People fight and become emperors in advance

Chapter 247 New Life

Looking at the incomplete map in Chen Xiao's hand, Yao Chen couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

I acquired this fragment of the map at the Mittel Auction House in Utan City seven or eight years ago.

But over the years, he and Xiao Yan have never found even a trace of the second fragment of the map.

What's even more unsettling is that they don't even know how many such fragments of maps are still scattered across the continent.

After studying it for so long, all they know is that this fragment is related to the Pure Lotus Demon Flame, and they have made no progress beyond that!

Now, Yao Chen and Xiao Yan have given up hope of collecting all the remaining fragments of the map.

Instead of hoping for something unrealistic, it would be better to take out the incomplete map and exchange it for some tangible benefits.

Most importantly, they knew that Chen Xiao was well-informed and could exchange information about the strange fire with him.

If Chen Xiaozhen can collect all the remaining fragments of the map and find the Pure Lotus Demon Flame, he might still remember their kindness.

"When this fragment of the map was auctioned at the Mittel Auction House in Utan City, the Pavilion Master was also present, so he must know something about it."

"At that time, I was certain that this fragment of the map was inextricably linked to the Pure Lotus Demon Flame, which ranked third on the Strange Flame Ranking!"

"The top three Strange Flames on the Strange Flame Ranking are all unique, unlike the Bone Spirit Cold Flame, which may have a second or third one, making them exceptionally precious."

"Originally, my master and I were hoping that one day we would be lucky enough to piece together all the fragments of the map and find a way to subdue the Pure Lotus Demon Flame. But now it seems that this idea is too unrealistic."

“But it’s different for the Pavilion Master. The Purple Cloud Pavilion is well-informed. If this incomplete map comes into your hands, you might actually be able to collect the whole thing. If I can really see that day come, I’ll be satisfied.”

"Moreover, apart from something whose value is hard to define, I really have no other reward that would satisfy the Pavilion Master."

Yao Chen gave a wry smile, not intending to hide his true thoughts.

There's nothing shameful about this. The Dou Qi Continent is so vast that finding the remaining fragments of the map is like finding a needle in a haystack. They're simply facing reality now.

From Chen Xiao's perspective, Yao Chen's decision was quite wise.

Get rid of useless things as soon as possible to save yourself the trouble of wasting energy later.

After a moment's thought, Chen Xiao nodded and accepted the reward.

By this point, there was basically nothing left for Chen Xiao to covet from Yao Chen, so there was no need for him to take advantage of Yao Chen under the pretext of the incomplete map.

On the contrary, when the Pure Lotus Demon Flame appears in the future, Chen Xiao will have to get the incomplete map back from Yao Chen and his disciples if he has any designs on it.

Although this matter is not difficult to handle, it certainly wouldn't be as easy and convenient as it is now, with Yao Chen taking the initiative to deliver it to our door.

"Alright, I'll accept the incomplete map. Our cooperation last time can be considered a successful conclusion. Now, tell me, what's the second thing you came here for today?"

Upon hearing this, Yao Chen's expression became slightly serious.

"The second thing I want to ask the Pavilion Master about is two things: the Soul Infant Fruit and the Spirit Dragon Heavenly Herb!"

"Soul Infant Fruit, Spirit Dragon Heavenly Herb..."

"Indeed, Pavilion Master, you are unaware of this. Although I was captured by the Soul Hall this time and my life was not in danger, I lost some of my original soul energy. Now that the situation in the Central Continent has changed drastically, I must find a way to refine a body to revive in order to have a foundation for survival. Before refining a body, I must first replenish the lost original soul energy. Otherwise, even if I am lucky enough to revive, my strength will be forever stagnant and I will never have a chance to improve again."

This matter was of utmost importance to Yao Chen, and if possible, he really didn't want to reveal it, lest Chen Xiao take advantage of the situation to raise the price.

But he already knew that the Cao family vixen was now in the Purple Cloud Pavilion, and was one of the pavilion master's wives.

As an eighth-grade alchemist and a disciple of Xuan Kongzi, Cao Ying could easily guess their purpose in seeking the Soul Infant Fruit and the Spirit Dragon Heavenly Mushroom as soon as she heard about them.

So there's no need to hide it anymore.

Speaking the truth directly shows more sincerity.

