People fight and become emperors in advance

Chapter 234 The Thoughts of the Soul-Moving Hall, Harvest from the Ruins
The slightly familiar voice startled Xiao Yan, but he didn't have time to think about it at the moment.

He was more exhausted than ever before. Maintaining flight was his limit. Let alone speaking, even moving a finger felt as difficult as moving a mountain.

Seeing his disheveled state, the mysterious man in black robes took out a jade bottle that looked quite old from his storage ring, poured out a handful of pills, and stuffed them into his mouth without saying a word.

The medicinal power of the pill dissipated, allowing Xiao Yan's fighting spirit to be quickly replenished.

What puzzled him was that he had glanced at those pills earlier and, judging from their quality, they were definitely not low-grade pills. Yet, swallowing such a large handful of them had only restored half of his Dou Qi, even for a minor Dou Wang.

It's as if the medicine has expired and lost its effectiveness...

Xiao Yan found it strange, but he didn't ask too many questions.

When someone kindly offers help, you shouldn't let them think you're ungrateful.

"I will forever remember your life-saving grace, senior! May I ask what you meant when you said that my teacher would be alright?"

Xiao Yan clasped his hands in a deep bow to express his gratitude, eager to know the mysterious man in black robes' meaning.

This matter concerns Yao Chen, so he can no longer feign modesty.

Upon hearing his question, the man in black robes did not answer immediately. Instead, he removed his black robes, revealing a handsome face that Xiao Yan had secretly envied many times.

"Chen Xiao?! It's you!"

Upon seeing the person in front of him, Xiao Yan was completely taken aback.

This was an outcome he had not anticipated.

After all, the last time he met Chen Xiao was in the Tagor Desert of the Gama Empire. At that time, Yao Chen had told him privately that Chen Xiao should have just recently advanced to the Dou Zun level.

But now, in less than a year, according to Xiao Yan's estimate, Chen Xiao's ability to reach the level of a two-star Dou Zun is already an incredibly terrifying speed.

Xiao Yan had never experienced firsthand how difficult it was to advance to the Dou Zun realm, but he had heard of it.

However, the reality surprised him.

In less than a year, Chen Xiao had already reached a level that made the old ghost Zhaixing wary of him!
This rate of improvement is even faster than his level as a Battle King!
"Why can't it be me?"

"No, I mean, how did you end up here?"

Knowing it was Chen Xiao, Xiao Yan became less rigid and relaxed considerably.

Although his relationship with Chen Xiao wasn't exactly close, they had known each other since childhood.

"I received some news that there is an ancient ruin in the Beast Realm, so I came here to take a look. I just didn't expect to run into you as soon as I came out."

Chen Xiao didn't hide anything and answered casually.

Anyway, he has already emptied that ancient ruin.

"Ancient ruins?" Xiao Yan's heart skipped a beat.

Hard work and self-cultivation lead nowhere; opportunity is the shortcut to quickly improve one's strength.

Ancient relics can be summarized in seven words.

Danger and opportunity coexist!
"Don't overthink it. This ruin is no longer worth exploring. Let's get back to your teacher."

In a brief response, Chen Xiao said directly, "Your teacher was once known as the number one alchemist in Zhongzhou. He can only play his greatest role if he is alive. The Soul Palace values ​​him highly, so I said Yao Chen will not be in any danger, at least not in the short term. At most, he will suffer some hardship."

Xiao Yan frowned, the words that Old Ghost Zhaixing had said earlier swirling in his mind. Thinking about it, it seemed to make a lot of sense.

Even so, this was not the outcome he wanted to see.

Who knows how the Soul Palace will torture Yao Chen? Sometimes, living is more painful than dying.

Xiao Yan wanted to change this situation, but after racking his brains, he still couldn't come up with a solution.

Even if we return to the Starfall Pavilion and summon Venerable Wind, it won't be enough to snatch the person from Old Ghost Star-Picking.

