Fights Break Sphere: Season 1 Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Fights Break Sphere: Season 1 Synopsis
Xiao Yan was considered a talented young martial artist. When he was nine years old, his mother, Gu Wenxin, was forcibly brought back and imprisoned by his clan members. His father, Xiao Zhan, kept it secret.
Xiao Yan’s mother gave him a ring, which made his power weakened and prevented him from training. The family, who had been engaged with him for a long time, withdrew from the marriage, causing the Xiao family to suffer great shame.
Xiao Yan inadvertently woke up the ring’s owner, Yao Chen, and with the help of Yao Chen, Xiao Yan’s martial arts progressed amazingly.
Xiao Yan entered Jianan Academy to learn martial arts, where he befriended a group of mentors and friends, once again attracting the attention of his enemies.
During a special training session, Xiao Yan was framed and after coming back from the dead, he found out that his family was also decimated.
For the sake of peace in the world, Xiao Yan resolutely chose to challenge the evil forces alone. In the end, he joined forces with the heroine Xiao Xuan’er and together they defeated the powerful enemy.
Fights Break Sphere: Season 1 Recap
Episode 1 Recap
One thousand years ago, the Emperor Dou, known as the ‘Sun of the Continent’, led the Five Great Clans to fight against the Soul Palace from the extremely cold northern lands. They sealed them in the dark underground, bringing peace to the Dou Qi Continent. As day and night alternated, light was about to fall, and darkness was about to rise. The descendants of the Five Great Clans firmly guarded this light, preparing for a battle with the Soul Palace.
In Wu Tan City, Xiao Yan, the son of the Xiao Clan, one of the Five Great Clans, was handsome and exceptionally intelligent. At the age of nine, he had already mastered Nine-stage Dou Qi, becoming the continent's strongest genius youth and having won the Youth Dou Qi Tournament, rising to fame in one fell swoop.
In the same year, news of the darkness's resurgence came from the North, and his mother participated in the Five Great Clans' northern expedition to the Soul Palace. After returning from the expedition, Xiao Yan's mother was severely wounded and handed a Storage Ring to Xiao Yan, instructing him to keep it safe.
Besides this, the other several clans all came to question Xiao Yan's mother about the whereabouts of the Starfall Pavilion Treasure, believing that she had betrayed the Five Great Clans, defected to the Soul Palace, and stolen the treasure. Xiao Yan's mother stated that she did not know the treasure's whereabouts. She relayed the words of Hun Miesheng, the master of the Soul Palace, to the Sect Master of another clan, the Cloud Mist Sect.
Upon hearing this, Sect Master Yun became fearful, and Xiao Yan's mother committed suicide on the spot. Xiao Yan's mother's suicide did not end the matter. The other four clans continued to pressure Xiao Zhan, Xiao Yan's father, forcing him to hand over the treasure. Xiao Zhan, left with no choice, had to cripple his own Dou Qi to prove his innocence, and the Xiao Clan declined from then on. For seven years, Xiao Yan diligently practiced Dou Qi.
He wanted to become a strong person and uncover the truth behind his mother's death. However, no matter how hard he tried for seven years, his Dou Qi continued to regress, making him the last good-for-nothing on the Dou Qi Continent. The only one who believed in him and stayed by his side was Xiao Xun'er, his childhood sweetheart who grew up with him.
Xiao Xun'er always accompanied Xiao Yan, but the many fellow disciples in the Xiao Clan's Dou Skill Hall mocked Xiao Yan, believing him to be a useless person. Xiao Yan was unwilling to accept their ridicule. He returned home, hoping his father could pass on a Dou Qi cultivation technique to him, so he could defeat everyone who looked down on him.
Xiao Zhan was unwilling to teach him the technique, saying that Xiao Yan was not cut out for it. As a youth, Xiao Yan had a strong desire to win; he wanted to change everyone's perception of him through his own efforts, unwilling to cripple his Dou Qi and hide at home like his father, looking at account books. Xiao Yan's words provoked Xiao Zhan's anger, leading to a reprimand and criticism from Xiao Zhan.
In the Dou Skill Hall, Xiao Yan persistently and unyieldingly practiced his cultivation technique. Xiao Xun'er placed high hopes on Xiao Yan, cheering him on. At this time, Xiao Zhan ordered someone to summon Xiao Yan back to the manor. He invited Mr. Wan, the owner of the pharmacy, hoping that Xiao Yan would give up Dou Qi, apprentice himself to Mr. Wan, and become a pharmacy assistant.
Xiao Yan's heartfelt desire was to pass the entrance exam for the Dou Qi Continent's highest academy, Jia Nan Academy, to become a Dou Master. However, Xiao Zhan brought up Xiao Yan's low ranking in this year's Dou Qi Tournament, hitting Xiao Yan's confidence, saying that with Xiao Yan's aptitude, becoming a Dou Master would only lead to easy death. He hoped Xiao Yan would accept his fate and quietly study medicinal knowledge.
But Xiao Yan was naturally stubborn, refusing to admit defeat or accept his fate. Xiao Zhan, helpless, had no choice but to perform the apprenticeship ceremony on behalf of Xiao Yan, offering hot tea, forcing Xiao Yan to become Mr. Wan's apprentice, and strictly forbidding Xiao Yan from stepping into the Dou Skill Hall again. In the pharmacy, the pharmacy assistant taught Xiao Yan to identify medicinal herbs and instructed him to deliver them to the Dou Skill Hall.
Xiao Yan was discontent with his current situation. He went to the wilderness to vent his anger but accidentally stumbled into an unusual space. In this space, he met a purple-haired, blue-shirted man who claimed to be his Grand-Master. Xiao Yan didn't believe him, as his Grand-Master, Yao Chen, had died seven years ago.
Yao Chen didn't hide anything from Xiao Yan; he stated that seven years ago, he sealed himself along with the Starfall Pavilion Treasure within the Storage Ring that Xiao Yan wore. Back then, Xiao Yan's mother had desperately saved him, but his two apprentices, one committed suicide, and the other defected to the Soul Palace.
He had no choice but to guard this place alone, surviving by absorbing Xiao Yan's Dou Qi, which was also the reason why Xiao Yan's Dou Qi had regressed every day for the past seven years despite his practice. Xiao Yan was furious upon learning the reason for his Dou Qi regression; had it not been for Yao Chen's absorption, he would not have suffered so many insults. He attacked Yao Chen but was no match for him.
Realizing Yao Chen's power, Xiao Yan hoped Yao Chen could accompany him out to avenge his mother. Yao Chen refused Xiao Yan's suggestion and kicked Xiao Yan out of the Storage Ring. At night, Mr. Wan gave Xiao Yan a series of instructions, hoping Xiao Yan would study medicinal knowledge diligently.
However, while Xiao Yan was asleep, Yao Chen secretly left the Storage Ring space and drank all the wine in the pharmacy, leading to Mr. Wan severely beating and punishing Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan guessed Yao Chen's actions. He went into the Storage Ring space and demonstrated a set of boxing techniques to Yao Chen, hoping for more guidance.
Yao Chen didn't want to bother with Xiao Yan, but he couldn't resist Xiao Yan's provocations, so he performed a set of long-fist techniques in front of him. Having witnessed Yao Chen's powerful Dou Qi, Xiao Yan didn't understand why Yao Chen had fallen into such a desperate state seven years ago. Yao Chen only sighed, saying that the strongest Dou Skill was actually the human heart, the deliberate schemes of those closest to you.
If not for Xiao Yan's mother's desperate rescue seven years ago, he would have truly died at the hands of those closest to him. Yao Chen hoped Xiao Yan would give up Dou Qi and quietly work as an assistant in the pharmacy. However, Xiao Yan angrily returned the Storage Ring to Yao Chen, preparing to leave.
Seeing Xiao Yan's anger, Yao Chen had no choice but to take out the thirty-six secret alchemy formulas from the Starfall Pavilion, hoping he would cultivate more and become an Alchemist. Xiao Yan accepted the secret manual but remained resolute in his desire to become a Dou Master. He took the Storage Ring back from Yao Chen, remembering his mother's past instruction: no matter what, he must carefully preserve this Storage Ring.
The Nalan Clan, one of the Five Great Clans, came to Wu Tan City to participate in the Jia Nan Academy exam. Xiao Zhan brought up the engagement between Nalan Yanran and Xiao Yan that had been set since childhood, hoping Xiao Yan could visit Nalan Yanran and complete the marriage between the two families as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Nalan Jie, the Nalan Clan Patriarch, received an urgent letter from Sect Master Yun Shan from eight hundred li away. Yun Shan believed that the Xiao Clan had declined and hoped the Nalan Clan would carefully reconsider the marriage. Xiao Zhan was preparing to complete the marriage between Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran before the Jia Nan Academy started.
Pill King Gu He, who was accompanying the Nalan Clan Patriarch, came to the Xiao Manor to request an audience. This time, he brought a sixth-grade divine medicine, a pill that could help Xiao Zhan, who had crippled his Dou Qi, recover sixty to seventy percent of his Dou Qi. Xiao Zhan believed that Gu He had another purpose this time.
Gu He didn't beat around the bush; he brought up the Xiao Clan's current decline and hoped that the Xiao Clan would be wise enough to know when to retreat, taking the initiative to break off the engagement with the Nalan Clan. Xiao Zhan refused to agree.
He returned the pill to Gu He, stating that if the Nalan Clan intended to break off the engagement, Nalan Jie would need to personally state it; otherwise, the engagement ceremony between the two families would proceed as usual. At the engagement ceremony between the Xiao Clan and the Nalan Clan, Xiao Yan offered tea instead of wine to Nalan Jie, Nalan Yanran's grandfather. However, Nalan Jie did not appreciate it.
He brought up the northern expedition seven years ago, stating that the Nalan Clan had declined, and Nalan Yanran was the only one with talent in the entire Nalan Clan. He stressed that while the Five Great Clans needed to unite, they also needed to protect themselves, and he hoped Nalan Yanran could find a better reliance than the Xiao Clan. Nalan Jie wanted to annul the Xiao Clan's engagement, which was a huge insult to the Xiao Clan.
Nalan Yanran made a three-year agreement with Xiao Yan, stating that Xiao Yan could come to the Cloud Mist Sect to challenge her in three years. If he defeated her, she would be his slave. Xiao Yan, in his youth, could not endure the Nalan Clan's insult. Instead, he wrote the character '休' (break off/divorce) on the marriage contract, intending to annul the engagement with Nalan Yanran. If this matter were to spread, it would harm Nalan Yanran's reputation.
Nalan Jie firmly disagreed; he forced Xiao Yan to eat the marriage contract. Xiao Yan then began to fight with Nalan Yanran, but he couldn't even withstand one of Nalan Yanran's palms. Seeing this, Gu He openly mocked Xiao Yan. Nalan Yanran also struck Xiao Yan with a heavy hand at Nalan Jie's request, leaving Xiao Yan severely wounded. Xiao Yan clearly understood the gap between himself and the Nalan Clan.
He accepted Nalan Yanran's three-year agreement, stating that in three years, he would personally go to the Cloud Mist Sect to challenge her, and by then, he would return all the Nalan Clan's insults to the Xiao Clan.
Episode 2 Recap
Xiao Yan ate the marriage contract in front of the Nalan family. Only then did the Nalan family give up and leave the Xiao family. The Xiao family suffered an unprecedented humiliation. Xiao Yan left the hall alone. He told his father that he would definitely make the Nalan family pay back all the insults from today. Outside the hall, Nalan Yanran gave medicine to Xiao Yan.
Seeing the pendant on the medicine, Xiao Yan couldn't help but recall the first time he met Nalan Yanran. At that time, he was a well-known Dou Qi genius, and Nalan Yanran's attitude towards him was not like this. Xiao Yan did not take Nalan Yanran's medicine and left directly from in front of her. Xiao Xun'er, not far away, was dissatisfied with Nalan Yanran's attitude towards Xiao Yan.
She stepped forward to speak for Xiao Yan, stating that since Xiao Yan could create a miracle seven years ago, he would certainly stand out in the future, and by then Nalan Yanran would definitely regret today's decision. At night, Xiao Xun'er came to give medicine to Xiao Yan. She felt indignant on his behalf and wanted to learn abacus at the pharmacy to accompany Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan, unaware of Xiao Xun'er's girlish thoughts, only told her to dispel that idea as soon as possible. After Xiao Xun'er left, Xiao Yan used wine to entice Yao Chen to appear and once again entered the space within the storage ring. Yao Chen asked about Xiao Yan's current ability. Xiao Yan candidly stated that his Dou Qi was only at the third stage.
Hearing this, Yao Chen mercilessly said that Xiao Yan would not be Nalan Yanran's opponent at all three years later. Nalan Yanran had already taken Yun Shan as her teacher, and her strength would definitely advance by leaps and bounds three years from now. Mentioning Nalan Yanran, Xiao Yan scoffed at his own engagement ceremony and prepared to diligently practice Dou Qi.
Yao Chen also personally used strange flames and medicinal ingredients to refine Foundation Elixir, which could quickly increase Dou Qi stages, telling Xiao Yan to sell it for a good price to get him wine in return. Xiao Yan diligently practiced martial arts in the courtyard. Xiao Zhan sighed deeply upon seeing Xiao Yan's efforts. He took Xiao Yan to the dead mole planted by the Soul Palace in the Xiao family.
Xiao Zhan believed that besides the Xiao family, other families must also have moles from the Soul Palace. If the Soul Palace wanted to break down and dismantle the five great families one by one, it would not be difficult. Afterward, Xiao Zhan took out the Foundation Elixir he had bought back at a high price from the market, stating that this bottle of Foundation Elixir could help Xiao Yan advance two stages.
He warned Xiao Yan that cultivation was like climbing a mountain, with highs and lows. He encouraged Xiao Yan and tacitly approved his learning of Dou Qi. Xiao Yan wanted to study in the Dou Skills Pavilion, but his father believed that Xiao Yan would be safer hiding in the pharmacy. Inside the storage ring, Xiao Yan and Yao Chen had a heart-to-heart talk. Yao Chen brought up the matter of Xiao Yan's mother.
Actually, the Xiao family and the Starfall Pavilion had always been on good terms, but later, the two families' falling out was inseparable from Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan's mother had a distinct personality; after marrying Xiao Zhan, she did not continue to study in the Starfall Pavilion. Xiao Yan's mother was Yao Chen's most beloved disciple and the person he owed the most.
Yao Chen believed that Xiao Yan's mother must have resented him greatly before she passed away, but Xiao Yan said that his mother never resented Yao Chen. Xiao Yan's mother passed away very peacefully, and he would fulfill his mother's dying wish, risking his life to protect Yao Chen and guard the storage ring, even if Yao Chen was unwilling to teach him Dou Qi. Xiao Yan's desire to learn Dou Qi remained steadfast.
He did not want to be like Yao Chen, who, despite becoming the greatest alchemist in the world, eventually gave up on himself and avoided everything. Yao Chen was deeply moved by Xiao Yan's words. He brought up the topic of the Tier 2 Demonic Dragon Scorpion within the storage ring's space, demanding Xiao Yan challenge the Dragon Scorpion alone.
If he succeeded, he would teach Xiao Yan Dou Qi, but if Xiao Yan cried out for help due to fear, he would never mention Dou Qi again in the future. Xiao Yan resolutely decided to challenge the Dragon Scorpion. Holding a long staff, he single-handedly lured out the colossal Dragon Scorpion. Yao Chen reminded Xiao Yan not to overexert himself, as with his ability, he was no match for the Dragon Scorpion.
However, Xiao Yan was unwilling to give up this sole opportunity. He held his long staff and circled the Dragon Scorpion several times, only to be violently thrown off and attacked by the Dragon Scorpion. Enduring the immense pain in his body, Xiao Yan directly attacked the Dragon Scorpion's weak spot, provoking the Dragon Scorpion's furious rage. The Dragon Scorpion threw Xiao Yan off and struck him hard, but there was not a hint of fear in Xiao Yan's eyes.
He picked up stones with his bare hands and smashed them fiercely at the Dragon Scorpion, aiming for its fatal weak spot, successfully killing it and earning Yao Chen's admiration. Xiao Yan woke up in a pool filled with Foundation Elixir, and Yao Chen finally agreed to teach Xiao Yan Dou Qi. Xiao Yan was exceptionally gifted. He began to learn strange flames and a Dou Skill named Eight Extremities Collapse under Yao Chen's guidance. Xiao Yan studied persistently.
The senior and junior disciples in the Dou Skills Pavilion continued to mock Xiao Yan. Xiao Xun'er, as always, stood up to protect Xiao Yan, which only intensified the others' ridicule towards him. Little did they know, Xiao Yan's ability had already improved by several stages, but he was stuck at the final hurdle. Xiao Yan had heard that Blood Spirit Worms had miraculous effects on cultivation.
He was willing to endure the pain brought by the Blood Spirit Worms to strengthen his own cultivation. Yao Chen, according to Xiao Yan's request, helped him cultivate. When the Blood Spirit Worms passed through his body, it felt like the agony of ten thousand arrows piercing his heart. Xiao Yan always kept in mind the eight-character mantra taught by Yao Chen: "Concentrate your mind, forget yourself and your surroundings," successfully completing the final stage of cultivation.
Time in the storage ring was much slower than outside. Within the time it took for one breath outside, Xiao Yan had already become a Dou Practitioner. His power and talent both left Yao Chen greatly impressed. Inside the Xiao family's Dou Skills Pavilion, three elders from Jia Nan Academy came to observe and visit. They were Han Feng, the current Pavilion Master of Starfall Pavilion; Ge Ye, an elder of Jia Nan Academy; and Teacher Ruolin.
Han Feng met Xiao Yan inside the pavilion. He originally wanted to bring up Xiao Yan's mother to Xiao Yan, but he was stopped by Xiao Zhan. Yao Chen also saw Han Feng in the storage ring. He demanded that Xiao Yan find a way to get into Jia Nan Academy.
It turned out that during the battle with the Soul Palace years ago, the person who betrayed the team and caused the death of Xiao Yan's mother and Yao Chen was Han Feng. He believed that Han Feng would definitely try every means to search for the treasures of Starfall Pavilion. Once the Dou Skills and cultivation methods from the treasures fell into his hands, there would be endless troubles.
Therefore, Yao Chen wanted Xiao Yan to get close to Han Feng and investigate his every move. Although Xiao Yan intended to test into Jia Nan Academy, he worried about his insufficient ability. Yao Chen stated that as long as Xiao Yan mastered the Eight Extremities Collapse, it would be enough to get into Jia Nan Academy. On the day of the Jia Nan Academy examination, various contestants dueled each other.
Xiao Xun'er won her duel, but another fellow disciple lost his match. Seeing that the Xiao family had only one last chance to challenge, Xiao Yan seized this opportunity to propose to Xiao Zhan his desire to enter the competition.
Episode 3 Recap
Xiao Yan represented the Xiao family disciples in the challenge. Everyone present mocked Xiao Yan, and his opponent even looked down on him. To everyone's surprise, Xiao Yan's Dou Qi was overwhelming, and he effortlessly defeated his opponent, winning the first round for the Xiao family. The second round of the competition followed closely. The top fifteen in this competition would qualify to enter Canaan Academy. Nalan Jie deliberately arranged for Nalan Yanran to compete against the Xiao family.
Xiao Xun'er stepped up to challenge Nalan Yanran. She made some cold remarks to Nalan Yanran, who remained silent. Seeing Nalan Yanran about to attack Xiao Xun'er, Xiao Yan stepped forward to block her, and was severely injured. Xiao Yan was helped off the stage. He healed himself while Xiao Xun'er protected him. In a blink of an eye, the competition reached its final ranking match. All of the Xiao family disciples were no match for the Yunlan Sect disciples.
Xiao Yan stepped forward, representing the Xiao family in the challenge once again. Xiao Yan threw punches, using a set of Eight Extremities Collapse, and successfully won this round, greatly boosting the Xiao family's morale. Nalan Jie and Gu He both couldn't believe Xiao Yan's strength. Han Feng even speculated that Xiao Yan used prohibited drugs to win the competition. As the Xiao family cheered, Gu He openly questioned Xiao Yan.
The Yunlan Sect disciples even demanded an immediate test of Xiao Yan's Dou Qi. Responding to the crowd's request, Xiao Yan tested his own nine-segment Dou Qi, shocking everyone present. Xiao Xun'er joyfully hugged Xiao Yan, genuinely happy for him. Four disciples from the Xiao family's skill hall qualified to enter Canaan Academy.
Xiao Zhan led the four to the pavilion where Dou Skill scrolls were stored, asking them to retrieve their own Dou Skills within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. Two disciples returned empty-handed from the pavilion. Xiao Xun'er obtained her Dou Skill. She wanted to share it with Xiao Yan, but Xiao Yan refused Xiao Xun'er's kindness, deciding to find his own Dou Skill. Xiao Xun'er left the pavilion.
Under Yao Chen's guidance, Xiao Yan came before a Dou Skill scroll named "Three Thousand Lightning Movement". Yao Chen revealed the preciousness of this half-scroll Dou Skill, demanding that Xiao Yan must acquire it. Yao Chen prompted Xiao Yan, telling him to use the method for testing alchemy, condense his Dou Qi, use his hands as an entrance, and absorb the flame into his body. Xiao Yan faced the intense flames with his hands, enduring unbearable scorching pain.
However, Yao Chen only told Xiao Yan to continue absorbing the flames, while he resolved the intense heat for Xiao Yan from within the Spatial Ring. When Xiao Yan woke up, Xiao Xun'er was meticulously caring for him by his side and told Xiao Yan that the scroll was only half complete. Xiao Yan already knew this and was not bothered by it. Xiao Xun'er asked about the source of Xiao Yan's Dou Qi learning.
Xiao Yan stammered, unable to answer, and had to enter the Spatial Ring to seek help from Yao Chen. Under Yao Chen's guidance, he told Xiao Xun'er the whole truth, but Xiao Xun'er did not believe him, only believing that Xiao Yan was a genius. For so many years, even though Xiao Yan lived a muddled life, Xiao Xun'er remained loyal to him.
Xiao Yan sincerely thanked Xiao Xun'er, but Xiao Xun'er brought up the time when Xiao Yan saved her when they were young. In her heart, Xiao Yan had always been a genius hero. Xiao Yan came to the inner court to find Xiao Zhan. Xiao Zhan asked Xiao Yan why he didn't take a Heaven-grade Dou Skill but instead took an Earth-grade Dou Skill.
Xiao Yan had consecutively advanced seven segments of Dou Qi within a month, and he was proficient in using Eight Extremities Collapse. Xiao Zhan suspected Xiao Yan of colluding with someone from the Soul Hall. He threw the half-scroll Dou Skill aside and challenged Xiao Yan's strength. At the critical moment, Xiao Yan unreservedly used Eight Extremities Collapse.
Although Xiao Zhan was no match for Xiao Yan, he recognized that Xiao Yan was using a technique from the Starfall Pavilion, which surprised him. Xiao Yan only said that although his mother had not taught him Dou Skill techniques, she had left him many things. Seeing Xiao Yan's Spatial Ring, Xiao Zhan understood. He only told Xiao Yan to keep this matter a secret. Xiao Zhan asked Xiao Yan if he was determined about his path of study.
Xiao Yan's resolve to enter Canaan Academy remained unchanged. The path of study was long. Xiao Zhan sighed that Xiao Yan had grown up, and he imparted the Xiao family's ancestral six-character true words to Xiao Yan: "If you can't win, run quickly." Canaan Academy is the highest academy on the entire Dou Qi Continent. Every year, the most outstanding students selected from the Dou Qi Continent travel long distances to Canaan for further study.
Xiao Yan deeply understood that studying at Canaan Academy was the first step he would take to defeat Nalan Yanran, but entering the gates of Canaan Academy was no simple matter. Under Ruo Lin's leadership, Xiao Yan and the other disciples each received an indispensable item from Canaan Academy – an energy token. The energy token was Canaan Academy's currency.
Ruo Lin required them to carry the energy tokens and pass through the trial in the Black Corner Region Forest to enter the gates of Canaan Academy. The Black Corner Region Forest was guarded by senior students of Canaan Academy. Bullying new students and snatching the energy tokens from their hands was the trial of Canaan Academy. Many new students fell into the hands of the senior students. Xiao Yan led the group cautiously into the forest.
The forest was full of strange occurrences, and screams for help could be heard everywhere. As the wind rose, several dark figures flashed out. Xiao Yan, Xiao Xun'er, and their group were all caught by the senior students. The senior students wanted to snatch the energy tokens from the other new students. Xiao Yan acted righteously, using a set of Eight Extremities Collapse to heavily defeat the senior students, and fled to the other side with the remaining new students.
The new students gathered together, all having lost confidence. One of the new students, Hao Tian, had even participated in the new student trial for two consecutive years, both ending in failure. He told everyone that even if they could pass the Black Corner Region Forest trial, without energy tokens, they would not be able to survive in Canaan Academy. The cultivators trained by Canaan Academy were all elites, but its elimination system was extremely cruel.
Seeing everyone's discouragement, Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er both spoke to encourage everyone not to give up. They all needed to fight with all their might to defeat the senior students. After hearing this, everyone united, jointly using their strengths and specialties to formulate a strategy. Hao Tian mentioned the three groups of senior students guarding the Black Corner Region Forest and analyzed their characteristics.
They first used fragrant grape juice to attract the first group of guarding senior students, then trapped them in already prepared pitfalls, stripping them of all their energy tokens and taking them for themselves. The second group of patrolling senior students, the Black and White Twin Fiends, saw how the first group of senior students had been tricked by the new students and vowed to make these new students pay the price.
The Black and White Twin Fiends ambushed Xiao Yan's group. Xiao Yan's group cooked delicious fish soup, but deliberately pretended to have an internal conflict over an uneven distribution of energy tokens. The Black and White Twin Fiends seized the opportunity to attack. They tied up Xiao Yan's group and blackmailed them for their delicious fish soup. Unexpectedly, the fish soup had already been drugged by Xiao Yan and the others.
The new students once again outsmarted and defeated the senior students. Seeing the discomfited appearance of the Black and White Twin Fiends, Xiao Yan lectured the two who had spoken so wildly. At the Canaan Academy Freshmen Conference, Prince Ye Lan of the Dou Qi Continent gave a public speech. Although his speech was full of flaws, Ruo Lin and her group still applauded him.
To Prince Ye Lan's surprise and speechlessness, several senior students returned to Canaan Academy in a state of disarray, their upper bodies exposed. On the other side, Xiao Yan's group continued to brave the third round of trials. The guardian of the third round was Bai Shan. Bai Shan demanded that they hand over all the energy tokens on them. His Dou Qi techniques were powerful.
A new student named Lin Xiuya was not his opponent, and even Xiao Yan's Eight Extremities Collapse was no match for Bai Shan. Bai Shan was slightly interested in Xiao Yan's Eight Extremities Collapse. He wanted to continue to challenge Xiao Yan, but Xiao Xun'er blocked Xiao Yan at the critical moment. Bai Shan was very surprised by the sudden appearance of Xiao Xun'er, but he easily pinpointed several people's acupoints, rendering them unable to move.
Bai Shan demanded that Xiao Yan hand over the energy tokens. Xiao Yan hastily entered the Spatial Ring to seek help from Yao Chen. Yao Chen, unable to resist Xiao Yan's persistent pestering, had no choice but to teach him how to feign death to deceive Bai Shan, and then seize the opportunity to sneak attack and defeat Bai Shan. Xiao Yan's group defeated Bai Shan, seized all the energy tokens from him, and exited the Black Corner Region Forest.
Lin Xiuya and Hao Tian were both very envious and curious about Xiao Yan's nine-segment Dou Qi. Xiao Yan merely stated that he too had gone through a long period of low points, and only through persistence did he achieve everything he had today. At the same time, Xiao Yan encouraged Hao Tian, who only had two segments of Dou Qi, and regarded those who had collectively endured the Black Corner Region Forest as brothers sharing adversity. Together, they walked towards Canaan Academy.
Episode 4 Recap
During the freshman assembly at Jia Nan Academy, Teacher Mi Tengshan spoke on behalf of the academy. He laid out two crucial rules of the academy: the first is that Jia Nan Academy has only ever had one Dou Di (Battle Emperor) as its headmaster, and for many years, the academy has been managed by elders. Once they enter the academy, they must be prepared to fight against the Blood Sect and Soul Hall for life.
The second is the strict prohibition of private duels; any student engaging in private duels will be severely punished, confined, and even expelled. After the freshman assembly ended, Xiao Yan, Lin Xiuya, Hao Tian, and Hu Jia were assigned to the same dormitory. Senior Brother Bai, who had troubled Xiao Yan and others in the Black Corner Region, was responsible for leading them to the dormitory.
Senior Brother Bai was kind-hearted; he warmly entertained Xiao Yan's group, not only warning them to be more wary of the Black and White Twin Fiends but also taking them to familiarize themselves with all the environments of Jia Nan Academy. During their conversation, Xiao Yan's group unexpectedly learned that Senior Brother Bai was actually Bai Shan's biological older brother. The few of them saw Bai Shan and another student fighting with Dou Qi (Battle Qi) in the fighting arena.
Xiao Yan truly saw Bai Shan's strength, feeling very fortunate that they were able to pass the third round of offense and defense that day at Bai Shan's hands. Xiao Yan's group encountered Xiao Xun'er, who was also out familiarizing herself with the environment.
Everyone deeply understood that Jia Nan Academy was different from other places; students in Jia Nan Academy must be self-reliant in earning Energy Talismans, strictly obey the rules, learn knowledge in all aspects, and shoulder their mission and responsibilities. Ruo Lin taught the freshmen fist techniques. Hu Jia was the first to go up, and his fist technique was severely criticized by Ruo Lin. The second to go up was Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan displayed the Five Elements Fist and Eight Extremes Collapse; his Dou Qi was powerful but was easily neutralized by Ruo Lin. Ruo Lin pointed out the shortcomings of Xiao Yan's fist technique, advising Xiao Yan to reach a state of perfect fluidity. If he encountered an opponent with stronger Dou Qi than him, he must not confront them head-on, otherwise, Xiao Yan himself would suffer.
After practicing the fist techniques, everyone had to go to Gu Qi to learn alchemy knowledge. The freshmen who were new to alchemy did not know how to control the heat properly, and one after another, they were smoked until their faces were like black charcoal. Inside the Five Elements Fist training ground, everyone was unenthusiastic when practicing the Five Elements Fist.
Han Feng stepped forward to lecture, stating that the freshmen's first semester at school was to learn the Five Elements Fist well, and although the Five Elements Fist was simple, it was the foundation of all Dou Skill techniques. Han Feng deliberately brought up the Five Elements Fist that Xiao Yan displayed during the entrance examination, demanding Xiao Yan to have a spar with him.
Xiao Yan secretly took off his storage ring, but Han Feng was the first to use the Eight Extremes Collapse, severely injuring Xiao Yan. He publicly accused Xiao Yan's mother of being a traitor and claimed that Xiao Yan's mother privately teaching Xiao Yan Dou Skill techniques constituted the crime of stealing techniques. Xiao Yan did not want his mother to be insulted. He angrily retorted Han Feng but was held down by another teacher, Ge Ye.
Xiao Yan always firmly believed that his mother was not a traitor, nor a thief. Xiao Xun'er also stepped forward to speak for Xiao Yan. Seeing this, Han Feng had no choice but to drop the matter, continuing to maintain his image as a benevolent teacher. Xiao Yan was punished to clean the training ground. He, alone in the training ground, recalled the scene of the Xiao family's misfortune in his childhood.
At that time, the other four major families all came to the Xiao family. Each of them claimed that Xiao Yan's mother, Gu Wenxin, had betrayed the Five Clan Alliance, stolen treasures, forcing Gu Wenxin to commit suicide, and Xiao Zhan crippled his own Dou Qi. It was also at Gu Wenxin's mourning hall that the Gu family left Xun'er, a descendant of the Gu family, at the Xiao family, and had her change her surname to Xiao.
From then on, Xun'er grew up alongside Xiao Yan. When he came back to his senses, Xiao Yan saw Xiao Xun'er. Xiao Xun'er came to the training ground alone. She quietly accompanied Xiao Yan. For so many years, no matter what Xiao Yan encountered, she had always stayed by his side. At night, Lin Xiuya took the opportunity to hold a knife to the sleeping Xiao Yan's neck. Only then did he realize that Xiao Yan was Gu Wenxin's descendant.
If it weren't for Gu Wenxin's betrayal back then, his biological parents would not have died in the Far North. Xiao Yan always firmly believed that his mother was not a traitor. His firm stance moved Lin Xiuya. Lin Xiuya put down the knife, choosing to believe Xiao Yan, with whom he had shared difficulties in the forest.
The next day, Ge Ye deliberately made things difficult for Xiao Yan and ridiculed him greatly, once again punishing Xiao Yan to stay alone in the training ground to clean. Xiao Yan was severely injured. Xiao Xun'er came to the training ground, feeling distressed for him. She placed a bottle of injury medicine at the entrance, leaving it for Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan lay covered in sweat on the training ground, and also saw the injury medicine left by Xiao Xun'er. Afterwards, Xiao Yan entered the storage ring space. He was extremely displeased with Ge Ye's actions. Seeing that Xiao Yan had thoughts of revenge, Yao Chen merely spoke up to instruct Xiao Yan, saying that when Xiao Yan became powerful in the future, he should be grateful to those who had once hurt him.
If it weren't for their repeated injuries, his abilities would not have improved. After speaking, Yao Chen taught Xiao Yan how to use "urgent fire", extracting the essence suspended over the raging fire with his bare hands using Dou Qi. After a period of training, Xiao Yan's abilities had improved significantly. Ge Ye rarely praised Xiao Yan, but still continued to make things difficult for him. After Ge Ye left, Xiao Xun'er and others quickly stepped forward to help Xiao Yan up, showing him concern.
Episode 5 Recap
Senior Brother Bai Cheng was quite helpless about Xiao Yan offending Ge Ye. Ge Ye was notoriously petty in Jia Nan Academy, and he advised Xiao Yan to turn a blind eye and swallow his anger for the time being. Afterwards, Xiao Yan, led by Bai Cheng, went alone to Elder Gu He's pharmacy to clean. Unexpectedly, no sooner had he stepped into the room than the Black and White Duo of Evil arrived.
They colluded with Bai Cheng to frame Xiao Yan for stealing medicinal ingredients and reported Xiao Yan to the Elder Council. In the Elder Council, besides Ruo Lin, the other elders did not believe Xiao Yan, and Han Feng even wanted to expel Xiao Yan from Jia Nan Academy. Just then, Mi Tengshan stepped forward to speak for Xiao Yan. He pointed out the suspicious aspects of the matter and firmly disagreed with expelling Xiao Yan from the academy.
Han Feng refused to give up, so Mi Tengshan had no choice but to order Xiao Yan to be confined as a punishment. In the dormitory, Lin Xiuya and Hao Tian's group all felt indignant for Xiao Yan, but Bai Cheng added insult to injury. He led a group of senior students to the dormitory to beat them and snatched their energy talismans. Meanwhile, Xiao Yan, confined, unintentionally overheard a conversation between a Soul Hall Envoy and several students.
He secretly became more vigilant. Three days of confinement had passed, and Xiao Xun'er and a few people from the dormitory came to pick Xiao Yan up and bring him back. However, like a tiger fallen into a plain being bullied by dogs, Xiao Yan's room was not only trashed, but a "thief" label was also pasted on his door. Facing all this false accusation and injustice, Xiao Yan could only swallow his anger and endure all the grievances.
At night, Xiao Yan woke Lin Xiuya. He and Lin Xiuya went to the forest behind the mountain and discovered a strangeness within. Xiao Yan entered his Storage Ring, where he learned from Yao Chen that the Blood Sect of the Soul Hall had infiltrated Jia Nan Academy. Yao Chen instructed Xiao Yan to clearly identify the Soul Hall Envoy and remember his face.
Subsequently, Xiao Yan went forward alone to investigate the situation, only to see the Soul Hall Envoy secretly forming a blood pact with over a dozen students, with the Black and White Duo of Evil leading them. Xiao Yan stepped in and interrupted the Soul Hall Envoy's actions. Seeing that their plot was exposed, the students scattered, attempting to flee.
Xiao Yan, utilizing the Dou Qi Yao Chen had imbued him with, advanced and used his techniques to confront the Soul Hall Envoy. From within the Storage Ring, Yao Chen clearly saw the Soul Hall Envoy's face and unexpectedly learned that he was actually Fan Lao of the Blood Sect. At this moment, Lin Xiuya, worried about Xiao Yan, came to check. Xiao Yan took Lin Xiuya and fled together.
