A hazy scene descended upon the sky, casting a dim and gloomy atmosphere. Occasionally, a lone cloud drifted past, its color unusually dark and heavy.
The night grew colder, and though the chirping of insects filled the air, it only served to deepen the silence. A gentle breeze stirred the leaves, creating a soft rustling sound.
Inside the cave, the once-molten stone tables and chairs had long since cooled.
Xiao Yan, who had been meditating in complete stillness like an old monk in deep contemplation, slowly opened his eyes. Feeling the overwhelming power surging through his body, he let a satisfied smile curl at the corner of his lips.
"Da Dou Shi, One-Star!"
The advanced profound rank technique's energy vortex could finally accommodate the numerous powerful Dou Techniques he possessed.
Moreover, the Dou Qi stored within the Flame Mark far exceeded the amount contained within his energy vortex.
Exhaling a breath of turbid air, Xiao Yan couldn't help but recall his previous use of the Inferior Flame God.
That day, when he faced Hai Bodong, who had unleashed an advanced profound rank Dou Technique, he had exhausted all his stored Dou Qi in a single strike.
But now, with his greatly increased Dou Qi reserves, if he were to face Hai Bodong again, the outcome would be vastly different.
[You recall the Inferior Flame God and, having personally experienced Dou Qi Veil and Dou Qi Armor, you have gained insight. You have comprehended the secret technique: Intermediate Flame God.]
[Intermediate Flame God: A special secret technique that utilizes the energy of the Flame Mark to manifest a giant infused with flame-infused Dou Qi, resembling a living entity.]
Xiao Yan glanced around at the chaotic state of the cave and sighed silently.
Judging by the time, Xiao Yi Xian should be close to breaking through to the Dou Practitioner level.
Having spent so much time training here since childhood, knowing that he would soon no longer need this place left him with a slight sense of regret.
Beside him, Yao Lao spoke, "Though your breakthrough was a bit turbulent, reaching the Da Dou Shi level within half a year is a terrifying speed—even I have never seen such progress in my lifetime."
Xiao Yan waved his hand dismissively. What Yao Lao was thinking and what he was thinking were two entirely different things.
Even when it came to cultivation, the two had vastly different perspectives.
Yao Lao's vision was confined to the Dou Qi Continent, but Xiao Yan had already set his sights on the Great Thousand World, where the key to his ambition lay in Heavenly Flames.
The original Burning Flame Technique was most suited for cultivating Heavenly Flames. If each Heavenly Flame possessed intelligence and effort was put into nurturing them, they could all potentially reach the level of a Dou Di.
With his unparalleled comprehension, Xiao Yan was already devising ways to cultivate every Heavenly Flame. When he eventually entered the Great Thousand World, he would start with an extremely high foundation.
Brushing off the dust on his clothes, Xiao Yan stood up. "I've exhausted all my cultivation resources. It's time to visit Ya Fei and collect the items needed for the next month."
Yao Lao chuckled. "Oh? So that's what it is. Here I thought you were just eager to see that little girl from the Mitre family."
He let out a mischievous laugh. "Just don't go causing any trouble."
Xiao Yan shrugged helplessly—Yao Lao's teasing was getting more and more outrageous.
"Teacher, you can stay here for now. Xiao Yi Xian should break through to Dou Practitioner soon, and after that, we'll have to head to the Chu Yun Empire."
Yao Lao's laughter deepened. "You just remembered the little girl from the Mitre family, and now you're already thinking about that white-dressed maiden from Rock Desert City. You really are something else."
Ignoring Yao Lao's teasing, Xiao Yan's figure flickered like a shadow as he slipped out of the Xiao Clan's estate, rushing toward Ya Fei's residence.
After handling affairs at the auction house, Ya Fei boarded an opulent carriage and set off for her home.
Just as she stepped through the mansion's gate, Ya Fei's delicate brows arched slightly, and she came to a slow halt.
"Who dares to be so bold as to provoke the Mitre Family in the Jia Ma Empire?"
