Gazing at the incomplete map in Chen Xiao's hand, Yao Chen couldn't help but feel a pang of emotion.
It had been seven or eight years since he'd obtained this fragment at the Mitre Auction House in Wu Tan City.
Yet, all these years, he and Xiao Yan hadn't found the slightest trace of a second fragment.
What was even more disheartening was that they didn't even know how many such fragments were scattered across the Dou Qi Continent.
After so much research, they only knew this fragment was related to the Purifying Lotus Demonic Flame, and beyond that, they had made no progress!
Now, Yao Chen and Xiao Yan no longer held onto the hope of collecting all the fragments.
Rather than pinning their hopes on such an unrealistic prospect, it was better to exchange the fragment for some tangible benefits.
Most importantly, they knew Chen Xiao was well-informed and they could get information about Heavenly Flames from him.
If Chen Xiao could truly collect all the fragments and find the Purifying Lotus Demonic Flame, perhaps he would remember their kindness.
"When this fragment was auctioned at the Mitre Auction House in Wu Tan City back then, the Pavilion Master was also present, so I assume you know something about it."
"Back then, I already determined that this fragment was undeniably linked to the Purifying Lotus Demonic Flame, the third ranked Heavenly Flame on the Heavenly Flame Ranking!"
"The top three Heavenly Flames are unique, unlike the Bone Spirit Cold Flame, which might have a second or third instance. Therefore, they are exceptionally precious."
"Originally, my disciple and I hoped that if we got lucky one day, we could gather all the fragments and find a way to subdue the Purifying Lotus Demonic Flame. But now, that idea seems utterly unrealistic."
"However, you, Pavilion Master, are different. The Purple Firmament Pavilion is well-informed. If this fragment falls into your hands, perhaps it can truly be completed. If that day ever comes, I will be content."
"Furthermore, besides items of such immeasurable value, this old man truly cannot offer any compensation that would satisfy the Pavilion Master."
Yao Chen gave a wry smile, not intending to hide his true thoughts.
There was no shame in this matter. The Dou Qi Continent was so vast, searching for the remaining fragments was like finding a needle in a haystack. They were merely confronting reality now.
From Chen Xiao's perspective, Yao Chen's decision was rather wise.
It was better to get rid of useless items early to avoid wasting energy later.
After a moment's thought, Chen Xiao nodded and accepted the compensation.
At this point, Yao Chen essentially had nothing left that Chen Xiao would covet. Naturally, there was no need for him to continue taking advantage of Yao Chen under the guise of the map fragments.
On the contrary, if the Purifying Lotus Demonic Flame were to appear in the future, Chen Xiao would have to retrieve the map fragments from Yao Chen and his disciple if he had any intentions towards it.
Although this task wouldn't be difficult, it certainly wouldn't be as easy and convenient as Yao Chen bringing them to him now.
"Alright, I've accepted the map fragments. Our previous cooperation is now considered successfully concluded. Now, let's talk about the second matter you came for today."
Upon hearing this, Yao Chen's expression turned slightly serious.
"The second matter is, I wish to inquire about two items: the Soul Infant Fruit and the Spirit Dragon Heavenly Ganoderma!"
"Soul Infant Fruit, Spirit Dragon Heavenly Ganoderma…"
"Indeed. Pavilion Master, you might not know, but when I was captured by the Soul Hall this time, although my life was not in danger, I lost some of my original soul energy. Now that the situation in the Central State has changed drastically, I must find a way to refine a body to resurrect myself, which is essential for my survival and stability. Before refining a body, I need to replenish the lost original soul energy. Otherwise, even if I am fortunate enough to resurrect, my strength will forever stagnate, and I will have no chance to improve."
This matter was of utmost importance to Yao Chen. If possible, he truly didn't want to mention it, lest Chen Xiao start demanding exorbitant prices.
However, he already knew that the Cao Clan Enchantress was currently at the Purple Firmament Pavilion, and was even one of the Pavilion Master's wives.
As an eighth-grade alchemist, and having learned from Xuan Kongzi, Cao Ying would surely guess their purpose for seeking the Soul Infant Fruit and the Spirit Dragon Heavenly Ganoderma upon hearing about them.
Therefore, there was no need to hide it.
Telling the truth directly would show more sincerity.
In fact, he had to thank Chen Xiao for rescuing him from the Soul Hall so quickly. If he had been imprisoned for a few more years, the original soul energy he lost would have been far more than just a little.
