Chapter 407: Everyone Levels Up
Upon returning to Ancient Dragon Island, Xiao Yuan immediately noticed a change in the atmosphere. The previously hidden, powerful auras on the island had subtly increased in number. This discovery gave him a slight chill. These formidable presences—previously undetectable—were likely the elders who had long cultivated in the void. Now that the Dragon Emperor had returned to power, those elders who had refused to fight over the internal division had finally come back under the banner of East Dragon Island.
"At last, the strength of East Dragon Island is rising. Once Zi Yan finishes her seclusion, we might finally begin unifying the Ancient Dragon Clan."
Xiao Yuan muttered to himself. Of course, he knew this path would not be easy. But that was fine—he had faith in Zi Yan, and faith in himself. With him here, the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan would be united.
"Hehe, Xiao Yuan, you've finally returned. That Void Thunder Pool was far too dangerous—I truly worried something might happen to you there," said Elder Zhu Li, smiling as he appeared before Xiao Yuan and Hei Qing, who had just stepped onto the island.
"Thanks for your concern, Elder Zhu Li. But I gained quite a bit from this trip," Xiao Yuan replied with a grin. His eyes drifted behind Zhu Li, where two unfamiliar white-robed elders stood. Though he had never seen them before, the faint auras radiating from them suggested they were at least peak Dou Zun level—though he couldn't tell how many turns.
"Hehe, these two are elders of our Ancient Dragon Clan. They've been cultivating in the void and only just returned," Zhu Li explained, noticing Xiao Yuan's curiosity.
"Elders," Xiao Yuan said with a friendly nod, offering no formal salute—especially since even Zhu Li refused his bow. The two elders, already informed of Xiao Yuan's relationship with the Dragon Emperor and his strength, smiled and nodded back respectfully.
"Xiao Yuan!"
A joyful voice called out from below. A green figure flashed upward and landed lightly in front of him.
"Qing Lian?" Xiao Yuan lit up. "You're out of seclusion?"
"Mhm! Thanks to the dragon aura in the Ancient Dragon Tomb—and with some help from the elders—we managed to refine the Nine-Headed Heavenly Serpent's soul."
She smiled sweetly.
"Hehe, though the serpent soul isn't completely erased, it no longer poses a threat. It'll be fully refined in time," added Zhu Li with a pleased nod.
Xiao Yuan's gaze swept over Qing Lian, and he raised an eyebrow—her aura had reached Six-Star Dou Zun.
"Hehe, with the Triple-Colored Eyes and the Nine-Headed Serpent Soul—both of which are uniquely hers—it's no wonder her strength skyrocketed. But you? After just two months, you jumped from peak Four-Star to Six-Star Dou Zun. That's even more astonishing," Zhu Li commented.
"Elder Zhu Li, any idea when Zi Yan will leave seclusion?" Xiao Yuan asked after a pause.
"Not yet. This time, Her Majesty's retreat is long-term. I don't know when she'll emerge," Zhu Li said with a slight frown.
Xiao Yuan nodded quietly. "Then I'll take my leave. There are some matters I must handle."
Zhu Li didn't object. The current tension on East Dragon Island was high, with constant vigilance against the other three islands. Keeping Xiao Yuan here might pose a danger—those Dragon Kings wouldn't hesitate to use him to threaten the Dragon Emperor.
After a moment of thought, Zhu Li nodded and took out a delicate silver jade slip. "Take this spatial token. If you ever need to return, crush it—it will open a portal to bring you here."
Xiao Yuan smiled and accepted the jade. "Thank you. If you ever need me, don't hesitate. I'll do all I can to help."
"Absolutely. When you get back to Starfall Pavilion, give Yao Chen my regards. Advancing to Dou Sheng—he really turned misfortune into fortune," Zhu Li said with a smile, nodding to Hei Qing.
Hei Qing waved his hand and tore open space. "Xiao Yuan, after you."
With one last nod, Xiao Yuan stepped in. Qing Lian and Hei Qing followed, and the spatial rift closed behind them.
Amid the lush green mountains, faint beast roars echoed. Suddenly, a spatial crack opened in mid-air, and three figures emerged.
Hoo...
Xiao Yuan took in the boundless mountains and the blue sky, exhaling deeply. Compared to the endless void, this vibrant land felt much more alive.
"Xiao Yuan, just half a day north is Starfall Pavilion. Due to the clan's situation, I must return quickly. I won't be able to escort you personally," Hei Qing said after checking his bearings.
"Thanks, Brother Hei Qing," Xiao Yuan replied with a smile.
"Don't mention it. I'm off!" Hei Qing waved and disappeared into a rift.