Unless they could leverage Yao Chen's influence as the top alchemist in Zhongzhou to gather those powerful individuals who had previously owed Yao Chen favors, perhaps that would be possible.

in addition…

Xiao Yan looked up at Chen Xiao, who was also a Dou Zun combatant with a chance to be won over!

"Chen Xiao, I don't think I have anything on me that you'd like to see. However, my teacher's storage ring has a very rich collection. You can take a look and if there's anything that catches your eye, you can take it. Could you please make another move?"

Xiao Yan's gaze was earnest, with a hint of pleading.

He doesn't mind lowering his stance as long as he can save Yao Chen.

Master, Master, like a teacher and a father, this is not an exaggeration.

Chen Xiao glanced at the black storage ring that Xiao Yan handed him, but did not take it.

It's not because it already has an owner. Now that the medicine has fallen into the hands of the Soul Palace, he still has a way to erase the soul imprint on it.

Chen Xiao didn't accept it simply because the ring wasn't very attractive to him.

Chen Xiao obtained a large portion of the good stuff from Yao Chen after licking Han Feng's bag, and then took over several more transactions, so he had already skimmed almost all of it off.

"You can take it back now. Before Old Ghost Zhaixing left, I secretly sent a telepathic message to the Grand Elder to leave a mark on him. This mark can be used to roughly determine the direction Old Ghost Zhaixing left in. When he enters a certain range, we can use this mark to find his exact location."

“Rescuing Yao Chen is no small matter and requires thorough preparation. Go back to Xingyun Pavilion and discuss it with Venerable Feng before making a decision. Once you have a plan, come to Zixiao Pavilion to find me, and we can discuss the reward then.”

Chen Xiao did not directly reject Xiao Yan.

There's not much about Xiao Yan and his disciples that can attract him right now.

However, there was a huge pile inside the Soul Palace!

For Chen Xiao, Yao Chen's arrest was an opportunity.

He could easily use this as an excuse to follow Xiao Yan to the Soul Hall branch where Yao Chen was imprisoned and cause trouble!

At that time, he can take all the good stuff in that branch hall!

Most importantly, Chen Xiao can cook non-stick pans!

Even if the Soul Palace is furious afterward, the first person to hold a grudge will definitely be the mastermind, Starfall Pavilion, not the mysterious, unidentified powerhouses who followed them.

It was based on this consideration that Chen Xiao did not stop the Old Ghost Zhaixing from taking Yao Chen away, but only saved Xiao Yan alone.

Otherwise, with their current lineup of four, even if Old Ghost Zhaixing had ten lives, he wouldn't be able to escape!
His decision will inevitably cause Yao Chen some trouble.

However, Chen Xiao did not feel guilty about it.

He was originally just an observer in this matter.

Offering help is a favor, not offering help is simply one's duty.

Even if you remain on the sidelines, no one can criticize you.

What's more, he also helped Xiao Yan out in the process.

Even standing in front of Yao Chen, Chen Xiao dared to openly explain the reason.

"Thank you, I understand!"

Xiao Yan bowed again in thanks.

Thanks to his low strength, he was unable to sense the exact strength of the three people behind Chen Xiao, and he was not even sure who the people under the black robe were, let alone know that there was a Dou Sheng powerhouse among them, which made it difficult for Xiao Yan to think too much.

In his understanding, if one of two equally powerful individuals is determined to leave, it is very difficult for the other to keep them there.

"Then let's go. I'll give you a ride along the way. We need to settle Yao Chen's matter as soon as possible. Nobody knows if Old Ghost Zhaixing will notice the mark in my body."

With a final reminder, Chen Xiao said no more, tore open a spatial passage, and stepped into it first.

Zi Yan followed with an arrogant gait, seemingly unaware of anyone else's presence, remaining silent the whole time. This led Xiao Yan to completely disregard her, assuming instead that a burly man was hidden beneath the black robe.

