People fight and become emperors in advance

Chapter 246 Remaining Pictures
Night had fallen, the moon hung high in the sky, and Chen Xiao accompanied Xun'er back to her residence.

After dropping Xun'er off at the courtyard gate, Chen Xiao didn't pretend to be mysterious and directly took out two gifts that he had prepared in advance.

Both are fire pills from the Flame Lizardmen. Xun'er has the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame in her body, and like Cao Ying, she can absorb and refine the energy of this fire pill. It would be perfect to use it to quickly improve her cultivation.

The other is the inheritance of array formations.

Xun'er usually loves reading all kinds of ancient books, and even Chen Xiao was influenced by her to develop the habit of reading scriptures.

Therefore, among the women around Chen Xiao, Xun'er was actually the most suitable to study these things.

It was late at night. After handing the two gifts to Xun'er, Chen Xiao did not follow her into the courtyard.

Having spent too long in the back mountains of Qifeng Mountain, and the close interaction between the two of them, he had to rely on circulating his internal energy to maintain his composure.

If he were to follow them into the house, he was afraid he would lose control of his mind.

However, Xun'er, who is now visible, is not yet suitable to be exposed to blood.

Moreover, Chen Xiao had been away from Zixiao Pavilion for more than a month, and when he returned, the situation in Zhongzhou was already in chaos, and he had not yet had time to sort things out properly.

These days, being able to steal half a day of leisure is already a rare treat.

Next, it's time to deal with those long-piling-up tasks.

"Brother Chen Xiao, don't work too late. Get some rest. I'll go chat with Qing Lin for a while longer."

Knowing that Chen Xiao had important business to attend to, Xun'er smiled brightly. She didn't plan to go back to her room. After giving Chen Xiao a brief explanation, she gracefully walked towards Qinglin's courtyard like a light butterfly.

Chen Xiao smiled slightly, then appeared in the main hall of Zixiao Pavilion in a flash.

"Elder Hai, Heavenly Fire, Iron Sword, come to the main hall."

Three voice transmissions sounded in the ears of the three people respectively.

Before long, the three of them arrived one after another.

"Please sit down. Tell me about what has happened recently, especially what is related to our Zixiao Pavilion."

As soon as Chen Xiao finished speaking, both the Iron Sword Venerable and the Heavenly Fire Venerable looked at Hai Bodong, their meaning all too clear.

These kinds of matters have always been handled by Hai Bodong and Qiu Cheng.

Both Venerable Heavenly Fire and Venerable Iron Sword knew that Chen Xiao had summoned them for another reason.

Hai Bodong remained calm, cleared his throat, stood up, clasped his hands slightly in greeting, and began to report:
"Pavilion Master, the conflict between the Pill Tower and the Soul Palace has not yet affected our Purple Cloud Pavilion. Among the two sects, three valleys, and the new Four Directions Pavilion, only the stances of the Heavenly Nether Sect and the Flower Sect are the most obvious. The Heavenly Nether Sect leans towards the Soul Palace, while the Flower Sect seems to have been in frequent contact with the Pill Tower recently because of the Medicine Venerable."

"As for Mitsuya..."

"Burning Flame Valley and Ice River Valley have ambiguous attitudes; they are both old foxes who are currently maintaining neutrality and not helping either side. As for Sound Valley, it remains silent and continues to live in seclusion, just like before."

"The situation of the new Four Directions Pavilion is roughly the same. The Purple Cloud Pavilion, Yellow Spring Pavilion, and Myriad Swords Pavilion all maintain a neutral stance. The Starfall Pavilion has been directly disbanded by the Medicine Venerable. Only the Wind Venerable, Xiao Yan, and four or five Dou Zongs went to the Pill Tower together."

"As for those minor sects, at least dozens were implicated, but none of them are respectable and there's no need to count them."

Chen Xiao nodded slightly upon hearing this.

The Heavenly Nether Sect was originally considered one of the vassals of the Soul Palace, so its current stance is not surprising.

As for the Flower Sect, it's understandable that one of its elders, who holds a high position, has a deep connection with Yao Chen and would side with the Pill Tower.

