Chapter 737: Refine
The establishment of the Yan Alliance had instantly stirred up an uproar within the Jia Ma Empire as expected. Countless numbers of people were shocked at this alliance that had gathered all the strong. The three large clans of the empire and the Alchemist a.s.sociation. This lineup could already be comparable to the Misty Cloud Sect back then. No one had expected that Xiao Yan would actually be able to achieve something that even the Misty Cloud Sect had failed to do. He even managed to form it properly and quietly.
Quite a number of people faintly had the feeling that this Jia Ma Empire might well be the world of the "Yan Alliance" in the future.
The Misty Cloud Sect had truly been replaced.
During the time where the outside world was in an uproar over the establishment of the "Yan Alliance", Xiao Yan completely ignored everything in the outside world and quietly remained in his chamber. He prepared to refine the medicinal pill that would extend his second brother"s life.
Xiao Yan was seated cross-legged on a rock bed within the chamber. A crimson-colored medicinal cauldron was standing in front of him. Various medicinal ingredients were neatly laid out on a stone platform by his side. The rich medicinal fragrance spread out before shrouding the entire chamber like a fog.
"Deep Green Longevity Pill…"
Xiao Yan shut his eyes. His mouth softly muttered the name of the pill while various refining methods for this pill as well as some areas that he needed to take note of repeatedly churned within his mind. He continued in this manner for awhile before slowly opening his eyes. His gaze stared intently at the medicinal cauldron, and he softly muttered to himself, "I must successfully refine one pill from these two sets of medicinal ingredients. Second brother is left with less than two months of life. If all of these medicinal ingredients are destroyed, it is likely that a lot of effort will be needed to search for them. If there is insufficient time, the result…"
Xiao Yan frowned intently when he thought of this. He softly exhaled a breath of air while determination surfaced in his pupils. No matter what, he must successfully refine a "Deep Green Longevity Pill" today!
Xiao Yan acted the moment he said he would. After inhaling deep breaths of air a couple of times, he swiftly tossed aside the unnecessary thoughts in his mind. He flicked his finger and the jade-green "Glazed Lotus Core Flame" appeared in his hand. His finger shook and the flame rushed out before entering the medicinal cauldron in front of him where it instantly transformed into a fierce flame. While it burned within the cauldron, a hot temperature still seeped out despite the isolation created by the medicinal cauldron. This caused the temperature in the chamber to slowly climb.
Xiao Yan ignored the high temperature around him. His eyes did not blink as he paused on the medicinal cauldron. A moment later, he waved his hand and a green th.o.r.n.y fruit that faintly emitted a rich fragrance from the stone platform landed in Xiao Yan"s hand.
Xiao Yan"s eyes glanced at the Deep Green Fruit that was one of the main ingredients in refining this "Deep Green Longevity Pill". He could sense the dense lifeforce that was within it.
After holding the Deep Green Fruit in his hand for a moment, Xiao Yan flicked his finger and shot it into the medicinal cauldron without any hesitation. The fruit was wrapped around by that fierce jade-green flame.
Spiritual Strength spread out from between Xiao Yan"s eyebrows before finally entering the medicinal cauldron. He placed his full attention on controlling the change in the flame as well as monitoring the activity of that Deep Green Fruit.
Under a new "Heavenly Flame" like the Glazed Lotus Core Flame that was formed from the merger of two "Heavenly Flames", any medicinal ingredient would disarm and surrender to it within a short period of time no matter how hard it was. This Deep Green Fruit was no exception. Although, it resisted the "Heavenly Flame" for a moment by relying on the lifeforce that was contained within it, the flame whistled as Xiao Yan"s mind moved and threads of cream-white juice slowly seeped out from the Deep Green Fruit.
The flame slowly caused it to transpire as the amount of cream-white juice flowing out of it increased. Finally, a cl.u.s.ter of liquid that was around half the size of a palm formed under the fruit.
Xiao Yan"s eyes observed the interior of the medicinal cauldron. The seal on his hand changed around half an hour later and the flame within the medicinal cauldron was reduced. The Deep Green Fruit within it had completely disappeared. A cl.u.s.ter of cream-white liquid that emitted an exuberant lifeforce replaced it.
