Yao Chen Awakens, Nalan Yanran Arrives

The breakthrough lasted for an hour, and the Dou Qi within a hundred-mile radius was nearly sucked dry by Hun Cang alone.

At last, the vortex dispersed. Hun Cang landed on the ground and slowly opened his eyes.

Seeing Jia Liebi and the others approach with smiles, he said coldly, "Get lost. Don't bother me!"

Their smiles immediately froze on their faces, and they turned around and left without hesitation.

The onlookers nearby did not dare linger either.

As they walked away, their hushed discussions could still be heard.

"As expected of a Dou Huang expert. What an overwhelming presence."

"The so-called three great families of Wutan City don't even dare fart in front of a Dou Huang."

"I've decided. Tomorrow, I'm heading to the Monster Beast Mountain Range. I want to grow stronger. I want to become a Dou Huang!"

They did not dare look back until they had entered the city.

Jia Liebi then asked in confusion, "Why did King Cang suddenly lose his temper like that?"

"I don't know." Xiao Zhan shook his head, not daring to speculate recklessly.

Guni shot Jia Liebi a warning look and said solemnly, "I suggest you ask fewer questions. Be careful not to bring disaster upon Wutan City!"

The others shook their heads and sighed before departing in different directions.

They had originally wanted to present some gifts and praise while Hun Cang was breaking through, hoping to show their faces and leave an impression while he was in a good mood.

"They don't have even a shred of self-awareness! If it weren't for Xiao Yan, who the hell would want to come to this godforsaken dump?" Hun Cang wrinkled his nose, somewhat irritated.

With his status, he was flattered wherever he went.

Once or twice, such treatment still made him feel pleased and proud.

But after too much of it, anyone would grow sick of it.

What was more, this was Wutan City, a border city of the Jia Ma Empire. Befriending those people brought Hun Cang no benefit at all. It was simply a waste of time.

"Reaching Dou Huang can be considered the removal of one lingering worry..." He let out a long breath and gathered his thoughts. A smile appeared on Hun Cang's face as his gaze settled on the ancient black ring.

A jade bottle suddenly appeared in his hand, filled with an unknown liquid. When it flowed onto the ring, it did not slide off, but instead seeped into the ring as though it had been absorbed.

This was a medicinal liquid beneficial to the soul, one used by the Hun Clan. Hun Cang had plenty of it.

In just a few seconds, a faint glow flashed across the ring.

"Venerable Yao, since you're awake, why keep hiding?" After waiting several seconds and seeing no reaction from the ring, Hun Cang spoke indifferently.

Buzz—

An invisible ripple of energy spread out. A figure then appeared before Hun Cang, somewhat translucent but clearly an aged old man.

"Who are you? Why do you know this old man?" Yao Chen scrutinized Hun Cang for a moment, somewhat surprised.

Over the years, he had remained muddleheaded most of the time. Even when he occasionally regained consciousness, he had only instinctively absorbed Dou Qi and knew little about the outside world.

Yet even so, Yao Chen knew that the person he had previously been absorbing from seemed to be nothing more than a youngster who had just advanced to the Dou Zhe realm.

For the person before him to recognize him was truly strange.

"Hun Cang!" He introduced himself casually, paying no attention to Yao Chen's drastically changed expression. "Let's make a deal."

"What is your relationship with the Soul Hall?" Yao Chen's tone was cold, and traces of hatred spilled from his eyes.

His current condition was inseparably connected to the Soul Hall.

"The Soul Hall... is merely a dog raised by my family." Hun Cang spoke lightly. His father was Hun Tiandi, so there was nothing wrong with saying that.

Yao Chen sneered. "So that's how it is. You still dream of making a deal with me? Keep dreaming!"

Hun Cang did not care in the slightest. "I'm trying to communicate with you properly right now, so don't fail to appreciate my kindness. If I wanted to make you talk, the Soul Hall has plenty of methods. I simply don't want the trouble."

Without waiting for Yao Chen to reply, he continued, "As long as you agree, I can help you restore your body. Even that traitor Han Feng—I can capture him and bring him before you to deal with as you please."

Yao Chen's gaze flickered. He was somewhat tempted. With a body, he had countless methods to rapidly restore his strength.

After all, the abilities of an Eighth-grade Alchemist were no joke.

He looked at Hun Cang and asked, "What do you want?"

"The Burning Art!"

A smile curled onto Hun Cang's lips as he uttered those two words, instantly changing Yao Chen's expression.

Within the mountain forest, a carriage raced along a smooth road that had been cleared and leveled.

Before long, as the city ahead came into view, its speed slowed slightly. The young man driving turned toward the carriage compartment and said, "Junior Sister Nalan, Wutan City is here."

The next second, the curtain was lifted slightly, revealing a beautiful yet somewhat youthful face. Her fair little face was smooth and delicate, while a trace of pride showed unconsciously in her brows and eyes.

After glancing at the small city walls, Nalan Yanran nodded calmly. "Thank you for driving all the way, Senior Brother."

Upon hearing this, all exhaustion vanished from the disciple's face, as though he could continue driving for another three days and nights.

There was also an old man seated by the window inside the carriage, his eyes closed. He wore robes bearing the emblem of the Misty Cloud Sect. A pale silver crescent moon was embroidered upon his chest, surrounded by seven glittering golden stars.

He was a Seven Star Grand Dou Shi!

"Elder Ge," Nalan Yanran said, "do you think this annulment will go smoothly? Why do I feel somewhat uneasy?"

The elder, Ge Ye, slowly opened his eyes and smiled faintly. "Could a fallen little family possibly dare contend with our Misty Cloud Sect?"

Seeing Nalan Yanran's unsettled state of mind, he added, "The Sect Leader is backing you in this matter. No matter how bold the Xiao Family may be, they cannot possibly offend a Dou Huang—unless the Xiao Family happens to have a Dou Huang of their own."

"How could they possibly have one? If they possessed such strength, why would the Xiao Family have moved from the capital of the Jia Ma Empire to such a shabby place?" Nalan Yanran quickly retorted.

The moment she finished speaking, she suddenly felt much more at ease.

Elder Ge truly had a point.

She must have been too nervous, letting her imagination run wild...

With that thought, Nalan Yanran quietly sat down.

The carriage entered Wutan City and headed directly for the Xiao Family. Along the way, people were drawn by the emblem on the carriage, and countless gazes shot over from every direction.

"Where did these people come from?"

"I feel like I've seen that emblem before, but I can't recall it right now."

"That's normal. It's the symbol of the Misty Cloud Sect of the Jia Ma Empire."

"The Misty Cloud Sect? The legendary top sect of the Jia Ma Empire, powerful enough to rival the imperial family?"

"Damn, even such an overlord has come to Wutan City?"

"Look, they're heading toward the Xiao Family. Could the Misty Cloud Sect be here to take disciples?"

"Are you trying to make me laugh myself to death? Take disciples? Who? Don't tell me you mean Xiao Yan, the one at the Third Stage of Dou Qi?"

The discussions along both sides of the street continued without end.

At the entrance of the Xiao Family.

The servants on guard had already received notice. Seeing the luxurious carriage drive straight over, one of them immediately turned and ran inside to report to the family head.

Not long after.

In the Xiao Family's main hall, Xiao Zhan sat at the head of the room, while the other elders and some clan disciples took their seats.

"Family Head Xiao, Ge Ye of the Misty Cloud Sect has come to visit!"

"Welcome, welcome!"

Xiao Zhan rose to greet them and led the three distinguished guests to their seats. As they exchanged pleasantries, he secretly searched for Xiao Yan but could not find him, growing slightly anxious.