Chapter 80: Chapter 80 - Notable Scene!
While Xiao Zhan and the other two were in a heated argument, it finally became the turn of the main character, causing the three people in the stands to pause and look at the boy at the edge of the training ground.
Nearby, a few elders displayed mocking smiles as they gazed towards the training field.
"Let's see if our 'great genius' is still at Dou Qi Level Three."
"Genius? Just call him waste."
"Hey, keep it down, or the clan leader might hear and punish you."
The piercing remarks around the boy made his delicate figure clench his fists tightly, his face expressionless.
"What an ugly family!"
In a hidden pavilion not far away, Yun Yi's figure appeared. Naturally, he wouldn't miss such a notable scene. Indeed, upon arrival, he witnessed an interesting situation. To be honest, the early Xiao family was not likable at all, perhaps explaining why Xiao Yan was so arrogant during his glorious period.
"Dou Qi Level Three!"
"Xiao Yan, Dou Qi Level Three, Rank: Low!"
Following the indifferent announcement from the middle-aged man beside the testing magic stone, the bustling square erupted in mocking uproar.
"Level Three? Haha, just as I thought, this 'genius' hasn't made any progress this year!"
"Ugh, this waste is bringing shame to the family."
"If he weren't the clan leader's son, this kind of waste would have been kicked out long ago to fend for himself, rather than staying and freeloading."
On the platform, Xiao Zhan's face showed a trace of heartache at the ridicule directed at his son.
Below, the surrounding scornful laughter and sighs of regret resounded in Xiao Yan's ears like sharp thorns stabbing his heart, causing his breathing to become slightly hurried.
Xiao Yan slowly lifted his head, revealing a somewhat handsome yet tender face. His dark eyes woodenly scanned the mocking peers around him. The self-mockery on his lips turning even more bitter.
With a bitter smile, Xiao Yan turned and quietly moved to the last row of the group.
Watching the ridicule around, Yun Yi's face took on a peculiar look as he saw the elegant, lotus-like purple-clad girl beside Xiao Yan.
You laugh at Xiao Yan's fallen genius; Xiao Yan laughs at you not having a wealthy woman!
This first rich woman of the Dou Qi continent (before Zi Yan unified the Ancient Dragon tribe!) was already captured by Xiao Yan early on. No wonder he was the child of fortune!
Yun Yi's gaze lingered on this aristocratic girl from the ancient clan, with black flames flickering in his eyes. In them, two strange flames slowly danced.
One was white, emitting a cold aura, and the other was golden, with a terrifying high temperature that seemed to burn through the surrounding space.
"Bone-chilling Flame, Golden Emperor Burning Sky Flame!"
Looking at the two foreign flames before him, a trace of greed flashed in Yun Yi's eyes. He glanced at a hidden corner, suppressing his impulse.
There was a terrifying aura there, no less than Mu Gu. He estimated it to be a five-star Dou Zun. The protection force of the Ancient Clan's lady indeed couldn't be viewed according to the original novel.
A Dou Huang guard? Don't make me laugh!
Moreover, Gu Xun'er must have a space scroll to summon Gu Yuan. The Golden Emperor Burning Sky Flame couldn't be touched for now. It seemed he could only try to obtain the Bone-chilling Flame.
Repressing his thoughts, Yun Yi once again took a deep look at Xiao Yan and Gu Xun'er before his figure slowly vanished into the hidden shadows.
"Hmm?"
After Yun Yi disappeared, Gu Xun'er frowned slightly, looking perplexed in the direction where Yun Yi had been.
"Xun'er, are you feeling unwell?"
Hearing Xiao Yan's concerned voice beside her, Gu Xun'er snapped back to reality. Seeing Xiao Yan's worried face, a clear and elegant smile, that made surrounding girls envious, appeared on her beautiful face.
"Xun'er feels fine!" She gently shook her head and replied softly with a smile, her voice, though slightly immature, was warm and comforting. With earnest eyes, she looked at Xiao Yan and encouraged him, "Brother Xiao Yan, although I don't know exactly what's going on, Xun'er believes that you'll regain your former glory."
Seeing the light in the girl's eyes, Xiao Yan thought of his physical condition but dared not meet her gaze. He gave a self-deprecating smile and, desolately turning his head, slowly walked out of the square.
Gu Xun'er frowned at Xiao Yan's back, scanning her surroundings once more. Finding nothing, she hesitated for a moment before quickly leaving the square.
"What kind of feeling was that? Could it have been a misperception?" In the Bone Flame Ring, Yao Chen's low, solemn voice muttered. The fleeting tremor of Bone-chilling Flame also alerted him.
Out of caution towards the unknown, he decided to observe further!
"Cunning fox!"
In the distant back mountain, Yun Yi withdrew his soul power. He hadn't expected Gu Xun'er and Yao Chen to sense him. If he hadn't left quickly, he might have been discovered by Gu Xun'er.
To obtain the recognition of the Golden Emperor Burning Sky Flame, Gu Xun'er was indeed extraordinary!
Considering the subsequent reactions of several people, he arrived at a hidden spot. With a spirit realm soul, he could see through everyone's posture. Naturally, he also felt the soul fluctuation of Yao Chen. He just didn't expect the other party to be so cautious.
