Chapter 16: The Desert, Farewell Xiao Yan
Su Yun carefully examined the torn map in his hand, his finger suddenly tracing over a jagged corner.
“This torn map seems to bear fresh cut marks. Did you do this?”
Hai Bodong’s heart tightened. He hurried to explain, “Yes, but the other half of the torn map is no longer in my possession.”
“…You’re quite the prodigy. The material of this map is extraordinary; it’s not easy to cut it apart.”
Su Yun chuckled softly, genuinely wanting to comment on this. Even with his cultivation sealed, Hai Bodong managed to split the remnant map of the Pure Lotus Demon Fire. No one knew how he did it.
“I have some experience studying maps,” Hai Bodong replied, puzzled.
“Where is the other half of the map?”
“It’s with a young man carrying a large ruler on his back. Some time ago, that youth broke into my secluded map shop, attacked me without honor, and stole half the torn map.”
Su Yun knew it was Xiao Yan’s doing but still asked, “Do you know where he is now?”
“I made a deal with him. As long as he brings the Sand Mandala to me, I will forge the Breaking Calamity Pill and give him the other half of the map.
“However, that deal is now void.
“As for his whereabouts, before parting, he said he was heading to Muo City to search for the Nether Flame.”
If Hai Bodong had to choose between Su Yun and Xiao Yan, he would undoubtedly side with Su Yun.
Though that kid was strange, he was too young and didn’t look like a sixth-rank alchemist at all.
Su Yun teased, “So you made two preparations after all.”
Hai Bodong wiped the sweat from his brow, “I dare not! At the time, I was unaware of your presence and resorted to this last-ditch plan.”
“Those unaware bear no blame.”
Su Yun dismissed the matter lightly. “You may leave now…”
“Yes.”
Hai Bodong wanted to ask when Su Yun planned to go to the Tagor Desert but thought it might seem like pressing, so he gave up.
Su Yun broke through successfully. Mittel Tengshan lifted the surrounding blockade, and Yafei along with many maids returned to the residence.
Su Yun instructed Yafei, “Go and bring Xian’er here.”
“Yes.”
Moments later, the young healer appeared, obediently saying, “Teacher.”
“Hmm, your cultivation is progressing well,” Su Yun smiled.
After unlocking the Calamity Poison Body, the young healer’s cultivation advanced rapidly, and she had now risen to the rank of Dou Shi.
When Su Yun first met her, she was only a one-star Dou Zhe, demonstrating just how formidable the Calamity Poison Body was.
“Today, I will pass the Nether Poison Codex to you.”
The young healer’s eyes lit up with joy. “Thank you, Teacher.”
Su Yun then taught her the methods recorded in the Nether Poison Codex.
“The Nether Poison Codex is obscure and difficult to understand. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.”
Su Yun spoke with concern.
The young healer was a promising talent and would be a great asset once matured.
As for the issue of the poison body’s outbreak, it was easily solved—he would share a fragment of the Nether Poison Flame with her.
“I will remember, Xian’er.”
The young healer gently tucked back her hair, her eyes fixed on her teacher’s handsome, youthful face, unable to look away.
“Hmm.”
Su Yun nodded, unaware of what this rebellious disciple might be thinking. After giving her some cultivation instructions, he sent her away.
“First, retrieve the other half of the torn map, and also the Blue Lotus Core Flame…”
The Blue Lotus Core Flame was in Medusa’s hands. Though he did not cultivate the Burning Decision technique, the Nether Flame was precious, and forging poison pills required such flames. Su Yun had no intention of letting others claim it.
Su Yun rose, his figure flickering as he appeared over the imperial capital. He stepped lightly on the void, stirring faint ripples in the air.
He summoned the poison flame sealed within the Amethyst Winged Lion King.
“Roar—!”
The Amethyst Winged Lion King sensed the summons, letting out a long howl. It burst forth from the forest outside the capital, soaring into the sky, and in moments, it arrived before Su Yun.
“Master… you have broken through!”
The beast’s copper-bell-sized eyes widened in astonishment.
Compared to before, Su Yun’s aura was more profound and unfathomable. Most importantly, he no longer needed Dou Qi wings to stand aloft—this was the mark of a Dou Zong powerhouse!
“Hmm, some strength has returned. Not much, but enough,” Su Yun said calmly, stepping onto the lion’s head.
“To the Tagor Desert.”
“Yes!”
The Amethyst Winged Lion King flapped its wings, its scales shimmering with purple light as it transformed into an afterimage and vanished into the horizon.
This spectacle drew much attention, causing a stir throughout the imperial capital.
“A Dou Zong powerhouse! Our Gama Empire actually has a Dou Zong!”
“Lord Su truly is a survivor from ancient times!”
“…”
Jia Xingtian’s voice was hoarse, “He’s advancing too fast.”
“Indeed.”
Princess Yao Ye looked worried. The sudden news nearly stunned her.
The royal family hadn’t even decided how to treat Su Yun, yet he had already ascended to the Dou Zong realm.
“We must spare no effort to maintain good relations with him. At least, we cannot let things deteriorate further…” Jia Xingtian slowly closed his eyes.
…
Two days later, in the Tagor Desert, Muo City.
The Muo Iron Mercenary Corps surrounded a stretch of land outside the city.
“Xiao Yan has been in the magma for a long time. Could it be…?” Xiao Li said anxiously.
Xiao Ding grunted, “Nonsense! Third Brother won’t be in trouble!”
Earlier, Xiao Yan arrived in Muo City, reunited with them, and asked for their help in searching for the Nether Flame.
After investigation, they pinpointed the exact location and began excavating a tunnel into the underground magma.
Now, Xiao Yan had entered the magma searching for the Nether Flame, and his fate was unknown.
“Sigh, I shouldn’t have let him go. If anything happens to him, how will I explain it to Father!” Xiao Li regretted.
“Bang, bang, bang!”
At that moment, muffled sounds came from the underground tunnel beneath their feet.
“Could it be…!”
The two rejoiced and quickly looked down to see a dust-covered hand reaching out.
“Help me up!”
They pulled hard, finally dragging Xiao Yan out.
Back on the surface, Xiao Yan panted heavily, sweat pouring down his forehead, utterly disheveled.
“How’s it going? Did you find the Nether Flame?”
“No.”
Xiao Yan shook his head regretfully.
Xiao Ding comforted him, “It’s alright. As long as you’re safe, the Nether Flame can be found again.”
Xiao Yan’s expression darkened. “At the location of the Nether Flame, I found a seven-colored scale. It seems a strong Serpent Tribe warrior got there ahead of us…”
In his heart, Xiao Yan asked, “Teacher, what should I do now?”
“What else? Go deeper into the Tagor Desert and snatch the Nether Flame back,” Yaolao said helplessly.
“Alright, that’s the only choice.”
After resting briefly, Xiao Yan bid farewell to his two elder brothers.
“Big Brother, Second Brother, I’m heading to the Serpent Tribe to search for the Nether Flame. You don’t need to see me off.”
Xiao Yan’s expression was resolute. Knowing they could not stop him, the two said, “Be careful!”
“Yeah! I’ll come find you for a drink later…”
Before Xiao Yan finished speaking, the sky suddenly darkened.
“What’s happening?”
Xiao Yan looked up sharply, seeing the massive form of the Amethyst Winged Lion King blotting out the sky. At the same time, a clear, cheerful laugh echoed from above.
“Young friend, we meet again.”