In a way, he should thank Chen Xiao for rescuing him from the Soul Palace so quickly. Otherwise, if he had been imprisoned for a few more years, the loss of his original soul energy would have been far more than just a little.

Hearing this, Chen Xiao was not surprised.

A few days ago, when Hai Bodong told him that Venerable Feng had been asking if he had returned, he had already guessed the other party's purpose. Now, it was just a matter of confirming it completely.

As for the two rare medicinal herbs, Soul Infant Fruit and Spirit Dragon Heavenly Mushroom, Chen Xiao had privately learned about them from Cao Ying and through the advance information in his mind over the past few days.

"The Medicine Venerable has really given me a difficult problem. In some respects, the rarity of these two rare items is probably even greater than that of the Strange Fire."

This wasn't Chen Xiao exaggerating; Cao Ying said exactly what he said last night.

Because the Soul Infant Fruit and the Spirit Dragon Heavenly Mushroom are now only recorded in ancient books and have long since disappeared from the continent.

Based on the information Chen Xiao had in mind, there were only two ways to find these two medicinal herbs.

Or, like he did last time, find an ancient ruin first, and then try your luck inside.

Alternatively, we could start with those long-established organizations; they might have some collections.

"This matter is too important to me. No matter how difficult it is, I have to give it my all. I would appreciate any guidance from the Pavilion Master. As long as there is any news, regardless of whether it succeeds or not, I will remember this favor!"

Yao Chen really didn't want to owe anyone a favor and preferred to settle the debt on the spot.

Debts of gratitude are the most tangled and troublesome thing!
But right now, Chen Xiao has squeezed him dry, and he really can't offer any equivalent compensation.

Having no other choice, I had to swallow my pride and make that promise.

"Yao Chen's words are my words, Feng Xian's words! Pavilion Master, I beg you!" Venerable Feng then stood up, clasped his hands together, and bowed slightly.

"Me too!" Xiao Yan quickly stood up, scratched his head, and expressed his determination with a slightly embarrassed expression.

In his view, Chen Xiao might still value the favors of Yao Chen and Feng Xian a little more.

But his promise as a mere fighting king…

It's just a roadside stall; saying it out loud would only invite ridicule.

But for Yao Chen's sake, he had no choice but to show his determination.

Little did he know that, compared to the promises made by Feng Xian and Yao Chen, who were stronger at the moment, Chen Xiao actually valued this roadside path more.

Speaking solely of stance, regardless of whether one is righteous or evil, Xiao Yan is actually quite good to his own people.

It is precisely because of this that Chen Xiao has never had the idea of ​​eliminating him to prevent future troubles over the years.

Although the Green Lotus Earth Core Flame and other events did change Xiao Yan's growth path, it was all for Chen Xiao's own benefit.

Putting all that aside, he never actually suppressed Xiao Yan; in fact, he even traded information about different flames with him twice.

In Chen Xiao's mind, Xiao Yan was quite valuable. He could help him attract the hatred of the Soul Palace, take the blame for him, and perhaps become a powerful henchman when Xiao Yan grew up in the future!
Even looking further ahead, if one were to leave the Dou Qi Continent someday, this would be a natural ally.

"I do know something about the Soul Infant Fruit and the Spirit Dragon Heavenly Mushroom. I obtained two Soul Infant Fruits in the ancient ruins of the Beast Domain last time. It's just that you came at the wrong time; those two have already been given to Ying'er to refine medicine."

"These things are beyond redemption, so I won't say more. Let me tell you about the Soul Infant Fruit first."

"In terms of heritage, the eight ancient clans on the continent have the deepest foundation. They possess many medicinal herbs that are not found in the outside world. The Soul Clan, Medicine Clan, and Thunder Clan all have Soul Infant Demon Trees surviving. I don't know anything else."

In fact, from the information he had foreseen, Chen Xiao also discovered that there was also a Soul Infant Fruit in the Tianbei Ruins, which he had been searching for.

However, the whereabouts of these ruins are currently unknown, and even he himself has not found them, so naturally he dares not tell anyone.

Furthermore, the situation differs between ancient ruins and ancient races.

The claim that ancient races possessed Soul Infant Fruits could explain the source of the information, given his close relationship with Xun'er.

But ancient ruins are different. How can you know that there is a Soul Infant Fruit inside a ruin that has not yet been created?

