Chapter 156: Seeking the Treasures of Heaven and Earth (Subscribe for More, Second Update)

“If he were merely an ordinary peak Dou Emperor, we would have no need to fear him. But this man has another identity: he is a sixth-tier alchemist. His mastery of alchemy is so refined that even Elder Huo of the alchemy department cannot compare. Over the years, he has established an extensive network in the Black Corner Region, entangling himself with numerous factions. If he seeks to seize the Heavenly Flame, he will surely call upon these connections. You should know, a sixth-tier alchemist possesses a terrifying influence. Moreover, according to the information I’ve received, Han Feng appears to control a Heavenly Flame himself,” the Grand Elder’s final words carried a hint of gravity.

“What? That man has a Heavenly Flame too?” Upon hearing this, the Elder in yellow was visibly shocked. For an alchemist of Han Feng’s caliber, possessing a Heavenly Flame was akin to adding wings to a tiger.

“Don’t forget who his teacher is,” the Grand Elder said calmly.

“Medicine Sovereign, Yao Chen.” The Elder in yellow’s expression changed as he uttered a name once renowned across the continent. After a moment, he recovered from the shock that name had brought and frowned. “It’s said that Yao Chen had a Heavenly Flame too. Now that he’s fallen, perhaps he passed it on to Han Feng?”

“I’m not certain. Yao Chen’s death was suspicious. Besides Han Feng, no one else really knows the details. Although he claims Yao Chen died from pill backlash, heh, that excuse is far too flimsy. With Yao Chen’s unmatched alchemy skills, how could he make such a mistake? Maybe there’s more beneath the surface,” the Grand Elder sneered coldly.

“What are you implying?” The Elder in yellow was startled, then lowered his voice.

“Who knows? I’ve heard that Yao Chen’s old friend, Sovereign Feng, has been investigating for years. He clearly doesn’t believe Yao Chen died so mysteriously,” the Grand Elder replied meaningfully. He waved his hand dismissively. “Enough, these matters don’t concern us much. Our priority now is to be vigilant against Han Feng. If he unites the factions of the Black Corner Region, even our Canaan Academy will have a headache.”

“Understood, I’ll handle it immediately.” The Elder in yellow nodded.

The Grand Elder nodded slightly, then suddenly asked, “By the way, where is Xiao Xie, that little monster?”

“He hasn’t been training in the Skyburn Qi Refining Tower recently. Oh, and he’s made friends with Zi Yan,” the Elder in yellow recalled.

The Grand Elder laughed. “Little Zi Yan? Well, Xiao Xie is an alchemist. It’s natural for her to befriend him. If Han Feng tries to take advantage, Xiao Xie can intervene—that would be ideal. If Xiao Xie wants to act, don’t hinder him. When the Falling Heart Flame erupts, we might need his help.”

“Yes.” The Elder in yellow nodded.

“Go now and pass my instructions to all the elders.” The Grand Elder waved his hand, dismissing him.

Knock, knock, knock—

“Young Master, someone’s here to see you!” Qing Lin pushed open the door and entered, speaking to Xiao Xie.

“Who is it?”

“It’s me.” A voice came from the doorway, and a white figure entered—it was Zi Yan. The little girl in white looked expectantly at Xiao Xie, her large dark eyes filled with longing.

“What brings you here?” Xiao Xie smiled as he rubbed Zi Yan’s head.

“Hm?” Qing Lin watched their intimate gesture, feeling a twinge of jealousy. Xiao Xie usually only did this with her. She felt as though her beloved toy was being snatched away.

“I’ve finished all the pills you made for me.” Zi Yan’s cheeks flushed slightly, somewhat embarrassed. She produced a pile of medicinal ingredients from her storage ring and gazed at Xiao Xie with anticipation.

“Alright, I understand.” Xiao Xie found her eager expression amusing. With a thought, a dragon-shaped cluster of Green Lotus Core Flame appeared in his hand. Under Zi Yan’s admiring gaze, he tossed the ingredients into the blue flames and began refining.

