While Xiao Hua remained unconscious, the world did not pause. Countless events unfolded across the lands, each indifferent to his slumber.
Northwestern region of the Dou Qi Continent—Jia Ma Empire, Jia Ma Sacred City.
To any citizen of the Jia Ma Empire, it was no secret that the true rulers of the realm were no longer the Imperial Family. Instead, two formidable forces now stood at the summit of power within the empire.
The first was the Misty Cloud Sect. The second was a powerful alliance formed by the Xiao Clan, the Snake-People Tribe, and the Mite'er Clan. This coalition, forged through shared interests and bound by a single individual's will, was known as the Hua Alliance.
Hua, as in Xiao Hua.
Everyone across the Jia Ma Empire knew that the founder of this alliance was none other than Xiao Hua himself. His name alone had caused every so-called young genius of the empire to lower their heads in shame, their pride crushed beneath the weight of his feats.
He had reached the Dou Zong realm at the mere age of fourteen. Young or old, none could deny the truth—this was an achievement impossible to replicate within the same span of time.
Moreover, Xiao Hua was also a high-tier alchemist—his skills surpassing even those of Pill King Gu He. Both the people of Wu Tan City and those within the imperial capital could still recall the huge unnatural phenomenon that occurred during one of his pill refinements, a scene that none could forget.
Rumors also spoke of a battle in the Tager Desert, where Xiao Hua faced two formidable experts alone and left behind a colossal crater—one that remains untouched to this day.
With such achievements in both alchemy and combat, Xiao Hua's status in the hearts of the common people had long reached an unshakable height. Within the Jia Ma Empire, he had become the undisputed peak existence, a figure revered by all.
Deep within a certain part of the Magic Beast Mountain Range stood a towering and majestic hall, grand beyond comparison. This sacred place now served as the highest seat of authority within the Snake-People Tribe—its influence second only to the Hua Alliance itself.
At this moment, seated alone upon the throne within the grand hall was a woman clad in a brilliant red robe, a golden crown resting upon her head. Her posture was regal, her every movement exuding grace and poise. Her figure, even in stillness, radiated an almost otherworldly allure.
Even beneath the somewhat loose-fitting robe, her alluring figure could not be concealed. Her curves, seductive to the point of temptation, carried a demonic charm capable of stirring the hearts of even the most steadfast. A soft beam of light streamed in from above, casting a warm glow upon her breathtaking face—so stunning that it could make one momentarily forget to breathe.
At first glance, her beauty evoked a devilish allure, an irresistible enchantment. Her red lips curled into a faint, captivating arc, a smile that seemed to draw the soul. Yet, between her slender brows rested an invisible pressure—an air of authority possessed only by those who stood at the pinnacle. Enchantment and majesty intertwined, causing her presence to ascend to an indescribable height.
What truly shocked those who saw her, however, was the gentle swell of her belly. With each soft stroke of her hand and the tender smile that accompanied it, it was clear—this enchanting beauty was with child.
A moment later, this woman—whose smile could enchant all beings—slightly furrowed her brows. Her gaze shifted downward to the storage ring on her slender finger. It was no ordinary ring, but a high-grade storage ring with numerous treasures gifted to her by her future husband. At that instant, she felt a faint activity from within.
She retrieved the communication jade and read the glowing message that surfaced across the emerald-green crystal. As her eyes moved across the words, they began to tremble with growing unease, and her delicate figure shuddered uncontrollably.
"Xiao Hua…" she whispered, her voice laced with urgency. The bewitching lady rose swiftly from the throne, clutching the jade tightly as deep concern surged from her chest. Her crimson lips parted, and a soft, anxious voice escaped, filled with worry and longing.
The message was from Lady Azure—its contents instantly stirring fear within her heart. Something had happened… something related to Xiao Hua.
Just as her thoughts were thrown into disarray, a clear voice echoed through the hall.
"Sister Cai Lin!"
Startled from her reverie, she turned as another woman entered the hall in haste. Though her pace was quick, her steps remained graceful, each movement carrying a natural elegance that could not be concealed—even in urgency.
The lady was dressed in a gorgeously tailored black robe adorned with intricate golden patterns. The garment hugged her figure tightly, accentuating every alluring curve with precise elegance. Beneath the hem, her long, snow-white legs shimmered like jade, causing a wave of fiery impulse to rise in the hearts of those who beheld her.
Around her slender waist—so narrow it seemed one could wrap an arm around it with ease—a cluster of golden sashes was tied, drawing even more attention to her exquisite silhouette.
Her entire being exuded a natural, irresistible charm. Just one glance from those long, peach blossom eyes could make a person lose their senses—willing to empty their pockets on things they didn't need, just to see her smile.
