No More Nonsense, or You Won't Be Speaking Again!

Xiao Yuan glanced at Liu Qing and said with a smile, "A three-star Dou Emperor? It seems that dealing with family matters has taken up a lot of your energy!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Qing shook his head helplessly and said with a wry smile, "You're probably not just someone who has just broken through to the Dou Zong, are you?"

He had seen clearly the scene of Xiao Yuan stepping through the air earlier.

Liu Qing's words caused the expressions of the people behind him to change, and their gazes swept over Xiao Yuan with a strange look. Such a young Dou Zong powerhouse was quite rare.

"Hehe, it was just a matter of chance."

Xiao Yuan smiled slightly and did not deny it.

His current strength is roughly at the peak of Three Star Dou Zong, and he is not far from breaking through; he just needs an opportunity.

"Sigh, I still can't catch up with you. You truly deserve to be the most talented person in the Inner Academy. I have to admit it." Liu Qing sighed. Back when he had one foot in the Dou Wang and was among the top three on the Strong Ranking, Xiao Yuan Yuanshang was just a freshman in the Da Dou Shi. However, in just a few short years, he had already reached a level that Liu Qing could only look up to. Such an extreme change was truly hard to accept.

Xiao Yuan smiled, his gaze sweeping over Liu Fei's face behind Liu Qing. He smiled and nodded at her, and under his smile, the latter's cheeks flushed a rosy hue, and her beautiful eyes looked away evasively.

"Oh, by the way, let me introduce you to Cai Lin. Of course, you might recognize her by another name: Medusa."

Xiao Yuan turned his gaze back to Liu Qing and introduced him with a smile.

"Medusa? Hmm, is that the infamous Snake-People Tribe from your Jia Ma Empire? Well, it's not so strange that this happened to you."

Upon hearing this, Liu Qing seemed to ponder for a moment, then revealed a meaningful smile and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to the aloof beauty beside him.

"Cai Lin, this is Liu Qing."

Xiao Yuan turned back and said.

"Hello."

Cai Lin didn't seem particularly fond of other humans. After giving a somewhat stiff greeting, she fell silent.

Liu Qing naturally didn't care about this. Back then, he traveled with Lin Xiuya and Lin Yan and stayed in the Jia Ma Empire for a while. He naturally understood what kind of person Medusa was. Moreover, judging from the way she stood on the void with Xiao Yuan just now, she was obviously a Dou Zong level expert.

"That's just how Cai Lin is, don't mind her."

Xiao Yuan smiled and offered an explanation.

"Hehe, not at all. The strong naturally have the personality of the strong. Besides, you slaughtered those people from the Black-Corner Region back then, it was really satisfying! I, Liu Qing, admire people like you. Why would I hold a grudge over such a small matter! By the way, what are you doing here?"

A smile appeared on Liu Qing's face, and the ashen look on his face earlier dissipated considerably. He was clearly in a very good mood to suddenly meet Xiao Yuan.

"I need to go to the Pill Domain. Tianhuang City has Space Wormhole that leads directly to the Pill Domain. I heard from Senior Sister Han Yue that your home is around here, so I came to visit on my way. I didn't expect that I would arrive at the right time!"

Xiao Yuan smiled slightly, his gaze subtly sweeping over the Cheng Family and others not far away.

Upon hearing this, Liu Qing nodded, then laughed heartily, "After today, the Space Wormhole will reopen. I'll take care of it for you then. Leave this little matter to me."

"It's time for the Cheng Family to take control of the Space Wormhole. They've always disliked the Liu Family. If you, cousin, were to step in, they would only make things difficult for you."

Behind Liu Qing, Liu Fei suddenly muttered something.

Upon hearing this, Liu Qing's face darkened, and Liu Fei immediately fell silent.

"Alright, don't you know my personality? You and Xiao Yan became friends after a fight. If he were here, he would definitely help you."

Xiao Yuan knew that Liu Qing was embarrassed to have him help out so soon after arriving in Tianhuang City, so he simply asked directly.

Since Xiao Yuan had already said all that, Liu Qing couldn't possibly drag Xiao Yuan away. He looked up and met Xiao Yuan's gaze, then could only smile wryly and sigh, "The Cheng Family has more than one Dou Zong expert. If you offend them because of me, it will be very troublesome."

