Breaking the Masked Man

"Big brother?!" Zi Yan looked at Yao Yan who had just emerged from seclusion, and skipped happily to his side, blinking her bright purple eyes as she called out in a clear voice. Her lively expression was completely different from her previous sullen demeanor.

Venerable Tianhuo walked over with a smile: "You've finally come out of seclusion, kid. If you hadn't, Ziyan would probably have rushed in to find you."

"How long have I been in seclusion?"

Yao Yan has no concept of time, especially when he is in seclusion, he doesn't even feel the passage of time.

"It's been almost half a year," Venerable Heavenly Fire said unhurriedly.

"You must be getting impatient." Yao Yan reached out and patted Zi Yan's head, chuckling softly. He had indeed been in seclusion quite frequently lately.

"I was mainly hungry," Zi Yan pouted and muttered, seemingly a little unhappy.

Xuan Yi seemed to sense that Yao Yan had emerged from seclusion, and in a flash, she appeared beside the group, just in time to hear Zi Yan's words: "Aunt Xuan has certainly fed her a lot, but she has too much of a appetite, and she's been eyeing some precious medicinal herbs..."

After saying that, she smiled helplessly. It was only because Zi Yan had a close relationship with Yao Yan that she had kicked Zi Yan out long ago.

Zi Yan glanced at Xuan Yi and felt that he was not a good person. He had only stolen a few medicinal herbs, so why did he have to come to her older brother to complain?

"Zi Yan's innate abilities are a bit exaggerated, and I couldn't keep an eye on her for a moment..." Venerable Tianhuo explained awkwardly.

"I'm sorry to have troubled Aunt Xuan," Yao Yan said apologetically.

"It's alright. Now that you've come out of seclusion, what are your plans?" Xuan Yi asked Yao Yan. She had originally wanted to ask Yao Yan if he wanted to go to the Pill Tower to study for a while, but considering that Yao Yan's alchemy skills were already capable of refining high-grade eighth-rank pills, it seemed that the Pill Tower had nothing left to teach him.

The only useful thing might be the pill formulas, but Yao Yan would have to exchange for them himself.

"This junior plans to return to Starfall Pavilion first to let Elder Feng know I am safe and sound," Yao Yan said, bowing respectfully to Xuan Yi.

"Alright, if you encounter any trouble on the way, just crush this jade."

Xuan Yi handed a jade token to Yao Yan and gave her some instructions.

"Thank you, Aunt Xuan." (End of Chapter)

Chapter 230 Scheming for the Dragon and Phoenix

"Finally out!"

Against the backdrop of a clear blue sky, a small boat sped away into the distance. Zi Yan sat at the bow, swinging her toes happily, her purple eyes taking in the surrounding scenery with joy. Compared to inside the Pill Tower, she was undoubtedly much more lively now.

Seeing this, Yao Yan smiled slightly and looked at Venerable Tianhuo beside him, saying, "You've worked hard these past few days."

"It's not hard work at all, and it's quite nice to enjoy the scenery along the way." Venerable Tianhuo stroked his white beard, puffed out his big belly, and said with a smile. Compared to staying in the dark and sunless lava in the past, traveling with Yaoyan in the Central Plains is obviously much more interesting.

He also met quite a few 'big shots' along the way. If Yao Yan hadn't been in a hurry to go out, he would have liked to see if Yao Lao could break through to the Dou Sheng level.

As for wasting several years... for a Dou Zun, several years is just a blink of an eye.

"Actually, I'm not in a hurry to return to the Starfall Pavilion. The main reason I came out of the Pill Tower this time is to make some contact with the Ancient Void Dragon Clan, which is something I promised Ziyan." Yao Yan said with a smile as he looked at Ziyan who had turned to look at him.

"Isn't this a bit too hasty? This matter can be discussed after Yao Chen emerges from seclusion." Venerable Tianhuo's expression changed slightly, his tone hardened, and he said in a deep voice.

The Ancient Void Dragon Clan is extremely powerful. Even in ancient times, they were the absolute overlords of the magical beast world. Now that the clan is splitting up, it must be in great chaos. Without knowing Zi Yan's identity, rashly contacting the Ancient Void Dragon Clan would make it impossible to distinguish whether they are friend or foe.

If it attracts enemies, then things will get really interesting.

"Master Yao is in seclusion for at least two or three years, possibly longer. I don't want to waste time like this, especially since I promised Ziyan... But what you said makes sense, so I plan to contact the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan as an eighth-grade alchemist, without revealing Ziyan's identity for the time being, until I have a clear understanding of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan's situation." Yao Yan said softly, his expression unchanged.

Compared to the information Xiong Zhuang provided, he undoubtedly knew much more and was very clear about what Zi Yan's bloodline meant.

