Thunderous Methods and Amorous Probes

In the hidden chamber of the Jialie Family, candle flames flickered like dying embers in the wind, casting shifting, sinister shadows across several grim faces. They looked like ghouls crawled out from the darkness, radiating a chilling aura.

"Commander Mu She, this operation must be flawless!" Jialie Bi's eyes flashed with a venomous, treacherous light, as if two clusters of toxic fire were burning within them. "Those two brats, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, will be escorting a batch of precious medicinal herbs to Heiyan City in three days. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

Mu She, leader of the Wolf Head Mercenary Group, was a burly man with a hideous scar across his face. The scar looked like a centipede crawling over his skin, adding to his fierce and murderous air. He bared a mouthful of jagged, yellow teeth and let out a bone-chilling laugh: "Rest assured, Clan Leader Jialie. With me leading the team personally—three Dou Masters and twenty Great Dou Warriors—this lineup is more than enough to crush those two wet-behind-the-ears brats from the Xiao Family into dust! Once we have them firmly in our grasp, do you really think that old dog Xiao Zhan won't cough up the secret of where he suddenly got so many precious treasures?"

"Remember, they must be kept alive!" Jialie Bi's voice was cold and eerie, as if it had drifted up from the Nine Nether Hells. "Once we have the secret... the Xiao Family will have no reason to continue existing in this world!"

A suppressed, greedy laughter erupted in the chamber, sounding like the screech of an Owlman, making one's hair stand on end. They seemed to already envision the destruction of the Xiao Family and the scene of them wantonly carving up the family's assets, their eyes gleaming with avarice and excitement.

However, they never imagined that in the thick shadows atop the chamber roof, a figure that had almost merged with the night was quietly listening to it all. The figure was like a ghost hidden in the darkness, silent and soundless. A cold arc curled at the corner of Xiao Zhan's mouth, revealing endless killing intent. Then, his figure vanished from the spot like a phantom, leaving behind only a faint, lingering trace of his presence.

Three days later, on the only road leading to Heiyan City, lay a perilous gorge known as Eagle Sorrow Ravine. The terrain was treacherous, with jagged rocks on both sides rising like sharp blades toward the clouds. The dense forest blocked out the sky, making the entire gorge appear exceptionally silent, as if countless dangers were lurking within.

Xiao Ding and Xiao Li led over a dozen Xiao Family guards, escorting several carriages loaded with precious medicinal herbs, as they slowly drove into the Eagle Sorrow Ravine. The sound of hooves echoed through the silent gorge like a countdown to death, yet they remained completely unaware that danger was quietly closing in.

"Big Brother, I have a bad feeling about this." Xiao Li gripped his long spear tightly, the cold metal transmitting a chill into his palm. He turned his head vigilantly, his gaze scanning the surroundings like a hawk. "It's eerily quiet here."

Xiao Ding's expression was also grave, as if covered in a layer of frost. He nodded slightly, his voice low and serious: "Caution is paramount. Father specifically warned us to be careful on this trip."

No sooner had he spoken than it felt as if the call of the Grim Reaper had suddenly descended!

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"

The dense, rain-like sound of air being torn apart instantly shattered the silence. Dozens of poison-tipped arrows, like a swarm of vicious locusts, carried the scent of death as they shot down wildly from the steep cliffs on both sides! The arrows shimmered with a cold, ghostly light, like blades from hell.

"Enemy attack! Defend immediately!" Xiao Ding let out a sharp shout, his voice booming like a bell, echoing through the gorge. In an instant, his Dou Qi erupted like a volcanic explosion. Cyan wind swirls rapidly condensed before him, forming an incredibly sturdy barrier like a wall of copper and iron, attempting to block the tidal wave of arrows. Lightning flickered around Xiao Li, as if he had donned a dazzling suit of thunder armor. He swung his long spear like a wheel, creating whistling gusts of wind that parried every arrow aimed at him; each strike was precise and powerful.

However, the guards reacted a beat too slow. Several were struck by arrows and collapsed, letting out shrill, miserable screams. The sound was piercingly harsh in the silent gorge, like a funeral dirge for the dying.