Although they evaded the pursuit of the Soul Hall Envoy and the mesmerized students, Xiao Yan was targeted by a giant snake. The giant snake knocked Lin Xiuya several meters away, then coiled around Xiao Yan, attempting to kill him. Facing the colossal giant snake, Xiao Yan fought alone. He risked being swallowed by the giant snake, directly attacked its throat, and defeated the giant snake.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Lin Xiuya, wanting to find Xiao Yan, encountered the Soul Hall Envoy and was taken away by him. The next day, Xiao Yan recounted the events of the previous night to the elders, but Ge Ye and Han Feng believed Xiao Yan was spouting nonsense. Gu He asked about Lin Xiuya's whereabouts, and Xiao Yan only said he hadn't found any trace of Lin Xiuya.
Han Feng raised doubts about the matter and still didn't believe Xiao Yan's words. To prove the truth of his words, Xiao Yan demonstrated the Blood Sect's hand seal on the spot, which finally made them believe what he said. Subsequently, Mi Tengshan produced a Blood Sacrifice Map of the Soul Hall. Following the clues provided by Xiao Yan, they found the Black and White Duo of Evil and immediately tested their blood in the Elder Council.
The blood test proved that their blood was permeated with the Soul Hall's Gu poison technique. This Gu was extremely insidious; anyone afflicted by it would need to cripple their own Dou Qi to preserve their life, otherwise they would be exploited by the Soul Hall.
Mi Tengshan ordered the Black and White Duo of Evil to be apprehended and guarded, demanding that they reveal other students colluding with the Soul Hall, preparing to abolish the Dou Qi of such students and expel them from the academy. Inside the Storage Ring, Xiao Yan gave Yao Chen the item he obtained from the battle in the forest for inspection.
Yao Chen recognized that the item was not only a treasure of the Soul Hall but also a magical artifact with a clear lineage. Seeing Xiao Yan's extraordinary talent, Yao Chen decided to make the best use of it. He left the magical artifact for Xiao Yan to use and taught Xiao Yan a Dou Skill: the Flame Splitting Wave Devouring Ruler. This magical artifact weighed a thousand jin, and Xiao Yan couldn't even lift it.
Yao Chen verbally guided Xiao Yan extensively and demonstrated the moves of the Flame Splitting Wave Devouring Ruler on the spot, stating that Xiao Yan needed to control the ruler with his Qi to unleash its full potential. The space within the Storage Ring was slower than the outside, and Xiao Yan, following Yao Chen's instructions, diligently and fearlessly practiced the Flame Splitting Wave Devouring Ruler.
In Jia Nan Academy, Xiao Xun'er brought up the matter of the Blood Sect in Xiao Yan's room. Everyone was worried about Lin Xiuya, and Xiao Yan regretted even more bringing Lin Xiuya to the forest. Hao Tian mentioned how they were bullied by the senior students, stating that all their energy talismans had been stolen by them.
Xiao Yan wanted to go alone to settle the score with the senior students, but Hao Tian and Hu Jia both disagreed, wanting to advance and retreat together with Xiao Yan. With a call for brotherhood and responsibility, they absolutely wouldn't let Xiao Yan risk it alone. Just then, the dormitory door opened by itself.
Xiao Yan went out to investigate the situation, and the Soul Hall Envoy approached Xiao Yan alone, demanding that Xiao Yan bring the Heavy Xuan Ruler to the forest tomorrow night to exchange for Lin Xiuya. The next night, Xiao Yan went alone to the forest with the Heavy Xuan Ruler, demanding that the Soul Hall Envoy hand over Lin Xiuya.
However, the Soul Hall Envoy went back on his word, wanting to take Xiao Yan back to the Soul Hall with him. Little did he know, Xiao Yan had Yao Chen's assistance. Yao Chen, from within the Storage Ring, unleashed Dou Qi, not only allowing Xiao Yan to effortlessly lift the Heavy Xuan Ruler but also helping him execute the moves of the Flame Splitting Wave Devouring Ruler. The Soul Hall Envoy couldn't believe Xiao Yan possessed such ability.
Xiao Yan, with an arrogant momentum, continuously unleashed moves, catching the Soul Hall Envoy off guard. The Soul Hall Envoy fled in disarray. However, Xiao Yan, having just advanced to Dou Master, suffered damaged meridians as his body couldn't withstand Yao Chen's powerful Dou Qi. After rescuing Lin Xiuya, he went to the Storage Ring space to find Yao Chen.
Yao Chen helped Xiao Yan heal his injuries and urged him to quickly cultivate the second form of the Flame Splitting Wave Devouring Ruler. News of Xiao Yan's late-night battle with the Soul Hall Envoy, with neither gaining an advantage, reached the ears of the elders. From the handprint left by the Soul Hall Envoy, everyone realized that the Soul Hall Envoy was a Dou Zong level figure, not someone Xiao Yan could contend with.
Han Feng questioned Xiao Yan, suspecting that Xiao Yan had also joined a heretical organization. However, Mi Tengshan stepped forward to speak for Xiao Yan, stating that all of Xiao Yan's Dou Skills came from the Xiao Clan and Starfall Pavilion, and he harbored no suspicion. Currently, their most important task was to find out who brought the Soul Hall Envoy into the academy. The Soul Hall, hiding in the shadows, was extremely insidious.
Mi Tengshan deeply understood that once something happened to Jia Nan Academy, darkness would descend, and the world would henceforth be plagued with troubles. In the dormitory washroom, Bai Cheng brought senior students to provoke Xiao Yan, demanding that Xiao Yan hand over all his energy talismans and contribute ten thousand energy talismans to them every month. Xiao Yan did not fear Bai Cheng. He let out a loud shout, calling out all the new student companions.
United, everyone returned the oppression they had suffered from the senior students, beating Bai Cheng and the other senior students until they cried out in pain. The new students won the victory, and they decided to jointly establish a gang named "Yan Gang," honoring Xiao Yan as their leader, uniting to help each other.
Episode 6 Recap
Hao Tian and Xiao Xun'er and a few others came to submit the guild application form to Ruolin. After giving them some instructions, Ruolin signed her name. Yan Gang was established. The gang was assigned its own training ground. Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er and the others were all excited, ready to properly set up the training ground.
On the other side, Bai Cheng, unable to swallow his anger, sought help from his younger brother Baishan, wanting Baishan to issue a challenge to Xiao Yan to avenge his previous humiliation. Baishan was older and held a higher status than Xiao Yan. Although he found it beneath him to issue a challenge, he deeply hated Xiao Yan and planned to find a suitable opportunity to teach Xiao Yan a lesson.
The renovation of the training ground required a large number of energy talismans. Xiao Yan and Hao Tian came up with a plan to earn money by refining medicine. Subsequently, the members of Yan Gang gathered to celebrate the establishment of the gang. Xiao Yan went on stage to speak, reading out Yan Gang's principles, demanding that its members not casually bully others. Everyone drank a cup of water instead of wine.
Xiao Yan refined high-grade Qi Gathering Powder in the training ground. This medicine could help students' Dou Qi increase by one stage and would take effect within an hour. Xiao Xun'er and Hao Tian's group went out to look for a suitable shop. They took a liking to a shop front and wanted to rent half of the stall.
However, the senior apprentice of the shop made an exorbitant demand, asking them for a large number of energy talismans as rent. Finally, with the cooperation of Hao Tian and others, and Xiao Xun'er's eloquent negotiation, the shop's senior apprentice agreed for Yan Gang to pay the shop rent with twenty pills per month. Yan Gang's business was booming. Its medicine was highly effective and cheap, far surpassing the Medicine Gang in the market.
As a result, the Medicine Gang's business was dismal. Many students in the Medicine Gang were the direct senior disciples of Gu He. Its leader, Han Xian, was arrogant. He led his gang members to stir up trouble at Yan Gang, demanding that Yan Gang be affiliated with the Medicine Gang, and that Yan Gang share 40% of the profits from the medicine sold in the future with the Medicine Gang. Xiao Yan disagreed with Han Xian's demands.
Han Xian had no choice but to take a step back, stating that if Yan Gang agreed to merge with the Medicine Gang, he would be willing to make Xiao Yan the second-in-command of the Medicine Gang. Upon hearing this, Xiao Xun'er sarcastically mocked the Medicine Gang. Seeing these new students so arrogant, Han Xian could no longer tolerate it. Representing the Medicine Gang, he issued a challenge to Yan Gang, wanting to meet them on the arena stage.
Seeing the hesitation on Xiao Yan's face, Han Xian warned Xiao Yan aloud that if Yan Gang dared not accept the challenge, they would not be allowed to step into the market again in the future. After the Medicine Gang left, Xiao Yan asked about Han Xian's cultivation level, only then realizing that Han Xian was a Three-star Dou Master, not an ordinary person. But despite this, Xiao Yan still accepted the challenge, willing to fight the Medicine Gang.
The campus golden microphone, Fei Bobo, announced the challenges from both sides. Hearing that the new student gang Yan Gang dared to accept the Medicine Gang's challenge, all the students of Jia Nan Academy were greatly interested in this match. At the Medicine Gang, Han Xian had tried Yan Gang's medicine, and indeed, his Dou Qi had increased by one stage.
On one hand, he was unwilling to admit that his gang's medicine was inferior to that of a new student gang, but on the other hand, he had no choice but to rely on Yan Gang's medicine. This match was limited to five participants per side.
A student from the Medicine Gang suggested to Han Xian that they only needed to find five Three-star Dou Masters within their gang, then consume Yan Gang's medicine to advance to Four-star Dou Masters, and they would surely win against Yan Gang's group of lower-level new students. As long as the Medicine Gang defeated Yan Gang and then confiscated Yan Gang's pills, Yan Gang would naturally have to come begging them.
At that time, they could then outsource the production of high-grade Qi Gathering Powder pills to Yan Gang, allowing them to effortlessly collect a large number of energy talismans. Upon hearing this, Han Xian agreed to this method, determined to win this match. The Medicine Gang had a countermeasure, and Yan Gang also formulated a strategy. Lin Xiuya analyzed the Medicine Gang's defensive formation and decided to use a triangular formation to break through the Medicine Gang's defense.
At that time, Xiao Yan would directly attack Han Xian. Lin Xiuya and Xiao Xun'er would break the formation with their spear techniques from the front. Hu Jia would provide support from the rear and protect Hao Tian. Hao Tian was worried that his rank was too low and would implicate everyone, but Xiao Yan had never looked down on Hao Tian. He spoke to encourage Hao Tian, believing that Hao Tian had irreplaceable importance in this match.
Subsequently, Lin Xiuya brought up the rank disparity between the two sides, expressing deep concern. However, Xiao Yan showed no signs of discouragement. He believed in himself and in everyone's abilities. Inside the Storage Ring, Yao Chen taught Xiao Yan the mental cultivation method for the third form of Flame Splitting Wave Ruler.
He required Xiao Yan to practice standing on water, stating that Xiao Yan must cast aside his prejudices and allow his entire body to perceive and utilize the surrounding natural energy. Xiao Yan did not have much confidence in himself. Yao Chen continuously encouraged and guided Xiao Yan. Finally, Xiao Yan broke through his limits and completed the task Yao Chen had given him under the waterfall.
Episode 7 Recap
The match between Yan Gang and Yao Gang was imminent, but Lin Xiuya suddenly developed a high fever. Xiao Yan, meanwhile, had been cultivating in the storage ring space. Everyone mistakenly thought Xiao Yan was practicing while asleep, so Xiao Xun'er, with no other choice, had to carry Xiao Yan to the competition venue. At the venue, Yao Gang's appearance immediately won loud cheers from the students, while Yan Gang's entrance, carrying Xiao Yan, was seen as novel by everyone.
According to the rules of the match, only those who stepped onto the ring could participate. Xiao Yan remained deeply asleep, so Hu Jia had to change their combat position, placing Xiao Yan at the very back of the ring, continuously praying in his heart that Xiao Yan would wake up. Yao Gang's strength was extraordinary. Ruo Lin advised Yan Gang to change their combatants.
Lin Xiuya had a high fever and couldn't compete, and if Xiao Yan still didn't wake up, Yan Gang would be three against five, with no chance of winning. The members of Yan Gang decided to fight hard once. They firmly refused to replace Xiao Yan. Hu Jia led the charge, and his strength defeated Yao Gang's vanguard. Seeing this, Yao Gang swarmed forward; three people attacked Hu Jia alone.
Xun'er stepped in to help at a critical moment, and the two of them confronted Yao Gang's five members. Hao Tian's Dou Qi rank was low; he tried to wake Xiao Yan beside him but to no avail. Seeing Xun'er injured and on the ground by Han Xian, Hao Tian had no choice but to step forward, cleverly engaging Han Xian. Han Xian hadn't anticipated Hao Tian's cleverness; he and the other four all advanced to deal with Hao Tian.
Hao Tian gradually couldn't hold his ground, and at this moment, Xiao Yan's third move was also perfected. He opened his eyes, curled his fingers, and lightly flicked out Dou Qi, startling several members of Yao Gang away. Then, he gently stepped forward, picked up the heavily injured Xun'er from the ground, and promised her that he would avenge her. Xiao Yan summoned his weapon, the Xuan Zhong Ruler.
Han Xian was no match for Xiao Yan at all, but Han Xian had a strong desire to win. He ingested a large amount of high-grade Dou Qi Gathering Powder, wanting to quickly increase his Dou Qi to defeat Xiao Yan. The high-grade Dou Qi Gathering Powder took effect within Han Xian's body, raising his Dou Qi by several stages. Xiao Yan was surprised by Han Xian's actions, but Han Xian was still not Xiao Yan's opponent.
Xiao Yan was seen raising the Xuan Zhong Ruler in front of everyone and effortlessly defeated Han Xian with a set of Flame Severing Wave Devouring Ruler techniques, winning the match. After the match, the academy also signed a medicine purchasing agreement with Yan Gang. Yan Gang's reputation in the academy greatly increased, and its business flourished even further.
At Yao Gang, Han Xian was unable to release his stored Dou Qi due to ingesting a large amount of high-grade Dou Qi Gathering Powder. Xiao Yan came to visit and personally massaged Han Xian's injuries. He proactively offered a truce to Han Xian, stating that Yan Gang could solely sell high-grade Dou Qi Gathering Powder, while the rest of the medicines would continue to be supplied by Yao Gang.
Han Xian responded to Xiao Yan's words with cold sarcasm and was unwilling to accept Xiao Yan's goodwill. Yao Gang suffered a great humiliation, and Han Xian couldn't swallow this insult. He clearly told Xiao Yan that starting from tomorrow, their Yao Gang members would take turns challenging Yan Gang to one-on-one duels, determined to make Yan Gang pay. Xiao Yan was deeply worried about Han Xian's words.
Lin Xiuya wanted to accept Yao Gang's challenge, but Xiao Yan only wished for peaceful coexistence. Their opinions differed, so Xiao Yan had to ask for the opinions of others. Hao Tian brought up the Yao Gang members who had come to work for Yan Gang, intending to win over Yao Gang members to Yan Gang.
As everyone ate dinner that night, Xiao Yan spoke publicly, stating Yan Gang's motto: "If others don't offend me, I won't offend them; if others offend me, I will not forgive them." While they were talking, Han Xian angrily rushed to Yan Gang. He first reprimanded the Yao Gang members working for Yan Gang, and then challenged Xiao Yan to a duel.
Xiao Yan was not afraid of Han Xian; he went in bare-handed, took back the medicine he had given to Han Xian from Han Xian's hands, and gravely injured Han Xian. The two were caught fighting privately in the training ground by an academy elder and were both punished with solitary confinement. Xiao Xun'er came to bring chicken soup to Xiao Yan and showed him much care and concern.
Han Xian saw Xiao Xun'er's differential treatment towards him and Xiao Yan, feeling jealous. He hungrily told Xun'er to bring two portions next time she came. Inside the small room, Han Xian proactively brought up the topics of the Xiao Family and Dou Qi stages with Xiao Yan, only then realizing that Xiao Yan was merely a Three-star Dou Master. The tense atmosphere between the two during their conversation somewhat eased.
Xiao Yan voluntarily gave his chicken soup to Han Xian to enjoy, stating that the high-grade Dou Qi Gathering Powder in the chicken soup could help release the accumulated Dou Qi within Han Xian's body. Seeing Xiao Yan's kindness towards him, Han Xian finally let go of past grievances and shook hands with Xiao Yan, making peace. Considering him a brother, he promised Xiao Yan that in the future, Yao Gang and Yan Gang would unite as one family.
Han Feng led the new students to the Skyflame Refining Qi Tower for cultivation. It was the most suitable place for cultivation on the entire Dou Qi Continent; cultivating there for one day was equivalent to cultivating for many years outside. This tower had a total of nine layers, and the lower the layer, the more suitable it was for those with higher Dou Qi stages to cultivate.
Xiao Yan entered a cultivation room in the Refining Qi Tower to cultivate. He went into the storage ring space, where Yao Chen was also marveling at the Skyflame Refining Qi Tower's well-deserved reputation. He took out a set of Fen Jue cultivation methods for Xiao Yan. This cultivation method was most suitable for cultivating in the Refining Qi Tower.
Although it was a Low-grade Yellow Tier, it became more powerful and peculiar than even Heaven Tier cultivation methods as it evolved. Although Xiao Yan had never heard of a cultivation method that could evolve, as long as it could make him stronger, he would not hesitate even if it meant going to hell. He declared to Yao Chen that no matter how much effort it took, he would master this cultivation method.
At Bai Gang, Xiao Yan wanted to borrow the lower-level cultivation rooms of the Skyflame Refining Qi Tower, but he was blocked by Bai Gang. He proactively sought out Bai Gang's vice-leader, Bai Shan, to discuss, stating that he was willing to pay Bai Gang with energy talismans. Bai Shan refused to lend the cultivation rooms.
Xiao Yan then spoke up, bringing up Bai Gang's unfair monopoly over the Refining Qi Tower and the fact that Bai Shan was a defeated opponent of his. Bai Shan was thoroughly enraged by Xiao Yan; he made a move to fight Xiao Yan. Bai Shan's Dou Qi was powerful, and Xiao Yan sustained some minor injuries. Han Xian suddenly appeared at this moment. He wanted to use the Yan Gang matter as an excuse to take Xiao Yan away.
Bai Shan scoffed at Han Xian, but Han Xian didn't mind, merely bringing up the violation of private duels. Despite this, Bai Shan was still unwilling to easily let go of Xiao Yan. He wanted to fight Xiao Yan, stating that if Xiao Yan could fairly win against him once, he would admit defeat, and the Skyflame Refining Qi Tower would be at Xiao Yan's disposal.
However, if Xiao Yan dared not fight him, he would actively challenge those around Xiao Yan, ensuring they would not have an easy time. Faced with Bai Shan's provocation, Xiao Yan could not tolerate the insult and agreed to proactively challenge Bai Shan.
Episode 8 Recap
The news of Xiao Yan proactively challenging Bai Shan spread to the other students. Everyone in the market ridiculed Xiao Yan, believing that Xiao Yan would undoubtedly lose this challenge against Bai Shan. In front of a stall, Xiao Yan and Hu Jia wanted to buy Dou Qi Wings, but the expensive wings were beyond Xiao Yan's means. The stall's senior disciple only took out the broken wings of a Fifth-rank magical beast, the Purple Cloud Vulture, for Xiao Yan.
Although this item was a treasure, it could not be infused with Dou Qi due to its inherent properties, making it useless. Xiao Yan was very satisfied with these wings. He disregarded Hu Jia's and others' advice and purchased them at a heavy discount. Xiao Xun'er and the members of the Yan Gang were all concerned about Xiao Yan challenging Bai Shan. Several of them came to talk to Xiao Yan, believing that he had become too arrogant recently.
Bai Shan was an Eight-star Dou Master, while Xiao Yan was only a Three-star Dou Practitioner; the difference between them was immense, making any comparison impossible. They wanted Xiao Yan to take a step back. As long as Xiao Yan agreed to abandon the match, Han Xian was willing to talk to Bai Cheng to negotiate and resolve the matter privately. Xiao Yan listened to everyone's advice, but he still refused to give up the match.
He only wanted to fight Bai Shan, believing that even with a sliver of a chance to win, he would never surrender. After the others left, Xiao Xun'er stayed with Xiao Yan alone. Xiao Yan took out the storage ring on his hand, saying that if he lost the match and something happened, he hoped Xun'er would keep this storage ring safe. Xiao Xun'er was unwilling to accept the news of anything happening to Xiao Yan.
She pleaded with Xiao Yan to wait a little longer until she became strong, but Xiao Yan knew that he did not have much time left. He was eager to become strong and could not accept a long wait. He knew deep down that only by becoming stronger as quickly as possible could he avenge his blood feud and protect those around him. Therefore, challenging Bai Shan was something he had to accomplish.
Members of the Yan Gang and the Medicine Gang gathered together. Han Xian asked the members to express their stance on Xiao Yan challenging Bai Shan. Xiao Xun'er voted in favor, while everyone else disagreed with Xiao Yan's approach. When the voting results came out, Han Xian hoped Xiao Yan would listen to their advice and give up on this idea.
Unexpectedly, Xiao Yan not only remained resolute but, to avoid implicating the gang members, he voluntarily resigned from his position as gang leader and publicly recommended Han Xian to become the new leader. Xiao Yan prepared to enter the Heavenly Flame Refining Qi Tower to cultivate. Xiao Xun'er knew deeply that Xiao Yan would train with his life on the line.
She also knew she couldn't persuade him, and her worry about something happening to Xiao Yan made her shed tears. Xiao Yan spoke to comfort Xiao Xun'er, promising her that he would definitely emerge safely from the Refining Qi Tower. Filled with worry, Xiao Xun'er could only repeatedly instruct Xiao Yan to act within his limits, assuring him that no matter the outcome, she would always stand by his side.
Inside the Heavenly Flame Refining Qi Tower, Xiao Yan gave the wings he purchased to Yao Chen for examination. Yao Chen recognized it at a glance as the Purple Cloud Wings. The Purple Cloud Wings were a treasure; though damaged, they could still be used. However, if Xiao Yan wished to use them, he would have to endure great suffering.
Yao Chen needed to first implant the wings into Xiao Yan's body, then have Xiao Yan nourish the wings with his own blood until they fully formed and grew out. Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan decided to endure the pain and have the wings implanted in his body. Afterward, Yao Chen taught Xiao Yan the Fen Jue.
Although the Fen Jue was powerful, even at its beginning, Xiao Yan had to bear immense pain, a pain beyond what ordinary people could withstand. Xiao Yan fainted in the cultivation chamber. When he awoke, he was at Mi Tengshan's residence. Mi Tengshan did not know the cultivation technique Xiao Yan was practicing. Although seven or eight of Xiao Yan's meridians were broken, he was still alive, which was clearly a miracle.
Xiao Yan was exceptionally talented, and Mi Tengshan gave him a saying: "Fire is the purest thing in this world. Ashes do not represent demise, but the beginning of new life." Afterward, Mi Tengshan handed a tree branch to Xiao Yan, stating that when the branch bloomed, it would be the time when Xiao Yan successfully mastered his cultivation technique. Xiao Yan gave the branch to Yao Chen for examination.
Yao Chen explained Mi Tengshan's intention: the power of flame is endless, giving warmth; it should be the power of life, not destruction. This is also the boundary between good and evil, and Mi Tengshan's action was meant to help Xiao Yan comprehend this truth. Xiao Yan entered the cultivation chamber with the tree branch to cultivate. The branch bloomed with flowers, and Xiao Yan smiled in relief. Inside the storage ring, Xiao Yan continued to practice his cultivation technique.
Yao Chen, while teaching Xiao Yan the Fen Jue, told him that practicing this technique was like a phoenix self-immolating and being reborn from its ashes. However, as long as Xiao Yan could endure, he would succeed. Xiao Yan passed through the blazing flames and entered a space of ice and snow.
In the snowy landscape, Yao Chen taught Xiao Yan the Bone Chilling Flame, instructing Xiao Yan to absorb it into his meridians as if it were his own blood. When the teaching was complete, Xiao Yan saw Yao Chen's aged face and was surprised. Yao Chen simply stated that the person before him was his true self; he had lived for a hundred years with his memories and was no longer young.
Afterward, Yao Chen implanted the wings into Xiao Yan's body. He told Xiao Yan that he would fall into a slumber for some time, and Xiao Yan must rely on his own strength to walk out of this space. Only then would the Bone Chilling Flame and the Fen Jue truly belong to him. But if Xiao Yan could not leave this space, he would fall into slumber there, just like Yao Chen himself.
At Jia Nan Academy, Xiao Xun'er embraced Xiao Yan, crying loudly. Xiao Yan woke up with a pale face, feeling cold all over and drowsy. Xiao Xun'er held Xiao Yan tightly, pleading with him repeatedly not to fall into a deep slumber.
Episode 9 Recap
Noon was approaching, and Xiao Yan woke up with a pale face, preparing for the match. Xiao Xun'er was worried about Xiao Yan. She came alone to find Bai Shan, hoping he could postpone the match date, but Bai Shan refused to agree. Xiao Xun'er had no choice but to utter a harsh warning, stating that if Xiao Yan suffered any mishap today, she would meet Bai Shan on the Dou Qi arena.
The members of the Bai Gang laughed at Xiao Xun'er's overestimation of herself, but Xiao Xun'er clearly told Bai Shan that since she, Xiao Xun'er, had uttered these words today, she would certainly possess the strength to defeat him. On the competition arena, Xiao Xun'er once again tried to persuade Xiao Yan to give up the match, but Xiao Yan's mind remained unchanged. He entered the arena with injuries.
Ruo Lin noticed something strange about Xiao Yan's body; she wanted to check on his condition but was politely refused by him. Before the match began, Ruo Lin warned Bai Shan that the match must be conducted according to the rules, deeply worried that he would be ruthless towards Xiao Yan. The match began. Bai Shan charged directly at Xiao Yan, using fierce moves to suppress him.
Although Xiao Yan held the Profound Heavy Ruler, he was not Bai Shan's opponent and was repeatedly struck heavily by Bai Shan. But despite this, Xiao Yan, spitting blood and heavily injured, still persevered. He repeatedly got up from the ground, refusing to utter the words "I surrender." Just as everyone was trying to persuade Xiao Yan to fall and give up, he let out a painful growl, and his consciousness returned to the Storage Ring Space.
In the Storage Ring Space, Xiao Yan saw his younger self. He had a conversation with his younger self and from it, he realized a way to leave the Storage Ring Space: he could leave if he simply woke up from the dream. Suddenly, Xiao Yan recalled Mi Tengshan's admonition to him: in one's life, no matter how strong one becomes, there will always be another power in the world stronger than oneself.
Therefore, he must overcome his selfish desires and face his pain directly. Life is merely a game of illusions; as long as there is a door in his heart, he can come and go freely, reaching anywhere he desires. Xiao Yan opened his eyes, knowing the way to leave the Storage Ring Space. He stepped out of that icy and snowy space and truly woke up.
With Xiao Yan's true awakening, the Purple Cloud Wings also grew out from his body. A pair of wings grew on Xiao Yan, and he was completely surrounded by Dou Qi. He was reborn like a phoenix rising from the ashes, causing everyone present to be utterly astonished. The Purple Cloud Wings carried Xiao Yan into mid-air. A smile appeared at the corner of Xiao Yan's mouth as he held up the Profound Heavy Ruler and easily defeated Bai Shan.
Bai Shan was unconvinced by Xiao Yan. He wanted to fight Xiao Yan bare-handed, and Xiao Yan complied with his request, soundly defeating Bai Shan with just one set of Eight Extremities Collapse. The Flame Gang was victorious, and everyone in the gang felt happy for Xiao Yan. Cheers erupted on the field.
After the Bai Gang's defeat, the underground training rooms on the lower floors of the Heaven Burning Qi Refining Tower were now freely available for students to use. Mi Tengshan brought Xiao Yan to the deepest training room, wanting to see Xiao Yan's comprehension. Xiao Yan took out a branch and used Dou Qi to make the flowers bloom. Mi Tengshan learned about the cultivation technique Xiao Yan was practicing.
He admonished Xiao Yan, saying that many people on the Dou Qi Continent recognized the Bone Spirit Cold Flame. He had originally thought it had vanished from the world, but he never expected it to reappear on Xiao Yan. " An innocent man is guilty because of his treasure," Mi Tengshan sighed, feeling that Xiao Yan's path ahead would not be easy, and that the world was about to become turbulent.
Unbeknownst to them, the conversation between Mi Tengshan and Xiao Yan was overheard by Han Feng, who was hidden in the shadows. Jia Nan Academy would have a new trial, where new and old students would all go together to Magical Beast Mountain to participate in a hunting activity and retrieve magic crystals from the magical beasts. The Magical Beast Mountain Range was both a dangerous and rich place, and many people yearned to go there.
Ruo Lin and Han Feng led a group of new students to Magical Beast Mountain. The weather in Magical Beast Mountain changed rapidly, so Ruo Lin instructed everyone to stick close to her and not to fall behind or get lost. Everyone stepped into Magical Beast Mountain, step by step. They saw that the terrain of Magical Beast Mountain was rugged and overgrown with weeds, and everywhere was filled with a sense of danger.
Under Ruo Lin's leadership, everyone arrived at Jia Nan Academy's first supply station. They set up camp on the spot and replenished their equipment. The sky gradually darkened, and the temperature in Magical Beast Mountain dropped sharply. Xiao Yan and a few others began to discuss magic crystals. Ruo Lin stated that magic crystals were something inside magical beasts, but extremely difficult to obtain.
Their trial this time was mainly about collecting medicinal herbs and hunting magical beasts, and they absolutely must not rashly attempt to seize magic crystals. After resting, everyone, led by Ruo Lin, headed towards the deepest part of Magical Beast Mountain. But before they reached the next supply station, everyone was already panting with exhaustion, almost unable to continue. Fortunately, Ruo Lin spoke words of encouragement, which allowed everyone to persevere.
The group arrived together at Jia Nan Academy's next supply station. People from the Yun Lan Sect came into Magical Beast Mountain. They claimed that a green-haired girl in the mountain had killed five members of the Yun Lan Sect and insisted on searching the resting place of Jia Nan Academy students. Ruo Lin disagreed with the actions of the Yun Lan Sect members. Han Feng also stepped forward to speak for the academy's students.
He asked the Yun Lan Sect members about the girl's origin and only then did he learn that this girl was covered in poison and had ambushed the Yun Lan Sect's camp while riding the legendary magical beast, the Amethyst Winged Lion King. Just then, a lion's roar echoed through the valley. A green-haired, delicate-looking girl appeared riding the Amethyst Winged Lion King. She raised an eyebrow slightly and verbally provoked the Yun Lan Sect members.
Then she took a deep look at Xiao Yan, who showed no fear of her, and rode the lion through the crowd's sight. Inside the room, Lin Xiuya analyzed the terrain of Magical Beast Mountain, saying there was a canyon in Magical Beast Mountain called Mirror Rock, and the most powerful item in Magical Beast Mountain was hidden within it.
Afterward, Han Feng gave a series of instructions and warnings to the students and then allowed them to move freely and hunt the magical beasts they desired. Xiao Yan, Lin Xiuya, and others formed a team. They followed the venom of the Undying Magical Beast Worm, step by step, heading towards the deepest part, stepping into a remote valley. In the valley, a colossal monster appeared before their eyes. All of them were greatly astonished. Xiao Yan calmly told everyone to retreat, while he himself brandished the Profound Heavy Ruler, preparing to confront the monster.
Episode 10 Recap
Xiao Yan stepped forward to fight the monster. He scouted the monster's strength and then formulated a battle strategy. They absolutely could not clash head-on with the monster; they should use crossbow arrows to intelligently defeat it. Xiao Yan stepped forward to attract the monster's attention. Xiao Xun'er seized the opportunity to insert a crossbow arrow into the monster's body from behind. This action enraged the monster, and it directly attacked Xiao Xun'er.
Xiao Yan held back the monster at a critical moment and fled with Xiao Xun'er. During their escape, Xiao Yan shielded Xiao Xun'er beneath him. The monster was enormous and did not notice the two. Only then were the two able to escape. Returning to the original spot, Xiao Yan could not find Lin Xiuya and the others anywhere.
He had no choice but to have Xiao Xun'er hide, while he alone lured the monster into a narrow passage and defeated the monster by himself. With the monster dead, Lin Xiuya and the others also returned at this time. They explained to Xiao Yan that they had just escaped to the lake outside the cave.
This place was not suitable for a long stay, so Xiao Yan told Lin Xiuya and the others to carry the box left by the monster and leave. But just as they had walked halfway, the box suddenly began shaking incessantly, and a delicate, pitiable woman appeared from the box. Xiao Xun'er asked Xiao Yan about the woman's origin. The woman only stated that she was the daughter of the pharmacy owner down the mountain.
Her family had been harmed by the monster, and she had only narrowly escaped death by hiding in the box. After clarifying the woman's background, Xiao Yan wanted to continue further into the Magical Beast Mountain. Lin Xiuya hesitated a little, and he spoke to tell them that if they went further in, they would encounter the Two-Headed Fire Spirit Snake.
This type of monster was extremely dangerous, and it would be difficult for any of them to deal with it, let alone with a girl who had no Dou Qi at all. Upon hearing this, Xiao Xun'er privately called Xiao Yan away.
She told Xiao Yan that she had just been worried about injuries inside the woman's body, so she had circulated her Dou Qi within the woman, but found that there was a surge of Dou Qi inside the woman resisting her. If she wasn't mistaken, this woman's Dou Qi was far superior to theirs. As soon as she finished speaking, the woman suddenly appeared before Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er. She sealed Xiao Xun'er's acupuncture points and abducted Xiao Xun'er.
Xiao Yan, holding the Heavy Xuan Ruler, confronted the woman. The woman placed her sword at Xiao Xun'er's neck, forcing Xiao Yan to surrender. The woman revealed her identity; she was Yun Yun, a personal disciple of the former Sect Master of the Misty Cloud Sect. Originally, she wanted to hide in the box and use the monster to pass through this cave, but the appearance of Xiao Yan's group ruined her plans.
Yun Yun detected that Xiao Yan possessed a strange flame within his body. She made a deal with Xiao Yan: she could release Xiao Xun'er and the others, but Xiao Yan had to use the strange flame within his body to pass through the underground cave with her. Xiao Yan and Yun Yun stepped into the cave together. Xiao Yan didn't understand why Yun Yun, with her powerful Dou Qi, still needed him to accompany her.
Yun Yun explained that this cave was extremely peculiar. Once ordinary people stepped inside and inhaled the gas in the cave, they would experience hallucinations. Only Xiao Yan's strange flame could resist this gas. Xiao Yan ignited the strange flame within his body. Yun Yun left markers along the way, and the two walked in the same direction, but ended up circling back to their original position. Xiao Yan frowned deeply.
He released the rope in his hand and used a small knife to fix the rope at the deepest part of the cave. The two walked forward step by step along the rope, but once again circled back to the original spot. At this point, Xiao Yan's Dou Qi was depleted from burning the strange flame. Yun Yun thought Xiao Yan was a complete waste.
She took the small knife and charged forward alone, intending to pass through the cave by herself. Unexpectedly, Yun Yun inhaled the poisonous gas in the air. She came before Xiao Yan with confused eyes, repeatedly claiming that Xiao Yan had abandoned her. Xiao Yan noticed Yun Yun's abnormality.
He spoke to comfort Yun Yun, intending to knock her out when she was off guard, but Yun Yun saw Xiao Yan's movement first, and she drew her long sword, intending to commit suicide. Seeing the long sword pierce Yun Yun's body, Xiao Yan had no choice but to forcefully intervene and stop her. Yun Yun fainted during the struggle due to severe poisoning.
What the two didn't know was that a constantly floating Qi Stone Beast in the cave had been following them, emitting a hallucinatory mist everywhere. Xiao Yan brought Yun Yun to a corner. He piled up rocks to block the intrusion of the mist, thereby protecting both of them. Yun Yun's injuries were not light, and to protect her life, Xiao Yan had to tear off her clothes to help her treat the wounds.
Afterwards, Yun Yun woke up and saw herself disheveled. She not only angrily slapped Xiao Yan, but also claimed that Xiao Yan was a thief and wanted to kill him after her injuries healed. Xiao Yan ignored Yun Yun's words and continued to treat her wounds. After Yun Yun's wounds were treated, Xiao Yan then sat beside Yun Yun.
