The suppressive effect of the Pill Transformation Ring was becoming weaker and weaker. To be on the safe side, Xiao Yan also refined some pills during this period. With the help of external forces, he was indeed able to temporarily draw the black power away from its target. However, the result of this was that the black energy itself grew rapidly. It is not hard to imagine how miserable the result would be if he took pills to suppress it for a long time.
Faced with such terrifying potential danger, Bai Hua smiled faintly. He hadn't expected that a worthless pill would evolve into this, but over the past two years, he had gradually adapted to it. Although it prevented him from cultivating for long periods, at least he wouldn't cause Xiao Yan any more trouble now. As for now, the only thing he could still be reluctant to part with was that silly girl who liked to pester him...
Seeing Xiao Yan's pale face before him, Bai Hua pulled himself out of his thoughts, slowly stood up, patted the former's shoulder, sighed deeply, and said:
"Don't worry, it's been a while, they won't die anytime soon."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan paused slightly, then scoffed, his attitude completely reversed, and said with a sneer:
"Don't worry, with me here, I'll make sure nothing happens to you."
After speaking, Xiao Yan exchanged a few more words with Bai Hua, then left the villa and, after some detours, entered the Heaven-Nurturing Pavilion.
Now, Xiao Yan is powerless against the black power with his own abilities alone. He can only gamble his luck in the Heaven-Nurturing Pavilion, hoping that the Xiao Clan's rich collection will allow him to find something he needs.
Unfortunately, Bai Hua's condition was unusual. After a thorough search, even with the Xiao Clan's extensive collection, they still couldn't find any specific and useful information. It seems that they can only place all their hopes on the Heaven Inquiry Pill!
The back mountain of the Xiao Clan.
It had been almost three months since Xiao Yan returned to his clan. Since the matter with Bai Hua had failed, Xiao Yan had devoted all his time to cultivation, thus consolidating his strength after his breakthrough.
Sitting cross-legged on the cliff, feeling the surging energy flowing through his meridians, Xiao Yan couldn't help but recall his battle with Bai Rong and the others. Back then, he was trapped and extremely passive. Even with the help of secret techniques, he could only barely withstand their attacks. But if you think about it carefully, with his current strength, after using the secret techniques, he could reach the level of Nine-Star Yuan Zong. If you also consider the six Heavenly Flames in his hands, and the Buddha's Fury Fire Lotus he unleashed at full power, Xiao Yan was confident that no one below the Yuan Zun level would survive!
"Call..."
After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Yan let out a long breath, his body trembled slightly, and as he stood up, a figure in a green robe shot swiftly from the sky above the forest ahead and then stood in the void opposite Xiao Yan.
Ancestor, what brings you here?
Since returning to the Xiao Clan, Xiao Xuan had been dealing with matters related to the Zhao Clan, so the two sides rarely met. Whenever Xiao Xuan appeared, he was usually there to shield him from trouble. But judging from his smiling appearance today, it didn't seem like that at all.
I have some information to share with you.
"No, this is absolutely unacceptable, Elder!"
Meanwhile, somewhere in the back mountains of the Xiao Clan, Xiao Dingtian shouted with particular excitement, though his expression was rather somber.
Even if he were to return to the clan now, and the Xiao Clan acknowledges his existence, how could the clan rules be changed because of him!
Xiao Zhen squinted, his gaze fixed on Xiao Dingtian before him, and said in a deep voice:
"But this is what he deserves. Back then, you all kept pushing him, and the clan leader and I only yielded because of your many years of contributions to the clan. That's what led to that outcome. In the end, we owe him!"
Upon hearing this, the latter gritted his teeth, his old face turning ugly. After thinking for a moment, he said again:
"Regardless, according to clan rules, the ancestral hall must be opened once every twenty years. If it is opened ahead of schedule, the Sacred Blood Crystal will definitely be affected; that is the foundation of my Xiao Clan!"
"Foolish! The continuation of a clan depends on its people. While the Sacred Blood Crystal is indeed precious, what it contains is also human blood! If we can use it to strengthen our Xiao Clan, then it will be a good use of resources. Otherwise, what is the point of its existence!"
Xiao Zhen's brows furrowed, his eyes filled with a hint of disappointment. Even now, Xiao Dingtian remained so stubborn and inflexible. Upon hearing this, the latter fell silent for a moment, hesitated for a while, then raised his head and insisted to Xiao Zhen:
"But this matter concerns the family's reputation. He has only been back for a short time, and he has neither talent nor achievements. We can't let the entire family lose face for his sake, can we?"
"What use is face if you can't even keep your own family?"
Xiao Zhen's angry rebuke and forceful attitude finally made Xiao Dingtian face. The former then slowly exhaled and said:
"Furthermore, with special permission, Xiao Yang will participate in the Clan Ritual together with Xiao Yan."
" Xiao Yang? That guy..."
"This is the Ancestor's decision; we only need to follow it."
Just as Xiao Dingtian was about to retort, Xiao Zhen brought up the ancestor, and the latter immediately became dejected.
On the other side.
" Clan Ritual?"
Hearing Xiao Xuan's words, Xiao Yan was slightly surprised. He knew a lot about the Clan Ritual back then, so he knew that according to the normal family rules, the Clan Ritual was only held once every twenty years. The reason for this was that the younger generation had time to grow up, and the energy required to complete the Clan Ritual would also slowly recover during this period.
However, to Xiao Yan's surprise, the Xiao Clan's higher-ups would make such a decision, holding another Clan Ritual for him less than two years later.
"It's not just for you; Xiao Yang is also participating with you this time."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan was momentarily surprised, then nodded in realization. That made sense; after all, everyone had witnessed that guy's perseverance. Now that the family was allowing him to participate in the Clan Ritual, it could be considered compensation for neglecting him over the years.
"So, when is this Clan Ritual scheduled?"
Pulling himself back to reality, a fiery glint appeared in Xiao Yan's eyes, followed by a question shrouded in doubt.
Xiao Xuan smiled at Xiao Yan and said:
"You can do it anytime if you want."
"I'm afraid that's no longer possible!"
However, no sooner had he finished speaking than a figure appeared in the void not far to his side. The person was dressed in fine clothes and was none other than the clan leader, Xiao Yuheng.
Hearing the former's words, Xiao Yan and Xiao Xuan exchanged glances, then both turned their gazes to Xiao Yuheng. Xiao Yuheng frowned and sighed softly, giving Xiao Yan a deep look before shifting his gaze to Xiao Xuan, and slowly said:
"People from the Bai Clan have come and demand that Xiao Yan be handed over."