"More than one?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan looked at Liu Qing with a somewhat strange expression.

More people? Well, he has five Dou Zong- level puppets lying in his ring!

The entire upper echelon of the Wind and Thunder North Pavilion has become his subordinate. What is the Cheng Family compared to him? If Xiao Yuan really pushes him too far, he can directly turn Thunder Venerable into a puppet. Let alone one Cheng Family, even if there are ten more, they will all be given away.

"That's true. You and Miss Cai Lin are both Dou Zong. With your combat power, you're probably comparable to two Dou Zong. You do have the confidence."

Liu Qing seemed to realize that his words were somewhat inappropriate, and said with a wry smile.

Upon hearing this, the two elders behind him were also stunned. One person could be comparable to two Dou Zong powerhouses? This young man's combat power was actually that strong? They felt that Liu Qing's words must be exaggerated.

"You underestimate me. Even if they're from Burning Flame Valley, they can't do anything to me. What is the Cheng Family?"

Xiao Yuan felt that Liu Qing's perspective was too narrow, so he waved his hand and said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Liu Fei's beautiful eyes sparkled with a hint of surprise as she secretly glanced at Xiao Yuan.

After a moment of surprise, Liu Qing struggled slightly before finally sighing, "It's all because of this Space Wormhole. Originally, it should have been my Liu Family's turn to take control this year, but Burning Flame Valley used this as a bargaining chip because they needed to find a high-level alchemist. The Cheng Family found a Sixth Grade Alchemist somewhere, while the highest-level alchemist in my Liu Family is only a fifth-grade one."

"Why would Burning Flame Valley be looking for high-level alchemists? With their strength, surely they have alchemists of their own?"

Xiao Yuan raised an eyebrow and asked calmly.

Logically speaking, he didn't think Burning Flame Valley would do something like this so early in the day, but this incident actually saved him the trouble of volunteering.

"I'm not too sure about that, but it's said that the Burning Flame Valley Master needs to refine a certain elixir and requires the assistance of some high-level alchemists," Liu Qing said, shaking his head.

Xiao Yuan nodded slightly, then his gaze suddenly fell on the arrogant purple-robed old man not far away, and he said, "So, as long as you produce an alchemist of a higher rank than that old man, then this Space Wormhole will still be under the control of the Liu Family?"

Liu Qing nodded, looking at Xiao Yuan, a glimmer of hope rising in his heart. He knew that Xiao Yuan had later become an alchemist, and his progress was extremely rapid. If his Yao Tian was as terrifying as his Dou Qi talent, then Xiao Yuan might actually be able to help him!

Seeing this, Xiao Yuan smiled, stepped forward slowly, then cupped his hands to the red-robed elder and said with a smile, "Elder, the Liu Family has not yet admitted defeat, so please wait a moment for the handover."

When Xiao Yuan appeared, Red Fire Elder noticed him. He was also slightly surprised that the former could reach the Dou Zong level at such a young age. Such an achievement was rare even among his peers in Burning Flame Valley.

"If you haven't admitted defeat, then bring out the alchemist. If the Liu Family can find an alchemist stronger than Master Zeng Xiu, then the control of this Space Wormhole will still belong to the Liu Family."

Perhaps because Xiao Yuan sensed a dangerous aura emanating from Xiao Yuan, Red Fire Elder's tone became quite amiable. The speed at which his expression changed made Liu Fei, standing to the side, pout.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan smiled and nodded, then turned his gaze to the purple-robed elder, cupped his hands and said with a smile, "In that case, let me have a match with this 'master'?"

"So you are the alchemist hired by the Liu Family?"

Upon hearing Xiao Yuan's words, Red Fire Elder was also taken aback. His experienced gaze slowly swept over Xiao Yuan, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of disbelief. Xiao Yuan's ability to reach the Dou Zong level at such a young age was already extremely shocking to him. If he also had the identity of an alchemist, then that would be too terrifying.

Cultivating Dou Qi and alchemy are both profound and complex paths. It is extremely difficult to excel in either one, and very few people can achieve remarkable success in both!

