Xiao Yi Xian's Message

Inside the Quiet Room, Gu Long had just finished a round of cultivation when the image of a graceful yet faintly sorrowful young woman suddenly flashed through his mind—Xiao Yi Xian.

Ever since they had parted in Qingshan Town, her Calamity Poison Body had awakened. After poisoning Mu Li and numerous members of the Wolf Head Mercenary Group to death, she had vanished without a trace. It had been quite some time now.

The Calamity Poison Body—this peculiar constitution born of heaven and earth—was both a curse and an opportunity.

If left unchecked, the day the poison body fully erupted would mark the beginning of widespread devastation, and its owner would perish in agony as well.

But if it could be guided and controlled, it might yet carve out a unique path to becoming a powerhouse.

Gu Long's thoughts stirred, and through the system, he contacted Zhou Yu, who was far away at Dragon Domain Headquarters.

"Gong Jin."

"My lord."

Zhou Yu's voice responded at once, carrying his usual composure.

"Is there any information regarding Xiao Yi Xian within the Jia Ma Empire?" Gu Long asked directly.

Dragon Domain's intelligence network covered the Northwest Continent. Finding one Xiao Yi Xian should not have been difficult.

Zhou Yu paused briefly, clearly retrieving the relevant information, before replying, "Reporting to my lord, the Dark Division does have records concerning her.

About half a year ago, one month after my lord left Qingshan Town, a woman suspected to be Xiao Yi Xian appeared near the border of the Chu Yun Empire."

"The Chu Yun Empire?" Gu Long's gaze shifted slightly.

The Chu Yun Empire bordered the Jia Ma Empire. Poison masters flourished there, and its environment was indeed better suited for the early growth and concealment of a Calamity Poison Body.

"Yes," Zhou Yu confirmed. "According to scattered intelligence reports, this woman was often surrounded by highly toxic mist. Wherever she passed, vegetation withered and low-tier magical beasts died.

A group of foolish mercenaries once attempted to rob her. There were twenty-seven of them in total, including a captain at the five-star Dou Shi level. Within ten breaths, every one of them died from poison, their bodies festering all over. Their deaths were exceedingly gruesome.

After that, no one dared provoke her lightly. Some local forces secretly began calling her the 'Poison Girl.'"

Zhou Yu paused before adding, "Based on analysis of the poison-element energy remaining at the scene, the development of her Calamity Poison Body has progressed far faster than expected. She appears to be actively adapting to and wielding this power."

Gu Long listened quietly, understanding dawning within him.

Rather than simply fleeing from her own constitution, Xiao Yi Xian had chosen to face it after that drastic upheaval—and had even taken the initiative to control the power that brought her pain and loneliness.

Her strength of character was more resilient than he had expected.

"Where is she mainly active at present?" Gu Long asked.

The most recent reliable intelligence indicated that about two months ago, she had appeared on the outskirts of the Ten Thousand Poisons Swamp within the Chu Yun Empire.

The environment there was harsh, and poisonous creatures ran rampant. Ordinary cultivators avoided it at all costs, but for poison masters, it was an excellent place to cultivate.

Dark Division personnel did not dare venture too deeply, lest they alert her or meet with mishap. Thus, they had been unable to determine her exact whereabouts or current condition.

Zhou Yu's report was extremely detailed.

The Ten Thousand Poisons Swamp... it was indeed a renowned deadly region within the Chu Yun Empire. It was said that even Dou Wang powerhouses did not dare set foot too deeply within it. By choosing to settle there, Xiao Yi Xian could both use the environment to cultivate her poison body and effectively avoid most trouble.

"My lord, should we dispatch additional personnel into the Ten Thousand Poisons Swamp to search for her, or attempt to make contact?" Zhou Yu asked for instructions.

"No need." Gu Long rejected the suggestion.

"For now, simply maintain surveillance from a distance. Do not make contact unless necessary, and under no circumstances disturb her.

Focus on whether there are any abnormal events in her area of activity, such as large-scale poisonous gas eruptions or mass death of living beings, and whether Soul Hall has taken notice of her."

The Calamity Poison Body needed time to develop. Interfering too early would only be counterproductive.

Moreover, Xiao Yi Xian was thoughtful and sensitive. Having experienced betrayal and loneliness, abrupt contact would likely arouse her wariness and rejection.

Allowing her to explore and grow on her own within a controllable range was perhaps the best choice at this stage.

What Dragon Domain needed to do was ensure that she would not lose control too early or be discovered and exploited by Soul Hall.

"This subordinate understands." Zhou Yu grasped Gu Long's intentions.

"I will have the Dark Division adjust its surveillance strategy, focusing primarily on observation and record-keeping. We will closely monitor the development of her poison body and the influence of her surroundings.

Should there be any signs of her losing control or encountering grave danger, we will decide what to do then."

"Mm." Gu Long nodded.

"Also, have the Medicine Division use the Seven-Colored Poison Scripture and the information we possess regarding the Calamity Poison Body to deduce several pills or formulas that can gently channel toxins and alleviate the pain of backlash. There is no need to refine them yet. Just make preparations first."

Although he did not intend to directly interfere with Xiao Yi Xian's growth, the necessary contingencies had to be prepared in advance.

If the timing proved right in the future, a perfectly timed offer of "help" would win more hearts than forced control ever could.

"Yes, my lord's considerations are thorough." Zhou Yu replied. "The Medicine Division recently acquired several incomplete ancient poison arts from the Chu Yun Empire that may serve as references. This subordinate will arrange for them to begin researching them."

The communication ended. Gu Long slowly opened his eyes and looked in the direction of the Chu Yun Empire.

Xiao Yi Xian's fate had already shifted because of the Poison Control Secret Record he had given her.

She had not, as she might originally have, suffered greatly from the poison body's backlash in its early stages and wandered from place to place.

Instead, she had gained control over part of her power sooner and actively chosen a path suited to her own growth.

It was an idle move, but one with immense potential.

A fully matured Calamity Poison Body possessed enough deterrent power to make even Dou Venerate and Dou Saint powerhouses wary.

Moreover, Xiao Yi Xian was kind by nature. If she could be guided onto the right path, she could become an important force against powers like the Soul Clan, who held all living beings in contempt.

"The Ten Thousand Poisons Swamp is quite a good place to temper oneself," Gu Long murmured.

He was not worried that Xiao Yi Xian would easily perish. During the early stages of the Calamity Poison Body's growth, it was itself an enormous protective umbrella. Ordinary people simply would not dare approach her.

As long as she did not encounter someone specifically capable of countering deadly poisons, or an expert far stronger than herself, her safety should not be a problem.

For now, let her silently accumulate strength in that land shrouded in poisonous miasma.

When the time was ripe, this hidden "poison dragon" would naturally reveal the fangs she deserved to possess.

What he needed to do was wait patiently and, when necessary, offer her the "reins" that could guide her in the right direction.

Withdrawing his gaze from the Chu Yun Empire, Gu Long once again immersed himself in cultivation.

Within Jia Nan Academy, the fluctuations of the Falling Heart Flame were becoming increasingly distinct.

Gu Long recalled that Xiao Yan had benefited from the Falling Heart Flame's eruption in his memories.

Not only had he consummated his marriage with Queen Medusa of the Snake People Race, but he had also used the opportunity to refine the Falling Heart Flame and gain Jia Nan Academy's support.

However, this time, Gu Long wanted to see whether Xiao Yan could seize the Falling Heart Flame from Jia Nan Academy.

It was also time for the Dragon Domain to display some of its strength. He wanted to know whether the Soul Hall would come join the excitement when the time came.