The carriage raced along the main road, its wheels crunching over loose stones in a steady rhythm.
Inside, Xiao Yan sat cross-legged, the Mysterious Yellow Flame and Green Lotus Core Flame hovering quietly in his palm. One golden and one green, the two flames circled each other, occasionally colliding in showers of tiny sparks.
Ever since he had subdued the Green Lotus Core Flame at Soulbreak Cliff, the two Heavenly Flames had been probing each other within his body. Today, their fusion had finally reached its critical moment.
"Relax your mind and let the flames mingle naturally."
Yun Yun's voice came from across from him. She was guarding Xiao Yan with her green Dou Qi,
"Forcing them together will only leave both badly damaged."
Xiao Yan nodded and, following the Purifying Spirit Burning Heaven Record, guided the Mysterious Yellow Flame toward the Green Lotus Core Flame.
The instant the golden flame touched the green one, searing pain swept through his entire body. The Green Lotus Core Flame's domineering nature clashed fiercely with the Mysterious Yellow Flame's purification power, making Xiao Yan feel as though his meridians were being torn apart.
Cold sweat beaded on his forehead. He clenched his teeth, enduring the agony without a sound.
Lin Xiu lifted the carriage curtain to check on him. Seeing Xiao Yan's pale face, he hurriedly took out a Spirit-Calming Pill.
"Young friend, stop for now if you can't endure it!"
But Xiao Yan waved his hand and pushed the Ice Dou Qi Art's energy-control method to its limit. Fine strands of ice formed at his fingertips as he carefully eased the conflict between the two flames.
The ice threads wove between the flames, linking them like a bridge. The Mysterious Yellow Flame's golden light gradually took on a green tint, while the Green Lotus Core Flame's domineering aura softened considerably.
The temperature inside the carriage swung wildly. Frost formed on the wooden walls, only to be burned into charcoal by the flames a moment later.
"Now!"
A sharp gleam flashed in Xiao Yan's eyes as he abruptly compressed the two flames inward. The golden-green flames spun violently, forming an ever-shrinking vortex. As the vortex grew smaller, terrifying energy brewed within it, making the entire carriage tremble.
Boom!
The energy erupted, but Yun Yun's green Dou Qi kept it firmly contained inside the carriage.
Xiao Yan felt as though a volcano had erupted within him. Dou Qi surged wildly through his meridians, battering the barrier at Peak Dou Ling.
Seizing the opportunity, he circulated his cultivation technique and guided the swelling Dou Qi against the bottleneck.
Crack!
The bottleneck shattered, and his Dou Qi poured into a new realm like floodwaters bursting through a dam.
Xiao Yan's aura soared at a visibly astonishing pace, soon stabilizing at the Dou Wang level.
Even more astonishingly, the breakthrough did not stop there. His Dou Qi continued to grow, finally settling at the Six-Star Dou Wang realm!
"He broke straight through to Six-Star Dou Wang!"
Lin Xiu cried out involuntarily, his eyes filled with shock. Yun Yun also withdrew her Dou Qi. Looking at the two-colored flame burning quietly in Xiao Yan's palm, a gleam flashed through her eyes.
"The two Heavenly Flames have fused perfectly. Your strength can probably rival an ordinary Dou Emperor now."
Xiao Yan slowly opened his eyes. Feeling the surging power within him, he smiled.
The fused Heavenly Flame possessed both the Mysterious Yellow Flame's purification power and the Green Lotus Core Flame's explosive force. Its might far surpassed what it had been before.
He could feel that his control over Dou Qi had reached a new level as well, and his circulation of the Purifying Spirit Burning Heaven Record had grown increasingly fluid and refined.
"It was all thanks to your Ice Dou Qi Art, Senior, and Sect Master Yun's protection."
Xiao Yan reined in his aura and drew the two-colored flame back into his body.
Stroking his beard, Lin Xiu smiled.
"With your talent, your future achievements will know no bounds. With someone like you in the Spirit Gatherer Association, why should we fear failing to eradicate the Otherworldly Demons?"
The carriage continued onward. After another three days of travel, they finally reached the capital of the Jia Ma Empire. From afar, towering walls rose above the plains, while people streamed through the gates in a scene of thriving prosperity.
