"Xiao Yan Grandmaster is willing to save my Ye Family, and my Ye Family is extremely grateful. Although the Yang Fire Ancient Altar cannot be lent out according to clan rules, the Ye Family has reached this point. If we stick to the old ways, I'm afraid we will only be digging our own graves." Ye Zhong could only smile wryly and nod.
Seeing that Ye Zhong didn't make any excuses, Xiao Yan nodded slightly.
The Pill Gathering would not begin for another half a year, and it would take some time for Ice River Valley to receive the news and arrive. Xiao Yan didn't have much time to waste.
Although he had successfully refined the Heaven Flame Spirit Pill, which increased his cultivation speed by another two times, he had reached the five-star Dou Zong when he emerged from seclusion.
However, a five-star Dou Zong was not enough. If he could win the Pill Gathering championship, according to Hun Xuzi's words, then Xiao Yan would be qualified to participate in the Soul Clan's Coming-of-Age Ceremony.
Xiao Yan wanted to take his cultivation a step further before the Soul Clan's Coming-of-Age Ceremony! The Soul Clan's Coming-of-Age Ceremony would activate the Clan Mark for clan members and grant Cultivation Methods, Dou Techniques, and other rewards to venerables and Tian Zun who had made contributions to the Soul Palace. It was a major event for the Soul Clan.
Xiao Yan had already collected a lot of Dou Di Bloodline. He planned to obtain the Soul Clan's Clan Mark at this Coming-of-Age Ceremony!! Only then could he begin to cultivate the *Emperor Soul Incantation* and strive to reach the Heaven Realm in Soul power as soon as possible, becoming a Ninth Grade Alchemist. This would give him more confidence to go to the Ancient Realm and welcome Xun Er.
Even if Hun Xuzi didn't say it in detail, based on the Coming-of-Age Ceremony preserved by the Xiao Clan, Xiao Yan could roughly guess that this Coming-of-Age Ceremony would not be peaceful. His own wasn't peaceful back then either.
After instructing his clansmen to clean up the hall, Ye Zhong personally led Xiao Yan and his group towards the depths of the Ye Family. About ten minutes later, a very remote gravel square appeared in front of them. In the center of the square, there was a slightly ancient altar. The boulders used to build the altar were covered with traces of time, indicating that the altar had existed for quite a long time.
The Yang Fire Ancient Altar was a cultivation holy land of the Ye Family. With the altar, the Ye Family's Alchemists could collect Yang Fire to refine Pills.
Although this kind of Yang Fire didn't have the special abilities of a Strange Flame, its power was comparable to the Transformation Fire.
Xiao Yan approached the altar and found that the light here was exceptionally bright. The closer he got to the altar, the more fiery and pure the energy of the surrounding world became. Beams of light, as if substantial, poured down from the sky and, after being reflected by the smooth stone walls, all converged on a black stone tablet in the center of the altar.
"As expected of the Ye Family's Secret Realm, the fire attribute energy of this ancient altar is very rich, very suitable for cultivation." Xiao Yan nodded secretly. Sure enough, every major force had its own Secret Realm.
"Beneath the stone tablet is an Earth Eye leading to the depths of the earth. When the stone tablet is removed, some Earth's Core fire seedlings will spurt out, igniting the sunlight gathered here, thereby forming Yang Fire. Of course, this was only the case in the past..." Looking at the ancient altar, Ye Zhong sighed softly and said with a wry smile.
Hearing this, Xiao Yan frowned slightly and asked, "In the past? What's happening now?"
"Alas." Ye Zhong sighed heavily, a bitter look on his face, and said, "As early as ten years ago, for some unknown reason, this ancient altar rarely had Earth's Core fire seedlings coming out of the Earth Eye. Using other flames couldn't ignite the sunlight to form Yang Fire. This has led to the slow improvement of my Ye Family's Alchemy, adding insult to injury, leading to today's situation."
Xiao Yan nodded slightly, not minding. His purpose here was not to borrow any Yang Fire, but to use the pure energy of heaven and earth here for cultivation.
"Qing Lin, during the time I'm cultivating, you and Xin Lan go to the Medicinal Herbs store in Ye City to see if there are any Eight Grade Medicinal Herbs, or some natural treasures suitable for Magical Beasts. You can buy some back." Xiao Yan took out some Sixth Grade and Seven Grade Pills and handed them to Qing Lin.
Having come to Ye City, Xiao Yan planned to buy as many Eight Grade Medicinal Herbs as possible. After all, Pill Refining at the Pill Gathering would definitely require him to prepare his own Medicinal Herbs.
In the Pill Domain, nothing was more valuable than Pills.
"Qing Lin understands." Qing Lin nodded gently, accepting the Pills from Xiao Yan.