Hearing this, Chen Xiao was not surprised.
A few days ago, when he heard from Hai Bo Dong that Wind Honored One had been inquiring about his return, he had already guessed the other party's intentions. This was merely a complete confirmation.
As for the Soul Infant Fruit and the Spirit Dragon Heavenly Ganoderma, two rare medicinal ingredients, Chen Xiao had also privately inquired about them with Cao Ying these past few days, and had gained some insight through the pre-payment information in his mind.
"Medicine Venerable has truly given this Venerable a difficult task. The rarity of these two miraculous items, in some aspects, might even surpass that of Heavenly Flames."
This was not Chen Xiao exaggerating. Cao Ying had said the same thing last night.
This was because, currently, the Soul Infant Fruit and the Spirit Dragon Heavenly Ganoderma could only be found in ancient texts; they had long since disappeared from the Dou Qi Continent.
According to the pre-payment information in Chen Xiao's mind, there were only two ways to find these two medicinal ingredients.
Either, like last time, find an Ancient Ruins first and then try their luck inside.
Or, start by approaching ancient and long-standing powers; they might have them in their collections.
"This matter is too important to me. No matter how difficult it is, I have to give it a try. I ask for your guidance, Pavilion Master. As long as there is any news, regardless of whether it ultimately succeeds or not, Yao Chen will remember this favor!"
Yao Chen truly did not want to owe favors; he would rather settle the debt on the spot.
Debts of favor were the most troublesome and clingy!
However, at this moment, he had been thoroughly stripped by Chen Xiao and truly had no equivalent compensation to offer.
Helpless, he could only shamelessly make a promise.
"Yao Chen's words are my words, Feng Xian! Pavilion Master, please!" Wind Honored One immediately stood up, cupped his hands, and bowed slightly.
"Me too!" Xiao Yan also quickly stood up, scratching his head, and somewhat awkwardly declared his resolve.
In his opinion, Chen Xiao might still give some importance to the favors owed by Yao Chen and Feng Xian.
But a promise from him, a mere Dou Wang…
It was truly like something a nobody would say, just a joke.
However, for Yao Chen's sake, he had to make his resolve clear.
Little did they know, compared to the promises made by the more powerful Feng Xian and Yao Chen at this moment, Chen Xiao actually valued this nobody's promise more.
Judging by his stance, regardless of good or evil, Xiao Yan was actually quite decent to his own people.
It was precisely because of this that over the years, Chen Xiao had never had the thought of eliminating him to prevent future trouble.
Although things like the Green Lotus Core Flame had indeed changed Xiao Yan's growth path, that was merely Chen Xiao acting in his own self-interest.
Putting that aside, he had never deliberately suppressed Xiao Yan; he had even traded information about Heavenly Flames with him twice.
In Chen Xiao's heart, Xiao Yan held considerable value. He could help attract the hatred of the Soul Hall, take the blame for him, and once Xiao Yan grew stronger in the future, he might even become a capable subordinate!
Even, thinking further ahead, if he could leave the Dou Qi Continent one day, Xiao Yan would be a natural ally.
"I do know some information about the Soul Infant Fruit and the Spirit Dragon Heavenly Ganoderma. Last time, in the Ancient Ruins in the Beast Region, I obtained two Soul Infant Fruits. It's just that you came at an inopportune time; those two have already been taken by Ying'er for alchemy."
"These things cannot be undone, so I won't dwell on them. Let me tell you about the Soul Infant Fruit first."
"Speaking of foundations, the Ancient Eight Clans currently have the deepest on the continent. They treasure many medicinal ingredients not seen in the outside world. The Soul Clan, Medicine Clan, and Thunder Clan all have Soul Infant Demonic Trees surviving. Beyond that, I'm not sure."
Actually, from the foreknowledge he possessed, Chen Xiao also discovered that the Heavenly North Ruins, which he had been searching for, also contained Soul Infant Fruits.
However, the whereabouts of these ruins were currently elusive, and even he hadn't found them, so he naturally wouldn't dare to speak of it publicly.
Furthermore, the situation with Ancient Ruins was different from that of Ancient Clans.
Saying that Ancient Clans had Soul Infant Fruits could be explained by the source of the information, after all, he was close to Xun Er.
But Ancient Ruins were another matter. How could one know there were Soul Infant Fruits inside an un-emerged ruin?
