Chapter 202: "There's a Price to Pay"
"Why do you want to go back to Qingshan Town?" Xiao Yan paused, then seemed to realize something.
"How was I supposed to know all your other women were so high status?" Xiao Yi Xian shook her head with a hint of dejection. "I'm just a simple village girl from Qingshan Town. Being around such powerful figures is overwhelming."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan couldn't help but chuckle. Gently taking her hand, he reassured her, "Their so called status is nothing but a fleeting cloud. What truly supports them is their own strength."
He gently patted Xiao Yi Xian's head and added with a smile, "Once your Woeful Poison Body is under control, you'll have the potential to reach the Dou Saint level. By then, when it comes to strength and status, you may very well surpass them."
"Dou Saint?" Xiao Yi Xian murmured, shaking her head. "That feels so far away…"
"Far away?" Xiao Yan chuckled. "The antidote and materials we need for the poison control method are already on their way. Once I help you master the Woeful Poison Body, it won't take long for you to become as powerful as Yun Yun a Dou Huang."
Though Xiao Yi Xian still looked unsure, after Xiao Yan spent some time comforting and reassuring her, her spirits lifted.
"You won't abandon me, will you?" She gazed at Xiao Yan with her clear, trusting eyes.
"Always saying silly things." Xiao Yan playfully pinched her soft cheek.
For the next three days, Xiao Yan didn't spend time with his other women but instead devoted himself to helping Xiao Yi Xian get accustomed to life in the capital. He introduced her to various people and helped her familiarize herself with the city.
Under his care and attention, Xiao Yi Xian gradually began to adjust to her new surroundings.
During this time, Xiao Yan took her on a tour of Yun Lan Sect, where they unexpectedly encountered an old acquaintance or rather, an old beast.
It was none other than the Amethyst Winged Lion King, the same beast Xiao Yan had beaten soundly in the past. When they saw it, the lion was diligently working on Yun Lan Sect's alchemy peak, assisting the alchemists by providing its amethyst flame.
The alchemists who benefited from the lion's flame were delighted, showering it with praise. "This amethyst flame is truly amazing!"
The Amethyst Winged Lion King humbly replied, "It's nothing, just doing my best. As long as everyone's satisfied."
But when the lion spotted Xiao Yan, its expression shifted from alarm to an awkward yet respectful smile.
"Lord Xiao Yan," it greeted carefully.
"You're doing well very diligent," Xiao Yan remarked approvingly, patting its massive lion head. "Keep up the good work, and the organization won't treat you poorly."
The Amethyst Winged Lion King hadn't had its head patted like this in ages, but remembering Xiao Yan's strength and background, it managed a wide grin.
This wasn't merely out of fear it recalled the words of its elder brother: Xiao Yan's connections run deep. If you gain his favor, the rewards will be immense.
In fact, many of the intelligent magical beasts in the Beast Mountain Range had secretly sent scouts to test Xiao Yan's intentions. They were cautious, fearing that siding with humans might lead to betrayal or worse, being turned into dinner.
"By the way, where's your cub?" Xiao Yan looked around but didn't see the young Amethyst Winged Lion.
Hearing this, the lion's body stiffened, and it responded warily, "Why are you asking about my cub?"
Ever since meeting Xiao Yan, the cub had suffered greatly its milk stolen, its pride bruised. When the lion family had chosen to submit to Xiao Yan, the cub had nearly been turned into stew by members of the Xiao Clan.
The memory of the little lion lying on the ground with Xiao Cheng's blade to its neck was still fresh. If not for Xiao Li intervening, the lion would have lost its offspring.
Seeing the lion's guarded expression, Xiao Yan realized how badly he'd scared the poor beast. Feeling a twinge of guilt, he retrieved something from his storage ring.
A dark, viscous drop of blood floated into view, emanating an overwhelming pressure.
"This is the blood essence of an eighth tier magical beast the Heavenly Nether Demon Lion. It should help you evolve."
The small amount of blood, no larger than a ping pong ball, pulsed with pure and terrifying energy.
It was a trophy from Xiao Yan's battle against Shi Tian, the leader of the Lion Heaven Sect. The Heavenly Nether Demon Lion was not only the sect's guardian beast but also the source of their cultivation techniques. Its blood essence held unimaginable potential.
When the Amethyst Winged Lion King saw the blood, its massive eyes lit up like lanterns.