"Hahaha! Little brats of the Xiao Family, we've been waiting for you for a long time!" Amidst the wild laughter, Mu She's mountain-like, burly figure appeared at the pass ahead. With every step he took, the ground seemed to tremble. Behind him followed three Dou Masters whose auras were not weak; the three stood like small, moving mountains, radiating a powerful sense of oppression. There were also over twenty murderous mercenaries, holding sharp blades, their eyes filled with ferocity and greed, completely blocking the path of the Xiao Family.

"Wolf Head Mercenary Group? Mu She!" Xiao Ding's face changed, as if dark clouds had obscured the sun, and his heart sank instantly. Not only did the enemy have superior numbers, surrounding them like a tide, but they also had Mu She, a two-star Dou Grandmaster, sitting in command. That formidable strength was like a sword hanging over their heads, far exceeding their own.

"It was that old dog Jialie Bi who hired you, wasn't it?" Fury burned in Xiao Li's eyes, as if he wanted to reduce everything before him to ashes. He pointed his spear directly at Mu She, the tip shimmering with cold light like an angry bolt of lightning.

"Still talking tough when death is at your doorstep!" Mu She sneered, his smile like that of a demon, making one's skin crawl. He waved a large hand, as if issuing a death warrant: "Attack! Kill everyone except those two leaders!"

The Wolf Head mercenaries charged forward, howling like crazed beasts; their roars sounded like the death knell. The three Dou Masters, like sharks that had caught the scent of blood, locked onto Xiao Ding and Xiao Li. Their Dou Qi erupted with a roar, surging like a violent tide, their attacks as sharp as lightning cutting through the night sky, carrying an unstoppable, ruthless force.

"Fight to the death!" Xiao Ding and Xiao Li exchanged a glance. In that moment their eyes met, sparks seemed to fly, and both saw the flames of resolve burning in the other. Without hesitation, they stood back-to-back. Their Wind-Thunder Dou Qi swirled and intertwined around them like two dragons. Then, with tacit understanding, they unleashed the joint battle skill taught by Xiao Zhan: Wind-Thunder Kill. In an instant, the sound of wind and thunder roared, barely managing to hold off the storm-like siege of the three Dou Masters.

However, the guards were forced into a steady retreat under the human-wave tactics of the surging mercenaries. Screams rose one after another, and the casualties were heavy, leaving the scene in shambles like a flowerbed swept by a gale.

"Hmph, futile resistance!" Mu She seized the opportunity, a fierce light flashing in his eyes like a blade. His potent Dou Grandmaster Dou Qi condensed onto his fist like a volcanic eruption. His body shot forward like a cannonball, charging toward the struggling Xiao Ding with a world-destroying momentum. As he threw the punch, the air emitted a sharp, explosive boom, as if torn apart by the sheer power.

"Big Brother, look out!" Xiao Li's eyes were bloodshot, his roar of fury seemingly capable of piercing the heavens. But he was tightly entangled by the other two Dou Masters like vines; rescue was impossible. He could only watch helplessly as the lethal fist closed in on Xiao Ding.

Xiao Ding felt the fatal punch, which felt like the scythe of the Grim Reaper, and his heart turned icy cold, as if he had fallen into an endless abyss.

Just at this critical moment, it was as if the scales of fate began to tilt!

Time within the gorge seemed to have been pressed on the pause button by an invisible hand, freezing for a split second.

An indescribable, terrifying pressure, like an ancient beast that had been slumbering for ten thousand years suddenly waking up, silently enveloped the entire Eagle Sorrow Ravine. This pressure was not a surging, overwhelming force, but carried an indifference and coldness that transcended all things, as if a deity from the Nine Heavens were looking down upon all living beings, piercing into the depths of everyone's soul!

The charging Wolf Head mercenaries froze mid-motion, as if struck by a binding spell. The blood drained from their faces, turning them pale as paper. Their eyes held only boundless terror, as if an invisible giant hand had gripped their throats, making even breathing difficult and rapid. The three Dou Masters were struck even harder, their bodies trembling violently. Their Dou Qi circulation stalled instantly, like a blocked river. They groaned, blood spilling from the corners of their mouths, their eyes filled with unbelievable horror, as if they had seen the most terrifying thing in the world.