"Let's go," Xiao Yuan said, turning northward. Qing Lian followed close behind.
Half a day later, the familiar forest came into view.
In Starfall Pavilion's council hall, Yao Chen was chatting with Elder Feng when he suddenly smiled and said, "He's back."
As his words fell, space in the hall rippled, and two figures appeared.
"Xiao Yuan?" Elder Feng blinked, stunned, then his face twisted in shock—Xiao Yuan's aura had already surpassed his own!
"Looks like you gained a lot," Yao Chen said with a chuckle.
Xiao Yuan nodded, sat down, and briefly recounted his experiences in the Ancient Dragon Clan. The two elders nodded quietly in response.
"Tch. Who would've thought you'd make ties with the Ancient Dragons? Still, it'll be a powerful backing in the future," Yao Chen remarked, then added, "Word is… the final piece of the Nether Lotus Flame map has surfaced."
"Oh?" Xiao Yuan raised an eyebrow.
"In Central Plains, every few years there's a secret spatial trading conference. Ordinary powerhouses know nothing of it. Even some Dou Zuns can't get in without special channels," Yao Chen explained. "To attend, you must at least be peak Dou Zong. Most there are true elites."
"Peak Dou Zong just to qualify…"
Xiao Yuan nodded. That was already a level targeted by major factions—yet here, it was merely the entry bar. No wonder he'd never heard of the place before.
"And the last piece of the Nether Lotus Flame map will appear at this conference?"
"Yes. I have some connections and learned the current holder plans to trade it. He only has one piece and wants something of value in exchange," Yao Chen said.
"Then the price will surely be high," Xiao Yuan frowned.
"Well… we are three Tier 8 alchemists. If he's greedy, we'll just kill him," Xiao Yuan added coldly.
Yao Chen laughed. "I doubt it'll come to that. I'm a Tier 9 alchemist now—even Dou Shengs think twice before provoking me."
And he was right. Tier 9 alchemists were exceedingly rare, revered even by ancient clans.
"Congrats, teacher. With that status, I can finally walk around like a boss."
Yao Chen shot him a look and chuckled. "You rascal. You used to be cautious. Now your tail's curled to the heavens!"
"Hehe. As long as I don't run into a Dou Sheng, I'm good," Xiao Yuan said confidently.
"But the trading event happens every ten years—it's still nearly a year away. Before that, you and Xiao Yan need to visit the Gu Clan."
"In a month, they'll host their once-every-twenty-years coming-of-age ceremony. Only their most elite young members can participate."
He paused, then added, "Xun'er will be among them."
"Not many factions even receive invitations. If I hadn't reached Dou Sheng, Starfall Pavilion likely wouldn't qualify."
Yao Chen pulled out a black jade invitation etched with intricate markings.
"This is the invitation. Only with it can you enter the Gu Realm. Originally, I was going to go myself, but you know the situation here. Many old powerhouses joined us because of my reputation—but it's my strength as a Dou Sheng that keeps Soul Hall at bay."
"So this mission falls to you, Young Pavilion Master."
He handed the invitation to Xiao Yuan.
"Don't worry, teacher. I won't bring shame to your name."
Xiao Yuan's expression hardened as he accepted the jade.
The Gu Clan… Time to face that colossus.
"Haha! I'm not worried," Yao Chen laughed and patted his shoulder. "In a few days, head out with Xiao Yan. You're not just representing Starfall Pavilion—but the Xiao Clan. Be bold. Whatever happens, I've got your back."
"Mm!"
"Brother! You're back!"
Xiao Yan appeared with a flash.
"Hehe, what's the rush? Can't wait to see Xun'er?"
Xiao Yuan eyed him—wait, was this kid at Five-Star Dou Zun now?
"Wait—weren't you Two-Star when I left?" he asked, shocked.
"Yeah. I had a lot of stored energy from the Three Thousand Burning Flame. I finally finished refining it."
"Well done!"
"Take Lord Skyfire and Little Doctor Immortal with you," Yao Chen said. "With my help and some pills, Lord Skyfire is now peak Three-Turn Dou Zun. And Little Doctor Immortal just left seclusion—probably around Eight- or Nine-Star now."
Xiao Yuan's jaw dropped. "Seriously??? What are you all eating? Rocket pills?"
"What about Cai Lin?" he asked. He hadn't seen her since returning.
"She just received a Tier 9 Supreme Pill and went into closed-door cultivation," Yao Chen replied with a grin.
"What?! Teacher! I didn't even get one!"
Xiao Yuan sighed dramatically.
(END CHAPTER)
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