Xiao Yan sighed in relief within his heart while he studied the cl.u.s.ter of cream-white liquid. With a flick of his finger, the flame suddenly soared and the palm-sized cream-white liquid swiftly shrank at a speed visible to the naked eye in the face of the soaring temperature. Following the reduction in size, its color became deeper and deeper. In the end, it was almost like a white pearl.
Xiao Yan did not stop after seeing that there was no unexpected scenario while refining the Deep Green Fruit. He waved his hand and another medicinal ingredient rushed over and was thrown into the medicinal cauldron.
One medicinal ingredient after another was thrown by Xiao Yan into the medicinal cauldron with the flow of time. Hence, an increasing number of pure medicinal strengths began to appear within the medicinal cauldron. Xiao Yan"s expression also grew more and more solemn. His Spiritual Strength completely swept out and wrapped firmly around every single medicinal strength that was in the medicinal cauldron. Finally, he maneuvered them to the different temperatures they needed and slowly refined them.
The medicinal cauldron, which had been progressing orderly up to this point, suddenly erupted into a powerful fire glow after the refinement was three hours along or so. Although Xiao Yan tried his best to suppress it, there were eventually still three kinds of medicinal liquids that were vaporized under the soaring temperature. Hence, this refinement ended in failure.
Xiao Yan frowned tightly while he looked at some of the remaining medicinal liquid within the medicinal cauldron. He helplessly shook his head and took all of them out before descending deep into thought.
Xiao Yan only refocused after recalling the reason for his failure. He readjusted his condition to its most optimum one and did not hesitate even a little as he waved his hand. The many medicinal ingredients on the stone platform by his side were immediately thrown into the medicinal cauldron one after another.
This time around, Xiao Yan threw in an unusual amount of attention. Any unusual activity in the outside world was tossed to the back of Xiao Yan"s mind. At this moment, only the medicinal cauldron and the fierce lingering flame within it existed in Xiao Yan"s eyes.
Under the full attention of Xiao Yan, numerous afterimages of his hands began to appear as they danced. The temperature of the flame within the medicinal cauldron was high at times and low at others while remaining under his control. The complicated changes were frequent enough to cause many alchemists to be stunned. Just what kind of enormous Spiritual Strength did one need in order to control a flame to such an extent?
The medicinal ingredients drew numerous arcs in the air before being completely thrown into the medicinal cauldron. They transformed into a medicinal powder and then a medicinal liquid that Xiao Yan needed under the searing of the fierce jade-green flame.
Xiao Yan"s mind was extremely focused in his second attempt at refinement and no accidents occurred. After nearly a day and a night of refinement, an embryonic medicinal pill, whose surface was uneven, had finally begun to take shape within the medicinal cauldron. Following the formation of this embryonic medicinal pill, a rich life force began to spread out from it. Xiao Yan had gently inhaled a breath of it when the fatigue between his brows slowly faded away.
"It is indeed worthy of being a unique pill that can raise one"s lifespan…" Xiao Yan quietly praised as he clicked his tongue in astonishment in his heart. Even in the entire Dou Qi continent, a medicinal pill that could increase one"s lifespan was very rare. After all, unless one truly trained one"s Dou Qi to a pinnacle level, everyone"s life would end. If one could breakthrough during this period of time, one"s lifespan would naturally be extended a little. However, if one failed to breakthrough, one would end up having to obediently die regardless of whether one was a Dou Huang or a Dou Zong. At this moment, a medicinal pill that could increase one"s lifespan would reveal its unlimited value.
One might be able to successfully breakthrough during these extended years if one had this medicinal pill. In that case, not only would one"s lifespan soar greatly but his strength would also advance significantly.
Hence, a medicinal pill that could increase one"s lifespan was one that was sought after as much as some of those medicinal pills that were used to raise one"s strength. From a certain point of view, it was even more valuable than the medicinal pills that raised one"s strength. After all, a medicinal formula for a medicinal pill that could raise one"s strength was not rare, but a medicinal formula to increase one"s lifespan was unusually rare. The people on the continent who possessed a medicinal formula for a medicinal pill that could raise one"s lifespan might well be an extremely rare existence.
While this thought lingered in Xiao Yan"s heart, the uneven embryonic medicinal pill began to gradually turn round and smooth under the slow grilling of the jade-green flame. A rich medicinal fragrance was soon emitted from it…
"Am I finally about to succeed…" A slight excitement rose within Xiao Yan"s heart as he looked at the cream-white medicinal pill that slowly rolled within the flame. However, he did not dare to relax even a little as he continued to increase his Spiritual Strength and focus on every single action the medicinal pill made. If an accident occurred that were to result in the destruction of the pill, Xiao Yan really would not even have a place to cry.
