The manpower and compensation were all settled, so all that remained was to agree on a time for action.
Feng Xian stood up with Xiao Yan and cupped his hands, asking, "When do we depart?"
"Although your secret gathering of manpower is well-hidden, the Soul Hall has good information channels, so it's hard to guarantee there won't be leaks. Therefore, this matter should be done sooner rather than later. Go back and settle things at Starfall Pavilion, then bring the Upright Iron Sword Venerable directly here. After we join up, we'll set off!"
Chen Xiao didn't really care. Once his identity was concealed, even the Soul Hall wouldn't know he was involved.
But Starfall Pavilion would inevitably be resented by the Soul Hall, whether the matter succeeded or not.
Thinking about this, Chen Xiao couldn't help but sweat for them.
After passing this tribulation, there would be another one.
Maybe one day Starfall Pavilion wouldn't be able to hold on...
"Alright! Then we'll see you another day!"
"I won't see you out."
Chen Xiao and Cao Ying rose to return the greeting, watching the two of them leave quickly.
It wasn't until their figures completely disappeared from sight that Cao Ying spoke softly.
"Is the cultivation technique that Xiao Yan practices also the Burning Flame Art?"
"Yes, the Burning Flame Art was an opportunity Yao Chen once obtained. It can be said to have run through the second half of Yao Chen's life. Because of this technique, he was betrayed by Han Feng, and in the end, only his soul body was left to linger. He hid in the Northwest for many years before taking Xiao Yan as a disciple and passing down the Burning Flame Art. This technique is now only practiced by you and Xiao Yan."
"I see."
Cao Ying nodded slightly, without overthinking it.
It was important for people to know their own limits. She never had the overbearing thought that because the Burning Flame Art was profound, she wouldn't let others practice it. Being able to master four Heavenly Flames was already something she couldn't have imagined before.
Compared to using the Burning Flame Art to become a peak expert, she valued the technique's help in her alchemy even more.
Devouring Heavenly Flames and increasing her strength would save her countless hours of hard work.
And the intensity of the flames was also of great benefit to alchemy.
"The Grand Elder is here. You go back first. Take some time to study the Five Wheels Burning Flame Method of the Heavenly Flame. It can be used as a trump card in the future. I'll come over tonight to get the puppet."
"Okay, I understand."
Cao Ying responded, politely greeting Grand Elder Green Mountains as he stepped in, then brushed past him.
Grand Elder Green Mountains was also casual. After entering the hall, he sat down in a chair without Chen Xiao's invitation, leaning against the back of the chair in a comfortable posture.
"Chen Xiao, your great array is more complicated than I imagined. I originally planned to leave you with some backup and return to Dragon Island, but I was attracted by this great array. I studied it for a few days before I understood some of the intricacies."
Hearing this, Chen Xiao couldn't help but smile.
"Grand Elder, the Yin Yang Harmony Heaven Great Array has quite the background. From the time I obtained the inheritance until now, I've been comprehending it for almost two years, and I'm still unable to deploy the complete version of the array. If you're interested, I can..."
"Forget it, forget it. Yesterday, Cai Lin and the others were playing with Little Yao in the square. I asked them, and they didn't hide anything. They told me the principles. Learning from scratch takes too much energy. You should study it yourself. In the future, when you have enough ability, just deploy one for Dragon Island as well."
Before Chen Xiao could finish speaking, Grand Elder Green Mountains waved his hand repeatedly.
It wasn't that he was being modest, but he just felt that there was really no need to waste energy.
Anyway, with the current relationship between Dragon Island and Purple Firmament Pavilion, if one side knows it, the other side will know it too.
Chen Xiao smiled. "Alright."
"Let's talk business. Those two kids from Starfall Pavilion came to the door today for that Yao Chen who was captured by the Soul Hall, right?"
"That's indeed the case. I'll have to trouble the Grand Elder to put some thought into the whereabouts of the Star-Picking Old Ghost."
"That's a coincidence. Guess what? A few days ago, when I came back from the Dragon Emperor, I sensed the mark I left in his body in the Northwest region of Central State. Do you have a map? I'll mark it for you."
Chen Xiao quickly stepped forward and took out a self-made map from his Storage Ring and spread it out.
Seeing his super-large map covering the entire Dou Qi Continent, as well as the different pattern markings in each region, Grand Elder Green Mountains was surprised for a while.
"Your map is quite detailed. Did you learn it from that Hai Bo Dong?"
"There's really some connection. When I was young, I often went in and out of Old Hai's Map Store. Later, when he left, the Map Store became mine. After seeing it a lot, I slowly learned it."
"That's interesting, let me see, um, it's here."
Chen Xiao stared intently and spoke out.
"Mountain Range of Lost Souls?!"
Seeing this answer, Chen Xiao was slightly surprised.
In the original trajectory, after Yao Chen was captured, he was transferred from Nether City to the Mountain Range of Lost Souls.
But that was because Yao Chen was arrested at Yun Lan Sect in the Northwest Continent, and the Mountain Range of Lost Souls branch hall was closer, so it was reasonable to detain Yao Chen there.
