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**
However, he wasn't surprised that they had failed to kill Xiao Yan.
After all, Yao Chen had been a peak Nine Change Dou Zun before his death—he was never someone easy to deal with.
Not to mention, there were also bodyguards sent by Gu Xun'er for protection.
With just two Dou Huangs and nine Dou Wangs, there was no way they could kill Xiao Yan.
But now, the fact that Xiao Yan possessed an Heavenly Flame was already known to many powerful figures.
It seemed like his days ahead wouldn't be easy.
As for Gu He, he was probably furious as well.
Two Dou Huangs, plus himself at Dou Wang peak, along with eight mid-rank Dou Wangs—of course, Lei Na's crippled hand meant his strength was only at low-rank Dou Wang at best.
So many people had surrounded and besieged a mere Dou Wang-level alchemist, which should have been a surefire victory.
After all, most alchemists weren't skilled in combat, let alone when there was such a massive gap in strength.
Yet, Xiao Yan had managed to escape.
On the other side, Xiao Yan, his face pale, lay weakly on the ground inside a cave.
During the battle a few days ago, Yao Chen had controlled his body and forcibly unleashed Dou Huang peak-level combat strength.
The immense Dou Qi had severely damaged his meridians.
If Yao Chen hadn't helped him refine and absorb several Beast Flames beforehand—strengthening his physique through the tempering of Beast Flames—
With just his four-star Dou Shi cultivation, he would have been blown into pieces long ago.
Beside him, the now considerably more ethereal Yao Chen was refining a pill.
Before long, Yao Chen flicked his finger.
A pill floated to Xiao Yan's lips as he said, "Take this pill quickly to heal your internal injuries. If your meridians remain damaged, it could affect your future cultivation."
"Thank you, Master… Hiss—"
Xiao Yan gasped in pain but didn't hesitate. He immediately swallowed the peak fifth-tier level pill.
Then, he guided the surging medicinal power to repair his damaged meridians.
Half a day later, Xiao Yan slowly opened his eyes.
Suddenly, he clenched his fist and slammed it onto the ground, gritting his teeth. "Now I get it! That ice attribute Dou Huang kept chasing us because he was after your Heavenly Flame, Master! He wanted to gift it to that so-called Pill King, Gu He, to curry favor with him!
Back then, he accused us of stealing from him, but I bet that was just an excuse!"
Hearing his disciple's words, Yao Chen's expression darkened, and he nodded in agreement.
If given the chance, he would definitely make that Ice Emperor suffer and vent his frustration.
"By the way, Master, the Dou Huang who saved us earlier… was it—?"
"You'll find out once your strength improves."
Yao Chen immediately interrupted, knowing exactly what Xiao Yan wanted to ask.
He had no intention of letting Xiao Yan know about the Ancient Clans just yet.
"Again with that line…"
Xiao Yan shook his head helplessly. However, a certain woman's face had already surfaced in his mind.
Then, licking his dry lips, he said, "Master, didn't you say that Dou Shi cultivators normally can't absorb Heavenly Flames?
In that case, can we find more Beast Flames and evolve Flame Mantra to Black-Class?"
Previously, after absorbing the first Beast Flame, he was thrilled to discover that Beast Flames not only evolved Flame Mantra,
But also allowed him to break through cultivation levels.
After swallowing those flames, he had directly advanced from nine-star Dou Zhe to Dou Shi.
Later, under Yao Chen's guidance, they had acquired several more Beast Flames, all of which Xiao Yan devoured.
This not only advanced Flame Mantra to High-Grade Yellow Class, but also elevated his Dou Qi level to four-star Dou Shi.
Now that he had tasted the benefits, he naturally wanted more Beast Flames to increase his Dou Qi level as much as possible.
That way, when the Three-Year Agreement arrived, he would have greater confidence in defeating Nalan Yanran.
Since Yao Chen had absorbed a Heavenly Flame before, he was well aware of the risks involved.
Thus, he supported Xiao Yan's idea of absorbing more Beast Flames first to improve his Dou Qi level.
That way, once they found a Heavenly Flame, the absorption process would be much safer.
However, after glancing at Xiao Yan, Yao Chen shook his head and said, "Once your injuries fully heal in a few days, we must look for some soul-recovering medicinal ingredients.
Otherwise, my soul power will be completely exhausted, and I'll fall into a deep slumber. At that point, I won't be able to help you anymore."
"Master, where can we find them?"
Hearing that Yao Chen might fall into a slumber, Xiao Yan panicked.
If Yao Chen went into deep sleep and he encountered those powerful enemies again, he would be doomed.
Not to mention, in about eight months, the Three-Year Agreement was approaching.
Without Yao Chen's guidance, he had no confidence in catching up to Nalan Yanran in such a short time.
"The Imperial Capital. Only there might we find treasures of that level."
After a long silence, Yao Chen finally spoke.
"What?! Master, those two Dou Huangs and Gu He are all in the Imperial Capital. Wouldn't we be walking straight into the lion's den?"
Hearing this, Xiao Yan was puzzled.
"Hehe, right now, the Yun Lan Sect has a sixth-tier alchemist, but the imperial clan doesn't.
If we secretly approach the imperial clan and propose a collaboration—on the condition that they provide us with a hidden place to stay, ensure our safety, and supply the medicinal ingredients we need—in return,
I'll refine Dou Spirit Pills, or even Mighty Huang Pills for them. I don't believe they won't be tempted," Yao Chen stroked his beard and said with a chuckle.