Xiao Yan maintained this cautiousness until the l.u.s.ter on the cream-white surface of the medicinal pill became increasingly richer. The medicinal pill suddenly trembled around half an hour later, and an enormous and powerful energy ripple suddenly surfaced out of nowhere. It was just like a water wave that spread wildly in all directions.
"Boom! Boom!"
The energy ripple spread out before finally colliding against the wall of the medicinal cauldron. This collision emitted a clear clanging sound.
"This medicinal cauldron is really solid. If it were an ordinary medicinal cauldron, it is likely that it would have cracked open under such an energy collision…" Xiao Yan could not resist letting out a silent praise as he looked at the medicinal cauldron that had slightly trembled from the collision. He thought that this medicinal cauldron he had obtained from Han Feng might well be comparable to the so-called "Black Demon" that Yao Lao used. This medicinal cauldron covered with drawings of all sorts of Magical Beasts roaring might well also be an item on the so-called "Heavenly Cauldron Ranking".
The clang sound was gradually reduced as the cream-colored medicinal pill within the medicinal cauldron suddenly emitted an eye-piercing intense light. It forcefully rushed out of the medicinal cauldron wrapped in the white light. However, it was unable to escape despite having flown around the heavily fortified chamber for a long while.
"This "Deep Green Longevity Pill" is indeed extraordinary. It actually thought of fleeing the moment it was born…" Xiao Yan was also startled when he followed the actions of this medicinal pill. He immediately smiled and shook his head. He beckoned as he moved back and a suction force pulled the white glow, that was trying to randomly fly in all directions, forcefully into his hand. After which, he took out a jade bottle and stuffed the pill into it.
The medicinal pill slowly became quiet after it was stuffed into a jade bottle. Xiao Yan only smiled with satisfaction when he saw this. He exhaled a deep breath. This medicinal pill refinement had exhausted quite a lot of his strength.
Xiao Yan stored the medicinal bottle into his storage ring before his hand suddenly trembled. He shut his eyes and appeared to have sensed something. It was a long while later before finally slowly opening them and muttered, "I have once again felt the barrier of the Dou Huang cla.s.s. It seems that I am going to breakthrough soon…"
Chapter 738: The Thought of Undertaking a Retreat
Xiao Yan was deep in thought as he carefully tasted that strange feeling. It was a long while later before he slowly opened his eyes and gently exhaled. His eyes wandered.
"I am able to sense it but I ultimately have difficulty truly breaking through that barrier. It seems that I must find a quiet place to undertake a proper retreat during this period of time. Otherwise, it might be disadvantageous by dragging things out for too long." Xiao Yan softly muttered. Although he had not touched that mysterious barrier for the first time, there was ultimately still a certain gap.
Xiao Yan mused for a moment before he once again became calm. He waved his hand and a jade-green flame once again surged into the medicinal cauldron. He flicked his finger and over ten jade boxes appeared from his storage ring before landing beside him.
The "Deep Green Longevity Pill" had been successfully refined. Next, Xiao Yan needed to refine some Yaowan for Zi Yan. This girl also seemed to be about to breakthrough. She would require an unusually large amount of energy to complete this advancement. Hence, Xiao Yan did not hesitate to take out some of those rare medicinal ingredients that Yao Ye had delivered back then.
Although these medicinal ingredients were rare, they were clearly not even worth mentioning when compared to Zi Yan"s advancement. Currently, Zi Yan was able to contend with an ordinary elite Dou Huang while at the Dou w.a.n.g cla.s.s. That frightening unusual strength of hers was something that even the current Xiao Yan did not dare to easily endure. If she was allowed to successfully advance to the Dou Huang cla.s.s, her strength would likely soar once more. At that time, she might even be able to contend with an elite Dou Zong.
At this moment, Xiao Yan"s side required such an expert. The mysterious and unusual faction known as the "Hall of Souls" pressed against Xiao Yan. If Medusa had not intervened back then, he might also have been captured by that Protector Wu. The Xiao clan might well be truly finished at that time.