Yun Yun asked about the relationship between Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er, saying that she could tell Xiao Xun'er liked Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan avoided the question, only telling Yun Yun to think of a way to leave the cave. The cave temperature was low, and Yun Yun, heavily injured, felt extremely cold. She pleaded with Xiao Yan to hold her tightly. Xiao Yan, avoiding inappropriate intimacy between sexes, only properly covered Yun Yun with clothes.
He then entered the storage ring space to search through ancient books and refined a medicinal pill to save Yun Yun. After taking the pill, Yun Yun's condition improved. She put on her clothes and wanted to continue exploring the cave. Xiao Yan refused to agree with Yun Yun's idea, stating that there was a monster called the Qi Stone Beast in the cave.
Although this monster was only palm-sized, as soon as someone invaded their territory, they would release a large amount of poisonous gas, and with their strength alone, they would simply be unable to pass through this part of the cave.
Episode 11 Recap
Xiao Yan explained the power of the Qi Stone Beast. It was different from ordinary monsters; the Qi Stone Beast was invulnerable to blades and spears, and impervious to water and fire. Even if the two of them found it, they would be helpless and would only die in vain. Yun Yun refused to give up and was determined to pass through the cave.
She told Xiao Yan her reason for having to go through the cave: legend had it that behind the Magical Beast Mountain Range, there was a door, and behind the door lay a huge treasure. The Amethyst Winged Lion King that had previously appeared in the Magical Beast Mountain was the guardian beast of this door. On its body was something called the Companion Amethyst Source, which could enhance a Dou Practitioner's cultivation.
Seeing Yun Yun's ambitious look, Xiao Yan only advised Yun Yun not to be too greedy, but Yun Yun had made up her mind and wanted to venture in alone. Helpless, Xiao Yan pulled off the rhino horn from Yun Yun's head. The scent of the rhino horn was the Qi Stone Beast's favorite food.
Xiao Yan ignited the rhino horn, which not only attracted the Qi Stone Beast but also allowed him to strike a deal with it: he would give the rhino horn to the Qi Stone Beast to eat, and the Qi Stone Beast would temporarily retract its poisonous gas for a short while. During this short time, Xiao Yan safely led Yun Yun through the cave. At Yun Yun's request, Xiao Yan accompanied her to the entrance of the treasure's location.
Yun Yun wanted Xiao Yan to go in with her, but Xiao Yan refused. He was concerned about Xiao Xun'er and the others and only wanted to return to the Magical Beast Mountain as soon as possible. The two then parted ways. Xiao Yan returned to the Magical Beast Mountain. Han Feng asked about Xiao Yan's whereabouts. Xiao Yan concealed the matter with Yun Yun, only briefly glossing over it. That night, Nalan Yanran came to find Xiao Yan.
She spoke with Xiao Yan alone, stating that Blood Sect Fan Lao had entered the Dou Qi Continent and intended to target the Five Great Clans. The Nalan Clan was the first to bear the brunt. Nalan Yanran had heard that Heavenly Flames could restrain the Blood Sect's Dou Skills, and that day, Xiao Yan had used a Heavenly Flame during his competition with Bai Shan. She hoped that Xiao Yan could reveal the source of the Heavenly Flame.
Xiao Yan did not admit to possessing a Heavenly Flame, only telling Nalan Yanran everything he knew: the terrifying aspect of the Blood Sect was that their blood contained Gu Worms. Anyone poisoned by them would become subservient to the person who cast the Gu, and the only way to cure this poison was to abolish one's Dou Qi. After Nalan Yanran thanked Xiao Yan, she left. Han Feng appeared from the shadows.
He had already guessed that Yao Chen was hidden beside Xiao Yan, and he hoped that Xiao Yan could hand over Yao Chen. Xiao Yan took off the ring on his hand, then wielded the Heavy Xuan Ruler, intending to defeat Han Feng with a set of Flame Splitting Wave Devouring Ruler. However, Han Feng was, after all, Yao Chen's direct disciple, and Xiao Yan was simply no match for Han Feng.
Han Feng gave Xiao Yan a chance: as long as Xiao Yan was willing to hand over Yao Chen, he could spare Xiao Yan's life. Xiao Yan wanted to know how Han Feng had killed his mother. Han Feng frankly told Xiao Yan that the master of the Soul Palace had once promised him an irresistible benefit, on the condition that he kill Yao Chen.
So, he made his move when Yao Chen was unprepared, then framed Xiao Yan's mother, which led to her being besieged by the Four Great Clans. Xiao Yan suddenly remembered what Yao Chen had once said: the strongest Dou Skill was the human heart, being stabbed in the back by one's closest person. Xiao Yan was unwilling to betray Yao Chen. Under Han Feng's coercion, he chose to jump off the cliff.
At the bottom of the cliff, Xiao Yan miraculously escaped. Covered in dirt, he walked into a cave. Xiao Yixian, the green-haired girl who had previously ridden the Amethyst Winged Lion King, came to Xiao Yan's side. She recognized Xiao Yan as a student of Jia Nan Academy at a glance. During their conversation, Xiao Yan learned that Xiao Yixian possessed the Woeful Poison Body, which inherently carried poisonous qi.
Moreover, as a woman, she also cultivated the Sky Poison Technique. Xiao Yan couldn't help but feel a little surprised by Xiao Yixian. He advised Xiao Yixian to give up practicing the Sky Poison Technique, as anyone who practiced this technique would not live long. Xiao Yixian was disdainful of Xiao Yan's advice. She recounted how she had been looked down upon by her father since childhood and suffered endless bullying.
If her mother hadn't taught her to practice the Sky Poison Technique and she hadn't been rescued by the Amethyst Winged Lion King after running away from home, she wouldn't have lived to see today. Therefore, she most detested self-righteous good people like Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan was severely injured, and the only healing pill was in Xiao Yixian's hand.
Xiao Yixian believed that Xiao Yan would not live much longer, and she wanted Xiao Yan to stay there with her. Xiao Yan did not want to die there. He told Xiao Yixian that as long as a person still had a breath, there was infinite possibility. Xiao Yan pleaded with Xiao Yixian to help him heal. He offered to help Xiao Yixian get revenge on the Cloud Mist Sect, whose disciples had injured the Lion King.
Xiao Yixian only said that her anger had dissipated and she no longer harbored thoughts of revenge. Seeing that this method was not working, Xiao Yan had no choice but to propose other conditions, claiming that his master was the number one Alchemist in the world and that he could find a way to cure Xiao Yixian's Poison Body. However, Xiao Yixian did not believe Xiao Yan and firmly refused to help him.
Xiao Yan went missing, and everyone at Jia Nan Academy anxiously searched for him. Xiao Xun'er blamed everything on Nalan Yanran. To prove her innocence, Nalan Yanran took Xiao Xun'er to the place where she had met Xiao Yan. Traces of Dou Qi combat still remained there. She stated that Xiao Yan had most likely been attacked. Xiao Xun'er did not believe Nalan Yanran's words.
Just as she was about to get angry, Lin Xiuya intervened, pulling Xiao Xun'er aside and preventing a major conflict between the two. Inside the cave, Xiao Yixian revived Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan introduced himself and went with Xiao Yixian to see the Lion King. The Lion King was severely injured. Xiao Yixian asked Xiao Yan to heal the Lion King.
After examining it, Xiao Yan's expression was solemn, stating that the Sword Qi had already shredded the Lion King's internal organs, and he was powerless. Xiao Yixian leaned close to the Lion King's ear, pleading for the Lion King to live. If the Lion King died, she would have no will to live either. Seeing the Lion King in immense pain, Xiao Yan took action to refine the Sword Qi within the Lion King's body, alleviating its suffering.
He himself coughed up blood due to the excessive use of Dou Qi. The Lion King saw Xiao Yan's kindness towards it and gave the Companion Amethyst Source to Xiao Yan. Xiao Yixian told Xiao Yan to leave, while she herself prepared to die there with the Lion King. Xiao Yan was unwilling to accept the Companion Amethyst Source, wanting to leave it for the Little Lion King.
Xiao Yixian merely stated that the Little Lion King would also have its own Companion Amethyst Source in the future, and she hoped Xiao Yan could leave as soon as possible. Xiao Yan wanted to take Xiao Yixian with him, but Xiao Yixian believed there was nothing left for her to cherish in the human world; she only wanted to die in this cave with the Lion King. Xiao Yixian's cleverness and cuteness touched Xiao Yan's heart.
Xiao Yan did not want Xiao Yixian to develop self-destructive thoughts. Under Xiao Yixian's persistent questioning, Xiao Yan clearly told Xiao Yixian that he liked Xiao Yixian and was willing to marry Xiao Yixian. He wanted to keep Xiao Yixian by his side and cure her Woeful Poison Body. These words resonated deeply with Xiao Yixian. Lin Xiuya and his group were searching for Xiao Yan in the mountains.
They heard the low roar of the Amethyst Winged Lion King and followed the sound, successfully finding Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan and Xiao Yixian bid farewell to the Lion King. Xiao Yixian told Xiao Yan her name, opening her heart to him. Afterwards, Xiao Yan followed Lin Xiuya and his group back to their resting place. Xiao Yan apologized to Ruo Lin and Han Feng, claiming that he had inadvertently entered Mirror Rock due to his playful nature. He then used a stray dog as a metaphor for Han Feng, subtly warning Han Feng to know his place and behave himself.
Episode 12 Recap
Xiao Yixian returned to the camp with Xiao Yan. Xiao Xun'er learned of this news and came to question Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan claimed he was forced to agree to marry Xiao Yixian. After hearing Xiao Yan's explanation, although Xiao Xun'er felt a bit jealous deep down, she had no choice but to forgive Xiao Yan's actions. In the room, Xiao Yixian was full of enthusiasm for Xiao Yan, directly calling him "husband."
Xiao Yan found Xiao Yixian's passion a bit overwhelming; he wanted to send her back to her father, but Xiao Yixian was determined to return to Jia Nan Academy with Xiao Yan. As Xiao Yixian's Woeful Poison Body remained unresolved, Xiao Yan deliberated repeatedly and decided to first take her back to Jia Nan Academy, and then send her down the mountain after resolving the poison body in her. Xiao Yixian hid in a box.
Nalan Yanran came to visit Xiao Yan, and the two had a verbal conflict. Nalan Yanran angrily left the room, but before she walked a few steps, she fainted on the ground. Afterward, Xiao Yixian confessed to Xiao Yan that she had shot a poisonous needle at Nalan Yanran and proactively asked Xiao Yan to check Nalan Yanran's poison condition. Nalan Yanran fell into a coma. Xiao Yan brought a Spirit Snake Pill.
Han Feng suspected Xiao Yan after removing the poisonous needle, but Xiao Yan's act of coming to deliver the medicine precisely proved his innocence, so Han Feng had no choice but to give up. Inside the room, Lin Xiuya bid farewell to everyone, stating that a change had occurred in his family. He came from the Blood Battle Mercenary Group, and now the group's leader, who was also his uncle, had been murdered.
The group was in disarray and experiencing internal strife without a leader, so he had to return to inherit the position of leader. The mercenary group leader's kindness to Lin Xiuya was as vast as a mountain. Lin Xiuya vowed to find the murderer. He told them that he had taken a leave of absence for a period and would return to Jia Nan Academy once he had dealt with his family matters.
Xiao Yixian hid in a box, and Xiao Yan and his companions brought her to Jia Nan Academy. Xiao Yan noticed changes in Xiao Yixian's body at the academy. Xiao Yixian had no choice but to confess to Xiao Yan that the Woeful Poison Body must sustain itself by consuming venom, and if she didn't consume venom soon, she would weaken and die.
Xiao Yan simultaneously prevented Xiao Yixian from approaching venomous insects while using class time to search for a method to resolve the Woeful Poison Body within his storage ring space. Xiao Yan's distraction angered Elder Ge Ye, who then lectured Xiao Yan. Seeing Xiao Yan's concern for Xiao Yixian, Xiao Xun'er felt jealous inwardly but still understood Xiao Yan's compassionate desire to save people. Upon returning to his room, Xiao Yan found Xiao Yixian collapsed in the box.
He channeled Dou Qi to heal Xiao Yixian and promised her that he would definitely cure her Woeful Poison Body. Xiao Yixian fell unconscious again. Hao Tian spoke up and told Xiao Yan that there was no cure for the Woeful Poison Body, and if Xiao Yixian did not consume venom soon, she would go mad and die.
Hao Tian, Hu Jia, and others intended to send Xiao Yixian back to the Magical Beast Mountain Range, but Xiao Yan firmly disagreed. Jia Nan Academy had abundant spiritual energy, and no poisonous creatures could enter the academy. Seeing Xiao Yixian's life hanging by a thread, Xiao Yan had no choice but to re-enter his storage ring space to consult ancient books, vowing to find a way to treat Xiao Yixian. At night, Xiao Yixian convulsed all over.
Xiao Yan used Dou Qi to stabilize Xiao Yixian's heart meridian. He suddenly remembered that there was a poisonous snake in Gu He's alchemist's room, and he hastily grabbed the snake to treat Xiao Yixian. Xiao Yixian woke up. She wanted to return to the Magical Beast Mountain Range to fend for herself, knowing that Xiao Yan didn't like her and that her feelings had always been unrequited.
Xiao Yan held Xiao Yixian in his arms, not allowing her to have such thoughts. Xiao Yixian saw Xiao Yan's kindness towards her. She bore in mind that she owed Xiao Yan a life, then smiled contentedly, continued calling Xiao Yan "husband," and remained at Jia Nan Academy. The next day, Gu He mentioned the peculiar situation in his alchemist's room: the poisonous snake he had raised for many years had lost all its venom.
Han Feng brought up a letter sent by the Misty Cloud Sect. The people from the Misty Cloud Sect claimed that the little devil girl who had injured them a few days ago was fleeing in the direction of Jia Nan Academy. He guessed that the snake's venom had been stolen by the devil girl. Han Feng wanted to thoroughly investigate the academy, but Mi Tengshan suppressed the matter by himself and made no statement about it.
Mi Tengshan summoned Xiao Yan. He inquired about Xiao Yan's gains in the Magical Beast Mountain Range. Xiao Yan gave the obtained magic core to Mi Tengshan for inspection. After seeing it, Mi Tengshan prepared to pass on the formula for the Immortality Pill to Xiao Yan. Subsequently, Mi Tengshan asked about Xiao Yixian.
Xiao Yan originally wanted to continue concealing it, but Mi Tengshan had to reveal that Yun Shan of the Misty Cloud Sect would personally come to Jia Nan Academy to search for Xiao Yixian. Due to various reasons, Jia Nan Academy could not refuse the Misty Cloud Sect, but if the people from the Misty Cloud Sect found Xiao Yixian's presence within the academy, it would definitely become a huge problem.
After hearing this, Xiao Yan confessed to Mi Tengshan that Xiao Yixian was indeed with him, but he had no intention of handing Xiao Yixian over to the Misty Cloud Sect's people, nor would he ever let Xiao Yixian return to the Magical Beast Mountain Range to live with magical beasts.
Episode 13 Recap
Ge Ye found Xiao Yixian in Xiao Yan's room. He blamed Xiao Yixian for Nalan Yanran previously being hit by a secret arrow. After Xiao Yan's inquiry, he learned that Ge Ye had only found Xiao Yixian after listening to Han Feng's words. Ge Ye brought up Yun Shan and demanded Xiao Yan hand over the Natal Amethyst Source, but Xiao Yan refused to compromise. Just then, Yun Yun led the disciples of the Misty Cloud Sect to Canaan Academy.
She demanded Xiao Yan hand over Xiao Yixian. Xiao Yan's resolve to protect Xiao Yixian was firm. He ignited his Heavenly Flame, blocking Xiao Yixian's path. Before Yun Yun could act, a figure swiftly appeared between the two. The newcomer enthusiastically greeted Xiao Yan, who was surprised to recognize the person before him as the famous Ice Emperor, Hai Bodong. Xiao Yixian, it turned out, was the Ice Emperor's beloved daughter. The Ice Emperor repelled the Misty Cloud Sect disciples.
He entrusted Ge Ye and Ruolin to thank Mitengshan on his behalf. Once only the three of them remained in the room, the Ice Emperor then rebuked Xiao Yixian for her stubborn willfulness, mentioning that she had run away from home for a year simply because of a few words of his reprimand. Hearing Xiao Yixian call Xiao Yan "husband," the Ice Emperor's face lit up with joy, and he quickly acknowledged Xiao Yan as his son-in-law.
Xiao Yan tactfully explained his relationship with Xiao Yixian to the Ice Emperor, but the Ice Emperor remained unconcerned, still firmly recognizing Xiao Yan as his son-in-law. Xiao Yan still needed to complete his studies at Canaan Academy. He asked the Ice Emperor to take Xiao Yixian back first. Before leaving, Xiao Yixian left the Natal Amethyst Source and the Lion King Beast Flame for Xiao Yan, instructing him to always remember her and to visit her in Silver City.
After Xiao Yixian left, Xiao Yan ignited the Beast Flame, greatly marveling at it. Xiao Yan was examining books in his storage ring when Yao Chen awakened prematurely due to the excessive energy of the Natal Amethyst Source. Xiao Yan was delighted and told Yao Chen about his recent experiences. Under Yao Chen's guidance, Xiao Yan tried to melt the Natal Amethyst Source with the Beast Flame, but he returned in a disheveled state, covered in burns.
Yao Chen sighed helplessly, saying that Xiao Yan was too impatient, and then he told Xiao Yan the cultivation method. Xiao Yan's comprehension was exceptionally high, and he intended to combine the Bone Chilling Flame and the Purple Flame in his cultivation to produce more explosive power. At Canaan Academy, Mitengshan announced to the students that the Alchemist Grand Assembly hosted by the Izumo Empire's royal family was approaching.
Alchemists were the most revered profession in the Izumo Empire, and the black robe Mitengshan wore represented them. He hoped that the students of Canaan Academy would achieve good results at the assembly this time and earn the right to wear the alchemist's black robe. To participate in the assembly, all the students arrived in Silver City.
The Ice Emperor was residing in Silver City and ordered a generous gift to be prepared for Xiao Yan, but Xiao Yan was not at his residence. Seeing this, Mitengshan accepted the gift on Xiao Yan's behalf. Xiao Xun'er felt a slight pang of jealousy upon seeing the gift, while Nalan Yanran requested leave from Mitengshan, preparing to return to the Nalan family residence. On the way back, Nalan Yanran noticed the Nalan elder servant's heavy heart.
The Nalan elder servant did not reveal anything about the Nalan family, only telling Nalan Yanran to return to the mansion first. Xiao Yan encountered Xiao Yixian on the road. Xiao Yixian was incredibly enthusiastic towards Xiao Yan and had all her followers in the city look out for him. Led by Xiao Yixian, Xiao Yan arrived at the Ice Emperor's palace.
Xiao Yan was the first to apologize to the Ice Emperor, explaining that he had only agreed to marry Xiao Yixian at the time because he feared she would seek death, and that their marriage was not to be taken seriously. The Ice Emperor was furious upon hearing Xiao Yan's words. Xiao Yixian claimed that it had been her unrequited love all along, and Xiao Yan had never liked her.
To appease the Ice Emperor's anger, Xiao Yan had no choice but to reveal the Nalan family's cancellation of their engagement at that time, stating that his three-year agreement with the Nalan family was not yet resolved, and he had no intention of discussing marriage. The Ice Emperor questioned Xiao Yan if he liked Xiao Yixian. Xiao Yan could not answer, only stating that whether he liked her or not was a matter between him and Xiao Yixian.
After he resolved his major affairs, his and Xiao Yixian's future would be decided by fate, and their destiny would unfold naturally. The Ice Emperor saw that Xiao Yan was not heartless towards Xiao Yixian. He offered valuable items like the Green Lotus Core Flame, hoping to keep Xiao Yan, but Xiao Yan refused. The Ice Emperor flew into a rage, wanting to kill Xiao Yan, yet Xiao Yan would rather die than yield, stubbornly refusing to compromise.
Afterwards, the Ice Emperor released his tight grip on Xiao Yan, and a burst of laughter erupted between him and Xiao Yixian. It was then that Xiao Yan realized everything that had just happened was the Ice Emperor's joke and test. The Ice Emperor did not force Xiao Yan further; instead, he helped Xiao Yan persuade Xiao Yixian, who was determined to stay by Xiao Yan's side. Xiao Yan returned to his residence. Mitengshan called Xiao Yan to his room.
In the room, Nalan Yanran knelt before Xiao Yan, stating that Nalan Jie had vomited blood and fainted. She pleaded with Xiao Yan to save Nalan Jie, offering to sacrifice her own life if Xiao Yan still harbored hatred towards her. Mitengshan had Nalan Yanran leave the room first. He then informed Xiao Yan of Nalan Jie's condition: Nalan Jie had been poisoned by "Brand Toxin" and it could only be expelled with a Heavenly Flame.
Xiao Yan remembered Nalan Yanran proactively seeking him out in the Magical Beast Mountain Range, and only then did he realize that Nalan Yanran had already known about the trouble in the Nalan family. Xiao Yan had no good feelings towards the Nalan family, but Mitengshan pleaded with Xiao Yan to help him as a personal favor. Xiao Yan refused to agree. Nalan Yanran, outside the room, heard their conversation. Her intermittent sobs reached their ears.
Mitengshan persuaded Nalan Yanran to leave, while he continued to try and convince Xiao Yan. The Blood Sect's poisons had always been insidious, and Brand Toxin was even more vicious than Gu worm poison. If it wasn't expelled by a Heavenly Flame, Nalan Jie would only have death awaiting him. Mitengshan and Nalan Jie were close friends. Nalan Jie had once instructed Mitengshan that if he truly reached an incurable state, he wished Mitengshan would personally end his life.
Mitengshan could not bring himself to do it. He told Xiao Yan that for a man to establish himself in the world, the most important thing was to distinguish between public and private matters. Nalan Jie was a cornerstone in resisting the Soul Hall, and he hoped Xiao Yan could understand all of this clearly and temporarily put aside their personal grievances. Xiao Yan was not an unreasonable person, but the feud between the two families ran too deep.
He could not, under his own name, act to save Nalan Jie. After contemplation, Xiao Yan found a method that served both purposes. He put on a mask and, under the alias Yan Xiao, arrived at the Nalan manor. Upon seeing Nalan Jie, Xiao Yan couldn't help but recall all the humiliations the Nalan family had inflicted upon the Xiao family in the past.
However, Xiao Yan, clear about grudges and favors, still disregarded the consumption of his Dou Qi and saved Nalan Jie with his Heavenly Flame and Beast Flame. Nalan Jie woke up. He thanked Xiao Yan and asked Nalan Yanran to kowtow to Xiao Yan, but Xiao Yan left the room without a word. Mitengshan left with Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan frankly told Mitengshan that the poison within Nalan Jie's body could not be expelled by Heavenly Flame or Beast Flame.
The toxin had spread throughout Nalan Jie's entire body, seemingly due to long-term consumption of Blood Sect poison, accumulated over years. To completely eradicate it, another type of moderate and peaceful flame would be needed. Mitengshan's expression was grave. There were twenty-three types of Heavenly Flames in the world, but the only one that was truly moderate, peaceful, and would not harm the meridians was the Green Lotus Core Flame, yet its whereabouts were unknown.
Xiao Yan came alone to ask the Ice Emperor about the whereabouts of the Green Lotus Core Flame. The Ice Emperor told Xiao Yan that the Green Lotus Core Flame was currently within the Snake-People Kingdom. The reigning queen of the Snake-People Kingdom, Medusa, was unparalleled in beauty. She was at the peak of the Dou Huang realm, but she still lacked some crucial preparation to consume the Green Lotus Core Flame.
The Ice Emperor had originally intended to hand over the map to the Green Lotus Core Flame after Xiao Yan married Xiao Yixian. However, upon hearing that Xiao Yan wanted to use the Green Lotus Core Flame to save Nalan Jie, he felt a burst of anger and immediately rebuked Xiao Yan for being foolish. Xiao Yan insisted on obtaining the Green Lotus Core Flame. The Ice Emperor clearly told Xiao Yan that if he wanted the map, he must first defeat him.
Episode 14 Recap
Xiao Yan wanted to compete with the Ice Emperor, but Xiao Yixian secretly helped Xiao Yan. She had already drugged the Ice Emperor's wine. Xiao Yan and Xiao Yixian tied up the Ice Emperor and took away the map of the Qinglian Earth Core Flame in front of him. The Ice Emperor complained incessantly, believing he had raised a disobedient and traitorous daughter.
Xiao Yan used the Purple Cloud Wings to bring Xiao Yixian to their destination, and the two camped outdoors. Seeing Xiao Yan's sleeping face, Xiao Yixian moved closer to Xiao Yan and let him rest his head on her. The next day, the two walked through the jungle. Xiao Yixian deliberately feigned weak legs and refused to walk. Xiao Yan, with no other choice, carried Xiao Yixian on his back and continued their journey.
The two arrived in a desolate wilderness. Xiao Yixian determined from the map that they had reached the Snake-People Empire. The fighting they witnessed was the armored Mo family members encircling the Snake-People Empire. As the two were talking, a Mo family member approached them. The two were greatly surprised and quickly fled when the person was unprepared. While fleeing, Xiao Yan and Xiao Yixian fell into a Mo family trap.
Xiao Yan tried to burn the hunting net with his Heavenly Flame, but it was useless. The Mo family member told Xiao Yan that the net was forged from star fragments, and no matter how strong Xiao Yan's Dou Qi was, he could not break the Mo family's trap. Xiao Yan claimed that he had no grudges or enmities with the Mo family and hoped they would release him.
However, the Mo family members escorted Xiao Yan and Xiao Yixian to the Mo family camp and presented them to their King. Inside the tent, a charming and alluring man holding a male consort scrutinized Xiao Yan. He was Mo Cheng, the King of the Mo family army. Mo Cheng was very interested in Xiao Yan's Heavenly Flame and demanded Xiao Yan perform it on the spot.
Xiao Yan and Xiao Yixian had Heavenly Iron shackled to their feet and could only obey. Xiao Yan demonstrated his Beast Flame. Mo Cheng recognized it at a glance and demanded Xiao Yan exchange his Beast Flame for freedom. Xiao Yan refused. Xiao Yixian spoke disrespectfully to Mo Cheng, who intended to offer Xiao Yixian poisoned wine. However, Xiao Yixian possessed the Poisonous Body of Misfortune, and a few cups of poisoned wine could not harm her at all.
Both the Poisonous Body of Misfortune and the Beast Flame were of interest to Mo Cheng. Mo Cheng ordered his subordinates to keep a close watch on the two, while he went out to handle some matters. Xiao Yan had held back his strength when he met Mo Cheng. Now, only two Mo family soldiers remained in the tent.
He defeated the Mo family soldiers with the Xuanzhong Ruler and used both the Bone-chilling Flame and the Beast Flame to unlock the iron chains on his feet. Mo Cheng came to meet the envoy from the Soul Hall. He had already colluded with the Soul Hall, which demanded him to eradicate the Snake-People tribe. The Snake-People tribe had deep roots, and the Mo family army suffered heavy losses.
Mo Cheng hoped the Soul Hall could send more Dou Qi masters to assist them. The envoy explicitly told Mo Cheng that time was running out. He did not care about casualties, only about the defeat of the Snake-People tribe. Medusa was currently preparing to devour the Qinglian Earth Core Flame. If her Nine Revolutions succeeded, all their efforts would be in vain.
Mo Cheng promised the man in black that he would definitely eliminate the Snake-People tribe before Medusa devoured the Heavenly Flame. At that time, he only hoped the envoy could help him devour the Heavenly Flame to elevate his Dou Qi to a higher level. He was willing to be subservient to the Soul Hall. During their conversation, the commotion of Xiao Yan and Xiao Yixian outside disturbed Mo Cheng.
Mo Cheng concealed Xiao Yan's identity as a wielder of Heavenly Flame, hastily dismissed the envoy, and then walked out of the tent, ordering his men to capture Xiao Yan and Xiao Yixian. Xiao Yan's abilities were extraordinary; the mere Mo family army was no match for him. He took Xiao Yixian with him, passed through Mo Cheng's poisoned arrows, and soared into the sky.
Xiao Yan and Xiao Yixian arrived at a cave, where they searched for the entrance to the Qinglian Earth Core Flame according to the map. While searching, Xiao Yixian mentioned that her Poisonous Body of Misfortune would only allow her to live until thirty years old. Xiao Yan spoke up and promised Xiao Yixian that he would definitely cure her Poisonous Body of Misfortune.
The two searched along the way and finally found the entrance to the Qinglian Earth Core Flame. Xiao Yan stepped into it alone. Queen Medusa also arrived soon after, so Xiao Yan had to hide in the dark, observing all of Medusa's actions. While Medusa was cultivating, General Mobas of the Snake-People Nation came to see the Queen.
Mobas informed the Queen of the war situation: the Mo family army, now aided by the Blood Sect, had become powerful and was gradually approaching the palace. Medusa was greatly ashamed of the Mo family army's actions. However, her cultivation had been stuck in the Dou Huang realm for a hundred years without progress. Now, only by risking devouring the Qinglian Earth Core Flame could she advance to the Blood Sect realm and defeat the Mo family army.
Mobas disagreed with the Queen risking her life. The entire Snake-People Nation was currently united in fighting the Mo family army. He hoped the Queen could leave the country first for refuge, so there would be hope for national restoration in the future. As the ruler of a nation, Medusa had a strong sense of responsibility. How could she flee?
She clearly told Mobas that she would rather devour the Qinglian Earth Core Flame and die fighting there than desert in the face of battle. After dismissing Mobas, Medusa risked devouring the Qinglian Earth Core Flame. The Dou Huang realm could not withstand the Qinglian Earth Core Flame. After devouring it, Medusa was wracked with unbearable pain and also sensed Xiao Yan hiding in the dark.
Just as Xiao Yan appeared and revealed his identity to Medusa, the Mo family army had already attacked the Snake-People tribe. Medusa, unable to bear the immense power of the Qinglian Earth Core Flame, transformed into the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, and the Qinglian Earth Core Flame was forced out of her body. Xiao Yan's purpose for this trip was the Qinglian Earth Core Flame. He took the Qinglian Earth Core Flame in front of Medusa, then looked at the weak Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python and reminded Medusa to leave the place.
Episode 15 Recap
Xiao Yan, considering Medusa's safety, hoped that Medusa could leave with him. Medusa knew that the Snake-People Kingdom would be destroyed by the Mo family army, and understood the saying, "As long as the green hills are there, there will be no shortage of firewood." After pondering, Medusa decided to leave with Xiao Yan. On the way back, Xiao Yan was in great pain because he could not suppress the Green Lotus Core Flame.
He and Xiao Yixian fell from mid-air. Xiao Yixian was extremely worried about Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan prepared to refine the Green Lotus Core Flame in the forest. He was afraid of harming Xiao Yixian, so he asked her to leave the forest first, but Xiao Yixian insisted on staying by Xiao Yan's side. Inside the storage ring space, Yao Chen thought Xiao Yan's reckless act of accepting the Heaven Flame was too rash.
He told Xiao Yan that if Xiao Yan wanted to refine the Green Lotus Core Flame, he would have to endure great torment; his entire body's meridians, bones, and blood would be burned to ashes by the Heaven Flame and then reconstructed. Seeing Xiao Yan's determination to refine the Heaven Flame, Yao Chen also took action to protect Xiao Yan's heart meridian, allowing Xiao Yan to focus wholeheartedly on refining the Heaven Flame.
After a long while, Xiao Yan successfully refined the Heaven Flame. He thanked Yao Chen for his help, but Yao Chen believed that extraordinary people do extraordinary things. Xiao Yan's abilities had greatly improved. Now, Xiao Yan was a Three-star Da Dou Shi and possessed two types of Heaven Flames and one Beast Flame; he would surely become a pillar of talent in the future.
Xiao Yixian mistakenly thought Xiao Yan had died, and she cried bitterly while lying on Xiao Yan's body. Xiao Yan woke up, and Xiao Yixian was incredibly excited, hugging Xiao Yan tightly. After some playful banter, the two set off back to Silver City. In Silver City, Xiao Yan once again detoxified Nalan Jie. Nalan Jie's life was no longer in danger. He inquired about Xiao Yan's master.
Xiao Yan was unwilling to reveal his identity, only stating that he, like Nalan Jie, was someone with a blood feud against the Soul Hall. Xiao Yan wore a mask, and Nalan Jie wanted to see Xiao Yan's true face, but Xiao Yan coldly told Nalan Yanran to take good care of Nalan Jie. He would enter the Nalan Mansion again tomorrow to detoxify Nalan Jie. Inside the room, Fan Lao of the Blood Sect found Xiao Yan.
He advised Xiao Yan not to meddle in others' affairs, stating that killing Xiao Yan would be as easy as turning his hand over. Xiao Yan revealed his Green Lotus Core Flame. Just as Fan Lao was about to attack Xiao Yan, a knock on the door from outside disturbed Fan Lao's actions. Fan Lao departed. Mi Tengshan told Xiao Yan about Nalan Jie's condition from outside the room.
Nalan Jie's illness had suddenly worsened, and the poison had reached his heart, feared to be beyond salvation. Mi Tengshan asked Xiao Yan if he had noticed anything unusual when he was detoxifying Nalan Jie. Xiao Yan frankly told Mi Tengshan that Nalan Jie's poison was a few times worse than before he went to the Snake-People Empire, indicating that Nalan Jie's recent diet and medicinal soups had all been poisoned.
Xiao Yan wanted to see Nalan Jie, but Mi Tengshan said that Nalan Jie was currently refusing to see anyone. Xiao Yan sensed the abnormality of the situation and led Mi Tengshan into his room. Seeing the mark left by the Blood Sect, Mi Tengshan deeply understood in his heart that the Blood Sect had arrived in Silver City, the Soul Hall's counterattack was imminent, and darkness was about to descend upon the world.
Inside Nalan Jie's room, Nalan Yanran was in tears before Nalan Jie. Nalan Jie passed a token to Nalan Yanran, stating that from now on, Nalan Yanran would be the nineteenth generation patriarch of the Nalan family and also the Prime Minister of the Outcloud Empire. She would command three thousand soldiers of Silver City and rank as the head of the Five Great Families. Nalan Yanran was unwilling to take on the heavy responsibility.
Nalan Jie said that he had three sons in his life, but each had their own shortcomings, and only Nalan Yanran in the entire Nalan family could take on this important task. Nalan Yanran was still young after all; she was afraid of the patriarch position from the bottom of her heart. Nalan Jie told Nalan Yanran that he also did not want to die, but fate was not up to man.
He hoped Nalan Yanran could bravely face everything and take on this heavy responsibility. Nalan Yanran understood Nalan Jie's painstaking efforts. She agreed to Nalan Jie and learned the Nalan family's secret that was not to be passed down, from Nalan Jie's mouth. Outside Nalan Jie's room, Nalan Jie's three sons were scrambling for his property. Nalan Jie ordered the three to enter the room.
He demanded that they kowtow to Nalan Yanran and acknowledge her as the nineteenth generation patriarch of the Nalan family. All three were unconvinced by Nalan Jie's decision. Just as they were about to defy Nalan Jie, the Eight Standing Attendants, the death warriors who had guarded patriarchs through generations, stood by Nalan Yanran's side, making the three feel apprehensive. They not only obediently bowed and kowtowed but also swore a blood oath. The three left the room.
Nalan Jie's destiny had reached its end. At Nalan Jie's request, Nalan Yanran sang a ballad to bid farewell to Nalan Jie. A second before his death, Nalan Jie still remembered his mission: the Nalan family would not perish, and he would gather the spirits of the Five Great Families even in the Nine Springs to collectively defeat the Soul Hall. Nalan Jie passed away, and people came to offer condolences.
Mi Tengshan, as Nalan Jie's closest friend, also came to the mourning hall. While Mi Tengshan was offering condolences, the second and third sons of the Nalan family suddenly publicly reneged on the blood oath they had sworn, claiming that Nalan Jie's death was suspicious and that the patriarch position was established in a muddled way. They wanted to establish another patriarch. The Nalan family was in internal strife. Prince Yelan came to offer condolences to Nalan Jie.
After meeting Nalan Yanran, he publicly read out an imperial edict, stating that the Emperor believed Nalan Yanran to be both beautiful and intelligent, and immediately appointed Nalan Yanran as the Prime Minister of the Outcloud Empire. An imperial decree was hard to defy, and this one made those within the Nalan family who were unconvinced wisely shut their mouths. Subsequently, Nalan Yanran saw Prince Yelan off from the mansion.
