Chapter 201 – Xiao Yuan: Who Do You Think You Are to Teach My Brother and Sister-in-Law What to Do?
After Xiao Yan recovered from his injuries and broke through to the Six-Star Dou Ling level, his days once again returned to a calm rhythm. Although every time he appeared in the Inner Academy, he would still draw gasps of astonishment and all kinds of stares, he had become accustomed to it and learned to ignore them over time.
Although the competition had ended, perhaps to give participants enough time to recuperate, the entry into the lower levels of the Heavenly Flame Refining Tower was delayed. This delay made the long-anticipating Xiao Yan feel the wait was growing unbearable.
Xiao Yuan, on the other hand, rarely appeared in the Inner Academy. He spent his days cultivating Dou Techniques, refining medicinal skills, and personally guiding Xiao Yu in her Dou Technique training. Occasionally, he would also be dragged into sparring by Zi Yan.
After all, in the entire Inner Academy, only Xiao Yuan wasn't afraid of her monstrous strength.
Once he had adjusted his condition to an ideal state, Xiao Yuan acquired permission from Elder Su Qian to enter the lower levels of the Heavenly Flame Refining Tower and began a secluded training session using the dense Heart Flame below.
However, this time, Xiao Yuan wasn't aiming to increase his Dou Qi.
Instead, he intended to use the Heart Flame's projection to nourish the fire energy within his body. According to the nurturing methods described in the five-colored scroll, Xiao Yuan could cultivate this fire energy to the greatest extent that he could control, and then use a secret method to draw out the source Qi from the Chi Flame Qi Palace in his heart—essentially the heart's origin energy—and merge it with the fire energy to create a special flame.
The strength of this flame would grow alongside the strength of his origin Qi and could eventually rival a Heavenly Flame.
This cultivation method of internalizing five types of origin Qi was called the "Six Qi Transformation."
It was termed "six" because it involved six distinct elemental Qi types: Wood, Earth, Metal, and Water for four, and two kinds of Fire—called: "Jueyin Wind Wood Qi," "Taiyin Moist Earth Qi," "Yangming Dry Metal Qi," "Taiyang Cold Water Qi," "Shaoyin Sovereign Fire Qi," and "Shaoyang Minister Fire Qi."
In Xiao Yuan's understanding, the two fire-elemental types of origin Qi were the most likely to evolve into a Heavenly Flame.
As for the other four, if fate allowed, they could also potentially transform into Heavenly Flames.
But Heavenly Flames were just one expression of energy compatible with this world; converting into one wasn't strictly necessary. The five-colored scroll also recorded other mysterious applications of the origin Qi, though Xiao Yuan's current origin Qi was too weak to utilize them freely.
Moreover, once he advanced to Dou Wang, every subsequent breakthrough would require him to refine at least one type of origin Qi to a level strong enough to use in combat. Only then would his organs be strong enough to carry the resulting Dou Qi.
Otherwise, even if he advanced by sheer luck, he'd be unable to fully circulate his Dou Qi in battle due to his Qi Palace's weakness.
In other words, this method was forcing Xiao Yuan to develop in a well-rounded way—not just in Dou Qi cultivation, but also in physical strengthening and Dou Technique mastery.
Xiao Yuan didn't reject this approach.
On the contrary, he felt this was entirely beneficial.
By pointing out a clear path, it saved him the time and effort of figuring out how to move forward, thus improving his cultivation efficiency.
After all, the most feared thing in cultivation is being directionless.
Without direction, one is destined to fail.
To pave the way for his own cultivation journey, Xiao Yuan decided to begin practicing the Six Qi Transformation immediately while the opportunity was ripe.
Of the Six Qi, Xiao Yuan chose to begin with the Shaoyin Sovereign Fire Qi, which best aligned with the invisible and colorless Fallen Heart Flame residing in his heart.
The five-colored scroll noted that Sovereign Fire rules brightness from above, while Minister Fire governs positioning from below. Sovereign Fire resides in the heart and controls the peak of the body's Qi circulation, bringing illumination like the sun in the sky. Minister Fire is stored in the kidneys, known as the Gate of Life Fire. It heats and transforms the kidney's water into Qi, distributing it throughout the body like fire under a cauldron.