"There's a portion for you and a drop for your cub," Xiao Yan added, producing a smaller amount of blood essence. "And here's some of your milk back."
He handed over a jade bottle filled with half of the Amethyst Winged Lion's own Amethyst Essence Milk. Xiao Yan had reserved the other half for the Seven Colored Heaven Swallowing Python.
The lion's gaze softened as it accepted the gifts, its loyalty solidifying.
"Serve well. When you reach the seventh tier, I'll reward you with a Transformation Pill." Xiao Yan's promise left the lion utterly devoted.
Inwardly, it resolved to show off its rewards to the magical beasts back in the mountains. Let them envy me!
"Lion buddy, less daydreaming need more fire here!" an alchemist called from afar.
"Coming!" The lion dutifully spat out its amethyst flame, ready to work.
Meanwhile, far across the continent in the Central Plains, Xiao Ding was leading a group of strong fighters deep into a toxic swamp, the domain of the Scorpion Dragon Clan.
This clan, with its upper bodies resembling humans and lower halves scorpion like, possessed the bloodline of both ancient Sky Poison Scorpions and ancient dragons. Their full name, the Sky Poison Scorpion Dragon Beasts, reflected their powerful lineage.
With several eighth tier beasts among them, the clan ruled the swamp, a vast, poisonous expanse spanning tens of thousands of miles.
As Xiao Ding and his group entered, the poisonous mists churned uneasily. Two scorpion bodied warriors with dragon wings emerged to confront them.
"Who dares disturb the Scorpion Dragon Clan?"
Xiao Ding remained calm, his overwhelming aura rippling through the poisonous mist and leaving the swamp creatures trembling.
"I am from the Xiao Clan," he announced. "I've come to speak with your clan leader."
The warriors froze, their expressions shifting to shock.
"Xiao Clan?!"
"Yes," Xiao Ding replied with a faint smile.
Realizing who they were dealing with, the warriors quickly lowered their heads.
"Forgive our ignorance, noble envoy of the Xiao Clan."
The two Scorpion Dragon Clan experts displayed a demeanor akin to subordinates before a noble scion, saying, "Please wait here. We'll inform the clan leader immediately."
With that, the two disappeared before Xiao Ding.
Despite being a formidable force in the Central Plains, the Scorpion Dragon Clan paled in comparison to the Xiao Clan. With ancestors who had once produced Dou Saints, they were familiar with the Xiao Clan's fearsome reputation.
The two experts, who themselves were Dou Zong level warriors, understood the danger of offending a member of the Xiao Clan. Compared to the Xiao Clan's royal stature, their Scorpion Dragon Clan was no more than a rural landlord.
Soon, the current Scorpion Dragon Clan leader emerged from the swirling mists of the toxic gas ocean.
The clan leader appeared as a middle aged man with an imposing aura. His strength, at the level of a six star Dou Zun, marked him as a top tier expert even among the powerhouses of the Central Plains.
"Honored guest of the Xiao Clan, may I ask the purpose of your visit to the Scorpion Dragon Clan?"
Though Xiao Ding's cultivation was at the peak of Dou Zong, the old man standing behind him exuded an unfathomable aura. Even the clan leader couldn't discern his strength.
Moreover, when dealing with someone from the Xiao Clan, even if they were "just" a Dou Huang, one couldn't afford to offend them. Who knew if they had a Dou Saint grandfather?
Xiao Ding smiled politely. "Clan leader, your courtesy is appreciated. I indeed have a request."
"Oh?" The Scorpion Dragon Clan leader's expression shifted slightly, a hint of vigilance flashing in his eyes.
What could the Xiao Clan possibly want from the Scorpion Dragon Clan? If the Xiao Clan were interested in something here, it was likely something of great value to his clan. Nevertheless, maintaining decorum, he asked, "What item from my clan has caught your esteemed attention? If it's within our means, we'll do our utmost to assist."
"I admire your forthrightness, Clan Leader," Xiao Ding replied, his smile widening. "To be candid, the Xiao Clan currently requires an eighth tier magic core from a Sky Scorpion Dragon Beast. We hope to negotiate a trade."
"Hm?" The Scorpion Dragon Clan leader's expression darkened instantly.
"Sir, to come to our land and request a core from one of our clan's members isn't that rather impolite?"
"Clan leader, don't be hasty. We're willing to trade an equivalent quality magic core in exchange," Xiao Ding said calmly, but his offer was met with immediate refusal.