The Prince secretly told Nalan Yanran that he had left the palace without permission today, and the imperial edict in his hand was an empty decree. He asked Nalan Yanran to remember the favor she owed him today. Xiao Yan came to offer condolences to Nalan Jie. Nalan Yanran already knew that Yan Xiao was Xiao Yan. She thanked Xiao Yan and stated that Nalan Jie deeply regretted rescinding the engagement with the Xiao family back then.
Xiao Yan did not accept Nalan Yanran's thanks. He stated that he would never forget the humiliation the Xiao family had suffered, nor would he forget their three-year agreement. Nalan Yanran did not force Xiao Yan to accept her gratitude. She also would not forget the three-year agreement. Before leaving, Xiao Yan brought up Fan Lao's attempt to kill him.
He believed that Fan Lao would certainly not let Nalan Yanran off either, and he hoped Nalan Yanran would be careful in all matters. The Alchemist Grand Meeting slowly began. Grand Master Fa Ma, the foremost alchemist of the Outcloud Empire, also attended the meeting. Mi Tengshan introduced several promising students from the Jia Nan Academy to Fa Ma. Fa Ma developed some interest in Xiao Yan, a descendant of the Xiao family.
Han Feng publicly brought up the matter of Xiao Yan's mother betraying the Five Great Families, mocking Xiao Yan. Fortunately, Mi Tengshan spoke up for Xiao Yan, easing the situation. Just then, Fan Ling, a disciple of the Soul Clan, came forward to request participation. Although the Soul Clan had never participated in the Alchemist Grand Meeting, Fa Ma believed that there was still a distinction between the Soul Clan and the Soul Hall.
Being benevolent, he made an exception and allowed Fan Ling to enter and participate. Several students from the Jia Nan Academy dismissed Fan Ling, believing he had come to his death. However, Xiao Yan regarded Fan Ling differently, believing that Fan Ling must possess extraordinary strength to dare to participate in the Alchemist Grand Meeting alone. The Alchemist Grand Meeting began.
Gu He publicly announced the competition rules: today would be the preliminary selection, where participants needed to refine the medicinal ingredients in front of them into a First-grade pill within the given time. The higher the purity of the pill, the higher the score, with the top eight qualifying.
Episode 16 Recap
The competition clock started. Xiao Yan noticed Fan Ling's unusual alchemy method. Fan Ling's Dou Qi was profound; he used the Blood Sect's technique, capable of refining pills by just heating them with Dou Qi. Each participant did their best to refine pills. Xiao Yan refined a ten-level purity pill and won first place in the preliminary round, which made Fama deeply relieved and appreciative. The second and third places were Fan Ling, and Xiao Xun'er and Han Xian, respectively.
During the night's rest, Xiao Yan entered the storage ring space to find Yao Chen. Yao Chen was quite emotional about Nalan Jie's death and proactively brought up the matter of his expedition with Nalan Jie to the Soul Hall. The Soul Hall was located in the extremely northern region, incredibly cold. Xiao Yan asked about his mother, but Yao Chen avoided discussing it. He had always felt guilty about Gu Wenxin's death.
It was precisely because he had experienced death that Yao Chen knew how painful everything in the past was. He didn't want Xiao Yan to suffer the same pain as him, which was why he had always refused to tell Xiao Yan about those nightmares. Xiao Yan asked Yao Chen for his opinion on his alchemy. Yao Chen believed that Xiao Yan's alchemy time was too long.
Xiao Yan disagreed, stating that he was unable to use Heavenly Flame for alchemy, which prolonged the refining time. Yao Chen reminded Xiao Yan that although he couldn't use Heavenly Flame in public, he could use Beast Flame for alchemy. Beast Flame was too fierce. Xiao Yan feared that his cauldron wouldn't withstand the Beast Flame. At Xiao Yan's strong request, Yao Chen had no choice but to lend a cauldron to Xiao Yan for alchemy.
Subsequently, Xiao Yan brought up the matter of Fan Ling. Yao Chen recognized that Fan Ling was using the Blood Sect's technique. The Blood Sect was an ancient sect that had vanished from the world with Hun Miezheng's demise in the past. Now, the Blood Sect had made a comeback. Yao Chen believed that this matter must be related to Fan Ling.
After hearing Yao Chen's words, Xiao Yan still didn't understand why the Blood Sect only sent Fan Ling to the Dou Qi Continent. Yao Chen merely stated that the Soul Hall was different from renowned sects; they only obeyed the Soul Hall's leader. Whatever orders the leader issued, they would unite and complete them. The second round of the Alchemist Grand Competition began. Xiao Yan's cauldron startled Fama and a few others.
This cauldron was made of yellow stone and had absorbed thousands of years of the essence of heaven and earth, making it a divine artifact. The rule for the second round of the competition required participants to extract the spiritual liquid from Black Iron Spirit Wood. Fan Ling used a Heavenly Flame, which surprised Fama. Mi Tengshan saw that Fan Ling's Heavenly Flame was weak and unstable and guessed that his Heavenly Flame was borrowed.
Although Fan Ling was a genius alchemist, the Dou Qi Continent was currently unstable. Furthermore, Fan Ling was a member of the Soul Clan. Fama had to be wary of Fan Ling and did not truly favor him. Extracting the spiritual liquid from Black Iron Spirit Wood had a certain degree of difficulty. Participants failed one after another. Only Xiao Yan and Fan Ling remained on the field, persevering. Suddenly, Xiao Yan's cauldron exploded.
Fama and Mi Tengshan, among others, were all very surprised by the cauldron's fragility. Meanwhile, Han Feng spoke up, ridiculing Xiao Yan, believing that Xiao Yan's cauldron was a fake. Fama was disappointed in his heart, believing that Fan Ling would definitely win first place in this competition. He couldn't believe that the first place in their Dou Qi Continent this year would be taken by a young man from the Soul Clan.
Seeing the provocation on Fan Ling's face and the disappointment of the crowd, Xiao Yan felt unwilling to accept defeat. The competition time was about to end. To everyone's astonishment, Xiao Yan resolutely took another piece of Black Iron Spirit Wood and simultaneously burned the Black Iron Spirit Wood with two Heavenly Flames. Fama deeply felt that Xiao Yan was extraordinary and greatly anticipated Xiao Yan's subsequent performance. Time ticked by second by second.
Fan Ling's pill was about to be refined. Xiao Yan sped up. He rushed to the last second, quickly refined the pill before Fan Ling, and submitted it to the elders, becoming the first-place winner of this competition. Fama watched an unprecedented competition, and Xiao Yan's victory greatly delighted him. He made an appointment with Mi Tengshan to go drinking together.
Meanwhile, when Han Feng realized that Xiao Yan had two Heavenly Flames, his expression changed drastically, and he forcibly controlled his anger. The competition ended. All the students of Canaan Academy were celebrating for Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan, on the other hand, was meditating and cultivating in his room. He entered the storage ring space. Yao Chen asked Xiao Yan for the cauldron. Xiao Yan said that the cauldron had been shattered by his Beast Flame.
Yao Chen immediately exclaimed that it was impossible. This cauldron was a rare item, not only capable of containing even Dragon Flame, let alone mere Beast Flame. Yao Chen had observed Han Feng from within the storage ring. He believed that it must have been Han Feng who first shattered the yellow stone of the cauldron with hidden force. This was what caused the cauldron to explode. Prompted by Yao Chen's reminder, Xiao Yan also suddenly remembered that Han Feng had touched the cauldron before the competition began. This matter must have been Han Feng's doing.
Episode 17 Recap
Yao Chen reminded Xiao Yan in the Najié space that Xiao Yan could currently only combine the Heavenly Flame and Beast Flame within the Najié space. Outside, he might not be able to do it. If he couldn't control it well, everyone present, including himself, would die without a burial place. Xiao Yan kept Yao Chen's instructions in mind and continued to cultivate the Heavenly Flame.
Afterwards, Yao Chen told Xiao Yan his observations: Fan Ling's pill refining techniques were skilled, indicating no less than ten years of practice. He told Xiao Yan to be extra careful of Fan Ling and to quickly find out why Fan Ling was so meticulously participating in the competition. Meanwhile, the Chuyun Empire's imperial edict reached the students' ears. The soldiers claimed that Mi Tengshan had assassinated the Emperor and were searching everywhere for Mi Tengshan's whereabouts.
Xiao Yan was shocked when he learned about the matter and was unwilling to believe that Elder Mi Tengshan would do such a thing. In the alchemy room, Mi Tengshan came to find Fa Ma. He already knew that Fa Ma had long betrayed the Dou Qi Continent and was cooperating with the Soul Hall. Fa Ma was very surprised that Mi Tengshan could escape the encirclement of seven Blood Sect experts, so he issued a wanted order.
Mi Tengshan couldn't understand why Fa Ma, despite his high position and great power, would still be tempted by the Soul Hall. Fa Ma merely said that Mi Tengshan was not him and could not understand his thoughts. Since Mi Tengshan had come to him on his own today, he would not easily let Mi Tengshan leave. Mi Tengshan hoped Fa Ma could let him die with understanding.
Fa Ma frankly told Mi Tengshan that although he had practiced alchemy his whole life, he could not defeat death. Fa Ma was unwilling to watch himself die, so he chose to cooperate with the Soul Hall. Mi Tengshan disdained Fa Ma's ignoble clinging to life, but Fa Ma was blinded by delusion and stubbornly unrepentant. He ordered his men to capture Mi Tengshan. The Alchemist Grand Meeting entered the finals.
Gu He announced the rules for this match in place of Fa Ma. The two finalists needed to freely select medicinal ingredients within a specified time, formulate a poison for their opponent to take, and then the opponent would research an antidote based on their own poisoning condition. No one would intervene in today's match; the lives of both individuals were left to fate. Xiao Xun'er led Xiao Yixian into the arena to watch.
Hearing Xiao Yixian's address to Xiao Yan, Xiao Xun'er felt jealous. The match officially began. The two competitors each displayed their skills and produced their respective poisons. Xiao Yixian, being the Woeful Poison Body, identified the medicinal ingredients in the poison on Xiao Yan's hand and advised Xiao Yan not to take the poison, but to concede directly. Xiao Yan had already reached the finals; there was absolutely no reason for him to concede easily.
He and Fan Ling both took their respective poisons. After taking the poison, Xiao Yan's hands gradually turned purple. He endured immense pain throughout his body, and the veins on his face were faintly visible. He almost couldn't stand upright. Xiao Xun'er and Xiao Yixian were both concerned for Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan lightly snapped his fingers, and Fan Ling's butt suddenly burst into Beast Flame, drawing hearty laughter from the audience.
Han Feng immediately saw that Xiao Yan was using Beast Flame to deal with Fan Ling. After hearing this, Gu He believed that one person would surely die suddenly in this match. Xiao Yan came to the Najié space. He told Yao Chen about the 'poison' he had made; what he put was not poison but Beast Flame. Fan Ling would surely become a walking time bomb this time. Afterwards, Xiao Yan brought up the poison in his own body.
Yao Chen told Xiao Yan that he could resolve the first three poisons in Fan Ling's pill, but Fan Ling's medicinal primer was his heart's blood, which was a hereditary method of the Blood Sect, and only Fan Ling could resolve it. Xiao Yan returned to the arena. Fan Ling suppressed Xiao Yan, but he himself was not feeling any better.
Xiao Yan tried to persuade Fan Ling to surrender with him, but the two had no trust in each other at all and could not reach a consensus. Xiao Yixian saw Xiao Yan's suffering and pain, and she wanted to rush onto the stage to save Xiao Yan, but she was stopped by Xiao Xun'er. Xiao Xun'er wanted to wait until the final bell of the match rang before going up to save them.
However, Han Feng and Gu He showed no intention of ringing the bell. Fan Ling was a member of the Soul Clan, and Xiao Yan's mother was a traitor to the Dou Qi Continent. Han Feng wanted to use this as an excuse to helplessly watch the two die suddenly. Xiao Yan and Fan Ling jointly raised white flags to surrender. Gu He believed Xiao Yan was incredibly cunning. The bell rang.
Xiao Yan detoxified Fan Ling, but there was still one poison in his own body that was unresolved. Fan Ling claimed that people of their Soul Clan grew up consuming all kinds of poisons, and his poison was made from his heart's blood, so it must also be resolved with heart's blood. Xiao Yan had personally witnessed the fate of those who had consumed Blood Sect blood.
Just as Xiao Yan was hesitating, Xiao Yixian personally cut her own arm and saved Xiao Yan with the blood of her Woeful Poison Body. The Ice Emperor took Xiao Yixian home. Xiao Yan had a heart-to-heart talk with Xiao Xun'er. Xiao Xun'er was very jealous of the women appearing around Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan asked about Xiao Xun'er's admired person, and Xiao Xun'er said that the person she liked was a peerless hero.
During their conversation, Nalan Yanran came to see Xiao Yan. She said that Prince Yelán wanted to see Xiao Yan early tomorrow morning. The next day, Nalan Yanran brought Xiao Yan to meet Prince Yelán. Prince Yelán frankly told Xiao Yan that the Chuyun Empire was currently in distress, and he asked Xiao Yan if he was willing to lend a helping hand. Xiao Yan asked about Mi Tengshan assassinating the Emperor.
Prince Yelán clearly told Xiao Yan that Mi Tengshan would not assassinate the Emperor at all, because besides himself, there was not a single truly living person in the palace. Many years ago, the empire's monarch and everyone around him had already changed. Although their outward appearance hadn't changed, their souls were gone, as if they were being manipulated. Prince Yelán believed that all of this was a conspiracy of the Soul Hall and the Blood Sect.
He had previously entrusted Mi Tengshan to help him investigate, but then Mi Tengshan disappeared. He believed this matter must be inextricably linked with the Soul Hall. Prince Yelán handed the secret passage map of the imperial palace to Xiao Yan. At the same time, he told Xiao Yan that last night, Fan Ling entered the palace and spoke with the fake emperor. He overheard a little, and Fan Ling said that Xiao Yan possessed more than one Heavenly Flame.
Therefore, Fan Ling judged that Xiao Yan was very likely with another master, and that person's Heavenly Flame was the bane of the Blood Sect, so the Blood Sect would sooner or later act against Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan took the secret passage map. He had Elder Mi Tengshan on his mind and decided to investigate the imperial palace. That night, Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran entered the imperial palace following the secret passage map.
Nalan Yanran was extremely familiar with the secret passages. She led Xiao Yan to the entrance of Rende Palace, where they happened to witness people in the palace performing a blood pact. The two were spotted by the palace guards, and Xiao Yan quickly took Nalan Yanran and fled together. After the two escaped from the imperial palace, Xiao Yan's character drastically changed. He tightly gripped Nalan Yanran's throat, refusing to let go.
Given Nalan Yanran's familiarity with the secret passages, Xiao Yan believed that Nalan Yanran must have entered and exited the passages more than once. He guessed that Nalan Yanran had already colluded with the Soul Hall and used him. Nalan Yanran told Xiao Yan that Nalan Jie had told her before his death that the Nalan family's most important treasure was on the Emperor, so she had secretly visited the palace several times at night.
She admitted that she had used Xiao Yan to enter the palace to investigate this matter, but she swore that she had absolutely no connection with the Soul Hall and that she did not know Mi Tengshan's whereabouts. After hearing Nalan Yanran's words, Xiao Yan finally released Nalan Yanran, and his expression returned to normal. In the alchemy room, Mi Tengshan saw Nalan Jie with an empty gaze.
Fa Ma told Mi Tengshan that after Nalan Jie's death, he dug up Nalan Jie's corpse and then refined him into a medicinal puppet using puppet techniques for his own use. Mi Tengshan's abilities were highly regarded by Fa Ma. Fa Ma demanded that Mi Tengshan submit to him. If Mi Tengshan stubbornly refused, he would turn Mi Tengshan into a puppet like Nalan Jie.
Episode 18 Recap
Xiao Yan told Xiao Xun'er and the others about his night exploration of the palace. Xiao Xun'er was very surprised that the Soul Hall's influence had infiltrated the palace, and Elder Mi Tengshan had disappeared for no reason because he had investigated the palace. Xiao Yan planned to have Xiao Xun'er and Han Xian accompany him back into the palace. Nalan Yanran also arrived in front of them at this time, deciding to enter the palace with them.
In the secret passage, Xiao Xun'er and Nalan Yanran had a verbal dispute, but Xiao Yan coughed up blood because his internal injuries had not yet recovered. Seeing Xiao Yan's condition, Xiao Xun'er and Nalan Yanran's verbal battle finally stopped. As they hurried forward, Xiao Xun'er learned from Nalan Yanran that Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran had previously come to the secret passage together.
She felt a pang of jealousy, so Xiao Yan had to act cute and beg for forgiveness. Xiao Xun'er softened and easily forgave Xiao Yan. Nalan Yanran encountered the Emperor of the Chu Yun Empire in the secret passage. The Emperor recognized the descendants of the three great families before him and planned to eliminate them in the secret passage. As long as they died, the entire Chu Yun Empire would fall into the hands of the Soul Hall.
Xiao Yan heard these words and knew that the person before him was not the real Emperor. The fake Emperor attacked them. He tried to defeat them one by one but was no match for Xiao Yan's Xuan Heavy Ruler. The fake Emperor fell, and the figure of Blood Sect Fan Lao departed, leaving behind the truly weak and pale Emperor lying on the ground.
At this moment, Crown Prince Yelán arrived, and Nalan Yanran also retrieved the Nalan family's treasure, the Di Tuo Ancient Jade, from the Emperor's body. Originally, Nalan Jie had long known that the Emperor was possessed by an evil entity from the Soul Hall, so he had embedded the Nalan family's treasure into the Emperor's body to suppress some of the Soul Hall's power.
Now that the evil entity on the Emperor had been expelled, Nalan Yanran naturally had to take back what belonged to the Nalan family. Xiao Yan wanted to know what purpose this treasure served. Nalan Yanran placed the treasure on the Emperor's chest and then used her Dou Qi to heal the Emperor's injuries. The Emperor awoke, and Nalan Yanran bowed to him as the nineteenth-generation patriarch of the Nalan family and the Prime Minister of the Chu Yun Empire.
The Emperor learned everything that had happened recently from Yelán's words. He stated that he had been possessed by an evil entity for many years and was now too weak to govern the court. He expressed his wish to pass the throne to Crown Prince Yelán on an chosen day and ordered the entire palace to be thoroughly searched to find the Soul Hall's pawns.
In the storage ring space, Xiao Yan showed the patterned Xuan Heavy Ruler to Yao Chen, stating that when he was fighting the fake Emperor in the secret passage, the Blood Sect's blood had splattered onto the Xuan Heavy Ruler. This Xuan Heavy Ruler was originally the Soul Hall's own weapon, and now the Blood Sect's blood had caused patterns to appear on it. Yao Chen's heart grew heavy.
He gathered his thoughts to investigate and discovered that the Xuan Heavy Ruler was actually a weapon used by Hun Miesheng back then. Xiao Yan was becoming increasingly proficient with the Xuan Heavy Ruler and dismissed the matter, but Yao Chen told Xiao Yan not to continue using the Xuan Heavy Ruler, even losing his temper and explaining that this Xuan Heavy Ruler was an evil object.
If Xiao Yan continued to use it, his mind would be corrupted, and he would become a habitual killer. Xiao Yan held the Xuan Heavy Ruler against himself, showing Yao Chen his resolve: swords kill people, but the fault lies with the person, not the sword. He wanted to keep using the Xuan Heavy Ruler. Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Yao Chen flicked his sleeve and left, no longer paying attention to Xiao Yan.
After Xiao Xun'er returned from the secret passage, she had been restless. She brought up the Nalan family's Di Tuo Ancient Jade and wanted to know if the Gu family also possessed this treasure. She had heard that each of the five great families held a piece of Di Tuo Ancient Jade.
Xiao Yan interrupted Xiao Xun'er, as Xiao Zhan had once cautioned him never to mention anything about the Di Tuo Ancient Jade, as anyone who did would invite disaster. Xiao Yan stayed by Xiao Xun'er's side, and seeing her sleeping face, he carefully tucked her blanket in. At the Nalan family, Nalan Yanran summoned the Nalan family's three sons. Nalan Yanran brought up the Emperor's abdication and the Crown Prince's ascension to the throne.
She troubled her father to help her share more of the responsibilities both in the court and at home. The Nalan family's second and third sons were very displeased with Nalan Yanran's actions. Nalan Yanran revealed the Di Tuo Ancient Jade in her hand, stating that this jade contained all the Nalan family's wealth and secrets, and its holder was as if the ancestor himself had arrived. She had retrieved this treasure through her own ability.
Nalan Yanran's father heard Nalan Yanran's words, was greatly convinced by her, and held her in high esteem. Seeing that there was no hope of seizing the patriarch's position, the second and third sons could only propose the idea of dividing the family property. Nalan Yanran asked her father to leave first, and then questioned the two of them on how they had brought the Branding Poison into the family and how they had colluded with the Blood Sect.
Nalan Yanran had already investigated the cause of Nalan Jie's death and was deeply disheartened by the actions of the second and third sons. Just as she was questioning them, the two of them developed murderous intent towards Nalan Yanran. Fortunately, Nalan Yanran had already taken precautions, and the Eight Constant Attendants protected her, preventing the two from making any rash moves. Nalan Yanran stated that she was unwilling to execute her own uncles and slaughter their disciples and followers.
She only instructed the Eight Constant Attendants to bring the two before the clan members, have them explain the matter clearly, and then abolish their own Dou Qi. Nalan Jie had dedicated his life to the reputation of the Nalan family, eventually dying with resentment, and Nalan Yanran finally avenged Nalan Jie. Subsequently, Nalan Yanran's father came to plead for the second and third sons. Nalan Yanran believed her father was too soft-hearted.
She frankly told her father that even before they entered, she had already instructed the Eight Constant Attendants to kill both of them once their Dou Qi was abolished, and also slaughter all their disciples and followers. Nalan Yanran's father was shocked by Nalan Yanran's ruthlessness, but Nalan Yanran was merely following Nalan Jie's dying wishes. Seeing her father's disappointed and fearful gaze towards her, she felt a bitter taste in her heart. With high status and power came responsibilities heavier than others, and only now did Nalan Yanran understand the feeling of being powerless over one's own fate.
Episode 19 Recap
Three oddly dressed people came to find Xiao Yan. The three brothers brought Xiao Yan Qilin Blood and a Tier 6 Cloud Elephant Snake magic crystal. Qilin Blood can treat the Poisonous Body of Misfortune, and the magic crystal can also treat all severe poisons. Both items were treasures, and Xiao Yan could only afford the Qilin Blood. He originally didn't want the magic crystal, but the three brothers insisted on selling it to Xiao Yan on credit.
In addition, the three also gave Xiao Yan a poisonous Tier 6 Amaryllis, a treasure. Xiao Yan originally intended to give the Amaryllis to Xiao Xun'er, but Medusa, who had transformed into a poisonous snake, smelled the Amaryllis. She crawled out and ate the poisonous plant. Xiao Yan softly coaxed Medusa back into the jar. Seeing this, Xiao Xun'er felt a bit jealous. Afterwards, Xiao Yan came to see Ye Lan.
Ye Lan asked him how he wanted to be rewarded for his merits. Xiao Yan hoped that Ye Lan could pardon Mi Tengshan and clear him of any wrongdoing, and that he would use all his power to find him. Ye Lan agreed to Xiao Yan, saying that he would help him find Mi Tengshan even if he had to dig three feet deep. Fa Ma came to Ye Lan to apologize, taking full responsibility for the former emperor's affairs.
Ye Lan did not blame Fa Ma; instead, he asked Fa Ma to help him reorganize the Alchemist profession, ensuring that the power of the Soul Palace would never infiltrate the Dou Qi Continent. Ye Lan asked Fa Ma about Mi Tengshan's whereabouts. He handed Fa Ma a new imperial edict, implying deeply that Fa Ma should hand over Mi Tengshan. After Fa Ma left, Ye Lan summoned everyone who participated in the Alchemist Grand Assembly.
He displayed a treasure, the Divine Mountain Map, before everyone. The Divine Mountain Map usually looked like a white wall but actually contained hidden mysteries. This time, to reward everyone's excellent performance at the Alchemist Grand Assembly, Ye Lan specifically allowed everyone to enter the Divine Mountain to collect herbs for one hour. However, they must return within the specified time, or they would be trapped in the map for sixty years.
And the shaded side of the mountain was forbidden to enter. In addition, to increase its appeal, Fa Ma drew up a list for the teams entering the Divine Mountain Map to search according to; the team that found the most items would win, and the Alchemist Guild would provide a certain reward. Xiao Yan and his group, representing Jia Nan Academy, entered the Divine Mountain Map. They excitedly collected herbs.
Out of the corner of his eye, Xiao Yan saw Fan Ling's figure, but paid little attention, continuing to collect herbs with Xiao Xun'er. On the other side, Hao Tian and Hu Jia's group had a conflict with members of another team. They rescued a person named Yao Jie from the Starfall Pavilion who was being bullied by them. Yao Jie was deeply grateful to them.
After parting ways with Yao Jie, Hao Tian, Hu Jia, and others chased a treasure, the Yellow Emperor Dragon. The Yellow Emperor Dragon ran towards the shaded side of the mountain. Seeing this, Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er quickly went forward, preparing to call them back. Hao Tian caught the Yellow Emperor Dragon in a cave. But everyone was shocked by the scene before them. There was a pile of treasures before them, all of which were rare and exotic.
Upon seeing the treasures, they couldn't move their legs. Xiao Yan also put some Tier 8+ magic crystals into his storage ring for Yao Chen. Yao Chen explicitly told Xiao Yan that the shaded side of the mountain was a cauldron. Currently, Xiao Yan and his group were inside the cauldron. If Xiao Yan delayed any longer, they wouldn't be able to get out of the Divine Mountain Map. Xiao Yan inwardly cursed, "This is bad!"
He quickly rushed back to save Hao Tian and his group. But except for Xiao Xun'er, everyone else was engrossed in the exotic treasures, unable to extricate themselves. Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er discovered two people who had died on the shaded side of the mountain. He stepped forward to wake Hao Tian and the others, and told them to put down the treasures and leave with him.
But no matter how they walked, they couldn't get out of this area. Meanwhile, Ye Lan couldn't wait any longer for the group to return. He was very anxious and wanted Fa Ma to send people to search. But Fa Ma found an excuse to refuse Ye Lan, preparing to wait a bit longer. Xiao Yan and his group could not find an exit. However, they found that two corpses had become one.
Xiao Yan, with quick eyes and hands, grabbed the corpse that was about to leave. That old man claimed to be an alchemist who had mistakenly entered this place many years ago. The old man not only refused to reveal the exit but also tried to persuade Xiao Yan's group to stay there with him. Xiao Yan ignited the strange flame in his hand, preparing to blast a path out of there.
The old man did not want the Divine Mountain to be destroyed, so he chose to compromise and led them towards the exit. On the other side, an abnormality suddenly occurred in the Divine Mountain Map; the entrance to the Divine Mountain Map was being burned down. The stipulated departure time was approaching, but Xiao Yan had not yet emerged, making Ye Lan extremely anxious.
After Xiao Yan and his group left the shaded side of the mountain, they ran against time inside the Divine Mountain Map. But Fan Ling was waiting at the exit for the group coming out of the Divine Mountain Map. He had set up a severe poison on a section of the path before the exit, making it impossible for everyone to leave.
If they couldn't leave within the stipulated time, they would be trapped in the Divine Mountain Map for sixty years. Seeing this, Xiao Yan ignited the strange flame and beast flame on his body, safely walking through the poisonous path. The moment Xiao Yan saw Fan Ling, he understood Fan Ling's true purpose in participating in the Alchemist Grand Assembly. He had been waiting for this opportunity to enter the Divine Mountain Map.
Fan Ling did not deny it, stating that the essence of five clan youths was hidden there, and exchanging himself for Xiao Yan's group to stay there for sixty years was not a loss. Fan Ling's use of poison was extremely strong, while Xiao Yan had consumed Dou Qi all the way, so his speed was no match for Fan Ling's swiftness. Fan Ling injured Xiao Yan and claimed that the poison he made Xiao Yan take on the day of the final was actually incurable.
Episode 20 Recap
Fan Ling used his own blood as a medicinal primer. Although Xiao Yan detoxified, anyone who consumed the blood had to swear eternal loyalty to the Soul Hall; this was known as the Blood Alliance. Xiao Yan had already fallen victim to the Blood Alliance. Fan Ling wanted to avenge his father, Fan Lao, and take Xiao Yan's head. Only then did Xiao Yan learn that the person attached to the emperor was Fan Ling's father.
Just as Fan Ling was about to attack Xiao Yan, Xiao Xun'er promptly released her Dou Qi to confront Fan Ling. Xiao Yan and his group were late in coming out, making Ye Lan extremely anxious. However, Fa Ma and Gu He persuaded Ye Lan to wait patiently. On the other side, Xiao Xun'er brought up the items the three strange people gave to Xiao Yan.
She stepped forward to attract Fan Ling's attention, and Xiao Yan took the opportunity to refine the magic crystal to detoxify himself. Xiao Yan recovered his Dou Qi; he used all his strength, and Fan Ling was no match for Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan told Fan Ling that he had also left the Bone Spirit Cold Flame in the poison that day. Xiao Yan burned out the Bone Spirit Cold Flame and defeated Fan Ling.
Seeing that the exit door was about to collapse, Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er stepped forward and propped up the door frame, allowing the others to leave first. Time was running out, and Xiao Yan was about to collapse. He wanted Xiao Xun'er to leave first, but Xiao Xun'er stubbornly refused to abandon Xiao Yan. Unable to do anything, Xiao Yan had no choice but to let Hao Tian and his group forcibly take Xiao Xun'er away.
After everyone left, the door frame heavily crashed onto Xiao Yan's body, and the Divine Mountain Map also began to burn itself. Xiao Xun'er wept uncontrollably, but Xiao Yan left the Divine Mountain Map at the last second and fainted in front of everyone. Xiao Yan saw his mother, Gu Wenxin, in his dream, but Gu Wenxin's figure flashed by, and Xiao Yan could never find her. Afterward, Xiao Yan met Yao Chen.
Yao Chen told Xiao Yan that if he hadn't had his Dou Qi protecting him, Xiao Yan would have died eight hundred times already. Xiao Yan drank the Blood Sect's blood, essentially becoming a person of the Blood Sect. Yao Chen was very worried about this; although the Bone Spirit Cold Blood Flame could suppress the Blood Sect's blood, it could not eradicate it.
Taking Xiao Yan's Profound Heavy Ruler, Yao Chen told Xiao Yan that his drinking the Blood Sect's blood now was equivalent to opening the door to the Soul Hall, and the Profound Heavy Ruler recorded the Soul Hall's advanced cultivation techniques that were not to be passed down.
Yao Chen hoped Xiao Yan would remember that he was a member of the Xiao Family, and he was not allowed to look at a single word of the cultivation techniques on the Profound Heavy Ruler. Xiao Yan remained unconscious, and Hao Tian and the others were deeply worried. Han Xian wanted to transmit Dou Qi through his mouth to save Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan overheard their conversation and couldn't help but chuckle, teasing Han Xian.
That night, the Old Emperor's condition suddenly worsened, and he passed away, causing Ye Lan endless grief. Just as Ye Lan was mourning and paying respects to the Old Emperor, the Old Emperor's spirit body suddenly flew out of the coffin. Fan Lao had not died; he was attached to the Old Emperor's body and clearly told Ye Lan that he was a member of the Soul Hall.
He proceeded to brainwash Ye Lan, analyzing the current situation of the Five Great Families, wanting Ye Lan to cooperate with him. As long as Ye Lan agreed to obey the Soul Hall Master and work for the Soul Hall, he could abandon his vengeance for his son's death and grant Ye Lan unimaginable power and wealth. At that time, Ye Lan would become the king of the world, dominating all four seas.
Ye Lan refused Fan Lao, stating that her loyalty was only to her ancestors, not to be a servant of the Soul Hall. Seeing Ye Lan's refusal to appreciate his offer, Fan Lao did not continue to persuade her, merely stating that what awaited Ye Lan next would be endless nightmares. Xiao Yan took off his storage ring. He dripped his own blood onto the Profound Heavy Ruler, obtaining the Soul Hall's cultivation techniques from it.
Yao Chen, in the storage ring space, learned of Xiao Yan's actions and was furious deep down. Afterward, Xiao Yan entered the storage ring space. Yao Chen lectured Xiao Yan, questioning his actions. Xiao Yan told Yao Chen that the reason he learned the cultivation techniques on the Profound Heavy Ruler was because it was his only option. Yao Chen was deeply disappointed in Xiao Yan.
He believed he had failed Gu Wenxin's expectations; though he considered himself the strongest in the world, he had raised a child for the Soul Hall. Xiao Yan stated that he knew everything he did, and the reason he practiced this cultivation technique was because it allowed him to be invisible and shapeless. To find people or objects, as long as his mind was focused, he could track them for thousands of miles.
Currently, Mi Tengshan's whereabouts were unknown, and he could only rely on this cultivation technique to find him. How could Yao Chen not know the power of this soul power? But once Xiao Yan started learning the Soul Hall's cultivation techniques, he would want to obtain more. The terrifying aspect of the Soul Hall was not that it caused instantaneous changes in people, but that it gradually induced them to become someone else.
Once Xiao Yan's desires were awakened, he would become increasingly greedy, and then, step by step, become a member of the Soul Hall. Xiao Yan repeatedly assured Yao Chen of his willpower, but Yao Chen was utterly disappointed and did not believe a word Xiao Yan said. Before he left, he told Xiao Yan to throw away the storage ring and never return to the storage ring space again.
Episode 21 Recap
Xiao Xun'er hugged the fainted Xiao Yan, tears streaming down her face. Only when Xiao Yan woke up did Xiao Xun'er feel relieved. She wanted to know what had happened to Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan frankly told Xiao Xun'er that he wanted to practice the Soul Palace's cultivation method, using it to find Mitengshan. Xiao Xun'er had always stood by Xiao Yan. Although she was deeply worried about him, she still supported him unconditionally.
Afterward, Xiao Yan used the Soul Palace's cultivation method to see Mitengshan, but he couldn't touch Mitengshan because he was invisible and intangible. At this moment, Fama came before Mitengshan. He wanted Mitengshan to agree to cooperate with him, but Mitengshan refused. Fama angrily told Mitengshan that the special envoy of the Soul Palace would arrive tomorrow.
If Mitengshan still refused his demands tomorrow, he would make Mitengshan experience the taste of being imprisoned by the Soul Palace, unable to leave its extremely cold region for the rest of his life. Xiao Yan returned to his residence and informed Hao Tian and his group about Mitengshan's whereabouts. He believed that the most important thing to deal with Fama was to use speed against slowness. Xiao Yan formulated a battle strategy.
He planned to falsely claim to Fama that he had found a seven-colored small snake, and then let Fama appraise it. Afterward, Xiao Xun'er could take the opportunity to throw Duan Chang Cao onto Fama. The seven-colored snake, transformed from the Queen, would react immediately upon seeing the poisonous herb. Xiao Yan intended to take the opportunity, while Fama was under the Queen's control, to ignite all three different fires on Fama, thus controlling him.
At the Alchemist Guild, Fama received Xiao Yan's visit request. He discussed Xiao Yan with Gu He, unable to figure out the reason for Xiao Yan's visit, and decided to meet with Xiao Yan. After meeting Fama, Xiao Yan and his group proceeded according to the original plan. However, just as Xiao Yan was about to reveal the seven-colored small snake, the Soul Palace special envoy Fan Lao arrived. Fama left Xiao Yan and the others to meet Fan Lao.
He told Fan Lao to take Mitengshan away and also informed him that Xiao Yan had killed Fan Ling. Upon hearing this, Fan Lao only told Fama to release Mitengshan, planning to use Mitengshan to control the entire Jia Nan Academy. As for Xiao Yan, Fan Lao had just approached him. He claimed that Xiao Yan had the scent of the Soul Palace on him, and that Xiao Yan was now half a member of the Soul Palace.
He believed that in due time, Xiao Yan would become a good helper for the Soul Palace. After Fan Lao left, Fama fed a pill to Mitengshan, and then struck Mitengshan heavily with a palm. Afterward, Fama came to see Xiao Yan and his group, claiming that Mitengshan had been found. He led everyone to see Mitengshan and had them escort Mitengshan back to the inn. Hao Tian asked about Mitengshan's current condition.