Hearing this, Yao Chen gently nodded, secretly committing this information to memory, without the slightest doubt in Chen Xiao's words.
What Chen Xiao said largely aligned with his own conjectures.
While Yao Chen might not have a deep understanding of the other Ancient Clans, he was very familiar with the Medicine Clan.
Even before coming to the Purple Firmament Pavilion, Yao Chen had vaguely suspected that the Medicine Clan likely possessed the two medicinal ingredients he desperately needed.
It was a pity that the grudges and entanglements between him and the Medicine Clan were not something that could be explained in a few words, and the Medicine Clan would naturally not help him easily.
"As for the Spirit Dragon Heavenly Ganoderma..."
"If you want to find this item, there are slightly more avenues. The Medicine Clan, Soul Clan, Yan Clan, and Spirit Clan all have it. Additionally, one of the Three Valleys, the Sound Valley, also possesses this item."
This time, Chen Xiao also held back some information, not mentioning the Ancient Clan and the White Tribe.
As for the White Tribe, there was no need to mention them; he naturally wouldn't publicize it.
Regarding the Ancient Clan, Chen Xiao purely didn't want to stir up trouble, lest Yao Chen take the opportunity to ask for his help, adding unnecessary complications.
"I've noted it all down. Thank you!"
Yao Chen cupped his hands in a solemn gesture of thanks, but a trace of regret suddenly surfaced in his heart.
A few days prior, during the Six Clans' meeting, the benefit he had secured for himself was a peak Nine Revolutions Dou Zun body. Thinking back to it now, he couldn't help but feel a pang of annoyance.
If he had known he would have such a need today, he should have exchanged the benefit for a Soul Infant Fruit or a Spirit Dragon Heavenly Ganoderma.
After all, a slightly inferior body wouldn't have a significant impact; there would still be room for improvement in the future.
But if his origin soul energy couldn't be replenished, then he would truly be stuck forever, unable to advance any further.
What's done is done, and regretting it now would be useless. The most important thing to consider now was from which faction to obtain the necessary items.
And the first one Yao Chen excluded was the Soul Hall.
The two sides were already irreconcilable mortal enemies; there was no need to say more, and it was absolutely impossible to obtain anything from them.
Next to be considered was the Medicine Clan.
The Medicine Clan carried too many unpleasant memories for Yao Chen. Although he still harbored the thought of returning to clear his name, it was clearly not the time.
Given his current state, if he were to return to the Medicine Clan to ask for medicine, he would most likely not succeed, and might even be subjected to humiliation by some individuals.
As for the Spirit Clan, Thunder Clan, and Yan Clan…
After a moment of thought, Yao Chen listed these three clans as potential options.
After all, he had no deep connections with these three clans, and obtaining medicinal ingredients from them would clearly not be an easy task.
Thinking it over, the relatively easiest option left was the reclusive Sound Valley!
He didn't know much about this faction. It was only mentioned in Central State when people brought up the slogan "One Hall, One Pagoda, Two Sects, Three Valleys, Four Pavilions." At other times, it had almost no presence.
But Yao Chen felt that, no matter what, dealing with the Sound Valley would be easier than dealing with those Ancient Clans!
With his plan settled, Yao Chen was eager to return and learn more about the Sound Valley, and thus, he no longer lingered.
"I need to go back quickly and figure things out, so I won't disturb you further. Regardless of the outcome, what I said before will always hold true!" Yao Chen said solemnly.
He didn't dare to turn hostile and deny their agreement now. Not to mention the difference in strength between them, but his own revival might still require Chen Xiao's help.
After all, Xiao Yan's current strength is still too weak. If he were to lead the resurrection matter, the risk would indeed be too great.
"Then I wish you success in achieving your desires," Chen Xiao nodded slightly.
"Thank you for your kind words, Pavilion Master. Please, you don't need to see me out."
Yao Chen nodded and, without further hesitation, directly burrowed into Xiao Yan's storage ring.
Wind Honored One and Xiao Yan also cupped their hands slightly and said in unison, "Pavilion Master, farewell!"
Long after the two had departed, a graceful figure entered the main hall.
"Xun Er?"
Chen Xiao felt a slight surprise upon seeing the newcomer.
During the daytime these past few days, he had been accompanying Xun Er, occasionally visiting nearby cities. When his mood struck, he would sit atop Qifeng Mountain and watch the clouds drift by as he used to. Life had been quite pleasant.
However, for Xun Er to come to the main hall to find him so early, as she had just done, was unprecedented.