Unlike the tense atmosphere at the border, the capital was filled with a peaceful air.
"We're finally back."
Looking at the familiar gates, Shi Lei wiped his eyes in excitement. Lin Xiu straightened his clothes.
"Let's report back to the association first. President Fa Ma must be getting anxious."
They climbed out of the carriage and headed toward the Spirit Gatherer Association.
Along the way, passersby kept casting curious glances at them.
When they saw the Fifth-Grade Spirit Gatherer badge on Lin Xiu's chest, their expressions turned reverent. Spirit Gatherers enjoyed an exalted status in the Jia Ma Empire, and high-ranking ones were especially sought after by every major faction.
When they arrived at the Spirit Gatherer Association, the guards immediately bowed respectfully upon seeing Lin Xiu and the others.
"The president and several elders are discussing matters. Please follow me."
They followed the guard into the association, crossed the courtyard, and reached the council hall.
President Fa Ma was speaking with several white-haired elders. Seeing them enter, he immediately rose and came forward to greet them.
"You're finally back!"
President Fa Ma clasped Lin Xiu's hand, his eyes full of concern,
"How did it go? Has the crisis at the Otherworldly Demon Lair been resolved?"
Lin Xiu bowed.
"We fulfilled our mission. We successfully destroyed the altar of the Source of the Otherworldly Demon, and the demonic qi in the Black-Corner Region has already begun to recede."
He briefly recounted their mission. When he described how Xiao Yan had destroyed the altar, subdued the Green Lotus Core Flame, and fused two Heavenly Flames to break through to Six-Star Dou Wang, the council hall erupted in astonishment.
The elders turned toward Xiao Yan, their eyes filled with shock and admiration.
"Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!"
President Fa Ma repeated the word three times, patting Xiao Yan's shoulder excitedly,
"It is truly a blessing for the Jia Ma Empire to have such an outstanding young talent! From this day forward, you will be an Honorary Elder of the Spirit Gatherer Association, entitled to the same privileges as a Fifth-Grade Spirit Gatherer!"
Xiao Yan bowed.
"Thank you for your generous regard, President. I hardly deserve such an honor."
President Fa Ma waved his hand.
"You've achieved so much at such a young age and rendered a great service to the empire. You deserve this honor."
He turned to Lin Xiu.
"Take them to rest. I'll host a victory banquet for you later."
Lin Xiu acknowledged him and led Xiao Yan and the others out of the council hall. The association had arranged its finest guest rooms for them, spacious and bright, with elegant furnishings. After washing and changing into clean clothes, Xiao Yan felt much of his exhaustion melt away.
At dusk, the victory banquet began in the association's banquet hall.
President Fa Ma and all the elders attended, along with many high-ranking Spirit Gatherers who were in the capital.
The banquet hall blazed with light. Cups crossed and clinked amid a lively atmosphere.
President Fa Ma raised his cup first.
"Today's banquet serves two purposes. First, to welcome President Lin Xiu, our young friend Xiao Yan, and their companions home, and celebrate their success in resolving the crisis at the Otherworldly Demon Lair;
"Second, to formally announce that our young friend Xiao Yan has become an Honorary Elder of our Spirit Gatherer Association! Let us all raise our cups and cheer for them!"
Everyone raised their cups and congratulated Xiao Yan and his companions.
Xiao Yan stood and raised his cup in return.
"Our success in destroying the Otherworldly Demon altar would not have been possible without the association's support and my companions' help. I am new here and still have many shortcomings. I hope the elders and seniors will offer me their guidance in the days ahead."
His humility won everyone's favor. Many Spirit Gatherers approached to toast him and exchange insights on the Spirit-Gathering Art.
Xiao Yan welcomed them all. With his exceptional talent and knowledge, he conversed easily with the Spirit Gatherers, earning their recognition and respect.
Halfway through the banquet, President Fa Ma quietly drew Xiao Yan into a side hall.
"Young friend, there's something I'd like to discuss with you privately."
Xiao Yan's heart stirred. Knowing they had reached the real matter at hand, he quickly replied,
"Please go ahead, President. I'm all ears."
President Fa Ma took out an antique wooden box. Inside lay half a bronze token, identical to the half Xiao Yan carried!
