The slightly familiar voice made Xiao Yan pause for a moment, but he didn't have time to think about it.
He was weaker than ever. Maintaining flight was already his limit. He couldn't even speak, and moving a finger felt as difficult as moving a mountain.
Seeing his disheveled state, the mysterious black-robed figure took out an old-looking jade bottle from a storage ring. He poured out a handful of elixirs and, without a word, stuffed them into Xiao Yan's mouth.
The medicinal power of the elixirs dissolved, rapidly replenishing the Dou Qi within Xiao Yan's body.
But what puzzled him was that he had glanced at those elixirs earlier. Judging by their appearance, they were definitely not low-grade elixirs. Yet, after swallowing such a large handful, his Dou Qi, despite him being a mere Dou Wang, had only recovered by half.
It was as if they had expired and lost their efficacy...
Xiao Yan found it strange but didn't dare to ask too many questions.
When someone kindly offered help, you couldn't make them think you were ungrateful.
"Senior, I will always remember your life-saving grace! May I ask what you meant when you said my teacher would be alright?"
After cupping his fist in a deep bow of thanks, Xiao Yan eagerly wanted to understand the mysterious black-robed figure's meaning.
This matter concerned Yao Chen, and he couldn't afford to be overly reserved.
Upon hearing his question, the black-robed figure didn't answer immediately. He simply removed his black robe, revealing a handsome face that Xiao Yan had secretly envied many times.
"Chen Xiao?! How could it be you!"
Seeing the person before him clearly, Xiao Yan was filled with disbelief.
This was an outcome he had never expected.
After all, the last time he and Chen Xiao met was in the Tagor Desert of the Jia Ma Empire. Back then, Yao Chen had even privately told him that Chen Xiao had likely only recently advanced to Dou Zun.
Yet now, less than a year later, according to Xiao Yan's estimation, Chen Xiao reaching Two-star Dou Zun would already be an incredibly terrifying speed.
Xiao Yan hadn't experienced how difficult it was to improve in the Dou Zun realm, but he had heard about it.
However, the reality had shattered his understanding.
In less than a year, Chen Xiao had actually reached a level that could make that old ghost, Star Seizer, wary!
This rate of improvement was even faster than his own, who was at the Dou Wang level!
"Why couldn't it be me?"
"No, I mean, how did you guys end up here?"
Knowing it was Chen Xiao, Xiao Yan became less formal and felt much more relaxed.
Although their relationship wasn't incredibly close, he and Chen Xiao had known each other since childhood.
"We received some news about an ancient ruin in the Beast Region and came specifically to check it out. We just didn't expect to run into you right after emerging."
Chen Xiao didn't hide anything and spoke casually.
After all, he had already emptied that ancient ruin.
"Ancient ruin?" Xiao Yan's heart stirred.
Hard cultivation had no future; opportunities were the shortcut to rapidly improving one's strength.
And ancient ruins could be summarized in seven words.
Danger and opportunity coexisted!
"Don't overthink it. This ruin is no longer worth delving into. Let's talk about your teacher."
After a brief response, Chen Xiao stated directly, "Your teacher was once known as the number one alchemist in the Central State. His survival is crucial for maximizing his value. The Soul Hall values him highly, which is why I said Yao Chen won't be in any danger, at least not in the short term. He might suffer some hardship at most."
Xiao Yan frowned, the words that Star Seizer had spoken earlier replaying in his mind. Thinking about it now, it seemed to make sense.
But even so, this was not the outcome he wanted.
Who knew how the Soul Hall would torture Yao Chen? Sometimes, being alive could be more painful than dying directly.
Xiao Yan was determined to change this situation, but after racking his brains, he still had no solution.
Even returning to Starfall Pavilion and calling upon Wind Honored One wouldn't be enough to snatch Yao Chen from Star Seizer.
Unless he could leverage Yao Chen's reputation as the number one alchemist in the Central State and gather the strong individuals who owed Yao Chen favors, there might be a chance.
