Xiao Yuan, the Great Smooth Talker

"Heh heh, kid, you're pretty ruthless. You said you'd cripple someone, and you really did."

The old man in black glanced at Xiao Yan meaningfully, then looked at Xiao Yuan and said.

"If he weren't a member of the Ancient Clan, Xun'er would have killed him long ago for those insulting words he just said to Xiao Yan. How could he be so presumptuous?"

Xiao Yuan smiled noncommittally.

"Regarding today's events, you two gentlemen can tell the so-called Council of Elders everything in detail. However, I would also like to ask you two gentlemen to convey some of my words. Xun'er said that there were some alliances between our two clans, but it seems that her purpose in coming to my Xiao Clan is not pure. Of course, I know that she has no bad intentions, but some old things are coveting my Xiao Clan's things. Do they have no shame? Is this how the so-called low-key Ancient Clan treat their allies?"

"The Xiao Clan will remember Xun'er's kindness, but if some old fogies continue to be shameless and try to cause trouble for the Xiao Clan or make things difficult for Xun'er, I won't hold back when I visit the Ancient Clan one day. Xun'er is indeed a member of the Ancient Clan, but she is also a younger sister I watched grow up. Although the Xiao Clan has declined, not just any half-dead old fogies have the right to try and extort money from us. If you don't believe me, let them try."

Xiao Yuan spread his arms, a hint of arrogance and ferocity appearing on his handsome face.

"Haha, you're an interesting kid. A Dou Zong trying to threaten Dou Zun and Dou Sheng level experts? I'm optimistic about you!"

The white-haired old man laughed heartily upon hearing this.

"Hmm, they truly are descendants of that person."

Another elderly man in black also said with a smile.

Immediately afterwards, a wave of soul energy emanated from Xiao Yuan, and the figure of Heavenly Flame Venerable quietly appeared there.

"Furthermore, gentlemen, even if you joined forces, you couldn't defeat Senior Tianhuo. Moreover, your mission was to protect Xun'er. Therefore, no one could find fault with you for not taking action just now. If those old fogies make things difficult for you, I will represent the Xiao Clan to ask them for an explanation one day. I think I am qualified to do so."

As he spoke, Xiao Yuan lightly touched his brow, and a strange crimson-gold pattern appeared somewhat illusory.

"Clan Mark?"

Upon seeing the lines between Xiao Yuan's eyebrows, the two black-clad elders exclaimed in surprise.

"The Clan Mark of the Xiao Clan?"

Xun'er was also stunned by Xiao Yuan's move, staring incredulously at the Crimson-Gold Clan Crest between Xiao Yuan's eyebrows.

"Hasn't the Xiao Clan's bloodline power been exhausted?"

The white-haired elder couldn't help but speak.

"Logically, that's how it should be. However, I seem to be a little different. In short, I'm the only one in the family whose Bloodline Restoration and awakened the so-called Dou Emperor Bloodline. Moreover, I can sense that I'm not the only one who possesses this bloodline."

Xiao Yuan smiled and tried to fool him.

He couldn't sense any other clansmen with the Dou Emperor Bloodline; he only knew that one of his Ancestor was in the Heavenly Flames Space.

"While there is indeed some connection due to blood ties, can it really be felt that far away?"

The two elders weren't fools either; they pondered for a moment before asking in confusion.

"I don't know about that, but I did sense something when I awakened my bloodline. However, I don't know much about this stuff, so I'm not entirely sure what happened."

Xiao Yuan continued to deceive.

"I'll ask my father about this when I get back. I'm so happy for you, Xun'er, to see Third Brother bloodline awaken!"

Xun'er smiled faintly and said softly.

"Hehe, how about staying a couple more days? You know that good-for-nothing is seriously injured and can't move around easily."

Xiao Yuan glanced at Ling Quan, whose life or death was unknown in the stone pit, and said to Xun'er with a smile.

"No, my identity is special, so it's not appropriate for me to stay outside for long. I'm already very satisfied to have been out for a few days. Besides, with such a powerful older brother like you, Xun'er also wants to go back and show off a bit."

Xun'er said with a smile.

"Go say goodbye to Xiao Yan. Don't worry, at most three years. I will take Xiao Yan to the Ancient Clan. At that time, Xiao Yan will deal with the younger one, and I will take care of the old man. How dare they point fingers at my sister, Xiao Yuan's sister?"

Xiao Yuan nodded and said earnestly.

"Okay! Then Xun'er will look forward to that day!"

Xun'er smiled and then walked towards Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan also sensed that Xun'er was about to leave. Looking at her elegant and beautiful face, Xiao Yan felt a pang of reluctance and asked, "Are you leaving now?"

Xun'er nodded slightly. She had only met Xiao Yan not long ago when Ling Quan and the others caught up with her. If they stayed any longer, it would probably be someone else than Ling Quan. And if they wanted to take the opportunity to bring Xiao Yan and Xiao Yuan back to the Ancient Clan, that would be really troublesome.