Hearing this, Yao Chen nodded slightly, secretly memorizing this information, without the slightest doubt about Chen Xiao's words.

What Chen Xiao said roughly matched his guess.

Yao Chen might not know much about the other ancient races, but he was very familiar with the Yao Clan.

Even before arriving at Zixiao Pavilion, Yao Chen had a vague guess that the two medicinal herbs he urgently needed were likely available within the Yao Clan.

Unfortunately, the entanglements between him and the Medicine Clan were not something that could be explained in a few words, and the Medicine Clan naturally wouldn't easily lend a hand to him. "But the Spirit Dragon Heavenly Mushroom..."

"You have a few more ways to find this thing. It is found in the Medicine Clan, Soul Clan, Flame Clan, and Spirit Clan. In addition, the Sound Valley, one of the Three Valleys, also has it."

This time, Chen Xiao also kept some things to himself, not mentioning the ancient tribes or the Bai tribes.

The Bai people, needless to say, would naturally not publicize it.

As for the ancient clans, Chen Xiao simply didn't want to cause trouble, lest Yao Chen take the opportunity to ask him for help, thus creating unnecessary complications.

"I've noted it all down, thank you!"

Yao Chen solemnly bowed and thanked him, but a sudden pang of regret rose in his heart.

Some time ago, during the meeting of the six clans, the benefit he had secured for himself was a body at the peak of the ninth-level Dou Zun. Thinking about it now, he couldn't help but feel a little annoyed.

If I had known there would be such a need today, I should have exchanged the benefits for a Soul Infant Fruit or a Spirit Dragon Heavenly Herb.

After all, a slightly weaker physique doesn't have a big impact, as there's still room for improvement in the future.

However, if the original soul energy cannot be replenished, then one can only remain here forever, unable to make any further progress.

What's done is done, and there's no use in regretting it now. The most important thing to consider right now is which power to try and obtain what we need from.

The first group that Yao Chen excluded was the Soul Palace.

The two sides are already mortal enemies, there's no need to elaborate on that, and there's absolutely no way they could get anything from there.

Next, the medicine clan will be considered.

For Yao Chen, the Medicine Clan held too many unpleasant memories. Although he always harbored the thought of returning to clear his name, now was clearly not the time.

Given his current condition, if he were to return to the Medicine Clan to seek medicine, he would most likely fail to get what he wanted, and might even be humiliated by some people.

And the Spirit Clan, the Thunder Clan, the Flame Clan...

After a moment's thought, Yao Chen listed these three races as potential candidates.

After all, he had no close relationship with these three clans, and it was obviously not an easy task to obtain medicinal herbs from them.

After thinking about it this way, the easiest one to find is the secluded Yin Valley!

Yao Chen didn't know much about this faction. It was only mentioned in the Central Plains when others brought up the slogan "One Palace, One Tower, Two Sects, Three Valleys, Four Pavilions," and otherwise had almost no presence.

But Yao Chen felt that, no matter what, dealing with the Yin Valley was easier than dealing with those ancient races!

Having made up his mind, Yao Chen was eager to go back and learn more about the situation in Yin Valley, so he immediately stopped lingering.

"I need to go back and make some plans as soon as possible, so I won't bother you any longer. Whatever the outcome, what I said before will always stand!" Yao Chen said solemnly.

He dared not turn his back on Chen Xiao now. Not to mention the difference in strength between the two sides, even his resurrection might require trouble from Chen Xiao.

After all, Xiao Yan's current strength is still too weak, and it would be quite risky to let him preside over the resurrection.

"Then I wish you all the best." Chen Xiao nodded slightly.

"Thank you for your kind words, Master. Please stay a while. There's no need to see me off."

Yao Chen nodded, and without further hesitation, went straight into Xiao Yan's storage ring.

Venerable Feng and Xiao Yan also bowed slightly and said in unison, "Sect Master, farewell!"

Long after the two left, a slender figure gracefully entered the main hall.

"Xun'er?"

Chen Xiao was slightly surprised to see who it was.

During the day these past few days, he spent his time with Xun'er, occasionally strolling around nearby cities. When he was done with his activities, he would sit atop Qifeng Mountain, watching the clouds drift by as he always had, living a rather pleasant life.

But it was unprecedented for Xun'er to come to the main hall to find him so early, as she was doing now.

