A Narrow Escape

"Waaah!"

As more and more people boarded the warship, the mournful sound of the horns rang out once more. Then, dark clouds churned, the warship trembled slowly, and finally, under the watchful eyes of everyone, it transformed into heavy dark clouds, carrying an astonishing momentum, and swiftly flew towards the exit of the Ancient World.

In the heart of the Ancient Holy City, the exceptionally clear lake rippled, and sunlight poured down from the horizon, reflecting dazzling beams of light. "Swoosh!"

Suddenly, violent ripples spread across the calm lake surface. Then, a huge Space Rift slowly tore open from mid-air. After the rift appeared, figures quickly flashed out from it and landed on the surrounding ground. In an instant, the relatively quiet city became lively.

Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan also emerged from the Space Rift, finally appearing atop a building. They glanced around, and without waiting for the Ancient Clan to greet them, they moved swiftly towards the gate of the Ancient Holy City. The Ancient Clan experts seemed not to have seen their actions, and none of them intervened, allowing them to rush towards the city gate alone and eventually disappear from sight.

After gliding smoothly out of the Ancient Holy City, Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan stopped for the time being.

"Brother, what did you give Xun'er just now?"

Xiao Yan had been holding back from asking, but now he finally spoke up.

"Finally got the answer?" Xiao Yuan smiled, then said, "What I just gave her was the key to enter the Heavenly Tomb."

"The key to the Heavenly Tomb?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan was taken aback.

"Here, this is another key."

Xiao Yuan flicked another Soul Talisman Seal into Xiao Yan's palm.

"This thing can ensure that you can maintain a connection with each other across time and space at any time, and you can enter the Heavenly Tomb from anywhere. However, don't ruin Xun'er's bloodline. Even with Xuan Ge'er here, you can't withstand the wrath of the entire Ancient Clan."

Xiao Yuan said with a smile.

"Real?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan infused his soul power into it, and the Soul Talisman Seal flew directly into his brow, causing his eyes to slowly close.

A moment later, Xiao Yan looked at Xiao Yuan with delight. "Thank you, brother!"

Xiao Yan said excitedly.

With this Soul Talisman Seal, he and Xun'er will be able to meet anytime!

Of course, even so, Xiao Yan knew that he should continue to work hard in his cultivation.

After all, Third Brother is now far stronger than me, and I should catch up with Third Brother!

"Next, let's head straight back to the Starfall Pavilion."

Xiao Yuan did not intend to linger here. He took out a map to determine the direction, then flicked his sleeve, his soul power enveloped Xiao Yan, and with a casual gesture, he tore through space, his figure flashed into it, and disappeared.

With Xiao Yuan's current abilities as a humanoid Ancient Void Dragon, coupled with his greatly enhanced strength, he entered the Starfall Pavilion's territory in just about two days while traveling at full speed.

After entering the Starfall Pavilion's territory, Xiao Yuan clearly sensed that the number of powerful figures around him had increased significantly compared to before. In some important cities along the way, there were even two or three Dou Zun expert stationed there. Even in the entire Central State, this was a very significant undertaking. However, Xiao Yuan also knew that with Yao Lao's prestigious reputation, summoning these powerful figures to help him would be a piece of cake.

However, what reassured Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan somewhat along the way was that they did not see any chaotic situation. Although the defenses had been strengthened, there was no sense of oppression or urgency that comes with a major battle.

Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan did not linger in the cities where the Starfall Pavilion was located. Instead, they headed straight for the Starfall Pavilion. After only an hour, they arrived at the mountain range where the Starfall Pavilion was located. Their figures then transformed into streams of light and rushed into the Star Realm where the Starfall Pavilion was located.

Within the Star Realm, the atmosphere was tranquil and peaceful. Although its area could not compare to that of the Ancient World, it was still comparable to a city, and it could easily accommodate tens of thousands of people.

In some vast squares, countless Starfall Pavilion Disciples were practicing in unison. Loud shouts, full of energy, gathered together and echoed through the space like muffled thunder.

The Star Realm today feels completely transformed compared to before. Some of the treacherous mountains have been carved out and transformed into clusters of buildings. People move about like ants, creating a lively atmosphere. Moreover, from the massive peaks at the center of the Star Realm, numerous powerful auras emanate, permeating every corner of the Star Realm. Now, the Star Realm truly feels like an impregnable fortress.

"Laugh!"

In the peaceful Star Realm, a streak of light suddenly appeared, accompanied by an extremely fierce momentum, flying from afar and rushing directly towards the main peak at the very center of the Star Realm.

