve to ask! I nearly died because of you!" she retorted, her delicate face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment.
"Weren't you enjoying it at the time?" Xiao Yan teased with a devilish grin.
"Go to hell!" Xiao Yi Xian raised her knee to kick him.
"Alright, alright, enough," Xiao Yan said, wrapping his arm around her slim waist. "I'll be heading back to the Jia Ma Imperial Capital tomorrow. Come with me."
Hearing this, Xiao Yi Xian froze, then turned to him with a hint of sadness in her eyes. "You're leaving tomorrow?"
"Yes," Xiao Yan said, pulling her into a gentle embrace. "I can't leave you here alone. I'd never feel at ease."
Xiao Yi Xian didn't respond immediately.
"In the capital, everything I've promised still stands. Once your strength reaches the Dou Huang or Dou Zong level and you can travel freely, you can come back here whenever you want."
"What about Xiao Lan?" she asked, tilting her head.
"Of course, Xiao Lan will come too. I'll help this little bird evolve its bloodline to reach the fifth tier magical beast level," Xiao Yan replied with a smile.
While it was difficult to awaken higher tier bloodlines, helping Xiao Lan reach the fourth or fifth tier was manageable with sufficient resources.
Before Xiao Yi Xian could reply, a bird's head suddenly popped through the hut's window.
"Caw, caw!" Xiao Lan craned its neck, urging Xiao Yi Xian to agree. It even nudged Xiao Yan's hand affectionately, acting like a loyal dog rather than a proud eagle.
"You're a goshawk! A majestic bird meant to soar through the skies! Where's your dignity?" Xiao Yan groaned, watching the bird's fawning behavior.
Seeing this, Xiao Yi Xian couldn't help but laugh.
"You silly thing, where's the pride of a male eagle?"
Xiao Lan ignored its master's scolding and continued currying favor with Xiao Yan, earning a wry smile from Xiao Yi Xian as she leaned her head against Xiao Yan's shoulder.
"You better keep your promises," she said softly.
That night, Qing Lin once again heard noises from the other room and Xiao Yi Xian's hushed voice sneaking some food.
The next morning, golden sunlight bathed the world, illuminating the dew drenched grass and painting the basin in hues of yellow and gold.
Standing atop a mountain peak, Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin looked out at the vast expanse below.
"When we come back, who knows how much time will have passed," Xiao Yi Xian said wistfully.
"It won't be long. With your Woeful Poison Body's talent, you'll reach the Dou Zong realm in just a few years. Then coming back will be as easy as snapping your fingers," Xiao Yan said, patting her shoulder gently.
"Mm," Xiao Yi Xian nodded lightly.
"Let's go. I'll show you your new home," Xiao Yan said with a smile before leading the group toward the Jia Ma Imperial Capital.
Carrying two women and a bird, Xiao Yan's current Dou Zong strength allowed him to travel at an astonishing speed. Within an hour, they arrived at the capital.
The sight that greeted them was a completely transformed city.
Thanks to Ya Fei and Yao Ye's efforts, the Jia Ma Imperial Capital now bore the semblance of a thriving metropolis. New buildings dotted the landscape, and transportation hubs had been established.
The foundation of the Flame Alliance had been laid, though there was still much to do before it could truly dominate the northwest.
As Xiao Yan hovered above the bustling city, a faint smile played on his lips.
Taking another step, he appeared in the Xiao Clan residence.
As soon as he entered, he saw Xiao Li beating up Xiao Feng.
(End of Chapter)
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