Mu She, who bore the brunt of it, had his punch—which was meant to be a sure kill, laden with endless killing intent—forced to a dead stop in mid-air, a mere inch from Xiao Ding's solid chest. It was as if time had solidified at this moment. The hideous, triumphant sneer that had been on his face froze completely, like the surface of a frozen lake. It was replaced by extreme terror, a terror that drowned him like a tide. His pupils contracted violently, eventually shrinking to the size of needle points! He felt like an insignificant ant being glanced at unintentionally by a majestic divine dragon from the Nine Heavens; his soul was trembling uncontrollably, as if it were about to be ripped from his body!

"Who...?!" Mu She struggled to squeeze half a word out of his throat, which felt as if it had been glued shut. His voice was hoarse and dry, and his bones creaked, like an old, poorly maintained machine that could be crushed into powder by this invisible, mountain-like pressure at any moment.

However, there was no response. The surroundings remained deathly silent, with only that heavy pressure permeating the air like a physical substance.

The next moment, a sudden change occurred, as if the wheels of fate had begun to grind mercilessly!

On the cliffs on both sides of the gorge, which had previously remained unmoved, the jagged rocks began to vibrate violently without warning, as if controlled by an invisible yet immensely powerful giant hand, ready to unleash a destructive storm!

"BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM--!"

Dozens of boulders, each the size of a millstone and weighing over a thousand jun, seemed to be imbued with life. With shrill whistling sounds, they plummeted from the cliffs like meteorites falling from the sky, smashing with pinpoint accuracy onto the Wolf Head Mercenary Group members, who were still frozen like puppets! The targets were chosen with such startling precision that they avoided every single member of the Xiao Family, as if guided by a pair of wise eyes in the dark!

"NO--!" Mu She only had time to let out a roar of absolute despair, filled with unwillingness and terror, before a boulder whistling down smashed onto his head like a thunderbolt!

Splat!

Flesh and blood flew, and gore splashed into the air like blooming flowers, staining the surrounding atmosphere.

The screams stopped abruptly, as if cut off by an invisible hand. The boulders seemed to have eyes, striking every single Wolf Head mercenary with precision. Whether they were Dou Masters with decent strength or ordinary mercenaries, under this irresistible, overwhelming force and terrifyingly precise control, they were as fragile as paper, instantly crushed into smithereens.

In just a single breath, it was as if a nightmare had suddenly descended and vanished just as quickly!

The Wolf Head Mercenary Group, which had been murderous and held the absolute advantage just moments ago—including their arrogant leader Mu She—all twenty-plus men had been reduced to unrecognizable, shocking puddles of flesh! The entire gorge was instantly filled with a thick, pungent scent of blood, the air itself seemingly dyed crimson.

Silence!

Absolute, deathly silence! It was like the suffocating stillness before a storm, or the endless quiet in the depths of a dark abyss.

Xiao Ding, Xiao Li, and the surviving guards stood dumbfounded, as if struck by a binding spell. They stood rigid like stone statues, their minds blank, as if all their thoughts had been drained away. They hadn't even seen what had happened; they had only felt a suffocating terror that threatened to crush their souls descend like a tide, and then... the infamous, feared Wolf Head Mercenary Group had simply vanished without a trace?

That terrifying pressure receded like a retreating tide, as swift in its departure as it had been in its arrival, as if it had never existed in this world, leaving behind only a scene of devastation and endless horror.

"B-Big Brother... j-just now..." Xiao Li's voice trembled, as fragile as a leaf in the wind. The hand holding his spear shook uncontrollably, as if the weapon were trembling along with his inner fear.

Xiao Ding's face was pale as paper, as if he had just survived a brush with death. He took several deep breaths, the air feeling heavy, before he managed to steady himself: "I... I don't know... but... that was definitely not a power we can understand or contend with... Quick! Check to see if there are any survivors! Then leave here immediately; this place is not to be lingered in!"

The surviving guards snapped out of their stupor, as if waking from a horrific nightmare. Fighting back the urge to vomit, they began to check carefully. The result was, naturally, nothing; the Wolf Head Mercenary Group had been wiped out, their deaths so miserable it was as if they had been ruthlessly crushed by fate itself.