Xiao Yuan's words caused a stir among the crowd surrounding the square. However, most people were skeptical of his words. While such a young man seemed very strong, it didn't mean he was qualified to challenge a master alchemist like Zeng Xiu Xiao Yuan. Zeng Xiu, one of the parties involved, was also taken aback for a moment, then a cold smile flashed across his withered face as he looked at Xiao Yuan and said, "Perhaps I am indeed inferior to you in terms of Dou Qi, but in terms of alchemy, to put it bluntly, you are not qualified!"

Xiao Yuan ignored Zeng Xiu Xiu's clownish remarks and turned his gaze to Red Fire Elder, smiling, "I wonder how this competition will be conducted? Will it require refining pills in public?"

"No need for such trouble. I don't have that much time to waste with you." Zeng Xiu took over the conversation, sneered, and said, "Since you are also an alchemist, you should know the importance of soul power to alchemists. In that case, let's compete in soul power! Considering you are a junior, I will let you make the first move. As long as you can use your soul power to repel me, then you will win!"

No wonder Zeng Xiu so arrogant. The biggest difference between an alchemist and an ordinary Dou Zhe is their soul power. The soul power of a Sixth Grade Alchemist is comparable to that of a Dou Zong expert!

Upon hearing Zeng Xiu's words, Xiao Yuan was taken aback at first, then suddenly laughed in a strange way. Compare soul power? Zeng Xiu finished speaking, he waved his sleeve, stood with his hands behind his back, and looked at Xiao Yuan with a calm gaze. He seemed to be doing a great job as a master.

This posture would seem quite intimidating to ordinary people, but Cai Lin's eyes were filled with pity when she looked at him.

These days, the soul fluctuations that Xiao Yuan displayed while refining medicine were enough to make her heart pound with fear.

To put it bluntly, even if Xiao Yuan were to lose his physical body, Cai Lin would still be unable to destroy his soul.

This guy is getting harder and harder to kill.

"Make your move."

Seemingly annoyed that Xiao Yuan was moving too slowly, Zeng Xiu frowned and urged him on.

Xiao Yuan was speechless. With a casual wave of his hand, a vast and boundless soul power swept out like a storm!

In that instant, Red Fire Elder, whose expression had been calm, suddenly changed his expression drastically!

Zeng Xiu's previously calm expression instantly turned deathly pale. His immense soul power, like a raging torrent, unleashed an exceptionally terrifying pressure, slamming violently towards the purple-robed elder. Along its path, space trembled, and countless dark cracks silently spread! Although soul power is invisible and colorless, anyone with a little strength could feel the terrifying pressure that permeated the sky. This pressure originated from the depths of the soul, making one almost tremble. At this moment, the whispers outside the arena abruptly ceased, and the expressions on the faces of those who had previously questioned Xiao Yuan's actions froze, looking utterly comical.

After two months of arduous training, Xiao Yuan's alchemy skills are still at the Seventh-grade Intermediate. However, if it comes down to a contest of soul power, even a high-level seventh-grade alchemist would not have an advantage over Xiao Yuan and might even be at a disadvantage.

Such terrifying soul power, once unleashed, would naturally be exceptionally formidable. Let alone Zeng Xiu being only a Sixth Grade Alchemist, even if he had reached the seventh grade, he would still find it difficult to be Xiao Yuan's opponent.

Red Fire Elder stared dumbfounded at the immense power sweeping across the sky. After a moment, he took a deep breath, turned to Xiao Yuan not far away with a look of shock, and a hoarse voice, filled with disbelief, slowly came out from his throat. "Seventh Grade Alchemist?"

After seeing Xiao Yuan's approximate strength, Red Fire Elder was undoubtedly shocked. He never imagined that Xiao Yuan was not only a Dou Zong, but also had such profound attainments in alchemy.

Seventh Grade Alchemist —such a status carries immense weight even in the Central Region. It's important to understand that alchemists of this rank, while perhaps not at the pinnacle within the Danta, are certainly among the top! What truly astonished Red Fire Elder was Xiao Yuan's age. Even with his extensive experience, he had never seen a Seventh Grade Alchemist this young before. Such talent in both Dou Qi and alchemy was practically demonic.

