At the break of dawn the next day, seven figures gathered in the center of the room. Two young men and three young women sat on the sofas, quietly savoring the warmth of the tea before them. Meanwhile, a purple-clad little girl lay bored across the lap of one of the women, fiddling absentmindedly with her fingers.
One of the young men took a sip from his cup, setting it down before speaking in a deep, composed tone. "Third Brother, Xun Er mentioned something to me last night."
He paused, his sharp gaze landing on Xiao Hua. "Is it true that the soul of Yao Zun Zhe resides in the black ring owned by the Xiao Clan's Third Young Master?"
Xiao Hua nodded calmly. "That is correct, Brother Ming Cheng."
Although Xiao Hua was initially surprised that Xun Er had deduced the identity of the soul within Xiao Yan's ring, he had no intention of hiding the truth from her. As someone who knew of Xiao Yan's fate, she had likely pieced everything together long before their conversation.
"I don't know whether to feel astonished or perplexed by such a revelation," Mei Ling remarked, her tone laced with curiosity.
"It could be both, Sister Mei Ling," Wei Jie replied with a weary sigh. "To think a figure as renowned as Yao Zun Zhe lingers in spiritual form... Yet it baffles me why he would absorb the Dou Qi of the Xiao Clan's Third Young Master."
Six of them hailed from the Central Plains, where the name Yao Chen was widely revered. Naturally, they had heard of Han Feng's declaration. Initially, they believed his claims, given the complexity of pill refinement and Yao Chen's mysterious disappearance.
However, their perspective shifted upon arriving at Jia Nan Academy and stepping into the Black-Corner Region. Han Feng's insatiable greed and scheming nature became evident, sowing doubts about his announcement.
Now, they were more inclined to believe that Han Feng had colluded with another party and orchestrated Yao Chen's demise. Still, this remained speculation, as they lacked concrete evidence.
"I believe Yao Zun Zhe intended to cultivate Xiao Yan as his disciple, though his methods were unconventional this time," Li Mei remarked indifferently.
"Indeed. He likely sought to instill a deep sense of gratitude in Xiao Yan while silently observing his character over these past years through that ring," Xin Yu added with a knowing smile.
"Regardless of Yao Zun Zhe's intentions, we should adhere to our little brother's plan. Whatever schemes he's plotting have nothing to do with us," Ming Cheng interjected with a sigh.
He paused briefly, his gaze sweeping across the room. With measured seriousness, he continued, reminding everyone of Xiao Hua's carefully crafted strategy.
"Second Brother, Mei Ling, and Xiao Hua will use their Spiritual Strength to examine Xiao Yan's body thoroughly. Once that is complete, they will inspect the ring on his finger, forcing Yao Chen to appear—feigning that his presence was discovered by chance."
"From there, we'll negotiate discreetly, ensuring both sides benefit."
"What if Yao Zun Zhe suddenly reveals himself to Xiao Yan and Xiao Zhan during our examination? Wouldn't that jeopardize the plan?" Mei Ling asked, raising a concerned hand.
"That's a valid concern," Ming Cheng acknowledged, shaking his head lightly, "but it seems unlikely. Judging by the situation, Yao Zun Zhe was likely betrayed by his disciple, Han Feng. To regain his footing, he may have resorted to absorbing Xiao Yan's Dou Qi, intending to bind him through gratitude and eventually take him as a disciple."
"That means appearing before or during the examination would backfire on him, making them view him as both an enemy and a plague, huh…" Li Mei concluded, lightly tapping her chin as she spoke.
"Exactly," Ming Cheng affirmed with a nod. "Moreover, I doubt he'd have any interest in seeking another disciple. He would almost certainly prefer to strike a deal with us instead."
"Because of Xiao Yan's powerful soul?" Li Mei asked, to which Ming Cheng nodded once more.
She recalled that Wei Jie and Mei Ling had previously mentioned Xiao Yan's exceptionally strong soul—a soul far surpassing the norm for someone at his level.
With that in mind, they concluded that Yao Chen would never let go of Xiao Yan, a rare and precious gem. Such a unique talent, under Yao Chen's guidance as a Grandmaster Alchemist, had the potential to ascend to the ranks of a high-tier alchemist.
Furthermore, they had learned from Lady Azure that reviving someone wasn't an impossible feat. With sufficient spiritual control, strength, and the right materials, it was well within reach.
Naturally, they reasoned that for Yao Chen, Xiao Yan was the vital key to his revival. A treasure like him would be too valuable to replace. Hence, Yao Lao wouldn't bother seeking another candidate, nor would he willingly endure the torment of remaining in spiritual form for much longer.