Furthermore...
Xiao Yan looked up at Chen Xiao. This was also a Dou Zun-level combatant he could try to win over!
"Chen Xiao, I probably don't have anything on me that would catch your eye. However, my teacher's storage ring contains quite a rich collection. You can examine it. If there's anything that attracts you, please take it. Could you do me a favor and act one more time!"
Xiao Yan's gaze was earnest, tinged with a hint of pleading.
As long as he could save Yao Chen, he didn't mind lowering his stance.
Teacher, teacher, like a father, this was no exaggeration.
Chen Xiao glanced at the pitch-black storage ring Xiao Yan offered but did not take it.
It wasn't because it was someone else's possession. With Yao Chen now in the hands of the Soul Hall, he could still find a way to erase the soul imprint within.
The reason Chen Xiao didn't take it was simply that the storage ring held little appeal for him.
Chen Xiao had already obtained a significant portion of the good items on Yao Chen after "licking Han Feng's bag," and he had received more through subsequent transactions. He had pretty much squeezed him dry.
"You should take it back first. Before that Star-Picking Old Ghost left, I secretly sent a message to the Grand Elder to leave a trace of his mark on him. This can be used to roughly determine the direction that Star-Picking Old Ghost left in. Once we enter a certain range, we can use this mark to find his exact location."
"Rescuing Yao Chen is no small matter and requires thorough preparation. You should return to Starfall Pavilion and discuss it with the Wind Honored One before making a decision. Once a plan is set, come to Purple Firmament Pavilion to find me, and we can discuss compensation then."
Chen Xiao did not directly refuse Xiao Yan.
There wasn't much that could attract him from Xiao Yan and his master at the moment.
However, there was a whole lot within the Soul Hall!
And Yao Chen's capture this time was an opportunity for Chen Xiao.
He could completely use this as an excuse to follow Xiao Yan and cause trouble at the Soul Hall branch where Yao Chen was imprisoned!
At that time, wouldn't all the good things in that branch be his for the taking!
Most importantly, Chen Xiao could remain uninvolved!
Even if the Soul Hall was enraged afterward, the first to be blamed would definitely be Starfall Pavilion, the mastermind, not them, the mysterious powerful individuals who followed along with unknown identities.
It was precisely based on this consideration that Chen Xiao did not stop the Star-Picking Old Ghost from taking Yao Chen away, only rescuing Xiao Yan separately.
Otherwise, with their current lineup of four, even if Star-Picking Old Ghost had ten lives, he wouldn't have been able to escape!
His decision would undoubtedly cause Yao Chen to suffer some hardship.
However, Chen Xiao would not feel guilty because of this.
In this matter, he was originally an observer.
To act was kindness; not to act was duty.
Even if he just watched from the sidelines, no one could blame him.
Moreover, he had also incidentally helped Xiao Yan.
Even standing in front of Yao Chen, Chen Xiao would dare to openly explain his reasons.
"Thank you, I understand!"
Xiao Yan cupped his fists and thanked him again.
Thanks to his low strength, he couldn't sense the specific strength of the three people behind Chen Xiao. He wasn't even sure who was under the black robes, nor did he know that a Dou Sheng expert was among them, which made it difficult for Xiao Yan to think too much about it.
In his understanding, if two equally strong experts were determined to leave, it would be difficult for the other party to keep them.
"Then let's go. I'll give you a ride. We need to finalize Yao Chen's matter quickly. No one knows if the Star-Picking Old Ghost will detect the mark within him."
With a final reminder, Chen Xiao said no more, tore open a spatial passage, and stepped into it first.
Zi Yan followed with an arrogant swagger, maintaining complete silence, which led Xiao Yan to not think of her at all, assuming she was just a burly man under the black robe.
Qing Lin and Grand Elder Green Mountains followed closely. Even though they weren't as eye-catching as Zi Yan, Xiao Yan still couldn't figure out their identities.
Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yan cast one last glance at the space where the Star-Picking Old Ghost had disappeared and unhesitatingly followed him into the spatial passage.
...
Starfall Pavilion is located in the Tianxing Mountain Range in the southern region of the Central State.
Legend has it that Starfall Pavilion is situated in a naturally formed peculiar space. Without a special method of entry, outsiders, even Dou Zun experts, would be unable to enter.
Upon arriving outside the Tianxing Mountain Range, Chen Xiao no longer brought Xiao Yan along.
Firstly, because Xiao Yan was already safe here.
Secondly, because it was no longer on their way.
"I'll escort you this far. This is my Purple Firmament Pavilion token. With this token, you won't be attacked by the protective array. Afterward, find Old Hai or Heavenly Fire, and they will bring you to see me."
After placing Xiao Yan outside the Tianxing Mountain Range, Chen Xiao left him a token for passage.
The original protective array of the Wind and Lightning Pavilion was the Nine Heavens Thunder Prison Array. It was not damaged in the battle where the Thunder Venerable fell and was preserved.
Unfortunately, the power of this array was limited and did not pose a significant threat to Dou Zun experts.
For this reason, after Purple Firmament Pavilion was established, Chen Xiao added many array enhancements. Now, even Dou Zun experts would not fare well if they rashly intruded.
"Chen Xiao, and the other three, why don't you come into Starfall Pavilion with me for a rest? Otherwise, Uncle-Master Feng will say I didn't host you properly."
After taking the token and putting it away, Xiao Yan extended an invitation.
Of course, the main reason was to have the Wind Honored One personally discuss the matter of rescuing Yao Chen with Chen Xiao.
After all, Xiao Yan's current strength was not yet presentable.
"No."
Grand Elder Green Mountains, rarely speaking, refused concisely.
In the ancient ruins of the Beast Region, the information provided by Chen Xiao was entirely accurate; there was indeed a Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit there!
Without any competitors, this Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit was unexpectedly obtained by Zi Yan and is currently sealed within her body.
Compared to visiting Starfall Pavilion, dealing with the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit was their top priority.
Bringing Xiao Yan along was purely because it was on the way.
"We'll talk about it another time if there's a chance. We have important matters to attend to."
Chen Xiao also spoke up immediately.
Zi Yan had obtained the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit, and Chen Xiao had also reaped immense rewards in the ruins.
Or, to be precise, apart from the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit, everything else in the ruins had been collected by him.
This included the complete skeleton of the Fortune Saint, along with the throne beneath the skeleton, all quietly resting in his storage ring.
In addition, there was one Soul Infant Fruit, the remainder after the advance payment for future use.
This item also needed to be given to Cao Ying to be of maximum use.
Not to mention other medicinal ingredients, elixirs, various Dou Skills and Cultivation Techniques, all of which required time to sort and distribute.
Therefore, Chen Xiao had no interest in wasting time at Starfall Pavilion.
"Alright then, I'll see you at Purple Firmament Pavilion!"
Xiao Yan did not insist, cupping his fists in farewell.
Chen Xiao nodded slightly, his figure flickered, and he disappeared from the spot with the three people behind him.
Only then did Wind Honored One of Starfall Pavilion appear leisurely. Seeing Xiao Yan, he was all smiles, completely unaware that Yao Chen had been captured.
...
Purple Firmament Pavilion.
Emerging from the spatial passage and sensing the familiar and close auras within the pavilion, Chen Xiao couldn't help but smile.
Although they had not lingered much on their journey to the Ancient Ruins, it had still taken them over twenty days to conclude the matter.
"Pavilion Master, you've returned."
Two figures suddenly appeared. Upon seeing Chen Xiao's face, they quickly bowed in greeting.
These two, one fat and one thin, were precisely Gan Hou and Dun Xiong, who now held the positions of Inner Cabinet Elders.
