Xiao Hua shook his head with a weary smile, sighing at the overwhelming strength and vast influence of the Hall of Souls and the Hun Clan.
Beyond them, his relationship with Xun Er was another source of trouble. The Gu Clan viewed their bond as a potential threat, fearing it might taint the purity of their next generation's bloodline. This, too, made Xiao Hua hesitant to head toward the Central Plains—especially with the impending trial of Heavenly Judgement Lightning.
To make matters worse, there was also the risk of encountering the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe. He had refined the wings of one of their members to craft a Flying Dou Technique, and once they discovered this, they would undoubtedly hunt him down.
He was well aware that Feng Qing Er, a rising star of their younger generation, had joined the Wind Lightning Pavilion and was being nurtured by Lei Zun Zhe. This meant he had to exercise extreme caution in using the wings while in the Central Plains.
'It seems my current situation makes entering the Central Plains rather troublesome…'
Undergoing the trial of Heavenly Judgement Lightning before setting foot in such a dangerous region was far from ideal. He needed to reach the peak of Dou Zong first—only then would he be ready to make the journey.
"Now that it's settled, shall we return, Xun'er?" Xiao Hua smiled affectionately, extending his hand toward her and remove those unwanted thoughts out of his head.
The corners of Xun Er's lips lifted into a faint smile. She took his hand, gently clasping it, and the moment she felt his warmth, the last traces of her worries melted away. In a soft voice, she said, "Indeed, I was worrying too much, Brother Xiao Hua. Let's return."
Hand in hand, Xiao Hua and Xun Er turned and walked away, their affectionate smiles mirroring each other. The warmth of their intertwined fingers conveyed emotions deeper than words ever could, as if their very souls were bound in an unbreakable connection.
Ling Ying sighed helplessly at the sight before him. Shaking his head, he knew that once Xiao Hua and Xun Er fell into their own world, nothing else around them mattered. They would focus solely on each other, radiating warmth and tenderness, filling the air with an almost tangible intimacy.
Suddenly, his shadow surged, shrouding his figure. In the next moment, he silently receded into the darkness, vanishing without a trace. The mountain returned to its quiet stillness, as if none of them had ever been there at all.
...
In the early morning light, the sun cast a warm glow over the handsome and beautiful couple, their presence radiating both charisma and grace.
"There's someone who wants to meet me?"
Xiao Hua was slightly surprised to hear that he had a visitor. He had assumed that the only ones he needed to deal with were the people from Misty Cloud Sect.
Granted, he hadn't even attended that meeting, but he hadn't expected another guest—one that wasn't here for Xiao Zhan, Xiao Yan, or anyone else, but for him specifically.
"It seems you weren't aware of this appointment. Do you have any idea who they might be, Brother Xiao Hua?" Xun Er asked in a soft voice, her words barely audible to the elder standing before them.
"No. If I did, I would have scheduled it for another day…" Xiao Hua whispered back, his lips close to her ear. He had no interest in meeting anyone right now, especially after learning that Xun Er would be returning to her clan. This unexpected visit only added to his annoyance.
His brows furrowed as he considered who might have come to see him. He knew it couldn't be Ya Fei or the Primer Clan, as they had already met the night before. There was no reason for them to seek him out again so soon.
Suddenly, Xiao Hua recalled the cryptic words Ya Fei had spoken before he left the Primer Clan the night before. As he pieced them together, realization dawned upon him.
"Is it Princess Yao who wishes to meet me?"
"It is indeed the First Princess who requested this meeting, Supreme Elder. We intended to inform you yesterday, but with everything that happened, we accidentally forgot to mention it," the elder admitted with a hint of discomfort and embarrassment.
He was slightly surprised that Xiao Hua had figured it out so quickly, but upon further thought, it made sense. There weren't many people with the status or authority to request a private audience with him.
"Furthermore, she specifically requested that this meeting be private—just the two of you," the elder added.
"That's fine." Xiao Hua sighed. Rising to his feet, he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss on Xun Er's cheek before turning away. Without another word, he left her residence and made his way toward the welcoming hall.
After a short while, Xiao Hua arrived at the welcoming hall, guided by the elder who had informed him of the meeting. At the entrance, two guards stood rigid, their stern expressions matching the oppressive and imposing aura they exuded.
Unfazed, Xiao Hua passed through without a word, unaffected by their presence. Inside, a cold yet breathtakingly beautiful woman sat with effortless grace, her regal aura radiating from her as she calmly awaited his arrival.