Xiao Yan's pupils contracted as he looked at President Fa Ma in surprise.
"President, this is..."
President Fa Ma sighed.
"It seems you already know about the Purifying Spirit Hall. To tell you the truth, I was once a member as well."
He fitted his half of the token together with Xiao Yan's. They joined seamlessly, forming a complete flame design.
"When the Purifying Spirit Hall was surrounded and attacked by the evil faction of the Soul Hall, I was fortunate enough to escape. I concealed my identity and came to the Jia Ma Empire, where I founded the Spirit Gatherer Association. In secret, I gathered strength and waited for a chance to revive the Purifying Spirit Hall."
A trace of reminiscence and sorrow passed through President Fa Ma's eyes,
"Your teacher, Yao Chen, was once the Purifying Spirit Hall's chief alchemist. We were close friends."
Storm-tossed waves surged through Xiao Yan's heart. He had never imagined that President Fa Ma belonged to the Purifying Spirit Hall, much less that he knew his teacher!
Excitedly, he grasped President Fa Ma's hand.
"President, do you know where my teacher is?"
President Fa Ma shook his head, his eyes filled with regret. "After the Purifying Spirit Hall fell, Yao Chen disappeared. I've spent all these years searching for him, but there has been no word. Still, I suspect the evil faction of the Soul Hall has imprisoned him. His alchemy is unparalleled, after all. The Soul Hall would not kill him lightly."
Xiao Yan clenched his fists, determination flashing in his eyes.
"No matter where my teacher is, I will find him!"
President Fa Ma patted his shoulder.
"It's good that you have that resolve. The burden of reviving the Purifying Spirit Hall and rescuing Yao Chen will likely fall on your shoulders someday."
He handed the bronze token to Xiao Yan.
"This is the Purifying Spirit Hall's token of authority. With it, you can mobilize its surviving forces. I'm old now, and my energy is not what it once was. I'm entrusting the Purifying Spirit Hall's future to you."
Xiao Yan solemnly accepted the token, feeling the heavy weight of responsibility settle upon him.
"By the way, Senior Hai Bodong gave me a map of an old Purifying Spirit Hall site. I was hoping to ask you about it."
Xiao Yan took the map from his Storage Ring and handed it to President Fa Ma.
President Fa Ma studied the map carefully, his brows gradually drawing together.
"This old site lies in the Fog Forest, deep within the Black-Corner Region. It was once one of the Purifying Spirit Hall's secret strongholds."
President Fa Ma pointed to a mark on the map,
"But the evil faction of the Soul Hall has occupied it. It's heavily guarded, so slipping inside will not be easy."
Determination flashed in Xiao Yan's eyes.
"No matter how difficult it is, I have to take a look. Perhaps I can find clues about my teacher and the Purifying Spirit Hall there." President Fa Ma nodded.
"You have my support. But you've only just returned. Rest for a few days and get yourself into proper condition before leaving. I'll prepare some essential supplies and intelligence for you."
The two returned to the banquet hall, where the atmosphere remained lively. Xiao Yan, however, had no heart for drinking. His thoughts were filled with the Purifying Spirit Hall and his teacher. He knew the burden on his shoulders had grown heavier. Not only did he have to fight the evil faction of the Soul Hall and the Otherworldly Demons, but he also had to find his teacher and revive the Purifying Spirit Hall.
After the banquet ended, Xiao Yan returned to his guest room and carefully studied the map of the old Purifying Spirit Hall site. Many symbols and routes were marked on it, and some areas were labeled with danger levels. He had visited the Fog Forest once before. Its terrain was complicated and magical beasts were plentiful. With the Soul Hall's evil faction guarding it as well, it was indeed a troublesome place.
"It looks like I'll need to prepare properly."
Muttering to himself, Xiao Yan began taking stock of his supplies.
After fusing the Mysterious Yellow Flame and Green Lotus Core Flame, his strength had risen dramatically. Ordinary Dou Wang experts were no longer his match.
But the evil faction of the Soul Hall had no shortage of Dou Emperors and even stronger experts. He would have to proceed carefully.
