In Wu Tan City, within the Xiao family.
Xiao Yan sat dejectedly at the table, his fingers drumming harder and harder on its surface. If not for Yao Lao beside him, he might have unleashed all his pent-up anger on the table.
"Teacher, it's been months, and there's no clue at all. Has my father really disappeared without a trace?"
Xiao Yan had initially suspected that Xiao Zhan was taken by the Misty Cloud Sect. But after infiltrating the sect for some time, he found no information about his father, leaving him deeply frustrated. He felt a mix of anger towards those who had abducted his father and self-loathing for his own helplessness.
"Xiao Yan, since they kidnapped your father, they must want something from him. For now, your father should be safe!" Yao Lao reassured Xiao Yan. "The most important thing now is to strengthen yourself. Only by becoming powerful can you investigate further."
Xiao Yan nodded in agreement.
For instance, that black soul body he encountered at the Misty Cloud Sect- Yao Lao said it came from the mysterious Hall of Souls. But at Xiao Yan's current level, he wasn't even qualified to know what the Hall of Souls was.
He clenched his fists tightly, yearning to become stronger.
"Let's head to the Falling Star Pavilion first. Once my strength is restored, I'll help you get to the bottom of this!"
...
In the new Holy City of the Snake-People Tribe within the Magic Beast Mountain Range.
The city was now decorated with lights and festivities, and every family wore smiles, praying according to the ancient rituals of the Snake-People. But they weren't celebrating the new Holy City; they were celebrating the first birthday of Xian Yue.
Originally, only Gu Fei, Xiao Yi Xian, and a few others knew about Xian Yue's birthday. But somehow, word got out, and the entire Snake-People Tribe spontaneously celebrated her birthday.
Cai Lin stood atop the Holy City, overlooking the Snake-People below, a sweet, satisfied smile on her face. "Your influence among the Snake-People is already surpassing mine," she said excitedly.
Gu Fei smiled slightly as he watched the joyous Snake-People, thinking that being revered by so many felt quite nice.
"Daddy... Hug!" Suddenly, a tender voice came from beside Gu Fei. Xiao Yi Xian had arrived, holding Xian Yue in her arms.
The little one had finally learned to speak, though she could only manage simple words. But her innocent voice, like that of an angel, was utterly endearing.
"Yue'er, come here!" Gu Fei reached out and picked her up, showing her the excited Snake-People below.
Xian Yue didn't understand what they were doing but she started jumping happily.
The new Holy City not only represented the rebirth of the city but also the rebirth of the entire Snake-People Tribe. They were on a path to greater strength and prosperity.
The celebration lasted for a long time before gradually calming down, and as the Snake-People adapted to their new environment, they returned to a peaceful life.
One day, as Zi Yan was playing with Xian Yue, she suddenly remembered something. She jumped up and dashed straight toward Gu Fei.
Seeing Zi Yan rushing toward him like a meteor startled Gu Fei. Even with his strength, getting hit by her without preparation wouldn't be pleasant.
"Big brother, didn't you forget something?" Zi Yan asked urgently.
"What's that?" Gu Fei asked, puzzled.
"You said you'd give me a great opportunity for breaking into the Pill Realm, remember? You can't go back on your word!" Zi Yan reminded him of the promise he made before they entered the Pill Realm.
Seeing her serious expression, Gu Fei understood what Zi Yan was thinking.
Though Zi Yan appeared carefree and playful every day, she had concerns deep down. She had returned to the Ancient Void Dragon Island, undergone her inheritance, and understood the current situation of the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe. As the only member of the royal bloodline, Zi Yan was destined to become the new Dragon Emperor.
Even though Zi Yan longed for freedom, she couldn't help but consider her race's future. She wanted to grow stronger, unify the Dragon Tribe quickly, and ensure that everyone on Ancient Void Dragon Island could live in peace.
Gu Fei had indeed promised Zi Yan a great opportunity, but there were many uncertainties.
"That opportunity hasn't appeared yet. I'm not even sure if we'll find it..." Gu Fei said thoughtfully.
The opportunity he spoke of was the ancient remains left behind by a Dou Saint, Zhao Hua.
Ancient remains, as the name suggests, are remnants from ancient times. The ancient era was vastly different from the present, and over countless years, many relics were naturally left behind. Some may have been buried or lost over time, but occasionally, they reappear.
In reality, it's just that the seal left by the former owners of the ruins weakens over time, revealing the space they sealed.
"We won't find anything just waiting around here. Let's go out and search. Maybe we'll stumble upon it!" Zi Yan was thrilled to hear that the opportunity existed and immediately wanted to drag Gu Fei out to search for it.
Gu Fei nodded in agreement. With his current strength, he might be able to bring the ruins into the open. If not, he could always ask for help from his elders.
Since he knew the general location of the ruins, the first step was to find it. The rest could be dealt with later.
After agreeing with Zi Yan, Gu Fei informed Xiao Yi Xian and Cai Lin about their plan.
"Is it Zi Yan's opportunity?" Xiao Yi Xian smiled as she patted Zi Yan's head. "If you obtain this chance, you'll become even stronger."
"Yes! I want to become super powerful, just like Gu Fei!" Zi Yan declared proudly, looking at Gu Fei.
"Why not aim to be stronger than Gu Fei?" Qing Lin suddenly asked.
Zi Yan immediately turned to Qing Lin and said, "Gu Fei is already incredibly talented; surpassing him would be very difficult. I'd be more than satisfied to be as strong as he is."
Gu Fei watched Zi Yan's retreating figure, knowing that she was trying to flatter him, afraid he wouldn't take her to the ruins.
"Alright, once everything with the Snake-People is settled, we'll get ready to leave."
After that, Cai Lin went to handle some tribal matters. As the tribe's Queen, she couldn't be as carefree as the others.
Not long after, Gu Fei and his group left the Magic Beast Mountain Range, with the Lion King serving as their mount.
Upon returning, they found that the Lion King's child had broken through to the fifth rank. Before they left, the Lion King instructed its child to protect the Snake-People, ensuring mutual care between them.
"Where are we headed?" Zi Yan asked Gu Fei on the way.
"Towards your territory, the Beast Region!"
The Beast Region was entirely controlled by magical beasts. Though some humans lived there, the magical beast tribes, which operated as family units, harbored strong xenophobia. Humans living there faced an extremely harsh environment, walking the line between life and death daily.