However, the Ice Valley has not yet taken sides, which surprised Chen Xiao somewhat.

Or perhaps, Ice River Valley has already pledged allegiance to the Soul Palace, but it's just not public knowledge yet.

"Is everything alright with the Cao family?"

“No, Madam Cao’s family is in Hanhai City, which is considered the core area of ​​the Pill Domain. The Soul Hall’s influence doesn’t extend there yet. During this time, we have been maintaining contact with the Cao family through the space wormhole,” Hai Bodong replied.

Chen Xiao nodded, signaling Hai Bodong to continue.

"Overall, the conflict between the Soul Palace and the Pill Tower has had little impact on our Purple Cloud Pavilion. Madam Cao has contacted Xuan Kongzi, the president of the Pill Tower, and he clearly stated that the operation against the Soul Palace will definitely be successful, and the Purple Cloud Pavilion will not need to exert any effort. On the contrary, he suggested that we wait for a while and enter the fray after the situation gradually stabilizes, so as to gain some benefits from it."

Hearing this, Chen Xiao couldn't help but smile.

Xuan Kongzi was so confident because this operation to purge the Soul Palace was supported by six ancient races.

The Dan Tower and the Soul Palace had a long-standing feud, so the two sides naturally hit it off immediately.

Xun'er had told him about this in private before, and even told him without reservation how many resources the six ancient races would contribute.

This also includes the benefits Yao Chen received after publicizing the matter.

A corpse at the peak of the Nine Revolutions Dou Zun level
With the backing of six ancient races, anyone who witnessed the battle between the palace and the tower would undoubtedly believe that the Pill Tower would win.

Even Chen Xiao, who knew that the Soul Clan had some hidden trump cards, did not believe that the Soul Clan would make a big fuss about this.

Yao Chen's publicizing of the origin of the soul will indeed cause some interference to the Soul Clan's millennium-long plan, but the extent is quite limited.

“Alright, then let’s do as Master Xuan Kongzi said, and enter the arena after some time.” Chen Xiao nodded, finalizing the matter.

"By the way, Pavilion Master, that Venerable Wind has been secretly contacting us recently, asking when you will return. The most recent message we received was last night, and I haven't replied yet."

Hai Bodong responded, then suddenly remembered something and took out five or six sheets of paper from his storage ring and handed them over.

Chen Xiao took the letter and glanced at it. Just like Hai Bodong had said, every letter asked him if he had returned yet, practically screaming "urgent!"

Chen Xiao casually tossed the letter aside and couldn't help but smile.

Chen Xiao could easily figure out the key reason why Venerable Feng contacted him, even if he thought about it with his knees.

It must be for the sake of Yao Chen's resurrection!
Originally, Yao Chen placed his hopes for revival on Xiao Yan. Now, if Xiao Yan is considered Yao Chen's Bone Spirit Cold Flame, he has mastered three different flames, and his strength and alchemy skills are steadily improving, which is quite gratifying.

Unfortunately, the situation changed too suddenly. From the moment the Soul Palace branch in the Lost Soul Mountains was destroyed, the time left for the master and disciple was running out.

Now that the Soul Palace and the Pill Tower have directly gone to war, Yao Chen will definitely want to revive as soon as possible so that he can have some power to protect himself.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have sought the body of a peak-level Nine-Turn Dou Zun.

Logically speaking, now that Xiao Yan has gathered all the different flames, even if he can't refine the Bone-Growing and Blood-Melting Pill, he can ask Xuan Yi to help. In addition, with the body prepared, Yao Chen's resurrection can be carried out.

Unfortunately, being captured by the Soul Palace once must have damaged Yao Chen's soul.

Furthermore, Xiao Yan's strength is probably not enough for Yao Chen to feel at ease entrusting him with the matter of resurrection.

"Just reply to Feng Xian and tell him I'm back."

Someone was eager to offer him benefits, and Chen Xiao had no reason to refuse.

Moreover, the Starfall Pavilion hasn't even finished paying the reward for rescuing Yao Chen last time.

"Yes!"

Hai Bodong nodded in agreement, and having nothing else to report, he sat back down.

Chen Xiao then looked at Venerable Heavenly Fire.