To countless men, she was the embodiment of temptation—an exquisite feline-like woman whose every movement was laced with allure, whose very presence tugged irresistibly at their hearts.
"Sister Ya Fei, it seems you've also read the message sent by Lady Azure…" Cai Lin—renowned throughout the continent as Queen Medusa—spoke softly. Yet, beneath her composed tone, the anxious light swirling in her enchanting eyes betrayed the deep worry stirred by the message.
"I have," Ya Fei nodded, her voice laced with unease. "What do you think, Sister Cai Lin? Could it really be the Wind Lightning Pavilion?"
Cai Lin furrowed her brows tightly and fell silent for a moment. After a long breath, she turned toward Ya Fei, her expression serious. "From what I know of them, I doubt those people from Wind Lightning Pavilion could have cornered Xiao Hua and Sister Fairy Doctor. Even if they summoned reinforcements, it's unlikely they could gather someone truly strong—despite being one of the major factions in the Central Plains."
She recalled what Han Yue and Liu Qing had told her about the Wind Lightning Pavilion. Even Su Qian had expressed doubts, believing that faction alone wasn't capable of suppressing someone like Ming Cheng—especially considering Lei Zun-zhe, their so-called Pavilion Master, was merely a 2-Star Dou Zun who had once been defeated by Ming Cheng.
Even if Lei Zun-zhe managed to gather outside help, none of them believed a Dou Sheng expert would be sent to suppress a rising faction like Moonlit Chaos Mansion. It was simply not worth the cost and ruined their reputation instead.
"If my guess is right…" Cai Lin's voice lowered, and her gaze grew sharp, cold light flickering within her eyes. "It must be the Hall of Souls. They've likely interfered and participated with the battle between Xiao Hua, Sister Fairy Doctor and the others."
She paused for a moment and took a deep breath. Gradually, the storm of worry and anxiety within her heart began to settle. Her voice regained its calm as she continued, "Regardless… since Lady Azure has confirmed that Xiao Hua is safe, we can place our trust in her words. Moreover, with his location now known, Sister Fairy Doctor will no doubt rush to his side and watch over him."
Ya Fei gently placed a hand over her chest and let out a soft sigh, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. Though she had never personally met Lady Azure, she knew well the deep bond that Xiao Hua shared with her—like that of a true brother and sister.
For that reason alone, she trusted Lady Azure's words more than anyone else when it came to Xiao Hua's condition.
After a moment, Ya Fei's expression shifted. She narrowed her eyes and furrowed her delicate brows, raising a hand to rest her slender fingers beneath her chin. Her voice dropped into a thoughtful murmur.
"Hall of Souls… Could they be the ones behind Misty Cloud Sect's sudden surge in strength?"
Her thoughts drifted back to the time of the Three-Year Agreement that happen few months ago, when Yun Leng, the First Elder of the Misty Cloud Sect, had suddenly accused Xiao Yan of murdering Mo Cheng, one of their external deacons.
Regardless of the truth, the situation quickly spiraled out of control from there. Matters escalated until Yun Leng was forced to summon the former sect leader and hidden ancestor of the Misty Cloud Sect—Yun Shan.
Had it not been for Hai Bodong's timely appearance, it would have been extremely difficult for Xiao Yan to descend the mountain unharmed. Without that intervention, he would likely have been trapped by the Misty Cloud Sect.
What shocked everyone even more was what followed shortly after—just days later, the Xiao Clan was attacked by a group of mysterious and powerful experts. The assault left many dead or gravely injured. And among the attackers… was none other than Yun Leng, the First Elder of the Misty Cloud Sect.
"It must be as we suspected," Cai Lin said, nodding lightly, her tone tinged with dense solemness. "Without the backing of a powerful force from the Central Plains, there's no way Yun Shan could have reached the Dou Zong class. At his age, he should have already begun declining, not advancing."
She paused, her gaze darkening. "It's likely that Yun Leng knew more about this hidden force. Perhaps that's why he personally led the attack on the Xiao Clan. Unfortunately, we can no longer extract anything from him… since he died in such an unexpected manner."
Ya Fei smiled helplessly and nodded in agreement. She vividly remembered how, upon learning of his father's abduction—and that Yun Leng was among the attackers—Xiao Yan immediately rushed to Misty Cloud Sect and unleashed a storm of fury upon them.
Astonishment hardly described how she felt when she heard the outcome. Yun Leng had fallen by Xiao Yan's hand, and even Yun Shan had been seriously wounded in the process. However, as expected, Xiao Yan eventually had to retreat, his strength not yet enough to fully turn the tide. He had been grievously wounded in the process.
