Chapter 46: Annihilated by Heavenly Flame!
Staring at the mysterious black-robed figure before him, whose head hung low and face was hidden beneath his cloak, Aoba Pa frowned slightly.
But soon, his pupils contracted sharply—he suddenly remembered! This was the mysterious alchemist who auctioned off the Foundation Elixir several months ago!
What did he just say? Xiao Yuan… was his disciple?
Damn it! Xiao Yuan planned this!
Aoba Pa instantly imagined that Xiao Yuan had deliberately hidden the fact that he had a powerful teacher, luring them into a trap to wipe them out in one fell swoop.
In reality, Xiao Yuan hadn't plotted that far ahead. He was, in truth, taking things one step at a time.
Fortunately, Xiao Yuan often viewed the world from a near-omniscient perspective, grasping the big picture and knowing things most people wouldn't. Without that, the Xiao family might've suffered greatly today.
At the end of the day, within Wutan City, even if Xiao Yuan tore the sky apart, he could still have Xiao Yan summon Yao Lao.
From that standpoint alone, having Yao Lao's inevitable protection meant that calling him "teacher" wasn't an exaggeration.
After all, where there are people, there are relationships. No one helps others out of sheer kindness without a connection.
Yao Lao had been betrayed by a former disciple. On one hand, he feared misplacing his trust again; on the other, he longed to raise a student who could surpass Han Feng in every way—not just for his own revival, but for inner peace.
Moreover, Yao Lao wasn't some kind, gentle grandpa. When it came to killing, he was ruthless. One did not reach the peak of the Dou Zun realm without experiencing countless life-or-death battles.
When he initially declined to take Xiao Yuan as a disciple, it wasn't for lack of ability—it was because Xiao Yuan was too clever. Until he fully understood Xiao Yuan's character, Yao Lao didn't dare to risk it. In his eyes, Xiao Yuan was much harder to manipulate than Xiao Yan.
No matter how restrained Xiao Yan was, he still had a young heart.
But Xiao Yuan? He had been mature and composed since he was a child. Even after a short acquaintance, Yao Lao felt that there was an intense aura of danger about him.
It wasn't that he feared Xiao Yuan might harm him—just that he knew Xiao Yuan played the long game. And his deep relationship with Xiao Yan left Yao Lao with little leverage over him.
So, taking this opportunity to show a bit of his true power and test the boy's reaction… why not?
"Teacher, these people all tried to attack your disciple. Please stand up for me!"
Xiao Yuan put on a pitiful and aggrieved face, clearly accusing his enemies in front of the black-robed figure.
"Alchemist sir, our Aoba family was reckless. We'll leave at once!"
Aoba Pa's face twitched at the shamelessness of the "little pretty boy," but he forced a sycophantic smile and spoke quickly.
"You are not qualified to speak to me like that."
Yao Lao's aged voice carried an effortless dominance. His meaning was clear: a worm like you has no right to bargain with me.
As the words fell, a formless force exploded outward—hurling Aoba Pa through the air. Blood sprayed as he crashed to the ground. His aura began to weaken rapidly. Judging by the scene, he wouldn't live much longer.
The fact that Yao Lao hadn't moved from his spot made the moment all the more terrifying. Even Xiao Yuan's allies were wide-eyed with disbelief.
That was a Da Dou Shi—defeated without lifting a finger!
Master Gu Ni trembled uncontrollably.
As a veteran appraiser and alchemist of the Mittel Auction House, he had seen many things.
But the soul power this black-robed man had just unleashed… it couldn't be just a fourth-rank alchemist!
He must be… a fifth-rank alchemist!
Alchemists of that rank were exceedingly rare in the entire Jia Ma Empire. And this one was Xiao Yuan's teacher?
No wonder Ya Fei dared to risk her reputation and violate the family's neutrality rules by rushing here to intervene. A fifth-rank alchemist was enough to command the respect of even the Mittel Clan's grand elders!
"D-…Dou Ling…"
The three elders of the Aoba family stared in horror at the unmoving Aoba Pa, their faces pale with disbelief.
The rest of the Aoba family looked just as miserable—terrified as if their livers had been frozen.
To have a Dou Ling strong enough to obliterate them in an instant standing before them…
In the next moment, the black-robed figure extended a pale hand. A cold white flame danced into existence in his palm.
Gu Ni's heart skipped a beat when he saw the fire.
That was—
"Heavenly Flame?!"
Gu Ni stared blankly at the mysterious figure, stunned beyond words.
"Oh? You've got sharp eyes."
Yao Lao glanced at Gu Ni in mild surprise, then casually pushed the white flame forward.
In the blink of an eye, the flame erupted into a sea of fire that engulfed all the Aoba family members who had stepped into the Xiao family estate.
An icy aura spread in every direction, making even the Xiao family clansmen shiver uncontrollably.
Moments later, the flame vanished.
The Aoba clansmen were gone—vanished without a trace. Only four storage rings remained on the ground, sparkling under the sunlight.
Everyone watching felt a chill rise from their soles straight to the crown of their heads.
Gu Ni nearly fainted.
He now realized that this mysterious alchemist wasn't just a fifth-rank master. He was likely a peak Dou Ling—or even… a Dou Wang!
Ya Fei was also surprised, but she turned meaningfully to glance at Xiao Yuan.
Seeing her expression, Xiao Yuan knew immediately—Yao Lao's display of power had caught her attention.
He returned her look with a warm smile.
Xiao Yu saw the silent exchange between them. She wanted to say something, but speaking out now would seem petty. After taking a deep breath and telling herself to stay calm, she ignored Ya Fei, stepped out from behind Xiao Yuan, and asked softly:
"Is it over?"
"Yeah. I hadn't wanted to trouble my teacher, but there was no other way this time."
Xiao Yuan smiled and walked up to the black-robed man. He made a show of bowing, then whispered, "Xiao Yan, why is your teacher wearing my mother's keepsake?"
(END CHAPTER)
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