They cast their gazes toward Xiao Hua, who sat calmly, sipping his tea beside Xun Er. She radiated joy, her serene smile suggesting that nothing in the world could trouble her. Meanwhile, an amused smile appeared on Xiao Hua's face, as though hefound pleasure in the lively discussion his brothers and sisters were engaged in.
'Although, when it comes to resources and ability, our little brother could easily achieve all this…' The same thought passed through their minds as they silently observed Xiao Hua.
"Does this mean the annulment of the engagement between the Misty Cloud Sect and the Xiao Clan will be the perfect opportunity for Yao Zun Zhe to act?" Mei Ling inquired.
"Without a doubt," Ming Cheng replied with a weary sigh. His gaze shifted to Xiao Hua. "I take it that's also when you plan to initiate the trial of Heavenly Judgement Lightning, little brother?"
"That is correct, Brother Ming Cheng," Xiao Hua affirmed with a small nod.
"If that's the case, we'll need to make preparations to minimize the collateral damage your trial could cause to your clan," Xin Yu remarked thoughtfully.
"Then it's settled. We'll proceed with the plan our little brother has laid out," Ming Cheng concluded, bringing the discussion to a close. The group soon shifted to more lighthearted conversations.
"So, will Brother Wei Jie and Sister Mei Ling enter retreat after this?" Xiao Hua asked casually.
"That's correct," Wei Jie replied with a nod. "It will take about a week for us to fully refine the four Primordial Flames and merge them together."
"I apologize for interrupting both of your seclusion, Brother Wei Jie, Sister Mei Ling." Xiao Hua offered them an apologetic smile.
"There's no need to apologize, Third Brother," Wei Jie said with a dismissive wave of his hand, a reassuring smile on his face.
"That's right, Hua'er," Mei Ling said softly, her warm smile reassuring. "To address Xiao Yan's situation, you need him to trust us implicitly. Naturally, we don't mind assisting you in this matter."
"Besides," Ming Cheng added with a faint smile, "you're dealing with Yao Zun Zhe—a figure once renowned for his strength and unparalleled skill in alchemy. It's only natural that you would require all of us for support, Hua'er."
"It's fortunate that it will take a week for both of you to refine and merge the Heavenly Flames," Xiao Hua said, exhaling softly in relief.
"Why? Is something the matter?" Xun Er inquired curiously as she gracefully poured tea into Xiao Hua's empty cup. Her serene demeanor belied the curiosity that gleamed in her eyes. The others, too, turned their attention toward Xiao Hua, intrigued.
"During last night's banquet, Sect Leader Yun Yun discreetly informed Xiao Zhan that she wished to meet him privately next week. Unfortunately…" Xiao Hua's voice faltered, and an awkward silence followed.
Suppressing the urge to sigh, he shook his head in resignation, frustration churning within him. Xiao Zhan's utter obliviousness to the hidden implications behind Yun Yun's words left Xiao Hua at a loss.
Ming Cheng, pinching the bridge of his nose, broke the silence with a knowing sigh. "That means you'll have to initiate the Heavenly Judgement Lightning trial next week. Fortunately, Sister Mei Ling and Wei Jie will have completed their seclusion by then, advancing to the Dou Zong class."
"For now, we should focus on resolving Xiao Yan's situation," Ming Cheng continued, his tone steady. "Once that is done, we can shift our attention to the annulment of the engagement."
"This trial of Heavenly Judgement Lightning… What is it? Is it so dangerous that you all speak of it with such seriousness?"
The voice of a young girl suddenly rang out, breaking the solemn atmosphere. Everyone turned their attention toward Li Mei's lap, where a small figure was nestled. It took only a moment for them to recognize the speaker—Zi Yan.
"While we don't know all the intricacies of the 'trial of Heavenly Judgement Lightning,' based on past experience, there's no doubt it's life-threatening for Hua'er," Li Mei replied with a soft smile. Her hand gently stroked Zi Yan's small, adorable head.
As she spoke, Li Mei's mind wandered back to a memory that still haunted her—the sight of Xiao Hua enduring the devastating Heavenly Astral Lightning. Even now, she believed that not even her current strength could withstand such a calamitous strike.
"Why would you have to endure something so terrifying, Xiao Hua?" Zi Yan asked, her innocent voice tinged with concern.