Xiao Yan"s expression became unusually ugly when he thought of the situation that the Xiao clan would face should he be captured. He tightly clenched his fist and softly said, "Looks like I must quickly get to the Dou Huang cla.s.s. Once I am there, I will have the ability to at least give a fight if I meet Protector Wu again in the future. The Xiao clan still needs my protection. Hence, no accidents must happen to me!"
Xiao Yan clenched his teeth as this thought flashed across his heart. He had already made up his mind within his heart. Once he settled the issue of his second brother, he would immediately undertake a deep retreat. He would not give up until he advanced to the Dou Huang cla.s.s!
Xiao Yan ceased delaying things any longer once his heart had come to a decision. He waved his hand and the medicinal ingredients in the jade boxes, which were emitting a faint fragrance, rushed into the medicinal cauldron before they were finally wrapped by the jade-green flame…
The refinement of Yaowan could be said to be as far as the Heaven and Earth when compared with the refinement of medicinal pills. Xiao Yan might need a long time to refine a medicinal pill but these Yaowans were something that were as easy to refine as raising his hand. Within less than an hour, he had refined all the medicinal ingredients in the jade boxes into thumb-sized Yaowans. Moreover, having considered that the little girl did not like bitter things, Xiao Yan had also added some special seasoning to them, which turned them into something similar to sweets.
Xiao Yan exhaled a deep breath after storing the three large bottles of Yaowans into his storage ring. He tidied up the secret chamber a little before slowly walking out.
Xiao Yan arrived in the front yard after leaving the chamber only to see that quite a number of people had cl.u.s.tered around this place. He swept his gaze around and discovered that Lin Yan, Lin Xiuya, and the others were in this place. He immediately felt somewhat surprised. This group of people, who normally stayed outside, were actually all gathered in this place.
The yard had a large group of people who were busy with their own task. They had discovered Xiao Yan"s figure the moment it appeared and rejoiced. They smiled and stepped forward.
"Hee hee, Chief Xiao. This name really intimidates people…" Lin Yan teased and laughed at Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan helplessly shook his head. His eyes swept over Lin Yan, Lin Xiuya, and Liu Qing. He immediately cupped his hand and laughed, "I haven"t had the chance to thank the three of you."
"We have only followed you to train and gain experience. Moreover, it seems that we were not of much help. It is completely useless to rely on us against those true experts." Lin Xiuya laughed bitterly. Other than helping block some Misty Cloud Sect"s Elders in the big battle at the Misty Cloud Sect back then, they did not have a chance to be involved in the actual fight.
"Those Elders on the Misty Cloud Sect only possessed such an achievement after training for so many years. All of you are still young. By the time you are their age, it is likely that you will all have reached the Dou Zong cla.s.s." Xiao Yan laughed. Given the talent of the three of them, it was not impossible to achieve this level if they had the opportunity.
Lin Xiuya and the other two laughed when they heard this. They were similarly filled with confidence in themselves. The most precious thing was that they were still young; therefore, they were still at their peak condition. As long as they were given enough time, their achievements would definitely be extraordinary.
"Although we did not partic.i.p.ate in the actual big battle, we also gained plenty of benefits during this period of time. The strengths of the three of us have rose by one star one after another a few days ago. It might not be as frightening as you but it can be considered quite a good improvement." Lin Xiuya laughed with satisfaction.
Xiao Yan"s gaze swept over the three of them. He was surprised to discover that the auras of these three people were indeed a little stronger compared to when they left the Inner Academy back then. It seemed that it was really indeed as Lin Xiuya had said. The strength of the three of them had improved some time earlier.
"The three of you have yet to consume a "Dou Spirit Pill". This time around, I shall use the time that I am undertaking a retreat to help each of you refine one. After you consume it, your strength can be raised by one star. Ke ke, treat this as my thanks for your help." Xiao Yan mused before laughing softly.
The three people were startled when they heard this. Their face were immediately filled with joy and they did not open their mouth to reject. A "Dou Spirit Pill" did indeed possess an enormous attraction toward experts of the Dou w.a.n.g cla.s.s. Even they were not immune to this.
Some of the people in the yard involuntarily threw envious gazes toward Lin Yan and the other two upon hearing Xiao Yan"s words.
"Ke ke, chief Xiao… that…" Old Yin Gu, Wu Tie, and Su Mei rolled their throats. They exchanged looks with one another and laughed dryly.