By using the Fallen Heart Flame's projection, rich in fire attribute energy, to cultivate his internal fire power to a certain level and then merging it with the origin Qi, the origin Qi could rapidly strengthen and gain the ability to manifest in tangible form.
Xiao Yuan guessed that because he was cultivating using the Fallen Heart Flame, the Shaoyin Sovereign Fire he would eventually form would likely possess similar Heart Flame projection abilities.
This prospect excited Xiao Yuan.
It was no wonder he was so obsessed with training—sometimes, he found cultivating more interesting than women.
Of course, he couldn't say that in front of Xiao Yu; it would break her heart.
His cultivation continued steadily.
During their free time, Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan would occasionally take Xiao Yu and Xun'er to the back mountains to hunt some tasty Magic Beasts for a barbecue.
They were a family after all. Spending time together helped maintain close bonds.
During this period, since Xiao Yan had just recovered and advanced two stars in a row, he chose not to enter the tower. Instead, he focused on solidifying the suddenly expanded Dou Qi within him. While rapid power increases were certainly thrilling, such abrupt gains lacked the foundation of steady growth.
Instability was a major taboo in advancement, so Xiao Yan had to maintain a truly firm and steady internal state to avoid ending up with hollow strength.
Luckily, thanks to his Green Lotus Core Flame, his pace of solidifying Dou Qi was much faster than the average person.
Time passed, and it had now been a month since the Strong Ranking Tournament.
On a slightly sloping grassy hill, the lush green grass stretched like a carpet to the edge of the horizon. Just below, there was a wide mountain ravine, extremely deep and shrouded in mist, looking like a fairyland.
Xiao Yan and Xun'er lay quietly on the grass, the soft sunlight warming their bodies and bringing a drowsy comfort.
They had just finished their barbecue. Xiao Yuan had returned to cultivation, and Xiao Yu had left to handle matters related to the Lionheart Society.
Xun'er turned slightly, her jewel-like eyes gazing at the black-robed youth beside her who had his eyes closed and a carefree expression. Her lips curled into a gentle smile, but moments later, her eyes dimmed a little as she whispered:
"Brother Xiao Yan, that scroll I gave you—when you reach the Dou Wang level, you must study it properly."
Hearing the soft voice beside his ear, Xiao Yan opened his eyes and gently patted her head, smiling: "Of course. How could I not give my full attention to something Xun'er gave me?"
Hearing this, Xun'er smiled sweetly, her laughter crisp and melodious like a mountain spring hitting stones.
"But girl, you've seemed a bit odd lately," Xiao Yan suddenly said, looking at her radiant smile.
Xun'er blinked, her eyes flickering away as she softly replied, "No… I don't think I've changed at all."
"Really?" Xiao Yan chuckled and shook his head. "Third Brother doesn't just randomly decide to have a barbecue—and bring both of us along."
Xun'er flinched, eyes flickering with guilt. Just as Xiao Yan was about to question her further, Xun'er suddenly sensed something and her expression changed drastically. She urgently pushed Xiao Yan toward the forest and said anxiously:
"Brother Xiao Yan, hide—do not come out!"
"What's going on? Are those people after you?"
Grabbing Xun'er's slender hand, Xiao Yan also sensed the aura rapidly approaching from the distance, and his expression turned grim.
Xun'er looked toward the distant northern sky, sensing the rapidly approaching energies. She quickly placed her palm on Xiao Yan's chest and sent out a soft force that pushed him into the woods, instructing firmly, "Brother Xiao Yan, suppress your aura. Don't let them find you!"
Pushed into the forest, Xiao Yan's expression kept shifting. He didn't understand why Xun'er had suddenly become so frantic.
"Who are these people?" His gaze followed hers toward the northern sky, and his fists slowly clenched. A strange fury began to rise in his heart.
Not long after Xiao Yan was pushed into the forest, a loud burst of wind echoed from the horizon. A dozen small black dots appeared on the northern edge of the sky, flying straight toward Xun'er's position.