"Xiao Yan Grandmaster, if you need Medicinal Herbs, my Ye Family still has some reserves." Ye Zhong gritted his teeth and said in a deep voice.
Xiao Yan waved his hand and shook his head, "Elder Ye Zhong, your Ye Family is now struggling to protect itself. If you have suitable Medicinal Herbs, I can exchange them with you for Pills. I, Xiao Yan, don't accept things from others for nothing."
Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Ye Zhong sighed inwardly. It was not easy to make an Eight Grade Alchemist owe someone a favor. Xiao Yan also knew an old saying: the cheapest things are the most expensive.
As Ye Zhong said, Xiao Yan successfully arrived at an ancient altar. Beams of light poured down from the sky, as if substantial, pouring into the altar, bringing a warm feeling.
"Very rich fire attribute energy, although not as good as the Flame Valley of Burning Flame Valley, it is not far off, and this fire attribute energy is more gentle than Flame Valley." Xiao Yan took a deep breath, and the gentle Yang Flame power was absorbed by him.
"But it's also strange. Logically speaking, this ancient altar has such a rich fire attribute energy, the Earth Eye shouldn't be unable to produce Yang Fire." Xiao Yan moved his gaze and stopped at the bottomless Earth Eye in the center of the altar.
Blinking his eyes, Xiao Yan hesitated for a moment, and then carefully moved his body to the side of the Earth Eye, glancing inside. What he saw was only endless darkness. Where this Earth Eye led to, probably no one knew except its creator.
"A not weak energy can be felt below... There should be an Earth's Core vein."
Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed. Something must be wrong.
"I want to see what kind of trick this ancient altar is playing." Xiao Yan waved his sleeve, and an invisible fire python coiled in Xiao Yan's palm.
Fallen Heart Flame had already become a spirit and possessed not weak intelligence. Seeing that it was summoned by Xiao Yan, the transparent fire python affectionately spat out its snake letter.
"Good, go see what happened to the Earth's Core vein under this ancient altar." Xiao Yan smiled. What was an Earth's Core vein? Fallen Heart Flame was originally born in the Earth's Core Magma. It could even survive freely in the Magma World under the Heavenly Flame Training Gas Refining Tower. This small ancient altar was nothing.
Hiss hiss! Receiving Xiao Yan's order, Fallen Heart Flame transformed into a small snake only the thickness of a finger and shot into the Earth Eye with a swoosh.
Even Spirit Realm Soul power did not dare to easily enter the depths of the Earth Eye, as it would be scorched by the Yang Fire. But for the Strange Flame Spirit, this was as comfortable as soaking in a hot spring.
Xiao Yan was not in a hurry. Fallen Heart Flame had intelligence and would handle it itself. So he sat cross-legged in the ancient altar and began to operate the *Burning Incantation*, frantically absorbing the Yang Fire power gathered around the ancient altar.
Cultivation knows no time. Time passed by every minute and every second, and Xiao Yan's Dou Qi was slowly increasing.
"Hmm?" Xiao Yan suddenly opened his eyes, his eyes narrowed, and looked at the Earth Eye.
Suddenly! The ancient altar emitted a slight tremor. After a while, a colorless and transparent little snake, with a blood-red little pearl in its mouth, rushed out of the Earth Eye.
"Earth's Core Pearl?!"
Earth's Core Pearl, generally also known as Earth's Core Fire Pearl, is a type of energy pearl formed from the essence of energy deep within the earth after countless years. This type of pearl contains extremely vast energy.
Its greatest use is that it can replace Magic Cores, because the Earth's Core Pearl inherently contains enormous energy and can substitute for the Magic Cores required for Eighth Grade or even Ninth Grade Pills.
Especially when refining Ninth Grade Pills, generally Magic Cores are not used, because Ninth Rank Magical Beasts are simply too, too rare! Even among the Void Ancient Dragon Race and the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Race, Ninth Rank Magical Beasts are old monsters with extremely long lifespans, making them difficult to kill.
And even if they die, they die of old age, their corpses stored in tombs. Who would dare to dig them up?
Therefore, when refining Ninth Grade Pills, special energy crystals like the Earth's Core Pearl are generally used to replace Magic Cores.
When Xiao Yan saw this Earth's Core Pearl, his heart couldn't help but beat faster. He also understood how rare this Earth's Core Pearl was.
"Well done!"
Xiao Yan never expected that he would obtain such a treasure just by coming to cultivate! This was incredibly delightful! Not long after the Fallen Heart Flame little snake flew out with the Earth's Core Pearl in its mouth, with a *boom*, terrifying energy erupted from the Earth Eye. Xiao Yan hurriedly retreated.
