Chapter 153.2 : Half-Step Dou God?

"Really?" Venerable Yao Chen's tone echoed with a hint of desolation.

Xiao Yan wasn't sure what to make of it.

"Your Excellency, do you know why that lord didn't leave the imperial family?" Venerable Yao Chen asked curiously.

"Dou Sheng can initiate the transformation of his own bloodline, and after ascending to Dou God, the bloodline undergoes a complete transformation, affecting all blood relatives."

"I see," Ran replied with a smile. "That individual consumed his own clan."

"What!?" Venerable Yao's complexion shifted dramatically, his voice laden with gloom. "Through the means of devouring the blood of the soul race?"

"No," Ran waved his hand dismissively, his tone casual. "It's because his body hosts a Heavenly Flame."

"What!?" Venerable Yao's eyes widened, feeling as though he had just stumbled upon a significant revelation.

"..." Xiao Yan, ever perceptive, began to connect the dots.

Countless legends of the Dou God circulated throughout the ancient continent, but at a certain point in history, they inexplicably vanished. It wasn't until much later that Tou She Ancient God emerged, hailed as the final Dou God of the Heavenly Flame Continent. 

Venerable Yao had stumbled upon the mysterious cultivation method within the unknown cave, rumored to be the technique of this Dou God.

The revelation hit like a hammer.

To think that the body of the ancient Tou She Ancient God housed a Heavenly Flame. The method of cultivation, centered around absorbing Heavenly Flame to enhance one's strength, seemed mundane yet profound.

"The refinement of the Heavenly Flame is straightforward and crude," Ran remarked casually.

"Then I'll cultivate, so I won't be caught off guard by the environment, right?" Xiao Yan inquired eagerly, mindful of his relatively low cultivation base. If he found the technique uncomfortable, he could always start anew.

Venerable Yao possessed a high-level fire-fan technique, a valuable asset in Xiao Yan's journey.

"There might be some adjustment to the environment, but it's manageable," Ran reassured.

"Meaning it's risky, but there's a path forward?" Venerable Yao's eyes gleamed with newfound hope.

"Indeed," Ran affirmed.

"Yan'er?" Venerable Yao directed a questioning gaze at Xiao Yan, reminiscent of their earlier interactions during his breakthrough to the fighter rank.

The decision ultimately rested with Xiao Yan, just as it did when he first embarked on his martial journey. The path to Douzong, Dou Zun, and perhaps even the realm of saints lay before him, ripe with potential for breakthroughs.

Choosing a path fraught with peril, yet destined for greatness, Xiao Yan found himself in a quandary.

After some contemplation, he turned to Ran and asked, "Friend, do you plan to cultivate alone once you obtain the Flame Mantra?"

"I have no intention of solitary cultivation," Ran replied firmly.

He knew it was only a matter of time before he ascended to the rank of Dou Di. With the Time Emperor ability in his possession, this ascent wouldn't be prolonged. Moreover, there were lucrative rewards awaiting him.

Given these circumstances, what need was there to endure the bitterness and swallow the Heavenly Flame?

To cultivate the tactic was merely a preparatory step for further exploration.

"In that case, Master, I shall adhere to the original path," Xiao Yan promptly decided.

To seek guidance from a fellow countryman implied no competition. That was undesirable.

The Path of Traversing-Welcome was undoubtedly a vigorous journey.

"Very well, Master will assist you diligently!" Venerable Yao nodded approvingly.

"Maintain your ambition," Ran added his praise.

Xiao Yan scratched his head, feeling inexplicably sheepish.

Beside him, Yunyun smiled in agreement, though inwardly she longed for a worthy adversary.

She felt exasperated; how could these three converse so freely in front of her, withholding information?

Their camaraderie was bewildering.

The Burning Tactics.

Though she recognized the words individually, their amalgamation confounded her.

Too intricate!

"Senior, did you journey to the Warcraft Mountains solely to locate Xiao Yan?" Yunyun couldn't resist asking, seeking confirmation.

If Ran's purpose was indeed linked to Xiao Yan, she resolved not to seek retribution for their three-year pact.

However, it was evident that Ran harbored no animosity toward her or Misty Cloud Sect else he wouldn't have disclosed the terms of the pact and imparted a formidable wind attribute fighting technique to her.

Yun Yun's inquiry left Xiao Yan feeling somewhat perplexed.

Ran and Yunyun's distant relationship, as implied by her addressing him, puzzled him further.

Was heterochromia becoming more prevalent around him?

"I've come to find Xiao Yan. Finding a comrade isn't easy." Ran admitted without hesitation.

Xiao Yan's presence ignited a spark within him.

Indeed, traversing through such circumstances leaves one feeling somewhat displaced.

Without a father figure who treated him well, fitting in would prove challenging.

The camaraderie among Blue Star compatriots is genuine, especially considering their shared China heritage.

"Is the senior from Wu Tancheng or the imperial capital of the Jia Ma Empire?" Cloud queried.

Xiao Yan's demeanor remained open in Wu Tancheng.

Although his lineage once shone brightly, he belonged to one of the imperial martial clans.

However, something felt awry.

If Wu Tancheng and the Jia Ma Empire were akin to fellow villagers, then so was her Yunyun.

"It's an unspoken truth," Ran evaded.

Yunyun refrained from pressing further; her inquiries weren't any easier.

"The connection between the senior and Xiao Yan?"

"We're friends," Ran stated simply.

"Friends?" Yun Yun murmured wistfully, "I wish for such companionship too."

Xiao Yan grinned knowingly.

Do you see?

This is my grand China.

Even within Bluestar, my grand China may be the least esteemed nation, yet it's always the first to aid brethren abroad.

And now, even in the Otherworld, I still hail from China.

The venerable Yao expressed a degree of admiration.

What fortune befell his foolish apprentice?

"Comrade, may I inquire about your current strength?" Xiao Yan asked with curiosity.

Yunyun and the venerable Yao leaned in attentively.

"Between Dou Saint and Dou God," Ran replied nonchalantly.

Xiao Yan: ?

Venerable Yao: ??

Yunyun: ???

A Peak Fighter?

A Half-step Dou God.

"Apprentice, this is your leg," Venerable Yao exclaimed, looking at Xiao Yan in disbelief.

Xiao Yan muttered, feeling as though he were in a dream.

"Snap out of it."

"It's broken, it hurts."

"This isn't a dream."

"Wuhu, take off."

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