However, Zeng Xiu on the other side found it difficult to calm down and analyze the situation rationally.

As an alchemist, he was naturally more sensitive to the power of the soul. The overwhelming power coming towards him made him feel as if he were facing a vast ocean. He had only felt this feeling with some elders of the Danta, and without exception, all of those elders had a great reputation in the Central State!

However, this time, the one who gave him this feeling was not one of the elders of the Danta, but a young man who looked to be no more than twenty years old! "Seventh Grade Alchemist? How is that possible?"

His body trembled slightly. After a moment, a crazy ruthlessness Zeng Xiu's eyes. He absolutely could not believe that this young man, who looked no different from a greenhorn, could actually reach the seventh rank, a level that even he could only look up to!

A fierce look appeared on Zeng Xiu's face, and he quickly took a few steps back. At this point, he no longer cared about the boast he had made earlier. With a low roar, a powerful soul force surged out of his body and quickly condensed into an invisible soul barrier in front of him!

"Boy, don't try to play tricks on me!"

As the soul barrier materialized, Zeng Xiu stared intently at Xiao Yuan and coldly shouted.

Hearing his shout, Xiao Yuan didn't even turn his head. He looked at Red Fire Elder, cupped his hands in greeting, and smiled confidently, "The outcome is decided!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the immense soul power that swept across the sky easily destroyed Zeng Xiu's soul barrier. Then, just as it was about to Zeng Xiu, it turned sharply and rushed towards the sky. Then, it spun around and was drawn back into Xiao Yuan's body.

"Puff!"

With his soul barrier shattered, Zeng Xiu out a mouthful of blood, but his gaze toward Xiao Yuan was now filled with awe.

After popping a pill into his mouth and recovering, Zeng Xiu cupped his hands in a respectful gesture and said with a bitter smile, "Thank you for your mercy, Master. I am indeed inferior in skill."

After being overwhelmed by Xiao Yuan's soul power, Zeng Xiu realized that even some elders of the Danta had no advantage over this young man in terms of soul power. The fact that he could control such terrifying soul power so freely meant that this young man's alchemy skills were probably more than just those who had just entered the seventh rank.

Such powerful talent and strength must have been guided by a master, most likely a legendary Eighth-Tier- grade alchemist.

Such an existence is definitely not one he can afford to provoke.

"Hiss, this person is actually a Seventh Grade Alchemist?"

Upon hearing this, many people swallowed hard, their eyes filled with undisguised horror.

Even a sixth-rank master like Zeng Xiu had to call this young man a master. If he wasn't a seventh-rank master, what rank could he be?

As for the Eighth-Tier, no one dares to even think about it.

But precisely because of this, countless people stared in near-dumbfounded disbelief. Seventh Grade Alchemist —this was no ordinary level of expertise. Even within the Burning Flame Valley or the Danta, an alchemist of this rank would be considered an absolute top-tier existence! Cheng Yao and the rest of the Cheng Family stared dumbfounded at Zeng Xiu, who lay motionless in the distance, seemingly dead. After a long while, they swallowed hard. Seventh Grade Alchemist? The thought sent a chill down their spines. For someone like him, wiping out their Cheng Family would be no difficult task. With just a word, many super-powerful experts would be willing to act on his behalf. No one dared question the influence of Seventh Grade Alchemist. "When did the Liu Family become acquainted with an alchemist of this rank? Why haven't we received a single word about it?" Cheng Yao's face was a mixture of emotions, his mind racing. Seventh Grade Alchemist was a figure beyond the reach of a family like theirs. He couldn't understand how the Liu Family had managed to summon him. Not far from Cheng Yao and the others, Liu Qing, Liu Fei, and their group were also staring wide-eyed at Zeng Xiu Liu Qing on the ground in the distance. They found it utterly absurd that he couldn't even last a single round against Xiao Yuan. That was Sixth Grade Alchemist! "Seventh Grade Alchemist!" The two white-haired elders behind Liu Qing also took a slow breath, their voices filled with barely suppressed joy. "This gentleman is actually a Seventh Grade Alchemist! Clan leader, is he really your friend?"

Hearing the disbelief in their words, Liu Qing couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Although these two old guys were elders of the clan, they had always had some prejudice against his election as clan leader. Today, he could take advantage of Xiao Yuan to dampen their arrogance.