He took the Spirit Gatherer Honorary Elder badge President Fa Ma had given him from his Storage Ring. Cast from pure gold, it was set with a large sapphire that emitted a faint spiritual aura.
With this badge, conducting his affairs within the Jia Ma Empire would be much easier, and he could draw on some of the Spirit Gatherer Association's resources.
Over the following days, Xiao Yan consolidated his cultivation and familiarized himself with the fused Heavenly Flame in the association's cultivation chamber, while also consulting President Fa Ma about the Purifying Spirit Hall and the Soul Hall.
President Fa Ma held nothing back, telling Xiao Yan everything he knew and giving him a clearer understanding of the current situation.
Yun Yun had returned to the Misty Cloud Sect after the victory banquet. Before leaving, she had given Xiao Yan a Communication Jade Talisman, telling him to contact her through it if he needed help.
Xiao Yan carefully put the jade talisman away.
President Lin Xiu was busy handling the association's affairs while preparing supplies for Xiao Yan's journey to the Fog Forest.
Shi Lei and several other Spirit Gatherers also visited Xiao Yan often to exchange insights on the Spirit-Gathering Art, and their relationships grew increasingly warm.
One morning, while Xiao Yan was cultivating in the cultivation chamber, he suddenly sensed a familiar aura.
He opened his eyes to see Yun Yun standing in the doorway, holding a brocade box.
"I heard you're going to the Fog Forest?"
Yun Yun entered the cultivation chamber and handed him the box,
"These Invisibility Talismans are made using the Misty Cloud Sect's secret methods. They can conceal your aura for a short time. Perhaps they'll help."
Xiao Yan accepted the brocade box and opened it. Inside lay three yellow paper talismans covered in intricate runes.
"Thank you, Sect Master Yun."
Xiao Yan spoke sincerely. Yun Yun smiled.
"It was only a small effort. The Fog Forest is fraught with danger, so be very careful. If you encounter trouble you can't handle, remember to contact me through the Communication Jade Talisman."
Xiao Yan nodded and put the brocade box away.
"By the way, how is the Amethyst Winged Lion King doing?"
Remembering Yun Yun's earlier mention that the Amethyst Winged Lion King had been tainted by demonic qi, Xiao Yan asked with concern.
A hint of relief flashed in Yun Yun's eyes.
"Thanks to you purifying his Reverse Scale, and the Misty Cloud Sect's secret healing methods I used on him, he's doing much better. The demonic qi has been almost entirely cleared away."
Xiao Yan let out a breath of relief.
"That's good. The Amethyst Winged Lion King is a powerful magical beast. With him around, the Misty Cloud Sect has another layer of protection."
Yun Yun nodded.
"Yes, it was all thanks to you this time. Once you return from the Fog Forest, you must visit the Misty Cloud Sect. I'll make sure to welcome you properly."
They chatted for a while longer before Yun Yun rose to leave.
After seeing Yun Yun off, Xiao Yan returned to the cultivation chamber and continued consolidating his cultivation.
He knew the journey to the Fog Forest would be perilous. He had to bring himself into peak condition.
Three more days passed before President Fa Ma finished preparing the supplies and intelligence for the journey to the Fog Forest.
A detailed map of the Fog Forest, marked with the evil faction of the Soul Hall's guard posts and patrol routes;
Ten high-grade healing and antidote pills;
And three defensive treasures capable of withstanding attacks from Dou Huang experts.
"Young friend, keep all of these safe."
President Fa Ma handed Xiao Yan a Storage Ring,
"Most of the Soul Hall guards in the Fog Forest are at the Dou Wang level, but several Dou Huang experts are stationed there too. You must act carefully. Don't clash with them head-on." Xiao Yan accepted the Storage Ring and nodded solemnly.
"Rest assured, President. I'll be careful."
"Also, here is a list of the surviving members of the Purifying Spirit Hall and their contact information."
President Fa Ma handed Xiao Yan another small booklet.
"They are scattered across the continent. If you run into trouble, you can contact them for help. But be discreet. Do not expose their identities."
Xiao Yan carefully put the booklet away, his heart filled with gratitude.
"When will you leave? Do you need someone to go with you?"
President Fa Ma asked with concern. Xiao Yan shook his head.