A chilling, eerie laugh suddenly echoed from the darkness.
"Jie jie… Though your strength is lacking, your soul perception is rather keen. I didn't expect to gain such an unexpected reward upon coming to Wu Tan City."
As the ghostly laughter faded, a dense black mist slithered into the courtyard in an eerie and unnatural manner.
Seeing the sinister mist, Ya Fei's brows furrowed deeply.
What is this thing?
With her current perception, she could clearly sense that its strength far surpassed that of Uncle Gu Ni, who was already at the Da Dou Shi level.
No wonder this entity had the audacity to challenge the Mitre Family.
The black mist cackled again. "Such a bewitching beauty… If you were to die so easily, it would truly be a waste. However, if you hand over the information about that alchemist, perhaps I, the Soul Envoy, may spare your life."
Ya Fei had cultivated the "Sacred Demonic Soul Burning Technique" taught by Xiao Yan. Already a stunning beauty, her charm had only intensified, making her appear even more dazzling and enchanting.
Tonight, she was clad in a vibrant red qipao, accentuated by a luxurious golden fur shawl draped over her shoulders, shimmering under the moonlight.
Her delicate body exuded a mesmerizing fragrance, her face breathtakingly beautiful—graceful eyebrows, phoenix-like eyes, and skin so smooth and fair that it seemed as if a mere touch would leave an imprint.
Her figure was exquisitely balanced—neither too plump nor too slender. Her long, curvaceous jade-like legs, paired with red high heels, only added to her seductive allure, stirring endless thoughts.
Soul Envoy? Ya Fei's bright eyes flickered slightly. What kind of faction is this? They sound like ghosts!
Crossing her arms before her chest, she smiled charmingly.
"I have been in the Jia Ma Empire for many years and have heard of countless factions, yet I have never heard of a 'Soul Envoy.' Might this esteemed Soul Envoy enlighten me, so that I may broaden my horizons?"
The black mist let out a sinister chuckle. "The Jia Ma Empire is nothing before our Hall of Souls. It is merely a—"
Mid-sentence, the figure within the mist suddenly trembled violently, eyes widening in shock as it stared at Ya Fei.
"You… You actually know a soul-related secret technique?!"
Soul-related cultivation methods and Dou Techniques were rare even in Central Plains, considered invaluable treasures. Yet, in this insignificant Jia Ma Empire, someone was actually using one! The realization left the Soul Envoy utterly shaken.
Ya Fei silently lamented. This mysterious Soul Envoy came to Wu Tan City specifically to find an alchemist. Clearly, he wasn't looking for Gu Ni, a mere Tier 2 Alchemist. There were only two real targets—Xiao Yan and his enigmatic master.
"Did you really think I, Ya Fei, am so easy to bully?!"
Her phoenix-like eyes flashed with sharpness as she spread her palms wide. Buzz! Two blazing crimson flames instantly ignited within them.
Seeing her display of power, the Soul Envoy's eerie laughter grew even more sinister. "Jie jie… I didn't expect to find such an interesting prize while searching for you."
"Where did you obtain your soul cultivation technique? Hand it over immediately, and you might avoid suffering later."
To an ordinary observer, Ya Fei's secret art might not appear remarkable. However, to someone who specialized in manipulating souls, the truth was crystal clear.
Not only was her cultivation technique incredibly profound, but her soul power contained an intense, fiery essence.
If Ya Fei continued cultivating this technique for a long time, or if others also practiced it, it would become a natural nemesis to the Hall of Souls' envoys.
If he could seize this secret technique and present it to the Guardian, it would undoubtedly be a great achievement!
With a sinister laugh, a pitch-black iron chain—glowing with an eerie, deep luster—suddenly shot out from the ghostly mist.
The chain moved with terrifying speed, closing the distance to Ya Fei in an instant. Its sharp, blade-like tip gleamed with an ominous, icy light, exuding an aura of deadly menace.
(End of Chapter)
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