Fama claimed that Mitengshan had been abducted by people from the Blood Sect, and he had sent people to track and search for him, only then rescuing Mitengshan. Xiao Yan was worried about Mitengshan. He took Mitengshan to the inn and used Dou Qi to heal him, but Mitengshan was in a daze, only claiming that he had forgotten everything that had happened.
Mitengshan's condition was not good, so Xiao Yan decided to first escort Mitengshan back to Jia Nan Academy. Afterward, Xiao Yan went to the Na Ring space to find Yao Chen, but Yao Chen refused to see him. Xiao Yan resolved to prove to Yao Chen that he, Xiao Yan, would never become a minion of the Soul Palace. At night, the three people who had previously brought medicine to Xiao Yan came to find him.
They revealed their identities to Xiao Yan, turning out to be Mobasi, the Temple General of the Snake-People Race, along with Shebu San and Shebu Wu. Mobasi restored Queen Medusa to her human form. Medusa was extremely furious when she saw Xiao Yan. She tightly clutched Xiao Yan's throat, demanding that he hand over the Heavenly Flame.
Xiao Yan ignited the Green Lotus Core Flame and advised the Queen to act cautiously, stating that with her current abilities, she simply couldn't withstand the power of the Heavenly Flame. Upon hearing this, the Queen prepared to take Xiao Yan back to the Snake-People Race to serve as a 'firework barrel'. However, Xiao Yan refused to compromise. He ignited the Heavenly Flame, ready to perish with the Queen.
Unable to do anything else, the Queen made a three-year pact with Xiao Yan. Three years later, once her primordial spirit returned to its place, she would come back to kill Xiao Yan and seize the Heavenly Flame. Currently, the Mo Family was relentlessly pursuing the Snake-People Race. Mobasi was very aware of the dangers facing the Snake-People Race, and he prepared to entrust the Queen to Xiao Yan, hoping that Xiao Yan could continue to protect her.
Xiao Yan refused to agree until Mobasi persuaded the Queen to abandon her murderous intent towards Xiao Yan. Only then did Xiao Yan reluctantly agree, allowing the Queen to remain in her small snake form and hide on his body. Afterward, the Queen planted a mark on Xiao Yan's forehead and entrusted him with the position of acting Snake King. Mobasi also gave Xiao Yan two treasures.
Now, as the acting Snake King, the flute in his hand could summon snake creatures within a hundred li, while the other item, when burned, could summon the Queen's true form. Xiao Yan came to bid farewell to Bing Huang and Xiao Yixian. Bing Huang could not force Xiao Yan, so he left the space to the two of them. Xiao Yixian cried bitterly because she couldn't bear to part with Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan thanked Xiao Yixian for her help along the way. He handed over the antidote for the Calamity Poison Body to Xiao Yixian, fulfilling his promise to her. From now on, Xiao Yixian would no longer suffer the torment of poisonous insects gnawing at her bones, and she could live a long life. Xiao Yixian tightly embraced Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan told Xiao Yixian that if she ever needed help in the future, he would appear by her side without hesitation. As separation approached, even though Xiao Yixian hugged him tightly, Xiao Yan could only release her and leave Yincheng. Xiao Xun'er and her group returned to the academy, but Ruolin brought Bai Cheng and others to search their luggage and escorted Mitengshan away. Everyone noticed that the atmosphere in the academy was unusual.
Bai Cheng found She Xian Guo in Han Xian's luggage. Although She Xian Guo was a medicinal herb, it contained potent poison. Without a word, Bai Cheng ordered it confiscated. Afterward, Bai Cheng prepared to focus his search on Xiao Yan, but Xiao Yan had not yet arrived at the academy. Xiao Xun'er generously pushed out Xiao Yan's luggage. Bai Cheng found no clues whatsoever and instead got into a verbal altercation with Xiao Xun'er.
Bai Cheng intentionally tried to make things difficult for Xiao Xun'er and her group, but he was immediately rebuffed by Hao Tian and Hu Jia, losing all face. The academy had been investigating Blood Sect spies and Soul Palace minions, causing everyone in the academy to be in a state of unease. After some inquiries, Han Xian learned that this was a unanimous decision by the Elder Council, which decided to purge the infiltrated Soul Palace forces within the academy.
On the other side, at the Yan Gang training ground, Xiao Yan was using the Soul Palace's cultivation method. He invisibly entered the Elder's Pavilion and saw Han Feng, Gu He, and Fama in conversation. It turned out that the three had long been in cahoots. They were treating Mitengshan as a pawn, planning to use him to control the entire Jia Nan Academy for the Soul Palace and identify who their allies were.
Han Feng was still uneasy about Mitengshan and wanted to imprison him, but Fama thought that would be too blatant. Since Mitengshan dared not prove his innocence at the moment, they could safely let him wander freely, which would not arouse others' suspicions.
Episode 22 Recap
Han Feng mentioned Xiao Yan, believing Xiao Yan would definitely hinder his plans. Fa Ma stated they could not touch Xiao Yan even a bit now. Han Feng felt displeased with Xiao Yan, and his words angered Xiao Yan. Just as Xiao Yan was about to make a move on Han Feng, Fa Ma smelled the scent of the Soul Hall. He judged that the newcomer had used the Soul Separation Technique based on a cup of strong liquor.
The Soul Separation Technique could only be learned by high-ranking individuals in the Soul Hall. Fa Ma guessed that the master of the Soul Hall did not trust them. The next day, Fa Ma arrived at Canaan Academy as the Imperial Advisor. He asked Han Feng and Gu He to explain the situation at the alchemist competition back then. Han Feng publicly declared Mi Tengshan a traitor. Ruolin demanded Han Feng hand over the evidence.
Han Feng distorted the facts, saying that at the Alchemist Grand Assembly, it was Mi Tengshan who insisted on letting the Soul Clan youth Fan Ling participate, and that he had fled in fear of punishment after assassinating the emperor, adamantly claiming Mi Tengshan was a traitor. Gu He also seconded Han Feng's words and flattered Fa Ma. Ruolin inquired about Mi Tengshan's severe injuries.
Fa Ma meticulously stated that since he and Mi Tengshan were good friends, and Mi Tengshan was now seen as a pawn by the Soul Hall, he could not just stand by and watch, so he had to save Mi Tengshan and bring him back to Canaan Academy. After his words, Mi Tengshan produced Yelan's imperial decree, stating that he had come this time to purge the academy and find the spies.
Mi Tengshan was brought before Fa Ma and the elders. He confessed to the title of traitor. Fa Ma demanded Mi Tengshan reveal the names of the students he recruited in the academy. Mi Tengshan claimed he could not remember. Fa Ma did not force Mi Tengshan, only preparing to re-investigate the academy thoroughly. Before leaving, Fa Ma left a few alchemists to assist Canaan Academy, hoping to hear good news from Canaan Academy in the near future.
The academy prepared to disband gangs and the flea market. Students were forced to write letters of denunciation against Mi Tengshan. Xiao Xun'er was unwilling to write this denunciation letter, not believing Mi Tengshan would be a traitor. Han Xian advised Xiao Xun'er to protect herself during this difficult time. If Xiao Xun'er supported Mi Tengshan now, they would be considered accomplices. At this moment, Mi Tengshan was sweeping the floor at the entrance of a gang.
Xiao Yan came to Mi Tengshan's side. He told Mi Tengshan everything he had seen, telling Mi Tengshan to stop pretending to be foolish, hoping Mi Tengshan could inform him of the opposing force, as he did not want Mi Tengshan to continue being trampled upon. After hearing this, Mi Tengshan only lowered his head and swept the floor, not revealing anything to Xiao Yan. However, Han Feng summoned Xiao Yan at this time.
Han Feng displayed a letter exposing Xiao Yan in front of him. He asked Xiao Yan to reveal Yao Chen's whereabouts, stating that if Xiao Yan spoke up, he would give him a way out. Xiao Yan remained silent. Han Feng ordered Bai Cheng to imprison Xiao Yan on the lowest level of the Sky Burning Qi Refining Pagoda. And Hao Tian and Hu Jia and their group were also imprisoned in the Sky Burning Qi Refining Pagoda as remnants.
The Sky Burning Qi Refining Pagoda could only be endured for a maximum of four hours. Han Feng hoped everyone could think clearly tonight and give him a satisfactory answer. As they left, Gu He told Han Feng that Mi Tengshan was also imprisoned in the Qi Refining Pagoda, stating that with the aptitude of Xiao Yan and his group, they would not last four hours; they were bound to die. Xiao Yan blew a flute in the cultivation room.
Mobas appeared before Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan pleaded with the Snake-people tribe to infiltrate Canaan Academy and rescue their group. Mobas believed this method would not work. He told Xiao Yan another way: there was a giant earth python under this Qi Refining Pagoda, it was the ancestor of the snake tribe, and it would definitely be able to help Xiao Yan. As time passed, Xiao Xun'er and her group gradually couldn't hold on.
Xiao Yan blew the flute again to summon the giant earth python. The Queen had previously made a mark on Xiao Yan's forehead. Xiao Yan asked for the giant earth python's help in the name of the Snake King. The giant earth python created a small disturbance as instructed by Xiao Yan. He then took the opportunity to lead Xiao Xun'er and Mi Tengshan and their group to leave through the underground passage.
By the time Han Feng and Gu He arrived at the cultivation pagoda, Xiao Yan and his group had already disappeared. Gu He found that the bottom of the Qi Refining Pagoda led directly to the Black Corner Region Forest, and they all rushed to the forest. Underground, Mi Tengshan confessed that he had pretended to be foolish and stayed in Canaan Academy to investigate more information.
Now that the few of them had no way out, Xiao Yan prepared to take them to Silver City. Silver City's Emperor Yelan had a good relationship with him. He believed Yelan would absolutely not issue an imperial decree declaring Mi Tengshan a traitor.
Episode 23 Recap
Xiao Yan was going to lead everyone to Silver City to expose Fa Ma's true face and save the Dou Qi Continent, but the underground cave entrance was guarded by several alchemists Fa Ma left at Jia Nan Academy, and they simply could not get out. Xiao Yan wanted to force their way through, but Mi Tengshan believed this method was improper, as their abilities were simply not enough to withstand the opponent's Dou Qi.
For now, they could only continue along the path, looking for the next exit. The temperature underground was getting higher and higher, and the lava river was getting closer to the few of them. Hao Tian and Han Xian had already started to feel lost and discouraged. Xiao Yan spoke to encourage the two of them, leading them to continue forward. Gu He lost his temper because he couldn't find Xiao Yan and his group.
Han Feng also had a bad attitude; he questioned and blamed Ruo Lin for Xiao Yan and his group's escape. Another elder spoke up for Ruo Lin but was treated as Mi Tengshan's accomplice and was taken down with Ruo Lin by Han Feng for interrogation. On the other side underground, Mi Tengshan and his group had been unable to find a way out. Xiao Yan went ahead alone to scout, while the others remained to rest.
Hu Jia talked about the rich life he had experienced since meeting Xiao Yan, and several of them believed that this time they would surely die. Mi Tengshan saw their regret. Hao Cheng mentioned that Jia Nan Academy had already fallen, and the Dou Qi Continent was about to plunge into darkness. He felt very lost about the future.
Mi Tengshan admonished them, saying that evil's purpose was to make them afraid, but as long as they overcame the fear in their hearts, then encouraged the next person, and worked together to crush the darkness, evil would automatically become a joke. Conquering fear was the first magic weapon to defeat evil. Xiao Yan found an inn. Upon hearing this, the few of them rushed to the inn with surprise on their faces.
They received a warm welcome from the waiter at the inn. Subsequently, under Mi Tengshan's caution and the waiter's explanation, they learned that this was an inn of Villain's Valley. After finishing this meal, they would have to enter Villain's Valley and survive by their own abilities. Villain's Valley was a legendary place in the world; any imperial fugitive or heinous criminal who fled to Villain's Valley could no longer be pursued by those outside.
However, there was also a rule within Villain's Valley: the people in the valley all lived by killing, being incredibly cruel. Xiao Yan was unwilling to step into Villain's Valley. The waiter quickly cleared the food from the table. He kindly told them that it would take another half a year to reach the underground exit from here.
Xiao Yan was unwilling to let them die underground, so after much hesitation, he had no choice but to ask the waiter to re-serve the food. Xiao Yan asked Mi Tengshan if he knew about the exit in Villain's Valley, but Mi Tengshan knew very little and could not be sure. After the meal, the waiter took out a bill, saying that two matches would be the payment for their meal.
According to Villain's Valley rules, no cash was accepted for food, drink, clothing, or use; everything depended on fighting ranks, with the strong being respected. Besides, once they entered Villain's Valley, it meant saying goodbye to the past. Xiao Yan and his group had to wear masks and start a new life with a new identity in Villain's Valley. The combat arena was divided into four levels, namely "Heaven, Earth, Black, Yellow", with Heaven being the highest level.
Xiao Yan and his group arrived at the "Yellow" level combat arena. The first match was Meteor Hammer Wang Ba against Hu Jia. Both of them entered the stage wearing masks. Hu Jia easily defeated Wang Ba with a long spear. The second match was Broadsword Qin Er against Han Xian. Han Xian was also no ordinary person; he won the match in just a few seconds. Xiao Yan and his group stayed at the inn.
Their room was exchanged for two matches per day at the Xuan level arena. Xiao Yan was worried about Mi Tengshan's health. He asked the inn owner to help invite the best doctor in Villain's Valley. The doctor came to treat Mi Tengshan, claiming he had a way to help Mi Tengshan recover eighty percent of his lost cultivation. Mi Tengshan saw the doctor's medical techniques and recognized him as the famous Saint Hand Scholar Lin Yizhi.
Lin Yizhi was very famous in his youth but committed beastly acts due to drunkenness, which led to his downfall. Xiao Yan bothered Lin Yizhi to wholeheartedly save Mi Tengshan. Lin Yizhi left the medicine with Xiao Yan and asked Xiao Yan to pay the medical fee, which was two matches at the Heaven level. Xiao Yan knew the bill in his hand was not simple but still accepted it generously.
Before leaving, Lin Yizhi appeared and advised Xiao Yan, saying that Xiao Yan's current evil energy had already attacked his vital organs, and if he did not rein himself in, there would be no cure. After Lin Yizhi left, Mi Tengshan also said that he had long noticed Xiao Yan's evil energy entering his body, and even the Earth Core Python obeyed Xiao Yan's commands. Mi Tengshan wanted to know the reason.
Xiao Yan said that it was just a transaction between him and the Snake-people tribe, and he had a clear conscience. The Snake-people tribe's alignment was difficult to discern. Mi Tengshan told Xiao Yan to be extra careful.
At the same time, Mi Tengshan also brought up Xiao Yan's current situation; now that evil energy had entered Xiao Yan's vital organs, he was very surprised by Xiao Yan's safety and believed that someone must be helping Xiao Yan suppress the evil energy. Xiao Yan immediately thought of Yao Chen. He came to the storage ring space but found it desolate. Xiao Yan searched everywhere but could not find Yao Chen.
Back in Villain's Valley, Xiao Yan continued fighting matches. He won the first match at the Heaven level. As long as Xiao Yan killed his opponent, he could obtain the opponent's treasure, but Xiao Yan showed mercy and did not kill them all. Xiao Yan's outstanding ability caught the attention of the Villain's Valley Master. The Valley Master personally met with Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan asked about the exit of Villain's Valley, but the Valley Master refused to disclose it, only saying that Villain's Valley was isolated from the world and had no way out. She brought up the situation outside, stating that Xiao Yan and his group were now key wanted criminals on the Dou Qi Continent, and she believed that Xiao Yan staying here would be better than leaving.
Xiao Yan asked where the Valley Master's information came from, reasoning that if Villain's Valley had no exit, the Valley Master could not possibly know the situation outside. As they spoke, Xiao Yan had already taken off his mask, saying that he had fled here because he was framed, and he did not need to wear a mask to repent.
Episode 24 Recap
The Valley Master took Xiao Yan to observe the lively prosperity of Villain's Valley, believing that the world within the valley was far better than the outside. Xiao Yan disagreed with the Valley Master's view, saying that the people in the valley were not so much living a carefree life as they were escaping responsibility. Xiao Yan wholeheartedly wanted to leave the valley. Seeing Xiao Yan's determination, the Valley Master relented.
She told Xiao Yan that the path out of the valley was extremely perilous, and if Xiao Yan could reach the top ten in Villain's Valley's competition arena, she would allow Xiao Yan and his group to leave Villain's Valley. Villain's Valley never lacked capable and extraordinary individuals. Given Xiao Yan's abilities, the Valley Master believed that his chances of reaching the top ten were extremely slim. Xiao Yan also knew his own limitations.
He entered the Storage Ring space to seek help from Yao Chen, but the Storage Ring space remained desolate, and Yao Chen still refused to see Xiao Yan. Having no choice, Xiao Yan once again performed a blood sacrifice on the Mysterious Heavy Ruler, but unintentionally entered a mysterious space and summoned Hun Miesheng's avatar. The avatar was the spiritual power infused by Hun Miesheng when he forged the Mysterious Heavy Ruler.
He easily snatched the Mysterious Heavy Ruler from Xiao Yan's hand, wanting to teach Xiao Yan a Soul Hall cultivation technique, but was rejected by Xiao Yan. Hun Miesheng claimed he already knew that Xiao Yan was learning the Soul Dispersion Art. He said that the Soul Dispersion Art was the supreme cultivation technique of the Soul Hall, requiring an orally transmitted secret incantation to master.
What Xiao Yan had learned was merely superficial knowledge, and his Soul Dispersion Art could only turn him into a lonely wandering ghost. The true Soul Dispersion Art was like Hun Miesheng's ability to create tens of thousands of avatars, silently approach opponents, and deliver a fatal blow. Xiao Yan would rather die in Villain's Valley than become a running dog of the Soul Hall. Hun Miesheng laughed at Xiao Yan for being too foolish.
He brought up the fact that he and Dou Di were blood brothers, stating that cultivation techniques do not differentiate between good and evil. In order to make Xiao Yan learn the Soul Hall cultivation technique, Hun Miesheng made a bet with Xiao Yan. He was willing to teach Xiao Yan the technique, and if Xiao Yan could defeat him one day, it would prove that Dou Di was right back then.
But if Xiao Yan could not defeat him, Xiao Yan would have to remain in this space forever. Hun Miesheng taught Xiao Yan the Soul Dispersion Art step by step, but Xiao Yan still could not grasp its true essence. Hun Miesheng asked what Xiao Yan was thinking about during the competition. Xiao Yan frankly admitted that his mind was filled with hatred; he hated everyone around him, including his mother, Yao Chen, and Xiao Xun'er.
Hatred was what kept him going in every match. Hun Miesheng was very satisfied with Xiao Yan's answer. He told Xiao Yan to unleash all the hatred in his heart to rapidly increase his Dou Qi. Afterward, Xiao Yan woke up, but Xiao Xun'er was unusually cold towards him. Xiao Yan didn't understand why. Xiao Xun'er listed all of Xiao Yan's abnormalities from the past few days, stating that he seemed like a different person recently.
Mi Tengshan had already invited Lin Yizhi to examine Xiao Yan. Lin Yizhi diagnosed that Xiao Yan had fallen into the evil path and would not live much longer. Xiao Yan told Xiao Xun'er to rest assured, as he knew the path he was on. He was determined to safely lead everyone out of Villain's Valley, and this was his only way.
Afterward, Xiao Yan wanted to entrust the Storage Ring to Xiao Xun'er for safekeeping, but Xiao Xun'er was unwilling to accept it; she still didn't believe there was a great secret within the Storage Ring. Xiao Yan explained the importance of this Storage Ring, hoping Xiao Xun'er could trust him, but Xiao Xun'er left in a huff, worried about Xiao Yan. After Xiao Xun'er left, Mi Tengshan came to find Xiao Yan.
He was very worried that Xiao Yan would fall into the demonic path, but Xiao Yan retorted that Villain's Valley was originally a demonic realm, and if he didn't enter the demonic path, who would? He promised again that he would safely lead everyone out of Villain's Valley. Lin Yizhi had already informed Mi Tengshan about Xiao Yan's condition. Xiao Yan should have died from complete putrefaction, yet he was still living unharmed and safe.
Mi Tengshan wanted to know which master was helping Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan refused to reveal it and instead asked about Dou Di and Hun Miesheng being blood brothers. Mi Tengshan sighed. He told Xiao Yan that all cultivators in the world would experience their own inner demon trials. The more perilous the trial, the higher one's cultivation would be upon overcoming it. Everyone's destiny could only be seen through by themselves.
Xiao Yan wanted to know the answer, but Mi Tengshan handed him a mirror, stating that Xiao Yan could only ascend to a higher level by overcoming it; otherwise, he would die in his inner demon predicament. Mi Tengshan had already advised Xiao Yan earlier, and it was Xiao Yan who chose the path of cultivation. Mi Tengshan told Xiao Yan to think everything through; what he needed to overcome was not others, but his own greed and anger.
Guided by Mi Tengshan, Xiao Yan came to apologize to Xiao Xun'er. Xiao Xun'er said she could forgive Xiao Yan, but she didn't know how Xiao Yan would forgive himself. The current Xiao Yan had become exactly like the other people in Villain's Valley. She feared that even if Xiao Yan won the competition in the end, he would refuse to leave with them.
But if that moment came, she would kill Xiao Yan with a single sword stroke, absolutely refusing to let him remain alone in Villain's Valley. Xiao Yan said he had never thought of staying there, but Xiao Xun'er questioned his actions. Her questions made Xiao Yan feel breathless.
Xiao Yan told Xiao Xun'er not to pressure him anymore; hatred and escapism had already formed deep within his heart, and he was afraid that one day he would become the kind of person he hated the most. How could Xiao Xun'er not know how much pressure Xiao Yan was putting on himself? Tearfully, she tightly grasped Xiao Yan's hand, wanting Xiao Yan to tell her all the truth, stating that she was willing to face all difficulties with him.
Episode 25 Recap
Xiao Yan came before Hun Miesheng, stating that he would no longer learn the Soul Palace's cultivation methods or enter its evil path. Hun Miesheng demanded Xiao Yan defeat him, but how could Xiao Yan, a junior, be Hun Miesheng's opponent? Hun Miesheng immediately demonstrated a new move for the Heavy Xuan Ruler, "Snowy Ground Flying Goose." Hun Miesheng's speed was so fast that Xiao Yan couldn't clearly see the move.
Hun Miesheng told Xiao Yan that he had just had killing intent towards Xiao Yan, which was why he could silently approach Xiao Yan and deliver a fatal blow. Once killing intent arises, Dou Qi would greatly increase, but Xiao Yan was always unable to generate killing intent. Hun Miesheng was very emotional that he had taught such a compassionate disciple.
He warned Xiao Yan that if Xiao Yan did not kill, his cultivation realm would not improve; only by experiencing more would Xiao Yan understand the way of killing. Xiao Yan had fought until the final match. Hun Miesheng was ready to pass on the last move to Xiao Yan. From then on, Xiao Yan would possess advanced Dou Techniques from both the Starfall Pavilion and the Soul Palace.
At the same time, Hun Miesheng reminded Xiao Yan that if Xiao Yan won tomorrow's match, he would have to compete against him. If Xiao Yan lost to him, Xiao Yan would have to stay there and become a wandering spirit with him. Xiao Yan picked up the Heavy Xuan Ruler in his hand and clearly told Hun Miesheng that after tomorrow's final match, he would no longer return to this space.
A true man knows what to do and what not to do; he would rather commit suicide than sell his soul to Hun Miesheng. Hun Miesheng believed Xiao Yan hated him so much because of Gu Wenxin's death. He proactively offered to resurrect Gu Wenxin. Xiao Yan didn't believe in Hun Miesheng's abilities. Hun Miesheng took Xiao Yan back to Xiao Yan's childhood and changed Xiao Yan's fate in a dream.
He made Gu Wenxin stay in the Xiao family and allowed Xiao Yan to successfully marry Nalan Yanran. The Xiao family and Nalan family received blessings from everyone, including Yao Chen, Han Feng, and Gu He, who came to attend. The scene in the dream was harmonious and joyful, but everyone didn't remember everything that had happened with Xiao Yan.
Yao Chen also told Xiao Yan in the dream that they had not only captured Hun Miesheng and destroyed the Soul Palace, but Hun Miesheng had also reformed and become a good person. Xiao Yan still couldn't believe the scene in the dream. On their wedding night, Xiao Yan stared blankly at Nalan Yanran in front of him. The scene in his memory was not like this, but Nalan Yanran stayed by Xiao Yan's side with a coquettish expression.
Waking up, Xiao Yan saw his four children, deeply shocked. Then the dream shifted, and Xiao Yan saw the deceased Xiao Zhan and Xiao Xun'er who came to pay respects. Xiao Xun'er also denied that she had attended the Canaan Academy with Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan stayed in the Xiao family, took over the Xiao family's Dou Technique Hall, and taught everyone to practice Five Elements Fist. Many years later, Gu Wenxin also left Xiao Yan's side.
His six sons all spread their wings and soared, and the only one accompanying Xiao Yan was Nalan Yanran. While Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran were talking, Hao Tian and his group came before Xiao Yan, stating that they had just emerged from the Valley of Villains. They looked down on Xiao Yan's mediocrity. Xiao Yan saw their youth, and he instantly understood that everything before his eyes was fake. He was unwilling to continue staying there.
Disregarding Nalan Yanran's objections, he went forward and chased after Xiao Xun'er. Just as Xiao Yan was patting Xiao Xun'er, Hun Miesheng awakened Xiao Yan. Hun Miesheng said he could let Xiao Yan stay in the illusion forever. As long as Xiao Yan wished, he could enjoy all peace and prosperity in the illusion. Xiao Yan was unwilling to immerse himself in the illusion, so he returned to reality.
The Valley Master of the Valley of Villains wanted to meet Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan came, and he asked the Valley Master to remember her promise. The Valley Master brought up her friends outside the valley, saying that since Xiao Yan didn't kill, her friends outside the valley were very displeased. In the Valley of Villains, the strong reign supreme is the rule. The Valley Master stated that Xiao Yan's compassion had broken her rules.
If Xiao Yan won the final match, she could send Xiao Yan's friends out of the Valley of Villains. As for whether Xiao Yan could leave, it would depend on Xiao Yan himself. In a battle between two, one person would always have to pay the price of their life; the choice was in Xiao Yan's hands. Xiao Yan entered the arena for the final match.
He intentionally spared his opponent's life, but his opponent fought desperately to the death, refusing to stop until one was dead. Xiao Yan's blood stained the Heavy Xuan Ruler red. Hun Miesheng controlled Xiao Yan and reprimanded him for not killing his opponent. Xiao Yan's unwillingness to kill was because he didn't want to be a lackey of the Soul Palace. Holding the Heavy Xuan Ruler, he delivered an unexpected blow to Hun Miesheng.
Only then did he discover that beneath Hun Miesheng's mask was actually his own inner demon. Xiao Yan saw his inner demon self and understood what Mi Tengshan had told him in the past. He stepped forward without hesitation, defeated the inner demon, and re-entered the Storage Ring space to look for Yao Chen. The Storage Ring space was a sea of yellow sand, with gusts of hurricanes. Xiao Yan found Yao Chen in a small house.
Yao Chen was watching over a lamp. Xiao Yan knelt before Yao Chen and admitted his mistake. Yao Chen told Xiao Yan the origin of the lamp in front of him. This lamp was Xiao Yan's life lamp, and the hurricanes were Xiao Yan's evil thoughts. Yao Chen had been resisting the hurricanes here. As long as he could resist for a bit longer, a trace more of the malevolent aura in Xiao Yan's heart could be pulled out.
Now that the hurricanes were dispersing, it meant Xiao Yan's comprehension was extremely high. Xiao Yan deeply knew that Yao Chen had been suffering for him. He apologized to Yao Chen. Yao Chen was very comforted by the good thoughts in Xiao Yan's heart. Xiao Yan had passed the test of the Soul Palace's evil temptations. Yao Chen also understood the principle that martial arts have no distinction between good and evil, and should be used when needed.
He told Xiao Yan to use the last move Hun Miesheng taught him to defeat his opponent. Xiao Yan did as Yao Chen said, successfully defeated his opponent, and won the match. After Xiao Yan won the match, Yao Chen walked out of the room holding Xiao Yan's life lamp, and peace had been restored to the Storage Ring space.
Episode 26 Recap
Xiao Yan came to see the Valley Master. He wanted the Valley Master to leave Villain's Valley with him, but the Valley Master and everyone else were unwilling to leave. She warned Xiao Yan that an inescapable net was waiting for him above ground, and he would be captured as soon as he appeared. Xiao Yan's mind was set on leaving, so the Valley Master no longer insisted on keeping him.
She pardoned Xiao Yan, stating that if he entered Villain's Valley again, he could have food and lodging without needing to compete. Xiao Yan left Villain's Valley with Mi Tengshan and his group. He planned to go to Silver City alone to tell the Yelan Emperor all the truth. Before parting, Mi Tengshan congratulated Xiao Yan on passing the Demonic Realm Heavenly Tribulation at such a young age.
Xiao Yan knew that he should thank Mi Tengshan and Yao Chen for helping him through the tribulation. Xiao Yan returned to Silver City alone. Outside Fa Ma's mansion, he met the Ice Emperor Hai Lao, who was waiting for him. Hai Lao told Xiao Yan about the strange occurrences in Silver City. Two days prior, he had encountered patrolling soldiers on the street, only to his surprise discover that the soldiers were not human, but walking puppets.
Xiao Yan believed that Fa Ma was involved in all of this. He wanted to enter Fa Ma's mansion to investigate everything, but he was stopped by Hai Lao. Hai Lao entered Fa Ma's mansion on behalf of Xiao Yan and gave Xiao Yan a sound transmission whistle, saying that as soon as he saw Fa Ma, he would blow the whistle, and Xiao Yan could follow the sound to find him. Hai Lao sneaked into Fa Ma's mansion.
Inside, he saw people from the Blood Sect and concluded that Fa Ma was indeed problematic. Hai Lao initially wanted to go forward and fight alongside the medicinal puppets, but the medicinal puppets kept increasing, and Hai Lao couldn't fend them off. To Hai Lao's surprise, even Nalan Jie had become one of Fa Ma's medicinal puppets. Hai Lao, understanding the situation, went to Fa Ma proactively, hoping Fa Ma would spare him.
However, Fa Ma was determined to refine Hai Lao into a medicinal puppet. Helpless, Hai Lao secretly ambushed and killed Fa Ma, but what he killed was only Fa Ma's clone; the real Fa Ma had not died. Fa Ma brought Nalan Jie before Hai Lao. Hai Lao used all his strength to deal with Nalan Jie, destroying Nalan Jie's physical body. Hai Lao was baffled by the appearance of two Fa Mas. Another Fa Ma appeared before Hai Lao.
Hai Lao knew that if he continued fighting, it would only be an endless repetition, depleting his vital energy, so he chose to surrender. Hai Lao was tied to a platform by Fa Ma. Fa Ma prepared to act on Hai Lao. He sealed Hai Lao's mouth and took the sound transmission whistle from him. Fa Ma blew the sound transmission whistle, and Xiao Yan came following the sound, but was knocked unconscious by Fa Ma's clone.
Like Hai Lao, he was tied to the platform. What one seeks everywhere in vain, one finds effortlessly when least expected. Fa Ma prepared to refine Xiao Yan into a medicinal puppet. He inserted a bone-piercing needle into Xiao Yan's skull, intending to seal Xiao Yan's spiritual consciousness. Once Xiao Yan's spiritual consciousness was sealed and he reawakened, he would become a medicinal puppet. Xiao Yan asked Fa Ma about the cultivation method for Fa Ma's clone.
Fa Ma stated that it was the Soul Severing Technique of the Soul Palace. The Soul Severing Technique had multiple realms, and the clone was the third realm of the Soul Severing Technique, achievable by gathering Dou Qi in the central meridian. Xiao Yan did as Fa Ma said. He successfully summoned his own clone, saving himself and Hai Lao. Afterwards, Xiao Yan came to the storage ring space to ask Yao Chen about methods to defeat Fa Ma.
Yao Chen said that Fa Ma's true body was inside the Soul Palace altar, and the Soul Palace altar was extremely dangerous. Yao Chen advised against Xiao Yan going there, but Xiao Yan's mind was already set. Helpless, Yao Chen had to tell Xiao Yan that if he wanted to go to the altar, he must use the Soul Severing Technique to enter the Soul Palace.
As for whether he could come out safely, that would depend on Xiao Yan's own fortune. The Soul Palace was the most terrifying place Yao Chen had ever seen. It was incredibly eerie, without time, without life or death, only endless suffering. Yao Chen once again urged Xiao Yan to consider carefully, but Xiao Yan insisted on going. He asked Hai Lao to protect him while he prepared to eliminate Fa Ma's true body.
Yao Chen told Xiao Yan the method to enter the altar. Before the altar was a giant barrier of Undersea Fiend Flame. Xiao Yan could use the Bone Chilling Flame to protect himself and pass through safely. However, if Xiao Yan's Dou Qi failed to activate the Heavenly Flame, the Bone Chilling Flame would burn him to ashes, so Xiao Yan's speed had to be very fast. Xiao Yan embarked on the path to the Soul Palace.
Outside the Soul Palace was a vast expanse of blooming Higanbana flowers. Higanbana was one of the medicinal ingredients used to create medicinal puppets. Yao Chen reminded Xiao Yan to be careful of the potent venom on the flowers. After passing through the flower patch was the Soul Palace altar, which was absolutely the most terrifying place Xiao Yan had ever seen.
Xiao Yan did as Yao Chen said; he ignited the Bone Chilling Flame and passed through the giant barrier, then step by step entered the Soul Palace altar. The Soul Palace altar was incredibly dark and sinister. Inside, Xiao Yan saw his mother, but rationality told him that it was all fake, and he could only continue forward.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Hai Lao was protecting Xiao Yan, but the medicinal puppets surged out in increasing numbers, and Hai Lao could not defend against so many of them.
Episode 27 Recap
Xiao Yan saw Yao Chen's name in the altar. Yao Chen once said that if Xiao Yan saw his name, it would prove that Xiao Yan was on the right path. Hun Miesheng liked to collect things. The spiritual consciousnesses of the heroes who died in the battle of the Soul Palace back then were all trapped by Hun Miesheng in the Soul Palace altar. Only Yao Chen escaped among everyone. Subsequently, Xiao Yan continued to walk forward.
He found Fa Ma's spiritual consciousness. Fa Ma told Xiao Yan that he had been captured by Hun Miesheng many years ago. Hun Miesheng used evil arts of the Soul Palace to torture Fa Ma, forcing Fa Ma to use puppet techniques to create numerous clones to disturb the Dou Qi Continent. Fa Ma was tortured day and night by Hun Miesheng; he had no choice but to agree to Hun Miesheng's demands.
Now that Xiao Yan had found his spiritual consciousness, he only sought death, hoping that Xiao Yan could end his life with the Bone Chilling Flame. Xiao Yan agreed to Fa Ma's request and burned Fa Ma's spiritual consciousness with the Bone Chilling Flame. However, the altar became unstable because of this. At the last moment, Fa Ma quickly told Xiao Yan to escape from there.
With Fa Ma's death, all the spiritual consciousnesses created by Fa Ma on the Dou Qi Continent disappeared one by one. Xiao Yan returned at the last moment, making Elder Hai breathe a sigh of relief. Fa Ma's conspiracy was exposed, and the Dou Qi Continent temporarily returned to peace. Mi Tengshan also returned to Jia Nan Academy.
Gu He and Han Feng knew deeply that Fa Ma's true body was destroyed, so they had no choice but to continue hiding in Jia Nan Academy. Jia Nan Academy resumed its former peaceful life. Mi Tengshan represented the academy and spoke on stage. His words deeply moved the students, and they respected Mi Tengshan even more. Gu He brought Nalan Yanran to meet Yun Shan, the sect master of the Cloud Mist Sect.
Yun Shan was very doting towards Nalan Yanran. He said that after Nalan Yanran finished her studies, he would teach her the Cloud Mist Sect's most exquisite sword techniques. Subsequently, Yun Shan sent Gu He away and brought up Mi Tengshan's return to the academy with Nalan Yanran, thinking Nalan Yanran was extremely foolish. After learning that Nalan Yanran would choose her family over her own life, Yun Shan felt comforted, stating that darkness was approaching the Dou Qi Continent.
Currently, the Five Great Clans no longer had their former glory. Among them, only the Starfall Pavilion and the Cloud Mist Sect could barely hold on. And since Nalan Yanran was both the clan leader of the Nalan family and a disciple of the Cloud Mist Sect, Yun Shan believed they should find a way to protect themselves. Something happened to the Xiao family.
Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er asked for leave from the academy, and the two hurried back to the Xiao family. Upon returning home, both Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er had mixed feelings. After stepping into the Xiao family compound, the two were surprised to find that all the Xiao family disciples were severely injured. Shopkeeper Wan told the two about the Xiao family's situation.
Recently, every caravan dispatched by their Xiao family had been robbed, but the strange thing was that the bandits on the mountain road only robbed the Xiao family's caravans, while those from other families were unharmed. Although their Xiao family had sent people to investigate, they could not find out who was responsible. After Xiao Yan learned about the situation, he and Xiao Xun'er came to see Xiao Zhan.
Xiao Zhan was delighted to see the two, and old tears couldn't help but fall. Xiao Yan had grown up. He told Xiao Zhan that upon his return this time, he would definitely resolve Xiao Zhan's worries and would no longer allow anyone to bully the Xiao family. The family of three finally reunited with difficulty. Xiao Zhan brought the two to pay respects to Xiao Yan's mother.
The Jia Lie family, rivals of the Xiao family, came to visit Xiao Zhan, wanting Xiao Zhan to sell the Xiao family's pharmacy to them. The medicinal herb business was the Xiao family's ancestral industry, and Xiao Zhan refused to give in. Gu Ni from the Alchemist Association also took the opportunity to inform Xiao Zhan of the Jia Ma Empire's medicinal herb guild's opinion: their medicinal herb guild would no longer supply goods to the Xiao family.
At this moment, Xiao Yan put on a mask and, under the alias Yan Xiao, appeared before everyone. He claimed to be a helper invited by Xiao Zhan to help the Xiao family resolve this crisis. The Xiao family's caravan this time suffered heavy losses, and the Jia Lie family's medicinal herbs were also among them. The Jia Lie family demanded that the Xiao family compensate them for the alchemy ingredients in the caravan. Xiao Zhan was very worried.
The Jia Lie family had listed the alchemy ingredients. Xiao Yan took the list and said that he would definitely deliver the ingredients tomorrow. If he couldn't produce the ingredients, all thirty pharmacies of the Xiao family in Wu Tan City would belong to the Jia Lie family. The Jia Lie family was certain that Xiao Yan did not have this ability, and they left contentedly.
After everyone left, Xiao Zhan and the other shopkeepers of the Xiao family all blamed Xiao Yan for his impulsive behavior. However, Xiao Yan told Xiao Zhan to relax, saying he would gather all the ingredients himself. Two hours later, the Xiao family's medicinal cart delivered the ingredients to the Jia Lie family. This scene greatly surprised the Jia Lie family. Xiao Yan, dressed in a third-grade long robe, arrived at the Alchemist Association.
The Alchemist Association respected rank, and knowing that a senior was visiting, they quickly opened the main gate to welcome him. Just as they learned that Xiao Yan had come because of the Xiao family's affairs, another person from the Alchemist Association advised Xiao Yan not to get involved in the Xiao family's muddy waters. If Xiao Yan managed the Xiao family's matters, he would become an enemy of the Cloud Mist Sect.
Xiao Yan did not put the Cloud Mist Sect in his eyes. Everyone was greatly surprised by Xiao Yan's arrogant tone, and some even doubted Xiao Yan's abilities. Xiao Yan publicly refined the Soul Severing Grass and stated that he could teach everyone how to purify it, which made everyone wholeheartedly convinced and greatly impressed by Xiao Yan. The Xiao family had always been looked down upon by the city residents due to Xiao Zhan's self-crippled Dou Qi.
Xiao Yan wanted to restore the Xiao family's prestige. He invited members of the Alchemist Association to perform alchemy at the Xiao family's entrance tomorrow. Upon learning of Xiao Yan's determination to support the Xiao family, the Alchemist Association members had no choice but to agree to Xiao Yan's request and stand with the Xiao family. The Xiao family needed to procure medicinal herbs, and Xiao Zhan was worried about choosing someone to escort the caravan.
Xiao Yan believed there was something suspicious; bandits usually robbed but didn't necessarily kill, yet the Xiao family had suffered heavy casualties. Xiao Yan thought someone must be targeting the Xiao family. He volunteered himself, wanting to depart with Xiao Xun'er as part of the caravan. Xiao Zhan had already investigated and found that the robbers were swordsmen, and people from the Cloud Mist Sect also used swords.
He believed that this matter was very likely related to the Cloud Mist Sect. He hoped that Xiao Yan could turn a blind eye, as they absolutely could not become enemies with the Cloud Mist Sect. Xiao Yan disliked the Cloud Mist Sect's arbitrary killing. He wanted to go and meet them. Xiao Zhan was worried about Xiao Yan. He brought up the Furious Lion Roaring Energy technique to Xiao Yan, hoping Xiao Yan could learn this technique before departing.
Xiao Yan's rapid comprehension ability surprised the teaching elder. The elder couldn't help but deeply sigh with emotion that the Xiao family finally had a successor. Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er embarked on the escort journey. When the caravan reached halfway through the valley, Xiao Yan noticed an unusual aura and demanded that everyone stop where they were. He told Xiao Xun'er to watch the caravan while he went ahead to investigate the situation.
Xiao Yan, with his pair of wings, silently landed in front of the ambushing mercenary group. He overheard what the mercenary group said: they wanted to kill those without Dou Qi first. Xiao Yan seized one of the leaders and questioned them about their master. One of them claimed they were sent by the Wolf Head Mercenary Group from Da Shi Town. Xiao Yan let a few of them go, stating that he would soon visit their master.
Episode 28 Recap
Xiao Yan told Xiao Xun'er to stay and protect the caravan, while he went alone to Daishi Town to meet the Wolf Head Mercenary Group. He vowed to make the mercenary group pay for their blood debts. Inside Daishi Town, Xiao Yan met Mu She, the leader of the Wolf Head Mercenary Group.
Mu She heard that Xiao Yan had come because of the Xiao family's convoy, and he dismissed Xiao Yan with disdain, demonstrating his exquisite blade skills in front of everyone, hoping to make Xiao Yan retreat in the face of difficulty. To everyone's shock, Xiao Yan defeated Mu She with just one punch, and captured the second-in-command who had tried to assassinate him, crippling both of their Dou Qi.
Before leaving, Xiao Yan demanded that the two of them go to the homes of the victims they had killed within three days to kowtow and apologize. Xiao Yan talked with Xiao Xun'er at the campsite. Xiao Yan believed that the mastermind behind the Wolf Head Mercenary Group would soon come looking for him. Just as Xiao Yan had expected, three men in black arrived near him. Xiao Yan quickly entered his storage ring to seek Yao Chen's help.
He asked Yao Chen to teach him a set of techniques, explaining that if he used his Profound Heavy Ruler, those people would know his identity. Yao Chen demonstrated a set of techniques for Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan told Xiao Xun'er to protect the caravan, while he stepped forward, wielding his sword, to confront the men in black. The men in black recognized that the sword technique Xiao Yan was using belonged to the Starfall Pavilion.
The Starfall Pavilion and the Misty Cloud Sect had always been on good terms, so they told Xiao Yan to choose his side carefully, lest the harmony between the two factions be harmed because of the Xiao family.
Xiao Yan paid no heed to their words and instead stepped forward, using the Furious Lion Vajra Roar to teach the men in black a lesson, crippling their Dou Qi, and demanding that they reveal the mastermind behind them and the reason for attacking the Xiao family. The men in black were disciples of the Misty Cloud Sect. Xiao Yan spoke disrespectfully of the Misty Cloud Sect and Yun Shan. Yun Shan suddenly appeared, wanting to know Xiao Yan's identity.
Xiao Yan claimed to be a disciple of the Starfall Pavilion, and as for his ability to use the Furious Lion Vajra Roar, it was because the Xiao family had invited him to protect their caravan, and as a condition of exchange, Xiao Zhan had given him this technique.
Yun Shan lamented the decline of the Xiao family, then turned to reprimand his disciples, ordering them to kill the caravan members to avoid losing credibility with those they were dealing with. Xiao Xun'er stood in front of the caravan members, and Xiao Yan also stepped forward to speak for the Xiao family.
Yun Shan, out of consideration for Han Feng, was willing to spare Xiao Yan's life, but Xiao Yan insisted on standing up for the Xiao family members who could not use Dou Qi. Yun Shan admired Xiao Yan's courage. He said that if Xiao Yan could withstand three of his moves, he would spare these people today. Xiao Yan immediately agreed to Yun Shan's request.
He used the Furious Lion Vajra Roar, but it was easily neutralized by Yun Shan, leaving Xiao Yan lightly wounded. Xiao Yan stood up, wanting to block Yun Shan's second move. He entered his storage ring to ask Yao Chen for help. Yao Chen chastised Xiao Yan for being too foolish, stating that all of Xiao Yan's abilities combined couldn't withstand three moves from Yun Shan. Despite the scolding, Yao Chen couldn't bear to stand by and do nothing.
He infused all of his Dou Qi into Xiao Yan's body, saying that he could help Xiao Yan block one move, but for the third move, Xiao Yan would have to rely on himself. After Yao Chen infused his Dou Qi, Xiao Yan exerted all his Dou Qi to unleash a set of Eight Extremities Collapse, greatly astonishing Yun Shan, who believed that a master must be assisting Xiao Yan nearby.
For the third move, Xiao Yan used the Soul Detachment Technique, which made Yun Shan extremely wary. Yun Shan could not discern Xiao Yan's identity, and unwilling to take risks, he reluctantly left with his disciples. After Yun Shan left, Xiao Xun'er stepped forward to help Xiao Yan up. Xiao Yan said that he had just forced blood into his eyes with Dou Qi to repel Yun Shan.
He asked Xiao Xun'er to guard him as he urgently needed to heal. Xiao Xun'er guarded Xiao Yan, who entered the storage ring space. Xiao Yan's meridians were all severed. Yao Chen believed that Yun Shan had actually helped Xiao Yan greatly, as Xiao Yan could take this opportunity to cultivate the next layer of Flame Mantra. Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er safely returned to the Xiao family with the caravan.
The people from the Alchemist Guild respectfully addressed Xiao Yan as 'senior', which greatly surprised Xiao Zhan and brought honor to him. At the Xiao family's banquet, Xiao Yan invited members of the Alchemist Guild to attend. The Xiao family elders intended to win over the Alchemist Guild, but Gu Ni paid no attention to their words.
The Alchemist Guild members mentioned the frequent incidents involving the Xiao family and how Xiao Yan had barely withstood three moves from the Misty Cloud Sect members, risking his life to protect the Xiao family convoy, still looking down on the Xiao family. Xiao Yan lightly mentioned that he had withstood three moves from Yun Shan. Hearing this, Gu Ni's attitude towards Xiao Yan greatly changed, and he wanted to toast Xiao Yan with a cup of wine.
Xiao Yan did not drink the wine offered by Gu Ni. He publicly stated that he would find out who was secretly working against the Xiao family within two days. At night, Xiao Zhan brought up the Xiao family elders' decision to open the Dou Skill Pavilion for Xiao Yan once more. Xiao Yan planned to postpone this matter, as his current priority was to restore the Xiao family's prestige.
Xiao Zhan mentioned his thoughts before Xiao Yan returned home; he had originally intended to discuss closing the medicine shop with Xiao Yan but had never imagined Xiao Yan's current immense capabilities. Xiao Yan wanted to resolve all of the Xiao family's difficulties for Xiao Zhan, but Xiao Zhan suddenly brought up Xiao Yan's lifelong matter.
He believed that Xiao Xun'er was very suitable for Xiao Yan and said that if Xiao Yan was willing, he would take time to go to Dragon Island to propose marriage and finalize their important event. Xiao Yan stated that his feelings for Xiao Xun'er were like those for a younger sister. Xiao Zhan mistakenly thought that Xiao Xun'er had made friends at the academy. He wanted to know who Xiao Xun'er had the best relationship with at the academy.
To humor Xiao Zhan, Xiao Yan had no choice but to casually mention a few names, including Han Xian. Xiao Zhan remembered Han Xian's name very clearly. The next day, Xiao Yan returned to the Wolf Head Mercenary Group. He gave a medicinal pill to the second-in-command to consume and handed over the remaining Soul Severing Life Sustaining Powder to him. Xiao Yan wanted to know the mastermind behind the attacks on the Xiao family.
Mu She candidly told Xiao Yan that he and the second-in-command were also coerced, as all their brothers' families were in the hands of that group. Mu She refused to reveal the true identity of that group, and Xiao Yan did not force him. Instead, he took the initiative to use Dou Qi to help the second-in-command reattach his broken bones, restoring forty percent of his Dou Qi. Mu She was also a person who valued loyalty.
Before Xiao Yan left, he told him that the mastermind behind their actions against the Xiao family was the Mo family. The Mo family's influence was extremely vast; they had always held power in the desert, were the wealthiest family on the Dou Qi Continent, and were skilled in hidden mechanisms and secret passages. According to Mu She, the three swordsmen from the Misty Cloud Sect were also hired by the Mo family to deal with the Xiao family.
Episode 29 Recap
Xiao Yan summoned the Queen's true form. He told the Queen that the Mo family had already extended its claws to the Xiao family, and he wanted to take action against them. The Queen believed Xiao Yan's power was slight and he lacked the ability. Xiao Yan brought up his plan, stating that he wanted to first infiltrate the Mo family, but needed the cooperation of the Queen and Mo Bas.
The next day, Xiao Yan came alone to see Mo Cheng, questioning him about the reason for attacking the Xiao family. Mo Cheng ignored Xiao Yan until Xiao Yan revealed the Qinglian Earth Core Flame in his hand. Only then did Mo Cheng remember Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan wanted to make a deal with Mo Cheng.
He could hand over both the Queen and the Qinglian Earth Core Flame to Mo Cheng, but Mo Cheng needed to tell him the true purpose of attacking the Xiao family and the mastermind behind it. Mo Cheng took Xiao Yan into the camp, but he still refused to reveal the mastermind. Xiao Yan had to take a step back.
He asked Mo Cheng to inform the mastermind that he had been captured, so the mastermind could come and take him away. The abnormal flame and the Queen would then belong to Mo Cheng. Mo Cheng agreed to Xiao Yan's request and successfully obtained what he wanted. He used the Mo family's Ruyi Buckle mechanism to trap Xiao Yan, preparing to hand him over to the people of the Soul Hall.
Xiao Yan was trapped in a cage by Mo Cheng. He met Qinglin, a captured Snake-human tribeswoman who came to deliver food. He gave her a Snake-human musical instrument that he carried with him. On the other side, Mo Cheng was immersed in the joy of acquiring the Qinglian Earth Core Flame. He had already informed the Soul Hall that he had captured Xiao Yan alive. The Soul Hall would send people tomorrow to take Xiao Yan away.
Outside the camp, Qinglin was deeply homesick. She blew the whistle given by Xiao Yan, unexpectedly met Mo Bas, and learned from Mo Bas that Xiao Yan was the new Snake King. Mo Bas gave Qinglin a bottle of medicine and instructed the food deliverer to act according to his plan. At night, Qinglin secretly came to Mo Cheng's room. She originally wanted to release the Queen, but was unexpectedly caught by the sudden appearance of Mo Cheng.
Qinglin had to leave first. The Mo family's second in command brought up the suspicious nature of this matter to Mo Cheng, believing Xiao Yan to be very suspicious. Mo Cheng took out the Qinglian Earth Core Flame and the Queen. Both items were real, making him very confident.
He believed that this time, even if Xiao Yan possessed extraordinary abilities, he would not be able to escape from the dungeon, and early tomorrow, the Soul Hall envoy would come to take Xiao Yan away. As for whether Xiao Yan lived or died, it had nothing to do with him. Afterward, Mo Cheng summoned Qinglin to see him. He stated that he would begin closed-door cultivation tomorrow.
Qinglin possessed a pair of 'Biyan Sanhua Tong', which were rare in the world. Mo Cheng planned to use Qinglin's eyes to refine medicine and then consume the Qinglian Earth Core Flame. The next day, Mo Cheng was in closed-door cultivation, consuming the Qinglian Earth Core Flame. He took out the snake that was the Queen's avatar and demanded Qinglin gouge out her own eyes for him to refine medicine.
At the critical moment, Qinglin threw a pill towards the Queen, and the Queen revealed her true form. Mo Cheng, relying on having consumed the Qinglian Earth Core Flame, channeled his Dou Qi to deal with the Queen, but found that the Qinglian Earth Core Flame could not enter his central meridian. The Queen mocked Mo Cheng for being too greedy, which brought about his demise. She watched as the Qinglian Earth Core Flame burned Mo Cheng to ashes.
Afterward, the Queen retrieved the Qinglian Earth Core Flame and asked Qinglin to give it to Xiao Yan. On the other side, the Soul Hall sent people to take Xiao Yan away, but when they were halfway there, several giant snakes suddenly appeared and defeated all the Soul Hall people. Qinglin also rushed to Xiao Yan's side and rescued him from the cage. Mo Bas thanked Xiao Yan for helping the Snake-human Kingdom take revenge.
Xiao Yan instructed Mo Bas to declare to the outside world upon returning to the Snake-human Kingdom that the Snake-human tribe had always been allied with the Mo family. This act would make the Soul Hall mistakenly believe that the Mo family had been outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant towards the Soul Hall's orders. As for the remaining Mo family remnants, Xiao Yan believed the Soul Hall would handle them themselves. Xiao Yan returned to Wutan City.
He unexpectedly discovered that Xiao Zhan had personally gone out of the city to welcome Han Xian, and treated Han Xian as his future son-in-law. After Xiao Xun'er learned of this, she attacked Han Xian, demanding that he tell her everything that happened, as everyone in the city now misunderstood Han Xian to be her future husband. Xiao Yan quickly stepped forward to rescue Han Xian and told Xiao Xun'er about his recent conversation with Xiao Zhan, clarifying all misunderstandings.
Xiao Xun'er, upon learning that Xiao Yan had no intention of marrying her, was deeply saddened. Seeing Xiao Xun'er's sadness, Xiao Yan went forward to comfort her, but Xiao Xun'er did not forgive Xiao Yan. Instead, she started taking care of the newly arrived Han Xian. The intimate scene between the two made Xiao Yan feel jealous. During the Xiao family's dinner, Xiao Xun'er specifically sat at the same table as Han Xian and considerately fed him food and drink.
Xiao Zhan was very pleased with this scene, while Xiao Yan sullenly finished his meal. After dinner, Xiao Yan helped Xiao Zhan back to his room. He told Xiao Zhan everything that happened with the Mo family. Xiao Zhan was perplexed by the Mo family's reason for attacking them. Xiao Yan knew clearly in his heart that darkness was descending upon the world, and the Soul Hall was about to seek revenge. The Blood Sect was their vanguard.
Currently, the Nalan family had already suffered severe setbacks, and Han Feng of the Starfall Pavilion was a complete traitor. Only their Xiao family and the Cloud Mist Sect still had a breath left that was worth the Soul Hall's attention. Subsequently, Xiao Yan brought up the news that Nalan Yanran was going to marry Pill King Gu He. The date of their marriage was almost the same as the date of their three-year agreement.
Currently, Nalan Yanran's status was extraordinary. Xiao Zhan said that if Xiao Yan were to go to the three-year agreement, regardless of winning or losing, they would have a feud with the Nalan family. Xiao Yan always remembered the humiliation the Xiao family suffered initially. He was determined to go to the three-year agreement to avenge all the blood debts for the Xiao family.
As long as it was for the Xiao family, he would spare no effort, even if it meant becoming an enemy of the whole world. Xiao Zhan was very emotional about Xiao Yan's change. Xiao Yan had grown up. He now understood that Xiao Zhan initially forbade him from learning Dou Qi for his own good. But now, he had become different. He would never retreat a single step.
Episode 30 Recap
Xiao Zhan thought Xiao Yan's idea was too overconfident, but Xiao Yan believed that ever since he returned, Xiao Zhan's attitude had been very problematic. On the one hand, Xiao Zhan hoped he could save the Xiao family's business, but on the other hand, he wanted to close the Xiao family's shops. Xiao Zhan indeed had something he was hiding from Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan wanted to find out what was on Xiao Zhan's mind, but Xiao Zhan was unwilling to continue talking with Xiao Yan, only saying he was tired and needed rest. The next day, Xiao Yan wanted to have a good talk with Xiao Xun'er, but she was unwilling to pay attention to him. She once again brought up Han Xian, which made Xiao Yan incredibly jealous.
Xiao Yan was at his wit's end with Xiao Xun'er, so he could only continue to coax her until she forgave him. Afterwards, Xiao Yan took Xiao Xun'er and Han Xian out for breakfast. Xiao Yan brought up the marriage between Nalan Yanran and Gu He. Han Xian was worried that Xiao Yan would lose to Nalan Yanran in the Three-Year Agreement.
As far as he knew, Yun Shan intended to pass on the position of Yun Lan Sect leader to Nalan Yanran, but Xiao Yan was fearless; he would definitely keep the Three-Year Agreement. Xiao Zhan, leading the elders, made an exception to reopen the Dou Skill Pavilion for Xiao Yan. The elders passed on the Xiao family's ancestral kung fu, Nu Shi Kuang Gang, to Xiao Yan.
Although Nu Shi Kuang Gang Hou was a Profound-rank Dou Skill, practicing it beyond the third level could perfectly rival Heaven-rank Dou Skills. Afterwards, Xiao Zhan publicly brought up Xiao Yan's ambition and persuaded him not to practice Heaven-rank Dou Skills. He believed that if Xiao Yan learned Heaven-rank Dou Skills, it would inevitably bring disaster to the Xiao family.
Before Xiao Yan could respond, Xiao Zhan demanded that Xiao Yan swear in front of the elders that he would not go to the Three-Year Agreement and would no longer mention avenging Gu Wenxin. Not only did Xiao Yan refuse to agree, but he also didn't understand Xiao Zhan's timid attitude. The father and son parted ways unhappily. That night, the Xiao family's thousand-year-old Dou Skill Pavilion caught fire. Xiao Yan fainted at the entrance of the Dou Skill Pavilion.
When he woke up, he found himself inside the Dou Skill Pavilion. Xiao Yan hurriedly ran out of the Dou Skill Pavilion and discovered that the Grand Elder and the Xiao family servants guarding the Dou Skill Pavilion had all perished. Xiao Zhan heard the commotion and rushed to the Dou Skill Pavilion. He severely reprimanded Xiao Yan for the crimes of killing clansmen and stealing Heaven-rank Dou Skills.
Xiao Yan took out two scrolls of techniques from his person, not understanding why these items were on him. Facing Xiao Zhan's accusations and false charges, Xiao Yan was speechless and shed hot tears. Xiao Yan knelt on the ground and admitted to the crime of disrespecting the elders, but he could not admit to the crimes of arson and murder. Xiao Zhan was utterly disappointed with Xiao Yan.
He wanted to break ties with Xiao Yan and drive him out of the Xiao family. At this moment, Xiao Xun'er came to Xiao Yan's side. She always believed in Xiao Yan and wanted to advance and retreat with him. Xiao Zhan, disappointed, told them both to leave the Xiao family, stating that the Xiao family would have no descendants in the future. Xiao Yan completely couldn't remember how the events unfolded.
He was incredibly sad and couldn't discern what Xiao Zhan was trying to hide. This time returning to the Xiao family, he could feel that Xiao Zhan's previously fearless demeanor had vanished, replaced by a timid attitude. What warmed Xiao Yan's heart was that no matter what happened, Xiao Xun'er always stood firmly by his side, accompanying him. In the storage ring space, Xiao Yan remained sullen, believing he had definitely been framed.
Yao Chen brought up Xiao Zhan's painstaking efforts, believing that Xiao Zhan not letting Xiao Yan seek revenge was for Xiao Yan's sake. However, Xiao Yan always believed he had the ability to contend with the Yun Lan Sect and the Nalan family. Xiao Yan was perplexed as to who wanted to frame him, but Yao Chen had no mind to worry about this matter for Xiao Yan, only telling Xiao Yan to leave quickly.
After waking up, Xiao Xun'er told Xiao Yan what Xiao Zhan had said to her. Xiao Zhan stated that the Xiao family had a mercenary group in the Tagor Desert, and he told the two of them to first go to the desert to lie low until the matter was investigated. Xiao Yan knew well that Xiao Zhan was merely placating Xiao Xun'er.
Given the current situation, even if he stayed in the desert for twenty years, the Xiao family elders and Xiao Zhan would not forgive him. Xiao Xun'er had not heard about the Xiao family's mercenary group. Xiao Yan calmly recounted the origin of the mercenary group: the Xiao family's mercenary group was founded by his two cousins, but they hadn't returned to the Xiao family for a long time, and he didn't know if they still remembered him.
Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er arrived in the desert. The three brothers were exceptionally enthusiastic upon meeting, without any trace of awkwardness. Xiao Ding and Xiao Li had already heard about the Xiao family's affairs. They unhesitatingly chose to believe Xiao Yan and were determined to protect him. Afterwards, Xiao Yan introduced Xiao Xun'er to them, and the four of them entered the territory of the Xiao family's mercenary group together.
During the meal, Xiao Ding introduced Xiao Yan's identity and abilities to the brothers, asking them to honor Xiao Yan as the third leader of the Xiao family's mercenary group. At this moment, two people from the Heavenly Fiend Mercenary Group came to seize a business deal from the Xiao family's mercenary group. They claimed that the Heavenly Fiend Mercenary Group had already invited a good helper and insisted that the Xiao family's mercenary group give up the business.
Xiao Ding did not take the Heavenly Fiend Mercenary Group seriously, but the Heavenly Fiend Mercenary Group brought up the Xiao family's poor reputation in Wu Tan City, extensively ridiculing the Xiao family.
Episode 31 Recap
Xiao Yan taught a lesson to those who spoke disrespectfully, but then he began to doubt himself, deeply fearing that he might have accidentally killed an elder. Xiao Xun'er had great trust in Xiao Yan, believing that he absolutely could not have done such a thing. At this moment, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li approached Xiao Yan with wine cups, wanting to toast him.
Xiao Yan didn't drink alcohol, and Xiao Xun'er wanted to drink on his behalf, but Xiao Yan took the cup and readily drained it, then fell into a deep sleep. Xiao Yan became a mercenary and embarked on a cargo escort mission with the Xiao Family mercenary group.
The Heavenly Fiend mercenary group blocked their path; they had heard about Xiao Yan burning down the Xiao Family's Dou Technique Pavilion and demanded that the two Xiao Family brothers hand over Xiao Yan. The two Xiao Family brothers refused and stepped forward to fight the opponents, surprisingly discovering that members of the Cloud Mist Sect were among them. The two brothers were not a match for the Cloud Mist Sect disciples.
At the critical moment, Xiao Yan used his Heavy Xuan Ruler to block in front of them. Xiao Yan revealed his identity, and the Starfall Pavilion members also began assisting the Cloud Mist Sect. But how could a few mere ants be Xiao Yan's opponents? He used Starfall Pavilion Dou Techniques to defeat the Starfall Pavilion disciples.
The Starfall Pavilion disciples mocked Xiao Yan, saying that his mother was someone who betrayed her sect, and he was someone who betrayed his family, both being traitors despised by the world. Xiao Yan was greatly struck by this. Xiao Ding, fearing that Xiao Yan would go on a killing spree, had to step forward and reprimand the Starfall Pavilion disciples, telling them to quickly flee for their lives.
Night fell, and Xiao Yan was in low spirits during his rest. He pondered deeply while desperately pouring wine down his throat. Xiao Ding told Xiao Yan to return to Jia Nan Academy after finishing this escort mission, as the place was too desolate and arduous, and Xiao Yan shouldn't waste his time there. Xiao Yan was unwilling to leave. He brought up his earlier idea of avenging Gu Wenxin, feeling some emotion in his heart.
Now, everyone in the world knew he was a traitor to the Xiao family. He knew well that even if one day he cultivated to become a Dou Emperor and killed all his enemies, he would still be unable to clear the stigma of him and his mother being traitors. Xiao Ding spoke up to comfort Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan wanted to know why Xiao Ding and Xiao Li believed in him so much.
Xiao Ding didn't answer, instead telling Xiao Yan to find the reason within himself. Everyone in the world knew about Xiao Yan burning the Dou Technique Pavilion, yet Xiao Yan had absolutely no memory of that segment. He didn't understand what had happened, and Xiao Ding only said that some things would only become clear after a few years.
Seeing Xiao Yan's heavy mood, Xiao Ding spoke to tell Xiao Yan that good people and bad people were merely perceptions in the eyes of others, and the most important thing in this life was to follow one's inner desires and live with a clear conscience. Xiao Zhan announced to the world that Xiao Yan had burned down the Dou Technique Pavilion, and that Xiao Yan no longer had any ties with the Xiao family.
After learning this, Xiao Xun'er spoke to comfort Xiao Yan, but Xiao Yan had already come to terms with it and wasn't stubbornly dwelling on the matter. Afterward, Xiao Yan asked Xiao Ding and Xiao Li the reason for establishing a mercenary group in the desert.
Xiao Ding stated that they both were also expelled from the Xiao family by the Xiao family elders, and the Xiao family Dou Techniques they learned were secretly taught to them by Xiao Zhan back then, which is why they were determined to protect Xiao Yan this time. Just then, they encountered members of the Heavenly Fiend mercenary group, who claimed that snake-people were appearing ahead and that the road was impassable.
Xiao Ding and Xiao Li originally wanted to take a detour, but Xiao Yan wanted to use his meager strength to create an advantage for the Xiao Family mercenary group. To the surprise of the Heavenly Fiend mercenary group, Xiao Yan stepped into the territory of the Snake-People Kingdom, where he met Qing Lin and Mo Bas. Both paid their respects to Xiao Yan and permitted the Xiao Family mercenary group to pass through this road.
The Heavenly Fiend mercenary group witnessed Xiao Yan's formidable power and begged Xiao Ding to let them pass together. The Heavenly Fiend mercenary group traveled alongside the Xiao Family mercenary group. During their rest, Xiao Yan questioned the two Cloud Mist Sect disciples about tracking him all this way. The two told Xiao Yan that they had been ordered by Yun Shan to spy on the Xiao family's movements for a year.
Xiao Yan asked them if they had seen the scene of him burning down the Dou Technique Pavilion. They shook their heads and denied it, stating that they were not the ones on watch that night. Afterward, Xiao Yan continued to ask about the two Starfall Pavilion members who had been tracking him.
The two Starfall Pavilion members confessed that they had been watching the Xiao family for a long time, and that watching the Xiao family was Han Feng's order. As for Xiao Yan burning down the Dou Technique Pavilion, they did indeed see Xiao Yan's figure from a distance that night. Xiao Yan did not believe he would do such a thing.
With a hint of panic in his heart, he had Xiao Xun'er send a homing pigeon message to Xiao Zhan, stating that the Cloud Mist Sect and Starfall Pavilion had set their sights on the Xiao family, and to be careful in all matters. At the Cloud Mist Sect, Nalan Yanran was somewhat distracted while practicing her sword.
Yun Shan reprimanded Nalan Yanran, believing that Nalan Yanran must be dissatisfied with him marrying her to Gu He, and that Nalan Yanran still harbored thoughts of Xiao Yan. Nalan Yanran denied it. Yun Shan brought up Nalan Yanran inquiring about Xiao Yan's whereabouts everywhere and demanded that Nalan Yanran always remember her identity and not make any mistakes. Nalan Yanran claimed that the reason she was inquiring about Xiao Yan was because of the three-year agreement.
Yun Shan concluded that Xiao Yan would certainly not dare to honor the three-year agreement. He told Nalan Yanran to focus on the marriage. Gu He was the Cloud Mist Sect's chief alchemist, and their marriage would mean announcing to the world that the Nalan family and the Cloud Mist Sect had formed an alliance. This was the only way Yun Shan could think of to preserve both families. Xiao Zhan received Xiao Xun'er's homing pigeon message.
He went to the shop at the entrance of the Xiao family and confronted the Cloud Mist Sect members on the spot. The Cloud Mist Sect members wanted to attack Xiao Zhan, but they were subdued by those secretly protecting Xiao Zhan. Afterward, Xiao Zhan decided to visit the Starfall Pavilion and meet with its people. On the other side, Xiao Ding brought food for Xiao Yan and asked about Xiao Yan's future plans.
Xiao Yan believed he wasn't a pampered young master; he wanted to reside in the desert long-term. Xiao Ding thought Xiao Yan should consider Xiao Xun'er, as Xiao Xun'er couldn't stay in the desert with Xiao Yan forever. Afterward, Xiao Ding brought up news of the Gu Clan's internal strife. He believed that Xiao Xun'er might soon have to return to the Gu Clan. The Gu Clan resided on Dragon Island and had four Dragon Lords.
They worshipped the Dragon Mother, but the Dragon Mother had disappeared a year ago. The other three Dragon Lords all believed the Dragon Mother's disappearance was related to Xiao Xun'er's father, Gu Yuan. They were now pressing Gu Yuan to hand over someone, and the conflict had become intense. If Xiao Xun'er had to leave, Xiao Ding requested Xiao Yan not to forcibly keep her.
Xiao Zhan had already instructed that Xiao Xun'er would change her surname back sooner or later. Xiao Yan understood the situation. Before leaving, Xiao Ding told Xiao Yan that he and Xiao Li still regarded Xiao Yan as their future clan leader, so Xiao Yan must value himself. Gu Yuan came to the desert to find Xiao Xun'er, but Xiao Xun'er did not welcome him. She always remembered the scene when Gu Yuan left her behind years ago.
Xiao Yan warmly entertained Gu Yuan. He proactively brought Xiao Xun'er to meet Gu Yuan, then found an excuse to leave, giving the two of them space. Gu Yuan mentioned the changes on Dragon Island and wanted to take Xiao Xun'er back to Dragon Island to establish her as the new Dragon Mother. Xiao Xun'er refused to acknowledge Gu Yuan. Gu Yuan was both heartbroken and sad. Changes had occurred on Dragon Island, and he wanted to forcibly take Xiao Xun'er away, but Xiao Xun'er stubbornly refused, stating that she hated Gu Yuan.
Episode 32 Recap
Gu Yuan told Xiao Xun'er that it was the Gu family patriarch's idea for her to live in the Xiao family. The reason he had not visited Xiao Xun'er was that he was afraid he would be reluctant to leave once he saw her. For so many years, Gu Yuan and Xiao Xun'er's mother had been secretly keeping a close eye on Xiao Xun'er, attending to every detail.
Seeing Gu Yuan weeping in front of her, Xiao Xun'er's heart softened, and she forgave Gu Yuan, deciding to return to Dragon Island with him. Before leaving, Xiao Xun'er reluctantly hugged Xiao Yan tightly and left her Life Bead with him. At night, Xiao Li and Xiao Ding took Xiao Yan into a secret chamber, where ancestral tablets of the Xiao family were enshrined.
After kowtowing, Xiao Ding told Xiao Yan that twelve years ago, they, the two brothers, came here under the patriarch's order to establish a branch of the Xiao family. Today was the first time its master had arrived, which was Xiao Yan's destiny and even more so his responsibility. Xiao Yan did not understand Xiao Ding's meaning. Xiao Li gave Xiao Yan a lamp and told him to explore underground by himself.
The answers Xiao Yan sought were underground, but if Xiao Yan died there, the place would be sealed forever. No new Xiao family descendants would be allowed in. Xiao Yan stepped into the underground alone and was surprised to find that it was the Xiao family's Dou Technique Pavilion. Xiao Ding had instructed Xiao Yan that the Dou Technique Pavilion was divided into five floors.
Xiao Yan must start cultivating from the first floor, and on the fifth floor, there was a Xiao family ancestor whose spirit had not perished. Only after paying respects to the Xiao family ancestor would Xiao Yan be qualified to return. The Xiao family disciples were massacred by the Cloud Mist Sect without cause, and the Xiao family elders were furious about this. At this moment, an elder came to their door.
Xiao Zhan guessed that he was Zhe Yunshou, the Thirteenth Hall Elder of the Cloud Mist Sect, with a move called "Sleeve Universe Sword". Zhe Yunshou questioned Xiao Zhan about killing his disciples at the tavern in front of the Xiao family's gates.
Xiao Zhan readily admitted to it, stating that the two had spied on the Xiao family's secrets and killed his Xiao family disciples, and his private resolution was also to avoid breaking the alliance between the two families. Xiao Zhan wanted to take responsibility for everything alone, but Zhe Yunshou wanted to slaughter the entire Xiao family to vent his anger. Xiao Yan found countless Heaven-tier Dou Techniques in the Dou Technique Pavilion.