Though she didn't fully comprehend the severity of the situation, the pale, frightened expression on Li Mei's face spoke volumes. In all the years Zi Yan had spent by Li Mei's side since coming to Jia Nan Academy, she had never seen her wear such a look of fear.
It was then Zi Yan realized just how horrifying the trial of Heavenly Judgement Lightning must be—so dreadful that even someone as composed as Li Mei was visibly shaken.
"Well, that is because…" Xiao Hua began, his voice calm yet serious.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
Before he could continue, a sudden knock at the door interrupted him. Everyone glance at each other and spread their Spiritual Strength outward, probing the presence outside.
They could sense two familiar auras appeared clearly within their perception, standing patiently beyond the gate.
"It seems Xiao Zhan and Xiao Yan have arrived. These two auras unmistakably belong to them," Ming Cheng remarked.
Xiao Hua let out a small sigh and shook his head helplessly. "I did tell them to come in the morning, but it seems their excitement couldn't be contained." Rising to his feet, he walked to the gate to welcome them.
As he opened the gate, just as expected, the two visitors were Xiao Zhan and Xiao Yan. Their expressions were slightly tense, betraying their anticipation.
"Supreme Elder, I apologize for disturbing you at this hour," Xiao Zhan said with a pleasant yet excited smile gracing his face.
"There's no need to apologize, Clan Head," Xiao Hua replied with a shake of his head, his tone calm and reassuring. "I understand this is a matter you and the Third Young Master have been anticipating for quite some time."
"Please, come in." He gestured for them to follow him as he led them into the room where Ming Cheng and the others were waiting.
Upon stepping inside, Xiao Zhan's eyes swept across the room, noticing the gathered figures of Ming Cheng and the others. His expression flickered with a trace of surprise.
Clearing his throat to compose himself, Xiao Zhan politely introduced Xiao Yan. He was acutely aware of the immense strength of Ming Cheng and the others, each one a Dou Zong powerhouse like Xiao Hua.
"Supreme Elder, although you have met him yesterday, I will introduce him. He is my third son, Xiao Yan. I've heard that you and Lady Xun Er have crossed paths during childhood. In terms of age, he should be slightly younger than you. Yan'er, come and greet your cousin."
Xiao Yan stepped forward, his demeanor respectful as he cupped his hands in greeting. "Cousin Xiao Hua," he said with a small but sincere smile.
"Cousin Xiao Yan," Xiao Hua greeted in return, his expression warm but composed. Gesturing toward Ming Cheng and the rest, he continued, "Allow me to explain the reason for their presence here today."
"They are here to assist with the treatment. Brother Wei Jie and Sister Mei Ling are both tier-eight alchemists, like me."
"Tier-eight?! Both of them?!"
Xiao Zhan's exclamation echoed through the room as his eyes widened in disbelief. While he had heard rumors of their strength, the revelation that they were also tier-eight alchemists left him utterly stunned.
Tier-eight alchemists were figures of legend to him—beings whose existence he had only ever encountered in ancient books and fragmented records. The idea of knowing one personally was already astonishing, yet now there were two more standing before him, part of the same group.
'Is the heritage of Jia Nan Academy truly so profound as to nurture three tier-eight alchemists at once?'
Xiao Zhan swallowed nervously, his thoughts racing. If this were true, then he had no choice—Xiao Yan must be sent to Jia Nan Academy. For the sake of his future, his growth, and the Xiao Clan's prosperity, this was an opportunity he could not let slip away.
If Su Qian and the other elders of Jia Nan Academy had been privy to his thoughts, they would likely have fainted from sheer frustration. The notion that the academy had the ability to cultivate a young Dou Zong powerhouse was absurd—let alone three of them, and all tier-eight alchemists!
"This is all due to their monstrous talent and fortuitous opportunities! Their growth has nothing to do with us!" the elders would have screamed internally, clutching their hearts in exasperation at Xiao Zhan's naivety.
And yet, oblivious to the truth, Xiao Zhan stood there, marveling at the sheer genius and unparalleled might of what he believed to be Jia Nan Academy's handiwork.
"Let us begin the treatment," Wei Jie said briskly, his tone carrying a hint of impatience. He clearly wished to resolve the matter swiftly.
"Please, Master Wei Jie, Lady Mei Ling," Xiao Yan said, cupping his hands in gratitude. Xiao Zhan had spoken highly of them during the journey here, repeatedly emphasizing the importance of showing respect and maintaining his best behavior.
Turning to Xiao Hua, Xiao Yan bowed slightly, his voice tinged with deep sincerity. "Cousin Xiao Hua, I entrust myself to you. I hope you can uncover the source of the problem within my body."
