Battle Through the Heavens: Xiao Yan, who was kidnapped to another world

“A high-level Xuan-rank technique wouldn’t warrant the intervention of that Mo family elder,” the snake shook its head, denying Xiao Li’s words. “It would be more likely if it were a Di-rank technique.”

"The Mad Lion Technique? What kind of technique is that? Can you tell me about it?" Hai Bodong suddenly asked from the side.

Xiao Yan paused, turned around, and looked at Hai Bodong: "You seem to know something?"

His gaze met those pitch-black eyes for a moment, and after a long while, Hai Bodong shifted his gaze and pondered, "I also had contact with the Mo family back then... If that Mad Lion Technique is a cultivation method that imitates magical beasts, even if it's only at the Yellow Rank, the Mo family would have the possibility of plundering it."

Imitating Warcraft training?

Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow. If he wasn't certain that only the three brothers and the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King, who was enjoying himself at the Xiao family, had seen the Mad Lion Technique, he would have suspected that Hai Bodong had been lurking near the Mo Tie Mercenary Group all along.

"What do you mean?" Xiao Yan didn't deny Hai Bodong's words and asked with some curiosity.

"...Among the ancestors of the Mo family, there was once an alchemist." After glancing at Xiao Yan and confirming that the 'Mad Lion Technique' was indeed the kind of cultivation method he was thinking of, Hai Bodong spoke after a brief silence.

"However, the ancestor of the Mo family was not very interested in orthodox alchemy. Instead, he focused on researching strange and unusual things, such as taking strong claws or bones from the bodies of some magical beasts and transplanting them onto the human body."

"So, imitating the cultivation methods of magical beasts might fit into their perverse research?" Xiao Yan said softly.

“Probably,” Hai Bodong shrugged. “However, transplanting limbs from magical beasts was a long time ago. It is said that later they began to study transplanting organs from people with strange organs into their bodies.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Li's eyes flickered slightly. "So, Qing Lin was also kidnapped by them?"

"Qinglin? Has she disappeared too?" Xiao Yan was somewhat surprised.

After glancing at Xiao Yan, Xiao Li could only hope that Xiao Xun'er wouldn't dislike Xiao Yan, this simpleton. Xiao Yan's ability to so naturally forget his childhood sweetheart was beyond what the word "straight man" could explain in Xiao Li's mind!

“Qinglin must be the kind of person with strange organs that Elder Hai mentioned,” Xiao Li explained after exhaling. “Not long after you left, Xiao Yanzi, Qinglin’s eyes underwent a change. He was able to easily control first and second-tier snake-like magical beasts, and his strength even broke through to the fifth level of Dou Zhe in a short period of time.”

Neither the snake, the tiger, nor Hai Bodong reacted much to Xiao Li's words. After all, first and second-tier magical beasts and five-star Dou Zhe were no different from ants to them.

However, a hint of disbelief flashed in Xiao Yan's eyes. If he remembered correctly, when he first met Qing Lin a few months ago, she hadn't even begun to practice Dou Qi yet, right? Controlling first and second-tier snake-like magical beasts aside, becoming a five-star Dou Zhe within five months…

'Controlling snake-like magical beasts? That does resemble the Jade Serpent with Three-Flower Pupils.' For the first time in a long time, Xiao Yan heard a tone of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a feeling of deep emotion or reflection) in Yao Lao's voice.

'The Jade Serpent Three-Flower Pupil? What is that?' Xiao Yan asked in surprise.

"A strange, naturally occurring pupil, which seems to appear only in the offspring of humans and snake people. People with this pupil, when they are skilled at it, can induce hallucinations in others," the old man explained with a smile.

"Of course, most importantly, this type of pupil is the nemesis of all serpentine magical beasts, because it has a certain chance of establishing a one-sided, forced connection with them. There are even rumors that those who possess this pupil can increase their cultivation speed as the number and quality of the serpentine magical beasts they control increase."

In terms of martial arts cultivation alone, he might be able to contend with the Calamity Poison Body.

Upon hearing Yao Lao's last words, Xiao Yan finally couldn't help but gasp. He had already witnessed the cultivation speed of the Calamity Poison Body, but the cultivation speed of the owner of the Jade Serpent Three-Flower Pupil was actually comparable to that of the Calamity Poison Body.

"You know about the strangeness of that person named Qinglin?" Hai Bodong asked with some surprise as his gaze fell on Xiao Yan. However, after thinking that Xiao Yan had recently helped him refine a sixth-grade pill, he felt that it was not surprising that Xiao Yan knew.