As soon as he stepped in, her eyes brightened, and she rose to her feet. A soft smile graced her lips as she spoke, "Although we have met before, allow me to formally introduce myself once again. First Princess of the Jia Ma Empire, Yao Ye, greets Master Xiao Hua. Please forgive me for the abrupt meeting."
"It's quite alright, Princess Yao Ye. Please, have a seat."
Since it was a private meeting, the elder who had escorted Xiao Hua promptly took his leave, ensuring the two were left alone.
Xiao Hua took a sip of the tea prepared by a female servant before calmly inquiring, "May I know what brings Princess Yao Ye here today?"
"My great-grandfather wishes for me to win your favor and formally request an engagement with you on behalf of the Imperial Family."
Her lips curled into a faint, resigned smile—there was no way she could say such words outright. Instead, she shifted her focus to the other request her great-grandfather had entrusted to her.
With a soft smile, Yao Ye said, "My great-grandfather wishes to invite you, Master Xiao Hua, to the Jia Ma Sacred City."
"An invitation to the Jia Ma Sacred City, huh?" Xiao Hua's eyes narrowed slightly as he pondered the sudden request.
After a brief moment of silence, a thought struck him. His gaze sharpened as he asked, "Is this about refining a medicinal pill for your great-grandfather? Or perhaps… the severe injuries of the magical beast guarding the Imperial Family?"
Yao Ye's heart trembled slightly, and she stood up in shock. She had never expected him to know about the recurring injuries of the Serene Sea Scaly Beast, the guardian of the Imperial Family. That is a secret of Imperial Family!
Before she could respond, Xiao Hua sighed and calmly interjected, ensuring there would be no misunderstanding between them.
"My spiritual perception can easily envelop the entire Jia Ma Empire. I sensed the magical beast within the vast lake behind the mountain within the imperial city. From its faint aura, I could tell it is gravely injured—old wounds that have yet to heal."
Yao Ye was stunned. The sheer extent of his spiritual perception was beyond her imagination. Her mind immediately recalled the events of the previous day, when she had felt an overwhelming pressure weighing down on her mind and soul.
'That must have been the moment he discovered the Serene Sea Scaly Beast and its injuries…'
Realization struck her like a thunderclap. The young man before her was far more terrifying than she had anticipated. It became evident that the Imperial Family had only two choices—either win him over or, at the very least, ensure they never made an enemy of him.
Taking a deep breath, Yao Ye forced herself to steady her racing heart and suppress her shock. After a brief moment, she gracefully sat back down, regaining her composed, regal demeanor.
"It seems Master Xiao Hua has already figured it out. Both matters are indeed my requests for you." Yao Ye nodded. Since he already knew the details, there was no point in beating around the bush. It was better to be direct and ensure a smoother negotiation.
"We previously sought the assistance of Association Head Fa Ma, the chairman of the Jia Ma Empire Alchemist Association. After careful examination, Elder Fa Ma concluded that a pill known as the 'Mixed Bone Molding Pill' is necessary for the Serene Sea Scaly Beast's full recovery. However, this medicinal pill is of an exceptionally high tier, classified as a full tier-six pill."
She paused for a moment before continuing with a resigned sigh. "Unfortunately, even for Elder Fa Ma, refining a pill of this tier is exceedingly difficult given his current abilities."
Xiao Hua silently nodded in understanding. He did recall that Fa Ma was only a tier-five alchemist, so it was natural for him to struggle with refining a tier-six pill.
Unlike Xiao Yan and himself, who could leap across alchemy tiers with extraordinary speed, it was a far more arduous process for ordinary alchemists to advance. The primary reason for this disparity was that they lacked the guidance of a peerless master willing to personally instruct them.
"I understand your request," Xiao Hua replied calmly. "However, may I ask what kind of pill your Great-Grandfather wishes for me to refine?"
"My Great-Grandfather wishes to request a Zong Breaking Pill," Yao Ye answered. "However, if you do not have the time to refine it, he instructed me to inform you that he is willing to delay the request for a later date."
Yao Ye understood Jia Xing Tian's true intentions. Their priority was not the Zong Breaking Pill, but rather the urgent treatment of the Serene Sea Scaly Beast's injuries. By offering flexibility with the request, they hoped to avoid making Xiao Hua feel burdened or annoyed.
"I do not mind, Princess Yao Ye," Xiao Hua said with a calm nod. Offering a reassuring smile, he added, "You don't have to worry about the success rate. Even in my worst condition, the success rate for both pills would still be above eighty percent."