"Go! Return to Wutan City immediately!" Xiao Ding made a decisive call, his voice filled with unquestionable firmness. He didn't even bother with the precious medicinal herbs scattered on the ground, and led his team, who were still shaken like frightened birds, in a rapid retreat from the gorge that had become a slaughterhouse.

Xiao Family, study.

Xiao Zhan was leisurely sipping tea, the fragrant steam curling upward as if he were isolated from the world. He appeared completely oblivious to the thrilling events occurring in the distance, his demeanor calm and composed. However, only he knew that everything that had just transpired at Eagle Sorrow Ravine had been displayed with absolute clarity in his mind, like a painting, under the perception of his powerful Dou Zong-level soul.

"Ding!" A crisp system notification sounded in Xiao Zhan's mind, as clear as a midnight bell. "Side quest: Counter-kill the Wolf Head Mercenary Group complete! Reward: Profound-tier Advanced Alchemy Mastery has been issued!"

In an instant, a vast, ocean-like expanse of alchemical knowledge surged into Xiao Zhan's mind like a tidal wave. From the identification of thousands of medicinal herbs to the subtle methods of fusing various medicinal properties; from the precise, flawless control of heat to the complex and exquisite refining techniques for various Profound-tier pills, he mastered it all in a heartbeat. He felt as if he had traveled through the long river of time, having been immersed in the path of alchemy for decades, his experience and insights as mellow as aged wine.

"Alchemy... finally in my grasp." The corners of Xiao Zhan's mouth lifted slightly, carving out a confident and mysterious arc. With this identity as an alchemist, it was like holding a master key; many matters that were previously thorny would become much easier to handle.

Just then, the steward's respectful and steady voice sounded leisurely from outside the door: "Patriarch, Miss Ya Fei is here to visit and is waiting in the living room."

"Oh? Invite her in at once." Xiao Zhan gently set down his teacup, the porcelain making a crisp sound as it touched the table. A faint, elusive smile flashed in his eyes, as if everything were within his control, and he muttered to himself: "The fish has taken the bait."

In the living room, Ya Fei sat with poise, her water-blue cheongsam like a clear lake, perfectly outlining her breathtaking curves. She seemed even more radiant than she had a few days ago, like the brightest star in the night sky. Seeing Xiao Zhan enter, she rose elegantly with a charming smile, as beautiful as a flower blooming in spring: "Patriarch Xiao, forgive the intrusion."

"Miss Ya Fei's arrival makes this humble place shine; how could it be an intrusion?" Xiao Zhan smiled and politely invited her to sit, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over the exquisite jade bracelet on her wrist. The bracelet was warm and translucent, with energy faintly circulating within it, as if hiding endless secrets. "Miss Ya Fei looks even better than before; it seems the Yin-Yang Profound Dragon Pill is quite effective?"

Ya Fei felt a slight jolt in her heart, like a stone thrown into a calm lake, sending ripples across the surface. However, the smile on her face grew even brighter, as radiant as flowers in spring: "Patriarch Xiao has a sharp eye, truly discerning. To be honest, after consuming that pill, I have indeed felt a significant improvement in my constitution, and even my energy circulation has become smoother during cultivation. Such miraculous effects are truly worthy of admiration. The Imperial Capital attaches great importance to the other two pills and has already sent experts to escort them; they should arrive in a few days."

She paused slightly, her beautiful eyes like deep lakes, gazing at Xiao Zhan with a hint of inquisitive curiosity and an imperceptible charm, like stars flickering in the night sky, tugging at the heartstrings: "Patriarch Xiao seems... a bit different today as well? Your aura is more rounded and profound, as if hiding endless mysteries, making one unable to fathom you."

Xiao Zhan inwardly praised this woman for being as sharp as a fox, as if she could see through people's hearts. After obtaining Alchemy Mastery, his perception and control of energy had reached a new level, and his temperament had naturally changed, like a piece of raw jade polished to reveal a brilliant luster. He smiled slightly, his eyes carrying a hint of mystery, and instead of answering her question directly, he cleverly changed the subject: "Just a small realization, nothing worth mentioning. Miss Ya Fei, you didn't come here today just for the matter of the pill escort, did you?"