When the sunlight shone on the ancient altar again, wisps of Yang Fire rose from the Earth Eye.
Looking at the rising Yang Fire and the Fallen Heart Flame little snake in his palm holding the Earth's Core Pearl, Xiao Yan immediately understood.
"No wonder the Earth Eye no longer produced Yang Fire. It turns out that the Earth's Core Pearl blocked the Earth Eye after it formed." Xiao Yan smiled slightly, considering the Earth's Core Pearl as payment for unblocking the Earth Eye.
The Fallen Heart Flame obediently spat out the Earth's Core Pearl. Xiao Yan picked it up and examined it, exclaiming in surprise, "What fierce energy! This Earth's Core Pearl is probably comparable to the energy of a Ninth Rank Magic Core. Tsk, tsk, tsk, this time I've really struck gold."
Xiao Yan roughly estimated that this Earth's Core Pearl should be enough to exchange for an Eighth Grade Pill with Two-Colored Pill Lightning.
Unexpectedly obtaining an Eighth Grade Pill for free, even Xiao Yan couldn't hide his joy. Anyone would find it hard to conceal their happiness in this situation.
After all, Xiao Yan's goal wasn't just Eighth Grade. If he wanted to advance to Ninth Grade, these materials for Ninth Grade Pills were essential. Although it was still a long way off, at least he had one material now.
"After unblocking the Earth Eye, the energy has become even more concentrated. If I can cultivate here for half a year, I can improve by another star!" Xiao Yan was delighted. After putting away the Earth's Core Pearl, he continued to cultivate.
However, heaven only granted Xiao Yan seven days of this pleasant cultivation time.
At noon on the seventh day, Xiao Yan slowly opened his eyes and looked at the slowly falling snowflakes in the sky. This spectacle of snow falling in June didn't bring Xiao Yan the slightest surprise, because he knew who had come.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh! In an instant, Zi Yan, Qing Lin, and Heavenly Flame Venerable appeared beside Xiao Yan. Immediately afterward, Ye Zhong also arrived at the ancient altar, his face pale as he looked at the strange phenomenon of snow falling in June in the sky.
"Great Elder Ye Zhong, this matter has nothing to do with your Ye Family. You should hide as much as possible, or leave the Ye Family estate," Xiao Yan said in a deep voice, his hands behind his back.
"I... I understand. Grandmaster Xiao Yan, you must triumph." Ye Zhong nodded and immediately ordered everyone in the Ye Family to leave the Ye Family estate.
This battle, regardless of the outcome, would likely shock the entire Pill Domain and even Central State!
Almost at the same time, the space in the sky twisted, and figures dressed in white quickly surrounded the entire Ye Family estate.
On the chests of these figures, they all wore the same badge: a cold, exquisite snowflake.
Ice River Valley! The people in Ye City who didn't know what was happening looked at the falling snowflakes, completely bewildered.
"Are... are these all people from Ice River Valley?"
"What are they doing in Ye City? Such a terrifying formation?"
"Could they also be targeting the Ye Family?"
"How is that possible? The status of Ice River Valley is far stronger than the Ye Family, even no weaker than the Dan Family and Cao Family. How could they covet Ye Family's Ye City?"
"Then why are they making such a big show? Are they here to play in Ye City?"
In Ye City, the sudden overwhelming arrival of the Ice River Valley army outside the city caused a commotion. They all didn't understand who could make one of the three great valleys, Ice River Valley, make such a big show.
The cold air outside the city was like a cover of heaven and earth, causing the temperature of the entire Ye City to plummet. It gradually stopped when it spread to a hundred meters around Ye City, and then spread out, completely covering the city. With these cold air barriers, Ye City was completely surrounded, with no way in or out! "Xiao Yan, hand over the Calamity Poison Immortal, or today will be your death anniversary!"
An old voice spread throughout Ye City. In an instant, the people of Ye City realized that Xiao Yan had come! "Ah? That Flame Alliance's Xiao Yan came to the Ye Family?"
"No wonder Ice River Valley is making such a big show. It turns out they are here to eliminate the Calamity Poison Body."
"This Ice River Valley is truly a hero who eliminates harm for the people. If this Calamity Poison Body erupts, the entire Ye City will be a land of death!"
Xiao Yan looked up. Among the countless white figures, there were two with the strongest auras.
Heavenly Flame Venerable said, "The one on the left is Tian She, a Half-Step Dou Zun. The one on the right is the Great Elder of Ice River Valley, a One-Star Dou Zun, Ice Venerable is not here."
Xiao Yan nodded and didn't speak. Instead, Heavenly Flame Venerable directly waved his hand, and the Yang Fire on the ancient altar was collected in his palm. With a palm strike, an extremely high temperature soared into the sky, instantly melting all the surrounding snow and breaking the great formation set up by the Ice River Valley disciples.