Xiao Hua nodded slightly, his demeanor calm and composed. "While I've heard about your condition from Cousin Xiao Tao and Cousin Xiao Yang, and I've read the reports provided by the alchemists who examined you, I must hear it directly from you as well."
He paused for a moment, his sharp gaze settling on Xiao Yan as his tone grew more direct. "Tell me—what exactly happened?"
Xiao Yan didn't hesitate, recounting the events that led to his predicament. He described how his Dou Qi had inexplicably diminished. At first, he thought his cultivation method was flawed, but he soon realized that this assumption was incorrect.
His realm had begun to fall rapidly and relentlessly, plummeting from 1-Star Dou Zhe to 3-Star Dou Zhi Qi. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't halt the decline, leaving him with no choice but to conclude that something was fundamentally wrong with his body. Whether the cause was internal or external, beneficial or harmful, remained a mystery.
He then mentioned the findings of the alchemists who had examined him in the past. They had been unable to detect any issues within his body, insisting that it was perfectly healthy without a single problem.
When his explanation ended, Xiao Yan fell silent, his eyes filled with a mixture of tension and hope as he waited for their response. His heart raced, unable to shake the unease of not knowing what lay ahead.
Xiao Hua, Wei Jie, and Mei Ling exchanged subtle glances, their expressions calm yet carrying an air of solemnity as they silently processed Xiao Yan's recounting of events.
"I see…" Wei Jie finally broke the silence, his tone measured. "We'll conduct an examination and determine if there's anything the previous alchemists might have overlooked."
Xiao Zhan and Xiao Yan nodded in unison, both understanding the gravity of the situation. Despite their outward calm, a flicker of hope lit their eyes.
The trio simultaneously unleashed their Spiritual Strength, an invisible wave of immense power rippling toward Xiao Yan. The sheer magnitude of their combined Spiritual Strength made Xiao Yan feel as though he were stripped bare, completely exposed before their probing eyes. Uneasy and vulnerable, he clenched his fists tightly, resisting the urge to shift uncomfortably.
Their probing seemed methodical, yet the three silently communicated through fleeting eye contact. Their apparent goal—Xiao Yan's ring—was unmistakable to those who understood their intentions. As their Spiritual Strength honed in on the ring, a faint ripple emerged from it, like a subtle disturbance in still waters.
Then, an unexpected voice echoed in their minds, accompanied by a distinct trace of Spiritual Strength emanating from the ring.
'Oh? As expected, he has taken action.'
The voice carried an old man's tone. Before they could react further, the voice continued with a direct request: "I would like to speak with all of you later. For now, I ask that you keep my identity and presence hidden from the boy and his father."
Xiao Hua's eyes flickered as he glanced at Wei Jie and Mei Ling, who returned his gaze with knowing nods. The three understood immediately that this was the long-sought presence of Yao Chen, the renowned alchemist who had been sheltering within the ring.
Acknowledging Yao Chen's request, they seamlessly retracted their Spiritual Strength, maintaining their composure as if nothing unusual had occurred.
Wei Jie and Mei Ling exchanged subtle signals with Xiao Hua, silently delegating him to handle the conversation moving forward. With a faint nod, Xiao Hua turned his attention back to Xiao Yan and Xiao Zhan, his calm demeanor betraying nothing of the momentous revelation.
Xiao Hua turned to face Xiao Zhan and Xiao Yan, their expressions filled with expectation, their eyes glimmering with hope and anticipation.
"There is both bad news and good news," Xiao Hua began, his calm voice breaking the silence. He paused briefly, his gaze sweeping over their faces. "The bad news is that the assessment of the other alchemists is correct. There is nothing physically wrong with your body, Xiao Yan. It is perfectly healthy—nothing is damaged, missing, or broken."
"This… Supreme Elder… that cannot be the truth…" Xiao Zhan's face turned ashen, his disbelief evident as his voice wavered. "But with Yan'er… there is indeed an issue with his cultivation. It's not that I doubt your judgment, but could you… could you take another look?"
Xiao Yan, though visibly tense, remained composed, his expression steady despite the grim news. He took a deep breath and spoke with resolve, "What is the good news, Cousin Xiao Hua?"
Unlike his father, Xiao Yan had steeled himself for whatever lay ahead. He knew Xiao Hua wouldn't have stopped there if there wasn't more to say.
Xiao Hua's eyes softened slightly as he replied, "The good news is… I have a method that can address your situation."