Ya Fei covered her mouth and chuckled, the sound as crisp and pleasant as silver bells, her eyes shifting with endless allure: "Nothing escapes Patriarch Xiao's discerning eyes. I came here for two reasons: first, to discuss the details of the pill escort with you; and second..." She leaned forward slightly, like an elegant butterfly in flight, bringing a fragrant breeze that stirred the heart, "I heard the Xiao Family has recently been acquiring a batch of rare 'Ice Spirit Cold Spring' and 'Fire-attribute Third-rank Monster Cores'? These are extremely niche and rare items; I wonder what purpose Patriarch Xiao has for them? If they are for alchemy, perhaps I could be of some help."

Xiao Zhan understood instantly; Ya Fei was indeed probing his background, like a cunning fox testing its prey. The Ice Spirit Cold Spring and fire-attribute monster cores were precisely what he needed to prepare for subduing the Green Lotus Core Flame and dealing with Queen Medusa, like weapons stockpiled for a great war.

"Miss Ya Fei is truly well-informed, with eyes and ears all over the west." Xiao Zhan's expression was calm, a faint smile playing on his lips as he said leisurely, "To tell you the truth, I have recently developed a keen interest in the path of alchemy and am wholeheartedly attempting to refine a certain pill. I do indeed need these materials to practice and accumulate experience."

"Oh? Patriarch Xiao is also proficient in the art of alchemy?" Upon hearing this, Ya Fei's eyes lit up with brilliant colors, like fireworks blooming in the night sky, her interest deepening. In her eyes, the man before her was becoming more and more like a deep, mysterious fog; he was suspected of having the backing of a powerful expert, his own strength was unfathomable, and now he had revealed impressive alchemical talent. Each of these traits acted like a magnet, deeply attracting her and making her want to uncover the mysterious veil covering him.

"Just a little superficial knowledge, nothing to boast about." Xiao Zhan waved his hand modestly, his demeanor humble and polite. As he spoke, his fingers tapped lightly on the table like dancing musical notes. At the same time, a wisp of extremely faint yet pure soul power, refined through thousands of trials, was quietly released. This soul power, like the most dexterous fingers, carried an indescribable precision and delicacy, instantly and silently slicing a hard Red Rock Fruit from the fruit platter into eight uniform slices. The flesh and the pit were perfectly separated; the flesh was tender and juicy, and the pit remained intact, as if it were meant to be.

This exquisite control of soul power was the very badge of a high-level alchemist, a clear sign of their superb skill!

Ya Fei's breath hitched, as if she had been struck by a binding spell. Her beautiful eyes stared fixedly at the perfectly sliced Red Rock Fruit, the shock in her heart surging like a tidal wave, wave after wave, beyond measure! She came from the renowned Mite'er Family and had seen as many alchemists as there were stars in the sky, but to control soul power with such ease and precision to perform such a delicate and high-difficulty operation required at least the level of a Third-rank Alchemist! How could Xiao Zhan still be hiding such a trump card?

"Patriarch Xiao... this 'superficial knowledge' of yours has truly opened my eyes; it is breathtaking." Ya Fei's voice carried a hint of hoarseness and heat she hadn't noticed herself. Her gaze toward Xiao Zhan had completely changed, filled with wonder as if she had discovered a rare treasure, mixed with a strong desire for conquest, as if the man before her were a peak waiting for her to climb. The more challenging it was, the more it stirred her fighting spirit. This man was becoming more and more interesting.

"Just a few petty tricks, don't let me make a fool of myself in front of you, Miss Ya Fei." Xiao Zhan leisurely withdrew that wisp of soul power, a smile as warm as the spring sun on his face, and said softly, "Speaking of help, there is indeed one thing I would like to ask Miss Ya Fei for."

"Patriarch Xiao, please speak." Upon hearing this, Ya Fei hurriedly sat up straight, her expression becoming serious, like a believer listening to a holy decree, her eyes full of anticipation.

"I need a quiet and well-equipped alchemy room." Xiao Zhan frowned slightly, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness, "The Xiao Family currently lacks such conditions. I wonder if the Mite'er Auction House could provide one? Of course, the rent is negotiable, or... paying with pills is also an option."

Thoughts raced through Ya Fei's mind like lightning. Providing an alchemy room? This was simply a heaven-sent opportunity to get close to Xiao Zhan and peek into the secrets of his alchemy! It was as if the hand of fate had opened a door to a mysterious world specifically for her.

