Battle Through the Heavens: Xiao Yan, I am your second master.

Gu Yuan's gaze shifted from Xiao Li to Xiao Lin, then swept back and forth between them. 'One is a three-star Dou Zun, the other a six-star Dou Huang. The patriarch's position can be held by a Dou Huang? It seems the Xiao family has quite a good reputation.'

Gu Yuan coughed lightly: "Ahem, Clan Chief Xiao, I think the atmosphere in the Xiao family is quite good. I would like my daughter to stay at the Xiao family for a while. There is a lot of pressure in my clan. I only have one daughter, and I want her to have a happy childhood. What do you think?"

Xiao Lin hesitated and said, "This..."

“Sure, this won’t be a problem for our Xiao family. But Patriarch Gu, please arrange for proper guards. Otherwise, we can’t afford to take responsibility if anything happens to the young lady.” Xiao Li agreed immediately.

Gu Yuan smiled with satisfaction: "Hehe, what need is there for guards? With your cultivation levels, can't you protect my daughter? In a few years, I will send her here."

After Gu Yuan finished speaking, he stood up and greeted Xiao Lin and Xiao Li with a fist and palm salute.

Xiao Lin and Xiao Li returned the greeting, and then Gu Yuan left. Even Xiao Li didn't notice how Gu Yuan left.

'As expected of a late-stage Nine-Star Dou Sheng expert, he's terrifyingly powerful!'

Chapter 144 Negotiation

After Gu Yuan left, Xiao Lin looked at Xiao Li and asked, "Xiao Li, who is this Clan Chief Gu?"

Xiao Li said expressionlessly, "They were allies of our Xiao clan a thousand years ago. The fact that our Xiao clan is still alive today is thanks to their tremendous help!"

Xiao Li emphasized the last four words, unsure if Gu Yuan had truly left, so he could only speak nonsense.

"Why did you ask him about that family heirloom jade piece?" Xiao Lin seemed to know something and continued, following Xiao Li's lead.

"I obtained all the information from the ancient jade. It was left by our ancestor Xiao Xuan. He said that if a person named Gu Yuan came to the Xiao clan in the future, he should give him the ancient jade. He is a trustworthy person."

Xiao Li was just rambling on. He didn't know if Gu Yuan had left or not. If Gu Yuan was there, he would talk to him. If Gu Yuan wasn't there, he would just talk to thin air. Now was not the time to turn against the Gu Clan.

Although Gu Yuan's reputation is indeed not good, and he even won by doing nothing, it has to be said that his strength is unparalleled. He is a powerful figure who can fight the Soul Emperor to a draw. He is someone you can't afford to mess with.

Just as Xiao Li had expected, Gu Yuan hadn't left. He was hiding in the void, listening to what Xiao Li was saying. With his Emperor-level soul, the only person in this world who could discover him was another Emperor-level soul possessor.

"Hmph~ Is he someone I can trust, Xiao Xuan?"

Gu Yuan muttered to himself before leaving.

Xiao Li continued his discussion with Xiao Lin, exchanging glances and using language only the two brothers understood.

Xiao Li: "Big brother, where did Master (Xiao Kong) go?"

Xiao Lin: "Master (Xiao Kong) accompanied the eldest brother (Xiao Ting) to the market (to look for opportunities)."

Xiao Li nodded: "Well, in that case, everything will proceed as usual. We'll wait for the clan leader to bring the people over in a few years. By the way, I'll be going to Zhongzhou again soon."

Xiao Lin nodded and then asked, "What about the girl that Chief Gu brought? What is her identity? After all, the younger generation in the clan probably won't accept someone who 'cough cough's' comes."

Xiao Li stroked his chin thoughtfully and said, "A distant relative will do. We can discuss it with the clan leader later. Big brother, focus on your cultivation and improve your level quickly. If things go well, I'll take you to a nice place."

"A good place?" Xiao Lin was a little confused, but he didn't think too much about it since Xiao Li wouldn't harm him anyway.

Xiao Li breathed a sigh of relief: "Let's go see Xiao Yan, Little Yan!"

"it is good."

. . . . . .

"Hey, Xiao Yan, I'm your second master~" Xiao Li hugged Xiao Yan and teased him. Xiao Yan just smiled foolishly at Xiao Li without making a fuss. After being teased by Xiao Li until he was tired, he fell into a deep sleep.

Xiao Li smiled and returned Xiao Yan to Bai Xinya. Then, Xiao Li's gaze fell on the antique black ring in Bai Xinya's hand.