Ten minutes later, all the ingredients had been refined into a mass of liquid. With another thought, Xiao Xie condensed them into hundreds of pills and packed them into a jade box.

Zi Yan took the box, ignoring the pills’ heat, popped one into her mouth, and savored the vast energy and fragrance. She closed her eyes in delight.

“Delicious! From now on, if anyone bullies you, just mention my name—I’ll protect you!” Zi Yan laughed happily.

“The Young Master is a Two-Star Dou Emperor; he doesn’t need your protection!” Qing Lin pouted angrily.

Zi Yan, hearing this, stared wide-eyed and asked, “Xiao Xie, are you really a Dou Emperor?”

“Absolutely,” Xiao Xie replied with a smile, ruffling Qing Lin’s hair. He could sense Qing Lin’s hostility toward Zi Yan, though he didn’t know why.

“Mmm.” Feeling the warmth of his palm, Qing Lin lowered her head, a contented look on her face. Her hostility toward Zi Yan gradually faded. As long as Zi Yan didn’t take the Young Master from her, she was willing to be friendly.

“Wonderful! I have a natural ability to sense rare treasures. Deep in the inner academy mountains, there’s a Snow Demon Ape guarding something valuable. I tried several times, but it drove me away. Later, I met a silver-haired woman in the inner academy. I liked her, so I told her about the treasure the ape guards. I don’t know if she succeeded—she said she’d share it with me if she did! If she hasn’t gotten it yet, let’s go claim it ourselves!” Zi Yan proposed, her eyes shining.

“Alright, let’s go now!” Xiao Xie nodded, then said to Qing Lin, “Qing Lin, I’ll go out with Zi Yan for a bit. I’ll be back soon.”

“Okay! I’ll have dinner ready for you when you return, Young Master.” Qing Lin nodded obediently. She knew that if Xiao Xie wanted to take her along, he would. If not, he must have his reasons.

After instructing Qing Lin, Xiao Xie followed Zi Yan toward the back mountains.

Trailing behind Zi Yan through the forest, Xiao Xie saw that beyond the trees was a small mountain valley nestled against the peaks. The valley entrance resembled a gourd, and at this moment, a massive white ape, three or four meters tall, stood upright at the mouth of the valley. The ape exuded a fierce, icy aura, its heavy breaths emerging from its large nostrils like two streams of white smoke. Its arms were unusually long, and its claws were as big as two human heads. Whenever it swung its claws, gusts of wind cut through the air, shattering boulders around it. Its blood-red eyes brimmed with rage and killing intent, and at this moment, those eyes glared menacingly at six figures nearby.

Xiao Xie’s gaze swept over the six figures, and upon seeing the badges on their chests, he knew they were all inner academy students.

“There’s a familiar face.” Xiao Xie’s eyes landed on the woman standing furthest to the left. Her cold, elegant silver dress and dazzling silver hair revealed her identity: Han Yue, whom Xiao Xie had met once before. His Fire Spirit Visualization Technique had been purchased from her.

Zi Yan turned to Xiao Xie and said fiercely, “Xiao Xie, slaughter this dumb monkey for me—it bullied me!” She had been beaten by the Snow Demon Ape, whose strength rivaled a Three-Star Dou King. Now, with Xiao Xie here, she wanted to reclaim her dignity.

While Zi Yan and Xiao Xie spoke, the atmosphere in the valley grew increasingly tense.

Sensing the imminent battle, the Snow Demon Ape’s crimson eyes deepened in hue. Its iron-like claws hammered against its white-furred chest, sending visible ripples of force outward. Where the force spread, nearby rocks cracked with loud snaps, fissures appearing everywhere.

“Foolish humans, do not covet the ‘Core Tempering Milk.’ Leave now, and I will spare your lives!” The Snow Demon Ape raised its massive head, its blood-red gaze fixed on the group. After a moment’s silence, its deep, wild voice thundered in everyone’s ears.