"Patriarch Xiao is too polite." Ya Fei's lips curled up, revealing a charming smile that could topple cities and make flowers lose their luster, a smile like the brightest star in the night sky, illuminating the entire space. "The auction house happens to have a top-tier alchemy room vacant. The facilities are complete, and the earth fire is extremely stable, like a loyal partner waiting for its master's call. I can take the liberty of providing it to you for free, Patriarch Xiao."

"Free?" Xiao Zhan raised an eyebrow slightly, a flash of doubt in his eyes, as if wondering if there were hidden motives.

"Of course, not entirely free." Ya Fei's eyes shifted like a deep lake, ripples of charm spreading out, carrying a hint of cunning and provocation, like a clever little fox plotting something. "The condition is... if you have any surplus pills refined, could you prioritize entrusting them to our Mite'er Auction House for auction? And... I hope to occasionally observe and learn; I wonder if you would be willing to offer some guidance?"

As she spoke, she leaned forward slightly, and beneath her loose collar, a breathtaking glimpse of snowy white cleavage was faintly visible, like a mysterious mist atop a snow-capped mountain, exuding a fatal temptation that made one's heart race.

Xiao Zhan narrowed his eyes slightly, gazing at the stunning face so close to his own. Ya Fei was born with a seductive charm, her shifting eyes seemingly hiding endless allure, and the fragrance wafting from her drifted into his nostrils, tugging at his heartstrings. The undisguised intimacy in her words was like a spring breeze, brushing past with warmth and temptation. Xiao Zhan inwardly found it amusing; this woman, known as the "Queen of Gold," had finally lost her patience and begun to take the initiative.

"Since Miss Ya Fei is so generous, if I were to decline, I would be truly ungrateful and fail to appreciate such kindness." Xiao Zhan's lips curled into a gentle yet meaningful smile, meeting her hot and direct gaze. His eyes were as deep as an abyss, seemingly hiding endless secrets, yet carrying a hint of aggression, like a hunter moving silently through the night, locking onto his target.

"The matter of the alchemy room is settled. As for guidance... it would be my great honor to exchange alchemical insights with a woman as intelligent and beautiful as you, Miss Ya Fei." Xiao Zhan's words were unhurried, yet they were like spring rain, nourishing the heart.

Their gazes met in the air, and it felt as if a subtle electric current passed through, stirring invisible ripples. Ya Fei's fair, jade-like cheeks flushed with an imperceptible blush, like the gorgeous sunset in the sky, beautiful and moving. Her heart beat faster for no reason, as if a small deer were bumping around in her chest. This was the first time she had felt a hint of panic under the direct, hot gaze of a man, like a stone thrown into a calm lake, breaking the original tranquility. But at the same time, she felt more of the excitement of meeting a worthy opponent, as if two masters had met in the martial world and were about to engage in a thrilling duel.

"Then it's a deal." Ya Fei smiled brilliantly, a smile as beautiful as flowers in spring, full of charm and breathtaking. Her voice was soft and melodious, like the song of a nightingale, pleasant to the ear. "Tomorrow, I will send someone to pick you up, Patriarch Xiao, so you can familiarize yourself with the alchemy room."

"Good." Xiao Zhan nodded with a smile, his expression as warm and gentle as the winter sun.

After seeing Ya Fei off, the smile on Xiao Zhan's face instantly vanished, as if night had fallen, covering the warm sunshine. A sharp light flashed in his eyes, like stars in the cold night, sharp and cold. The alchemy room was an important step for him to get closer to Ya Fei and explore more secrets; at the same time, it would provide a reasonable and clever cover for him to bring out the pills rewarded by the system in the future. And...

He keenly sensed that Xiao Ding and Xiao Li had already returned to Wutan City with the group of terrified guards who seemed to have escaped from hell, and were rushing toward the family.

"Jialie Bi... the Wolf Head Mercenary Group was just an appetizer; next, it's your turn, you big fish." Xiao Zhan's gaze was icy as he looked toward the Jialie Family, his eyes like a drawn blade, carrying endless chill and killing intent, as if he were about to completely annihilate the Jialie Family.