As the sharp sound of rushing wind grew louder, the black dots rapidly enlarged and finally entered the visible range.
Looking through the gaps in the leaves at the approaching figures, Xiao Yan's face filled with shock. These weren't human silhouettes but a dozen jet-black magical beasts with long silver horns on their heads. Strange markings adorned the horns, and faint sounds of thunder came from them. The beasts also had large wings, flapping powerfully and causing the wind to howl as it pressed the forest down.
Though Xiao Yan had never seen or heard of these beasts, the fierce aura they gave off made it clear they were not ordinary transportation beasts—they were flying beasts bred for battle.
Combat-capable flying beasts were extremely rare. Only tremendously powerful forces could afford to raise and tame them.
Xiao Yan's eyes then shifted to the figures on the backs of the beasts. Every single beast carried a figure dressed in a purple-black robe. Their faces were expressionless, and their gazes were like sharp blades, chilling to the bone. To Xiao Yan's surprise, the aura of each person was as deep and unfathomable as the Elders in the Inner Academy.
The ten giant four-winged unicorns hovered over the ravine, and their gazes swept toward the grassy slope where Xun'er stood.
"Heh… Miss Xun'er, we've finally found you."
One of the unicorns in the lead slowly descended, and a man standing atop it smiled at her.
This man appeared to be around twenty-four or twenty-five years old. He was extremely handsome, comparable to Lin Xiuya, and his purple-black robe gave him an air of maturity and calm. Most importantly, he seemed to be the leader—judging by how the other nine stood slightly behind him, subtly emphasizing rank.
"I am Ling Quan, the newly appointed deputy commander of the Black Submerge Army. By order of the clan patriarch, I have come to escort the young miss back."
Standing on the unicorn, Ling Quan respectfully cupped his fist toward Xun'er.
"I already said I would return on my own. Why go through the trouble of traveling such a long distance?" Xun'er's face turned cold at their sudden appearance, and her words were laced with chill.
"We are merely following orders," Ling Quan replied with a slight smile. Just as he was about to say more, his gaze sharpened, and he looked directly toward the forest. "Who's eavesdropping?"
The moment Ling Quan's voice dropped, the nine figures behind him leapt into action and darted into the woods. A muffled clash of energy erupted.
"Stop!" Xun'er's pretty face changed, and she shouted sharply.
With her shout, a figure suddenly burst out from the woods and hovered in midair with wings flapping before gently landing next to Xun'er. It was the slightly disheveled Xiao Yan.
"Xiao… are you okay?" Seeing his slightly rapid breath, Xun'er rushed to him and almost called him by his name instinctively, but quickly caught herself and asked in a calm tone.
Her sudden shift made Xiao Yan frown slightly. "What's going on?"
The nine figures who had dashed into the forest returned as a unit, landing behind Ling Quan. Their eyes locked onto Xiao Yan like daggers.
"You…" Ling Quan narrowed his eyes and stared at Xiao Yan. Then, as if recalling something, he tapped his forehead lightly and chuckled, "If I'm not mistaken, you must be Young Master Xiao Yan from the fallen Xiao Clan? I've seen your portrait."
"And who are you?" Xiao Yan's face turned cold.
"Ling Quan, deputy commander of the Black Submerge Army. But there's no need for introductions. Neither you nor the Xiao Clan qualifies to interact with us," he replied with condescension.
Hearing his dismissive tone, Xiao Yan's face grew darker, and his hand slowly gripped the hilt of the Heavy Xuan Ruler.
"Ling Quan, enough!" Xun'er's expression turned sharp. "The Xiao Clan has an alliance with our clan. Watch your mouth!"
"Apologies, young miss. I may have spoken too bluntly." Ling Quan smiled, then abruptly added, "But the patriarch did say—if we encountered Young Master Xiao Yan, we could ask him about the location of the Xiao Clan's key."
Ling Quan turned to Xiao Yan and smiled. "So, Young Master Xiao Yan, would you be willing to tell us?"
Xun'er's heart trembled. Afraid Xiao Yan would slip, she quickly tried to intervene, but Xiao Yan frowned and asked, "Key?"
