Chapter 142: I Must Get Stronger!
Daling City, located in the northwestern province of the Jia Ma Empire, wasn't quite on the level of the imperial capital's major cities, but it was still far superior to Wu Tan City. Owing to its proximity to the expansive Magic Beast Mountain Range that spanned much of the empire, it drew in countless adventurers and merchant caravans, filling the city with unceasing vitality.
At the city's northern gate, a constant flow of people nearly clogged the entrance. Just beyond the gate, the vast Magic Beast Mountains loomed endlessly. Scattered mercenary teams moved in and out like ants. Occasionally, a cart carrying the corpses of magical beasts would burst from the forest, kicking up dust and instantly drawing envious stares. After all, hunting worthwhile prey in that mountain range was no simple feat.
After leaving Misty Cloud Sect, Xiao Yuan reunited with Xiao Yan, and the two had traveled swiftly to this border city.
From here, after crossing a few more fortress outposts, they'd have a clear path to the Black-Corner Region, where Jia Nan Academy was located.
The journey had taken them a full month, but their efforts weren't in vain—both had made breakthroughs in strength.
Even more to Xiao Yuan's delight, Xiao Yan had discovered a damaged jade slip that happened to contain the technique for the "Three Mysterious Changes of Heavenly Flame."
While training together, Xiao Yuan was present during the deciphering process, allowing him to snag the cultivation method as well.
The "Three Mysterious Changes of Heavenly Flame" was one of the core secret techniques of the powerful Middle Continent sect, Flame Valley. Cultivating this method allowed one to temporarily boost strength using Heavenly Flame.
For someone like Xiao Yan with the Green Lotus Core Flame, and Xiao Yuan with the Yin-Yang Twin Flame, it was a perfect match.
Even better—Xiao Yuan knew this technique was the foundation for practicing the Xiao Clan's ancestral flame marks.
Unfortunately, the technique they had was incomplete. One day, he would have to visit the Central Plains and demand the full version.
After a month of shared cultivation and insight, Xiao Yuan, with his terrifying aptitude for Dou Techniques, had already mastered the current version of the technique, and had even helped Xiao Yan reach an introductory level of understanding.
They had stopped in Daling City to replenish their supplies. Beyond this point, as they neared the Black-Corner Region, they wouldn't have many opportunities to restock.
Their next stretch would lead through military fortresses, where resources would be far scarcer.
"By the way, there's a Heavenly Flame rumored to be at the Academy, right? I think it's called the Falling Heart Flame?"
As they walked through the streets, Xiao Yuan suddenly turned to Xiao Yan.
"Yeah, getting into Jia Nan Academy is mainly to pursue that flame. Honestly, I don't think any teacher there can compare to Master's guidance."
Xiao Yan nodded seriously.
He had been experimenting with fusing flames, but it was still too difficult. His soul power simply wasn't enough to control two flames simultaneously—unless Yao Lao helped.
But wasting Master's soul strength just to practice wasn't something he could justify.
"Haha, that's true. Teacher was likely a Dou Zun in his prime—his perspective is far broader. But the Academy's instructors probably have useful experience too."
Xiao Yuan smiled.
"Speaking of which, Master, we already have three Heavenly Flames now. The only remaining issue is the seventh-tier Soul Merging Blood Pill and a Dou Zong-level body, right?"
Xiao Yuan asked.
"Hehe, you two are more eager than I am!"
Yao Lao chuckled.
"Well, flaunting a Dou Zun-level teacher has its perks!"
Xiao Yuan grinned.
"Bah! Instead of relying on me, you should focus on your own strength!"
Yao Lao snorted, flicking Xiao Yuan's brow with a wisp of soul force.
"Brother, quit teasing Master."
Xiao Yan shook his head. He'd noticed how Xiao Yuan kept bringing up Yao Lao's revival since leaving Misty Cloud Sect—clearly still fixated.
"Sigh, it's just that my growth feels slow. I'm already eighteen, and I'm still just a Da Dou Shi."
Xiao Yuan sighed helplessly.
Xiao Yan nearly stumbled. Was he hearing this right?
For a normal eighteen-year-old, even reaching Dou Shi would be considered a prodigy.
Xiao Yuan was already at four-star, nearly five-star Da Dou Shi—and he was complaining?
"Brother… are you trying to jab at me?"
After a pause, Xiao Yan grumbled.
"No, no. I'm serious. At this point, I can still grow with medicinal energy, but eventually, I'll need five times more energy than others to progress. That's not sustainable."