"Above eighty percent success rate…"
Yao Ye involuntarily swallowed upon hearing Xiao Hua's astonishing confidence. Refining a sixth-tier medicinal pill with such a high success rate was an achievement that even Gu He, the renowned Pill King, could not guarantee—let alone Association Head Fa Ma.
"If that is the case, then I humbly ask for Master Xiao Hua's assistance," Yao Ye said, her tone filled with gratitude. "We will prepare everything in Jia Ma Sacred City, and by the time Master Xiao Hua arrives at the imperial city, all necessary materials will be ready. Additionally, I assure you that the compensation for your efforts will be more than satisfactory."
A wave of relief washed over her. Knowing that Xiao Hua possessed such an overwhelming success rate eased her greatest concern. An alchemist of his caliber had no reason to lie, and with him personally refining the pills, failure was no longer an issue.
For those seeking an alchemist's assistance, the greatest fear was always the success rate of the refinement. The precious medicinal ingredients—acquired through relentless battles and bloodshed—could turn to dust if the alchemist failed.
Heaven knows how much their hearts would bleed, their souls drowning in regret, should that happen. This was precisely why hiring an alchemist was one of the most exorbitant expenses in the Dou Qi Continent.
"Very well, I shall accept both of your requests."
Hearing him accept not just one, but both requests, Yao Ye couldn't help but stand up, her face lighting up with a bright smile.
"Thank you, Master Xiao Hua, for accepting our requests. May I ask when you will be free to leave for Jia Ma Sacred City?"
Xiao Hua let out an amused chuckle at her eager expression. Standing up, he replied with a smile, "Wait six days. After that, I will be free to refine the medicinal pills."
"Then, I shall return in six days."
With their discussion concluded, Xiao Hua and Yao Ye bid each other farewell, agreeing to meet again at the scheduled time. Before leaving, she reminded him to contact her if anything arose and informed him of her current residence.
The moment she left, Xiao Zhan, along with the First, Second, and Third Elders, entered the hall.
Seeing Xiao Hua about to leave, the four quickly approached him, their expressions serious as they inquired about the request Yao Ye had made.
"It is nothing much, Clan Head, three elders." Xiao Hua smile and told them about the request while hiding about the matter of Serene Sea Scaly Beast.
"She only invited me to refine pills—nothing important." Xiao Hua didn't bother to elaborate on their conversation since it had nothing to do with them.
"I will leave the clan in six days and may return in at least half a month," he added.
"Then, we shall await your return, Supreme Elder." Xiao Zhan nodded with a wide smile.
These days, Xiao Zhan had been smiling more than ever. His son's condition had been treated and fully cured by Xiao Hua, and naturally, he held immense gratitude and respect for the saviour of his family.
With his son's recovery, the humiliation and ridicule he had once endured had completely vanished.
Moreover, Xiao Hua's presence had brought unprecedented harmony to the Xiao Clan. The long-standing division between his faction and the First Elder's faction had dissolved, and no one dared to stir trouble any longer.
If Xiao Hua were to declare his desire for the position of Clan Head, Xiao Zhan would step aside without the slightest hesitation or dissatisfaction. In fact, he would gladly relinquish the responsibility, living out his days in peace while watching his three sons grow.
'It is unfortunate that Xiao Hua isn't interested in becoming a Clan Head.' Xiao Zhan sigh lamentedly in his heart. He cursed his past self, when he felt reluctant on giving the seat of clan head to Xiao Hua.
However, he also understood that Xiao Hua had no interest in being confined to the small, limited sky of the Jia Ma Empire. With his talent and accomplishments, it was evident that Xiao Hua was destined to soar into a much vaster, boundless world.
'I wonder… is it time for us to reveal the ancient and fallen history of the Xiao Clan to the two Grand Elders and Supreme Elder?'
Xiao Zhan pondered for a brief moment, his gaze lingering on Xiao Hua's departing figure. After some contemplation, he made his decision—once Xiao Hua returned from Jia Ma Sacred City, he would unveil the long-buried history of their clan to the three of them.
...
Time flowed like grains of sand slipping through one's fingers. Six days had passed since Yao Ye's meeting with Xiao Hua.
Now that the excitement surrounding Xiao Hua's return had settled, most of the guests had departed, especially after securing beneficial agreements with the Xiao Clan's upper echelons. Only a few remained, while the rest had returned to their respective domains.
The Misty Cloud Sect had already left, their business concluded. Although the unexpected 'Three-Year Agreement' between Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran had initially surprised them, the outcome had ultimately been favorable—most importantly, they had avoided offending Xiao Hua.
