Chapter 84: Jie Jie Jie

Jia Ma Empire, Daling City.

Daling City was one of the major cities of the Jia Ma Empire, located in the northwest province. Though it wasn't as grand as the imperial capital, it was far more developed than smaller cities like Wu Tan City.

Its proximity to the vast Magical Beast Mountain Range, which stretched across half the empire, made it a hub for adventurers and merchant caravans, injecting the city with constant vitality.

However, just a few days ago, a massive explosion from the mountain range had thrown Daling City into panic. Many people, fearing the aftermath, had even chosen to move away.

Their fear was understandable. After all, the recent chaos in Rock Desert City had caused thousands of deaths. Although no such powerhouses had appeared in Daling yet, no one wanted to be the next victim.

"Whew... Kid, you're really something. Who would've thought such a terrifying explosion came from a little Dou Shi like you?"

Inside a restaurant in Daling City, Hai Bodong stared at Xiao Yan in astonishment, clearly referring to the recent explosion outside the city.

Xiao Yan gave a bitter smile and raised his hand. A blood-red flame floated up from his palm, flickering with bestial roars, like a tiger or a dragon—wild and fierce.

This was the Heavenly Flame he had acquired from the Magical Beast Mountain Range.

Ranked 22nd on the Heavenly Flame Ranking: Ten Thousand Beast Flame!

Feeling its scorching heat, Xiao Yan raised his left hand. A pale-white flame slowly surged up.

Ranked 11th on the Heavenly Flame Ranking: Bone Spirit Cold Flame.

Compared to the Ten Thousand Beast Flame, the Bone Spirit Cold Flame seemed far weaker. This was due to it being only a sub-flame.

Hai Bodong, staring at the two different colored flames, was full of admiration.

"You're truly terrifying. At such a young age, with just Dou Shi strength, you've already mastered two Heavenly Flames. If those alchemists who've sought one for decades heard this, they'd die of envy."

"Just lucky."

Xiao Yan shook his head and withdrew both flames. A thought suddenly surfaced in his mind—a saying from his previous life:

'A blessing in disguise.'

Though he had lost the chance to acquire the Green Lotus Core Flame and caused Yao Lao severe injury, he had instead gained the Ten Thousand Beast Flame.

'When one door closes, another opens.' That might just be fate.

"Old Hai, any progress on your side?"

Clearing his mind, Xiao Yan looked hopefully at Hai Bodong.

"I've contacted my old network. Soul-healing medicinal ingredients are rare, but I've found a lead. We'll need to go to the capital to confirm it."

Hai Bodong smiled, "Don't worry. My old subordinates may not be Dou Huang-level experts, but their connections are vast. They won't let you down."

"The capital, huh..."

Xiao Yan took a deep breath, his expression complicated.

Less than two months remained before the three-year agreement. Yunlan Sect was near the capital. Going there first was a good move—if he could obtain the medicinal ingredients to restore Yao Lao's soul, he would have more confidence.

"In that case, let's set off immediately!"

Xiao Yan wasn't one to procrastinate. Once he made a decision, he acted on it.

The two didn't fly directly to the capital. Instead, they rode a flying magical beast. Xiao Yan, still a Dou Shi, would consume too much Dou Qi flying, and couldn't keep up with Hai Bodong's pace.

Moreover, Xiao Yan hoped to search the cities along the way for soul-healing materials and ingredients for the Soul-Reviving Purple Pill that Hai Bodong needed.

It was worth noting that Xiao Yan had officially registered as a second-tier alchemist with the Daling City Alchemist Association.

With the Ten Thousand Beast Flame and Yao Lao's alchemy manuals, he could now refine third-tier pills and had even begun attempting fourth-tier pills—though so far without success.

Their pace was not fast, and they made several stops. By the time they reached the capital, more than half a month had passed. Finally, Hai Bodong received news:

They had found a soul-healing medicinal ingredient!

"It's true that such ingredients are rare. Even the Miteer Auction House doesn't have them."

Hai Bodong grinned at Xiao Yan. "But I wouldn't bring this up without results. Word from my network says a family in the Sacred City possesses a rare plant called the Seven Illusion Green Spirit Saliva. The roots of this plant can produce a mysterious liquid that's excellent for restoring soul power."

"Really?" Xiao Yan was instantly overjoyed. "Which family?"

"The Nalan Family."

"They're one of the three major noble families in the capital. Several of their members hold high positions in the military. Their background and influence are formidable."

Hai Bodong smiled, noticing Xiao Yan's expression suddenly turn dark. Thinking Xiao Yan was worried about their status, he added proudly:

"But don't worry. With my status, asking Nalan Jie for a Seven Illusion Green Spirit Saliva should not be a problem."

Xiao Yan remained silent. Hai Bodong noticed his trembling hand turning pale.

"You've got history with the Nalan Family?"

"Yes."

"Wait... that three-year agreement you mentioned—does it involve the Nalan Family? Yun Yun's disciple, Yunlan Sect's successor... Nalan Yanran?!"

Xiao Yan said nothing, but the white of his knuckles and the cold gleam in his eyes spoke volumes.

Hai Bodong stopped questioning.

He now understood Xiao Yan's real motive for heading to Yunlan Sect. But he still couldn't comprehend what Nalan Yanran had done to make this usually composed youth go so far as to risk enmity with a behemoth like Yunlan Sect.

It was foolish to oppose Yunlan Sect in the Jia Ma Empire.

Worse yet, recent intel from his subordinates indicated that Yun Shan wasn't dead. He had broken past the Dou Huang bottleneck and reached Dou Zong!

He had even thrown a massive celebration.

To become enemies with a sect led by a Dou Zong expert...

Hai Bodong sighed. He thought of Yao Lao and the mysterious white-robed Dou Zun. Suddenly, a mere Dou Zong didn't seem so scary.

He said quietly, "Forget it. I won't ask further about you, Nalan Yanran, or Yunlan Sect. Once we arrive, you don't need to approach the Nalan Family. I'll do everything I can to get that Seven Illusion Green Spirit Saliva for you."

Xiao Yan looked up, gratitude in his eyes.

"Thank you, Old Hai."

"No need. I'm doing this for myself, too."

Hai Bodong then remembered something. "By the way, this flying beast carries quite a few alchemists. Based on the schedule, the Alchemist Gathering is soon. Are you going to participate?"

"The Alchemist Gathering?"

Xiao Yan was briefly stunned, then gave a wry smile and shook his head.

"Forget it. That event doesn't mean much to me. My priority is to increase my strength. If I can break through to Da Dou Shi before reaching Yunlan Sect, that'll be far more useful than wasting time at a gathering."

"Fair enough. Focus on your cultivation. Leave the rest to me."

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Old Hai."

"Not at all."

(End of Chapter)