Chapter 381: Seeing Hei Qing Again

The commotion caused by Xiao Ming's breakthrough once again attracted a wave of attention.

The alchemists around his mansion felt the fluctuation of the surrounding power of heaven and earth. Each of them twitched their mouths, feeling that their days were becoming unbearable.

Why were the people in Xiao Ming's mansion breaking through so frequently, and even breaking through major realms? Otherwise, the influence of the power of heaven and earth wouldn't be so widespread!

How were they supposed to refine pills and study alchemy properly in this condition?

Some of those living near Xiao Ming's residence complained while others remained silent. What they could perceive was that someone in Xiao Ming's mansion had broken through to the Dou Venerate realm.

Dou Venerate, the current pinnacle of strength on the continent. Once someone stepped into the Dou Venerate realm, they became a true top-tier powerhouse. For example, the Four Great Pavilions were considered a top force because each of them was supported by a Dou Venerate-level expert.

And now, someone in Xiao Ming's mansion had broken through. If it was Xiao Ming himself, it would be truly remarkable. Before long, the Dazzling Visage Alchemy Ancestor would have to be renamed to the Dazzling Visage Alchemy Venerate.

"It's a pity that Elder Xiao Ming seems gentle, but it's not so easy to establish a connection with him. I don't know how many women have been sent to him, only to be sent back later," someone sighed in secret.

...

Excluding those with special physiques like the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python and the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils, it would normally take one to three years for a regular nine-star Dou Ancestor to break through that thin film and reach the Dou Venerate realm by accumulating energy.

Although Xiao Ming didn't possess a special physique, he had the Dou Saint Bone Marrow, so he didn't need to spend that much time.

One and a half months later...

Within the inner region of Holy Pill City, a terrifying and vast aura suddenly surged up, reaching into the sky, and causing a great commotion!

In the courtyard, Venerable Tian Huo raised his head abruptly, his face filled with joy.

"Xiao Ming has succeeded..."

Inside the room, after Xiao Ming successfully broke through, he didn't rush to leave seclusion. Instead, he consumed another piece of the Dou Saint Bone Marrow.

Over half a month passed...

Inside the secret room, Xiao Ming closed his eyes tightly, emanating a powerful aura throughout his body.

"Ah, I knew it, Xiao Ming, my little friend, you were indeed in the Pill Tower..."

Suddenly, a spatial rift tore open a few meters in front of him, and a burly figure crawled out of it, yelling at him.

As Xiao Ming heard the voice while cultivating, he abruptly opened his eyes, his gaze shooting towards the intruder like flames.

When Hei Qing saw Xiao Ming's current appearance, his body slightly froze, and he stopped in his tracks.

Seeing the familiar figure, Xiao Ming's sharp gaze softened.

"Senior Hei Qing?"

The person who rushed out of the spatial rift had a sturdy and robust figure, exuding a strong and fierce aura. He was the powerful member of the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe, Hei Qing, whom Xiao Ming had encountered once before in the spatial passage.

Seeing Hei Qing, Xiao Ming understood what was going on. It was most likely related to Zi Yan encountering some issues while absorbing the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit. Judging from the timing, it was indeed around this time that he should come.

Of course, even though he knew, he still had to pretend a little in front of Hei Qing.

"Senior Hei Qing... why are you here?" Xiao Ming's tone was filled with surprise.

"Ah, there's something I need your help with... I was sent by those old folks in our tribe to find you. It's a good thing your reputation in the Central Plains is not low; otherwise, I wouldn't be able to find you..." Hei Qing regained his senses, feeling as if he had encountered a savior. He quickly pounced towards Xiao Ming, heaving a sigh of relief.

Xiao Ming raised his hand to stop Hei Qing and frowned. "Is something wrong with Zi Yan?"

"Well, it's not really a big problem, but she needs your help... If you have time, come with me," Hei Qing scratched his head and said.

"Come? Go where?"

Suddenly, an ethereal and melodious voice rang out.

Hei Qing heard the voice and quickly turned his head, only to see a human woman dressed in a plain-colored long dress, exuding an elegant aura, standing behind him.

Sensing the newcomer's cultivation level, Hei Qing's pupils contracted.

'A nine-star Dou Venerate!'

Indeed, Xiao Yi Xian had broken through to the nine-star Dou Venerate realm with the help of the Dou Saint Bone Marrow, making her even stronger than Hei Qing.

'Damn, how did these people break through so quickly! Xiao Ming is one thing, but now there's someone even more outrageous here!' Hei Qing was speechless.

When he last saw Xiao Ming and the others, they were all weaklings. Now, upon meeting again, someone's cultivation level had surpassed his own.

Xiao Yi Xian's eyes were filled with doubt as she looked at Hei Qing before her. She had noticed something strange in Xiao Ming's secluded room and came over to check it out. Upon arriving, she heard that Hei Qing wanted to take Xiao Ming away.

It was only because she recognized Hei Qing as Zi Yan's tribe member that she didn't immediately attack him; otherwise, she would have treated him as an intruder. After all, suddenly running into someone's secluded room was not something a decent person would do.

After Xiao Yi Xian appeared, Medusa and Venerable Tian Huo also arrived by Xiao Ming's side. At this moment, Medusa's aura was more than ten times stronger than before, indicating that she had broken through to the Dou Venerate realm.

"Where are you taking Xiao Ming?" Medusa's gaze sharpened as she heard Xiao Yi Xian's question.

"It's related to Zi Yan! The specific reason will be known once we get there. If there's nothing urgent, can we leave now? This matter is of great importance, and we can't afford any mishaps," Hei Qing said solemnly.

"Zi Yan?!" Medusa didn't know Hei Qing, but upon hearing the name Zi Yan, she couldn't sit still, feeling that something might have happened to her. She looked at Xiao Ming.

"I'll go with you, but can I bring one more person?" Xiao Ming asked. That person naturally referred to Medusa. She had been wanting to return to the North-Western Region. After meeting Zi Yan, it would be about time.

"Yes, that's fine," Hei Qing nodded. He waved his palm in front of him, tearing open a spatial rift, and then he entered it.

Xiao Ming didn't rush in but instead gave some instructions to Xiao Yi Xian. First, he asked her to inform Cao Ying, who served as a bridge between them and Pill Tower, that he needed to leave for a while. Second, he told her to cultivate diligently during his absence because when he returned, he would make a big move.

After finishing his instructions, Xiao Ming and Medusa disappeared into the spatial rift with a swish, and along with the rift, they vanished from sight.

...

The interior of the spatial crack consisted of a strange passage that was filled with a faint silver light. The passage extended to an unknown end, and Xiao Ming and the others were flying rapidly within it.

'He is indeed worthy of being an Ancient Void Dragon. To be able to build such a long-distance passage with just the strength of one person...' Xiao Ming marveled as he looked at the surrounding spatial passage.

Even as a three-star Dou Venerate, he couldn't casually create such a passage. This ability was difficult even for ordinary peak-level Dou Venerates. The spatial talent of the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe was truly extraordinary.

Hei Qing led the way with a slightly solemn expression, and Xiao Ming followed behind him. They maintained a brisk pace, with neither Medusa nor Xiao Ming asking any questions, instead focusing on hurrying along.

The three of them traversed the spatial passage for nearly three hours, surrounded by the monotonous silver light.

Just as Medusa was starting to feel unable to bear the silence and wanted to ask a question, Hei Qing suddenly slowed down his speed.

Xiao Ming followed Hei Qing's gaze and saw a faint silver halo appearing at the end of the passage.