'This should be the Bone Inflammation Ring, right? There should be some medicinal dust inside, right?'

"Xiaoya, can I take a look at this ring?" Xiao Li said to Bai Xinya.

Bai Xinya was puzzled, but she still gave the black ring to Xiao Li.

After Xiao Li took it, he injected his soul power into it and found a very illusory soul body inside. This soul body was protected by a pale white flame. Xiao Li could sense that this soul body was in a deep slumber and was still undergoing self-recovery. It would probably take about ten years for it to awaken.

"Alright, this ring has a rather ancient design. Xiaoya, where did you get it from?" Xiao Li returned the Bone Flame Ring to Bai Xinya.

“This was passed down to me by my mother. She only said it was a family heirloom. I plan to give it to Yan’er as a gift when he is a little older.”

Bai Xinya also had no information about the Bone Inflammation Ring.

Xiao Li nodded, then turned and left without asking any further questions.

'Xiao Yan, Yao Lao has been gathered. Now we're getting back on track with the plot. Fifteen years left! For these fifteen years, Little Yan, your Second Master will protect you. After that, it will be your turn to protect your Second Master.'

Xiao Li walked towards the secluded cultivation room on the back mountain. He planned to go into seclusion for a while to improve his cultivation. He was currently a three-star Dou Zun and was taking an enhanced version of the Heavenly Yang Blood Dragon Pill before returning to the Northwest Continent.

Wang Ming personally modified the Heavenly Yang Blood Dragon Pill, refining it into an eighth-grade, three-colored pill. After Xiao Li took it, his cultivation level increased by one star, but Xiao Li did not obtain the Blood Dragon Transformation.

Wang Ming's Blood Dragon Transformation may have originated from the combination of the Heavenly Yang Blood Dragon Pill and the Yin Yang Profound Dragon Pill, which gave birth to dragon energy within his body. As Wang Ming's cultivation level increases, the power of the Blood Dragon Transformation will also increase.

Wang Ming even earned the title of Blood Dragon Venerable in Zhongzhou, severely injuring the Ice Venerable of Ice River Valley with three punches and killing several Dou Zong-level elders in Ice River Valley, shocking Zhongzhou.

When Wang Ming was about to kill Ice Venerable, he was stopped by a voice. According to Tian Yinzi, the voice should be that of Tianbing Old Demon, whose cultivation level was probably around the seventh level of Dou Zun.

Perhaps fearing Wang Ming's powerful background, the Heavenly Ice Demon did not appear in public, but instead used some treasures to save the Ice Venerable's life.

Wang Ming also knew that now was not the time for revenge. He would wait until he was stronger in the future before destroying Ice River Valley.

Back mountain,

Xiao Li took out two jade bottles: "One is the Purple-Azure Supreme Pill that has undergone four-colored pill lightning, enough for me to break through to the first star level. The other is the Heavenly Flame Supreme Pill, which is suitable for fire-attribute Dou Zun to take."

"After taking these two pills, I should be able to advance to the fifth-star Dou Zun level. The Space Trade Fair will be held in less than a year and a half. I'll go with Elder Su then to see if there are any suitable Heaven-rank cultivation techniques for me."

The Xiao family does indeed possess two Heaven-rank cultivation techniques: the "Mad Battle Saint Mirror" and the "Xiao Saint Treasure Book," both of which are low-level Heaven-rank techniques, perfectly suited for cultivation by those with the Xiao clan bloodline.

It wasn't that Xiao Li didn't want Heaven-Rank cultivation techniques, but rather that he preferred to collect them himself. He was an alchemist, and acquiring treasures through pills was a common trait among alchemists.

In other words, Xiao Li enjoys exchanging pills for his favorite cultivation techniques and fighting skills; it provides him with a sense of spiritual satisfaction. Of course, if Xiao Li hadn't acquired a fire-attribute Heaven-rank cultivation technique at this spatial trading event, he would have been forced to cultivate those two low-level Heaven-rank techniques.

"Practice!"

Xiao Li poured out the Heavenly Flame Supreme Pill and swallowed it in one gulp. Then he began to digest the eighth-grade pill by circulating his cultivation technique.

The Heavenly Flame Supreme Pill is an eighth-grade pill suitable for Dou Zun level cultivators. It can be taken multiple times, with the first dose being the most effective, increasing cultivation by one star. The effect diminishes significantly with subsequent doses, and with repeated use, it becomes a pill that aids in cultivation.

