While in Battle Through the Heavens, one can pre-appoint oneself as an emperor.

Chapter 327 Xiao Xuan

The third level of the Heavenly Tomb is an endless, desolate gray land.

The place was so vast that it seemed to stretch to the horizon, and there was no thick energy mist swirling around it. But as Chen Xiao and Xun'er's feet touched the ground, they could clearly feel strands of extremely pure energy flowing into their bodies from the soles of their feet.

"Just by passively absorbing energy like this, even without deliberately seeking out energy cores, two and a half years of cultivation here is equivalent to ten years of arduous training outside."

Feeling the surging energy within her body, even Xun'er, with her extraordinary background, couldn't help but be amazed.

It's no wonder that ancient races valued the Heavenly Tomb so highly.

This Heavenly Tomb can be called a sacred place for young geniuses to cultivate, like a powerful accelerator that can enable them to achieve a qualitative leap in their growth rate.

It's important to understand that what today's geniuses lack most if they want to rise to prominence or even catch up with the older generation of powerhouses is precisely the time to hone their skills.

"Xun'er, crush another Ice Soul Talisman, let's split up."

Xun'er nodded in agreement, then took out another talisman, and crushed it without hesitation with a flick of her finger.

A familiar, bone-chilling cold instantly spread, and in a short while, another avatar identical to Chen Xiao's appeared.

Looking at the two identical Chen Xiaos in front of her, Xun'er couldn't help but smile.

"Brother Chen Xiao's cultivation technique is truly profound. Although this avatar can only unleash 60% of its power, with nine avatars plus the original body, among those of the same realm, I'm afraid no one can withstand it!"

With Xun'er's knowledge, she could naturally see how terrifying this technique was.

To give a very direct example, even with 60% of Gu Yuan's strength, he still far surpasses the patriarchs of the Lei and Yan clans!

As for Chen Xiao, once he reaches the level of Gu Yuan and Hun Tiandi, he will be able to defeat the Gu Clan and Hun Clan by himself with this technique!

"This technique still has flaws, and I have been thinking about ways to improve it."

Chen Xiao chuckled and revealed his idea: "Firstly, I want to make this technique no longer limited to only ice-attribute cultivators. Secondly, if the external avatar can also cultivate on its own and nourish the main body, the cultivation speed will probably reach an unbelievable level."

If it can truly achieve that effect, this technique will be sufficient to serve as the foundation for future inheritance!

Without dwelling on the topic, Chen Xiao glanced into the depths of the earth and instructed, "Xun'er, we can stay in the Heavenly Tomb for more than two and a half years. From now on, this avatar will protect you and collect energy cores for you. Once its energy is exhausted, you can summon another one. I will go to the depths of this third level to see that person from the Xiao Clan."

With an avatar protecting Xun'er, there was no other significant threat in the entire Heavenly Tomb except for Xiao Xuan and the Heavenly Tomb Soul, who was completely uninvolved.

Therefore, Chen Xiao was extremely confident in Xun'er's safety.

Now that we've reached the third level of the Heavenly Tomb, it would be a waste of opportunity not to visit Xiao Xuan.

"Yes, some powerful figures from the ancient clans have reached Xiao Xuan's tomb before, but they couldn't get in no matter what methods they used. After Brother Chen Xiao arrives, he will probably have to put in more effort. It seems that Xiao Xuan doesn't want anyone to disturb him." Xun'er nodded with a smile and reminded him softly.

She had no worries whatsoever. After all, this external avatar contained only a wisp of consciousness. Even if it encountered misfortune and disintegrated along the way, it would not cause any damage to Chen Xiao's main body.

"Don't worry, I have a way to get him to see me," Chen Xiao said confidently with a smile.

He knew far too much about what Xiao Xuan cared about, and once he arrived at Xiao Xuan's tomb, he was not worried that Xiao Xuan would "close the tomb and not see him."

..

In the ancient world, inside a bamboo house.

Chen Xiao slowly opened his eyes and took out a jade slip from his storage ring.

After a moment's thought, a hint of helplessness flashed across Chen Xiao's face.

"Young master, what has happened?"

Qinglin, who was sitting cross-legged opposite, also opened her eyes and asked in a charming voice.

Chen Xiao sighed softly: "Zi Yan's news is that more than ten Dou Sheng powerhouses have suddenly appeared around the Stone Realm. One of them has even reached the level of a nine-star Dou Sheng. It must be Void Devouring Flame. If it weren't for the timely intervention of the Grand Elder who returned some time ago, the people of Dragon Island would probably have been targeted by Void Devouring Flame."

Upon hearing this, Qinglin's pretty face turned serious, as she guessed the Soul Clan's next plan.

"The Soul Clan is about to attack the Stone Clan!"

"I'm pretty sure I'll be able to find out what's going on when the Soul Clan attacks the Stone Clan. But I'm already busy with two things at once, taking care of Xun'er while on my way to see Xiao Xuan. I can't be bothered with the Stone Clan, so I can only ask Zi Yan to ask that Elder to secretly help us. Let's try to get as much benefit as we can."

