Xiao Hua stood alone at the edge of the cliff, his gaze drifting absentmindedly toward the sky, now dyed in a deep shade of orange. In his hand rested a neatly folded, deep-blue armor vest. His fingers traced the faint cracks across its surface—marks of past battles, faintly mended yet still carrying their scars.
Yun Yun had already departed with Nalan Yanran, and though their exchange was brief, it had left Xiao Hua's heart unsettled.
Drawing in a long breath, he finally calmed the turbulence within. The vest was placed back into his storage ring, and with great reluctance, he pulled his eyes away from the direction Yun Yun had vanished. In the next instant, his figure disappeared from Misty Cloud Mountain.
When he reappeared, it was within the quiet courtyard deep in the Primer Clan's mansion. His sudden arrival startled a few, but upon recognizing him, the servants and guards quickly bowed in greeting before returning to their duties.
Xiao Hua merely gave a light nod in acknowledgment, not stopping them. Instead, his steps carried him swiftly toward a secluded room at the back. Pausing before the door, he stood silently for a moment, then gently pushed it open.
A faint fragrance lingered within the room. His eyes fell upon three graceful figures and a small, adorable child sitting upon the bed, her short legs dangling as she kicked them lightly—waiting expectantly for his return.
They were Cai Lin, Ya Fei and the Little Fairy Doctor. The child, of course, was none other than Xiao Yuyan.
Noticing his presence, Xiao Yuyan's eyes lit up. She hopped off the bed with light steps, her tiny figure treading upon the air as she ran forward with a bright smile.
"Father has returned!"
That crisp, innocent voice made Xiao Hua's heart tremble. A radiant smile broke across his face as he watched the little girl dash toward him through the air. An indescribable warmth surged in his chest—he was truly a father.
Dropping to one knee, he caught her in his arms and seated her on his thigh. He pressed a kiss upon her smooth little forehead, his heart brimming with joy. When Xiao Yuyan began wriggling in resistance after enduring too many of his kisses, he could not help but laugh aloud, the sound echoing with unrestrained happiness.
Hiss! Hiss!
Suddenly, the space between Xiao Yuyan's brows lit up, and as his laughter filled the room, a seven-colored shadow shot forth. Hovering above the girl, the small snake flicked its tongue playfully at Xiao Hua.
"Cai Xiao? Ha ha… to think you would reincarnate through my daughter's body!"
Xiao Hua froze in surprise for a moment, then burst into joyous laughter. He never expected that the little snake, which had once greedily devoured his Amethyst Essence, would actually manage to reincarnate in the same manner as within the novel.
"Thanks to that, Xiao Yuyan is able to draw upon its strength… in other words, she possessed the power of an elite Dou Zong the very moment she was born," Cai Lin softly explained as she approached the overjoyed Xiao Hua.
"It is not only that," Xiao Hua replied, rising to his feet and holding Xiao Yuyan close in his arms. His gaze deepened as he continued, "Her soul has already reached the peak of the Soul State and is on the verge of breaking through to the Initial Heavenly State."
"Unfortunately, we know far too little about her spiritual strength," Ya Fei spoke solemnly. "After all, we never allowed anyone outside the Hua Alliance to learn of her existence."
Everyone in the room, except for the innocent Xiao Yuyan, understood the weight behind Ya Fei's words. There was at least one traitor within the Hua Alliance who had leaked this information to the Hall of Souls.
"While you were away, Qing Lin and I have been investigating," the Little Fairy Doctor said with a faint sigh. "We do have a few suspects, but…"
"No evidence, correct?" Xiao Hua interrupted gently, his tone calm yet sharp. "It would be strange if they had left any behind. Those who conspire with the Hall of Souls erase their traces long before their schemes unfold—just in case the plan fails."
He wasn't surprised by the lack of proof, and while speaking, his attention returned to playing with Xiao Yuyan. Yet in the midst of that warmth, something in the Little Fairy Doctor's words struck him as odd.
"Qing Lin…?" His expression shifted slightly as he murmured, stunned by the unexpected mention of her presence.
"That's right. You didn't notice her…?" The Little Fairy Doctor raised a brow, fully aware of how keen Xiao Hua's spiritual perception usually was.
"I was too focused on Yun Shan and the others to sense her presence…" Xiao Hua replied with an awkward smile.
Yet, in his memory, the image of a familiar young lady flickered—her aura unique yet deeply familiar. He recalled seeing her beside Cai Lin when he had sought permission to rushed towards Yun Yun.