Qing Lin and Elder Qing Shan followed closely behind. Even though they weren't as conspicuous as Zi Yan, Xiao Yan still couldn't figure out their identities.

Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yan glanced one last time at the space where the Star-Picking Old Ghost had disappeared, and resolutely followed him into the spatial passage.

…The Starfall Pavilion is located in the Tianxing Mountains in the southern region of Zhongzhou.

It is said that the Starfall Pavilion is located in a naturally formed, strange space. Without a special method of entry, even a Dou Zun powerhouse would be unable to enter.

Once outside the Tianxing Mountain Range, Chen Xiao no longer brought Xiao Yan with him.

Firstly, Xiao Yan was already safe once he arrived here.

Furthermore, the route from here on out really isn't on the way.

"I'll leave you here. This is my Zixiao Pavilion's token. With this token, you won't be attacked by the pavilion's protective formation. Afterwards, go find Elder Hai or Tianhuo, and they will bring you to see me."

Chen Xiao left Xiao Yan outside the Tianxing Mountain Range and gave him a pass token.

The original protective formation of the Wind and Thunder Pavilion was the Nine Heavens Thunder Prison Formation, which was not destroyed in the battle where Thunder Venerable perished and was thus preserved.

Unfortunately, the power of this formation is limited and poses little threat to Dou Zun experts.

Therefore, after the Zixiao Pavilion was built, Chen Xiao left behind many powerful formations to enhance it. Now, even a Dou Zun expert would not fare well if he rashly entered it.

"Chen Xiao, there are three others. Why don't you come with me to the Starfall Pavilion to rest for a while? Otherwise, Uncle Feng will say that I haven't been hospitable enough."

Xiao Yan accepted the token and put it away before extending an invitation.

Of course, the main idea was for Venerable Feng to personally discuss the matter of rescuing Yao Chen with Chen Xiao.

After all, Xiao Yan's strength is not yet up to par.

"No."

Elder Qingshan rarely refused, speaking sparingly and rarely using words.

The information provided by Chen Xiao in the ancient ruins of the Beast Realm was absolutely correct; there was indeed a Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit inside!

With no competitors, the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit was obtained by Zi Yan as expected, and it is currently sealed within her body.

Compared to visiting the Starfall Pavilion, dealing with the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit is their top priority right now.

The reason I brought Xiao Yan along was purely because it was on the way.

"Let's talk about it another time; we have other important matters to attend to."

Chen Xiao also spoke up.

Zi Yan obtained the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit, and Chen Xiao also gained a great deal from the ruins.

Or to be more precise, apart from the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit, he took everything else in the ruins for himself.

This included the complete skeleton of the Creator Saint, along with the throne beneath it, all lying quietly in his storage ring.

In addition, there is one Soul Infant Fruit left over after the advance payment.

This thing also needs to be given to Cao Ying to maximize its effectiveness.

Even other medicinal herbs, elixirs, various combat techniques, and so on, all require time to sort out and allocate.

Therefore, Chen Xiao had no interest in wasting time at the Starfall Pavilion.

"Alright then, see you at Zixiao Pavilion!"

Xiao Yan didn't insist, and simply cupped his hands in farewell.

Chen Xiao nodded slightly, and with a flicker of his figure, he and the three people behind him disappeared from the spot.

Only then did Venerable Feng from the Starfall Pavilion finally appear, smiling broadly when he saw Xiao Yan, completely unaware that Yao Chen had been arrested.

...

Zixiao Pavilion.

Stepping out of the spatial passage and sensing the familiar and welcoming auras within the pavilion, Chen Xiao couldn't help but smile.

Although their journey to the ancient ruins was relatively uninterrupted, it still took them more than twenty days to complete the matter.

"Master, you're back."

Two figures suddenly appeared, and upon seeing Chen Xiao's face, they quickly bowed in greeting.