He excitedly moved all the Dou Techniques into his storage ring space. Yao Chen brought up Xiao Zhan's painstaking efforts and revealed the truth behind burning down the Dou Technique Pavilion to Xiao Yan. It turned out that Xiao Zhan's method was to protect Xiao Yan and leave all of the Xiao family's century-old treasures to Xiao Yan alone. Xiao Yan threw down all the Dou Techniques.
He told Yao Chen that he now had a particularly strong urge: he wanted to create a Dou Technique of his own. The Xiao family disciples suffered heavy casualties. Xiao Zhan guessed that the thirteen elders of the Cloud Mist Sect had all arrived together. Now that the Xiao family faced disaster, Xiao Zhan was unwilling to let his disciples die innocently.
He told everyone to take off their Xiao family clothes and leave the city together in groups, as only by preserving their people could the Xiao family avoid being scattered. Darkness was approaching, the five great families were slaughtering each other. Everyone knew that the world was probably doomed. One by one, they took off their clothes and left the Xiao family, leaving Xiao Zhan alone in the Xiao family courtyard to wait for the Cloud Mist Sect.
The next day, Xiao Zhan got thoroughly drunk at the Xiao family. The thirteen elders of the Cloud Mist Sect came to his door. Zhe Yunshou claimed that everyone who had escaped the Xiao family last night had been massacred by him, that the Xiao family's destiny was exhausted, and that a useless person like Xiao Zhan was not worthy of being among the five great families.
After humiliating Xiao Zhan, Zhe Yunshou left the Xiao family with the other twelve elders. Xiao Yan, looking at the Dou Techniques and cultivation methods all the way, accidentally fell into the fifth-floor tomb. He met the spirit of a Xiao family ancestor in the tomb. Even though Xiao Yan wielded the Black Heavy Ruler in his hand, his ability was still no match for the Xiao family ancestor. The Xiao family ancestor was very disappointed with Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan asked about the Xiao family ancestor's name. The Xiao family ancestor said he was Xiao Zu, and that he was already one thousand years old. Xiao Yan was very surprised that he was even older than Yao Chen. Then, Xiao Zu led Xiao Yan to his coffin, stating that he had consumed a pill given by a Dou Di at that time.
This pill could make people fall into a deep sleep and only wake up after a certain period. He had been waiting for Xiao Yan for several days, and now there were twenty-eight days left. Within this period, if Xiao Yan could defeat him, Xiao Yan could leave. But if Xiao Yan could not defeat him, Xiao Yan would have to stay with him until a new Xiao family disciple entered.
Episode 33 Recap
Xiao Zu wanted to abolish the Star Meteor Pavilion cultivation technique in Xiao Yan's body. Xiao Yan quickly refused, stating that he would not use cultivation techniques from other sects in the future. On the other side, Gu Yuan brought Xiao Xun'er back to East Dragon Island. Gu Yuan originally intended to negotiate with the other Dragon Lords, but they refused to cooperate with Gu Yuan and wanted to forcefully detain him. Fortunately, Xiao Xun'er appeared with troops in time.
She stayed to fend off the large army, allowing Gu Yuan to leave first. Afterwards, Xiao Xun'er bandaged Gu Yuan's wounds. Xiao Xun'er's grandfather, the East Island Dragon Lord, summoned Xiao Xun'er and Gu Yuan. At the Gu family's dinner table, he deliberately brought up Xiao Xun'er's marriage. Tian Yi, a descendant of the Gu family, wanted to marry Xiao Xun'er, but she had no such intention.
The East Dragon Lord only allowed Xiao Xun'er to choose the person she liked herself. Just then, enemy forces attacked. Gu Yuan, leaning on a walking stick, went out to investigate. Although the four islands of the Gu clan each had a Dragon Lord, they revered the Dragon Mother. The East Dragon Lord felt very guilty about the Dragon Mother's disappearance.
Among the young women of the current generation, only Xiao Xun'er was exceptionally intelligent, so the East Dragon Lord wanted to establish Xiao Xun'er as the new Dragon Mother. Xiao Xun'er knew deeply that becoming the Dragon Mother required relying on the Heaven-Suppressing Bow and the selection of the previous Dragon Mother. She believed that the island lords of the other three islands would definitely not heed the East Dragon Lord.
The Gu family's Fourth Elder said that the other three island lords' search for the Dragon Mother was just an excuse; their true aim was to annex East Dragon Island. He believed that Gu Yuan was incompetent and wanted to replace him for negotiations with the other three islands. Upon hearing this, the Gu family's Second Elder began to argue with the Fourth Elder. Xiao Xun'er found an excuse to leave the dinner table and came before Gu Yuan.
Gu Yuan was well aware of the unrest on East Dragon Island. He told Xiao Xun'er that if East Dragon Island truly could not hold on, she could return to the Xiao family. Xiao Xun'er refused to leave and did not believe anything would happen to the Dragon Mother. The Dragon Mother was a Dou Zun, and the island lords of the three islands were not her match.
Gu Yuan guessed that the Dragon Mother's disappearance was man-made, and the person who took her must be a dark force. Previously, Gu Yuan had planted spies on the other three islands. The spies reported that the three island lords had established a command center, but its military and political orders were given by a mysterious person. From Gu Yuan's description, Xiao Xun'er concluded that the person the three Dragon Lords were obeying was Fan Lao of the Blood Sect.
Xiao Yan was learning cultivation techniques in the Dou Skill Pavilion, but he hadn't made any progress. Xiao Zu personally started crafting a coffin for Xiao Yan, believing that Xiao Yan would have to stay here with him for sixty years. After sixty years, when they both awoke, he would continue teaching Xiao Yan Dou Skills until Xiao Yan defeated him and could leave this place. Xiao Yan had already been in the tomb for fourteen days.
He insisted on leaving this place and told Xiao Zu about the situation outside. Hun Miesheng had now broken through the seal, and darkness was descending upon the world. The Xiao family, being first among the five great clans, must bear the brunt. Xiao Zu refused to let Xiao Yan leave, stating that only by living to his age would one understand that the world's vast changes were merely fleeting moments.
Life was like the ocean, and the ocean represented a person's abilities and Dou Skills. Only when Xiao Yan had learned all the Dou Skills in the Dou Skill Pavilion and became a Dou Saint and Dou Emperor would he truly be the strongest in the world. Xiao Zu hoped that Xiao Yan would look further ahead. In the future, Xiao Yan was to continue his legacy and make the Xiao family's Dou Skills flourish.
Xiao Yan was very surprised by Xiao Zu's idea of making him the strongest in the world, but Xiao Zu began to impart Dou Skills to Xiao Yan. Tian Wei and Tian Yi brought food and came to apologize to Xiao Xun'er. While trying to please her, they also drugged the food. After eating, Xiao Xun'er couldn't muster even a trace of Dou Qi.
Only then did Tian Wei and Tian Yi reveal the truth: they had long colluded with the Soul Hall, and Fan Lao had promised Tian Yi that on the day East Dragon Island fell, he would become the new East Island Dragon Lord. Afterwards, Tian Wei carried the unconscious Xiao Xun'er to a bed. Tian Yi harbored ill intentions towards Xiao Xun'er.
He believed that Xiao Xun'er was the Dragon Mother's only heir, and even if the Dragon Mother returned later, since he would be Xiao Xun'er's husband, the Dragon Mother naturally wouldn't do anything to him. Just then, Xiao Xun'er woke up. It turned out she had only pretended to be drugged, wanting to extract information from the two of them.
Xiao Xun'er hung the two upside down, took their Life Orbs, and learned from them that the Dragon Mother was imprisoned in the forbidden Lightning Valley of Dragon Island. Xiao Xun'er told Gu Yuan about the Dragon Mother being in the Lightning Valley. The Lightning Valley was filled with dense and extremely dangerous lightning, making it very likely to enter but not exit. However, Xiao Xun'er decided to give it a try and explore the Lightning Valley.
Gu Yuan wanted to know how Xiao Xun'er had learned of the Dragon Mother's whereabouts. Xiao Xun'er didn't reveal it, only telling Gu Yuan to be wary of the Second Elder and Fourth Elder, as she felt they were somehow involved in this matter. Xiao Xun'er prepared to go to the Lightning Valley alone, but Gu Yuan disagreed. Xiao Xun'er then brought up the current situation of East Dragon Island.
She believed there must be an internal traitor on the island, and if Gu Yuan were to leave at this time, East Dragon Island would certainly not be preserved. If she went alone this time and could find the Dragon Mother, all disasters could be safely overcome. But if she couldn't find the Dragon Mother, all the people of East Dragon Island would not escape calamity. Xiao Xun'er asked Gu Yuan to trust her just this once.
Torn between two difficult choices, Gu Yuan eventually chose to trust his daughter and allowed Xiao Xun'er to go alone. In the Spatial Ring, Xiao Yan was worried about how to defeat Xiao Zu. He wanted Yao Chen to infuse all his Dou Qi into his body. Yao Chen frankly told him that even the combined Dou Qi of both of them would be useless; they simply couldn't defeat Xiao Zu.
Just then, Xiao Yan discovered that Xiao Xun'er's Life Orb had cracked. The Gu clan's Life Orbs would not be damaged by external forces. Yao Chen stated that the cracking of a Life Orb indicated that its owner had fallen into crisis. On the other side, Xiao Xun'er embarked on the path to the Lightning Valley. In the misty forest, she saw a scene from her childhood where Gu Yuan left her at the Xiao family.
She desperately pleaded with Gu Yuan not to leave, but Gu Yuan still cruelly abandoned her. Xiao Xun'er knew deeply that this was just an illusion, and she secretly reminded herself not to be bewildered by everything before her eyes. Afterwards, Xiao Xun'er encountered Fan Lao of the Blood Sect. She confirmed that the Dragon Mother was indeed in the Lightning Valley. But the next second, Xiao Xun'er saw an illusion of Xiao Yan, who spoke harshly to her.
Xiao Xun'er struggled to break free from the illusion. Fan Lao wanted to take Xiao Xun'er away, but she stubbornly refused to go with him. She entered the Lightning Valley alone and fainted on the ground. In the tomb, Xiao Zu claimed that the best Dou Skills in the world were those of the Xiao family, and that the cultivation techniques of other families were not worth mentioning.
He brought up his glorious achievements from back then, stating that he had been obsessed with cultivation his entire life and had practiced all the Dou Skills in the Xiao family's Dou Skill Pavilion. Xiao Yan pleaded with Xiao Zu to let him go. His family and friends were waiting for him outside, and he couldn't spend his entire life here. However, Xiao Zu stubbornly refused, instead thinking Xiao Yan was too unpromising.
Xiao Zu wanted Xiao Yan to inherit his ideals, but Xiao Yan was not Xiao Zu. He couldn't understand Xiao Zu's thoughts, was unwilling to stay here to learn, and didn't want to become the strongest in the world; he only wanted Xiao Zu to send him away. Xiao Yan's words angered Xiao Zu.
Xiao Zu told Xiao Yan that unless he could defeat him, he would have to stay here, and then he would personally give Xiao Yan medicine to make him sleep here with him. In the Spatial Ring, Yao Chen reminded Xiao Yan that he had fourteen days left. Xiao Yan asked Yao Chen if he was still hiding any Star Meteor Pavilion Dou Skills that he hadn't taught him.
However, Yao Chen believed that staying in this space wasn't a bad thing; this place was truly a haven during chaotic times. Xiao Yan was unwilling to stay. He stated that he came to this place to find his own answers, not to remain here. Xiao Yan wanted to create a Dou Skill of his own here, one powerful enough to turn the tide at critical moments, powerful enough to change the world and protect those around him.
Yao Chen reminded Xiao Yan that if he left, he would have to abandon all his Dou Skill cultivation techniques. However, Xiao Yan had no regrets. He believed that no matter how many Dou Skill cultivation techniques he had, they were far less important than family and friends. Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Yao Chen smiled in relief and said that Gu Wenxin had once said the same thing.
Episode 34 Recap
Xiao Yan tightly clutched Xiao Xun'er's Life Bead, never giving up hope. He knew deeply that he had to leave here to save Xiao Xun'er. On the other side, on East Dragon Island, the island masters of the other three islands prepared to attack East Dragon Island before dark, but Xiao Xun'er had not returned for a long time. The Fourth Brother questioned Gu Yuan's intentions, believing that Gu Ke wanted Xiao Xun'er to escape Dragon Island.
The East Dragon Lord could no longer stand it and reprimanded the Ancient Clan brothers for their internal strife. Just then, Blood Sect Fan Lao came to their doorstep, wishing to negotiate with the East Dragon Lord, but the East Dragon Lord was unwilling to collude with the Soul Palace. Fan Lao took out the Dragon Mother's Life Bead, stating that he had used a secret Soul Palace technique to trap the Dragon Mother in Lightning Valley.
Without her Life Bead, the Dragon Mother could absolutely not protect Xiao Xun'er, nor could she pass through the valley. He also stated that the Dragon Lords of the other three islands had all drunk his blood and pledged allegiance to the Soul Palace. Fan Lao advised the East Dragon Lord to think carefully; if the East Dragon Lord refused, East Island would face a bloodbath.
For the sake of the people of East Dragon Island, the East Dragon Lord deliberated repeatedly and finally chose to compromise, drinking Fan Lao's blood and becoming a slave of the Soul Palace. Fan Lao was very pleased, believing that the Ancient Clan had become a subsidiary of the Soul Palace. Xiao Xun'er woke up; she met the Dragon Mother and was saved by her.
The Dragon Mother thought Xiao Xun'er was audacious and overconfident for daring to trespass into Lightning Valley. She recognized Xiao Xun'er's identity. Xiao Xun'er wanted to take the Dragon Mother out of the valley, but the Dragon Mother told Xiao Xun'er that she had been hit by a Soul Palace forbidden technique and had lost her Life Bead, making it impossible for her to resist the lightning outside, and thus she could not leave.
Heaven's will had sent Xiao Xun'er here. The Dragon Mother believed Xiao Xun'er was the new Dragon Mother. She passed on all the Ancient Clan's Dou Skill cultivation methods to Xiao Xun'er, instructing her to cultivate diligently after leaving. Xiao Xun'er's comprehension was exceptionally high, and the Dragon Mother believed Xiao Xun'er's future cultivation would definitely not be inferior to her own. Afterward, the Dragon Mother handed the Ancient Clan's supreme treasure, the Heaven Suppressing Bow, to Xiao Xun'er.
The Heaven Suppressing Bow was a symbol of the Dragon Mother's identity and could suppress all evil. Before Xiao Xun'er accepted the Heaven Suppressing Bow, the Dragon Mother requested Xiao Xun'er to agree to a few things. She asked Xiao Xun'er to kill Fan Lao and quell the Ancient Clan's internal strife. The Dragon Mother's lifelong dream was for the Ancient Clan to move inwards and dominate the Dou Qi Continent. She entrusted this matter to Xiao Xun'er to complete.
Xiao Xun'er was afraid she could not fulfill the Dragon Mother's dream, and she did not understand why the Dragon Mother wanted to relocate the Ancient Clan. The Dragon Mother stated that this was a world where the strong were respected; if the Ancient Clan could not survive in crisis, they would surely disappear in comfort. As the new Dragon Mother, Xiao Xun'er must prioritize the Ancient Clan in all matters.
Afterward, the Dragon Mother believed that Xiao Xun'er, being young and sentimental, would surely suffer greatly. She knew that Xiao Xun'er was thinking of Xiao Yan, but still hoped that Xiao Xun'er could forget Xiao Yan as soon as possible. Romantic affections were only for times of peace and prosperity. Xiao Xun'er was now the Dragon Mother and should only live for the Ancient Clan.
Furthermore, if one day the Xiao Clan were to perish, Xiao Xun'er must retrieve the Xiao Clan's Dituo Ancient Jade, absolutely not allowing it to fall into others' hands. As long as the Ancient Jade was present, the Ancient Clan would have a chance to turn things around. Fan Lao and the island masters of the other three islands arrived at the city gate. Gu Yuan ordered the city gates closed, forbidding anyone to open them without his command.
Subsequently, Gu Yuan, holding a knife, came before the East Dragon Lord, but he could not bring himself to deliver the killing blow. The East Dragon Lord mentioned a scene he had witnessed: the heroes of the five great clans from every generation were hung on an altar by Hun Miesheng, unable to live or die. The East Dragon Lord was unwilling to accept such a fate, nor was he willing to bear a lifetime of infamy.
Previously, the East Dragon Lord had drunk Hun Miesheng's blood intending to buy time, but he had underestimated the might of the Soul Palace; he was increasingly unable to control his actions. The East Dragon Lord possessed righteousness; he would rather turn to dust than submit to the Soul Palace. For this, he destroyed his own Life Bead in front of Gu Yuan.
Before leaving, the East Dragon Lord passed on the position of Dragon Lord to Gu Yuan, telling Gu Yuan to continue fighting for the Ancient Clan. Darkness was approaching the world, and Dragon Island would also experience a catastrophe. Blood Sect Fan Lao learned that the East Dragon Lord had feigned surrender by destroying his own Life Bead.
In a fit of rage, he immediately ordered an attack, vowing to kill every person on East Dragon Island, leaving no one behind. East Dragon Island experienced a war. The air was filled with a thick smell of blood, and corpses lay everywhere. Only Gu Yuan persevered until the end, but the enemy forces attacked incessantly, and the three island masters vowed to take Gu Yuan's life. Just then, Xiao Xun'er arrived.
She stood mid-air, wielding the Heaven Suppressing Bow in her hand, killed the three island masters, and quelled the Ancient Clan's internal strife. Subsequently, Xiao Xun'er went to find Fan Lao. She wanted to eliminate Fan Lao with the Heaven Suppressing Bow, but the cunning Fan Lao still managed to escape. Before leaving, Fan Lao stated that he would meet Xiao Xun'er at the altar. In the graveyard, Xiao Yan prepared to escape but was caught red-handed by Ancestor Xiao.
Ancestor Xiao said that Xiao Yan had disappointed him greatly, for wanting to be a deserter. Xiao Yan brought up the matter of Xiao Xun'er being in danger, stating that he must rush to save her, but Ancestor Xiao could not understand Xiao Yan's actions and resolutely refused to let Xiao Yan leave.
Helpless, Xiao Yan had no choice but to light up the Profound Heavy Ruler in his hand, wanting to fight Ancestor Xiao again using his self-created Dou Skill. In the Storage Ring space, Xiao Yan had a look of despondency. He pleaded with Yao Chen to help him. Now that the Life Bead had cracked several more times, Xiao Xun'er must be in extreme danger, and he had to get out as soon as possible. Although Yao Chen had the heart to help Xiao Yan, cultivators must rely on themselves. He stated that he had no ability to help Xiao Yan.
Episode 35 Recap
Xiao Yan wanted to create his own Dou Skill. Yao Chen warned Xiao Yan that the Dou Skills Xiao Zu taught him were all top-tier Dou Skills, and Xiao Yan needed to create his own Dou Skill from the ones Xiao Zu taught him. This was Xiao Yan's latest Demonic Mirror Tribulation. Yao Chen could not help Xiao Yan, stating that Xiao Yan could only safely overcome it if he comprehended the true meaning himself.
Under Yao Chen's guidance, Xiao Yan began to genuinely approach every fight with Xiao Zu. His Baji Beng move caught Xiao Zu off guard. Xiao Zu was furious that Xiao Yan used a Soul Hall Dou Skill to fool him, but Xiao Yan was not afraid of Xiao Zu, saying that Dou Skills themselves were public assets of the world, and in times of crisis, they did not distinguish between friend and foe.
He would not become a living dead person within Dou Skills, nor would he be hindered by the Xiao family's Dou Skills in his choices. Xiao Zu grew even angrier after hearing Xiao Yan's words, but Xiao Yan was very confident that he had enough ability to defeat Xiao Zu. Xiao Yan ignited Beast Fire and Cold Fire. Beast Fire was rare, and abnormal flames were even rarer.
Xiao Zu was very surprised in his heart, thinking that Xiao Yan, at such a young age, being able to subdue these two types of fire, must be extraordinarily gifted. Their Xiao family finally had a successor. Afterward, Xiao Yan, to Xiao Zu's shock, mixed these two types of fire together. These two fires were inherently conflicting, and Xiao Zu deeply feared that Xiao Yan would be in danger, but Xiao Yan believed he could definitely succeed.
He disregarded Xiao Zu's persuasion and continued the fusion. What shocked Xiao Zu even more was yet to come: Xiao Yan possessed the Green Lotus Core Flame. To Xiao Zu's exclamation, he merged three types of fire together, creating a unique fire lotus. Xiao Zu experienced the fire lotus formed by the fusion of three fires, and Xiao Yan, seeing his success, finally fainted from exhaustion. Xiao Yan woke up, and Xiao Zu was very relieved.
Xiao Yan had not yet reached the Dou Huang level, and being able to throw out this one fire lotus was already extremely difficult. Although it would be hard for Xiao Yan to throw out a second one, this one fire lotus of Xiao Yan's was enough to shake the world and astound everyone. After learning that this method was created by Xiao Yan himself, Xiao Zu greatly admired and appreciated Xiao Yan.
He asked for the name of the fire lotus, and Xiao Yan named it "Buddha's Fury Lotus." The thirty-day deadline had arrived, and Xiao Zu willingly conceded defeat to Xiao Yan. He fed Xiao Yan a ninth-grade pill, stating that this medicine could revive him and prolong his life at crucial moments.
Afterward, Xiao Zu fell into a deep sleep in the coffin, hoping that Xiao Yan would visit him again in sixty years to tell him about the outside world. Xiao Yan agreed and bid farewell to Xiao Zu, then walked out of the Dou Skill Pavilion. Xiao Yan left the Dou Skill Pavilion, only to find the Xiao Family Mercenary Group empty.
Helpless, Xiao Yan had to ask passersby about what had happened to the Xiao Family Mercenary Group, but none of them knew. Xiao Yan angrily came to the Tian Sha Mercenary Group, and after his questioning, he learned that the destruction of the Xiao Family Mercenary Group was inextricably linked to the Cloud Mist Sect. Moreover, after the Xiao Family Mercenary Group was destroyed, there were no corpses or fragmented remains.
On the other side, on Dragon Island, Gu Yuan presented the Eastern Island Dragon Lord's sword to Xiao Xun'er, the Dragon Mother. Xiao Xun'er told Gu Yuan to keep the sword well and assume the position of Eastern Dragon Lord. The Dragon Mother was the supreme ruler of Dragon Island; she was in the high hall, interrogating the Dragon Lords of the other three islands.
She ultimately spared their lives, only crippling their Dou Qi and exiling them to Thunder Valley. Afterward, Xiao Xun'er brought up the plan to reorganize Dragon Island, preparing to appoint the Dragon Lords of the three islands herself, and she had thoroughly considered all the future concerns of Dragon Island.
At the Cloud Mist Sect, Yun Yun, on Yun Shan's orders, taught sword techniques to Nalan Yanran, but she harbored dissatisfaction towards Nalan Yanran, believing Nalan Yanran was ambitious for the Cloud Mist Sect Leader position. Gu He came to see Yun Shan and inquired about Xiao Zhan, who was currently imprisoned by Yun Shan in the dungeon. The three-year agreement between Nalan Yanran and Xiao Yan was approaching.
Gu He believed Xiao Yan would definitely not dare to attend the appointment, but Yun Shan feared Xiao Yan would not come. They had destroyed sixty-one overt and covert strongholds set up by the Xiao family on the Dou Qi Continent and taken over a hundred lives from the Xiao family, but only Xiao Yan had escaped.
To cut weeds, one must remove the roots; Yun Shan and Gu He had already developed killing intent and wanted to eliminate Xiao Yan. The disappearance of the Xiao family's Dou Skill Pavilion still left Yun Shan with some doubts. Gu He assured Yun Shan that he had absolutely not secretly taken any of the Xiao family's Dou Skills.
Yun Shan promised Gu He that when they eventually swallowed the Nalan family, all the high-level alchemy Dou Skills treasured by the Nalan family would naturally belong to Gu He. Little did they know, their conversation had fallen into Nalan Yanran's ears. Nalan Yanran came to the dungeon to see Xiao Zhan and learned from him that it was the Cloud Mist Sect's Thirteenth Elder who had captured Xiao Zhan.
Nalan Yanran was deeply shocked by this news and did not understand why Yun Shan would treat Xiao Zhan this way. Xiao Zhan confessed that he had offended the Soul Hall, and the Cloud Mist Sect was in collusion with the Soul Hall. Nalan Yanran could not believe the facts before her. She had secretly come to see Xiao Zhan this time.
Xiao Zhan brought up the matter of Nalan Jie going to the Xiao family to annul the engagement back then, saying that he deeply regretted destroying the centuries-long friendship between the Xiao family and the Nalan family just to vent his anger. The Soul Hall was steadily advancing, and Xiao Zhan believed the Soul Hall was about to win.
Their victory without a fight was truly a clever tactic, and the Dou Qi Continent was not a match for the Soul Hall. Nalan Yanran wanted to confront Yun Shan directly to clarify things and rescue Xiao Zhan from there, but Xiao Zhan knew very well that Nalan Yanran did not have that ability. In this life, Xiao Zhan's mission was complete. He knew that Yun Shan would send him to the Soul Hall, and he had accepted this fact.
At the last moment, Xiao Zhan asked about the Nalan family's Mandala Ancient Jade. Learning that Nalan Yanran possessed the ancient jade, he instructed Nalan Yanran to hide it well. As long as the ancient jade was in Nalan Yanran's hand, she could live one more day. On Dragon Island, Xiao Xun'er had a heart-to-heart talk with Gu Yuan, realizing that the restraints of the Dragon Mother position were numerous.
Xiao Xun'er brought up the Dragon Mother's words to Gu Yuan; the Dragon Mother believed that the reason the Gu Clan was disorganized was due to being too lenient. Now, only by reorganizing the Gu Clan and bringing people together could the Gu Clan prosper. Gu Yuan placed the future of the Gu Clan entirely on Xiao Xun'er, but Xiao Xun'er only wanted to return to the desert to be with Xiao Yan.
Gu Yuan knew Xiao Xun'er was working very hard and also felt sorry for her, but Xiao Xun'er was, after all, surnamed Gu. He told Xiao Xun'er that Dragon Island was her home, and she must dedicate her heart to the Gu family. After leaving Gu Yuan's room, Xiao Xun'er thought of Xiao Yan in her heart, genuinely wishing Xiao Yan could be by her side.
Just then, several mysterious black-clad figures attacked Xiao Xun'er, but they were no match for her and could only flee in a hurry. At the Cloud Mist Sect, Nalan Yanran asked Yun Yun if Xiao Zhan's words were true. Yun Yun said that Nalan Yanran must judge for herself whether it was true or false, and that Xiao Zhan would be taken away by the Soul Hall people tonight.
Episode 36 Recap
Yun Shan came to see Xiao Zhan, claiming he had his reasons for reaching this point and didn't want to see this scene between the Yun Lan Sect and the Xiao Family. Xiao Zhan smiled and asked what benefits the Soul Hall had given the Yun Lan Sect, that it made the leaders of the five great families submit.
Yun Shan inquired about the whereabouts of the Xiao Family's Di Tuo Ancient Jade, stating that as long as Xiao Zhan handed over the ancient jade, he could release Xiao Zhan. The five ancient jades, when gathered, were the key to opening the Dou Di Tomb. The tomb was filled with cultivation techniques and Dou Skills that could make one a Dou Di.
Yun Shan stated that he wanted to gather the five ancient jades, enter the tomb to learn the Dou Skills and cultivation techniques, become a Dou Di, defeat Hun Miesheng, and save the Dou Qi Continent. Xiao Zhan adamantly refused to hand it over, also realizing that the Soul Hall's power wasn't due to the great benefits they offered, but rather because they brought out the dark side of others.
Just then, Fan Lao arrived at the Yun Lan Sect and took Xiao Zhan away. Nalan Yanran, hiding in the shadows, witnessed all of this. Fan Lao discovered her presence, and Yun Shan stepped forward to protect Nalan Yanran. Nalan Yanran had already uncovered Yun Shan's conspiracy, and she strongly demanded to return to the Nalan Family in Silver City.
Yun Shan brought up the decline of the Nalan Family, stating that Nalan Jie sent Nalan Yanran to the Yun Lan Sect because he wanted her to contend for the position of Yun Lan Sect Master. Yun Shan did not deny his cooperation with Hun Miesheng.
He mentioned that Dou Di and Hun Miesheng were biological brothers, believing it was only right for Hun Miesheng to reclaim what was his, and that the Soul Hall's victory was now in sight, leaving them no other choice but to cooperate with the Soul Hall. Yun Shan claimed Nalan Yanran was his most beloved disciple.
He showed Nalan Yanran a clear path: as long as Nalan Yanran handed over the ancient jade, he would allow Nalan Yanran to return to the Nalan Family in Silver City. Nalan Yanran denied possessing the ancient jade. Yun Shan no longer maintained the facade, imprisoning Nalan Yanran in the dungeon, intending for Nalan Yanran to think things through there. Xiao Xun'er was assassinated.
She ordered a re-investigation of Dragon Island, only to discover that her Fourth Uncle was seriously ill in bed. Xiao Xun'er came to visit Fourth Uncle and found that his injuries were just as she had judged, concluding that Fourth Uncle was the one who attacked her last night, and also an insider for the Soul Hall. Disregarding Tianwei and Tianyi's obstruction, she directly ordered Fourth Uncle's arrest. At this moment, Gu Yuan came before Xiao Xun'er.
He reprimanded Xiao Xun'er for being heartless. Xiao Xun'er felt greatly wronged, stating that she had her own way to prove it to Gu Yuan. Afterwards, Xiao Xun'er let Fourth Uncle go and, at the dinner table, mentioned to everyone that she would be leaving Dragon Island tomorrow.
Xiao Xun'er personally stepped forward to pour wine for Fourth Uncle and her Second Uncle, stating that she already knew they were the assassins who tried to kill her last night, and brought up various past suspicious points about the two of them. The two remained silent.
Xiao Xun'er took out the Three Thousand Lightning Movement Lower Scroll that Fourth Uncle had respectfully presented to the Dragon Mother in the past, stating that the lower scroll should have been in the Blood Sect's hands, yet it was given to the Dragon Mother by Fourth Uncle. She demanded Fourth Uncle provide a reasonable explanation.
Fourth Uncle admitted that Fan Lao had given him the scroll, and stated that Fan Lao had already been active on Dragon Island five years ago. At that time, Fan Lao stirred up the ambitions of the Dragon Lords of the other three islands. The two of them had no other choice but to choose the stronger side, so to preserve Dragon Island, they chose to cooperate with Fan Lao.
Hearing this, Gu Yuan finally understood that when he went to negotiate with the Dragon Lords of the other three islands, his two brothers had refused to help him because they wanted to eliminate him. Xiao Xun'er knew this matter was not so simple. She told Gu Yuan that what Fan Lao wanted was not the Ancient Clan's neutrality, but the Ancient Clan's Di Tuo Ancient Jade.
Previously, the Dragon Mother had been imprisoned in Thunderbolt Valley by Fourth Uncle and Second Uncle because she was unwilling to hand over the ancient jade. After speaking, Xiao Xun'er took out the Di Tuo Ancient Jade embedded in the Heaven Suppressing Bow, stating that the two of them attacked her last night precisely to find the ancient jade. The ancient jade concerned the survival of the Ancient Clan and the future of the Dou Qi Continent.
Xiao Xun'er explicitly told them that even if she died, she would never hand over the item. Gu Yuan, having learned the truth, felt extremely guilty in his heart and merely told Xiao Xun'er to leave this corrupted place.
Xiao Xun'er said that she indeed needed to leave, but her departure wasn't due to disappointment; it was because the ancient jade was with her, and she wanted to take away all the people from the evil forces, restoring peace to Dragon Island. Now Gu Yuan was the East Island Dragon Lord. She believed Gu Yuan would protect Dragon Island well. As for Fourth Uncle and Second Uncle, she, acting as the Dragon Mother, sentenced them both to life imprisonment.
Even at this point, Fourth Uncle and Second Uncle still wanted to persuade Xiao Xun'er to hand over the ancient jade to preserve the Ancient Clan. Xiao Xun'er scoffed, telling them her thoughts: she believed the Soul Hall and Blood Sect were not terrifying. Previously, the Soul Hall and Blood Sect had failed, and they would surely fail again now. In the dungeon, Nalan Yanran pleaded with Yun Yun to save her, but Yun Yun merely ignored her.
Afterwards, Nalan Yanran requested to see Yun Shan, stating that the Nalan Family's ancient jade was in her hands. If Yun Shan desired it, she would gladly offer it with both hands.
However, she hoped Yun Shan could invite renowned figures from all sects across the land to her marriage with Gu He, and publicly declare her as the new Sect Master of the Yun Lan Sect, while Yun Shan would externally announce his seclusion for cultivation and no longer concern himself with Yun Lan Sect matters. In this way, the Nalan Family and the Yun Lan Sect would become one, never to be separated.
Her handing over the ancient jade would also be worthy of the Nalan Family's ancestors and her grandfather. Yun Shan laughed, calling Nalan Yanran too naive. Even if he truly made Nalan Yanran the new Sect Master, Nalan Yanran would not be able to command the Yun Lan Sect. Nalan Yanran had no ambition to command the Yun Lan Sect. She told Yun Shan that she merely wanted to use the Yun Lan Sect's influence to cultivate a force belonging solely to the Nalan Family.
Episode 37 Recap
Yun Shan knew Nalan Yanran's exchange of the ancient jade for Yunlanzong was blackmail, but he still agreed to Nalan Yanran's request. Nalan Yanran also promised Yun Shan that she would present the ancient jade with both hands once the wedding was over. Gu He and Han Feng came to see Yun Shan.
Yun Shan told them to depart quickly for Jia Nan Academy to destroy the Skyflame Refining Qi Tower, kill Mi Tengshan, and the elders who were unwilling to obey the Soul Palace. As for Xiao Yan, whom the two deeply hated, someone would deal with him. Xiao Yan met Xiao Xun'er and Ruo Lin on the way and learned that Xiao Xun'er had succeeded to the position of Dragon Mother.
Ruo Lin said that many people wanted to see Xiao Yan. She led the two on their journey and met up with Han Xian and his group in a forest. Their relationship remained close, and they were noisy and boisterous as soon as they met, showing no sign of estrangement. After that, Lin Xiuya also came to them. Lin Xiuya was now the strongest mercenary group leader in the Magical Beast Mountain Range area.
People near Magical Beast Mountain were terrified of him. Lin Xiuya returned this time because he was worried about Xiao Yan and his group; he feared they were in danger. Xiao Yan did not know what danger Lin Xiuya was referring to. Ruo Lin took them to see Mi Tengshan. Mi Tengshan introduced Elder Qi to them and explained the current situation. Darkness was about to descend upon the world, and the Soul Palace had risen.
Even the Blood Sect followers in the academy were challenging the seal of the Dou Di. The Soul Palace was invincible, but the Five Clans were in decline. The Dou Qi Continent would face a bloody storm. Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan also understood that the reason Hun Miesheng was eager to collect the ancient Emperor Tou Jade from the Five Great Families was to prepare to attack the Dou Qi Continent.
Xiao Yan was a descendant of the Xiao Family, and Xiao Xun'er was the Dragon Mother of the Ancient Clan. The two were bound to be targeted by Hun Miesheng. Therefore, the academy's Elder Council decided to take them back to Jia Nan Academy first. Xiao Yan thanked Mi Tengshan for his kindness, but he was still worried about the Xiao Family and prepared to return to the Xiao Family first.
Mi Tengshan analyzed the current situation and believed that it was too dangerous for Xiao Yan to return to the Xiao Family alone. The best course of action was to return to the academy first and observe the situation's changes. Xiao Xun'er helped Mi Tengshan persuade Xiao Yan, so Xiao Yan decided to return to the academy first. Ruo Lin divided them into three groups.
Xiao Yan, Xiao Xun'er, and Mi Tengshan formed one group, immediately rushing back to the academy. Nalan Yanran became the Young Sect Master of Yunlanzong. She came before Yun Yun, demanding that Yun Yun tell her everything she knew. Yun Yun asked Nalan Yanran to go to the back mountain with her, where she would tell Nalan Yanran everything she knew. In the back mountain, Yun Yun drew her sword against Nalan Yanran, and the two fought fiercely.