"Oh?" His expression shifted, a faint light flickering in his eyes as his gaze turned toward the door. "It seems I will be meeting her again very soon."
Moments later, Qing Lin appeared, rushing forward with a solemn expression. She halted outside the room, about to speak—yet the instant her eyes fell upon the only man within, her entire body froze.
"Young… Young Master Xiao Hua?" Her voice trembled, her heart quivering as if struck by lightning.
Carrying Xiao Yuyan in his arms, Xiao Hua stepped toward her. Almost instinctively, his free hand reached out and gently rubbed her head, a warm smile appearing on his lips. "Little girl, it has been a few years since we last met. You've truly grown."
Qing Lin's eyes instantly reddened, tears brimming as warmth flooded her chest. That familiar touch shattered the restraint she had carried all these years. She remembered clearly—back then, he had never treated her as a mere servant. To him, she was a younger sister, someone to protect and cherish.
Back then, when she had heard the grievous news of Xiao Hua's injuries during his clash with the Hall of Souls, her world nearly collapsed. If not for Lady Azure's calm reassurance, she would have abandoned the Sky Serpent Mansion without hesitation, venturing alone into the Central Plains to search for him.
Xiao Hua chuckled helplessly at her flustered reaction. After rubbing her head for a while, he finally withdrew his hand and asked softly,
"Qing Lin, how has the Sky Serpent Mansion treated you? Did they bully you?"
"No, no… they treated me very well. They even intend for me to take charge of the Sky Serpent Mansion one day. But…" Qing Lin shook her head, answering in haste. Her voice weakened near the end, yet everyone could still hear her clearly. "Some of the Elders… wished to match me with the eldest son of the previous chief, so I… escaped."
Having reached the Dou Zong realm, she had relied on the resources Xiao Hua left for her, along with those of the Sky Serpent Mansion. Using the excuse of going out for experience, she left the clan—when in truth, she was fleeing from the elders' relentless talk of marriage.
Little did she expect that this decision would change everything. While wandering, she heard rumors of unrest in the Jia Ma Empire. Upon learning that the Primer Clan was about to be besieged by numerous forces, she immediately rushed back, her heart filled with unease.
"Anyway, didn't you come here for a reason? Let's focus on that first," Xiao Hua said with a faint smile.
"Ah… that's right!" Qing Lin blinked in realization, then quickly steadied herself. Her expression turned solemn as her gaze swept across the room.
"Young Master Xiao Hua, Sister Fairy Doctor, Sister Cai Lin, Sister Ya Fei… I questioned some of the high-ranking leaders among those who attacked us. They admitted that the orders came from information leaked two weeks ago. During that period, two individuals were especially active in stirring trouble. Yet, their movements seemed unusual… almost as if they were deliberately covering something."
"Let me guess…" Ya Fei's brows knitted tightly, her tone turning frosty. "The Pill Hall's Department Heads—Liu Chang and Wu Zhen."
Qing Lin silently nodded. She wasn't surprised that Ya Fei had guessed correctly. After all, the list of troubles caused by those two was long enough to infuriate anyone. They remained untouched, protected by their alchemist status, while others would have long since faced punishment.
"Pill Hall? Liu Chang? Wu Zhen?" Xiao Hua's brows rose slightly at the unfamiliar names.
"It's no wonder you don't know them—or the Pill Hall." Cai Lin sighed, a trace of weariness in her voice as she began to explain.
"As we continue to battle with the Misty Cloud Sect, Ya Fei and I decided to recruit alchemists, using the high-tier pill formulas you entrusted to us. Thus, the Pill Hall was created. With such temptation, countless alchemists came under our banner.
The Pill Hall quickly grew into one of the Hua Alliance's most important pillars. With the influx of pills and alchemists, our alliance entered a period of rapid development. But naturally, with influence came arrogance. Some within the Pill Hall even dare to claim that the Hua Alliance could not exist without them."
Her tone sharpened slightly, carrying the edge of suppressed frustration. "Over time, the Pill Hall has begun to operate with a will of its own. Since Ya Fei and I are not alchemists, our authority doesn't deter them. Some of the upper echelons have even started ignoring orders outright."
Xiao Hua slowly nodded, his gaze thoughtful. This was a problem he understood well. When power grows too vast, it becomes difficult to restrain. To the common people, alchemists already held lofty status. Combined with the Pill Hall's importance to the Hua Alliance, it was inevitable that arrogance would flourish.
In the hearts of those alchemists, their sense of superiority had already surpassed their loyalty—even the alliance's leaders were no longer held in proper respect.