Xiao Yuan spoke frankly.
What he craved now—was power.
And the reason…
Before leaving Misty Cloud Sect, he'd tried to sneak a kiss from Yun Yun.
But she denied him—with a peck on the cheek—and then flung him off the mountain!
And not just a little.
By the time he stopped flying, he could see the whole mountain range from a distance.
He could still hear her teasing laughter in his ears.
Unforgivable!
He swore to become a Dou Huang, pin her down, and kiss her all the way from Misty Cloud Peak to the valley!
"Indeed, once you hit Dou Wang, you'll need fifth-tier herbs or better. And those are already rare enough just for refining—let alone using them purely for cultivation."
Yao Lao's voice rang out, calm but confident.
That tone hinted at something.
"Wait… you have a method?"
Xiao Yuan's eyes narrowed.
Xiao Yan, sensing trouble, perked up. Something felt off.
"Hehe, I do. But… it won't be easy."
Yao Lao's sly tone returned.
"Suffering? No big deal! If it makes me stronger faster, I'm in!"
Xiao Yuan declared boldly.
Xiao Yan remained quiet.
A little suffering? More like a lot!
Last time, Yao Lao had said "You'll feel a little pain" before using the Bloodburn Technique—and Xiao Yuan nearly passed out.
This time… it was going to be worse.
"But since you're shopping anyway, and running low on pills, stock up on these herbs."
As Yao Lao finished, a flash from Xiao Yan's ring revealed a list full of materials.
"Good thing we stopped here."
Xiao Yuan exhaled. He asked for directions to the Mittel auction house.
"I'll go handle something else. Let's meet at the west gate."
Xiao Yan handed over the list, and the two split up.
Entering the auction house, Xiao Yuan scanned the area and stopped at a curtain labeled "VIP Reception." He hesitated, then took out a golden-purple card etched with seven markings.
It had been activated by Hai Lao personally.
With this, he would receive top treatment at any Mittel establishment.
Card in hand, he entered the VIP room.
Half an hour later, the curtain parted. Cloaked in white robes, he stepped out, satisfied.
With the VIP privileges, most of the herbs and survival tools he needed were already secured.
Sometimes, mooching really was sweet.
After collecting everything, he met Xiao Yan. They left the city and found a secluded spot. With Xiao Yuan assisting and Xiao Yan doing the heavy lifting, they refined another batch of pills—leaving Xiao Yan so exhausted he slept for an entire day before they resumed their journey.
Because Xiao Yan couldn't fly, Xiao Yuan carried him most of the way. Without Xiao Yuan's absurd stamina and Xiao Yan's pill reserves, the journey could've taken half a year.
After another half month of grueling travel, the endless mountain range ahead began to thin. In the distance, a vast, dark plain loomed—cutting a black line between two worlds.
"The Black Plain?"
Xiao Yuan's tired face lit up with renewed energy. A relieved smile stretched across his face.
According to the map, this was the gateway to the Black-Corner Region—a chaotic realm separated from the outside world.
The Black-Corner Region—known as the continent's most lawless zone—was home to outcasts, fugitives, and dangerous races. It was like a microcosm of the entire continent.
Here, there was only one law: the law of the jungle.
The weak had no rights.
And yet, within this chaos stood the famed Jia Nan Academy.
The area around the academy was peaceful. Anyone who brought chaos there would, by the next day, be found hanging lifeless on a tree along the border.
There had never been an exception.
"Let's rest first. Keeping yourself at peak condition in the Black-Corner Region is essential."
Yao Lao's voice echoed.
Xiao Yuan exhaled and descended with Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan hadn't used much Dou Qi, so he immediately took up a guard stance.
Xiao Yuan sat cross-legged and began meditating.
From here onward, flying was out of the question.
Flight techniques were coveted—even Dou Wangs would kill for them.
Flight plus speed meant life or death.
The bleak plain stretched endlessly, black soil under a dim sky. A suffocating aura lingered in the air, breeding lawlessness and disorder.
On this silent plain, two figures—one in black, one in white—dashed forward.
The black figure moved with explosive momentum, the white with elegance and grace. Both were lightning fast, covering over a hundred meters in a breath.
While running, the black figure—Xiao Yan—lifted his head and muttered, "Damn, this place is stifling. Why haven't we seen a single soul?"
"Let's keep going. Hai Lao's map doesn't include the Black Plain. We'll have to reach a town and buy a local one."
Xiao Yuan replied.
"Right."
Xiao Yan nodded and the two continued their rush into the unknown.
(END CHAPTER)
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