Though inwardly pleased, Liu Qing remained outwardly calm, saying indifferently, "If they weren't my friends, do you two elders think anyone else would have made a move?"

Upon hearing this, the two elders smiled awkwardly but did not retort. If Liu Qing truly had a friend who was a Seventh Grade Alchemist, it would undoubtedly be a great joy for the Liu Family.

Meanwhile, Red Fire Elder had already recovered his senses, a rare smile appearing on his aged face. He walked up to Xiao Yuan and said kindly, "Young friend, your strength is extraordinary, truly an eye-opener for this old man. Hehe, the control of the Tianhuang City Space Wormhole for the next three years will belong to the Liu Family."

Upon hearing Red Fire Elder's words, Cheng Yao's expression turned quite ugly. However, due to the elder's status, he no longer showed any dissatisfaction. He could only clench his fists, glare at Liu Qing with hatred in his eyes.

Although Cheng Yao knew that the situation had been turned around because of Xiao Yuan's appearance, it was difficult for him to harbor any hatred towards a Seventh Grade Alchemist, given his strength. He knew very well how immense the power of a Seventh Grade Alchemist was. Compared to Cheng Yao's grim expression, Liu Qing's face was filled with joy. He clasped his hands in thanks to Red Fire Elder and said with a smile, "Thank you, Red Fire Elder Huo."

"That can't be right, Red Fire Elder?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan frowned.

"Hmm? What is it? What doubts do you have, young friend?"

Upon hearing this, Red Fire Elder asked with some surprise.

"Red Fire Elder, your Valley Master's order is to find a high-level alchemist and then transfer the three-year management rights of the Space Wormhole to that family. But as far as I know, it was originally the Liu Family's turn to manage the Space Wormhole Space Wormhole year. If I hadn't intervened, wouldn't the Cheng Family have gotten the management rights for four consecutive years? Since that's the case, we should treat everyone equally and extend the three-year term beyond this year. Otherwise, wouldn't the Liu Family lose a year of management rights out of thin air?"

Xiao Yuan said with a serious expression.

"???"

Upon hearing this, everyone in the room gaped, their eyes widening.

Speaking of which, Cai Lin had been following Xiao Yuan for a long time. Although she wasn't surprised, she found it quite interesting. Sometimes, she really felt that Xiao Yuan's mind was different from that of ordinary people.

"Brother, I think what Xiao Yuan said makes a lot of sense!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Fei muttered to herself.

"."

Liu Qing also realized that Xiao Yuan's logic was so peculiar, yet he also felt that there was nothing wrong with what he said.

"This"

Red Fire Elder was also somewhat confused and was thinking about it when Cheng Yao, the head of the Cheng Family, became anxious!

"I disagree!"

Cheng Yao shouted angrily.

If the Liu Family were to control the Space Wormhole for four consecutive years, the Cheng Family would have a hard time raising their head in the next ten years.

"So noisy!"

Xiao Yuan's expression turned cold, and a powerful aura erupted, directly causing Cheng Yao to feel a tightness in his chest and retreat repeatedly.

"I don't like anyone interrupting when I'm speaking. If you say another word, the management of this Space Wormhole will be completely out of your Cheng Family's hands, understand?"

Dark golden flames surged forth from Xiao Yuan's body, instantly engulfing the Cheng Family family members. The intense heat raised the temperature of the entire city, and many people in the square were instantly drenched in sweat and fell silent.

The Cheng Family members were surrounded by terrifying flames, and everyone showed a look of panic. Even the two Dou Zong elders of the Cheng Family had their pupils shrink. Although they felt extremely hot all over, they couldn't help but feel a chill in their hearts.

This young man is stronger than either of them, not only is he stronger, but he also possesses a rare and precious artifact like Heavenly Flames. If they really fight, they won't have the upper hand!

Cheng Yao, who Dou Huang Peak, dared not speak anymore.

He clearly sensed the killing intent in Xiao Yuan's words! "Strange Heavenly Flames!!"

Zeng Xiu Zeng Xiu been silent for a long time, exclaimed again, and his words instantly ignited the previously dead silence in the room.