Chapter 176 Yancheng

"I suppose so," Xiao Yan said somewhat vaguely. Apart from Xiao Li, none of the people present could be considered his own, so he naturally couldn't say it directly.

"Second Brother, I'm planning to go to Yancheng." Xiao Yan then looked at Xiao Li and said.

"Going to the Mohist school?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Li frowned slightly and subconsciously looked at Tiger and Snake, preparing to ask for their help. However, Xiao Yan coughed lightly, signaling Xiao Li to pay attention to Hai Bodong, who was somewhat distracted behind him.

"Be careful. The Mo family is the local tyrant of Yancheng after all, and they have a pretty good relationship with the Yunlan Sect." Realizing that Xiao Yan was no longer the little kid he used to need to take care of, Xiao Li smiled helplessly.

"If they know what's good for them and release Big Brother and Qinglin," Xiao Yan nodded with a smile.

Then, Xiao Yan waved to Hai Bodong beside him, stepped out into the courtyard, and unfurled his Purple Cloud Wings, slowly rising into the air. He and Hai Bodong then ascended into the sky together, their wings flapping as they transformed into streaks of light and quickly disappeared into the horizon.

Watching Xiao Yan disappear into the horizon, Luo Bu steeled his heart and looked at Xiao Li: "I wonder if Commander Xiao would be willing to take in our Sand Mercenary Group?"

If we don't count Xiao Yan, the Sand Mercenary Group and the Desert Iron Mercenary Group are roughly equal in strength, and the Sand Mercenary Group, which has been established for a longer time, is even slightly stronger. However, given that Xiao Yan comes every few months, and considering Xiao Ding's willingness to go directly to Yancheng to find the Mo family, Luo Bu felt that it would be better for him to surrender sooner rather than later.

"Would Commander Luo be willing to become the fourth commander of our Mo Tie Mercenary Group?" Xiao Li asked Luo Bu with feigned surprise. "Then, once our Mo Tie Mercenary Group has settled down its base and Big Brother and Xiao Yanzi return, let's hold a welcome banquet together!"

"No problem, no problem." Hearing Xiao Li's words, Rob breathed a sigh of relief.

Although I've joined the Desert Iron Mercenary Group, at most I've gained three more leaders, and one of them is rarely seen. Most importantly…

Rob glanced at Tiger and Snake. The expressions on their faces were somewhat subtle, as if they didn't want Rob to join Mo Tie, but dared not say anything more.

'It seems that Commander Xiao Yan has a lot more influence with the city lord than I imagined!' Rob silently lowered his head, no longer looking at the expressions of the two men.

Two streaks of light flashed across the sky like shooting stars, disappearing into the horizon in the blink of an eye.

Flying beside Xiao Yan, Hai Bodong turned his head and looked at Xiao Yan by the moonlight. At this moment, the fighting spirit in Xiao Yan's body was expanding violently. Judging from the intensity of the fighting spirit, it was no weaker than his own.

After staring intently at Xiao Yan for a long time, Hai Bodong frowned slightly. After a moment, he suddenly said, "Brother Xiao Yan, although I don't know what kind of secret technique can raise your strength to the level of Dou Huang in a short time, if possible, I suggest that you do not use such a secret technique while traveling."

Hai Bodong's sudden words caused Xiao Yan to slow down his flight slightly. He turned his head, glanced at Hai Bodong, and said with a faint smile, "Why would you say that, Elder Hai?"

“Brother Xiao Yan, your talent for cultivation is indeed outstanding. To be honest, I have never seen a genius who is already a Dou Ling at your age,” Hai Bodong said with a sigh of relief and a smile. “But, perhaps it is because your talent for cultivation is too outstanding that you are unaware of the travel speed of a Dou Ling in most cases.”

"The Mo family's Grand Elder is at most a five-star Dou Ling. Considering his age, it would take him at least a day and a night to travel from Shimo City to Yancheng. If he rests along the way, it would take even longer. Although we are about six hours behind him, we will arrive in Yancheng first if nothing unexpected happens."

"If you use secret techniques for a long time while traveling, even if you have strong fighting spirit, you won't be able to handle it, right, Brother Xiao Yan?" Hai Bodong looked at Xiao Yan with some concern, afraid that Xiao Yan's talent would be damaged by using secret techniques for a long time, and that Xiao Yan's sect would eventually come after him.