Originally, when Venerable Tianhuo was resurrected, he arranged for Venerable Tianhuo to go and collect different flames, just like Qinglin.

But this time when he returned, Venerable Tianhuo and Qinglin were both in the pavilion.

The reason is quite simple: like Little Fairy Doctor, after learning of the sudden change in the situation in Zhongzhou, they temporarily put aside their own affairs to ensure the safety of Zixiao Pavilion.

"Tianhuo, you should continue dealing with that strange fire and bring it back as soon as possible."

Chen Xiao did not criticize anything. Compared to his rigid and inflexible subordinates, he preferred those who could act according to circumstances. As long as they were loyal enough, everything else was trivial.

Venerable Tianhuo rose and bowed in response.

Finally, there was the Iron Sword Venerable. Before they parted that day, Chen Xiao had said that he would help him resolve the problem of his damaged foundation upon his return.

Furthermore, the Iron Sword Master has not yet been assigned any corresponding position.

"Iron Sword, your temperament... well, it's quite suitable for the Enforcement Hall. From now on, you will be in charge of the Enforcement Hall."

Without rules, nothing can be accomplished. Every sect or even family power will have special groups of people with similar functions.

For example, in the Cao family where Cao Ying lived, the fourth elder, Cao Xi, was in charge of this aspect.

The Zixiao Pavilion is the same. The current model, except for the newly established Pill Tower and the Dark Hall for collecting resources and intelligence, is the same as that of the Fenglei North Pavilion, including the Scripture Pavilion, the Martial Arts Training Ground, and so on.

"Yes!" the Iron Sword Venerable replied in a low voice.

He was usually taciturn and not afraid of offending people. During this time, the Iron Sword Venerable had also thought that, apart from guarding the Scripture Pavilion, the most suitable place for him in the pavilion was the Law Enforcement Hall, which was his specialty and did not require much social interaction.

Chen Xiao nodded and smiled, "Your foundation problem is easy to solve. I know of an eighth-grade pill called the Heaven-Mending Pill. This pill can eliminate the hidden dangers for you. I will have Ying'er refine one later."

"Thank you, Pavilion Master!"

Upon receiving a positive reply, even someone as composed as the Iron Sword Venerable was slightly excited.

Chen Xiao didn't care too much. Trading an eighth-grade pill for the loyalty of a Dou Zun was definitely not a bad deal!
"Besides these, is there anything else you need?"

Both Iron Sword Venerable and Hai Bodong shook their heads.

Only Venerable Tianhuo pondered and said, "Sect Master, a few days ago I sensed a completely unfamiliar aura appearing at the foot of Qifeng Mountain. This person's strength is probably no weaker than mine, but when I went to check, I found no trace of him."

"Was it the day Xun'er came to Zixiao Pavilion?"

"That was the day!"

"It's alright. He's someone Xun'er brought. If he comes to our door, we'll treat him well. If he doesn't show up, we don't need to worry about him."

After hearing what Venerable Tianhuo said, Chen Xiao had already vaguely guessed it, and now he was completely certain.

I mentioned to him before that this time he was accompanied by an elder of an ancient clan, but they did not enter the Purple Cloud Pavilion.

Upon hearing this, Venerable Heavenly Fire was completely relieved.

"If there's nothing else, let's call it a day."

Chen Xiao waved his hand, signaling them to leave first.

As for the people from the small sects gathered at the foot of Qifeng Mountain, no one paid them any attention.

We've never been on good terms before, but now that we've sensed danger, we want to seek refuge here. There's no such thing as a free lunch.

Since Zixiao Pavilion established itself in Zhongzhou, the Han family of Tianbei City was the first to pledge allegiance and has benefited greatly from it.

After Chen Xiaozhen killed Lei Zunzhe and officially replaced Fenglei Pavilion, countless small sects from the Tianbei region came to befriend him.

Even so, in the vast north, there are still some small sects that consider themselves superior and remain unaffected, without making any moves. They believe that as long as they do not provoke the Purple Cloud Pavilion, it is fine not to join them.

Of course, everyone has their own ambitions, and there's nothing wrong with that idea. Without any grudges or entanglements, Chen Xiao wouldn't bother with them.