But the current trajectory's Yao Chen was arrested in the southern part of Central State, near the Beast Region.
Chen Xiao originally thought that the branch hall detaining Yao Chen would also change because of this, but he never thought that he would still be sent to the Mountain Range of Lost Souls this time!
"Are you surprised? In fact, it's not surprising to think about it carefully. Starfall Pavilion is located in the southern part of Central State, and the Pill Domain in the center of Central State has a close relationship with Starfall Pavilion. Our appearance that day made the Star-Picking Old Ghost even more suspicious, so it's normal to choose the location to detain Yao Chen in the Northwest, which is extremely far from Starfall Pavilion."
Grand Elder Green Mountains' analysis was well-founded.
Chen Xiao thought, and it was true, it made sense!
"Did the Grand Elder sense how many experts were in this sub-hall when he returned?"
"I didn't pay close attention, but I can confirm that there are definitely no Dou Sheng experts stationed there," Grand Elder Green Mountains replied.
Experts only care about experts. No matter how many ants there are, it's not enough for them to take to heart.
Chen Xiao nodded. There were only a few Dou Sheng in the Soul Hall. It wouldn't be easy to run into one.
The information provided by the Grand Elder was somewhat general.
But it was enough.
"Do you need me to take action?"
"This time, we're helping Starfall Pavilion with their affairs, so there's no need for the Grand Elder to take action. They can't offer the corresponding reward."
"Alright, then I'll return directly to Dragon Island. Just contact me if anything comes up. And you can freely deploy Hei Qing as well."
Grand Elder Green Mountains nodded slightly and immediately got up without lingering any longer.
Chen Xiao cupped his fists and watched as his figure disappeared in a flash.
In the following days, everything at Starfall Pavilion was as usual.
Until the morning of the eighth day, before dawn, Chen Xiao sensed two powerful auras.
One of them was very familiar, undoubtedly Feng Xian.
But the other one, he had never encountered before.
Little Fairy Doctor, who was doing her morning exercises, also noticed it. Her movements suddenly intensified. After a short while, her delicate body trembled slightly, her hair color returned to normal, and she leaned down slowly.
"It seems we're setting off today. Just as we agreed, I'll be in the open, and you'll be in the shadows."
After quickly tidying himself up, Chen Xiao got up and said.
He was going to help and grab some benefits along the way, not to risk his life.
Therefore, adding a layer of protection for himself was perfectly reasonable.
Little Fairy Doctor nodded her head slightly without moving.
...
On the other side.
Due to the early hour, Qifeng Mountain was quiet and peaceful. Even the usually bustling square was deserted.
In contrast, the usually quieter main hall now had several figures seated inside, with maids respectfully pouring tea and water.
"Please wait a moment, Honored Ones. Our Pavilion Master was cultivating diligently in the Thunder Pagoda last night. I've already sent someone to inform him," Qiu Cheng, the newly promoted Second Elder of Purple Firmament Pavilion, said with a proper smile on his face as he looked at the two old men opposite him on the right side of the hall.
The two old men opposite him were on someone else's territory, so they didn't want to recklessly sense anything. They really thought that was the case, and they both nodded their thanks.
"Honored One Chill Sky is exceptionally talented, and his diligence far surpasses ordinary people. We old fellows are truly ashamed of ourselves," the blue-clad old man in the leading seat on the left said, his words of praise coming easily.
Without a doubt, this blue-clad old man was none other than Wind Honored One Feng Xian, who had rushed over from Starfall Pavilion.
Beside Feng Xian sat a somewhat stern-faced old man, whose body was very straight, giving people an extremely sharp feeling, as if the one sitting there was not a person, but a sword exuding a sharp chill.
"Haha, Wind Honored One, you almost had me believing it. This must be the Upright Iron Sword Venerable who single-handedly bloodied the Jade Sword Sect some time ago, right?"
Just as Qiu Cheng was about to continue with the pleasantries, Chen Xiao's voice suddenly came from outside the hall.
Immediately, the three of them stood up together.
"Pavilion Master."
"Honored One Chill Sky."
Qiu Cheng and Feng Xian spoke first.
"A little reputation, not worth mentioning." The old man named Iron Sword moved his face and nodded slightly, obviously not wanting to dwell on this topic too much.
Chen Xiao strode in, nodded to Wind Honored One and Iron Sword Venerable, and then had Qiu Cheng lead the others away.
Meeting Feng Xian's urgent gaze, Chen Xiao nodded slightly.
"I said that as soon as you arrive, we can act at any time. That person has already told me about Yao Chen's information."
"Where?" Wind Honored One's eyes flashed with a sharp light, filled with murderous intent.
Even the stern-faced Iron Sword Venerable looked over curiously.
Chen Xiao didn't beat around the bush and said directly, "He's in the Mountain Range of Lost Souls in the Northwest of Central State. Speaking of which, it's not far from my Purple Firmament Pavilion."
