Chapter 201: Xiao Yan and Gu Xun’er Clash, Yao Chen Submits

"Could he really be a Dou God?"

The thought of that overwhelming aura sent shivers down Gu Xun'er's spine. It was a terrifying power unlike anything she had ever experienced—even her father, Gu Yuan, didn't possess such might.

Xiao Yan, Gu Xun'er, and Xiao Zhan each harbored their own thoughts as they silently returned to the Xiao Clan estate.

In the Xiao Clan study, Xiao Zhan brought Xiao Yan and Gu Xun'er together.

Unable to suppress his fury any longer, Xiao Yan exploded, glaring at Gu Xun'er with blazing eyes:

"I've long heard about how prestigious Miss Gu's background is, but I never imagined it would be this extraordinary! The young lady of the Gu Clan, daughter of a Nine-Star Dou Saint, gracing our insignificant Xiao Clan—what an honor for us!"

His voice dripped with sarcasm and indignation. Xiao Yan felt deeply betrayed.

Gu Xun'er wasn't just anyone; she was an undercover agent, scheming to seize the Xiao Clan's ancestral relic.

"You shameless deceiver! A sly, ancient monster pretending to be innocent—you're the real fraud!"

Gu Xun'er was equally furious. She had harbored a sliver of goodwill toward Xiao Yan, but now it was all gone. She never expected him to be such a liar, toying with her emotions.

"Enough!"

Xiao Zhan's voice cut through the tension as he produced the jade fragment that symbolized the clan leader's authority.

"Xun'er, can you explain what this Tuo She Ancient Emperor Jade is?"

Gu Xun'er's gaze lingered on the jade, a complicated expression flickering in her eyes.

"Truth be told, I only learned today that this relic is the Tuo She Ancient Emperor Jade," she began.

"Your Xiao Clan, like my Gu Clan, is one of the Eight Ancient Clans. Each clan holds a fragment of the secret to the Dou Emperor's legacy. What I was searching for is precisely this key."

"I didn't expect the relic in question to be the Tuo She Ancient Emperor Jade."

She paused, her voice steady but distant. "While I don't know all the details, I do know this: the Tuo She Ancient Emperor was the last Dou Emperor of the Dou Qi Continent. This jade is likely the key to unlocking his inheritance or tomb."

"There are eight fragments in total, one for each ancient clan. Only by bringing all eight together can the secret be unveiled."

"You now have two choices," she continued coldly. "You can give it to me, and the Gu Clan will protect your Xiao Clan. Or you can keep it. But if word gets out, the Xiao Clan will be annihilated in an instant."

Her tone was detached, devoid of the warmth she had once shown. Whatever feelings she had for Xiao Yan had dissipated completely. If not for her respect for Xiao Zhan, who had treated her kindly over the years, she wouldn't have bothered with such explanations.

The Xiao Clan, without even a Dou Spirit to its name, was laughably weak. If her bodyguard, Ling Ying, acted, the Xiao Clan would be wiped out before anyone could react.

"Xun'er, take it."

Xiao Zhan handed over the jade without hesitation.

"To the Xiao Clan, this relic is nothing but a ticking time bomb," he said with a bitter smile. "The Tuo She Ancient Emperor's inheritance is a grand prize, but it's far beyond the Xiao Clan's reach. Besides, assembling all eight fragments is impossible for us. We stand no chance against the other ancient clans."

"Thank you, Uncle Xiao."

Gu Xun'er accepted the jade without a second thought. Under Xiao Yan's fiery glare, she turned and left.

"Traitor! Ungrateful wretch!"

Xiao Yan cursed at her departing figure, his fury uncontained.

"Enough, Yan'er," Xiao Zhan sighed, shaking his head. "To us, the jade was merely a token of leadership. Keeping it would only bring ruin to our clan. Without strength, we are but targets, doomed by our treasures."

"I understand, Father," Xiao Yan replied through gritted teeth. His frustration remained, but he couldn't refute his father's reasoning.

"This matter ends here," Xiao Zhan warned. "Do not bring it up again, or you risk inviting disaster."

"I understand."

After bidding farewell to his father, Xiao Yan stepped outside, clenching his fists as he gazed at the clear blue sky. His heart burned with determination.

"Thirty years of East River, thirty years of West River—don't look down on a young man in his prime!"

Fueled by this vow, Xiao Yan hurried back to his room to cultivate.

At the Miteer Auction House.