"Mm, go about your business, don't mind me."
Waving them away, Chen Xiao turned to look at Grand Elder Qing Shan.
"Grand Elder, I won't be going to the Northwest with you this time. I need to handle the spoils from the ruins, and before you depart, there's a small matter I need to trouble you with."
"Just say it, no need to be polite with me."
The Grand Elder smiled kindly, a stark contrast to the indifferent Black Robe person Xiao Yan had met.
Chen Xiao chuckled and said no more. With a flip of his palm, a stone seat several zhang in size landed with a thud.
Upon the stone seat sat a jade-white skeleton, emitting a crystalline luster. One could discern its final posture preserved from when it was alive.
Undoubtedly, this was the skeleton of the Fortune Saint!
"You want me to help erase the last trace of will left by him when he was alive?"
Upon seeing the skeleton and throne Chen Xiao produced, the Grand Elder immediately understood.
Although the methods left by the Fortune Saint were subtle, they could not escape the eyes of Grand Elder Qing Shan.
It was precisely because he knew this trace of will would not erupt without reason that he dared to package it together with the throne and hand it over to Chen Xiao.
In the Ancient Ruins, the Grand Elder had asked if Chen Xiao wanted to directly erase the will, but Chen Xiao had refused.
He just hadn't expected that upon returning to Starfall Pavilion, Chen Xiao would change his mind.
"That's right. I've set up a grand formation beneath Purple Firmament Pavilion. It can continuously accumulate energy and unleash a terrifying strike. It's too slow for the formation to absorb energy gradually, so I want to use the last of this Dou Sheng senior's power here," Chen Xiao explained with a nod.
Hearing this, Zi Yan and Qing Lin both felt it was a good idea.
However, Grand Elder Qing Shan couldn't help but chuckle.
Seeing the three looking at him, Grand Elder Qing Shan shook his head and said with a smile, "I understand your plan, but with more powerful experts still alive, why borrow the strength of a dead person?"
As he spoke, the Grand Elder pointed a finger, creating an incision on the crystalline skeleton.
Instantly, a terrifying energy storm surged, like a raging tide, wildly overflowing in all directions.
The immense commotion alerted the entire Purple Firmament Pavilion. One could see figures flying over from above. The leader was none other than Little Fairy Doctor and Cai Lin. Upon seeing them, the tension on their faces dissipated.
"The will he left behind has long since lost its consciousness. At most, it can unleash one strike when triggered, regardless of friend or foe. I have already disabled it, so you can use it with confidence from now on."
"As for the safety of Purple Firmament Pavilion, wait for me for a few days. When I return, I will personally leave some contingency measures for you, ensuring that below the Dou Sheng realm, even a high-level Half-Saint will perish!" Grand Elder Qing Shan said proudly.
Chen Xiao's eyes lit up at this.
This was naturally even better!
Purple Firmament Pavilion was located on Qifeng Mountain, and although it was still a temporary location, all the people Chen Xiao cared about most were there now. Naturally, he wanted to eliminate all potential hidden dangers.
It was excellent that Grand Elder Qing Shan was willing to personally help.
From then on, even if he was active outside, he could do so without any worries.
After all, Dou Sheng experts were not numerous, even within the Soul Hall!
"Then I'll have to trouble Grand Elder."
"It's a small matter. When I return, I'll first take Dragon Emperor Your Majesty to see the Old Dragon Emperor. I almost forgot, there's also that Hei Qing kid. How about this, Dragon Emperor Your Majesty, please wait here for a moment, I'll go call Hei Qing."
Grand Elder Qing Shan waved his hand. Seeing Zi Yan whispering with Cai Lin and Little Fairy Doctor, he said understandingly.
The matter of the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit was important, but there was still time for Zi Yan to chat with her friends.
The most crucial point was that Grand Elder Qing Shan was certain that no outsiders knew about their acquisition of the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit!
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