However, the situation in Zhongzhou has changed drastically. At this time, it would be wishful thinking to seek refuge here. Chen Xiao's decision not to order their expulsion is already an act of mercy.

...

In the following days, Chen Xiao spent most of his time with Xun'er during the day, only visiting Cai Lin and Cao Ying in the evenings.

Cai Lin and Cao Ying had no idea about this.

Although Xun'er didn't mention it, everyone knew that she couldn't stay in Zixiao Pavilion for too long.

This state continued until the morning of the third day.

That day, Chen Xiao had just arrived at the main hall when he saw Hai Bodong rushing in to report.

"Feng Zun and Xiao Yan have arrived!"

So fast?
Chen Xiao chuckled, "Bring them in."

Hai Bodong accepted the order and left. A short while later, Chen Xiao saw the familiar Feng Xian and Xiao Yan once again.

It seems that ever since he left the Jia Ma Empire in his youth, Chen Xiao has gained something every time he meets them, to the point that now, he can't help but smile whenever he sees them.

After Chen Xiao signaled Hai Bodong to leave, there was no one else in the main hall. Before they could even sit down, a transparent soul floated out from the storage ring between Xiao Yan's fingers.

"Venerable Medicine, Venerable Wind, we meet again. Please have a seat."

Chen Xiao's smile was radiant, but Feng Xian and Yao Chen could only offer a helpless, bitter smile in return.

During this time, Chen Xiao didn't care about anything and focused on absorbing the essence of souls, which made him quite carefree. However, they were exhausted every day trying to make a living.

Such a comparison is truly disheartening.

Yao Chen sighed softly and bowed slightly.

As soon as he sat down, he got straight to the point without beating around the bush: "I came to Zixiao Pavilion this time mainly for two things."

"First, Feng Xian and Xiao Yan have already told me that the reward for the help they received last time... To be honest, I thought about it for a long time on the way back to Xingyun Pavilion, and I went through everything I had, but I couldn't find anything that would catch the eye of the Pavilion Master."

"So, I simply changed my approach. I took some time to organize two notebooks and added some other items as payment. I hope the Pavilion Master will not find them offensive."

After saying that, Yao Chen gave Xiao Yan a wink.

Xiao Yan immediately stood up, took out a storage ring that he had prepared beforehand, and handed it to Chen Xiao.

A flicker of curiosity crossed Chen Xiao's mind, and he probed his consciousness into the storage ring.

A moment later, a look of surprise crept onto his face.

Inside the storage ring, two thick notebooks lay quietly.

Chen Xiao had an idea, and the journal opened on its own.

One of the books records cultivation insights starting from the Dou Qi stage. It contains some common knowledge that is often discussed, as well as Yao Chen's unique insights into each realm. It even includes many methods from the perspective of a teacher on how to guide disciples in their cultivation.

The other notebook revolves around alchemy, starting with the most basic pharmacological knowledge and occasionally using a particular elixir as an example for analysis. The content covers elixir from grade one to grade seven.

After briefly scanning the storage ring, Chen Xiao had only one thought in his mind.

These are practically two standard textbooks in the fields of martial arts cultivation and alchemy!

Yao Chen, putting aside everything else, is truly skilled at teaching disciples.

Except for a certain legendary medicine master!

Chen Xiao couldn't definitively say what the value of these two manuscripts was.

Fortunately, Chen Xiao's purpose in saving Yao Chen was not to exploit him, but to obtain the essence of his soul.

Therefore, there's no need to worry too much about the compensation.

"You are very kind, Venerable Medicine. These two notes are very precious."

"But what is the meaning of this incomplete map?"

As he spoke, Chen Xiao flipped his hand and took out a very familiar fragment of a map from his storage ring.

It was impossible not to recognize it. After all, he had deliberately used this fragment of the map to lure people in at the auction. However, Chen Xiao had basically gotten what he wanted, and his interest in fleecing Yao Chen had waned, so he stopped carrying out the original plan.

But to everyone's surprise, after so many years, this fragment of the map has returned to my hands in this way!
(End of this chapter)