Xiao Yan naturally knew what they wanted to say when his gaze looked toward Old Yun Gu and the other two, who appeared to have difficulty giving voice to something. He immediately smiled and said, "Relax, I will hand the three "Mighty Huang Pill" to the hands of the three of you within half a month."
"Hee hee, we naturally trust chief Xiao"s promise. However, we have already left the "Black-Corner Region" for a couple of months. We are also worried about our nests in the "Black-Corner Region". You should also know just how chaotic that place is…" The three of them sighed in relief when they heard Xiao Yan"s words. That old Yun Gu also spoke with a bitter laugh.
Xiao Yan nodded slightly. He laughed, "My second brother will also be going back to manage "Xiao Gate" in the "Black-Corner Region". At that time, I might still need to ask the three of you to help take care of him. I will also frequently return."
The three of them hurriedly nodded and laughed upon hearing this. "That is only natural. Now, we can be considered to be in an alliance with the "Xiao Gate". We will definitely do our best to help."
Xiao Yan smiled slightly as he looked at the respectful faces of the three of them. He also sighed in relief in his heart. With the support of these three people, it was likely that second brother would have a little less trouble. Of course, Old Yin Gu and the other two were not to be completely trusted. However, Xiao Yan was not too worried. After all, he still had the powerful support of the Inner Academy.
As long as it was not a situation where a large number of factions in the "Black-Corner Region" joined hands, any single faction alone would not dare to contend with the Inner Academy. The "Xiao Gate" would definitely be fine with the support of the Inner Academy.
"You want to undertake a retreat? How long is your retreat going to be?"
…
Xiao Ding and Xiao Li were startled when they heard Xiao Yan speak about his intention within the yard. They ended up speaking with some surprise.
"Yes. I have already vaguely got the feeling of breaking through to the Dou Huang cla.s.s a couple of times. However, I am ultimately a little lacking. This time around, I must get to the Dou Huang cla.s.s during my retreat!" Xiao Yan nodded and voiced his thoughts.
Xiao Ding mused for a moment before slowly speaking. "The increase in your strength is naturally the most important. Since that is the case, we will leave it to you. Leave the matter of the "Yan Alliance" to your second brother and me."
Xiao Yan nodded slightly. He looked at Xiao Li and gave the "Deep Green Longevity Pill" he refined earlier to the latter. He also introduced the medicinal effects in detail. It was likely that it could temporarily remove the hara.s.sment of the "Life Devouring Pill".
"Second Brother, you should also follow Old Yin Gu and the two others back to the "Black-Corner Region" when they return. You also need to be more careful in the "Black-Corner Region". Remember, you should try your best to increase your strength. It would be best that you are able to breakthrough to the Dou Huang cla.s.s within ten years. I will also help you refine a "Dou Spirit Pill" when I help them refine the "Mighty Huang Pill"." Xiao Yan softly said.
Xiao Li nodded his head. He also knew that even with the help of this "Deep Green Longevity Pill", he still did not completely escape the medicinal drawbacks of the "Life Devouring Pill". Unless he was able to breakthrough to the Dou Huang cla.s.s during this period of his increased lifespan, he would still end up dying due to his shortened lifespan.
"That"s right, where are you undertaking your retreat? How long will your retreat be?" Xiao Ding"s gaze looked at Xiao Yan before suddenly speaking.
Xiao Yan was silent for a moment before he softly spoke, "The Magical Beast Mountain Range. Back then, I found a mountain valley where countless numbers of rare medicinal ingredients grew. I will go there to undertake my retreat. However, I am not too certain how long I will be in my retreat but it will definitely not be short…"
"The Magical Beast Mountain Range? Do you need protection?" Xiao Ding knit his brows tightly and asked.
"There is no need… I will bring Zi Yan along." Xiao Yan shook his head. His gaze looked at Xiao Ding as he said, "After I leave, I will hand over all the matters of the "Yan Alliance" to big brother. If any great unexpected change were to occur during this period of time, you can send someone to the place that I am undertaking a retreat. I will send someone to inform you after I settle down."
Xiao Ding nodded slightly. His hand gently patted Xiao Yan"s arm as he spoke with a faint smile, "You can relax and undertake your retreat. The current prestige of the Xiao clan is completely built upon your strength. Hence, your strength is the most important thing. That"s right, when will you leave? Are you prepared?"
Xiao Yan smiled. He sighed softly and muttered.
"Now… are you certain it is now?"