The fat one and the thin one are none other than the dried monkey and the bear, who now hold positions as cabinet elders.

"Okay, you guys go about your business, don't worry about me."

After waving the two away, Chen Xiao turned to look at Elder Qingshan.

"Elder, I will not be going to the Northwest with you this time. I need to deal with what I have obtained from the ruins. Also, before you set off, there is a small matter I need to trouble you with."

"Speak frankly, there's no need to stand on ceremony with me."

The First Elder smiled kindly, a stark contrast to the cold, black-robed man Xiao Yan had met before.

Chen Xiao chuckled and said nothing more. With a flick of his hand, a massive stone seat, several meters in size, crashed to the ground.

On that stone seat, a jade-white skeleton with a crystalline luster sat cross-legged, revealing its last posture before death.

Without a doubt, these are the remains of the Creator Saint!

"You want me to help erase the last trace of his will left behind before his death?"

Upon seeing the skeleton and stone seat that Chen Xiao had taken out, the Grand Elder immediately understood.

Although the methods left behind by the Sage of Creation were secretive, they could not escape the eyes of Elder Qingshan.

Knowing that this thought wouldn't erupt without reason, he dared to pack it up along with the stone seat and hand it over to Chen Xiao.

When they were in the ancient ruins, the Grand Elder had asked whether they should directly erase that will, but Chen Xiao refused.

Unexpectedly, Chen Xiao changed his mind as soon as he returned to Xingyun Pavilion.

“That’s right. I set up a great formation under the Purple Cloud Pavilion. It can continuously accumulate energy and unleash a terrifying attack. Letting the formation slowly absorb energy is too slow, so I wanted to use the last power of this Dou Sheng senior here.” Chen Xiao nodded and explained.

Upon hearing this, both Zi Yan and Qing Lin thought it was a good idea.

Elder Qingshan couldn't help but chuckle.

Seeing the three looking at him, Elder Qingshan shook his head and smiled, "I understand your plan, but there are even more powerful experts still alive, why borrow the power of a dead man?"

As he spoke, the elder pointed a finger and made a cut on the crystalline skeleton.

In an instant, a terrifying energy storm surged up, spreading wildly in all directions like a raging torrent.

The commotion startled the entire Zixiao Pavilion. One could see figures flying down from the heights, and the leaders were none other than Little Fairy Doctor and Cai Lin. Upon seeing the group, the tension on their faces vanished.

"The will he left behind has long lost its consciousness. At most, it can only launch an attack when triggered, and it cannot distinguish between friend and foe. I have now removed it, so you can use it with confidence from now on."

"As for the safety of Zixiao Pavilion, wait a few days for me. When I return, I will personally prepare some backup plans for you. I guarantee that even a high-level half-saint will perish if he comes below the level of Dou Sheng!" Elder Qingshan said proudly.

Upon hearing this, Chen Xiao's eyes lit up.

That would be even better!
The Purple Cloud Pavilion is located on Qifeng Mountain. Although it is still a transitional area, the people Chen Xiao cares about most are all there, so he naturally wants to eliminate all potential threats.

Since Elder Qingshan is willing to personally lend a hand, that's all the better.

From then on, he could go out without any worries.

After all, even the Soul Palace doesn't have many Dou Sheng level experts!
"Then I will trouble the Elder."

"It's nothing. When I return, I'll take His Majesty the Dragon Emperor to see the old Dragon Emperor first. Oh, I almost forgot, there's also that brat Hei Qing. Well then, Your Majesty the Dragon Emperor, please wait here for a moment while I go and call Hei Qing."

Elder Qingshan waved his hand, and seeing that Ziyan was whispering with Cailin and the other girls, he immediately spoke very understandingly.

The matter of the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit is very important, but there is still time for Zi Yan to talk with her friends.

Most importantly, Elder Qingshan was certain that no outsiders knew about their acquisition of the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit!
(End of this chapter)