After the battle of Southern Barbarian City ended, the group did not rush back to Burning Flame Valley, but stayed in the city temporarily. After all, they considered that many sect elders were still injured, and since the people from the two sects had just left, there was a possibility that they might return to launch a sneak attack at any time. So it was better to stay for a few days.
After settling Xiao Yi Xian and Bai Hua in, led by the Ancestor Fen Tian and surrounded by a group of powerful figures from the Burning Flame Valley, the group arrived in a grand hall in the city. As soon as they were seated, maids brought tea to them. Then, the Ancestor Fen Tian, with a smile on his face, turned his gaze to Xiao Yan and said:
"Hehe, little fellow, it's been three years, and your cultivation has already reached the Eight-Star Origin King level. That truly surprises this old man!"
As soon as these words were spoken, some elders in the hall who were drinking tea froze instantly. Some even couldn't contain their shock and spat out the tea they had just drunk, their faces filled with horror. Then, all eyes in the room fell on Xiao Yan.
Although both were Origin King experts, Xiao Yan's aura remained hazy. This might be due to his recent breakthrough, but at least among everyone present, apart from Ancestor Fen Tian and several high-level elders, no one else could discern Xiao Yan's true cultivation level. Now, after Ancestor Fen Tian's words, everyone's shock had reached an indescribable level.
They clearly remembered that three years ago, Xiao Yan only broke through to the Middle Origin Return Realm after entering the Burning Flame Valley. That speed had already surprised many elders. However, now, after three years apart, when they met again, Xiao Yan's cultivation had already surpassed that of many powerful figures present. Even Xuan Hua, who had consumed the Earth Core Marrow, was only Seven-Star Origin King at the moment.
Three years was enough for Xuan Hua to reach the Seven-Star Origin King. Such a cultivation speed was something he had boasted about to many of his old friends. But only today did he truly see what a prodigy was!
In just three years, his cultivation level had advanced from the Middle Origin Return Realm Returning Realm to the Eight-Star Origin King. If he continued to improve at this rate, wouldn't he be...? Thinking of this, many people quickly cut off their terrifying thoughts. If that were the case, then Xiao Yan in front of them was truly too terrifying.
"What has this kid been through in the last three years?!"
Seeing the horrified expressions on everyone's faces because of him, Xiao Yan blushed and quickly cupped his hands in a sarcastic gesture towards the Ancestor Fen Tian, saying with an embarrassed smile:
"Just lucky."
"Puff!"
However, these words caused many powerful figures present to inwardly cough up blood. How could they call it luck? If they were serious, they would have to advance to the Origin Emperor level?
Thinking of this, some elders of the Burning Flame Valley couldn't help but glare at Xiao Yan. However, the Ancestor Fen Tian smiled faintly. Others might not know, but he was well aware that Xiao Yan's ability to make such a great improvement in the past three years naturally came at a great cost, and the reason for that was the Heavenly Flames.
Although most of those present witnessed Xiao Yan's terrifying strength, they forgot that he had risked his life to achieve this level of power. His claim of luck was somewhat true, as no one could be completely certain of devouring Xiao Yan Heavenly Flames. Fortunately, Xiao Yan succeeded.
With Xiao Yan's matter settled, the group then discussed recent battles elsewhere. From their conversation, they learned about the conflict between Burning Flame Valley and the two sects. Upon learning that the two sects had expanded their fighting to the Far Southern Land, Xiao Yan frowned. He remembered Luo Jin telling him that the area east of Far Southern Land Far Southern Land was the territory of the Cloud-Hidden Pavilion, a relatively peaceful and prosperous region. He never imagined that the two sects would be so audacious as to extend their war there.
After the discussion and report, the others left one after another, leaving only Xiao Yan and Ancestor Fen Tian in the main hall.
" Xiao Yan, I must thank you for your help in today's battle!"
Recalling the battle Southern Barbarian City today, Ancestor Fen Tian was still shaken. If Xiao Yan hadn't returned at the critical moment and severely injured many of the Origin King experts, his Burning Flame Valley would probably have suffered heavy losses today. Fortunately, none of that happened.
"Senior and my ancestor were old friends, so it is only natural for me to lend a hand. Besides, I am also an honorary elder of Burning Flame Valley, and in a sense, I am a member of Burning Flame Valley. Senior, there is no need for you to be so polite."
Upon hearing this, Ancestor Fen Tian laughed heartily, then quickly regained his senses and asked in confusion:
"What's wrong, Xiao Xuan? Didn't that guy leave with you? Why are you the only one who came back?"
Upon hearing Xiao Xuan's name, Xiao Yan's expression changed. He then recounted the events that had transpired on his journey to the Fire Maple Forest with Xiao Xuan. When the Ancestor Fen Tian learned that it was Xiao Mingyuan who had taken Xiao Xuan away, his expression also changed. He then told Xiao Yan that the reason Xiao Mingyuan Xiao Mingyuan was able to find them was because he had visited the Burning Flame Valley. After realizing that Xiao Mingyuan meant no harm, the Ancestor Fen Tian had informed Xiao Yan and Xiao Xuan of their whereabouts, but unexpectedly, this led to Xiao Xuan being taken away.
Fortunately, as long as Xiao Xuan was unharmed, everything else was fine. Immediately, Xiao Yan took his leave and left the main hall. Only when he stepped outside did he turn around and see Lian'er's figure.
Upon seeing Lian'er, Xiao Yan immediately smiled warmly, knowing that the poison in her body should have been controlled. However, the girl was stunned for a moment when she saw Xiao Yan for the first time, and then, to Xiao Yan's somewhat surprised look, she threw herself into his arms. After not seeing each other for many years, the little girl had not forgotten Xiao Yan at all; on the contrary, the impression and feelings she had for him had become even deeper.
After a long while, Lian'er finally let go of Xiao Yan's embrace. Looking at the girl in front of him, who was even more beautiful than before, Xiao Yan couldn't help but feel a little pity. The girl was already so lovely as she was growing up. She would surely be a peerless beauty in the future, stunningly beautiful.
Then, led by Lian'er, Xiao Yan arrived at a secluded garden.
In the courtyard, Li Bingrui was sitting at a stone table, sipping tea with a bored expression. Opposite her was Bai Hua, who, despite his unhealed injuries, appeared quite relaxed. He knew that this woman was not easy to deal with, so even though he was injured, he still kept her company with a smile. Only when he saw Xiao Yan return did he get up with some difficulty.