“Heh, Mr. Hai, there’s no need to worry,” Xiao Yan understood what Hai Bodong was worried about and laughed. “When using this secret technique, my body will not suffer any damage before my fighting spirit is completely exhausted.”

"Moreover, when using this secret technique, my soul power will be maximized, making it easier to search the surrounding environment while traveling. If I can find that Dou Ling from the Mo family on the road, that would be the best."

Xiao Yan's smile was very bright, and what he said was basically the truth. Apart from "maximizing the enhancement of soul power", he was only using a fusion technique with the Xuan Heavy Ruler as the main body. If his soul power had not been close to the middle stage of the Spirit Realm, this fusion technique would have at most raised his strength to the level of the high-level Dou Wang.

"I see." Hai Bodong's pupils dilated slightly. He had never heard of such a secret technique that would not affect the body before the battle qi was exhausted.

"Let's go and try to get to Yancheng by dawn. However, I'm not too clear about the route to Yancheng, so we'll have to rely on Elder Hai from now on," Xiao Yan said with a smile.

"Hehe, although I've lived in Mocheng for decades, I draw maps every day, so I'm naturally very familiar with these routes. Just follow me." Hai Bodong smiled, and his icy wings flapped slightly, increasing his speed dramatically.

Watching Hai Bodong suddenly accelerate, Xiao Yan shrugged, flapped his Purple Cloud Wings, and chased after him.

Two streaks of light flashed across the night sky, and the silver moon gradually set high above.

Yancheng, located in the eastern province of the Jiama Empire, is a strategically important city with a wide road connecting the empire to the eastern province. As a result, this city, which is known as the largest city in the eastern province of the Jiama Empire, has been controlled by a large number of imperial troops for many years.

In Yancheng, besides the Empire's forces, the most powerful force is the Mo family, the target of Xiao Yan and his companions' journey.

Whether Mo Cheng was on a shortcut unique to the Mo family or simply had bad luck, in any case, during their non-stop journey through the night, Xiao Yan did not detect Xiao Ding's aura within the range that his soul power could cover.

Finally, after the silver moon in the sky was replaced by the blazing sun, the outline of a massive city exuding a fierce aura finally appeared at the edge of Xiao Yan and his companion's sight. Under the sunlight, the huge city in the distance looked like an ancient ferocious beast lying on the ground.

The two landed a few hundred meters outside Yancheng, changed into loose black robes, and then followed the flow of people into the city.

As they approached the city gate, Xiao Yan and Hai Bodong discovered that dozens of fully armed soldiers were standing on both sides of the city wall, their sharp eyes constantly scanning the people coming and going.

Xiao Yan frowned slightly. Although Yancheng was a necessary route for the empire to reach the eastern provinces, it was a city that had long been far from the border. The strength of its defense was far superior to that of Mocheng, which had been harassed by the snake people a few months ago.

"Tsk tsk tsk, the Mo family really has a grand display. It's just the birthday of the Mo family's Grand Elder, yet they've even put the city's garrison under their command."

"There's nothing we can do. I heard that even the Yunlan Sect sent people over. They're probably afraid someone might cause some trouble."

"Oh? The Yunlan Sect has sent people too? Does Mo Cheng have that much influence?"

"Hey, it's just that the Mo family paid more tribute, what's the big deal? Besides, I heard that the Mo family wanted to invite Nalan Yanran this time, but she didn't even acknowledge them!"

"You've heard? The Mo family has really lost all face this time. The Grand Elder personally went to the Nalan family to invite them, but he didn't even get to see them!"

"Isn't it mainly because Nalan Yanran entered the forbidden area of ​​the Yunlan Sect? I heard it will take at least several months for her to come out. I guess the Mo family is just unlucky?"

"What good or bad luck? Not long after Mo Cheng left the capital, Nalan Yanran returned home! If you ask me, it's simply because she didn't want to see anyone from the Mo family!"

……

While Xiao Yan was wondering about the strength of the defenses in Yancheng, the discussion among the mercenaries ahead of him reached his ears.

Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes slightly and chuckled, "What a coincidence, that old bastard just happens to be celebrating his birthday."

Seeing the smile on Xiao Yan's face, Hai Bodong frowned slightly, hesitated for a moment, and said, "You're not planning to make a move when he throws his grand birthday banquet, are you?"