"Tian Shuangzi, you are not qualified to shout here. Let Ice Venerable come out, otherwise you may have to stay here today!" Heavenly Flame Venerable stood at the front, his aura as a Three-Star Peak Dou Zun crashing towards the people of Ice River Valley like a raging river.
That terrifying aura made the Ice River Valley disciples unable to stand firmly, and their legs weakened.
Sensing the terrifying pressure from Heavenly Flame Venerable, Tian Shuangzi revealed a cold smile, his aged voice transmitting, "Heavenly Flame, your flame control is indeed formidable, but your Flame Alliance has offended too many forces. This time, it's not just my Ice River Valley."
Suddenly, the space distorted, and a gray-black poisonous gas surged out from a Space Wormhole, a figure emerging from within.
The old man scanned Xiao Yan and the others, then his eyes narrowed, staring intently at Qing Lin beside Xiao Yan, and said in a deep voice, "Indeed, Azure Snake Three-Flower Pupils..."
"A three-star Dou Zun! You are from the Nine Serene Earthly Underworld Serpent Race!"
Xiao Yan hadn't expected that this Ice Venerable would actually enlist a Dou Zun powerhouse from the Nine Serene Earthly Underworld Serpent Race! Tian Shuangzi said in a deep voice, "Smoke Serpent Venerable, let's not waste time. This kid is an Eight Grade Alchemist, and this is the Pill Domain. If we attract the powerhouses from the Pill Tower, it will be troublesome."
The Nine Serene Earthly Underworld Serpent Race member called Smoke Serpent Venerable nodded, his eyes fixed on Qing Lin. No matter what, their Nine Serene Earthly Underworld Serpent Race could not allow the Azure Snake Three-Flower Pupils to grow.
If she were to reach the Dou Zun realm, perhaps only the clan leader would be able to resist her control. They had to nip it in the bud! Originally, the Nine Serene Earthly Underworld Serpent Race's powerhouse wouldn't have arrived in the Pill Domain so quickly. He was from a branch of the Nine Serene Earthly Underworld Serpent Race, the Smoke Serpent Clan, which ruled a mountain range outside the Pill Domain. He had learned from Ice River Valley and thought of seizing Qing Lin to gain merit.
Heavenly Flame Venerable's expression was grave as he transmitted his voice, "Xiao Yan, what do we do now? If that Ice Venerable doesn't appear, I can cover your escape."
"That Ice Venerable is probably nearby; that guy is very cautious." Xiao Yan then coldly smiled and said, "But it's not like I don't have any helpers."
"You go capture that Azure Snake Three-Flower Pupils and that kid; I'll handle this three-star Dou Zun." As soon as Smoke Serpent Venerable finished speaking, he transformed into a black shadow and charged towards Heavenly Flame Venerable.
Tian Shuangzi nodded to Tian She beside him, and the two of them charged towards Xiao Yan and Qing Lin from the left and right.
Seeing a Dou Zun and a Half-Step Dou Zun coming to capture them, Xiao Yan didn't panic at all, smiling slightly, "Don't think you're the only ones who can find Dou Zun helpers."
Suddenly, a wave of black mist surged out from all around the Ye Family mansion, instantly isolating the heavens and the earth, sealing the space, and engulfing the great formation laid out by the Ice River Valley disciples.
"Jie jie jie, Tian Shuangzi, it's been so long, and your strength hasn't improved much." A large hand instantly grabbed out, seizing Tian Shuangzi's hand, and the might of a Dou Zun directly sent the Half-Step Dou Zun Tian She flying.
Seeing the appearance of the person who came, Tian Shuangzi's eyes widened, and he exclaimed in shock, "You are Qing Hai!!!"
...
Just as Xiao Yan and Ice River Valley were engaged in a great battle, in a Space Wormhole on the edge of the Pill Domain, the space also rippled, and then figures broke through the air one after another, standing neatly on this plaza. Powerful and chilling auras, like volcanoes, erupted, causing the plaza to instantly fall silent, everyone staring dumbfounded at these black figures.
Some of the more discerning individuals felt their hearts pounding violently at this moment, because they discovered that among these black shadows, the weakest were at least at the Dou Zong level! Especially the two black-clad old men at the head of the group, whose casual stance caused even the distorted space of this world to quiet down. The vast aura that faintly emanated from them caused many self-proclaimed experts to tremble.
Those were Dou Zun!
With a whoosh, except for the two Dou Zun, those Dou Zong powerhouses all knelt on one knee, and the two Dou Zun also bowed in salute. A graceful figure gently landed on the plaza.
"Xiao Yan-gege, with Xun Er here, whoever moves you, I will kill!"
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