In the private suite on the top floor, Zhou Yi released Yao Chen's spirit from its confinement. Staring at the disembodied soul, he smirked.

"The renowned Yao Chen, the Dou Qi Continent's greatest alchemist!"

"Hm?"

Yao Chen's soul flinched in surprise but quickly composed itself. Given Zhou Yi's knowledge of Gu Xun'er's plans and even the secret of the Tuo She Ancient Emperor Jade, recognizing his once-famous name wasn't unexpected.

"Yao Chen greets Master Zhou," the spirit said humbly. "The title of 'greatest alchemist' is but flattery. I dare not accept such praise."

Yao Chen's thoughts raced. He was now a mere remnant soul, his strength a shadow of its former self. Fighting was not an option. Besides, Zhou Yi's aura was unfathomable—far beyond what Yao Chen could contend with, even in his prime.

"The greatest alchemist of the continent?"

Sitting on Zhou Yi's lap, Ya Fei's eyes widened in astonishment. Her rosy lips parted in disbelief. She had never imagined that this seemingly insignificant spirit possessed such a legendary reputation.

In the Jia Ma Empire, even the renowned Dan King Gu He, the foremost alchemist, was merely at the grade six level.

But this old man before them, as the continent's number one alchemist, must at least be at the grade eight level.

Grade Eight Alchemist!

The thought left everyone stunned.

"Someone as extraordinary as this young master... his level is surely higher than my earlier guess of the grade six!" Ya Fei speculated silently, her heart racing.

Feeling the warm, firm hand of Zhou Yi resting on her slender waist, a shiver ran through her body, her emotions surging uncontrollably.

"I know everything about your situation," Zhou Yi said directly, his voice calm but commanding. "I can help you restore your physical body and deal with your traitorous disciple, Han Feng."

As his hand gently caressed the soft, supple curve of Ya Fei's waist, he continued without pretense:

"What do you say to serving me in the future?"

"Yao Chen pays his respects to the young master!"

Without hesitation, Yao Chen cupped his hands and bowed deeply.

Now reduced to a remnant soul, his existence was precarious at best.

If Zhou Yi could help him regain his physical form, exact revenge, and reclaim his dignity, serving him would be a small price to pay.

Besides, there was no alternative. Refusal would likely result in suppression—or worse.

"Your alchemy skills are impressive. Share your knowledge with me," Zhou Yi commanded.

Previously, Zhou Yi had acquired only rudimentary alchemical techniques. While his unparalleled experience had elevated them to near-perfection, his collection of potent pill recipes remained limited.

Even the Dou Pill he developed was the result of painstaking effort and countless calculations.

"Young Master flatters me!"

Yao Chen did not hesitate. He transmitted all his alchemical knowledge to Zhou Yi, including refining techniques, fire control methods, and more. While these served only as a reference for Zhou Yi, they greatly expanded his horizons.

What truly captivated Zhou Yi were the pill recipes.

Each recipe was a masterpiece, perfected through years of effort by master alchemists. Though Yao Chen's recipes might not be flawless, they would save Zhou Yi an immense amount of time and effort.

As Zhou Yi absorbed the wealth of pill formulas, satisfaction filled his heart.

Seeing Yao Chen's soul grow even weaker after the transmission, Zhou Yi extended a finger. A profound, transformative ability—the Universal Rejuvenation Divine Art—activated, enveloping Yao Chen's illusory soul in a gentle green glow.

"Ah!"

A low moan escaped Yao Chen as his soul experienced a comfort it had not felt since the destruction of his physical body.

Under Zhou Yi's divine technique, Yao Chen's soul was significantly restored, becoming far more substantial. At this point, he could likely exert power on par with a Dou Ancestor expert at its peak.

"Thank you, Young Master!"

Overjoyed, Yao Chen bowed deeply in gratitude, his reverence for Zhou Yi's abilities growing even stronger.

"I have here a Soul-Nurturing Jade. You may temporarily rest within it."

"Many thanks, Young Master!"

Yao Chen transformed into a wisp of smoke and entered the jade, which Zhou Yi then stored in his Universe Ring.

The Universe Ring contained an independent space capable of housing living beings. Within it, Zhou Yi cultivated a variety of rare spiritual herbs collected from the Douluo Continent.

"Young Master is truly remarkable," Ya Fei said softly, her luscious red lips slightly parted. Her enchanting, water-like eyes gazed at Zhou Yi with admiration, while her voluptuous figure heaved gently, drawing the eye with its breathtaking curves.

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