"Old thing, let's see how long you can hold out."
On the mountaintop, Yun Yi sat silently, then a mischievous smile crossed his lips. But thinking of Gu Xun'er and the hidden figures, he paused for a moment before speaking plainly.
"Soul Pool!"
With Yun Yi's words, a black-robed figure silently appeared behind him, bowing and calling, "Young Master!"
Facing the eerie figure, who was assigned as a bodyguard by the Void Swallowing Flame, Yun Yi calmly spoke. The figure wasn't a Dou Sheng or even a half-Saint. It was merely a nine-star Dou Zun, meant to serve as his assistant.
Looking at the figure, Yun Yi coldly asked, "How many others are in hiding around here?"
After hesitating for a moment, the Soul Pool respectfully replied, "There are still two people in hiding. Both are five-star Dou Zuns. They are members of the Soul Hall from the northwest continent and can be mobilized."
Nodding, Yun Yi asked, "Have you identified who the hidden people are?"
Hearing Yun Yi's question, the Soul Pool's expression became solemn. He gravely replied, "Young Master, I discovered two six-star Dou Zuns in hiding. Their aura is from the Ancient Clan."
In truth, the Soul Pool was also baffled. What would the Ancient Clan be doing in this remote place?
Who were they protecting?
Unable to decipher Gu Xun'er's identity due to Gu Yuan's methods, the Soul Pool remained befuddled. As their old rival, he was too familiar with the Ancient Clan's aura to mistake it.
"I got it. Just give orders to avoid conflict with them for now but keep an eye on them," Yun Yi calmly instructed.
A breeze passed, and the Soul Pool figure vanished without a trace. The mountaintop returned to its former tranquility.
"Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river, don't bully the young and poor!"
The next day, Yun Yi witnessed another notable scene. Nalan Yanran arrived to annul the engagement, only to have Xiao Yan turn it into a repudiation, setting a three-year agreement. Following a series of actions, the wheels of fate began to turn.
From here, the first Dou Di in ten thousand years of the Dou Qi continent was born, an Emperor who would shake the Great Thousand World and dominate the Endless Flame Domain.
And the cause of it all was the girl before him—Nalan Yanran.
If Hun Tiandi knew his millennia-long scheme would crumble at the hands of Nalan Yanran and the Yun Lan Sect, he might have angrily destroyed the Jiama Empire.
Watching Xiao Yan, who angrily ran towards the back mountain of the Xiao family, Yun Yi smirked.
"Old fox, let's see how long you can hide!"
No one noticed a hidden shadow following the angry Xiao Yan.
On the rear mountain, Xiao Yan listlessly stared at the precipitous mountain shrouded in mist across from him. It was the renowned Magic Beast Mountain Range of the Jiama Empire. Xiao Yan dug his fingers into his black hair, teeth clenched, letting the faint metallic taste spread in his mouth.
"Hehe, strength... strength..."
"Hehe, little boy, looks like you need help?" As Xiao Yan was wallowing in bitterness, an old, eerie laugh suddenly reached his ears.
The sudden voice changed Xiao Yan's expression, making him alertly scan his surroundings.
"Hehe, no need to search. I'm right here."
The voice sounded again, followed by a burst of soul force. The black, ancient ring on Xiao Yan's right hand began floating, and under his horrified gaze, a transparent, aged figure dressed in white emerged.
If not for his other traits, he did have a somewhat sage-like appearance!
"Who are you?"
After a series of questions, Xiao Yan was successfully coaxed by Yao Chen into becoming his disciple.
Witnessing the respectful Xiao Yan complete the formalities with meticulous care, Yao Chen nodded in satisfaction. However, a trace of helplessness lingered in his eyes. Overall, he was satisfied with Xiao Yan.
Three years of hardship had molded Xiao Yan into the disciple he desired. But the appearance of Nalan Yanran disrupted his plans.
He originally planned to appear in a few days, but fearing Xiao Yan's spirit might be completely crushed, making it counterproductive, he had to show up now.
Yet, that feeling from yesterday lingered like a bone stuck in his throat, making him uneasy.
For now, he could only take it one step at a time!
"Teacher, when will you start teaching me alchemy?" Xiao Yan, rolling his eyes, set his sights on the most crucial aspect.
"Your priority should be diligent cultivation. Once you reach Dou Zhe and practice a fire-type technique, you can start learning alchemy!" Yao Chen said solemnly, rolling his eyes.
"Fire-type technique?"
"Is it a Tian-tier technique?"
"Nonsense, you think Tian-tier techniques are common?" Just initiated and already greedy, Yao Chen almost tore his beard off, berating jokingly, crying and laughing simultaneously.
Seeing the cheeky Xiao Yan, he helplessly said, "I don't have a Tian-tier technique, but I have one more mysterious than a Tian-tier technique. Want to learn?"
"More mysterious than a Tian-tier technique?" With a heartbeat and a gulp, Xiao Yan's eyes sparked as he eagerly asked, "What's its grade?"
"It's…"
"I'm quite curious too. What grade is a technique more mysterious than a Tian-tier?"
"Hope old Mr. Yao doesn't mind sharing with us!"
(Chapter ends.)
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