Fighting: Practice makes it real, start with a poisonous body.

Above the void, the azure rift, like a torn curtain, was slowly closing at a visible speed.

"Mysterious!"

Xiao Xuan stood with his hands behind his back, his black robes fluttering in the air, his eyes filled with anger and confusion.

Gu Yuan's actions today were so unusual to him that they gave him a strong sense of unease.

"What happened today is rather inexplicable..."

The old man Shennong slowly stroked his long, silvery-white beard that hung down his chest, a look of doubt appearing in his eyes.

"Gu Yuan's purpose for this trip is obvious: he is clearly after the fragment of the Pure Lotus Demon Flame Diagram in Xiao Yan's possession."

He hadn't even touched the edge of the incomplete map, yet he was so easily intimidated by the power of the Xuanhuang Linglong Pagoda? This simply doesn't make sense...

The imperial clan is extremely domineering and has always been ruthless in achieving its goals. Even if it comes at a huge cost, they will never easily give up their prey.

Why would Gu Yuan retreat so abruptly... unless he had already achieved his goal?

These words made Xiao Xuan frown even more. He pondered and said, "You mean, he has other plans for this trip?"

But besides the remnant of the Pure Lotus Demon Flame map, what else in the Pill Domain could possibly warrant such a grand effort?

The Pill Tower Ancestor is currently in seclusion, attempting to break through to the Golden Core realm. Although the Pill Domain's defenses are strong, they are not impregnable in the face of a Nine-Star Dou Sheng.

If Gu Yuanzhen really had other motives, why didn't he just take action directly instead of hiding it like this?

"In any case, it's always a good thing to have avoided a major war."

Huoyun Patriarch said with relief, "Even if Gu Yuan is seriously injured, his strength as a Nine-Star Dou Sheng should not be underestimated."

If a war were to break out, the Pill Domain would be devastated. Even if we were to win, we would pay a heavy price. And if the Dragon-Phoenix Child were to take the opportunity to invade, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"Ah."

Shennong nodded slightly, acknowledging Huoyun Ancestor's statement. He stopped dwelling on the reason for Gu Yuan's retreat and turned to look at Xiao Xuan, his eyes filled with seriousness.

"The most urgent task is to take precautions against a possible invasion by the Dragon-Phoenix Child. As for Gu Yuan, we will keep a close eye on him."

"Ok."

Xiao Xuan said in a deep voice.

At this moment, Xiao Yan was looking down, his hand tightly gripping a warm, white jade stone. He murmured, "Perhaps the answer lies at these coordinates..."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Xuan's expression changed drastically: "Do you want to go to the place where these coordinates are located? No, absolutely not!"

Gu Yuan is a deep and cunning man. This location is most likely a trap!
He knew exactly what you wanted, so he deliberately left this bait to lure you in.

If you go, wouldn't that be exactly what he wants?

Shennong the Elder turned to look at Xiao Yan, his eyes serious: "Yes, I agree with your ancestor's opinion. Xiao Yan, you must not act impulsively."

You are not unfamiliar with Gu Yuan. Strip away his identity as a Nine-Star Dou Sheng and the patriarch of the Ancient Clan, and at his core, he is a hypocritical villain.

Back then, for his own selfish reasons, he betrayed the Xiao clan without hesitation, resorting to extremely ruthless methods. He deliberately left these coordinates; it must have been premeditated. If you go there rashly, you may never return.”

Huoyun Patriarch chimed in, "Young friend Xiao Yan, what Senior Shennong and Senior Xiao Xuan said is absolutely right."

"We'd better not step into Gu Yuan's trap. The Dan Domain needs you now, and the Xiao Clan needs you too; you can't afford to make any mistakes."

Faced with the advice of his three seniors, Xiao Yan remained silent.

After a moment, Xiao Yan slowly raised his head, his eyes showing no wavering, but rather a more resolute look: "However, if I don't go, I'm afraid I'll have a hard time getting the last fragment of the map."

"The Pure Lotus Demon Flame isn't absolutely necessary!" Xiao Xuan said in a low voice, "There's no need to take such a big risk for a strange flame!"

"But if I hadn't done it because I was afraid of the risks, I wouldn't be where I am today."

Upon hearing this, both Shennong the Elder and Xiao Xuan were stunned.

Seeing the astonished expressions on their faces, Xiao Yan continued, "Ancestor, Senior Shennong, I know your worries, but please rest assured, I have a solution."

Since Gu Yuan's goal is also the Remnant of the Pure Lotus Demon Flame, things will be much easier.

I will leave the three fragments of the map in my possession in the Pill Domain, and then head to the location of the coordinates.

That way, even if I really fall into Gu Yuan's hands, he won't dare to do anything to me.

"In that case... it might not be a bad idea."

The old man Shennong looked deeply at Xiao Yan, his eyes filled with admiration.

He originally thought Xiao Yan was just young and impetuous, brave but reckless, but he never expected him to be so meticulous, which was truly rare.

Xiao Xuan's brows remained furrowed, his face filled with worry. He wanted to say a few more words of advice, but when he saw the unwavering determination in Xiao Yan's eyes, he swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

Once this child makes a decision, it's very difficult to change it... This temperament is somewhat similar to his when he was young... Both are so persistent and so stubborn!

"Ok."

Xiao Xuan sighed softly, "Since you've already made your decision, there's no point in me saying anything more."

Xiao Yan felt a warmth in his heart, bowed deeply to Xiao Xuan, and said, "Thank you for your support, Ancestor. Rest assured, I will protect myself and return safely."

As soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Xuan's expression turned cold, and he said, "No, I want to go with you!"

"Ancestor!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan's face showed a hint of surprise. He quickly waved his hand and said, "Absolutely not!"
This journey is far too dangerous. You should stay in the Pill Domain and take charge of the overall situation!
In this way, even if I encounter danger, the Xiao clan will still have you as their pillar of strength!

Xiao Xuan snorted coldly, "I won't interfere with your decisions, but I'm not so easily persuaded!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan opened his mouth, but did not utter any further words of refusal.

Over time, he also figured out some of his ancestor's personality.

If he insists on going against his ancestors, he probably won't even be able to leave the Dan Tower.

"Since that's the case, it's settled then. You two go and find out for yourselves... I won't get involved in this commotion."

"After all, the Pill Domain still needs me to oversee it."

Shennong, the old man, stroked his beard and said.

"Ah."

Xiao Yan thought for a moment, then took out three fragments of the map from his storage ring and handed them to Shennong, saying, "Senior Shennong, I entrust these three fragments of the map to you for safekeeping."

"it is good."

Shennong nodded slightly and carefully put away the remaining map.

"In that case, I have no more worries."

Xiao Yan took a deep breath. He had a vague guess that the true purpose of the incomplete map was probably not as simple as Gu Yuan had said.

...But why did he always have this awkward feeling in his heart? (End of Chapter)