"A larger group would draw too much attention. I'll go alone. I plan to leave this afternoon and reach the Fog Forest as soon as possible."
President Fa Ma nodded.
"Very well. Be careful. We'll be waiting for you to return to the capital."
That afternoon, Xiao Yan packed his belongings, bid farewell to President Fa Ma, Lin Xiu, and the others, and left the Spirit Gatherer Association alone.
Rather than take a carriage, he unfurled his Azure Luan Wings and shot toward the Black-Corner Region in a streak of light.
After merging with the Green Lotus Core Flame, the Azure Luan Wings had grown even faster. Their interwoven gold and green feathers gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight.
Once he had flown beyond the capital, Xiao Yan pushed his speed to the limit, racing over plains and mountains like wind and lightning.
His heart brimmed with anticipation and unease. He hoped to find clues about his teacher at the Purifying Spirit Hall's former headquarters, yet dreaded the dangers ahead.
After half a day's flight, Xiao Yan reached the outskirts of the Black-Corner Region. The atmosphere here was noticeably more oppressive than within the Jia Ma Empire. Faint demonic qi permeated the air, and even the sky looked gray and hazy.
Xiao Yan suppressed his aura, folded away his Azure Luan Wings, and entered the Black-Corner Region on foot.
The Black-Corner Region remained steeped in chaos, with fighting and looting everywhere.
Not wanting trouble, Xiao Yan avoided crowded places as much as possible and followed secluded paths.
His destination was the Fog Forest. He had to reach it quickly.
After walking for roughly a day, Xiao Yan arrived at a small town called Black Wind Town.
The town lay on the only route into the Fog Forest. Dragons and fish mingled there: local powers from the Black-Corner Region rubbed shoulders with adventurers and merchants from across the continent.
Xiao Yan found an inn and took a room, planning to rest there for the night before entering the Fog Forest early the next morning.
The inn buzzed with voices, the sounds of drinking and finger-guessing games rising one after another.
Xiao Yan sat in a corner, ordered a few simple dishes, and quietly listened to the conversations around him.
"Have you heard? The Fog Forest hasn't been peaceful lately. People from the Soul Hall have captured loads of adventurers for experiments!"
"That's not all. I heard the Soul Hall is conducting some secret research deep in the Fog Forest. It seems to have something to do with Otherworldly Demons."
"Shh, keep your voice down. If anyone from the Soul Hall hears you, you'll get a bitter taste of trouble!"
Xiao Yan's heart stirred. He had not expected to hear news about the Soul Hall's activities in the Fog Forest so soon after reaching Black Wind Town.
It seemed President Fa Ma had been right. The Soul Hall had indeed placed the Fog Forest under heavy guard and was conducting secret research unknown to outsiders.
Just then, a commotion broke out at the inn's entrance. A group of black-robed figures walked inside, led by a tall, middle-aged man with a vicious scar across his face. His sinister gaze swept over everyone in the inn.
"Listen up, all of you!"
The scarred man's booming voice carried an oppressive force.
"By order of the Soul Hall's lords, no one is permitted within a hundred li of the Fog Forest! Anyone who disobeys will be killed without mercy!"
Everyone in the inn immediately fell silent, their anger stifled by fear.
Xiao Yan's heart tightened. He had not expected the Soul Hall to seal off the Fog Forest. This would undoubtedly make sneaking inside more difficult.
Without betraying anything, he lowered his head and hid his face beneath his bamboo hat, avoiding the attention of the Soul Hall's men.
Satisfied with everyone's reaction, the scarred man turned and left the inn with his subordinates.
Only then did the patrons dare to speak again, complaining about the Soul Hall's tyranny. Xiao Yan had no interest in their complaints. He pondered how to slip past the Soul Hall's blockade and enter the Fog Forest.
"It looks like I'll have to sneak in tonight."
Xiao Yan murmured to himself, a plan taking shape in his mind.
He quickly finished his meal, returned to his room, and began resting to conserve his strength while he waited for nightfall.
He knew tonight's operation was crucial. He had to proceed cautiously and could not afford a single mistake.
Night fell, and Black Wind Town gradually quieted.
Xiao Yan changed into dark clothes and slipped out of the inn. Unfurling his Azure Luan Wings, he flew low toward the Fog Forest, avoiding the Soul Hall's patrols.
