Night had fallen, the moon hung from the branches, and Chen Xiao accompanied Xun Er back to her residence.
After escorting Xun Er to her courtyard gate, Chen Xiao didn't act mysterious, but directly presented the two gifts he had prepared long ago.
One was the Fire Pill of the Flame Lizardman. Xun Er possessed the Golden Emperor Heavenly Flame within her, and like Cao Ying, she could absorb and refine the energy of this Fire Pill. It was perfect for rapidly increasing her cultivation.
The other was the inheritance of array formations.
Xun Er usually loved to read all kinds of ancient books. Even Chen Xiao had developed the habit of perusing scriptures under her influence.
Therefore, among the women around Chen Xiao, Xun Er was actually the most suitable for studying these things.
The night was deep. After handing the two gifts to Xun Er, Chen Xiao didn't follow her into the courtyard.
He had spent too long in the back mountain of Qifeng Mountain, and their intimate moments had already forced him to rely on circulating his Cultivation Technique to maintain his composure.
If he followed her into the house again, he was really afraid that he would lose control of his mind.
And the Xun Er who was showing signs of her power, was not yet ready for bloodshed.
Besides, Chen Xiao had been away from Purple Firmament Pavilion for more than a month. Upon his return, the situation in Central State was already in chaos, and he hadn't had time to properly sort things out.
Being able to steal half a day of leisure was already a rare treat.
Next, it was time to start dealing with those long-accumulated affairs.
"Chen Xiao-gege, don't be too busy too late. Rest early. I'll go chat with Qing Lin for a while."
Knowing that Chen Xiao had serious matters to deal with, Xun Er revealed a bright smile. She didn't plan to return to her own room, but simply told Chen Xiao this, and then walked gracefully towards Qing Lin's courtyard like a light butterfly.
Chen Xiao smiled slightly and didn't linger. With a flicker of his figure, he appeared in the main hall of Purple Firmament Pavilion.
"Old Hai, Heavenly Flame, Iron Sword, come to the main hall."
Three transmissions rang out in their ears respectively.
Before long, the three of them arrived one after another.
"Sit down, all of you. First, tell me about the situation during this period, especially those related to our Purple Firmament Pavilion."
As soon as Chen Xiao finished speaking, Sword Venerable and Heavenly Flame Honored One both looked at Hai Bo Dong, their meaning was obvious.
These kinds of affairs were now usually handled by Hai Bo Dong and Qiu Cheng.
And Heavenly Flame Honored One and Sword Venerable both knew in their hearts that Chen Xiao had called them here for other matters.
Hai Bo Dong was calm. He coughed lightly, stood up, cupped his fists slightly, and began to report:
"Pavilion Master, the struggle between Pill Tower and Soul Hall has not yet affected our Purple Firmament Pavilion. Among the Two Sects, Three Valleys, and the new Four Pavilions, only the positions of Heavenly Underworld Sect and Flower Sect are the most obvious. Heavenly Underworld Sect leans towards the Soul Hall, while Flower Sect seems to be in frequent contact with Pill Tower recently due to Medicine Venerable."
"As for the Three Valleys..."
"Burning Flame Valley and Ice River Valley have ambiguous attitudes. They are all old foxes and remain neutral, not helping either side. Sound Valley is the same as before, without any news, still avoiding the world."
"The situation of the new Four Pavilions is roughly similar. Purple Firmament Pavilion, Yellow Springs Pavilion, and Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion all maintain a neutral attitude. Starfall Pavilion has been directly disbanded by Medicine Venerable, with only Wind Honored One, Xiao Yan, and four or five Dou Zongs going to Pill Tower together."
"However, there are at least dozens of small sects involved, but they are not worth mentioning and do not need to be counted."
Chen Xiao nodded slightly upon hearing this.
Heavenly Underworld Sect could be regarded as one of the vassals of the Soul Hall in the original trajectory, so this position was not surprising.
As for Flower Sect, there was an Elder with a high status and a deep relationship with Yao Chen within it, so it was reasonable to lean towards Pill Tower.
But Ice River Valley had not yet taken a stand, which surprised him slightly.
Or, Ice River Valley had already joined the Soul Hall, but had not yet made it public.