Xiao Li felt a surge of heat spreading from his abdomen throughout his body, and his internal fighting spirit began to rise slowly.

. . . . . .

Meanwhile, in a secret realm somewhere on the northwestern continent,

A blue figure was moving swiftly, its speed like lightning.

"Xiao Ting, head southwest, there seems to be something good there."

An aged voice reached Xiao Ting's ears, and Xiao Ting nodded and headed southwest.

That's right, Xiao Ting is leading Xiao Kong into a mysterious secret realm. With a Heavenly Realm soul protecting them, Xiao Ting's safety level has increased dramatically. Moreover, Xiao Ting is extremely lucky, finding several medicinal herbs that can restore the soul, and Xiao Kong's soul has recovered somewhat.

Xiao Kong was also very pleased. Although the Xiao clan no longer had the bloodline of the Dou Di, they still worked hard to cultivate, even more so than a thousand years ago!

Xiao Kong hadn't expected that Xiao Ting would actually succeed in cultivating that low-level lightning-attribute Heavenly Rank cultivation technique in such a short time, with his cultivation speed increasing exponentially.

Although there are no strict requirements for cultivating techniques, those with low cultivation levels will find advanced techniques difficult to understand and their progress will be very slow.

However, there are exceptions. It is true that a Dou Zong level cultivator can switch to cultivating a Heaven-rank technique, but generally no one does this because Heaven-rank techniques are too conspicuous and easily discovered.

Once it is discovered that a Dou Zong is cultivating a Heaven-rank technique, he will inevitably be surrounded and attacked by a group of Dou Zun. This has led to a consensus on the continent that only Dou Zun and above are worthy of cultivating Heaven-rank techniques.

However, even a Dou Zong who successfully cultivates a Heaven-rank technique needs comprehension. Clearly, Xiao Ting is very compatible with that Heaven-rank technique, which has provided him with great help during his years of cultivation.

With the help of the pills left by Xiao Li, Xiao Ting's cultivation has reached the Seven-Star Dou Zong level, a very rapid advancement.

Chapter 145 Yunshan's "Wild Ambition"?

one year later,

The back mountain of the Xiao family

"Phew~ It's almost time to go back to Zhongzhou. I can't miss the Space Trade Fair. It's a pity that I only improved my cultivation by two stars in a year, and that was because I took two Rank 8 pills. No wonder I'm at the Dou Zun realm. Every star I improve is extremely difficult."

Xiao Li stood up, stretched his body, changed into a dark blue brocade robe, and left.

"Set off."

Xiao Li teleported to the main hall of the Xiao family, where Xiao Lin was handling family affairs.

"Brother, I'm going to Zhongzhou again to attend a high-level trade fair," Xiao Li said.

Xiao Lin looked up and sighed: "You don't need to tell me that, do you?"

Whether out of habit or something else, Xiao Li would inform his older brother Xiao Lin before going out, which gave Xiao Lin a headache. His younger brother was almost thirty years old, what did he still need to inform him about?

Xiao Li shrugged. He figured that if he told his family where he was going, they would know where he was going and have some peace of mind.

Xiao Lin put down his pen: "Sigh~ I'm so tired. There are so many family affairs. I'll pass on the family affairs and the position of clan leader to Zhan'er when he's more mature."

"When the time comes, Xiao Li, you'd better take your big brother to see the world! Being cooped up here in the Northwest Continent all this time, not even able to fight freely, I feel like my bones are about to loosen."

Xiao Li stroked his chin: "Sure, you're not worried about not having any fights? There are a lot of people and a lot of trouble in Zhongzhou. Every time we go to a city, there will always be a few people with problems coming to cause trouble."

"You'll have your chance to make your move then, but brother, you should advance to the Dou Zong level as soon as possible. Although a Dou Huang cultivation level is enough to roam the Central Continent, a Dou Zong level is much safer."

Xiao Lin rubbed his nose. His current cultivation level was all boosted by Xiao Li's pills. A month ago, he reached the peak of Dou Huang and wanted to try to break through to Dou Zong. He took the Breakthrough Pill but failed.

Fortunately, the Breakthrough Pill would preserve Xiao Lin's cultivation level, preventing him from falling. Xiao Lin felt the time was not right and decided to consolidate his strength further, since he had been handling affairs at home and had not had the opportunity to take action.

This made Xiao Lin, who loved fighting, feel stifled. Although his cultivation improved rapidly, he felt that his fighting spirit was very weak.

