Battle Through the Heavens: Starting with Cao Ying as an apprentice

Currently, among the major forces on the continent, apart from the unfathomable Soul Clan and the mysterious Ancient Dragon Clan, the number of other forces with high-level Dou Sheng combat power that they can boast can be counted on two hands.

The core strength of most factions still consists of mid-level Dou Sheng, low-level Dou Sheng, and half-saints.

Yao Wangui's expression shifted rapidly. He was now fully aware that he could no longer harm Yao Chen.

The expulsion of Yao Chen was "forced by circumstances" by the clan's higher-ups, who knew it was a miscarriage of justice but had no choice but to do so.

But what about now? Yao Chen is already a late-stage three-star Dou Sheng, and a top-tier alchemist. His strategic value is now comparable to some four-star or even five-star Dou Sheng powerhouses.

Even if Patriarch Yao Dan were to consider the reputation of Yao Wan Gui's lineage, given the current situation where the Soul Clan is eyeing them covetously and the continent's situation is delicate, he would definitely choose to win over Yao Chen, or at least repair their relationship.

But if we just let it go like this...

Yao Wangui clenched his fist so tightly that his nails almost dug into his palm.

The gazes of the surrounding members of the Medicine Clan seemed to carry a silent mockery.

If he slunk away today, what prestige will he have left in the clan?

How would those elders and deacons who depend on him view him, the punishment elder who couldn't even suppress a "discarded pawn"?

Just as the stalemate was at its peak—

"Elder of Punishments".

A clear, melodious female voice broke the silence.

Yao Ling walked to the middle of the two sides and looked calmly at Yao Wangui:

"This is the Hundred Herbs Pavilion, a place specially arranged by the clan leader to receive 'distinguished guests'."

She emphasized the words "distinguished guest," then turned slightly to the side, allowing Yao Wangui to see Cao Ying and Little Fairy Doctor standing behind her.

"If Elder Wan Gui makes too much noise, it might disturb our distinguished guests, and if word gets back to the clan leader... that wouldn't be good."

Yao Wangui's pupils contracted as his gaze swept over Cao Ying and Little Fairy Doctor.

The clan chief had specifically asked Yao Ling to entertain these two people, and he knew it was best not to offend them.

Yao Wangui quickly weighed the options in his mind; Yao Ling was giving him a way out.

"Hmph, since the Medicine Spirit has spoken, let's end it here for today."

Yao Wangui snorted coldly, took the opportunity to step off the stage, turned his head and glared at Yao Chen, his eyes flashing with cold light: "Yao Chen, just you wait and see!"

After uttering these harsh words, Yao Wangui flicked his sleeves and turned to leave with his four guards.

He walked quickly, his footsteps crunching on the broken flagstones, as if he wanted to bury all his anger into the ground.

"Hey, you—" Yao Chen wanted to say a few more sarcastic remarks upon seeing this.

"Senior Yao Chen." Yao Ling interrupted in time, walked up to Yao Chen, and bowed solemnly.

This gesture stunned many of the disciples of the Medicine Clan around them.

The top geniuses of the Medicine Spirit Clan, whose status is extraordinary, are so respectful to a "discarded pawn".

Yao Ling raised her head and looked at Yao Chen with sincere eyes: "Senior, the blood flowing in your veins is ultimately that of the Yao Clan. I will report today's events to the Clan Chief as truthfully, and ask the Clan Chief to make the final decision."

"If the senior is willing, the junior is willing to do his best to mediate and get the senior back into the family genealogy."

She paused, lowering her voice slightly, "And... regarding the reburial of our elders' parents, although I am but a humble person, I will earnestly request the clan leader to allow the two elders... to rest in peace in the clan cemetery."

Yao Chen fell silent.

He looked at the junior member of the Medicine Clan before him, a complex expression flashing in his eyes.

After a long while, Yao Chen let out a long breath, a somewhat tired smile appearing on his face:

"Then thank you very much, Miss Yaoling. I'll leave my parents' matter to you."

He looked towards the distant Medicine Realm Mountains, which led to the Medicine Clan's ancestral cemetery.

"As for returning to the Medicine Clan..." Yao Chen shook his head, a hint of nonchalance in his smile.

"Let's forget it. I'm used to being carefree and can't stand being restrained. Besides, I have some old friends in Zhongzhou now, so I'm quite relaxed."

After saying that, he patted Xiao Yan's shoulder beside him: "Yan'er, let's go."

"Yes, teacher." Xiao Yan nodded, glanced at Yao Ling one last time, then at Cao Ying and Little Fairy Doctor, before turning and leaving with Yao Chen.

Yao Ling watched the backs of the master and disciple gradually disappear into the distance and sighed softly.

Don't advise others to do things you haven't experienced yourself!

She had heard about Yao Chen's ordeal, and the elders of the clan were reluctant to talk about it, but some clues always circulated.

But what could she do? She wasn't even born then, and she has no power to change the past now.

Even knowing it was a miscarriage of justice, one can only try to make amends within the rules.

Cao Ying and Little Fairy Doctor remained standing by the window, quietly watching everything unfold.

"Ladies, I'm so sorry to have made you laugh like this," Yao Ling said with an apologetic smile.

"These old stories of our clan shouldn't disturb your peace..."

