Chapter 8: Beast Flame
The morning sunlight filtered through the window, landing on the youth seated cross-legged on the bed. The mist-like energy swirling around him glowed even more brilliantly under the light, highlighting his extraordinary presence.
Huu~
After a night of silent cultivation, Yao Yan slowly opened his eyes. As he let out a long breath, the mist around him transformed into several energy streams that flowed into his body through his nose and mouth, nourishing his limbs and bones. A tingling sensation spread throughout his body, allowing him to clearly feel his strength increasing.
"Feels great to be able to cultivate without restraint."
Yao Yan stood up from the bed, stretched slightly, and couldn't help but smile in satisfaction as he muttered to himself.
He could clearly sense the changes in his body—the feeling of becoming stronger was undeniable.
After a brief moment of contemplation, he lightly touched the space between his brows.
He was curious about the Soul Devouring Clan's innate ability, but within the Yao Clan's territory, without Hun Xuzi nearby to protect him, he didn't dare recklessly activate that bloodline power. For now, he could only let it slumber within his body.
Still, after a night of cultivation, he could sense that this power was also growing. Unlike Dou Qi cultivation, it seemed to grow alongside the strengthening of his body.
This mystery clearly wasn't something he could solve at the moment, so after thinking about it for a while, he gave up.
Like trying to interpret a dream… Yao Yan complained internally, then pushed open the door. What lay before him was a courtyard many times larger than his previous one, filled with rare and precious plants. Most important of all, however, was the spatial barrier surrounding the area—a technique only a Dou Sect powerhouse could deploy.
Thanks to that barrier, Yao Yan could cultivate without fear of being discovered.
"Young Master."
With a ripple in space, Yao Nong stepped out from it and respectfully greeted him.
This was naturally Yao Nong's residence. As the head of a major branch family in Danding City, he had his own private estate. His strength had already reached the peak of Dou Sect, only one step away from Dou Venerate—but that final step was extraordinarily difficult.
Yao Nong had been stuck at that level for decades.
Clearly, cultivating Dou Qi was far from the effortless process often depicted in novels. Some might never break through no matter how long they lived.
The gap between Dou Sect and Dou Venerate was only one word—but it marked worlds of difference.
Looking at him, Yao Yan asked softly, "Everything's arranged?"
"I've publicly announced that I've taken you as my disciple. I've also exchanged my accumulated contribution points at the Pill Pavilion for a Tier Seven Primal Pill. It can reconstruct one's root and bones. With this, your re-cultivation can be explained. As long as no Dou Venerate probes your body, no one will notice the change."
Yao Nong nodded. Everything had been handled. Even if Yao Yan walked out now, no one would be surprised by his transformation—unless someone was bold enough to dissect him.
Yao Yan silently gave him a thumbs-up in his mind. No wonder Hun Xuzi valued this Dou Sect powerhouse—his efficiency was excellent.
"This is the spirit-gathering stone and a Tier Seven beast flame, along with pills to assist in its refinement."
Yao Nong flipped his palm, retrieving several items from his ring. He explained, "This beast flame is called the Illusory Gold Flame, extracted from a Tier Seven magical beast—Fire Scorpion Dragon Beast. It exists only in the husks of the young beast and is its companion flame. It has body-tempering properties, making it ideal for your current stage."
Yao Yan's gaze grew heated as he stared at the Illusory Gold Flame floating in midair. It shimmered with a golden hue, like a ball of molten lava roiling with heat.
As an alchemist, how could he not be interested in heavenly flames?
But heavenly flames were rare beyond belief. Most alchemists could only settle for beast flames. Right now, this beast flame was more suitable for Yao Yan's stage. As for heavenly flames—those who reached for them without sufficient strength were simply courting death.
Yao Nong continued, "You'll need to nourish it daily with Dou Qi to increase compatibility. Once your cultivation reaches Dou Practitioner, you can begin refining it."
Flames were naturally violent. Even the gentlest beast flames weren't easy to refine. However, companion flames from infant beasts like this one were rare exceptions. By feeding them Dou Qi, the difficulty of refining was significantly reduced—perfect for beginners.
"Thank you."
Yao Yan said earnestly, then raised his hand and swept all the items into his storage ring.
"It's my duty."
Yao Nong remained composed. After a pause, he continued, "Would you still like to attend the clan academy, Young Master? If not, you may remain here to cultivate."
"I'll stay and cultivate. We'll talk about the academy once I've reached Dou Practitioner."
Yao Yan answered without hesitation.
Since the path was already paved for him, he wouldn't go looking for trouble. Besides, the clan academy didn't offer much anymore—especially now that a former academy instructor was his servant. Why bother wasting time there?
"Understood, I'll handle it."
Yao Nong nodded.
With that, the space around him twisted, and his figure vanished from Yao Yan's sight.
Yao Yan watched him leave, then turned and reentered the house, closing the door behind him.
Time for closed-door cultivation.
…
Danding City – Clan Academy.
"Have you guys heard? That boring guy Yao Yan got absurdly lucky. Lord Yao Nong took him as a disciple. So envious!"
"You're behind on the news. My dad told me yesterday—Yao Nong even spent his contribution points to get a Tier Seven Primal Pill from the Pill Pavilion!"
"Seriously? Why Yao Yan? Just because he's a bit good-looking?!"
A broad-shouldered teen huffed in annoyance. He couldn't understand why Yao Nong had chosen Yao Yan. Sure, the kid had some alchemy talent—but his bloodline was only Tier 3. His future was clear—was it really worth investing in him?
That was a Tier Seven Primal Pill! It rivaled some Tier Eight pills in value—enough to hire a Dou Venerate!
"Who knows? Maybe he wants a live-in son-in-law. The kid's definitely handsome. They say his mother chose his dad because of his looks. Must run in the family."
"Yao Hu! Don't spout nonsense! My grandpa would never do that!"
A little girl with pigtails furiously pointed at the stocky youth and scolded him.
"Oh right, my bad—it's probably your grandpa picking out a child husband for you. Hahaha!"
"You're dead!"
Immediately, the classroom burst into chaos and laughter.
Meanwhile—
In a quiet courtyard behind the academy, Yao Nong was having tea with Yao Shan. The two had known each other for decades and were old friends. With their level of cultivation, they could hear every raucous word from the students.
Yao Shan chuckled and shook his head, then glanced at his old friend and asked, "Don't tell me you're actually planning to make him your grandson-in-law? Your granddaughter is eight this year—only four years apart. It's not impossible, you know."
He was half-joking… but half serious.
Yao Nong, however, remained calm. "I simply think his alchemy talent is worth nurturing. You know my bloodline isn't very strong. I'm probably stuck in Danding City for life. Compared to those pre-selected core members, Yao Yan is more suitable as a disciple."
Yao Shan froze. The smile faded from his face. Slowly, he said, "You still haven't let go of what happened back then, have you?"
"Maybe. Maybe not. But it doesn't matter anymore. It's been so many years. We're old now, aren't we?"
Yao Nong chuckled quietly, as if the past were nothing but clouds.
Yao Shan nodded, gazing off into the distance. "Yeah… we're old. In the blink of an eye, so many years have passed. Now, I just hope one of the younger generation makes something of themselves. If even one can have their name inscribed on the clan monument—that would be enough."
He looked toward the distant sky, where a towering stone monument pierced the clouds—representing the highest honor of the Yao Clan.
"…"
Yao Nong looked at the same monument but said nothing.
(END CHAPTER)
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