Seeing his confused look, Ling Quan hesitated. He didn't seem to be pretending. Could it be that the key really wasn't with him?
"I've lived in the Xiao Clan for years and never heard of any such key. If you think it's that easy to get your hands on, you must be dreaming," Xun'er said coldly.
"Heh, just asking casually. My main task is to bring you back, young miss. The rest is secondary," Ling Quan said with a bow.
Xun'er frowned and bit her lip. Just as she was about to step forward, Xiao Yan grabbed her arm and asked in a low voice, "You're leaving?"
"Brother Xiao Yan, I've delayed returning to the clan many times. This time, I can't postpone it anymore. Please remember what I told you before: never reveal that you possess the ancient Emperor Tuoshe Jade. One day, you will understand the true power behind me.
But until you are strong enough to protect the jade, don't come looking for me. Some in the clan would never let you leave alive. That jade holds too many secrets."
Xun'er lowered her head, her lips barely moving. Her voice was a soft plea.
Xiao Yan's expression twisted. His hand trembled as he held her arm.
"Brother Xiao Yan, I'll wait for you. I believe you will stand at the pinnacle of the continent. Then, the fallen Xiao Clan will rise again because of you!"
His hand trembled. Her words stirred his heart like a tangled mess. Ever since shedding the label of 'useless,' he had faced many challenges—but his third brother had always taken the lead. Now, this sudden separation was hard to bear. Only now did he realize just how much this girl meant to him.
He also realized why his third brother had insisted on that barbecue.
Maybe he had foreseen this day.
The more beautiful the time together, the more painful the parting.
At that moment, Xiao Yan began to understand why Xiao Yuan always carried the revival of the family on his shoulders and trained so fiercely.
Perhaps it was partly to ease the burden on his younger brother.
"Young Master Xiao Yan, this is our mission. Please let the young miss go."
Ling Quan's voice grew cold, though he still wore a smile that Xun'er found unbearably fake.
Xiao Yan ignored him, his gaze fixed on Xun'er. After a moment, he slowly released her arm—but just before he let go, he suddenly pulled her into a fierce embrace, burying his face in her fragrant hair and solemnly whispered:
"Xun'er, wait for me. I will come for you. No matter how powerful your clan is—you are mine. If I must become a Dou Zun to be worthy of them, then I will reach Dou Zun. If Dou Zun isn't enough, then I will become a Dou Sheng. If even that fails, then Dou Di! Until no one in this world can stand between us!"
Xun'er bit her lip. Tears welled in her eyes. "Fool… if you become a Dou Di, every woman on the continent will be yours to choose."
Seeing Xiao Yan boldly embrace Xun'er, Ling Quan's smile faded. His eyes turned as cold as blades, his fist clenched tightly, and flames flickered around it.
Sensing energy stirring in the air, Xun'er tried to pull away, worried for Xiao Yan's safety. But suddenly, a familiar voice rang out, unyielding and clear:
"Hug her. Hug her all you want. Anyone who dares stop you today—dies!"
That voice carried real killing intent.
"Who!?" Ling Quan's face darkened, looking around—but saw no one.
Xun'er was stunned. But then her tense heart relaxed a little, and her eyes welled with sorrowful reluctance.
Hearing that familiar voice, Xiao Yan tightened his embrace. As he looked into Xun'er's eyes filled with emotion, their lips slowly drew close—and finally, they kissed.
"Outrageous!"
Ling Quan, watching the girl of his dreams being held and kissed, trembled with rage. He summoned a long spear and charged at Xiao Yan.
But Xiao Yan and Xun'er ignored him completely.
Just as Ling Quan entered a 20-meter range, a deafening thunderclap erupted. Before he could react, a size 43 shoe wreathed in blue lightning slammed into his face.
He flew backward like a broken kite, blood splashing across the ground.
The remaining nine figures froze, then turned toward the attacker.
Standing between them and the couple, a figure in flowing white robes hovered mid-air. His overwhelming aura exploded with his fierce words:
"My Xiao Clan's young master and your clan's young miss—since when did you worthless nobodies have the right to interfere?"
(END CHAPTER)
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