Had she and Cai Lin not arrived swiftly to support him, guiding him to safety at Jia Nan Academy, the consequences might have been far worse.
"It seems Xiao Hua's words were true after all," Ya Fei said softly, a faint light of amazement in her eyes. "That young man is truly full of surprises…"
Cai Lin nodded, sharing the same sentiment when it came to Xiao Yan. She had long wondered what it was about that young man that had caught the attention of her future husband—but now, it seemed she finally understood.
A trace of astonishment rose within her heart—not only for Xiao Yan's remarkable potential, but also for Xiao Hua's far-reaching foresight.
Just as that thought crossed her mind, a faint fluctuation stirred within her communication jade. She swiftly retrieved it, and upon reading the message, the tension in her expression softened. It was from Li Mei.
Naturally, Ya Fei also reacted as her own jade lit up. The moment she confirmed the contents, it felt as though a heavy stone pressing on her heart had finally been lifted.
"With Sister Mei Ling and the Little Fairy Doctor performing monthly checkups on Xiao Hua, there's little reason for us to worry too much," Cai Lin said softly, exhaling a light sigh. Her crimson lips curved into a gentle, enchanting smile.
Ya Fei didn't speak, but the smile on her exquisite face was one of quiet relief. Even she had to admit—it was comforting news.
"By the way…" Cai Lin said, her expression shifting slightly as a memory surfaced. "Have you heard anything about Yun Yun lately?"
She was referring to the Sect Leader of Misty Cloud Sect—or rather, former Sect Leader, since Yun Shan had taken control and Yun Yun had mysteriously vanished not long after.
"Unfortunately, no," Ya Fei replied with a sigh, gently shaking her head. "I only heard whispers that Yun Yun was placed under house arrest for aiding Xiao Yan's escape… but beyond that, nothing more."
Xiao Yan had managed to escape not only thanks to Cai Lin and Ya Fei's timely assistance but also due to Yun Yun's unexpected intervention. She had personally removed the energy imprint Yun Shan had left on Xiao Yan, allowing him to flee without being tracked.
"It seems our man has a way of swaying even the aloof Yun Yun to take Xiao Yan's side…" Cai Lin said with a helpless expression, a trace of exasperation flickering in her eyes.
Ya Fei could only respond with a similar look of resignation. Though Yun Yun's actions could easily be seen as a betrayal to the sect that had raised her, both women understood her reasons all too well.
How could they not? Yun Yun's decision had everything to do with the ambiguous emotions she held toward Xiao Hua. While she had never voiced them openly, Cai Lin and Ya Fei—who shared those same feelings—could see through her heart with ease.
If not for her intervention, Xiao Yan's escape would have been nearly impossible, especially with the appearance of those mysterious experts who had delayed Cai Lin and Ya Fei during the attack on the Xiao Clan.
"We owe her a debt," Cai Lin said softly after a moment of silence. "Continue searching for news about her. Without her, Xiao Yan might not have made it out alive."
Then, with a teasing glint in her eyes, Ya Fei smiled and added, "Or is it because there's a chance she might become one of us, Sister Cai Lin?"
Cai Lin shook her head, a faint, helpless smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She knew this sister of hers would never miss a chance to tease her. Had it been anyone else, Cai Lin would have struck without hesitation. But when it came to her fellow sisters… she always softened, finding their teasing not only tolerable but oddly comforting.
"Anyway, I'll focus on finding out more about Yun Yun's situation," Ya Fei said with a light chuckle, clearly pleased that her teasing had landed. Then, with a soft smile, she added, "As for the Misty Cloud Sect... we'll leave that to the young man. When he returns, he'll surely take his revenge in his own time."
She turned her gaze toward Cai Lin's stomach, her expression tender. "In the meantime, Sister Cai Lin should get some rest. Prolonged stress isn't good for the child."
Cai Lin smiled warmly in response and gently caressed her belly, her eyes filled with affection. She nodded and gracefully returned to her throne.
Every time she sat like this, her mind would drift back to the days she had spent with Xiao Hua.
Though nothing particularly eventful had happened during that time—no great battles, no legendary encounters—they had simply passed each day together in peace. And yet, those quiet days had become the brightest and warmest moments of her life.
Cai Lin gently stroked her belly, her eyes soft as a quiet warmth flowed through her heart.
"It has only been a year… I will wait patiently, day after day, until the moment you are born. Not just me—your other mothers are waiting too. And your father… he's already prepared an entire list of medicinal pills he plans to gift you the moment you arrive."
Her voice, once gentle, suddenly turned cold—though the affection in her eyes remained undisturbed.
