Chapter 243: A Double Blessing
Upon hearing Xiao Yan's words, Liao Du's fear stricken face turned to one of sheer terror.
"You... how do you know this is the Nether Poison Flame?"
"Because..."
A seven colored flame ignited at Xiao Yan's fingertips, radiating an intense heat that sent shivers through Liao Du.
"The Heavenly Flame Rankings describe it in detail. Are Heavenly Flames really so rare?" Xiao Yan's mocking tone struck Liao Du, leaving him trembling as he realized the enormous gap in their strength.
"Here's your chance. Tell me everything you know about the Nether Poison Flame, and I'll spare your life." Xiao Yan's calm voice reverberated through the room.
"I... I don't know!" Liao Du stammered, feigning innocence. "I just happened to pick up this crystal by chance!"
Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed. Despite the situation, Liao Du still dared to gamble with his life. Without hesitation, Xiao Yan stretched out his hand, summoning the storage ring from Liao Du's finger. His powerful soul force instantly shattered the spiritual imprint on the ring.
As the link broke, Liao Du's face turned ashen. Xiao Yan gave the ring a light shake, and over a hundred poison fire crystals spilled out, piling up like a small mountain.
"This is what you call a chance find? Just one crystal?" Xiao Yan's voice was heavy with sarcasm as his eyes bore into Liao Du, whose expression turned to one of utter despair.
"If you keep stalling, don't blame me for using other methods. Ever experienced what it's like to have your soul burned by a Heavenly Flame? Or perhaps you'd prefer a soul search?" Xiao Yan's tone was mild, but the threat it carried was chilling.
At this, Liao Du's courage crumbled. His body quaked as he desperately shouted, "I'll talk! I'll talk!"
"These poison fire crystals... I found them in the ruins of the Poison Saint."
"The Poison Saint's ruins?" Xiao Yan's brows furrowed slightly.
A Dou Saint's legacy was no trivial matter. Unlike ordinary ruins, those left by a Dou Saint often held unimaginable treasures, including the possibility of a Heavenly Flame.
"Keep talking. Don't hold back any details," Xiao Yan urged.
Liao Du nodded frantically, spilling everything he knew.
"I obtained these poison fire crystals from the ruins of the Nether Poison Saint, a Dou Saint who was renowned across the Southwest Continent in ancient times. By sheer luck, I managed to open part of the Poison Saint's ruins. The crystals are abundant there, but as I ventured deeper, the poisonous miasma became increasingly potent, forcing me to retreat.
Before leaving, I gathered as many crystals as I could. I had planned to return after growing stronger, but I was discovered by a Dou Huang while leaving the ruins. Using the crystals' power, I managed to kill him, but this drew the ire of the faction behind him.
That faction is a secretive and powerful group from the Southwest Continent. Their techniques seem specifically designed to counter the soul power of alchemists. Unable to contend with them, I had no choice but to flee to the Northwest Continent to avoid their pursuit."
As Liao Du finished, Xiao Yan's expression shifted from intrigue to sudden realization.
"Are you talking about the Hall of Souls?"
"How do you know?!" Liao Du asked, startled.
A sly grin spread across Xiao Yan's face as he chuckled, "Well, well. It seems today is truly a day of double blessings."
The Black Seal City Lord, who had been silently observing, could barely suppress his excitement. For someone like him, even the mention of a Dou Saint's ruins was enough to set his heart racing.
Ignoring the City Lord's reaction, Xiao Yan flicked his finger, severing the ropes binding Liao Du.
"This is a manual containing the insights of a seventh tier alchemist. It might help you advance to the sixth tier. Consider it a reward for your cooperation. For now, you'll stay in Black Seal City. Don't even think about leaving."
Xiao Yan tossed a jade scroll to Liao Du, whose breath quickened as he recognized its immense value.
"Thank you, my lord! You truly lead with virtue!" Liao Du bowed deeply, his respect for Xiao Yan reaching a peak.
"Good. Since you know how to be sensible, I'll give you another opportunity. When I decide to visit the Southwest Continent, you'll guide me to the Poison Saint's ruins. Do this well, and I might help you become a seventh tier alchemist."
"Thank you, my lord!" Liao Du's voice trembled with gratitude, utterly won over by Xiao Yan's charisma and power.
"Anything else?" Xiao Yan asked, noticing the City Lord's hesitant expression.
"Sir Yanxiao... If you ever plan to explore the Poison Saint's ruins, may I accompany you?" the City Lord ventured cautiously.
The allure of a Dou Saint's legacy was too great for him to resist, even if the risks were equally high.
Xiao Yan nodded indifferently. "Fine."
The City Lord's face lit up with joy.
"However," Xiao Yan added coldly, "if danger arises in the ruins, I won't waste time protecting you. Your life will be your own responsibility."
"Understood, my lord. The opportunity alone is a great honor!" The City Lord bowed deeply.
"Good. Handle the tasks I've given you, and I'll consider taking you along."
With that, Xiao Yan vanished into thin air, leaving behind a room filled with reverent silence.
The next morning, under the tearful farewells of the Black Seal City Lord, Xiao Yan led his group of Jia Nan Academy students on the road to their next destination: the ancient and prestigious Jia Nan Academy.
(End of Chapter)
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