The so-called Ancient Dragon Island has been split into four Dragon Islands: East, South, West, and North. Except for East Dragon Island, the other three Dragon Islands have been divided up by the Dragon Kings. The strength of these Dragon Kings is above that of a three-star Dou Sheng, and the Northern Dragon King has even reached the five-star level.

Besides, the elders of the four Dragon Islands are basically all at least at the level of Dou Sheng.

This shows just how powerful the foundation of the Ancient Void Dragon Clan is. And this is even with many powerful figures having gone far away into the void. Otherwise, with the peak strength of the Ancient Void Dragon Clan, they could have easily clashed with the Soul Ancient Clan.

However, the internal strife within the Taixu Ancient Dragon clan was undoubtedly good news for Yao Yan...

"Big brother..." Zi Yan jogged up to Yao Yan, looked up at Yao Yanxin, and called out softly.

"Since you've already called me 'Big Brother,' there's no need for further words," Yao Yan said with a gentle chuckle, patting Zi Yan's head.

"Oh~" Zi Yan nodded in response, but her gaze towards Yao Yan was somewhat serious, as if she wanted to remember Yao Yan's face forever.

“This is indeed a safer approach.” Venerable Tianhuo nodded, agreeing with Yao Yan’s idea. Given Yao Yan’s current status as an eighth-grade advanced alchemist, and the fact that the other party was from the Pill Tower, even the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan would give him some face.

After all, no matter which faction it is, they would not offend a high-level alchemist unless necessary.

"Since Elder Yao has agreed, then you should take Ziyan back to the Starfall Pavilion first. I will go to the Ancient Dragon Clan of the Void myself to find out the situation there." Yao Yan was a man of action, and once he made a decision, he naturally wouldn't drag his feet.

Zi Yan's situation alone doesn't allow him to take his time.

If Zi Yan wants to grow normally, the only way is to return to the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan. The rare and precious materials and pills available from the outside world are simply not enough to fully unleash her bloodline power and allow her strength to grow rapidly.

He still valued Zi Yan, his adopted younger sister, very much.

"Then be careful." Venerable Tianhuo pondered for a moment before nodding in agreement. He knew he couldn't change Yao Yan's decision, so he might as well obediently follow her arrangements.

Given Yao Yan's current status and strength, he is basically safe as long as he doesn't encounter any fools.

Even if something unexpected happens, the jade token in his hand can quickly contact Xuan Yi and the others.

"Don't worry, please keep a low profile on your journey and be careful to shield yourself from Zi Yan's aura. The bloodlines of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan can sense each other in the void." Yao Yan didn't forget to give a word of advice. He remembered that in the original story, Zi Yan accidentally entered a spatial storm and was later found and taken back by the people of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan.

He was also quite lucky; it was people from Donglong Island who came to take him back. If it had been someone from one of the other three islands, Zi Yan's fate would have been very different.

Especially the strongest one, the Northern Dragon King, who also possesses a method to devour the flesh and blood of his own kind.

"Big brother, I'll be waiting for you at the Starfall Pavilion." Zi Yan tugged at Yao Yan's clothes, looking at him with longing eyes, and said with some reluctance.

"Then you'd better behave yourself," Yao Yan said with a smile.

"I've always been a good boy/girl."

Zi Yan tilted her head back and talked nonsense with a straight face.

"You're really well-behaved as long as you don't steal the medicinal herbs..." Yao Yan chuckled to herself, pinched Zi Yan's cheek, and then flashed away from the spaceship. She stood in the void, watching Venerable Tianhuo and Zi Yan leave until they were out of sight, before slowly drifting down.

This place is a primeval forest, with no sects or forces around it, and it is far from the Dan Tower's sphere of influence.

The immense spiritual power swept out and quickly found a secluded cave.

Yao Yan raised his hand and conjured a fire dragon, burning all the foreign objects inside. He then slowly stepped into the cave, using his soul power to control the surrounding rock walls to collapse. He stopped slowly as he went deeper into the cave and then sat cross-legged in meditation.

Three hours passed, confirming that Venerable Tianhuo and the others had moved far away from the area.

Yao Yan opened his eyes again, snapped his fingers, and several sky-blue flames instantly appeared, floating in mid-air, dispelling the surrounding darkness. At the same time, a special jade tablet floated out of his storage ring. After contact with his soul power, it quickly emitted an invisible fluctuation. At the same time, an indescribable devouring force pulled at the surrounding space, and the pitch-black flames began to dance, scorching the surrounding void and causing it to collapse continuously.

In the past, Yao Yan would not have been able to perceive these details at all, but now he can roughly grasp the tip of the iceberg of Hun Xuzi.

"Hehe, what brings you to contact your master? Have you encountered some difficulties?" Accompanied by a strange laugh, a projection of Hun Xuzi's soul appeared in front of Yao Yan, enveloped in black flames.