The room fell silent as his words sank in. Xiao Zhan froze, his mouth snapping shut as his body trembled with emotion. Xiao Yan, on the other hand, clenched his fists tightly, his lips quivering as a surge of relief, disbelief, and hope washed over him.
Xiao Hua and his companions exchanged knowing glances but said nothing, allowing the father and son a moment to process the news. They watched quietly, their expressions calm, as the weight of Xiao Hua's words settled into the hearts of the two men.
The silence in the room was heavy, yet it carried an undeniable sense of renewed hope.
"Truly… Yan'er can be cured?" Xiao Zhan faltered, his voice trembling with a mix of excitement and disbelief. His heart raced with joy, yet he couldn't fully allow himself to believe it, fearing it might all be a dream about to dissolve.
Xiao Hua's expression remained calm, his voice steady and reassuring. "I will refine the Earth Spirit Body Nourishment Pill for you, Cousin Xiao Yan. It is an eighth-tier medicinal pill and will purify and strengthen your body, nourishing it at its core. Your body will instinctively absorbed and refined the energy."
"Eighth-tier?!"
Xiao Yan couldn't contain his astonishment. His eyes widened as he realized the severity of his condition—so dire that only an eighth-tier medicinal pill could restore him.
Xiao Zhan, meanwhile, felt a complex mix of emotions. A hint of envy flickered in his heart—his son was about to receive an eighth-tier pill, a treasure he himself had never even dreamed of tasting. Yet, his relief overshadowed all else. His son's plight, which had tormented him for so long, was finally about to end.
"However, what about the medicinal ingredients for it…?" Xiao Zhan asked nervously, his brow furrowing.
Though his knowledge of eighth-tier alchemy was limited, he understood well that such high-tier pills required extremely rare and precious ingredients—sometimes even materials from high-rank Magical Beasts.
Xiao Hua smiled faintly, his expression reassuring. "I am only missing one key ingredient, but I know where to find it. It will take some time to procure, but it is well within my ability."
He paused for a moment, raising two fingers to emphasize his next point. "However, there are two challenges. The first is the time required to refine the Earth Spirit Body Nourishment Pill. It is not a process to be rushed."
"That is understandable," Xiao Zhan said with a firm nod.
While he wasn't an expert in alchemy, he was well aware of the time and precision required to refine medicinal pills—especially one as high as the eighth tier.
Xiao Hua continued calmly, "The second issue is more crucial. Cousin Xiao Yan's Qi Veins are currently too fragile to withstand the energy of the pill. To address this, I have designed an additional process tailored specifically for him. Don't worry—these steps are meant to ensure his safety and fortify his cultivation foundation for the long term."
"Additional steps?"
Xiao Zhan's face turned grim upon hearing the initial concern but quickly shifted to one of curiosity at the mention of this additional process. He understood the importance of cultivating a strong and stable foundation, as rushing or relying excessively on external aids often led to a fragile and unstable Dou Qi base.
Strengthening one's Qi Veins and internal pathways was fundamental in the early stages of Dou Qi cultivation. It was common knowledge that this process should be gradual and natural, avoiding reliance on external aids like medicinal pills to prevent destabilizing one's Dou Qi foundation.
"That's correct," Xiao Hua confirmed with a small nod. "Rest assured, this method is safe and will actually strengthen Cousin Xiao Yan's foundation, making it more robust for his future cultivation."
"You don't have to explain further, Cousin Xiao Hua," Xiao Yan interjected with a gentle yet resolute smile. "From the very beginning, I've placed my full trust in your methods. Whatever approach you deem necessary, I am ready to follow through."
"Good," Xiao Hua said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I will begin preparations immediately. Three days from now, in the morning, I will come to your room and provide the detailed instructions on how to proceed."
Xiao Hua's words marked the end of the meeting.
"Thank you, Supreme Elder," Xiao Zhan said, rising to his feet. His voice carried a deep sense of gratitude, his respect for Xiao Hua apparent in his every gesture.
"I am truly indebted to you, Cousin Xiao Hua," Xiao Yan added, his tone filled with sincerity. He cupped his hands respectfully, his gaze unwavering. "If there is ever a task I can assist with in the future, I will dedicate myself fully to fulfilling it."
Xiao Hua acknowledged their gratitude with a calm nod, his demeanor steady.
For Xiao Yan, waiting three more days was a trivial matter compared to the three years of torment he had already endured. Knowing that his condition would soon be resolved filled him with newfound patience and hope—a light at the end of the long, dark tunnel.