"Say no more," the clan leader declared firmly. "Those cores are the legacy of our ancestors, the essence of their lives. How could we hand them over so easily?"
Hearing this, Xiao Ding frowned slightly, but the old man behind him grew visibly impatient.
"You little scorpion, I advise you not to be ignorant of the situation," the elder growled, his voice laced with menace. "The Xiao Clan is offering a fair trade. If you refuse, I'll personally take your core and turn your body into wine to pair with my meal!"
As he spoke, a terrifying aura erupted, blanketing the entire toxic swamp. The suffocating pressure stilled the once churning mists.
"D Dou Saint..." The Scorpion Dragon Clan leader's face turned pale, inwardly cursing his misfortune.
The Xiao Clan is absurdly wealthy! Even for a simple trade, they've sent a Dou Saint. Meanwhile, our clan doesn't even have a single Dou Saint left.
The difference in power was all too apparent.
"S Senior…" Though his face was ashen, the clan leader maintained his composure. "Those eighth tier cores are sacred relics of our clan. How could we part with them so easily?"
"So… you'd rather hand over your own core instead?" the Xiao Clan's Dou Saint asked, his eyes narrowing dangerously.
"No, no, no, Senior, you misunderstand!" The Scorpion Dragon Clan leader waved his hands hastily before taking a deep breath and saying solemnly, "What I mean is… you'll need to pay extra!"
For a moment, both the elder and Xiao Ding were speechless. The two exchanged glances before the elder finally responded.
"Fine. One eighth tier magic core and three drops of blood essence from an ancient ninth tier Poison Dragon."
The ancient Poison Dragon, though not as mighty as the legendary Taixu Ancient Dragons, had produced several ninth tier beasts in its prime. Now in decline, only one ninth tier Poison Dragon remained, serving as a mount for a royal family's heir.
"If you still refuse, I'll simply take it by force!"
"That's enough!" The Scorpion Dragon Clan leader's expression shifted to one of obsequiousness, starkly contrasting his earlier righteous demeanor. "Please wait here, Senior. I'll fetch it immediately."
Moments later, he returned, holding a crimson crystal the size of a walnut.
"Senior, this core belonged to a clansman who passed away twenty years ago. Though they were only a three star Dou Zun, this core is our freshest. I trust it will suffice?"
The Xiao Clan's Dou Saint inspected the core carefully before glancing at Xiao Ding.
"This will do. Xiao Yan specifically mentioned that the core doesn't need to be overly powerful. One that's freshly ascended to the eighth tier is ideal," Xiao Ding said.
"Good." The elder nodded and casually tossed over a magic core and a jade bottle.
"All the agreed upon items are here."
The Scorpion Dragon Clan leader barely glanced at the items before smiling fawningly. "Thank you, Senior."
"Heh, weren't you just saying your clan's ancestral cores were too sacred to sell?" the elder mocked, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Of course!" The clan leader straightened, his expression serious. "This core belonged to my cousin how could he be considered an ancestor?"
The elder: "…"
Xiao Ding: "…"
As the two departed, leaving the Scorpion Dragon Clan's territory, the clan leader eagerly examined the jade bottle in his hands.
The essence of an ancient Poison Dragon was a treasure of immense value. While it wasn't as potent as the essence of a Taixu Ancient Dragon, it was still a rare and precious item. With it, he might even purify his bloodline further and take another step forward.
Meanwhile, in the capital of the Jia Ma Empire, in the luxurious office of the Mittel Clan's leader, Ya Fei reclined against Xiao Yan, her body glistening with sweat from their dual cultivation session.
"Ever since you left, my cultivation progress has slowed to a crawl," she said with a pout. "Your other lovers are all so talented likely able to maintain their youthful beauty for centuries. But I'm different. Even with medicinal support, I'll probably age and wither within a hundred years."
Her beautiful eyes gazed at Xiao Yan with a trace of worry. "When that happens, will you grow tired of me?"
"Never," Xiao Yan replied with a chuckle. "Once I obtain the Tou She Ancient Emperor's inheritance, I'll use Dou Emperor essence to nourish you every day. You'll see how quickly your strength soars."
While these thoughts swirled in his mind, Xiao Yan simply pulled Ya Fei closer, preparing to help her improve her cultivation once more.
However, at that moment, a powerful Dou Zong aura suddenly surged across the city.
Xiao Yan's expression brightened.
"My elder brother is here!"
(End of Chapter)
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