"Who dares to trespass within the Star Realm?"

As this streak of light appeared, angry shouts suddenly resounded across the Star Realm. Then, with a series of whooshing sounds, ancient figures floated in the sky and shouted in unison, "Condense!"

Accompanied by the angry shouts of nearly ten elders, a section of space in the sky rapidly solidified. However, just when everyone thought the figure was about to stop, they were astonished to see that the stream of light not only did not stop, but its speed suddenly increased. Then, under the astonished gazes, it broke through the Solidified Space without any hindrance and appeared behind the elders like a ghost.

"I haven't been back for half a year, I didn't expect the defenses to be this tight."

Under the watchful eyes of many, the stream of light stopped and descended, revealing two figures within: Xiao Yuan, dressed in white, and Xiao Yan, draped in black robes.

Who are you?

The elders who had previously intervened immediately felt as if they were facing a formidable enemy. Not to mention Xiao Yan, who now possessed a quasi- Emperor Realm soul, even a single glance from him made their souls tremble.

Such terrifying soul pressure was something that only Yao Lao could achieve, even within the Starfall Pavilion.

They even felt, perhaps it was just their imagination, that Xiao Yuan's soul pressure was even more terrifying than Yao Lao's! But no one dared to believe it.

It should be noted that the Yao Lao is now Ninth Grade Alchemist capable of refining Ninth Grade Treasure Pill.

They joined the Starfall Pavilion because of Yao Lao's reputation.

Therefore, they naturally couldn't believe that Xiao Yuan, a young man who looked to be in his twenties, could possess a soul power even more terrifying than that of Ninth Grade Alchemist.

The commotion in the sky also caught the attention of the Starfall Pavilion Disciples who were training on the ground. They stared in astonishment at Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan in the sky, clicking their tongues in amazement. This was the first time they had ever seen more than a dozen Guest Elder attack together and still fail to gain any advantage.

Seeing the puzzled looks from the elders, Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan exchanged a glance and shook their heads helplessly. It had only been half a year since they returned, and almost no one recognized them as the two disciples of the Pavilion Master!

"It's the two Young Pavilion Master!"

Just as the two were feeling helpless, several aged figures finally emerged from the main peak. When they saw Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan, they were first taken aback, and then exclaimed with delight.

Upon hearing this exclamation of surprise, the dozen or so Guest Elder of the Starfall Pavilion and countless Starfall Pavilion Disciples were all stunned. Then, they looked at Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan with disbelief. Their reputations in the Starfall Pavilion were quite high, but these Guest Elder and many Starfall Pavilion Disciples had only recently joined the Starfall Pavilion, so this was the first time they had seen the two of them.

"So they are the two Young Pavilion Master of our Starfall Pavilion."

"Hehe, the one in white must be Young Pavilion Master Xiao Yuan, right? He's so handsome!"

"Stop being so infatuated! With the cultivation levels of the two Young Pavilion Master, why would they possibly be interested in us!"

"I heard that one of the two Young Pavilion Master is the champion of the Pill Gathering, and the other is a minor giant of the Danta. They are both Dou Zun expert. I joined the Starfall Pavilion because of their reputation. I never thought I would finally meet such legendary figures today. Hehe!"

"So it's the two Young Pavilion Master in person. We greet you, Young Pavilion Master!"

As the curious whispers of the women below arose, an elderly man in a yellow robe, who appeared to be the leader of the Guest Elder, hurriedly came forward with a smile and respectfully addressed Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan.

"Elders, you're too kind."

Xiao Yuan smiled slightly, then his gaze swept across the space, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. In just half a year, the Starfall Pavilion had undergone earth-shattering changes. With so many powerful figures guarding it, even the Soul Hall probably couldn't easily invade. Judging from the auras he sensed, the Starfall Pavilion was now probably second only to the Danta and the Soul Hall as the top forces in the Central State.

"Two Young Pavilion Master? When did I become Young Pavilion Master?"

Xiao Yan was taken aback and scratched his head.

"The two pavilion masters said that since there are already two pavilion masters in the Starfall Pavilion, it is perfectly reasonable for there to be two Young Pavilion Master as well."

The elder in the yellow robe explained.

"Alright."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan shrugged helplessly. He didn't care about such empty fame, and besides, he wasn't good at handling sect affairs.

"Hehe, you two little guys are finally back!"

As Xiao Yuan's gaze swept across the Star Realm and Xiao Yan shook his head helplessly, the space behind the two rippled, and then a handsome white-haired figure slowly emerged—it was Yao Lao.

"Teacher."