Security along the edge of the Fog Forest was extremely tight. A checkpoint stood every hundred zhang, and patrols constantly moved back and forth.
Xiao Yan carefully avoided the guards' sight. Using the Invisibility Talisman's effect, he slipped soundlessly into the Fog Forest.
As soon as he entered the Fog Forest, the light dimmed.
Towering ancient trees blotted out the sky and sun. Mist filled the forest, reducing visibility to less than ten zhang.
Moisture and faint demonic qi hung in the air, creating an oppressive atmosphere.
Xiao Yan folded away his Azure Luan Wings and continued on foot. Following the map's markings, he made his way cautiously through the forest, avoiding the Soul Hall's guards and powerful magical beasts.
His fused heavenly flames gave him a keen sense of danger, allowing him to evade patrols at several critical moments.
After walking for roughly four hours, Xiao Yan reached the entrance to a valley.
According to the map, the Purifying Spirit Hall's former headquarters lay inside this valley. Its entrance was heavily guarded. More than a dozen Soul Hall envoys stood with weapons in hand, watching their surroundings alertly.
Xiao Yan hid in the shadows, studying the guards' positions and the pattern of their shifts.
These Soul Hall envoys were all at the Dou Wang level. Forcing his way through would be almost impossible.
He had to find a way to divert their attention and seize the chance to slip into the valley.
While Xiao Yan was considering his options, a sudden commotion erupted within the valley.
He faintly heard someone shouting about an "Otherworldly Demon uprising." The guards immediately fell into disarray and rushed into the valley. Xiao Yan's heart stirred. This was an opportunity that came once in a thousand years!
Taking advantage of the chaos, he unleashed his movement technique and passed through the entrance like a phantom, entering the valley.
The valley was in complete turmoil. Numerous Soul Hall envoys were locked in fierce combat with a group of Otherworldly Demons.
These Otherworldly Demons were stronger and more savage than ordinary ones. Something had clearly provoked them.
"Perfect. I can fish in these troubled waters!"
Secretly delighted, Xiao Yan quietly skirted the battlefield and ran deeper into the valley.
According to the map, the Purifying Spirit Hall's former headquarters lay in a cave at the deepest part of the valley.
He had to find the cave and enter it before the Soul Hall envoys realized what was happening.
After running for roughly the time it took an incense stick to burn, Xiao Yan finally found the cave at the valley's deepest point. It was concealed behind a waterfall, so well hidden that it would have been difficult to discover without the map. Two Soul Hall envoys guarded its entrance, both at Peak Dou Wang.
Xiao Yan did not act rashly. Instead, he watched from the shadows for a while, searching for an opening. He found that both Soul Hall envoys were extremely vigilant, leaving virtually no gaps in their defenses. It seemed he would have to force his way through.
Xiao Yan took a deep breath and drove his fused heavenly flames to their utmost power. Gold and green flames burned in his palm, radiating terrifying fluctuations of energy. His figure flashed, and he shot toward the two Soul Hall envoys like an arrow loosed from a bow.
"Who's there?" Sensing movement, the two Soul Hall envoys immediately turned, black soul qi gathering in their hands. But before they could attack, Xiao Yan was already before them.
"Purifying Spirit Burning Heaven Record, fourth form-Twin Flames Annihilation!" Xiao Yan roared. The gold and green flames coalesced into a gigantic fist that smashed toward the two Soul Hall envoys. Their faces blanched, and they hurriedly brought out defensive soul artifacts. But before the fused heavenly flames, those artifacts were no sturdier than paper and were destroyed instantly.
Bam! The gigantic fist slammed into the two Soul Hall envoys. Screaming, they were hurled backward and crashed heavily to the ground, coughing up blood. They clearly would not survive. Xiao Yan did not linger. He immediately rushed into the cave and laid down a restrictive ward to keep himself from being discovered.
The cave was pitch-black, with a faint dusty smell in the air. Xiao Yan took out a firelighter and lit it, illuminating the interior. The cave was shallow, only a few dozen zhang deep. At its end stood a stone door engraved with the Purifying Spirit Hall's emblem-a blooming green lotus.