"Has anything happened to the Cao Family?"
"No, Madam Cao's family is in Vast Sea City, which is also considered the core area of Pill Domain. The Soul Hall's reach can't extend there. During this period, we have been maintaining contact with the Cao Family through the Spatial Wormhole," Hai Bo Dong replied.
Chen Xiao nodded, signaling Hai Bo Dong to continue.
"Overall, the struggle between Soul Hall and Pill Tower has little impact on our Purple Firmament Pavilion. Madam Cao has contacted Xuan Kongzi, Guild Leader of Pill Tower. Guild Leader Xuan Kongzi clearly stated that this action against the Soul Hall will definitely be victorious. There is no need for Purple Firmament Pavilion to contribute. On the contrary, he suggested that we wait for a while, and then enter the field after the situation gradually stabilizes, to seek some benefits."
Hearing this, Chen Xiao couldn't help but smile.
Xuan Kongzi was so confident because this action to liquidate the Soul Hall was supported by the six ancient races behind the scenes.
And Pill Tower had long been at odds with the Soul Hall, so the two sides naturally hit it off.
Xun Er had also told him about this privately before, and even told him without reservation how many resources the six ancient races would take out.
It also included the benefits Yao Chen had gained after publicizing this matter.
A corpse at the peak of the Nine-Star Dou Zun level.
With the support of the six ancient races, anyone would think that Pill Tower would win this battle between the hall and the tower.
Even Chen Xiao, who knew that the Soul Clan had some hidden cards, didn't think that the Soul Clan would make a big fuss about it.
Yao Chen's publicity of the origin of the soul could indeed cause some interference to the Soul Clan's millennium plan, but the extent was quite limited.
"Okay, then as Teacher Xuan Kongzi said, we will enter the field after a while." Chen Xiao nodded, finalizing the matter.
"By the way, Pavilion Master, Wind Honored One has been secretly contacting us recently, asking when you will return. The most recent message was received last night, and I haven't replied yet."
Hai Bo Dong responded, suddenly remembered something, and took out five or six letters from his Storage Ring and handed them over.
Chen Xiao took it and glanced at it. Just like what Hai Bo Dong said, every letter was asking if he had returned, almost writing the three big words "urgent, urgent, urgent" on it.
Casually putting the letter aside, Chen Xiao couldn't help but smile.
Even if he thought about it with his knees, Chen Xiao could understand the key to why Wind Honored One was contacting him.
It must be for the matter of Yao Chen's revival!
Originally, Yao Chen placed his hopes of revival on Xiao Yan. The current Xiao Yan, if counting Yao Chen's Bone Spirit Cold Flame, has already mastered three Heavenly Flames, and his strength and alchemy skills are also steadily improving, which can be considered quite gratifying progress.
Unfortunately, the changes in the situation were too sudden. From the moment the Soul Hall's branch in the Mountain Range of Lost Souls was destroyed, the time left for this master and disciple was running out.
Now that the Soul Hall and Pill Tower have even directly started a war, Yao Chen must want to revive as soon as possible so that he can have some self-protection.
Otherwise, he wouldn't be seeking the body of a Nine-Star Dou Zun peak expert.
Logically speaking, Xiao Yan has now gathered the Heavenly Flames, and even if he can't refine the Bone-Growing Blood-Melding Pill, he can ask Xuan Yi to help. In addition, with the body prepared, Yao Chen's revival can already be implemented.
It's just a pity that Yao Chen's soul must have been damaged when he was caught by the Soul Hall once.
Another thing is that Xiao Yan's strength may not be enough for Yao Chen to confidently entrust the revival to him.
"You can directly reply to Feng Xian, telling him that I'm back."
There's no reason for Chen Xiao to refuse when someone is rushing to deliver benefits.
Moreover, the reward from Starfall Pavilion for rescuing Yao Chen last time hasn't been fully paid yet.
"Yes!"
Hai Bo Dong nodded in agreement. With no other matters to report, he sat back down.
Chen Xiao then looked at Heavenly Flame Honored One.
Originally, when Heavenly Flame Honored One was revived, he had arranged for Heavenly Flame Honored One to collect Heavenly Flames like Qing Lin.
But this time when he returned, both Heavenly Flame Honored One and Qing Lin were in the pavilion.