"Hehe, Elder Hai really knows me well," Xiao Yan laughed, but a few sharp glints flashed in his eyes. "Whether it's a birthday celebration or a funeral, it's all up to you. We'll see if the Mo family knows what's good for them!"

"...You don't look like someone who would only attack Mo Cheng!" Hai Bodong's lips twitched slightly as he whispered, "If they don't know what's good for them, are you planning to exterminate their entire clan in front of the Yunlan Sect's envoy?"

Upon hearing Hai Bodong's words, Xiao Yan fell silent.

Just when Hai Bodong thought Xiao Yan was beginning to reflect on his outrageous idea, Xiao Yan suddenly murmured, "Was my behavior really that obvious?"

Upon hearing this, Hai Bodong completely lost his composure.

"You show absolutely no remorse? If you were to make a move in front of the Yunlan Sect's envoy, wouldn't that be no different from declaring war on the Yunlan Sect?" Hai Bodong rolled his eyes and said.

"I'll just pretend to be from the Izumo Empire then," Xiao Yan said casually with a smile. "I happen to have some poisons that are incurable for cultivators below the Dou Wang level."

Upon hearing this, Hai Bodong suddenly realized that Xiao Yan had prepared to annihilate the entire Mo family from the very beginning!

“Many city lords from the northeastern provinces have also come here,” Hai Bodong sighed. “Be careful when you make your move. If you anger both the royal family and the Yunlan Sect, and leave any leverage over them…”

“I know,” Xiao Yan nodded. “So, I’ll give the Mo family three chances before I make my move. Of course, that is, they won’t know my elder brother’s identity!”

If the Mo family were to find out that Xiao Ding is Xiao Yan's elder brother, then the Mo Tie Mercenary Group in Shimo City would essentially be completely exposed. In order to ensure that the Mo Tie Mercenary Group does not appear in the Yunlan Sect's intelligence, even if the Mo family is extremely sensible, Xiao Yan would only have the option of exterminating the entire Mo Tie clan.

After shaking his head with a wry smile, Hai Bodong prepared to enter the city gate with Xiao Yan. Just then, the sound of horses' hooves came from not far behind them.

Several men and women on horseback were galloping towards them, raising dust that infuriated the people waiting in line. However, when their angry gazes fell on the first rider, they forcibly swallowed their anger.

The first person to ride a horse was a young woman. She wore a tight-fitting red dress that accentuated her exquisite figure. Her face was quite pretty, and a small crystal pendant adorned her smooth forehead. As it swayed slightly, it added a touch of liveliness to her face, which held a hint of spoiled charm.

Once the sound of horses' hooves had faded into the distance, bursts of curses began to erupt.

"Damn it, isn't she just relying on being the second young lady of the Mo family? What's with all the arrogance? Your Mo family only got its current status by currying favor with the Yunlan Sect. The day they get unhappy, they'll kick your Mo family out sooner or later!"

Hearing the low curses coming from behind, Xiao Yan smiled faintly, narrowed his eyes and swept them over the dark city gate passage. Then, he straightened his black robe and slowly walked in under the watchful eyes of the surrounding soldiers.

"The Mo family is indeed getting better and better. Back when I came here, there were still several forces in Yancheng that could rival the Mo family."

Upon entering the city, Hai Bodong looked around and, noticing that most of the shop signs bore the character "墨" (mo, meaning ink), shook his head and said with a smile.

“That’s how big families are; they act like local tyrants in their own cities,” Xiao Yan said with a smile. His Xiao family was actually the same, except that half of the shops in Wutan City belonged to the Mittel family.

After walking for a while, Xiao Yan slowly stopped, his gaze sweeping over the luxurious hotel on the side of the street. "Shall we rest here for the next few days?"

"Hmm." Hai Bodong nodded indifferently.

However, when the two entered the inn and asked for two rooms, the rather attractive maid looked them over and then sweetly asked, "Sir, do you have an invitation from the Mo family?"

"An invitation?" Xiao Yan paused, then frowned and shook his head. "No, do we really need an invitation from the Mo family to come to Yancheng?"

"I'm sorry, sir, all the inns in Yancheng have been booked by the Mo family for the past few days. These inns only accept guests of the Mo family," the maid replied with a polite smile.

"Tsk, the Mo family is quite extravagant." Xiao Yan couldn't help but click his tongue, though his words carried a hint of sarcasm.

"Where did this bumpkin come from, daring to criticize my Mo family in Yancheng?"