Today, the Primer Clan also departed from Wu Tan City, setting out to gather the medicinal ingredients Xiao Hua had listed for their requested medicinal pills.
At the first light of dawn, Xiao Hua and Xun Er left her residence and made their way to the Primer Clan's auction house to bid farewell to Ya Fei.
"For certain reasons, I have to leave him and won't be able to see him for a long time. I hope you can keep an eye on him during that time, Sister Ya Fei," Xun Er said gently.
Ya Fei smiled, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "While I can't promise to watch him at all times, I can at least ensure he stays far away from any women in Jia Ma Sacred City."
Standing beside Xun Er, Xiao Hua suddenly felt an icy chill run down his spine. He watched as the two women exchanged warm smiles, yet the subtle frost in their voices wasn't lost on him. It wasn't directed at each other—it was directed at him.
What unsettled him even more was how casually they spoke, their voices at a perfectly normal volume, as if they wanted him to hear every word.
Sensing the dangerous undertone in their conversation, Xiao Hua wisely chose to feign ignorance, acting as if he had heard nothing at all.
"Now, he's pretending not to hear us."
"Indeed. At the very least, he does seem slightly terrified about this topic, Sister Xun Er."
Xun Er shook her head in amusement, while Ya Fei chuckled softly at Xiao Hua's increasingly awkward demeanor.
Unable to endure the situation any longer, Xiao Hua made his escape, swiftly heading toward Primer Tengshan.
Watching him flee, Xun Er and Ya Fei exchanged a knowing glance before breaking into warm, amused smiles.
After some time, the two of them left the area as the Primer Clan remained occupied with their preparations to depart from Wu Tan City.
Instead of returning to their residence, Xiao Hua and Xun Er made their way toward the mountain behind the Xiao Clan's estate.
As they ventured deeper into the forested paths, they soon spotted five familiar figures engaged in a serious discussion. Their expressions were contemplative, as though they had been waiting for them.
Noticing their pensive looks, Xiao Hua and Xun Er exchanged a puzzled glance.
"Is something the matter, Sister Xin Yu?" Xiao Hua asked, addressing a graceful young woman with light-blue hair.
Xin Yu and the others had already sensed their arrival, yet they weren't startled by his voice. Instead, they remained focused on their conversation.
Leaning in slightly, Xin Yu whispered, "We're discussing which region of the Central Plains would be best to establish our force…"
"Didn't we already decide on either the southern or western regions, Sister Xin Yu?" Xun Er asked curiously.
"That's precisely the problem. Both the southern and western regions are vast—far too immense for just Brother Ming Cheng, Sister Li Mei, and Sister Xin Yu to locate a suitable place before Hua'er enters the Central Plains," Mei Ling interjected with a weary sigh.
"That is true…" As a native of the Central Plains, Xun Er couldn't help but agree with Mei Ling's concern.
The sheer vastness of each region in the Central Plains was beyond imagination. Even with her knowledge, she knew there were still countless hidden opportunities, waiting for the lucky person to uncover them.
"Since we're establishing a force and want to keep it hidden from your clan, do you know which region is the least accessible to the Gu Clan, Xun Er?" Wei Jie turned his head and asked.
"The western region, Brother Wei Jie," Xun Er answered without hesitation. While she might not know everything about the Central Plains, when it came to the Gu Clan, she was well-informed.
"The Southern Region is easily accessible to the Gu Clan, with numerous reports of interactions and transactions occurring there. Our brothers and sisters would likely be safer establishing themselves in the Western Region instead."
Ming Cheng and the others listened quietly. After exchanging glances and seeing no objections, they nodded in agreement.
"Then we shall follow our little sister's suggestion. She knows far more about the Central Plains than we do, even though we're natives of the region," Li Mei said with a nod.
Mei Ling turned to Wei Jie with a teasing smile. "I told you we should've just waited until they returned before discussing this."
Wei Jie frowned, clearly annoyed by her teasing. "The two of them wanted to bid farewell to their friend. It's not like I could interrupt them, right?"
"Besides, we weren't only discussing the location of our base. We also talked about which powerful factions to avoid in the Central Plains, how to set up a regular means of communication, and other important matters…"
"All of which we should also discuss with our little brother and sister," Xin Yu interjected with a small, calming smile.
"This…" Wei Jie pursed his lips, feeling slightly awkward. He knew Xin Yu was right and had no real argument against her words, so he chose to remain silent.
Seeing Wei Jie unable to refute and growing embarrassed, the group chuckled in unison.