Seeing Chen Xiao's somewhat regretful expression, Qing Lin couldn't help but chuckle.

Others may not know, but they, as his bedmates, understand perfectly well that Chen Xiao doesn't care about the lives of these ancient races; in fact, they would love for them all to disappear.

The only regret at this moment is not being able to participate in person.

As for the benefits, the Grand Elder, who is at the level of a Nine-Star Dou Sheng, can bring back far more than Chen Xiao could if he personally took action!

"It seems that the balance between the ancient races is about to be completely broken. Once the Stone Clan is destroyed, the Ancient, Thunder, Flame, and Medicine Clans will definitely not sit idly by," Qing Lin said softly.

"Let them be. Once Xun'er comes out of the Heavenly Tomb, we'll go straight back to Dragon Island."

Above the vast, gray-brown earth, wisps of energy mist drifted gently in the breeze, creating a hazy world that evoked a sense of mystery. In this desolate world, even the concept of time seemed to vanish.

On a massive boulder mountain hundreds of feet high, there was a huge stone seat, and a young man sat peacefully on it.

Below the youth, a domineering figure held a dark red ghost-head broadsword, like the most loyal guard.

This man was dressed in a dark red robe, with a cold expression and several horizontal scars on his face. He exuded an extremely powerful and fierce aura, which, when combined, resembled a blood-soaked, roaring lion, sending chills down one's spine.

However, at this moment his face was full of fawning smiles, giving people a strong sense of contrast.

"Senior, if we continue flying westward, we should be able to reach Lord Xiao Xuan's tomb in at most one day."

"Yes, Blood Blade, you can go back now. After I see Xiao Xuan, I'll tell him that he won't cause you any trouble," the young man on the stone seat nodded.

Blood Blade Saint forced a more pleasing smile onto his face. "It's alright. I'll wait here for you, Senior. This will be convenient if you need anything from me."

It's not that the Blood Blade Saint is so humble; it's just that he's incredibly unlucky.

The Heavenly Tomb space is incredibly vast; even Chen Xiao, whose soul has already reached the Great Perfection of the Heavenly Realm, cannot perceive its entirety.

Of course, this is also related to his current state.

Therefore, to save trouble, after entering the depths of the third level, Chen Xiao randomly selected a lucky person and asked them to point out the way.

Without a doubt, the Blood Blade Saint was this lucky one.

Blood Blade Saint only possessed the strength of a half-saint. Facing Chen Xiao, he dared not even entertain the thought of resisting, let alone put up a fight.

But when he respectfully waited for Chen Xiao to ask his question, his heart sank almost halfway.

Answering Chen Xiao's question might lead to Xiao Xuan settling scores with you later.

If you don't answer, your life will be in immediate danger!

Caught between a rock and a hard place, the Blood Blade Saint ultimately chose to live one more day as long as possible.

However, to avoid being purged by Xiao Xuan, the Blood Blade Saint also made efforts, personally leading Chen Xiao to the tomb.

In this way, if Chen Xiao and Xiao Xuan get along well, the Soul Clan will be able to forgive Chen Xiao's betrayal after he leaves, which is why we have the current situation.

Looking at the obsequious Blood Blade Saint, Chen Xiao shook his head. "Then so be it."

In the third level of the Heavenly Tomb, there were quite a few energy bodies at the half-saint level and even the Dou Sheng level. The Blood Blade Saint was respectful all the way, so Chen Xiao naturally had no interest in his energy core.

Although Xun'er needs energy cores for cultivation, one more or one less won't make a difference.

Under the fawning gaze of the Blood Blade Saint, Chen Xiao slowly rose from the stone seat, stepped into the void, and headed westward into the depths.

As Chen Xiao ventured deeper into the area, the surrounding scenery underwent a dramatic change. The light seemed to be completely swallowed up, and all that could be seen was a pitch-black color, like ink. Standing there was as if one were standing in a void, which inexplicably instilled a sense of bewilderment and panic in one's heart.

"This must be Xiao Xuan's territory—"

With a thought, Chen Xiao's internal fighting spirit suddenly began to circulate, and a frosty moon of ice blue color appeared in the sky.

Using the light emitted by the artificial frost moon, Chen Xiao immediately saw an ancient stone tablet standing alone in the dark area about a hundred feet ahead, lonely and desolate, as if it had existed since time immemorial.

Even after countless years, an indescribable aura still permeates that stone tablet.

This aura wasn't strong, yet it made Chen Xiao feel insignificant.

The difference between a late-stage four-star Dou Sheng and a late-stage nine-star Dou Sheng may seem to be only five minor realms, but the gap between them is beyond imagination.

With a sigh, Chen Xiao stopped thinking about it.

Just as he had told Gu Rui, he was only twenty-eight years old and had plenty of time to improve.

Xiao Xuan and other powerful figures are indeed terrifying, but when they are twenty-eight years old, they may not be able to defeat me.