The reason was also very simple. Like Little Fairy Doctor, after learning about the sudden changes in the situation in Central State, they temporarily put aside their work to ensure the safety of Purple Firmament Pavilion as the top priority.
"Heavenly Flame, next you should continue to deal with the Heavenly Flame and bring it back as soon as possible."
Chen Xiao didn't criticize anything. Compared to rigid and inflexible subordinates, he preferred those who knew how to adapt to circumstances, as long as they were loyal enough, everything else was a minor matter.
Heavenly Flame Honored One stood up and cupped his hands in agreement.
Finally, there was Iron Sword Venerable.
Before they parted that day, Chen Xiao had said that he would start helping him solve the problem of his damaged foundation after he returned.
In addition, Iron Sword Venerable has not yet been assigned a corresponding position.
"Iron Sword, your temperament... well, it's suitable for the Law Enforcement Hall. From now on, you will be stationed in the Law Enforcement Hall."
Without rules, there can be no order. Any sect, or even a family force, will have a special group of people with similar functions.
For example, in Cao Ying's Cao Family, the Fourth Elder, Cao Xi, is responsible for this aspect.
The same is true for Purple Firmament Pavilion. The current model, in addition to the newly established Pill Tower and the Dark Hall used to collect resources and intelligence, all others are based on the Wind Thunder Northern Pavilion, including the Scripture Collection Pavilion, the training ground, and so on, all complete.
"Yes!" Iron Sword Venerable responded in a muffled voice.
He is usually taciturn and not afraid of offending people. During this period, Iron Sword Venerable also thought that besides guarding the Scripture Collection Pavilion, the most suitable place for him in the pavilion is the Law Enforcement Hall. It's his specialty, and there is not much interaction.
Chen Xiao nodded and smiled: "It's also simple to solve your foundation problem. I know an Eighth-Rank Elixir called the Heaven Mending Pill. This Elixir can eradicate hidden dangers for you. I will let Ying Er refine one later."
"Thank you, Pavilion Master!"
Having received a definite answer, even Iron Sword Venerable's temperament was slightly excited.
Chen Xiao didn't care too much. Exchanging an Eighth-Rank Elixir for the loyalty of a Dou Zun is definitely not a loss!
"Besides these, do you have anything else?"
Iron Sword Venerable and Hai Bo Dong both shook their heads.
Only Heavenly Flame Honored One pondered and said: "Pavilion Master, a few days ago, I sensed a completely unfamiliar aura appearing under Qifeng Mountain. This person's strength is probably no weaker than mine, but when I went to check, I didn't find any trace of them."
"Was it the day Xun Er came to Purple Firmament Pavilion?"
"It was that day!"
"It doesn't matter. That's someone Xun Er brought. If he comes to the door, treat him well. If he doesn't show up, there's no need to pay attention to him."
After hearing what Heavenly Flame Honored One said, Chen Xiao had already vaguely guessed it, and now he was completely sure.
Xun Er had also mentioned to him before that this time, an Ancient Clan Elder was accompanying her, but he didn't enter Purple Firmament Pavilion.
Hearing this, Heavenly Flame Honored One was completely relieved.
"If there's nothing else, let's end here today."
Chen Xiao waved his hand, signaling them to leave first.
As for the people from the small sects gathered at the foot of Qifeng Mountain, no one cared about them.
They didn't see them being friendly on weekdays, and now they sensed danger and wanted to come and seek shelter. How could there be such a good thing?
Since Purple Firmament Pavilion established itself in Central State, the Han Family of Tian Bei City was the first to join, and they have also gained many benefits.
After Chen Xiao suppressed and killed Thunder Venerable, formally replacing the Wind and Lightning Pavilion, countless small sects from Tian Bei came to curry favor.
Yet even so, in the vastness of Tian Bei, there were still some self-proclaimed lofty small sects that remained unaffected, taking no action whatsoever. They felt that as long as they didn't provoke the Purple Firmament Pavilion, it would be fine even if they didn't pledge allegiance.
Of course, to each their own. There was nothing wrong with this thinking. Without any grudges or entanglements, Chen Xiao wouldn't bother with them.