"Since our time is limited, we should set off now," Ming Cheng said, noticing how quickly time had slipped away. "Even with Xiao Hua's Cloud Void Steering Ship, the journey back to the Inner Academy will take a while."
Xiao Hua and Xun Er's hands tightened around each other, their fingers interwoven as if trying to defy the inevitable. A heavy silence fell between them, their reluctance to part reflected in their solemn expressions.
The others exchanged glances before sighing softly. They understood—more than anyone—that for Xiao Hua and Xun Er, this was a moment they wished would never come. Without another word, they quietly stepped away, leaving the two alone beneath the vast sky.
As their figures faded into the distance, Xun Er turned her gaze toward Xiao Hua. Her autumn eyes, filled with unspoken emotions, shimmered with reluctance, sorrow, and the deep ache of separation. She held his hand tighter, as if afraid he would slip away.
"Brother Xiao Hua," she murmured, her voice laced with melancholy, "my clan has become even more protective of me after the purity of my bloodline was revealed. This time... it seems I can no longer delay my return as I did before. My clan sees this matter as too important, and they are handling it with extreme caution."
Xiao Hua's expression darkened. His eyes trembled slightly, the storm within them betraying the turmoil in his heart. A deep melancholy settled over him, threatening to consume the warmth of their fleeting moment together.
"Brother Xiao Hua, Xun Er will wait for you. Always," she whispered, her voice carrying unwavering devotion. "No matter how long it takes, I believe that one day, you will come to my clan and boldly declare our engagement to the world."
Xiao Hua's arm trembled uncontrollably. He gritted his teeth in frustration, his emotions thrown into turmoil by Xun Er's heartfelt words. His eyes gleamed with sorrow and reluctance, struggling to accept the agony of this separation.
Only now, in this moment of parting, did he truly grasp the weight this young woman held in his heart.
His gaze locked onto Xun Er with burning intensity. Then, as if driven by an uncontrollable force, he slowly released his clenched fists, his arms extending abruptly to wrap around her slender waist. With a sudden pull, he drew her into his embrace, pressing her tightly against him. His head buried into her soft black hair, inhaling its faint, pure fragrance as if engraving it into his soul.
He murmured hoarsely, "Xun Er, I promise you… it won't be long before I come to your clan and ask for your hand in marriage. No matter how vast or powerful the Gu Clan may be, you are mine."
"If I must reach Dou Zun for them to acknowledge me, then I will become a Dou Zun. If that isn't enough, then I will ascend to Dou Sheng. And if even Dou Sheng is unworthy, then I will strive for Dou Di!" His arms tightened around her, his voice filled with unshakable determination. "Xun Er, I swear to you—one day, I will stand before the entire Dou Qi Continent and proclaim that you are mine."
Xun Er bit her lower lip, her gemstone-like eyes shimmering with emotion. A wisp of sorrow and tenderness flickered within them. "Fool… if you truly became a Dou Di, you could have any woman in the world."
Xiao Hua lifted his head, prompting Xun Er to do the same, their eyes meeting beneath the vast sky. His hand gently rose, tracing along her delicate face with a touch filled with boundless affection. Her breath hitched, and under his tender gaze, her expression softened, tinged with an intoxicating warmth that melted into his embrace.
Then, as if drawn by an irresistible force, their faces slowly closed the distance until their lips met in a tender, lingering kiss. Time seemed to stand still as they immersed themselves in each other, savoring the warmth and intimacy of the moment. When they finally parted, a delicate trace of warmth remained between them.
"I will wait for you, Brother Xiao Hua," Xun Er whispered, her autumn eyes shimmering with deep affection.
Xiao Hua gazed at her, his voice resolute yet gentle. "Don't worry, Xun Er. I won't make you wait for long."
With one final look, Xun Er turned away. Pressing her toes lightly against the ground, her graceful figure slowly rose into the air before gliding toward the distant horizon, where their sworn brothers and sisters awaited.
Xiao Hua stood motionless, an aching emptiness settling in his chest as he watched her delicate figure grow smaller with every passing second. His gaze remained unwavering, as if willing her to turn back, to stay just a little longer.
Even after she had disappeared into the sky, he remained still, his eyes lost in the vast blue expanse above—hoping, yearning, as if she might return to him in the very next moment.
After a long while, Xiao Hua let out a deep sigh before finally turning around, leaving the mountain behind. As he walked forward, his steps were slow but steady, his gaze sharp and unwavering. A fierce determination burned within his eyes as he murmured softly, his voice carrying the weight of his resolve.
"The next time we meet, no one will have the power to separate us."