Upon seeing Yao Lao, Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan quickly bowed and greeted him respectfully.

"Greetings, Pavilion Master!"

When Yao Lao appeared, the Guest Elder on the side also hurriedly greeted him respectfully. Yao Lao did not often show his face, so in the eyes of these Guest Elder, Yao Lao was a very mysterious figure. After all, he was Dou Sheng Expert, Ninth Grade Alchemist, and one of the most powerful people in the Central Plains Continent at present!

Thanks to the two Young Pavilion Master, we are finally able to meet this Medicine Saint!

Yao Lao smiled and nodded, waving to the Guest Elder. Then, his gaze swept over Xiao Yan, a hint of satisfaction appearing in his eyes. He said, "Not bad, not bad. In just half a year, you've gone from Five Star Dou Zun to Nine Stars Dou Zun. It seems you've gained quite a bit on this trip."

Upon hearing his words, the Guest Elder to the side immediately showed a hint of shock in his eyes. As expected of Young Pavilion Master Xiao Yan, his rate of improvement was simply too terrifying.

Xiao Yan smiled. With Yao Lao's discerning eye, he could naturally see through his abilities at a glance, and he nodded in agreement.

Immediately afterwards, the Yao Lao turned his gaze to Xiao Yuan.

"Hmm? From a six- Dou Zun to the Two Revolutions Dou Zun Peak? And your soul power... you've reached the Heaven Realm Great Perfection?"

The Yao Lao's eyes widened, and in a flash, he grabbed Xiao Yuan's wrist, examined it carefully, and then said in shock.

Upon hearing this, the Guest Elder also stared at Xiao Yuan in shock.

This Young Pavilion Master Xiao Yuan seems even more terrifying!

"It was just luck, a bit of chance."

Xiao Yuan said with a smile.

"Let's go downstairs and talk about it in detail."

Upon hearing this, the Yao Lao was also somewhat incredulous and nodded in agreement.

"Hmm." Xiao Yuan nodded, glanced around, then frowned slightly and said softly, "Teacher, Xiao Yi Xian and the others haven't returned?"

"He came back, but then left again."

The Yao Lao.

"Gone? Where did they go?"

Xiao Yuan frowned. He had killed all the capable fighters in the Soul Hall. They couldn't possibly send Dou Sheng to the Jia Ma Empire to steal his home, could they? "Well, there's been some trouble in the Jia Ma Empire. I sent Cai Lin, who just came out of Cai Lin, along with Xiao Yi Xian, Qing Lian, Heavenly Flame Venerable, and some elders who had returned with the message. With their lineup, they should be able to handle things there. I estimate they should be back soon."

The Yao Lao nodded and said.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan breathed a sigh of relief; it seemed that the problem wasn't serious.

"What exactly happened in the Jia Ma Empire?"

Although Xiao Yuan relaxed a bit, he was still very curious. If he remembered correctly, it was supposed to be Blood River and Mo Yu were to cause trouble, but now that they were both dead, who else could the Soul Hall send?

"To be precise, something terrible has happened to the entire Northwest Continent."

The Yao Lao nodded and explained.

"Originally, there was no major turmoil in the Northwest Continent, but a year ago, a sect called the Lion Underworld Sect suddenly began a large-scale conquest. Wherever its powerful members went, no one could defeat them. In less than half a year, nearly half of the Northwest Continent fell under the control of the Lion Underworld Sect."

The Yao Lao landed on a mountaintop and said softly.

"Lion Underworld Sect? Never heard of it. Is it very powerful?"

Xiao Yan, who was standing to the side, frowned and asked.

"Although the Lion Underworld Sect was originally among the top ten in the Northwest Continent, they were not invincible. But this time, their strength has increased by leaps and bounds, and they have gained many mysterious experts with extremely powerful abilities."

The Yao Lao said calmly.

"Is it the Soul Hall?"

Xiao Yuan naturally knew that the Soul Hall was behind this again.

"Hmm," Yao Lao nodded and said, "The intelligence that has been relayed back says that many Hall of Souls Experts have indeed appeared in the Lion Underworld Sect."

"Why would the Soul Hall go and start a major war in the Northwest Continent?"

Xiao Yan frowned and asked in confusion.

"Collect souls! The forces in the Central State are complex and intertwined. Even the Soul Hall doesn't dare to easily launch a major war. But places like the Northwest Continent are different. With the power of the Soul Hall, they are enough to dominate a one-sided war. And they only need to make a move in secret to obtain countless souls!"

The Yao Lao apothecary frowned, sensing a conspiracy in the Soul Hall's frantic actions.