Seeing this, Xiao Yan sighed softly and didn't say anything to persuade her to stay. He knew that Xun'er must have her reasons for being in such a hurry to leave.

"Wait for me in the Ancient Clan. After I participate in the Pill Gathering, obtain the Heavenly Flames, and advance to the Dou Zun level, I will come to the Ancient Clan to find you!"

Looking at Xiao Yan's serious expression, Xun'er Nalan Yanran sweetly, gently nodded her fair chin, and said, "Xun'er is waiting for you."

After saying this, Xun'er gave Xiao Yan a deep look, and then stopped lingering. With a swift movement, she soared into the sky and landed gently on the head of the Four-Winged Unicorn. Her black hair fluttered, making her look like a fairy from another world, with an ethereal temperament that made people feel dizzy and mesmerized.

"Haha, Xiao Yan, take care. Hurry up and improve your strength. Don't make Miss rush over to help again next time. A man should rely on himself."

The two old men in black laughed loudly at Xiao Yan, and then the surrounding space distorted. Their figures slowly disappeared, and when they reappeared, they were already on the Four-Winged Unicorn.

Just like last time, several Black Annihilation Army soldiers stepped forward tremblingly, dug Ling Quan out of the ruins, and brought the Four-Winged Unicorn with them.

Xun'er tilted her head and gazed affectionately at the tall and handsome young man in the courtyard below. After a moment, she waved her jade sleeve lightly, and a gale suddenly rose. The Four-Winged Unicorn let out a deep roar, then flapped its four wings, creating a gale, and quickly flew away from Ye City.

"Brother Xiao Yan, take care."

A soft, subtle sound traveled down with the wind and then swirled into Xiao Yan's ears.

Xiao Yan stared at the receding black figure, his fist in his sleeve slowly clenching!

"Xun'er, wait for me in the Ancient Clan. When we meet again, I will show them strength that will make them take notice. I will let them know that your judgment was correct, and that there are no useless people in the Xiao Clan Ancient Clan!"

The enormous black shadow quickly disappeared on the horizon, and the atmosphere in the courtyard became slightly desolate as a result. Xiao Yan stared blankly at the horizon where the black shadow disappeared, and after a long while, he finally let out a soft sigh.

"Don't worry, the day you meet won't be far off."

Xiao Yuan stepped forward, put his arm around Xiao Yan's shoulder, patted him, and said softly.

"Yes, brother, I believe in you, and I believe in myself!"

Xiao Yan nodded, looking at the now empty sky, and murmured in a deep voice.

"Tsk, I didn't expect you to actually snag a girl from Ancient Emperor clan. Not bad, I'm rooting for you!"

With his extensive experience, Heavenly Flame Venerable had long since discerned the relationship and current situation between Xiao Yan and Xun'er. He stepped forward, gave a thumbs-up, and said with a smile.

"Senior Tianhuo, please don't tease this young man."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan shook his head with a wry smile. If he had the strength of Dou Zun now, he believed that even the Ancient Clan would have to pay more attention to him.

"You two brothers chat, I also need to work on my cultivation. The newly refined body is truly different; its energy absorption efficiency has increased significantly. This feeling is simply wonderful!"

A look of ecstasy appeared on Heavenly Flame Venerable's face, and he vanished in a flash.

Watching Heavenly Flame Venerable disappear, Xiao Yuan shook his head helplessly, then smiled and said, "Alright, calm down and focus on preparing for the Pill Gathering. As your teacher's disciple, you have to be just like him and bring back first place!"

"Brother, aren't you going to participate?"

Xiao Yan was taken aback upon hearing this, and immediately understood Xiao Yuan's implied meaning. He asked in surprise.

"Hehe, I don't need Three Thousand Six Flames. My alchemy skills are sufficient for now. In the future, I will focus on cultivating Dou Qi and Dou Technique. When that time comes, I will take you with me to the Ancient Clan to propose marriage. If it doesn't go smoothly, we can always snatch you away!"

Xiao Yuan said with a smile.

"Brother, let's not do it. It will put Xun'er in a difficult position."

Xiao Yan said with a hint of helplessness upon hearing this.

"You little Xiao Yan, you've forgotten your own brother now that you have a wife!"

Xiao Yuan raised his middle finger and said with great distress.

"How could that be? Xun'er is important, but you, Third Brother, are important too! I'm just worried that Third Brother might suffer on someone else's turf!"

Xiao Yan chuckled and scratched his head.

"Come on, when have I ever suffered a loss? You should worry about yourself. You're only Two Star Dou Zong now. I really don't know what you've been cultivating!"

Xiao Yuan rolled his eyes at Xiao Yan, his words containing both condemnation and encouragement.

"I'll try my best, brother!"

Xiao Yan shrugged, raised his hands in surrender, and admitted defeat.

"You better be!"

As he spoke, Xiao Yuan handed the antique black Storage Ring in his hand to Xiao Yan: "Here, take it."

"Um."

Xiao Yan took the ring and put it on his hand.