"Miss Medicine Spirit, please don't take it to heart." Little Fairy Doctor smiled slightly.

“Every family has its own problems, we understand. If you have something important to do, please go ahead and do it. There’s no need to call us.”

Cao Ying nodded and said, "Yes, Miss Yaoling, please go and handle the clan's affairs first. Little Fairy Doctor and I will just wander around the Medicine Realm."

Yao Ling was taken aback. Looking at the two women in front of her, who were of noble status but had no airs, a warm feeling welled up in her heart: "Thank you for your understanding. I will go and report to the clan leader first, and I will come to keep you company later."

She bowed respectfully before turning and leaving in a hurry.

After Yao Ling had gone far away, Xiao Yi Xian and Cao Ying exchanged a glance.

"It seems the world of medicine is a deeper pool than we thought," Little Fairy Doctor said softly.

Cao Ying nodded, her gaze fixed on the direction where Yao Chen and his apprentice had left: "Let's go, it's been a long time since we've seen Senior Yao Chen and Xiao Yan."

"Since we've run into each other, we should at least say hello."

A smile flashed in Little Fairy Doctor's eyes: "Hmm, I remember back in Canaan Academy, Senior Yao Chen even gave me pointers on how to refine poisons."

The two exchanged a smile and chased after Yao Chen and his disciple in the direction they had gone.

…………

Yao Chen and Xiao Yan did not go far.

"Teacher, those two people just now, didn't they seem to be Cao Ying and Little Fairy Doctor?" Xiao Yan turned around and asked in a low voice.

"Yes, it's them." Yao Chen nodded, a knowing glint in his eyes.

"It must have been Su Baichen who sent them here to 'take advantage'."

He knew Su Baichen too well. That kid seemed carefree and easygoing, but in reality, he was meticulous and always had a plan.

The Medicine Clan's century-old pharmacopoeia brings together alchemists from all over the world, where countless rare prescriptions and lost alchemy techniques are exchanged.

Given Su Baichen's personality, how could he possibly let this opportunity slip by? Sending Cao Ying and Little Fairy Doctor, two disciples with exceptional talent, was clearly to "steal his skills."

"But it's alright." Yao Chen smiled.

"With the two of them around, that old bastard Yao Wangui will be more restrained. After all, even I can't see Cao Ying's strength now. If it really comes down to it, Yao Wangui will be in big trouble."

Just as Xiao Yan was about to reply, a clear, crisp female voice suddenly came from behind him, with a hint of playfulness in its tone:

"Senior Yao Chen, you've guessed wrong this time!"

"I wanted to come this time!"

Chapter 379 Regret!

Upon hearing that familiar voice, the master and apprentice turned around simultaneously.

Cao Ying and Little Fairy Doctor stood side by side, having quietly arrived three zhang behind them.

"Senior Yao Chen, it's been a long time." Little Fairy Doctor stepped forward and bowed solemnly, her movements standard and respectful, just like the girl she was when she studied at Canaan Academy.

"Haha, little girl, there's no need for that. You are now a Dou Sheng expert, and your cultivation is comparable to mine. I can't possibly accept the title of 'senior'." Yao Chen quickly waved his hand upon seeing this.

"No." Little Fairy Doctor straightened up, her clear, cold eyes filled with seriousness:

"Senior, you patiently guided me in the art of poison refining back then at Canaan Academy. I will always remember this kindness and gratitude."

"Respecting teachers and valuing the Way is the foundation of being a person, and it has nothing to do with one's level of cultivation."

She paused, her voice soft yet firm: "You are worthy of being called a senior."

Upon hearing this, Yao Chen's eyes flashed with satisfaction, and he nodded gently: "That fellow Su Baichen has indeed taught two good disciples."

A wave of emotion welled up in my heart.

Bai Chen taught them very well. Cao Ying is proud but not arrogant, and Xiao Yixian is refined but not cold. Both of them are polite, grateful, and of good character.

Unlike me...

His eyes dimmed for a moment, and the name buried deep in his heart resurfaced like a poisonous thorn—Han Feng.

The disciple he had poured his heart and soul into, whom he treated like his own son, ultimately colluded with the Soul Palace to kill him twice for a scroll of the Burning Technique.

If he hadn't managed to escape with a wisp of his soul, Yao Chen would have been completely destroyed.

“Master.” Xiao Yan’s voice rang out beside him, warm and firm.

Yao Chen snapped out of his daze and looked at the young man in black robes beside him.

Xiao Yan was looking at him with concern, his dark eyes filled with worry and understanding—he knew that his teacher had thought of that person again, the name that neither he nor his disciple ever mentioned.

"Master, you still have me." Xiao Yan repeated, his voice not loud, but every word resounding.

Yao Chen felt a warmth in his heart; the gloom that had lingered for many years seemed to be dispelled somewhat by these simple words.

He reached out and patted Xiao Yan on the shoulder, his eyes full of satisfaction.

Yes, thankfully we have Yan'er.

Over the years, he has secretly observed and tested the waters countless times.

He deliberately displayed precious pill formulas in front of Xiao Yan, pretended to reveal the location of a great treasure, and even pretended to fall into a lower realm to observe Xiao Yan's reaction.

Each time, the boy who came from Wutan City responded to his provocation with his purest heart.