Chapter 345: Xiao Yan's Farewell
In the central square, Xiao Yan looked towards the golden rack on the platform, a bitter smile forming on his lips. "I can't believe I missed such a grand event just by being secluded in alchemy for a few days. So many high-level pills completed in just a few days..."
After watching Xiao Ze's public alchemy on the first day, Xiao Yan had gained new insights into his own alchemical techniques. He had sequestered himself for several days to advance his skills further. After one last deep look at the pills on the platform, he turned and headed towards the headquarters of the Sky Alliance.
At the entrance of the headquarters, the Dou Huang guards recognized Xiao Yan and immediately smiled. "Lord Xiao Yan, are you here to see the Alliance Leader?"
Xiao Yan nodded. His frequent visits had made his relationship with Xiao Ze well-known among these guards. They quickly stepped aside to let him pass, and Xiao Yan made his way to the great hall where Xiao Ze was located.
As Xiao Yan's figure disappeared, the guards began to whisper among themselves. "It's true, the Alliance Leader's talents are unparalleled. Lord Xiao Yan has achieved so much at such a young age, already a genius, but still not quite on par with the Alliance Leader."
"Indeed, whether it's in terms of Dou Qi or alchemy, the Alliance Leader is superior. Being the older brother, Lord Xiao Yan must feel a lot of pressure."
Xiao Yan, with his powerful soul force, overheard their whispers, but he simply smiled slightly and did not take it to heart. Years of experience had steeled him against such talk.
Inside the great hall, Xiao Ze popped a pill into his mouth, its potent energy absorbed by the Tree of Origins within him. With his substantial resources and the Tree's efficient absorption, Xiao Ze wasn't sparing in using pills to enhance his strength, especially with the potential threat from the Soul Palace looming.
Since the Tree of Origins absorbed energy autonomously, Xiao Ze could focus on other matters. He was perusing ancient alchemical texts, all acquired in the Black Corner Region, which had been a lawless land filled with untraceable ancient texts that now proved useful.
Suddenly, feeling a tug on his soul perception, Xiao Ze looked up towards the door with a smile. "Brother, come in."
Just as Xiao Yan was about to knock, he heard Xiao Ze's voice and pushed the door open. "Brother, have you thought about the offer I mentioned before?" Xiao Ze asked with a smile. He had previously invited Xiao Yan to join the Sky Alliance as an honorary elder.
"I think I'll pass. I've gotten used to being on my own. Even though I spent some time with the Anti-Yunlan Alliance, it was out of necessity," Xiao Yan replied. "Now that things have stabilized, I find myself missing the days when I was on my own."
"I see, then I won't insist. Are you planning to go to Central Province?" Xiao Ze nodded, respecting Xiao Yan's wishes.
"Yes, I've always been drawn to Central Province. It's a gathering place for the strong, a true crucible for training!" Xiao Yan's voice held a trace of excitement at the mention.
"Since you're set on this, I won't say much more. But be careful; Central Province is far more complex than the Northwest Continent. It's easy to attract unwanted attention," Xiao Ze cautioned. "Not just because of the exotic flames you carry, which are coveted by fire attribute practitioners, but also because your teacher's powerful spiritual body could draw the attention of the Soul Palace."
Xiao Yan was initially surprised, but he quickly understood, as Yao Lao had often mentioned that Xiao Ze was aware of his presence. "Ha, I didn't expect to be directly called out by you, Xiao Ze, before my departure. It's only right for me to meet you face to face. I am Xiao Yan's teacher, Yao Chen."
Yao Lao's spirit emerged from the ring. Following closely, Xiao Yan introduced him: "Brother, this is my alchemy teacher, Yao Lao."
Xiao Ze stood and bowed respectfully. "Are you the renowned first alchemist of Central Province, Yao Chen? I've heard the presidents of the Pill Tower speak of you often."
Yao Chen was startled that Xiao Ze knew of him. And hearing Xiao Ze mention the Pill Tower's top figures familiarly, it seemed Xiao Ze had a good standing there. Yao Lao sighed, somewhat nostalgically, "It's been many years, and I'm surprised that the younger generation still remembers me."
"You're too modest, Elder Yao. You were well-known in Central Province. But to find you in such a state now," Xiao Ze commented with a hint of respect, lightly touching on the difficulties Yao Lao had faced.
"Sigh, the Soul Palace!" Yao Lao sighed deeply, a hint of resentment in his voice.
As Xiao Ze was already aware of most of the details from Yao Lao, hearing it from the person involved was still impactful. He nodded somberly and then reassured, "Elder Yao, you haven't misjudged this time. My brother is truly an excellent disciple."
Yao Lao chuckled, looking at Xiao Yan with a gaze full of pride and relief. "Indeed, I am very fortunate to have taken Xiao Yan as my disciple."
After chatting for a while longer, Xiao Ze stood to see off the two, watching them head towards Tianya City. He pondered whether to set up a spatial portal in Sky Alliance City. "Once all remnants of the Yunlan Sect are eradicated, I'll set up a space portal to connect directly with Central Province, making travel between them much easier."
Holding a jade slip given by Yao Lao as a token of gratitude for killing Han Feng and clearing his name, Xiao Ze appreciated the gesture. As Central Province's premier alchemist, Yao Lao's insights were valuable. Xiao Ze glanced over the contents and nodded in satisfaction.
"As Brother heads to Central Province, he's likely to stir up storms again. Central Province won't be calm for long," Xiao Ze mused with a smile, anticipating Xiao Yan's adventures in Central Province.
Just then, Qing Lin informed him through the golden tree that people from the Heavenly Snake Mansion were looking for her. This was a surprise, as in the original story, they had taken Qing Lin away for training, planning to make her their next leader. Now, with the shifts in circumstances and Qing Lin's strength far from fragile, any attempt to take her would likely spell doom for the Heavenly Snake Mansion.
Curious about their intentions, Xiao Ze summoned his subordinates, leaving behind the Monster Phoenix Marionette as a precaution, then headed to a secluded hall. A golden tree root emerged, tearing open a spatial rift.
Stepping through, Xiao Ze decided to personally check on Qing Lin's situation.
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(End of chapter)