However, now that the situation in Central State had suddenly changed, it was too far-fetched to seek refuge now. Chen Xiao showing mercy by not ordering their complete expulsion was already a kindness.
...
In the following days, Chen Xiao spent his days mainly with Xun Er, only visiting Cai Lin and Cao Ying in the evenings.
Cai Lin and Cao Ying had no objections to this.
Although Xun Er hadn't mentioned it, everyone knew that she couldn't stay in the Purple Firmament Pavilion for too long.
This state continued until the morning of the third day.
That day, Chen Xiao had just arrived at the main hall when he saw Hai Bo Dong rushing in to report.
"Wind Honored One and Xiao Yan have arrived!"
So fast?
Chen Xiao chuckled, "Bring them in."
Hai Bo Dong obeyed and left. After a short while, Chen Xiao saw the familiar Feng Xian and Xiao Yan once again.
It seemed that ever since he left the Jia Ma Empire as a teenager, Chen Xiao had gained something every time he saw them. So much so that now, he couldn't help but smile whenever he saw them.
After Chen Xiao signaled Hai Bo Dong to leave, leaving no one else in the hall, a transparent soul body floated out from the Storage Ring on Xiao Yan's finger before they could even sit down.
"Medicine Venerable, Wind Honored One, we meet again. Please, have a seat."
Chen Xiao's smile was now full of radiance, while Feng Xian and Yao Chen could only respond with helpless wry smiles.
During this time, Chen Xiao was carefree, focusing solely on absorbing soul origins, while they were racking their brains every day to make a living.
Such a comparison was truly lamentable.
Yao Chen sighed softly and bowed slightly.
As soon as he sat down, he didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point, "We've come to the Purple Firmament Pavilion this time mainly for two things."
"First, Feng Xian and Xiao Yan have told me that the last time we troubled the Pavilion Master to help, the reward... to be honest, on the way back to Starfall Pavilion, I pondered for a long time and went through everything I had, but couldn't find anything that would catch the Pavilion Master's eye."
"So, I simply changed my approach. I took the time to organize two notebooks, coupled with some other items, to use as a reward. I hope the Pavilion Master won't find them too shabby."
With that, Yao Chen gave Xiao Yan a look.
Xiao Yan immediately got up, took out a Storage Ring that he had prepared in advance, and presented it to Chen Xiao.
A hint of curiosity flashed through Chen Xiao's mind as he probed his consciousness into the Storage Ring.
A moment later, a look of surprise quietly crept onto his face.
Inside the Storage Ring, two thick notebooks lay quietly.
Chen Xiao moved his mind, and the notebooks opened on their own.
One of them recorded cultivation insights starting from the Dou Qi stage, including both common-sense knowledge and Yao Chen's unique insights into various realms. It even included many methods from a teacher's perspective on how to guide disciples in cultivation.
The other notebook revolved around alchemy, also starting from the most basic pharmacological knowledge, occasionally analyzing a certain Elixir as an example, covering everything from first-grade to seventh-grade Elixirs.
After roughly browsing through the Storage Ring with his consciousness, Chen Xiao had only one thought in his mind.
These were simply two standard textbooks in the fields of Dou Qi cultivation and alchemy!
Yao Chen, putting aside everything else, was indeed very good at teaching disciples.
Except for a certain Medicine Emperor!
Chen Xiao couldn't determine the value of these two notebooks.
Fortunately, Chen Xiao's original purpose in saving Yao Chen wasn't to fleece him, but for the soul origin.
Therefore, there was no need to dwell too much on the reward.
"Medicine Venerable, you're too kind. These two notebooks are very precious."
"But what is the meaning of this incomplete map?"
As he spoke, Chen Xiao flipped his palm and took out an extremely familiar incomplete map from the Storage Ring.
There was no way it wouldn't be familiar, after all, this incomplete map was what he had deliberately used to fish at the Auction, but later, Chen Xiao had basically obtained everything he wanted, and his interest in fleecing Yao Chen had waned, so he had not continued to implement the original plan.
He never expected that after so many years, this incomplete map would return to his hands in this way!
-----------
Machine Translation by: https://beta.randomtranslator.com/
Read 1400+ original & fanfic translations and Translate for free at: https://www.randomtranslator.com/