"Xiao Hua… if you dare not return within five years, even if you fall into the deepest abyss or are reduced to ash, this Queen will personally drag your soul back and skin you ten thousand times over."
Ya Fei smiled warmly at Cai Lin and the child growing within her. Though the child was not hers by blood, as one of Xiao Hua's lovers and future wives, she regarded the child as her own. After all, she and Cai Lin were sisters in heart and would one day marry the same man—how could she not rejoice for this child?
She too could hardly wait for the child's birth, already imagining how she would spoil the little one without restraint. For that reason, she had resolved to ensure that nothing would disturb Cai Lin's peace or endanger her childbirth, which was still a few years away.
Yet just as they began to settle into the illusion of peace, a message suddenly arrived from the Xiao Clan.
And with it came grim news—news that will bring deep frown on both women.
...
Dark clouds drifted slowly across the deep, black sky. Beneath them, a black-robed young man sat cross-legged atop a solitary mountain peak. Unmoving like ancient stone, he remained still, untouched by the wild winds that howled around him.
Suddenly, a single thread of light pierced through the gloom, descending from the heavens and streaking toward the vast sea of trees below. As if triggered by its arrival, more beams of light soon followed—one after another, cascading down in rapid succession, as though the first had awakened the rest.
The threads of light tore through the clouds, riddling them with holes. At last, the dark canopy could no longer endure; it was completely sundered. In that moment, a radiant and gentle sunlight burst forth, casting its brilliance over the forest that had weathered the torment of a stormy night.
The warm rays fell upon the black-robed young man seated atop the peak, illuminating a delicate yet handsome face—serene, composed, and unfazed.
As if sensing the shift in the world outside, the young man's tightly shut eyes stirred faintly. A thread of silver lightning lingered at his fingertip, flickering softly before quietly flowing into his body and vanishing without a trace.
With the disappearance of the lightning, the slight tremble of his eyelashes grew more pronounced. A breath later, as though breaking free from some unseen shackle, his eyes snapped open.
In that instant, a beam of silver lightning shot forth from his gaze—tangible, sharp, and overbearing—stretching more than ten feet before fading as quickly as it appeared.
The silver gleam vanished in a flash, and the pair of pitch-black eyes beneath returned to their usual calm, like still water after a storm.
His body quivered subtly before springing to its feet with graceful force. As he twisted his waist, the crisp sound of bones cracking echoed softly in the air. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips, deepening quietly as if in response to his body's awakening.
The black-robed young man slowly extended his palm and gently rubbed his fingertips together. At once, a faint thread of silver lightning emerged, crackling softly with a subtle hissing sound.
"Wind-Lightning Strength… I've finally refined it." His voice carried a trace of relief and satisfaction. "It's fortunate I had the aid of a Heavenly Flame. Without it, refining this energy would've been extremely difficult—perhaps even life-threatening."
A dry chuckle echoed in his heart as his voice faded.
"Ke ke. At least you're aware that this refinement was only made smooth thanks to the Heavenly Flame."
An aged, raspy voice sounded within his mind, followed by the emergence of an illusory figure—an old man's spirit drifting out from the dark, ancient ring on the young man's finger.
"Teacher," the young man said with a wry smile, "whoever created this 'Three Thousand Lightning Movement' must've been a madman. No wonder so many of Wind-Lightning Pavilion's most talented disciples end up stuck at this stage…"
He shook his head slightly, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. Though he had succeeded, he couldn't help but feel sympathy for those disciples forced to endure such harsh trials merely to prove their worth.
"Ke ke… that is, if the Wind-Lightning Pavilion still manages to stand," the old man chuckled, his tone laced with amusement. "Don't forget—they've provoked the one person they should never have crossed."
A faint grin curved his lips as he continued, "You and your cousin is quite similar to each other, Xiao Yan. If someone dares to harm his brothers and family without cause or reason, he'll return the favor a thousand-fold."
His gaze fell upon the black-robed young man, who nodded with a pleased smile, his eyes calm yet firm.
"In the Dou Qi Continent," the old man continued, "only the strong are respected. Fairness and justice are not granted—they're taken. To repay one's grudges and losses is the most natural thing in this world."
The black-robed youth slowly lifted his head. His smile faded, replaced by a sharp, unyielding gaze. His voice was low, yet carried the weight of ironclad resolve as he spoke to the clear-blue sky.
"Yun Shan… I, Xiao Yan, will repay the debt you and the Misty Cloud Sect owe me. If I fail to do so, I am unworthy of the Xiao name—I'll write my name backward!"
That youth… was none other than Xiao Yan—the main charactor of Battle Through the Heavens!
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