Xiao Yuan turned to the outside of the courtyard and smiled, "Elder Ye Zhong, why don't you come in for a chat? Please calculate the loss of the things I accidentally damaged, and I will compensate you."

"Hehe, young friend Xiao Yuan, you're too kind."

Not long after Xiao Yan finished speaking, Ye Zhong's laughter rang out, and then two figures quickly entered the courtyard. It was Ye Zhong and Xin Lan.

Xiao Yan nodded to the two of them, said hello, and then turned to leave. He needed to work even harder to cultivate his Dou Qi and alchemy skills.

Xiao Yuan turned and walked into the stone pavilion to sit down. Ye Zhong and the other two followed him in and sat down, their eyes all focused on Xiao Yuan.

Xiao Yuan smiled, pondered for a moment, and said:

"As you know, Master Ye, Xiao Yi Xian possesses the Woeful Poison Body. Over the years, I have been trying to find ways to resolve the hidden dangers of the Woeful Poison Body. Now everything is ready, except for a place with extremely strong Yang energy. Only in such a place can the Woeful Poison Body be suppressed, thus increasing the success rate of resolving the Woeful Poison Body. However, I am not familiar enough with Central State and do not know where to find such a place. Therefore, I can only ask Master Ye for your help."

"Young friend, I happen to know of a place that is extremely yang and intensely hot."

Ye Zhong smiled and said upon hearing this.

Where?

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan raised an eyebrow and asked with some surprise.

"Right here in Ye City! My Ye Clan has a peculiar place called the Yang Fire Ancient Altar. During the day, the sunlight in the sky gathers there. The ancient altar has an Earth Eye that leads directly to the depths of the ground. Occasionally, some Earth Core Fire Seed from the earth's core will float out from this Earth Eye. When these Earth Core Fire Seed come into contact with the gathered sunlight, they will turn into a kind of flame. My Ye Clan calls it Yang Fire."

Ye Zhong voice.

"This Yang Fire, though not Heavenly Flames, is far more powerful than ordinary Beast Fire. Some of my Ye Clan ancestors often used this Yang Fire when refining pills to increase the success rate. However, unfortunately, this Yang Fire cannot last long and will automatically dissipate."

Ye Zhong seemed somewhat regretful at the end, but even so, the Yang Fire was quite attractive. Countless forces coveted Ye City, all for the sake of the Yang Fire Ancient Altar within the Ye Clan.

"Yang Fire?"

Xiao Yuan muttered to himself, "This Great Thousand World is indeed full of wonders. The formation of this Yang Fire is somewhat similar to that of Heavenly Flames. No wonder the Ye Clan regards it as a treasure."

"If it's convenient, could I borrow this space for a moment?"

Xiao Yuan nodded and asked.

"Of course it is possible, but this Yang Fire Ancient Altar is Forbidden Area of my Ye Clan, deep within my Ye Clan. If anything goes wrong, the Ye Clan family members may suffer a catastrophic disaster. Therefore, I hope you will act with caution, young friend. You should know better than anyone how terrible the Woeful Poison Body is."

Ye Zhong nodded upon hearing this, and said with a solemn expression.

"Don't worry, Mr. Ye, I will use the Heavenly Flames to set up an array to isolate the Yang Fire Ancient Altar. Even if there is a problem, the poisonous gas will not spread."

Xiao Yuan smiled and assured him.

"Now I am relieved. Young friend, please come with me."

Ye Zhong breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, smiled and cupped his hands in greeting. He then led Xiao Yuan deeper into the Ye Clan compound. About ten minutes later, a very secluded gravel plaza appeared before them. In the center of the plaza stood a slightly ancient altar. The giant stones used to build the altar were covered with the marks of time, indicating that the altar had existed for a very long time.

As Xiao Yuan approached the altar, he discovered that the light here was exceptionally bright. Moreover, the closer he got to the altar, the hotter and purer the energy in the surrounding world became. Beams of light, almost tangible, poured down from the sky and, after being reflected by the smooth stone walls, all converged on a Black Stone Stele at the center of the altar.

"Beneath the stone tablet lies an Earth Eye leading deep into the earth. When the stone tablet is moved, some Earth Core Fire Seed will leap out, igniting the sunlight that gathers here, thus forming Yang Fire. Of course, this was only the case in the past."

Looking at the ancient altar, Ye Zhong and smiled bitterly.

"What happened?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan frowned slightly.

"Several years ago, it was already rare for Earth Core Fire Seed to emerge from the Earth Eye through the pores, and other flames could not ignite sunlight to form Yang Fire."

Ye Zhong said softly.

Xiao Yuan nodded slightly. His purpose in coming here was not to use any Yang Fire, but simply to use the pure energy of heaven and earth to suppress Xiao Yi Xian's Woeful Poison Body.

"After I resolve Xiao Yi Xian's Woeful Poison Body, I will take a look at why this altar cannot generate Yang Fire."

Xiao Yuan thought for a moment, then spoke up.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, young friend!"

Upon hearing this, Ye Zhong nodded, but clearly he didn't have much hope.