"By the way, I have two things to tell you. First, I feel that I encountered a mortal enemy a few years ago, probably after that tournament of strong people."

He challenged me to a duel to the death in two years, and I suspect something's up. I'm telling you this so we can go together in two years, just in case he pulls some tricks.

Xiao Lin crossed his arms and slowly said, "If the Xiao family had no one else, he would have had to bite the bullet and face this mortal enemy. Now that the family has many strong members, Xiao Lin naturally intends to play it safe."

"No big deal. They're my mortal enemies in the Northwest Continent. I don't believe they can send a Seven-Star Dou Zun. As long as they're below Seven-Star Dou Zun, I'll cover for them. What's the second thing?" Xiao Li waved his hand and said.

Xiao Lin recalled the second thing: "You should still remember Nalan Jie, the head of the Nalan family in Jiama Holy City, who is my good friend."

Xiao Li: "Of course I know. Didn't you meet him at the Strongest Gathering? You two were sworn brothers, and afterwards you guarded the empire's borders together. You two were even the empire's Grand Marshals."

Xiao Lin nodded, then scratched his cheek: "It wasn't like when we were drinking in the past, we got drunk and had a great time chatting with Nalan Jie. If our grandchildren were all boys or girls, we would become sworn brothers."

If they are a man and a woman, they will become husband and wife. I only recently learned that Nalan Jie has a granddaughter who was born on the same day as Yan'er.

Then Nalan Jie wrote to tell me about it, and that's when I remembered it. What do you suggest we do?

Xiao Li stroked his chin: "Let nature take its course. If they get along well, they can continue; if not, the marriage can be called off. It's no big deal."

Xiao Lin nodded: "I think so too. I'll take some time to go to the capital and talk to Nalan Jie in person. After all, it's an agreement between us. If the two little ones don't get along, it will put them in a difficult position."

"Ah."

. . . . . .

Yunlan Mountain Peak

Yun Yun sat upright atop the mountain peak. At this moment, she had lost all her previous sharpness, and there was not a trace of sword intent on her body. In fact, one could not even sense her cultivation level.

Yunshan stood at a distance protecting his disciple. He looked at Yunyun's restrained aura, which he could not discern at all, and nodded in satisfaction.

"so good."

Yun Yun opened her eyes, stood up, and stepped in front of Yun Shan, bowing to him and saying, "Thank you for protecting me, Master."

Yunshan smiled and helped Yunyun up: "Hey~ do we, master and disciple, need to be so polite? It's me, as your teacher, who hasn't given you much help. I'm ashamed to be your teacher."

Yun Yun shook her head: "If it weren't for Teacher pulling me out of the ruins, I would have been long gone. Teacher gave me a second life. Teacher is not only my teacher, but also my father."

Yunshan was deeply moved, which showed that his apprentice was truly excellent.

"Good, good, good. With you here, I feel I haven't lived in vain. I have lived up to my master's and Yunlan Sect's expectations." Yunshan said, his voice trembling slightly.

"Teacher, what are your plans after this? I am still young and do not know how to lead the Yunlan Sect." Yun Yun asked doubtfully. Since entering the Yunlan Sect, she has been cultivating to make the Yunlan Sect rise again.

However, Yun Yun's cultivation has now reached the Dou Zun level, and a year ago she even reached the Five-Star Dou Zun level. In the past year, she has successively consumed the Grade 8 Four-Colored Gangfeng Extreme Supreme Pill and the Grade 8 Five-Colored Purple-Green Supreme Pill that Xiao Li refined for her.

Yun Yun's cultivation has reached the peak of the Seven-Star Dou Zun and she has comprehended sword intent in Wan Jian Mountain. Yun Yun's current strength is enough to rival an ordinary Eight-Star Dou Zun.

However, Yun Yun possesses such power, and her cultivation is even above that of Yun Potian, the founder of the Yunlan Sect, yet she now does not know how to revive the Yunlan Sect.

"This? No rush, just proceed as usual. Our Yunlan Sect focuses on quiet cultivation, and the atmosphere in the sect is already very good. It's a famous cultivation holy land in the Jia Ma Empire and even several surrounding empires, which is already very good."

Now that I am a Dou Zong level expert, and you have become a Dou Zun level expert, that's already more than enough. There's no need to do anything unnecessary.

Yunshan waved his hand and said that he preferred quiet cultivation and disliked violent expansion; otherwise, the Jiama Empire would have changed hands long ago.

"Is that all?" Yun Yun asked doubtfully.