"I also know about the Mountain Range of Lost Souls. The terrain there is complex, filled with poisonous fog and cold air, even more so than Falling God Ravine. It can be considered a forbidden area in the eyes of ordinary people, but I didn't expect that a Soul Hall sub-hall would be hidden there!"
After sighing for a moment, Wind Honored One looked at Chen Xiao, "Rescuing Yao Chen is of utmost importance. If you're ready, shall we set off immediately?"
Chen Xiao nodded, "Alright, let's set off directly!"
They were all decisive people. Having made a decision, the three of them didn't hesitate and left the hall silently. Even few of the people in Purple Firmament Pavilion noticed their movements.
It wasn't until they were thousands of miles away from Qifeng Mountain that the east gradually brightened.
...
The Mountain Range of Lost Souls is located in the Northwest region of Central State.
This place, as Wind Honored One said, can also be considered a relatively well-known dangerous area in Central State.
Legend has it that many great battles erupted here long ago, and countless skeletons are buried beneath the soil of the mountain range.
Moreover, due to the extremely dense natural cold air and poisonous miasma, the mountain range is shrouded in mist all year round. Deep within this mist, even the perception of the soul is affected. If some reckless people venture in, they may even be trapped and die within the mountain range.
The Mountain Range of Lost Souls is very close to Qifeng Mountain. With Chen Xiao and the others' speed, they don't even need to go all out; they can arrive in a morning.
After the three set off, although they concealed their figures along the way, they didn't stop at all, traveling in silence.
During this journey, when the sun was high in the sky, the three noticed that even though it was the hottest time of day, the surrounding temperature was rapidly decreasing.
"Almost there..."
Chen Xiao looked into the distance. There, he could see the outline of a mountain range, but outside the mountain range, it was shrouded in a thick layer of mist.
The destination was close at hand. Chen Xiao waved his hand and led the two towards a mountain peak outside the mountain range.
Immediately, the three exchanged glances. Chen Xiao and Upright Iron Sword Venerable simultaneously took out a specially made Black Robe from their Storage Ring, concealing their figures within them.
Wind Honored One, on the other hand, had no concealment, nor any intention of concealing himself.
He wasn't like Chen Xiao and Upright Iron Sword Venerable. As long as they took action against this Soul Hall branch today, anyone in the Soul Hall with a brain would suspect Starfall Pavilion first.
Since that was the case, why bother going through extra trouble!
"A few more miles ahead is the Mountain Range of Lost Souls. Next, we can't fly, to avoid being detected by the active Magical Beasts within. We also can't tear through space, as that would be tantamount to telling the Soul Hall that a Dou Zun powerhouse is attacking. We'll advance while concealing our auras. Do you need to adjust your breathing?" Chen Xiao asked the two.
Wind Honored One and Upright Iron Sword Venerable both shook their heads. Traveling for a morning was negligible for Dou Zun.
As for Chen Xiao's arrangements, they had no objections.
This was the safest method. Before seeing Yao Chen, stability was the priority. Otherwise, it would be a joke if they were discovered before even meeting Yao Chen.
"Just now, from high altitude, we could see that there are many sect-style buildings near the Mountain Range of Lost Souls. There should be some small sects here, but most likely they have already become the Soul Hall's eyes and ears. So, next, we..."
Clang!
It was the sound of a long sword being drawn!
"Leave it to me."
Upright Iron Sword Venerable's hoarse voice came from under the Black Robe.
As soon as he finished speaking, he shook his Black Robe and disappeared from the spot.
Chen Xiao was stunned for a moment. He originally wanted to say that next, we shouldn't contact anyone, and we shouldn't care even if we see someone die in front of us.
That would be enough.
After all, with three Dou Zun powerhouses, it would be too easy for them to sneak into the Mountain Range of Lost Souls under the noses of those small sects.
He didn't expect this Upright Iron Sword Venerable to be so upright!
However, it wasn't a big deal.
Clearing these eyes and ears would indeed make things easier.
Chen Xiao and Wind Honored One didn't speak further. They waited silently on the mountaintop for about half an hour, then first smelled a strong bloody scent.
Immediately afterward, Upright Iron Sword Venerable, wearing a Black Robe, quietly emerged from the shadows behind.
"Less than five hundred people in total, the strongest was at the Dou Huang level. No omissions, and no one had a chance to send out a message."
Upright Iron Sword Venerable said, quickly took off the Black Robe, took out a handful of gray powder and smeared it all over his body. Immediately, all odors were concealed.
Then, he took out a brand new specially made Black Robe and put it on again.
From beginning to end, everything was well-organized, as if he was already familiar with this kind of thing.
Chen Xiao saw it and his appreciation grew stronger.
A talent!
Temporarily suppressing his interest in Upright Iron Sword Venerable, Chen Xiao looked at the distant mountain range.
"After entering the Mountain Range of Lost Souls, don't stray too far from me. Be careful, everyone. Let's go!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Xiao took the lead and quickly flashed towards the distant mountain range.
Behind him, Wind Honored One and Upright Iron Sword Venerable followed closely.
It wasn't until the three figures entered the mountain range that Little Fairy Doctor slowly appeared.
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