Soul Hall Hall Master vs. Yao Clan Clan Leader

"Hall Master of the Soul Hall, Hun Miesheng? You actually came out of seclusion just to capture me. Your Soul Hall truly thinks highly of me!" Yao Chen glared darkly at the suddenly appearing man in black, his voice filled with resentment.

"Medicine Saint, as Bone Blade said, your alchemy skills are of some use to the Soul Hall and even the Hun Clan. Surrender, and I can spare your life, as Bone Blade suggested. But if you insist on resisting to the end, I'm afraid not a single living soul will be left in Starfall Pavilion today," Hun Miesheng said casually.

"Even if you do not think for yourself, you should think of your disciple. If you die in battle today, your fledgling disciple will be at the mercy of others." When he said the word "disciple," Hun Miesheng slightly emphasized his tone.

"Yao Chen is already a member of my Yao Clan. If you wish to harm him before my eyes, you must possess either overwhelming strength or the resolve to fight to the death. But as I see it, you possess neither..." Space rippled, and an old man suddenly appeared a hundred paces away from Hun Miesheng.

"Yao Dan? How dare you interfere in the affairs of the Central Continent? As the Clan Leader, leaving your clan of your own accord—are you perhaps tired of living?" Though turmoil raged within Hun Miesheng's heart, his expression remained calm as he threatened him.

"My life? Heh, I'm not carrying the Tou She Ancient God Jade, so this old life of mine is not worth much. If your Hun Clan wants it, take it. But let me kindly remind you: if you kill me, Yao Dan, in full view of everyone today, your Hun Clan will become the common enemy of the six clans. Weigh the gains and losses yourself!" Yao Dan said calmly, clearly not taking Hun Miesheng's threat seriously.

"I don't need your kind reminder. A Seven-star Dou Sheng like you personally leaving your clan to meddle in such trivial affairs of the Central Continent—you've thoroughly disgraced the Yao Clan! Bone Blade, let's go. A wise man does not fight when the odds are against him!" Seeing that Yao Dan did not take him seriously, Hun Miesheng snapped angrily.

"If you're leaving, then hurry up. It's been a long time since I fought anyone. My hands and feet are getting rather itchy." Seeing that Hun Miesheng wanted to flee, Yao Dan did not stop him, merely watching as the Soul Hall army withdrew.

He did not dare stop them either. The last time a Seven-star Dou Sheng had acted dated back four hundred and thirty-seven years, when Gu Dao, foremost of the Gu Clan Three Immortals, fought Hun Sha, foremost of the Hun Clan Four Demon Saints. That battle had caused land stretching tens of thousands of miles to collapse, and had nearly triggered an all-out war between the Gu Clan and the Hun Clan. The Yao Clan was far weaker than the Gu Clan and simply could not bear such a risk.

"Clan Leader, we have you to thank for acting this time." At the victory celebration after repelling the Soul Hall, Yao Chen spoke to Yao Dan with tears of gratitude.

"No need. Protecting clan members is a Clan Leader's foremost duty. If you think I arrived in time, then return to the clan with me. As a member of the Yao Clan, you must familiarize yourself with your brothers and shoulder some responsibilities. Besides, you still have much to learn." Yao Dan spoke seriously. "Do not worry about Starfall Pavilion. I will send two Dou Shengs whose strength is no less than yours to protect it."

"I understand about shouldering responsibility. But may I ask, Clan Leader, what else do I have to learn?" Yao Chen asked curiously.

"There is plenty! You are only an Eight-grade Nine-color alchemist right now. As a member of the Yao Clan, if you are an alchemist, then not long after advancing to Dou Sheng, you should become a Nine-grade Treasure Pill alchemist! As a Two-Star Dou Sheng, the cultivation technique you use should also be changed to a Low-Grade Heavenly Rank technique. It is best to change cultivation techniques in the Medicine Realm, where the energy is far richer. It might even raise your cultivation level."

"Not only that, you currently know only one offensive Low-Grade Heavenly Rank Dou Skill. Your defensive Dou Skills and soul Dou Skills are still merely Earth Rank. The Bone Blade you defeated a few days ago was far inferior to you in both Dou Qi cultivation and soul cultivation. If you were to face a Dou Sheng of the same level from the Eight Clans, I'm afraid you would be defeated within a hundred exchanges!" Yao Dan said sternly.

"Yes, Clan Leader. I will pack my things. Once the Yao Clan's replacement forces arrive, I will return to the clan." Upon hearing this, Yao Chen understood that the Clan Leader intended to nurture him, so he said nothing further.

"Young friend Xiao Yan, come to the Yao Clan as a guest as well. Our two clans have been on good terms for generations, and the Yao Clan will not treat you poorly. Even if you desire the Yao Clan's Nine Nether Wind Flame, the Yao Clan can give it to you." Yao Dan looked toward Xiao Yan, his tone becoming gentler.

"The Gu Clan will soon hold its once-every-twenty-years coming-of-age ceremony. If you wish to marry that little girlfriend of yours, you must show your true strength at the ceremony." With that, Yao Dan gave a sly smile. "Well? Would you be willing to let this old Clan Leader help you improve your strength?"

"Ah, please stop joking. Of course I'm willing!" Xiao Yan's face reddened as he smiled faintly.

"Good. Then the two of you should pack your things. I have already sent word to the relevant Dou Shengs in the clan. They will arrive tomorrow morning to take over the defense. Once they arrive, we will set off for the Yao Clan." Yao Dan nodded in satisfaction.