Chen Xiao's heart stirred slightly, and a sense of foreboding suddenly arose.
It was likely that Xun Er was leaving!
As expected, meeting Chen Xiao's slightly bewildered gaze, Xun Er smiled faintly. Her bright eyes held a hint of unconcealable reluctance.
"Brother Chen Xiao, I've been away from the Ancient Realm for nearly a month now. There's an Elder waiting outside. He hasn't rushed me these past few days, and I can't make things difficult for him. It's time for me to go back."
"I know you dislike goodbyes, Brother Chen Xiao, and I had planned to leave quietly. But when I reached the foot of the mountain, I couldn't help but come back for one last look. As for Cai Lin and the others, you'll have to convey my message to them."
Chen Xiao stepped forward, facing Xun Er. He looked at the wistfulness in her eyes, his throat feeling as if something were stuck. After a long moment, he let out a soft "Mm."
He reached out and gently tucked a strand of Xun Er's hair, which the wind had disturbed, behind her ear. His fingertips brushed her temple, causing an almost imperceptible tremor. Then, he gently took Xun Er's delicate hand. The moment their palms touched, both of them paused, as if trying to preserve the warmth of that moment.
"I'll escort you down the mountain."
Despite his heart being filled with a thousand unspoken farewells, Chen Xiao knew that Xun Er's extended stay in the Central State was already a rare occurrence. To forcefully detain her would only put her in a difficult position and cause her further trouble.
Though the old saying was cliché, it perfectly captured the depth of their feelings: "If love between two people can last forever, what need is there for them to be together day after day?"
This parting was not an end; there would be a reunion in the future.
Moreover, as his strength continued to grow, the day of their reunion would only draw closer.
One day, he would be able to stride into the Ancient Realm with pride and bring Xun Er back to his side.
At that time, there would be no more partings, only companionship day and night, year after year.
Xun Er did not refuse. Her steps, however, were as slow as if she were walking on cotton, from the main hall all the way to the mountain gate. The morning dew had dampened the stone steps, yet they said little. Only the mountain wind, rustling through the pines, seemed to hide their unspoken pleas for her to stay.
As they reached the foot of the mountain, Chen Xiao sensed a powerful aura approaching from a distance.
Before long, a uniquely shaped, ancient flying boat came into view. An old man in a green robe stood at the bow. Upon seeing Xun Er, he merely bowed slightly and said nothing more.
Xun Er turned to face Chen Xiao. Before she could speak, he pulled her into a tight embrace.
Chen Xiao took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp scent of her hair, a scent that seemed to have etched itself into his very being. He lowered his voice, a slight tremor in it, "Xun Er, take care."
Xun Er gently nuzzled her head against his chest, a tender smile curving her lips. Her voice, soft yet clear, reached him, "The last time we met, Brother Chen Xiao had just broken through to Dou Zong. Now you're a Six-Star Dou Zun. I have a feeling that the next time we meet, Brother Chen Xiao will be even more dazzling!"
Without lingering on this moment of tenderness, after a brief embrace, Xun Er turned like a butterfly and gracefully ascended to the bow of the boat.
"Brother Chen Xiao, goodbye..."
The flying boat slowly ascended, piercing through the clouds. In that instant, Chen Xiao vaguely saw a slender figure at the stern turn back and wave.
He stood in place until the flying boat dwindled to a tiny speck in the sky and completely disappeared before slowly retracting his gaze.
The space beside him rippled, and Qing Lin's figure appeared.
"Young Master, Sister Xun Er asked me to tell you to check on Sister Ying's health. She said there might be a surprise."
Qing Lin withdrew her reluctant gaze from the sky and spoke.
It was clear that even though Xun Er had intended to leave quietly, she hadn't managed to elude Qing Lin and the others.
If Chen Xiao were to turn and look upwards at this moment, he would see Cai Lin and her daughter, along with Cao Ying, standing atop the Thunder Pagoda to see Xun Er off.
"A surprise?"
Chen Xiao was a little puzzled but didn't dwell on it.
He led Qing Lin back to the plaza. As Cai Lin and her daughter, along with Cao Ying, floated down from above, Chen Xiao subtly released his spiritual sense, probing towards Cao Ying.
Soon, a look of surprise appeared on Chen Xiao's face, and the corners of his mouth curved upward unconsciously.
Familiar, so familiar!
He had sensed this faint trace of life on Cai Lin before!
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