"Though I may have casually established the Hua Alliance, I selfishly left the burden of managing it to the two of you. For that, I owe you both an apology. Rest assured, this matter will be handled by me personally. As for the two responsible for the leak… I have already decided their punishment."
Xiao Hua's tone was steady at first, tinged with quiet apology toward Ya Fei and Cai Lin for shouldering the responsibilities he had set aside. But as his words reached the end, his voice grew sharp and frigid, carrying an undeniable chill.
Ya Fei and Cai Lin exchanged a glance, then smiled faintly and nodded. They had been suppressing their frustration for some time, and now they could finally leave it to Xiao Hua. After all, he was a Tier 9 Treasure Alchemist. Only fools would dare underestimate him.
Moreover, with the deep affection he had shown Xiao Yuyan, they knew his punishment would be thorough enough to satisfy them completely.
Taking a deep breath, Xiao Hua released his voice across the entire Jia Ma Empire's capital. His words spread like a solemn decree, echoing in every corner of the city.
"I apologize for disturbing everyone, but in five days' time, I will publicly refine a Tier 9 Mysterious Pill for my daughter. During that period, all Department Heads of the Hua Alliance are to set aside their affairs and attend without delay. Any who fail to arrive, or dare to come late, will be expelled from the Alliance immediately, regardless of their status."
He paused, his voice steady as flowing water, yet carrying the weight of undeniable authority.
"Naturally, I will also extend invitations to the Imperial Family, the Alchemist Association, and the two great clans. I hope all will come and witness."
With that declaration, the entire Jia Ma Empire was thrown into uproar. Excitement surged like a tide, waves of heated discussions and commotion rising from every street and corner. For countless people, even the chance to witness a Tier 8 Pill being refined was beyond imagination. But now—a Tier 9 Pill! The news spread like wildfire, igniting their hearts with anticipation.
Yet, among the clamor, those with sharper senses detected the faint chill hidden within Xiao Hua's calm voice. Their eyes narrowed. Clearly, something was about to shake the Hua Alliance. Rather than dampening the crowd's fervor, this only deepened their curiosity and thrill.
…
Xiao Yan was left startled, his expression shifting as his elder brother's voice echoed in his ears. Refining a Tier 9 Pill? That was already beyond what he had imagined, but what left him confused was the term itself.
"Teacher," he asked softly, "what exactly is this Tier 9 Mysterious Pill?"
From his ring, an illusory figure slowly emerged—an old man with white hair and beard, his presence both wise and dignified. Stroking his beard, Yao Chen explained, "If the quality of a Tier 8 Pill is measured by the color of its Pill Lightning, then Tier 9 Pills are divided into three distinct grades: Treasure Pill, Mysterious Pill, and Golden Pill."
He paused, his eyes faintly sighing with memory. "Most Tier 9 Pills that appear in this world are merely Treasure Pills. To encounter a Mysterious Pill is near impossible—even the great ancient forces might never see one. As for the Golden Pill… such a thing belongs to the legends of ancient times."
Xiao Yan's eyes widened in amazement. His voice trembled slightly as he asked, "Tier 9… Teacher, have you ever refined one of such level before?"
Yao Chen's illusory form fell silent for a moment before shaking his head. "At my peak, I could only refine a Tier 9 Treasure Pill… and even then, my chances of success were painfully low, even under perfect conditions." A deep sigh escaped him, his gaze carrying both awe and disbelief.
Even Yao Chen, once a figure who stood at the pinnacle of alchemists, could not help but feel shaken. For Xiao Hua to openly declare he would refine not just a Tier 9 Pill, but a Mysterious Pill… it was a matter destined to rattle every power within Dou Qi Continent.
However, though Xiao Hua's announcement was shocking, Xiao Yan and Yao Chen quickly discerned the deeper meaning behind it. This was not merely about refining a pill—Xiao Hua was clearly preparing to cleanse the Pill Hall of the Hua Alliance. They themselves had witnessed the arrogance of those alchemists and even read through the list of their transgressions.
Both teacher and disciple understood well: those so-called alchemists would soon have their eyes forcefully opened, only to be utterly erased beneath Xiao Hua's hand.
…
Five days passed like drifting mist after a storm—gradually scattering, leaving behind only clarity and stillness.
As the first light of dawn spilled over the capital of the Jia Ma Empire, the Primer Mansion had already become a place of bustle. Alchemists and experts from all directions rose early, hurrying toward the pill refinement grounds that the Primer Clan had prepared.
