Battle Through the Heavens: Reap the Red Lotus Karmic Flame at the Start

On the way back to the pavilion, ever since Mu Xinyuan learned about Xiao Yan's alchemist level, the way he looked at Xiao Yan had become a little strange. Xiao Yan felt that it was the kind of look that was like someone drooling over delicious food.

However, this wasn't the first time Xiao Yan had encountered such an experience. Most people who knew his identity as an alchemist had the same expression.

However, recalling the admonitions Feng Zun had given him in the letter, Mu Xinyuan felt a sense of powerless frustration. He was certain that Feng Zun had anticipated his thoughts, but he himself had indeed shamelessly coveted a genius like Xiao Yan, which made Mu Xinyuan feel particularly distressed. But seeing Mu Qingluan calling him "Senior Brother" repeatedly, Mu Xinyuan felt that this was already quite good. At least he could see that Xiao Yan genuinely cared for Mu Qingluan. As long as Xiao Yan was willing to maintain a healthy relationship with Mu Qingluan, it was already a good outcome.

After the three returned to the pavilion, the Azure Autumn Fruit on the plate once again caught Xiao Yan's attention. After tasting it again, Xiao Yan couldn't help but ask, "Elder, how is this Azure Autumn Fruit grown? I'm a little curious. Of course, if it involves the privacy of the Heavenly Luan Clan, then just pretend I didn't say anything."

Having received Xiao Yan's praise, Mu Xinyuan was also somewhat proud. Everyone knew that when it came to intelligence, magical beasts were far inferior to humans, but in this matter, the Tianluan Clan had clearly accomplished something that even humans had not.

"There's no need to hide it from you, and it's nothing to just take a look. Qingluan, why don't you take your senior brother to see him?" Then Mu Xinyuan handed a jade token to Mu Qingluan, which was proof of his status as an elder of the Tianluan Clan.

Mu Qingluan nodded and led Xiao Yan out again. Mu Xinyuan watched the two of them walk out side by side, a smug smile appearing on his old face.

"Senior brother, guess where our Tianluan clan grows its medicinal herbs?" Mu Qingluan asked Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan smiled, tapped his forehead, and said, "I am an alchemist. Your herb garden cannot be hidden from me."

Alchemists are exceptionally sensitive to all herbs, so Xiao Yan could sense that the Tianluan Clan had a place where herbs were gathered, located below one of the five mountain peaks.

"Is there any particular reason for storing the herbs in one place?" Xiao Yan asked Mu Qingluan.

Mu Qingluan did not stump Xiao Yan. Seeing his confusion, she became smug again and said mysteriously, "You'll know when we get there."

Xiao Yan had already gotten used to Mu Qingluan's childlike nature. Although Mu Qingluan was actually much older than him, she was still considered a teenager to magical beasts. Mu Qingluan could pretend to be mature, but once you got to know her, you would discover her true nature.

The two arrived at their destination in no time. From the outside, the herb garden below the mountain was surrounded by a barrier made of battle qi, with a faint glow flowing across it, like a natural protective shield. Guards of the Tianluan Clan could be seen patrolling from time to time, their eyes sharp, vigilant against any possible intrusion.

The desire of magical beasts for rare flowers and herbs can be said to be rooted in the depths of their souls. Therefore, Xiao Yan found that the protection of the herb garden was the most complete. There were probably no fewer than ten Dou Zong powerhouses guarding the herb garden. Xiao Yan also sensed a faint and hidden aura among them.

"This is a sensitive area of ​​the herb garden. Anyone who comes, please state your name!" Several guards from the Tianluan Clan locked onto Xiao Yan and Mu Qingluan's auras.

Mu Qingluan took out the jade token given to her by Mu Xinyuan. The Tianluan Clan guards scanned the token's aura and opened their battle qi shields to clear the way.

"Greetings, Miss Qingluan." One of the guards recognized Mu Qingluan.

Mu Qingluan successfully led Xiao Yan into the herb garden. Although the Tianluan Clan values ​​strength above all else, the granddaughter of the Dou Zun Elder still holds a very high status. Apart from Tang Qiying, no one would stop Mu Qingluan from entering without a reason.

Upon entering the herb garden, Xiao Yan felt that his eyes had been opened once again!

Sunlight filtered through the thin mist, scattering across the exotic flowers and plants, shimmering with iridescent colors. The garden boasted a diverse array of rare and exotic plants; some emitted a delicate fragrance, while others possessed potent medicinal properties, each plant embodying the essence of heaven and earth.

Meanwhile, all the rare and precious herbs were meticulously arranged according to their attributes and growth requirements. The fire-attribute herb area grew around a churning lava pool, with a scorching heat permeating the air; the water-attribute herb area was surrounded by clear streams, with a refreshing moisture in the air. Each area was connected by paths paved with spirit stones, and on both sides of these paths were various rare and precious herbs carefully cultivated by the Tianluan Clan.

Although the herb garden contained an almost countless number of herbs, it gave Xiao Yan a sense of order and organization. Standing on one side of the herb garden, Xiao Yan sensed that the flow of Dou Qi within it was somewhat peculiar. The Dou Qi in different areas flowed in a constantly regular pattern, with an invisible Dou Qi vortex at the center of each area.

The energy at the center of the Dou Qi vortex was substantial, but extremely stable, showing no signs of wavering. Xiao Yan was certain: there was absolutely no human intervention maintaining the herb garden; it was operating on its own! And this was definitely not something that would happen naturally!

"Is this actually a large formation?" Xiao Yan said.

Mu Qingluan also said admiringly, "As expected, you couldn't hide it from Senior Brother. There's a large formation maintaining this herb garden underground!"

Then, Mu Qingluan led Xiao Yan directly to the area where the Qingqiu Fruit was grown. Upon arriving, they discovered a woman in white lying on the ground. The woman was frail, like a willow branch swaying in the wind. She had long, flowing hair that shimmered with a faint sheen. Her skin was fair, with a sickly translucence, as if it would break at the slightest touch. Her hair ornament was simple yet exquisite, held up by a single wooden hairpin. The hairpin had likely slipped off when she fainted, and her long hair cascaded down the grass like a waterfall, adding to her tragic beauty.

Upon seeing the woman, Xiao Yan realized that he hadn't noticed her presence at all. Even when she was right in front of him, she seemed completely oblivious, almost as if she were nothing! So even Xiao Yan hadn't noticed her beforehand, only realizing that someone had fainted there when he got closer.

Upon seeing the woman, Mu Qingluan panicked and rushed forward to help her up, calling out, "Sister Xue, are you alright?"