Xiao Yan approached the stone door and pressed the Purifying Spirit Hall's bronze token against it. The token resonated with the emblem on the door, emitting a faint glow. The stone door slowly opened, revealing what lay beyond.
Behind the door was a small stone chamber furnished with simple tables, chairs, and bookshelves. A few tattered books remained on the shelves. In the center stood a stone pedestal with an ancient-looking box upon it.
Xiao Yan walked over to a bookshelf and picked up a damaged book containing records of the Purifying Spirit Hall's history and cultivation methods. He leafed through it quickly, hoping to find clues about his teacher. But most of the books were badly damaged, their writing blurred and difficult to decipher.
"It looks like all my hopes rest on that box." Xiao Yan approached the pedestal and carefully opened the box. Inside lay a Jade Slip and a letter. He picked up the Jade Slip and infused it with Dou Qi. Countless pieces of information immediately flooded his mind.
The information contained the complete version of the Purifying Spirit Hall's core cultivation method, the Purifying Spirit True Scripture. It was more profound and powerful than the Purifying Spirit Burning Heaven Record he had previously practiced. There were also secret methods for purifying Otherworldly Demons and refining Purifying Spirit Pills, all worth a king's ransom.
Overjoyed, Xiao Yan hurriedly committed the Purifying Spirit True Scripture to memory. Then he picked up the letter. Its envelope bore the words "To the one brought here by fate." He unfolded the letter and saw bold, vigorous handwriting. It was unmistakably the hand of his teacher, Yao Chen!
"My disciple Xiao Yan, by the time you read this letter, I may no longer be among the living. The Purifying Spirit Hall was besieged by the Soul Hall's evil faction, and our cause was lost. All I could do was hide the Purifying Spirit Hall's core legacy here, hoping someone would inherit it."
"The Soul Hall's evil faction coveted the Purifying Spirit Hall's purification techniques and my alchemy, stopping at nothing to obtain them. I contended with them for years, but in the end, one man could not withstand so many. Yet I planted a pawn within the Soul Hall. Perhaps it can deal them a fatal blow at a critical moment."
"If you are reading this letter, it means you have inherited the Purifying Spirit Hall's legacy and possess the strength to oppose the Soul Hall. Remember: do not readily trust anyone, even those beside you. The Soul Hall's infiltration reaches everywhere. One careless step could plunge you beyond all redemption."
"I divided the Purifying Spirit Hall's token into two halves, leaving one for you and entrusting the other to Fa Ma. Only by joining the halves can you activate the Purifying Spirit Hall's ultimate weapon-the Purifying Spirit Grand Formation. This formation can cleanse all demonic qi beneath heaven and destroy every Otherworldly Demon, but activating it demands an enormous price. Never use it unless there is absolutely no other choice."
"Finally, I must tell you a secret. The Soul Hall's true purpose is not to refine Soul Pills, but to release the Ancient Otherworldly Demon Lord sealed deep within the Source of the Otherworldly Demon. Once he emerges, all life beneath heaven will be plunged into misery, and no one will be able to stop him. You must thwart them and protect this continent's peace."
"Your teacher departs. My disciple, take good care of yourself."
After reading the letter, Xiao Yan's eyes grew wet.
His teacher's words seemed to echo beside his ears, filled with hopes and concern for him.
He gripped the letter tightly and silently swore:
"Rest assured, Teacher. I will carry on your final wishes, restore the Purifying Spirit Hall, destroy the Soul Hall's evil faction, prevent the Ancient Otherworldly Demon Lord from emerging, and protect this continent's peace!"
Just then, footsteps and shouts came from outside the cave.
The Soul Hall's men had discovered something amiss and were rushing toward the cave. Xiao Yan put away the Jade Slip and the letter, his gaze turning resolute. He knew a new battle was about to begin, and he was ready.
The fused heavenly flames burned in his palm, their gold and green light illuminating his determined face.
Xiao Yan took a deep breath, turned, and walked toward the cave's exit. His journey with the Purifying Spirit Hall had only just begun.
Countless hardships and dangers awaited him, but he feared nothing. He bore his teacher's hopes, the Purifying Spirit Hall's future, and the heavy responsibility of protecting the continent's peace!
Before you continue