Within the gathering crowd, the upper echelons of the Pill Hall stood in uneasy silence, while the Alchemist Association's Head, Fa Ma, and even Gu He, the Pill King, had long since taken their seats, waiting with solemn anticipation.
Not only were they present, but also Jia Xing Tian, the Royal Family's Guardian, and Yao Ye, the current Empress. Even the two heads of the great clans of Jia Ma Empire had taken their seats.
Beyond them, Yan Luo Tian and the Three Mulan Elders sat quietly, their expressions unreadable as they waited with patience.
Under some gentle 'discussion' and firm 'assurances' from Cai Lin, Ya Fei, and Xiao Hua himself, the forces that had once raised blades against them now stood within the Hua Alliance. Not a single one dared harbor thoughts of dissent.
The foremost seats were reserved for Xiao Yan and Yao Chen. Both wore calm smiles as their gazes swept across the refinement grounds. Their eyes lingered on the Pill Hall's section—already filled—but particularly on the two old men seated at the front.
"If I recall correctly, those two are Liu Chan and Wu Zhen… I'm surprised they still have the courage to remain here," Xiao Yan remarked, his brows lifting slightly.
"With Xiao Hua's strength, there is no escaping his detection. From the looks on their faces, I would wager they already attempted to flee—and failed." Yao Chen's voice was laced with amusement as he rubbed his beard, a trace of cold laughter escaping while he watched the two men's expressions—frightened, hollow, and steeped in regret.
Xiao Yan gave a small nod before averting his eyes. He had long since lost any good opinion of them, especially after reading through the long list of crimes they had committed. More than that, there was undeniable proof of their betrayal—how they had aided the Hall of Souls in targeting Xiao Hua's daughter.
Just then, Xiao Yan and Yao Chen lifted their heads as several figures descended from the sky. Under countless gazes, they appeared above the square, radiating an aura that pressed upon the heart.
At their forefront was Xiao Hua. Behind him were Cai Lin, Little Fairy Doctor, and Ya Fei—who was carefully supported by Little Fairy Doctor.
"Greetings, Alliance Chief!"
"Greetings, Master Xiao Hua!"
"Greetings, Supreme Elder!"
"Greetings, Brother Xiao Hua!"
The members of the Hua Alliance, including those from the Pill Hall, immediately rose to their feet, voices resounding as they paid respect. Fa Ma and the other factions not yet under the Hua Alliance soon followed suit, bowing with solemnity.
The Xiao Clan greeted him according to his clan status, while Xiao Yan—amidst all the formality—addressed him with the closeness of family.
Xiao Hua's gaze slowly swept across the square, a calm smile resting on his lips. That smile softened, carrying a trace of warmth, when he heard Xiao Yan call to him with the closeness of a younger brother.
Yet, when his eyes landed upon Liu Chan and Wu Zhen, a chilling light briefly flashed within them. In the next instant, it vanished, suppressed as swiftly as it appeared.
His figure flickered, and in the blink of an eye, Xiao Hua stood upon the towering stone stage prepared for pill refinement. Behind him, Little Fairy Doctor, Cai Lin, and Ya Fei took their seats in an orderly manner, their presence adding further weight to the scene.
His voice, faint yet carrying an undeniable authority, spread across the square.
"Today, I shall summon my cauldron and refine a Tier 9 Mysterious Pill. Watch carefully. What you witness will be of great benefit in your future path."
The hearts of countless onlookers trembled violently at those words. Though they had already heard rumors of this event, hearing it spoken from Xiao Hua's own lips made their blood surge.
A Tier 9 Mysterious Pill—such a thing was that practically nonexistent in the northwestern region of the continent. Even within the central lands, those capable of such refinement were rare beyond measure!
Across the entire north-western part of the continent, those who could refine a medicinal pill of such a tier were practically nonexistence and only in the central of the continent can one truly find such existence, even then it is extremely rare!
Xiao Hua lifted his hand, and with a casual wave, five flames and five bolts of thunder surged forth, intertwining in midair. In an instant, they fused into a single flame, its radiance blazing as though it could incinerate heaven and earth. The air warped under its presence, and the temperature of the surroundings soared uncontrollably.
Cries of alarm rang out as the gathered experts hastily circulated their Dou Qi. Despite their protective barriers, sweat still poured down their foreheads as they felt the terrifying scorch seeping through, threatening to burn flesh and bone alike.
'What flame is this?' Their minds echoed with the same dread-stricken thought. 'How could such a terrifying existence possibly be wielded by a human hand…?'
-------|
Read 20 Advanced Chapters in Patreon:
http://patreon.com/GodYato