"That makes sense. Dou Spirit Pills can directly help a Dou Wang advance by one star, saving years or even over a decade of cultivation.
And Mighty Huang Pills, which can enhance a Dou Huang's strength, are even more valuable. With such a deal, the imperial clan would probably jump at the opportunity," Xiao Yan nodded and spoke softly, finally putting his concerns to rest.
Then, recalling the many days of being hunted, he said again, "Master, can't we also gather some strong individuals to hunt down Gu He?"
"You little brat, what nonsense are you thinking? Absolutely not!"
Yao Chen shook his head and rejected the idea outright.
"Why not?"
Seeing his Master unwilling to take revenge, Xiao Yan asked, confused.
Yao Chen's ethereal figure floated slightly as he sighed helplessly, "Even a mighty dragon cannot suppress a local snake. In the eyes of outsiders, we are not part of the Jia Ma Empire—we have no attachments here.
We could leave tomorrow, for all they know. But those powerhouses all have their own factions and families. If they help us besiege Gu He and fail to kill him, what do you think will happen?
Do you think Gu He wouldn't retaliate against them? And do you think those powerhouses wouldn't fear the revenge of the most famous sixth-tier alchemist in the region?"
"Uh…"
Xiao Yan pondered for a moment. If he were in the position of those strong individuals, he probably wouldn't help either.
After all, he was just an outsider, a foreign alchemist. Without overwhelming strength to crush Gu He, asking others to help was risky. If they failed, their entire clan might suffer.
But helping Gu He kill an "outsider" alchemist? That was a different story.
As long as Gu He offered enough benefits, a sixth-tier alchemist could be eliminated just as easily.
His prestigious status and powerful connections? They were only useful while he was alive. The moment he died, all those so-called relationships would vanish.
As for revenge? Heh, if you come looking for trouble, we have plenty of people on our side too. Who knows who would end up killing whom?
Realizing that revenge was impossible for now, Xiao Yan pushed aside his distracting thoughts and continued meditating to heal.
—
While Xiao Yan and Yao Chen were conversing, Lin Feng was strolling through the imperial capital with Lin Fei and Xue Mei.
The three of them wandered the streets for a while, each purchasing items they liked.
Seeing that it was getting late, Lin Feng looked at the two women and said, "It's getting late. Let's head back now."
"Mm."
Lin Fei and Xue Mei patted their storage rings, satisfied with their spoils.
Seeing that they had no objections, Lin Feng led them back to the residence of the two old men, Frank and Ao Tuo.
After escorting the two women back, Lin Feng made his way toward his own courtyard.
However, in a deep alley not far from his residence—
An elderly man gazed at a white-robed young man before him, hesitating as he asked, "Young Master, isn't this too risky? Killing a fourth-tier alchemist in the imperial capital… This is the headquarters of the Alchemist Association. If they trace it back to us, I fear the He Clan will be exterminated."
Hearing this, He Lei's face was grim as he gritted his teeth, "Elder Quan, you've seen it yourself these past few days. That brat has not only advanced to a fourth-tier alchemist, but those two old geezers clearly intend to marry their disciples to him. If this continues, how are we supposed to carry out our plan?"
"This…"
Elder Quan was momentarily speechless.
Seeing this, He Lei quickly added, "Besides, Elder Quan, you are a seven-star Dou Ling, while that Feng Lin's strength should only be at Dou Shi. And alchemists aren't skilled at combat.
Even I, a seven-star Dou Shi, might be able to defeat him. If I weren't worried about failing to kill him swiftly and causing unexpected trouble, I wouldn't even need you to make a move."
"But Feng Lin has a good relationship with Xue Mei and Lin Fei. If we kill him, they and their Master might suspect us. Then, won't the City Lord and their masters retaliate against the He Clan?
The City Lord of Black Rock City is a Dou Wang, and they have two peak fourth-tier alchemists on their side. Even for us, the He Clan, that would be a tough fight."
Elder Quan still had concerns about this matter.
"Hah, you don't need to worry about that. I don't believe the City Lord and the Black Rock City Alchemist Association would go to war with the He Clan over a dead man.
Moreover, Feng Lin is a fourth-tier alchemist. His wealth must be astonishing. Once he's dead, you, Elder Quan, can pick a few valuable items for yourself first, and then the rest will be handed over to the clan."
He Lei smirked, his expression relaxed.
At the same time, he offered a temptation that Elder Quan would find hard to refuse.
"Alright, then we'll follow your orders, Young Master. But once we make a move, we must act swiftly. If the city guards arrive, we'll be in trouble."
After hearing He Lei's reasoning, Elder Quan finally nodded in agreement.
Thinking of the treasures a fourth-tier alchemist would have, he couldn't help but tremble with excitement.
There were probably precious fourth-tier pills in Feng Lin's storage ring.
Right now, his chances of advancing to Dou Wang were only ten percent.
But if he obtained a few fourth-tier pills and exchanged them for the cultivation resources he needed—
His chances of reaching Dou Wang would increase to thirty percent.
And don't underestimate that extra twenty percent. In the Jia Ma Empire, most Dou Ling were desperately seeking even a one-percent increase in their chances of breaking through to Dou Wang.
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