Chen Xiao's heart skipped a beat, and a bad premonition suddenly arose.

It seems it's time for Xun'er to go back!

As expected, when she met Chen Xiao's slightly surprised gaze, Xun'er smiled faintly, her bright eyes filled with an undisguised reluctance.

“Brother Chen Xiao, Xun’er has been away from the Ancient Realm for almost a month now. There is still an elder waiting outside. He has never urged me these days, so I naturally cannot make things difficult for him. It’s time to go back.”

"Xun'er knows that Brother Chen Xiao doesn't like parting, and originally planned to leave quietly, but when she got to the foot of the mountain, she couldn't help but come back for one last look. As for Cai Lin and the others, I need you to tell them for me."

Chen Xiao stepped in front of Xun'er, looked at the melancholy in her eyes, felt a lump in his throat, and after a long while he finally let out a soft "hmm".

He raised his hand to tidy a strand of Xun'er's hair that had been ruffled by the wind. When his fingertips brushed against her temple, they caused a slight tremor. Then, he gently took Xun'er's hand in his. The moment their palms touched, they both paused, as if trying to hold onto the warmth of that moment.

"I'll take you down the mountain."

Despite his deep reluctance, Chen Xiao knew that it was already quite an achievement for Xun'er to stay in Zhongzhou for so long this time. Forcing her to stay would only put her in a difficult position and cause her unnecessary trouble.

That old saying, though common, perfectly captures the depth of love: "If love between two people is meant to last, why should they be together every day?"

This parting is not the end; we will meet again someday.

Moreover, as his strength improves day by day, the day of their reunion will only draw closer.

One day, he will be able to enter the ancient realm with dignity and bring Xun'er back to his side.

At that time, there will be no more separation, only companionship day and night, year after year.

Xun'er did not refuse, but her steps were as slow as if she were walking on cotton. She walked from the main hall to the mountain gate. The morning dew wet the stone steps. Neither of them said much. Only the mountain wind and the sound of the pines seemed to hide their unspoken pleas for each other to stay.

Just as the two arrived at the foot of the mountain, Chen Xiao sensed a powerful aura approaching from afar.

Before long, a uniquely shaped, ancient flying boat came into view. An old man in a green robe stood at the bow. When he saw Xun'er, he simply bowed slightly and did not say anything.

Xun'er turned around to look at Chen Xiao, but before she could speak, he pulled her into a tight embrace.

Chen Xiao took a deep breath of the fresh fragrance from her hair, a scent that seemed to be etched into his bones. He lowered his voice to a whisper, with a slight tremor: "Xun'er, take care."

Xun'er gently nuzzled her head against his chest, a tender smile playing on her lips. Her voice was soft yet clear: "When we last met, Brother Chen Xiao had just broken through to the Dou Zong realm. Now he's a six-star Dou Zun! Xun'er has a feeling that next time we meet, Brother Chen Xiao will be even more dazzling!"

Without lingering on this moment of tenderness, after a gentle embrace, Xun'er turned around gracefully like a butterfly and flew onto the bow of the boat.

"Goodbye, Brother Chen Xiao..."

As the airship slowly ascended and pierced through the clouds, Chen Xiao vaguely saw a slender figure at the stern turn around and wave.

He stood there until the airship became a tiny dot in the sky and disappeared completely before slowly withdrawing his gaze.

The space around him distorted slightly, and Qing Lin's figure appeared.

"Young master, Sister Xun'er asked me to tell you to go and check Sister Ying's health, saying there might be a surprise."

Qinglin turned her reluctant gaze away from the horizon and said.

It was obvious that although Xun'er planned to leave quietly, she still couldn't hide it from Qing Lin and the others.

If Chen Xiao were to turn and look up at this moment, he would see Cai Lin and her daughter, along with Cao Ying, standing on the Thunder Tower to see Xun'er off.

"surprise?"

Chen Xiao had some doubts, but he didn't think much of it.

Leading Qinglin back to the plaza, Chen Xiao watched as Cailin and her daughter, along with Cao Ying, floated down from above. He then quietly released his soul perception, probing towards Cao Ying.

Before long, a look of surprise appeared on Chen Xiao's face, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.

Familiar, so familiar!
He had also sensed this tiny life force in Cai Lin before!

(End of this chapter)