"I am Chen Xiao, a rogue cultivator from the Northwest. Senior Xiao Xuan, may I have an audience?"

When Xiao Xuan perished, there were no forces like the Starfall Pavilion or the Thunder and Wind Pavilion, let alone the Purple Cloud Pavilion.

Therefore, Chen Xiao didn't bother to mention it further.

The booming sound, mixed with battle qi, echoed continuously in this space until, after several breaths, a calm voice filled with an ancient flavor slowly resounded in this space.

"A four-star Dou Sheng who is not yet thirty years old is indeed outstanding. He managed to send an avatar into the Heavenly Tomb right under Gu Yuan's nose. He does have some skills. Unfortunately, I have no interest in you. Go back to where you came from."

If Xiao Xuan were still alive, he would definitely be happy to see him.

Unfortunately, he has already passed away.

There are very few things that can arouse Xiao Xuan's interest now.

As for the changes in the political landscape of Zhongzhou and the emergence of many prominent figures, none of that mattered to him.

Hearing Xiao Xuan's words, Chen Xiao smiled. To be honest, it felt quite good to receive praise from such a legendary figure.

"No rush, I'll just say a few words, and perhaps you'll change your mind."

"In a remote and desolate place in the Northwest Continent, there was a Xiao family. I stayed there for several years. Unfortunately, many years ago, the Xiao family was destroyed by the Soul Palace under the Soul Clan. Even the clan leader was kidnapped and has not been heard from since. Only a few members of the family escaped the calamity."

As Chen Xiao spoke, a soul-shaking aura quietly permeated the space, as if the space itself might collapse at any moment.

Chen Xiao seemed oblivious and continued to laugh, "I've heard that the Pure Lotus Demon Flame is about to appear in the world. I've learned some secrets. It's rumored that a person named Xiao Chen seems to be involved and has become a fire slave of the Pure Lotus Demon Flame—"

"boom!"

That terrifying aura could no longer be suppressed and erupted completely.

In an instant, the entire third level of the Heavenly Tomb trembled, and countless energy beings turned pale and shivered.

Blood Blade Saint collapsed to the ground, his face filled with despair, completely devoid of the aura of a half-saint.

"Oh no, oh no! It's really started!"

Beneath a mountain peak, Xun'er, who was immersed in cultivation, also opened her eyes.

She glanced at Chen Xiao, who was standing not far away with a mocking expression, and instantly guessed what was going on.

"Did Brother Chen Xiao see Xiao Xuan?"

"I haven't met him yet, but I've arrived at his doorstep and we exchanged a few private words. He seemed quite agitated."

Upon hearing this, Xun'er couldn't help but smile.

Deep within the Heavenly Tomb on the other side.

The vast aura lingered for a long time before slowly receding, appearing and disappearing without a trace, as if it had never existed.

The next moment, under Chen Xiao's gaze, ripples appeared in the void in front of the stone tablet, and then a figure dressed in light blue clothes silently appeared.

The appearance of this figure did not cause any unusual phenomena in the heavens and earth, but it gave people the vague feeling that this world could not withstand his punches and kicks.

Chen Xiao also carefully examined this legendary figure.

To be honest, Xiao Xuan is not exactly handsome, but his features are sharp and angular, and he is the kind of person who grows on you the more you look at him.

His black hair cascaded down his shoulders, and his pair of jet-black eyes, like black holes, were deep and filled with an unusual wisdom, exuding a captivating charm.

Calm and resolute—

Unconsciously, words began to appear in Chen Xiao's mind.

"Greetings, senior."

Quickly regaining his composure, Chen Xiao bowed slightly.

Xiao Xuan glanced deeply at Chen Xiao high in the sky. After a long while, he put his hands behind his back and slowly walked towards the stone tablet. When his body touched the stone tablet, he quickly faded until he disappeared completely.

"Come in and talk."

His appearance this time seemed to be merely to demonstrate to Chen Xiao how to enter the tomb.

Chen Xiao smiled, showing no fear whatsoever, and stepped down in front of the stone tablet.

Just then, a faint radiance emanated from the stone tablet, enveloping Chen Xiao. Finally, when the radiance dissipated, Chen Xiao's figure vanished from the spot.

The radiance surrounding him slowly faded, and a palace, not particularly grand but exuding an ancient charm, appeared before Chen Xiao's eyes.

He was currently in what appeared to be the center of the main hall, and not far in front of him, Xiao Xuan stood with his hands behind his back, his posture upright.

Before Xiao Xuan, a clear pond was crystal clear, with several blue lotuses floating leisurely, and a faint fragrance quietly permeating the air.

"Speak, what do you intend to do?" Light footsteps came from behind, but Xiao Xuan did not turn his head, his voice calm and indifferent.

The saying goes: at thirty, one stands firm; at forty, one is free from doubt; at fifty, one knows the mandate of Heaven; at sixty, one's ears are attuned to the truth.

Someone like Xiao Xuan, who has experienced countless years, could see through Chen Xiao at a glance; there was no way Chen Xiao had come just to catch a glimpse of his charm.