Nalan Yanran had mastered Nalan Jie's lifelong fighting skills and cultivation methods, so Yun Yun was naturally not Nalan Yanran's opponent. Under Nalan Yanran's persistent questioning, Yun Yun finally revealed everything. She was originally from a Pearl Slave family living by the sea. Later, her family encountered misfortune, and she was saved by Yun Shan, which was why she became a disciple of Yunlanzong.
Yun Yun was very grateful to Yun Shan and had worked tirelessly to find treasures for him. Yun Shan had once promised to pass on the position of Sect Master to Yun Yun and let her marry Gu He, but later Yun Shan took Nalan Yanran as his disciple and kicked Yun Yun aside. Only then did Yun Yun realize that Yun Shan had never considered her an heir to Yunlanzong.
In her anger, Yun Yun provoked Nalan Yanran's relationship with Yun Shan. She had originally intended to make Yun Shan regret his actions but did not expect Nalan Yanran to betray Yun Shan. Nalan Yanran did not understand why Yun Yun would not leave Yunlanzong. Yun Yun revealed her crimson eyes, stating that she was already a member of the Blood Sect. Her life and death were not her own, and she could not escape Yunlanzong.
Seeing this, Nalan Yanran intended to silence her. Yun Yun spoke up, assuring Nalan Yanran that she would never mention today's events to anyone. Only then did Nalan Yanran let Yun Yun go. Nalan Yanran's father came to see Yun Shan, stating that Emperor Yelan hoped Yun Shan would not easily retire. With the rise of the Soul Palace, Yelan hoped Yun Shan could come out to preside over the situation.
Yun Shan stated that all the heroes of the world were gathered at Yunlanzong, and he needed to consult them before deciding on his retirement. Afterwards, Nalan Yanran's father sent lavish gifts to Nalan Yanran's room and relayed Yun Shan's words to Nalan Yanran.
Nalan Yanran had long anticipated that the position of Yunlanzong's Sect Master was nothing but an empty promise; Yun Shan was fundamentally unwilling to abdicate and instead wanted to use this as an excuse to become the leader of the alliance against the Soul Palace. Nalan Yanran handed her family emblem to her father, asking him to bring out the Eight Attendants when attending the wedding. She planned to kill Yun Shan at the wedding.
Nalan Yanran's father greatly feared that the Eight Attendants would not be able to defeat Yun Shan and that it would bring disaster to the Nalan Family. However, Nalan Yanran insisted on gambling for the Nalan Family's last chance of survival. She did not want to reach this point, but she had already jumped into a pit of fire and had no choice but to continue forward.
If she did not kill Yun Shan, it was feared that the Nalan Family would cease to exist on the Dou Qi Continent. Xiao Yan, Xiao Xun'er, and Mi Tengshan entered an extremely eerie foggy forest. Mi Tengshan guessed that there were people from the Talisman Sect ahead. The Talisman Sect was the most notorious sect; they focused on cultivating immortality arts, stealing placentas, slaughtering pregnant women, and had accumulated a mountain of blood debts.
For hundreds of years, the Talisman Sect had been besieged many times. Mi Tengshan did not expect there to be remaining remnants. Xiao Xun'er did not understand what placentas were. Mi Tengshan explained that placentas were the placenta of pregnant women. Given the profound sins of the Talisman Sect, Xiao Yan prepared to eliminate them there. Mi Tengshan reminded Xiao Yan that the Talisman Sect's illusions and confusing arts were extremely powerful.
After speaking, Mi Tengshan stepped forward and unleashed his Dou Qi, seeing an old woman in the mist ahead. The old woman claimed that Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er were wanted by Fan Lao and hoped Mi Tengshan would hand them over. Mi Tengshan believed the old woman was too bold to dare to stop them.
The old woman demonstrated the high-level formation taught to her by Fan Lao, stating that if they could break the formation, she would turn around and leave without another word. As soon as the formation appeared, many puppets emerged from the ground. Xiao Xun'er shot her Heavenly Suppressing Bow, but it had no effect. The group broke into the formation and unleashed their Dou Qi, but the puppets were immortal and continued to surround and attack the three.
Ultimately, Xiao Yan threw his Heavy Xuan Ruler directly at the old woman. This action enraged the old woman, and she wanted to flay Xiao Yan, but she was wounded by two elders who were secretly guarding them. Seeing the number of Xiao Yan's group, the old woman knew she had no chance of winning. She tried to escape but died under Xiao Xun'er's Heavenly Suppressing Bow.
At Jia Nan Academy, Han Xian and Gu He summoned all the academy's elders. Han Xian wanted to immediately organize an army to annihilate the Soul Palace, but Ruo Lin firmly disagreed. Ge Ye immediately questioned whether Ruo Lin was a traitor to the academy and colluded with the Soul Palace. Mi Tengshan spoke up for Ruo Lin, but Gu He rejected Mi Tengshan's words and sided with Han Xian and Ge Ye.
Episode 38 Recap
Mi Tengshan rejected Han Feng's suggestion, unwilling to let students and teachers leave the academy to die in vain. Besides, Mi Tengshan believed that given Han Feng and Gu He's identities, they could plan an alliance to unite the Nalan family, Starfall Pavilion, and Cloud Mist Sect to resist the Soul Hall, and Canaan Academy was willing to be their strongest backing. Gu He brought up Yun Shan, saying that he was not confident he could persuade Yun Shan.
Mi Tengshan said that as long as Yun Shan gathered the forces of the old five major families and other forces willing to resist the Soul Hall to form a new allied army, he could make Yun Shan the leader of the allied army. Han Feng criticized Mi Tengshan, saying that he hadn't mentioned the students of Canaan Academy in any of his sentences.
He believed that students were at an age of fierce fighting spirit and it was a good time for them to charge into battle. Han Feng intended for the students to leave the academy's barrier. Mi Tengshan insisted on his stance, stating that if any student left the school without permission, he would personally cripple their Dou Qi. Ge Ye and Han Feng publicly questioned Mi Tengshan's relationship with the Soul Hall.
Mi Tengshan declared himself to have a clear conscience. Xiao Yan returned to his room. Hao Tian asked about Xiao Yan's commotion at the Xiao family and burning the Dou Skill Pavilion. Xiao Yan confessed that he did not burn the Dou Skill Pavilion, nor had he killed anyone. Afterwards, Lin Xiuya brought up the current situation of the academy, hoping that Xiao Yan could become the students' leader and lead them down the mountain to fight the Soul Hall.
Xiao Yan believed this method was very unsafe and that they should honestly stay in the academy. On the other side, the elders brought up Xiao Yan's matter. Ruo Lin and Mi Tengshan both intended to protect Xiao Yan, but Han Feng clung to the matter, wanting to expel Xiao Yan from the academy. Ge Ye agreed with Han Feng and prepared to go out and apprehend Xiao Yan.
Ruo Lin brought up Xiao Yan's Dou Wang level, firmly stopping Ge Ye. After Han Feng and Gu He left the room, Ruo Lin thought that the two had strong rebellious intentions and wondered why Mi Tengshan didn't arrest them first. Mi Tengshan said that the two held high positions in Starfall Pavilion and Cloud Mist Sect, and if they wanted to expose them, they must have enough evidence. Cloud Mist Sect.
Yun Shan used a small knife to carve out his own blood. While performing the ritual, he detected movement outside the room. He engaged in a fight with a black-clad person. The black-clad person used a feint to steal Yun Shan's small knife. In the back mountain, Nalan Yanran gave the stolen small knife to Yun Yun for inspection. Yun Yun believed Nalan Yanran was playing with fire and told Nalan Yanran the origin of the small knife.
This small knife was a meeting gift from Blood Sect's Fan Lao to Yun Shan. This knife was named Black Dragon Dagger. Its unique feature was that it recognized its master. The person using this knife must feed it with their own blood to achieve a telepathic connection. After that, no matter thousands of miles away, as long as the master summoned it, it would immediately appear. Just then, Yun Shan was summoning the dagger.
The dagger tried to escape from Nalan Yanran's hand, but Nalan Yanran believed this was evidence of Yun Shan's collusion with the Soul Hall, and she was unwilling to let go of the dagger. Nalan Yanran flew up with the dagger. Yun Yun grabbed Nalan Yanran, hoping she would let go. However, Nalan Yanran gripped the dagger with her bare hand, ready to feed it with her own blood to become its new master.
Yun Shan was chanting a Soul Hall spell. The spell helped Nalan Yanran greatly. The Soul Hall's spell and Nalan Yanran's blood ultimately made Nalan Yanran the dagger's new master, while Yun Shan looked defeated. Xiao Yan was nowhere to be seen. Hao Tian thought Xiao Yan had changed. Han Xian brought up the three-year agreement between Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran.
Just then, two students came to find Lin Xiuya, preparing to take Lin Xiuya with them down the mountain to fight the Blood Sect. Lin Xiuya asked if Han Xian and his group wanted to go down the mountain together. Han Xian decided to discuss it with Xiao Xun'er and Xiao Yan first before making a decision. On the other side, Xiao Yan came to find Mi Tengshan.
Mi Tengshan brought up the three-year agreement between Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran. Now Nalan Yanran would hold the position of clan leader of two major families, and he deeply feared that Xiao Yan would be in danger, so he decided to go with Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan refused Mi Tengshan. Mi Tengshan no longer insisted, only asking Xiao Yan to promise that if he needed anything, he must come to him. Heavenly Flame Refining Qi Tower.
Han Feng came into the tower. He dripped a drop of blood onto the ground, causing an anomaly in the Heavenly Flame Refining Qi Tower. On the other side, Xiao Yan led Lin Xiuya and his group down the mountain without permission, but a group of new students encountered an attack from the Talisman Sect. Lin Xiuya had no choice but to return to the academy to inform Ruo Lin of the situation.
Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er arrived at the place where the students disappeared, realizing it was also where they were attacked by the Talisman Sect previously. Xiao Xun'er discovered a patch of mist ahead; she guessed the students were sealed within the mist. Just as Hu Jia was about to rush in recklessly, Ruo Lin appeared in time. She saw the formation ahead and frankly stated that she could not break it either.
Ruo Lin asked them to return to Canaan Academy first, while she prepared to invite an elder who knew this Dou Skill. Xiao Xun'er stopped Ruo Lin, believing they did not have much time left and had to rescue the students as soon as possible.
Episode 39 Recap
Xiao Xun'er held the Heaven-Suppressing Bow and broke through Fu Zong's mist. The group saw the situation inside the formation and decided to enter to rescue people. They stepped forward to deal with Fu Zong's puppets. Although they were skilled and had profound Dou Qi, the puppets, under Fu Zong's control, were neither born nor destroyed, continuously draining Xiao Yan and others' Dou Qi, preventing them from bringing their fellow disciples out of the formation.
Subsequently, Xiao Yan formulated a strategy: he had Hao Tian lead the new students out of the formation first, Lin Xiuya and Han Feng guard both sides, and he and Ruo Lin faced the enemy head-on. Fu Zong withdrew the formation. He told Xiao Yan and the others to leave as soon as possible, or he wouldn't be merciful. Xiao Yan refused to leave and instead brought up the matter of killing an old lady previously.
Xiao Yan had intended to make Fu Zong cautious, but when Fu Zong learned that the few people in front of him were the murderers of his old wife, his eyes reddened, and he prepared to kill Xiao Yan and his group to avenge his old wife. Mi Tengshan and the elders came to the forest. They worked together to break the formation, and with Xiao Yan's help, everyone easily broke Fu Zong's formation.
Ge Ye seized the opportunity to kill Fu Zong, who was preparing to escape, but accidentally got infected by Fu Zong's Thousand Worm Gu. All the students took the chance to beat Ge Ye, forcing the Gu worms out of his body. In recent days, the Sky-Burning Qi Refining Tower has shown various anomalies, and the Yellow Spring Earth Core Python has also become active, which has drawn the elders' attention.
Gu He wanted to unite with the elders to seal the Yellow Spring Earth Core Python, but Mi Tengshan and the other elders disagreed, stating that the great python was an ancient divine beast, and they were simply incapable of sealing it. If one day the great python truly emerged from underground, Canaan Academy would likely face a catastrophe.
After the Elder Council's research and decision, the academy would temporarily stop all students from entering the Qi Refining Tower for study, which caused much discussion among the students. Gu He and Han Feng came to the Qi Refining Tower. Gu He said that the Yellow Spring Earth Core Python underground could assist them, but it was difficult to control. Han Feng smirked with a look of determination.
He took out an item from his hand, claiming that the blood of Fan Lao in his hand could enrage the Yellow Spring Earth Core Python underground and make the great python serve them. Gu He saw this and thought Han Feng's plan was very ingenious. Yun Yun came to see Yun Zong.
Yun Zong handed her a scroll, saying that his dagger had found a new master and this scroll was of no use to him anymore, perhaps Yun Yun might need it. Yun Zong's words implied that Yun Yun had stolen the dagger. Yun Yun immediately knelt down to express her loyalty to Yun Zong. Yun Zong brought up the recent anomalies in the Cloud Mist Sect, believing that Yun Yun had betrayed him.
Yun Yun wanted to express her loyalty by dying, and only then did Yun Zong believe her. He told Yun Yun to pay close attention to the abnormal actions of other disciples, as the Cloud Mist Sect could not afford to be in chaos right now. Afterwards, Yun Zong mentioned the skill of the woman who stole the dagger, believing that the thief must be an outstanding person of the younger generation.
Canaan Academy experienced an anomaly; the Yellow Spring Earth Core Python escaped from underground. Mi Tengshan immediately decided to prioritize saving people over putting out fires, instructing those above the Dou Ling level to enter the tower in three groups. Before Mi Tengshan finished speaking, Xiao Yan was the first to rush into the tower. Inside, he saw Han Feng and Gu He. He wanted to know what they had done to enrage the Yellow Spring Earth Core Python.
Han Feng and Gu He wanted to kill Xiao Yan in the tower, while Mi Tengshan and the other elders were outside sealing the Yellow Spring Earth Core Python. Xun'er was anxiously searching for Xiao Yan. Just then, Fan Lao of the Blood Sect, with a large number of followers, broke through the seal and rushed into the academy. Mi Tengshan told the other elders to continue sealing while he prepared to go out and face the enemy.
Han Feng and Gu He attacked Xiao Yan together, but Xiao Yan's abilities had advanced by leaps and bounds; even united, they were no match for Xiao Yan. At this point, Han Feng locked Xiao Yan in a cultivation room. He sprinkled Fan Lao's blood on Xiao Yan, causing the Yellow Spring Earth Core Python to become agitated again, and Xiao Yan fell down the tower. There was great mystery below the tower.
Xiao Yan saw a Buddha statue at the bottom. The Buddha statue said that darkness was approaching the world and asked Xiao Yan if he was "that person," stating that he had been waiting for that person for a long time. After speaking, Xiao Yan fell further down.
He met a strong man and only then learned that what he had just seen was a projection of the Dou Di, and this strong man was the incarnation of the Yellow Spring Earth Core Python. He was tasked by the Dou Di to guard the Sky-Burning Qi Refining Tower. Xiao Yan thanked the Yellow Spring Earth Core Python for its previous assistance.
The Yellow Spring Earth Core Python brought up the harassment it had endured recently, stating that it had no choice but to shatter the Sky-Burning Qi Refining Tower. The Yellow Spring Earth Core Python was well aware that Canaan Academy's seal was no longer strong, which allowed the evil spirits from the Soul Palace to seize opportunities.
It bestowed a fortuitous encounter upon Xiao Yan, hoping that Xiao Yan would thoroughly comprehend it, and after going out, help it clear away those evil spirits from the Soul Palace, and also tell the academy elders to activate the prophecy and find "that person." What the Yellow Spring Earth Core Python bestowed upon Xiao Yan was the Skyfire Three Profound Change, a special Dou Technique that the Dou Di used to defeat Hun Miesheng in his final battle.
However, it was infinitely powerful and its energy was too violent; each use would cause damage to the human body. The Yellow Spring Earth Core Python warned Xiao Yan that if he used it for evil, it would retrieve it even if it had to search every corner of the Dou Qi Continent. Afterwards, Xiao Yan comprehended the true meaning of the Skyfire Three Profound Change.
He rushed out to unite with Xun'er and the academy elders, defeating Han Feng, Gu He, and Fan Lao, who then fled in disarray. Immediately after their escape, the Sky-Burning Qi Refining Tower also collapsed and was destroyed. The next day, the elders of Canaan Academy discussed what Han Feng and Gu He had done, none of them having anticipated that the two would become lackeys of the Soul Palace. At this moment, Xiao Yan arrived.
He told everyone about seeing the Yellow Spring Earth Core Python and the Dou Di yesterday. Ge Ye did not believe Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan displayed the Dou Di mark on his forehead and conveyed the Dou Di's words to them: the Dou Di King requested everyone to activate the seal and retrieve the prophecy; "that person" was coming, and darkness had already arrived. Xiao Yan did not understand the identity of "that person."
Mi Tengshan said that Xiao Yan would soon know. Afterwards, Mi Tengshan took out a scroll, stating that Canaan Academy had enshrined this prophecy since its establishment, but no one had been the fated person to unlock its seal. He asked Xiao Yan to try. Xiao Yan went to the Spatial Ring to see Yao Chen, asking about the identity of "that person."
Yao Chen said that he also did not know the identity of "that person," and that person could very well be Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan did not believe he had such great abilities. Yao Chen stated that no matter who "that person" was, he was ready to give his all for him. Afterwards, Yao Chen told Xiao Yan to activate the prophecy. Xiao Yan opened the scroll; he saw his past experiences and successfully unlocked the prophecy, which greatly astonished all the elders.
Episode 40 Recap
The Emperor Dou's prophecy was Xiao Yan's memory. The elders were deeply shocked, believing that the person was very likely referring to Xiao Yan. Ge Ye did not believe it, as Xiao Yan was not a true Dou Qi powerhouse and could not be that person. Mi Tengshan stated that the Emperor Dou's thoughts were beyond their comprehension, and from this day forward, they would not hinder Xiao Yan in anything he did.
He believed that if the Dou Qi Continent was blessed by heaven, that person would eventually appear. Afterward, Xiao Yan entered the storage ring space and told Yao Chen about the prophecy. Yao Chen believed that the savior referred to Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan frankly admitted that he had the confidence to become the strongest on this Dou Qi Continent, but lacked the confidence to save all living beings.
Facing Xiao Yan's lack of confidence, Yao Chen merely said that no one is born a hero, and whether or not to become a hero, it all depends on Xiao Yan's own choice. The next day, Xiao Yan came to Mi Tengshan to inquire about the prophecy.
If he were the savior as stated in the prophecy, he would lead everyone to seal Hun Miexian and completely eradicate the darkness, but he thought it was impossible for him to accomplish this. Mi Tengshan said that the prophecy being Xiao Yan's memory did not mean he was the hero in the prophecy.
Even the mighty Emperor Dou was no longer in this world, and the reason he was so fondly remembered by people today was not just because he defeated Hun Miexian, but because of his benevolence and generosity. If Xiao Yan wished to choose to be a hero, he must not only disregard his own life and death, but also be prepared to sacrifice for all living beings at any time. Xiao Yan was not ready for all this now.
Mi Tengshan continued, saying that the so-called prophecy was merely a confidence given by the Emperor Dou, a hope for survival, and a reason to continue fighting. If Xiao Yan could not fulfill the prophecy, there would be a next successor, and a next, until the mission in the prophecy was completed.
Mi Tengshan gave Xiao Yan the opportunity to choose for himself; if he wanted to become the person in the prophecy, he must undergo multiple trials, but if he was unwilling to accept, no one would blame him. Xiao Yan clearly told Mi Tengshan that if the day truly came when the world faced danger, he would be adequately mentally prepared. Afterward, Xiao Yan revealed the matter of the Skyfire Three Mysterious Change.
Mi Tengshan hoped that Xiao Yan would be fully prepared before going to the three-year agreement. Xiao Yan's Skyfire Three Mysterious Change reached a higher level. The three-year agreement was fast approaching, and Xiao Yan prepared to go alone, refusing Xiao Xun'er's company. Xiao Xun'er had already become the Dragon Mother and was much more mature in her conduct. She wondered why Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran didn't just forget the three-year agreement and live their separate lives.
Xiao Yan merely said that some people and some things are not that easy to forget. Seeing Xiao Yan's firm resolve to keep the appointment, Xiao Xun'er had no choice but to give him the lower volume of the Three Thousand Lightning Movement, hoping that Xiao Yan would return safely. Xiao Yan took the scroll and prepared to return to the Xiao family with Xiao Xun'er before heading to the Misty Cloud Sect.
At the Misty Cloud Sect, Nalan Yanran mastered the divine skill of the Black Dragon Dagger. Yun Yun was very surprised. She mentioned that the dagger required blood nourishment, and that it had an insatiable craving for its master's blood; once Nalan Yanran stopped feeding it, it would surely backfire.
At the same time, Yun Yun also brought up the matter of Yun Zong testing her with a scroll, and she believed that Nalan Yanran had now become neither human nor ghost. Nalan Yanran sneered, saying that she had already become this way the moment she became the Nalan clan leader. Nalan Yanran recalled the venomous oath Nalan Jie made her swear before his death, that she absolutely could not watch the Nalan family fall in her hands.
For the Nalan family, Nalan Yanran was willing to give everything, and she asked Yun Yun to help her. Yun Yun let out a self-mocking laugh. Nalan Yanran had cultivated such an evil technique that even Yun Shan was not her match, let alone Yun Yun herself. There was nothing she could do to help Nalan Yanran.
Nalan Yanran frankly told Yun Yun that on the day she became the sect master, the Nalan family would annex the Misty Cloud Sect, and she would definitely not let Xiao Yan win the three-year agreement. Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er returned to the Xiao family, only to find it desolate. In the main hall, they discovered sword marks and coagulated bloodstains.
There were no sword masters in the Xiao family, so Xiao Yan believed that the Xiao family must have been victimized. Afterward, they learned from neighbors that the Xiao family had been massacred, and that one of the leaders was named Zhe Yunshou. Zhe Yunshou not only annihilated the Xiao family but also took Xiao Zhan. Xiao Yan entered the storage ring space and learned Zhe Yunshou's identity from Yao Chen.
They both agreed that the Misty Cloud Sect had been infiltrated by the Soul Palace, and the Soul Palace's goal was the Di Tuo Ancient Jade. Yao Chen believed that Xiao Yan needed to find Xiao Zhan first and ask about the whereabouts of the Di Tuo Ancient Jade. Xiao Yan did not understand what the Di Tuo Ancient Jade was.
Yao Chen spoke of its history and purpose, stating that people wanted to obtain the ancient jade to become the supreme ruler of the world. In addition, Yao Chen believed that as long as Hun Miexian did not get the ancient jade's whereabouts, he would continue to imprison Xiao Zhan, so Xiao Zhan was not in immediate danger. Xiao Yan wanted to brave the Soul Palace altar again.
Yao Chen worried that Xiao Yan would not be able to get out once he entered. While his Dou Qi had indeed improved significantly, it was not yet at the level to challenge Hun Miexian. Yao Chen's mind was made up; he wanted to give the storage ring to Xiao Xun'er. Yao Chen was unwilling to let Xiao Yan risk it alone and decided to go with Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan told Xiao Xun'er of his decision.
He asked Xiao Xun'er to protect him, but if his face changed color or if he did not return within an hour, Xiao Xun'er must kill him. With these words, Xiao Yan sacrificed blood to the Xuanzhong Ruler and once again entered the Soul Palace altar. The altar was incredibly eerie. Xiao Yan found Xiao Zhan and tried to cut the iron chains to rescue him, but it was in vain.
Yao Chen also saw all of this from the storage ring space. He believed that fighting like this was not a solution; they were all sealed in their seven orifices by Hun Miexian. He could only try to awaken them. Yao Chen failed. Xiao Zhan urged Xiao Yan to go back quickly, but Xiao Yan was still a step late. Hun Miexian had already appeared before Xiao Yan, leaving Xiao Yan no way to escape.
Episode 41 Recap
Xiao Yan confronted Hun Miesheng directly. Hun Miesheng told Xiao Yan that the iron chains in the altar were the bones of his body, which had been frozen by a Dou Di for a thousand years, so he wanted to use the anger of these people for his own purposes. The two began to fight. Hun Miesheng's Dou Qi was powerful; Xiao Yan was no match for Hun Miesheng. He could only ignite the Buddha's Fury Lotus.
Yao Chen reminded Xiao Yan that if he threw the Buddha's Fury Lotus in his hand, Xiao Yan would very likely not be able to leave, and the Soul Hall altar would turn to ashes at that time. Xiao Yan was fearless. Yao Chen believed that Xiao Yan was his most proud disciple in this life. Xiao Yan threw out the Buddha's Fury Lotus and put his Dou Qi into it.
Yao Chen encouraged Xiao Yan, telling him not to slack off, as long as the lotus was still spinning, Hun Miesheng could not control it. Xiao Xun'er had been guarding by Xiao Yan's side. She saw her fingernails starting to grow longer, and in her heart, she frantically called out Xiao Yan's name. Xiao Xun'er could never bring herself to harm Xiao Yan. She transmitted Dou Qi to Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan heard Xiao Xun'er's voice.
Finally, he exerted all his strength, delivered a powerful blow, and escaped from the Soul Hall altar with Yao Chen. Yao Chen was very pleased to see this. Xiao Yan told Xiao Xun'er about Xiao Zhan's situation. He said that he would challenge the Soul Hall altar again. He met Hun Miesheng in the altar and learned that Hun Miesheng had things he feared, so he would challenge the Soul Hall altar next time only when he was fully confident.
Xiao Xun'er was afraid of history repeating itself, afraid that Xiao Yan would become the person in the prophecy. She didn't want to be involved in any history; she only wanted Xiao Yan to stay by her side safely. Xiao Yan said that human history is written by humans, not by the heavens.
He wasn't arrogant enough to think he was the hero of the prophecy, but as long as he had even a little ability, he wouldn't let darkness fall upon them. The next day, Xiao Xun'er couldn't find Xiao Yan at home, and she felt very sad in her heart. Xiao Yan came to the Xiao Family Dou Technique Pavilion in Tagor.
He retrieved the Xiao Family's Dituo Ancient Jade from under the spirit tablet and gave it to Yao Chen to examine. Yao Chen said that the ancient jade had the blessing of a Dou Di, which could protect its holder from the influence of the Soul Hall's evil spirits. He told Xiao Yan to carry the ancient jade with him, as it could protect Xiao Yan. At the Yun Lan Sect, Han Feng and Gu He fled to Yun Shan.
They told Yun Shan the reason for their severe injuries and asked him to help them heal. Nalan Yanran, standing outside the door, heard Han Feng's words and was deeply shocked, not expecting that Xiao Yan could injure them both like that with just one move of an unusual flame. Afterwards, Yun Shan gave Nalan Yanran the Yun Lan Sect's most precious treasures to examine.
The sword and mirror before her were bestowed upon the Yun Lan Sect by a Dou Di back then, representing the sect's legacy, and today they would be passed down from his hands. Yun Shan brought up the three-year agreement, fearing that Nalan Yanran would not be able to defeat Xiao Yan. Nalan Yanran stated that she would do her best not to disappoint Yun Shan's hopes.
She understood very well in her heart that if she could kill Xiao Yan this time, she would secure her position as sect leader. Afterwards, Yun Shan asked Nalan Yanran to what extent she had cultivated the Black Rakshasa. Nalan Yanran was very surprised that Yun Shan knew. Yun Shan believed Nalan Yanran's ambition was too great. He led Nalan Yanran to his study, only to see the corpses of the Eight Permanent Attendants lying in the study.
With the Eight Permanent Attendants revealed, their master-disciple relationship was also over. Yun Shan frankly told Nalan Yanran that the Black Rakshasa was bestowed by Fan Lao, and during its refinement, Fan Lao's blood and secret incantations had been added. If not for Fan Lao, Nalan Yanran would not be able to control the Black Rakshasa at all.
At the succession ceremony, Yun Shan passed his position as sect leader to Nalan Yanran, and Nalan Yanran succeeded as the new sect leader. Just then, Xiao Yan arrived to fulfill the three-year agreement. Nalan Yanran accepted the challenge, stating that she had never regretted breaking off the engagement three years ago. In today's battle, their lives and deaths would be decided by fate. As she finished speaking, the two publicly displayed their Dou Technique cultivation methods.
Xiao Yan's abilities were superior to Nalan Yanran's; he easily broke Nalan Yanran's Dou Techniques. Afterwards, Nalan Yanran unleashed her true abilities, and Xiao Yan actively met the challenge. Yun Shan, Han Feng, Gu He, and others were all shocked that Nalan Yanran had reached the Dou Wang level. Nalan Yanran and Xiao Yan also reached the moment of a decisive final blow. Xiao Yan was no longer what he used to be; he defeated Nalan Yanran.
Nalan Yanran lost the match and wanted to commit suicide but was stopped by Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan said that he had no interest in taking Nalan Yanran as a maid; Nalan Yanran had only lost once, and it wasn't enough to warrant seeking death. Xiao Yan came before Yun Shan; he wanted to clear his mother's name.
He publicly claimed that back then, the Yun Lan Sect and the Xingyun Pavilion had allied, coming to the Xiao family to cause trouble for the Xingyun Pavilion's treasure, forcing his mother Gu Wenxin to her death. Yun Shan explained to everyone that their siege of the Xiao family back then was not for the Xiao family's treasure, but to avenge the former leader of the Xingyun Pavilion.
If Gu Wenxin truly had a grievance, why would she have feared suicide back then? Yun Shan demanded Xiao Yan produce evidence, stating that if Xiao Yan could, he, Yun Shan, would lead all disciples of the Yun Lan Sect to commit suicide before Gu Wenxin, but if he couldn't, Xiao Yan shouldn't dream of leaving alive. Xiao Yan sneered, "If Gu Wenxin had truly taken the treasure back then, why would she have returned to the Xiao family?
And why would Xiao Zhan have needed to cripple his Dou Qi to prove his innocence?" Besides the matter of the treasure, Xiao Yan also investigated and clarified that the person who framed his mother and truly killed Yao Chen was Han Feng. Han Feng, fearing that his actions would be exposed, wanted to kill Xiao Yan to silence him. A man named Yan Luotian also came out to stand on Han Feng's side.
The two were no match for Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan crippled Yan Luotian's Dou Qi. Yun Shan personally attacked Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan brought up various matters, such as Yun Shan colluding with the Soul Hall and annihilating the entire Xiao family. Yun Shan refused to admit anything, instead, he unleashed the full might of the Yun Lan Sect to deal with Xiao Yan.
Episode 42 Recap
Xiao Xun'er came to the Cloud Mist Sect to help Xiao Yan. She brought up the Cloud Mist Sect's various sins, wanting to represent the Ancient Clan to execute justice on behalf of heaven and fight Yun Shan to the death. Yun Shan demanded that Xiao Xun'er mind her own business, but Xiao Xun'er insisted on seeking justice for the Xiao family.
Yun Shan placed a major charge on Xiao Yan, claiming that Xiao Yan intended to ally with the Ancient Clan's Dragon Mother to stir up conflicts with the other three major clans, destroying the friendship of the Five Clans Alliance, and that he was the traitor among the five clans. After saying this, Yun Shan attacked Xiao Yan.
Mo Bas of the Snake-People Tribe led ten thousand soldiers of the Snake-People Tribe to assist Xiao Yan, and Medusa also appeared to resolve Yun Shan's moves for Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan had not expected everyone to appear. However, Yun Shan was preparing to slaughter everyone in the Cloud Mist Sect. The two sides began to fight.
Yun Shan finally admitted to slaughtering the Xiao family, claiming that if Xiao Zhan had been willing to hand over the ancient jade at that time, the Xiao family would not have reached this point. Xiao Yan wanted to kill Yun Shan to avenge the Xiao family. He used the Three Mysterious Transformations of Heavenly Flame. Once this move was unleashed, its power was boundless; even Yun Shan was no match for Xiao Yan.
Folded Cloud Hand and the Thirteen Elders sensed the Cloud Mist Sect's crisis and both appeared in mid-air to assist the Cloud Mist Sect. Xiao Yan told everyone to step back, wanting to challenge the Thirteen Swords of the Cloud Mist Sect alone. The Thirteen Swords of the Cloud Mist Sect lived up to their reputation, possessing immense power, but Xiao Yan was by no means an ordinary person.
He single-handedly broke the Thirteen Swords, utterly destroying the once dominant Cloud Mist Sect. Fan Lao personally arrived at the Cloud Mist Sect. He extracted the essence souls of the Thirteen Elders. Xiao Yan believed he couldn't escape this calamity. He was very apologetic for implicating Yao Chen. Originally, he had only intended to fulfill the three-year agreement, but with the Xiao family destroyed, he had no more attachments in this world.
He only wanted to execute justice on behalf of heaven and absolutely could not let Fan Lao destroy the Dou Qi Continent. Fan Lao wanted to subdue Xiao Yan, but Xiao Yan was never one to be submissive. Yao Chen had long said that he would give everything for 'that person.' He admired Xiao Yan's arrogance, saying that if Xiao Yan could survive today, he would definitely be 'that person.'
Yao Chen unleashed a cultivation technique within the storage ring space, wanting to give Hun Miesheng Fan Lao a grand gift together with Xiao Yan. Just then, Xiao Yan grew wings and soared into mid-air. He used the Three Thousand Lightning Movement technique, combined with the Buddha's Fury Lotus. As these two powerful moves were unleashed, Fan Lao could not withstand them. Xiao Yan defeated Fan Lao but fell to the ground severely wounded, on the verge of death.
Xiao Yixian, riding the Little Lion King, arrived by Xiao Yan's side. She called out Xiao Yan's name, wanting to take the heavily injured Xiao Yan back to the Magic Beast Mountain Range. At this moment, Nalan Yanran came before Xiao Yixian. She told Xiao Yixian to take Xiao Yan away, believing she had let Xiao Zhan down. Xiao Yixian took Xiao Yan to a cave in the Magic Beast Mountain Range. She cried uncontrollably, hugging Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan's heart meridians were severed, and she didn't know how to save him. Xiao Yan woke up, aware of his severe injuries, feeling that he would die without regrets. Xiao Yixian was unwilling to let Xiao Yan die. She told Xiao Yan to wait in the cave for her return, as she went to find medicine for him. After Xiao Yixian left, Han Feng came before Xiao Yan.
He forcibly took the storage ring from Xiao Yan's hand and entered the storage ring space to see Yao Chen. Han Feng apologized to Yao Chen, saying that he had wronged him. Yao Chen knew well that Han Feng had come to see the treasures of the Starfall Pavilion. He showed Han Feng the Starfall Pavilion's treasures, which were actually the childhood homework of all Yao Chen's disciples, including Han Feng. Han Feng knew Yao Chen hated him.
He knelt before Yao Chen and apologized, saying that everything he had done was not as Yao Chen imagined. Han Feng truly repented, and Yao Chen forgave Han Feng. But Han Feng claimed that darkness was approaching, and Hun Miesheng was about to attack. Xiao Yan was now just a cripple, and the entire Starfall Pavilion depended on him alone.
He needed Yao Chen to quickly transfer the Starfall Pavilion's treasures, Dou Skill cultivation methods, and Heavenly Flames to him so he could kill Hun Miesheng and save the Dou Qi Continent. Yao Chen felt extremely disheartened by Han Feng's request. Han Feng pleaded with Yao Chen, saying that he had only killed Yao Chen previously to prevent the Starfall Pavilion from falling into danger. Yao Chen did not believe Han Feng, and Han Feng revealed his true colors.
He threatened Xiao Yan's life to force Yao Chen to hand over the ancient jade, believing Yao Chen to be the greatest sinner of the Starfall Pavilion. Han Feng tied up Yao Chen, wanting to take Yao Chen out of the storage ring space, but Yao Chen could not take a single step out. Han Feng had no choice but to leave the storage ring space alone first.
He took the storage ring in front of Xiao Yan, stating that if Xiao Yan was unconvinced, he must personally go to the Soul Hall to retrieve it. Meanwhile, Han Xian and his group arrived at the Cloud Mist Sect but only saw its desolate state, not understanding what had truly happened. Xiao Xun'er found Xiao Yan in the cave.
She hugged Xiao Yan tightly and cried profusely, taking the Di Tuo Ancient Jade from Xiao Yan's body, claiming she had no choice for the sake of the Ancient Clan. If there was a next life, she hoped she could simply love Xiao Yan. Afterward, Xiao Xun'er put Xiao Yan down and left alone. Before leaving, she said she would avenge Xiao Yan. Seeing Xiao Xun'er's back, Xiao Yan was filled with sorrow but unexpectedly found a glimmer of hope.