As always, it felt like I had returned to the day I first became an apprentice.

"Disciple greets Master." Yao Yan stood up and respectfully bowed to Hun Xuzi.

"You've broken through to the Seven-Star Dou Zong level? Your cultivation speed is getting faster and faster. Even those prodigies in the clan are far inferior to you. It seems that the combination of several Dou Di bloodlines is quite effective." Hun Xuzi still looked at Yao Yan with the same eye he used to look at a masterpiece, and nodded with considerable satisfaction.

He paused, then continued, "Did you encounter any trouble in the Dan Tower?"

"No, I have just obtained the identity of an eighth-grade alchemist..." Yao Yan then recounted all his actions in the Pill Tower, including his contact with the Grand Elder of the Pill Tower.

"Old Master Lin is in good spirits; he even has the mind to care about a junior like you!"

Hun Xuzi seemed to be quite familiar with the Grand Elder of the Pill Tower. Hearing this, he sneered, but he did approve of the Tai Xuan Scripture, saying, "This soul cultivation technique is not bad, and it is very suitable for you who have just entered the Heavenly Realm. However, its effect is just so-so. It can only help you stabilize your soul power, but it cannot promote the rapid improvement of your soul power."

He continued, "Entering the Heavenly Realm level of soul power is simply a matter of slowly grinding it down over time."

"Teacher, I feel that I can obtain the soul essence of others by devouring them." A faint glint appeared in Yao Yan's eyes, and his voice became different from usual, carrying a hint of greed and covetousness.

"What, can't hold back anymore?" Hun Xuzi's eyes flickered slightly as he said with a smile.

"Didn't Master say that I can now unleash my full power to devour... I've endured this for many years." Yao Yan said in a low voice, his eyes flashing with an evil light, as if revealing his true nature.

At this moment, coupled with the eerie glow emanating from the surrounding azure flames, his handsome features appeared indescribably eerie and sinister.

"Control your desires. It's normal for people to have desires, but you must distinguish between primary and secondary goals. Your current goal is the Three Thousand Burning Flames. Remember not to reveal your identity, otherwise, obtaining the Three Thousand Burning Flames will become quite troublesome... Actually, I really hope you can maintain an upright identity, so that it will be easier to contact those races." Hun Xuzi said in a low voice.

"This disciple also thinks so, so this disciple plans to start with the magical beasts." Yao Yan said in a deep voice, his eyes flashing with a dark light.

"Warcraft? With your current body, the bloodline power of ordinary warcraft should be useless to you. As for those other races..."

"Master, I have my eye on the Ancient Dragon Clan of the Void. That clan has been in turmoil for the past thousand years, making them easy targets. Fortunately, I possess a member of a royal bloodline, so I plan to help her unify the Ancient Dragon Clan of the Void and, incidentally, also integrate the demon beast clan," Yao Yan said calmly.

"You possess the royal bloodline of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan?" Hunxuzi was taken aback upon hearing this, somewhat surprised.

Yao Yan nodded, revealing Zi Yan's information. This was bound to happen sooner or later. It was impossible to keep this from Hun Xuzi. Rather than making moves in secret, it was better to take action openly.

"It's a pity you're human, otherwise you could have devoured this royal bloodline and used her identity to infiltrate the Ancient Dragon Clan of the Void," Hun Xuzi said with some regret.

"Are you really that ruthless, teacher?" Yao Yan thought helplessly, and followed the other party's words, saying, "That's exactly what I was worried about, so I haven't touched her. Besides, that little girl trusts me extremely. Compared to devouring one of her cubs, I think her entire clan is more tempting!"

"Alright, do as you wish. I will have the people from the Soul Palace cooperate with you. You can ask them for anything you want to do. The mere Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan can't turn the world upside down," Hunxuzi said with great confidence.

As the chief alchemist of the Soul Clan, he had this confidence.

In the past, he had been thinking about how to destroy the other major imperial clans. Compared to what he was going to do now, what Yao Yan wanted to do was child's play. However, it was enough for him to practice on. After all, Yao Yan, as his disciple, would also participate in the things that were to be done in the future!

For Yao Yan, the major imperial clans were also his resources for cultivation.

"Thank you for your support, teacher," Yao Yan said humbly. After a pause, he continued, "Actually, I also want to use this opportunity to see if I can condense the legendary Dragon-Phoenix Body!"

"A dragon-phoenix possessing the wings of a celestial phoenix and the body of an ancient dragon? That's quite an interesting idea. You could give it a try." Hun Xuzi's eyes brightened slightly, clearly showing great interest in Yao Yan's idea. He had also seen the legendary supreme dragon-phoenix in an ancient book.

However, this means that his obedient disciple has accumulated too much, and it remains to be seen whether this will become a constraint for him in the future.