Chapter 744: Zi Yan"s Advancement
The lethal poison that was hidden all over the valley appeared to have received a command as it completely vanished after the Little Fairy Doctor left. This caused Xiao Yan, who wanted to undertake a retreat within it, to quietly sigh in relief. He also knew that the former was currently not that kind girl from back then. Moreover, her poison skill was unique and unpredictable. Although he still believed within his heart that she would not really kill him, it was a troublesome matter if he were to make contact with these lethal poisons. This point was something that Xiao Yan had clearly felt when he helped Nalan Jie expel the poison in the latter"s body back then.
Xiao Yan dispatched a messenger bird to the capital after he had settled down in the small valley. He briefly accounted for the position he was located in order for Xiao Ding and the others to be able to send someone to look for him should anything happen in the future.
After accounting for everything, Xiao Yan searched this small valley in detail. The size of the valley was not very big but the various rare medicinal ingredients that grew within it caused even the current him to be a little moved. It was unexpected that this little valley grew so many rare medicinal ingredients within it. If this news were to spread to the outside world, it might caused many alchemist"s eyes to turn red with envy. After all, the attraction of rare medicinal ingredients to an alchemist was not much weaker than medicinal formulae and medicinal cauldrons.
Xiao Yan originally intended to chase all those Magical Beast within the valley away. However, Zi Yan hurriedly stopped him. She knew that Xiao Yan was about to undertake a retreat. These Magical Beast might become her playmates during this period of time.
Xiao Yan naturally did not insist on having his way since Zi Yan liked them. Moreover, he thought that if the valley possessed these Magical Beasts, they would coincidentally be able to achieve the effect of protecting it. Should anyone accidentally enter this valley, these Magical Beasts, which could be considered extremely strong in the eyes of an ordinary person, would be enough to frighten them off.
After he had settled down in the valley, Xiao Yan opened a small-sized cave deep inside it. After which, he gathered medicinal ingredients for nearly three days before carrying a heavy storage ring and entered into the cave. Of course, this time around, he was not undertaking a retreat but was refining medicinal pills.
The quant.i.ty of medicinal pills that he was currently refining was quite great. Not only did he promise to give old Yin Gu and the two others three "Mighty Huang Pill" as a reward but he also needed to help Xiao Li, Lin Yan, and the others refine "Dou Spirit Pills" All of these were not ordinary medicinal pills. Refining them was not only troublesome but would also exhaust time. However, these were obviously not reasons that would be able to stop Xiao Yan from refining pills.
Xiao Yan had also instructed Zi Yan and Medusa to avoid leaving the valley as much as possible before he entered the cave. The energy within the valley was much denser than the outside world and one would be able to achieve double the effect with half the effort by training here. Moreover, there were many spiritual medicines in this place. If Zi Yan were to suddenly begin advancing her rank, this place would be able to provide the greatest amount of guaranteed energy to her.
The big and small woman might have agreed to Xiao Yan"s instructions with their mouth, but Xiao Yan did not know just what they were thinking in their hearts. No matter what it was, however, Xiao Yan was rest a.s.sured with Medusa"s protection. After all, a Dou Zong cla.s.s expert was sufficient to roam the Jia Ma Empire unopposed. Although this Magical Beast Mountain Range had many powerful Magical Beasts, they did not pose too much of a threat to Medusa.
Hence, despite knowing that the two of them were not people who would remain peaceful, Xiao Yan still entered the mountain cave with peace of mind. After which, he began his extremely burdened pill refinement a.s.signment that any ordinary alchemist"s expression would pale upon seeing it.
Xiao Yan sat cross-legged on a rock within the somewhat dark, cool cave. There was a smooth mirror-like stone platform beside him. At this moment, many medicinal ingredients were neatly arranged on the stone platform. These medicinal ingredients were all stored within jade boxes. A rich medicinal fragrance seeped out from them. Finally, they gathered together and an unusual medicinal fragrance immediately spread throughout the cave.
Xiao Yan beckoned with his hand and a crimson medicinal cauldron suddenly appeared in front of him. After which, it landed heavily on the ground. Its heavy weight caused even the cave to slightly tremble.
Xiao Yan mused for a moment after summoning the medicinal cauldron. Among the two medicinal pill, refining the "Dou Spirit Pill" was a little easier for him and he had a higher chance of success. The "Mighty Huang Pill", on the other hand, was a genuine tier six medicinal pill. Even with Xiao Yan"s current strength, he did not possess over a fifty-percent confidence to successfully refine it. However, he was well prepared this time around. Not only did he manage to plunder a large amount of medicinal ingredients from the Primer clan but he had also found quite a number of them within this mountain valley. With this amount of medicinal ingredients, if he were to just ruthlessly use them up, attempting to smash out three "Mighty Huang Pills" should not be too difficult even with a low success rate.
Xiao Yan chose to first refine the "Dou Spirit Pills" after some thought within his heart. It was better to choose the one that was easier to refine while he was warming up. Although he was currently extremely well prepared, these medicinal ingredients were also extremely valuable. Even Xiao Yan would also feel heartache if he were to waste them for no reason.
After making up his mind in his heart, Xiao Yan slowly inhaled a deep breath and tossed out the distractions in his mind. He flicked his finger and a wisp of jade-green flame rushed out. Finally it entered the medicinal cauldron before transforming into a fierce flame that rose within it.
When the flame within the medicinal cauldron grew increasingly stronger, the temperature within the mountain cave immediately became hotter. However, this naturally did not have even the slightest impact on Xiao Yan. His eyes were staring intently into the medicinal cauldron. A moment later, his expression abruptly became solemn. Both of his fingers moved and a medicinal ingredient was grabbed between them. He gently threw it into the medicinal cauldron.
After delivering this medicinal ingredient into it, Xiao Yan"s difficult refinement session this time around had officially began!
Zi Yan and Medusa within the valley seldom entered to disturb Xiao Yan after he entered the cave. Initially, the two people were still fine. However, as the time that Xiao Yan used to refine pills increased, Zi Yan, who had an active character, could not sit still. This was especially after she had trained those Magical Beast in the valley until they were like pets which resulted in her becoming unusually bored. On a certain day, she succeeded in instigating Medusa. After which, the two of them secretly snuck out of the valley. Hence, this Magical Beast Mountain Range immediately became extremely chaotic.
With the help of her inborn special ability to sense those natural treasures with dense energy, Zi Yan"s sight each time around was thrown toward those treasures, which had the protection of many powerful Magical Beasts. However, most of these treasures were successfully obtained with the aid of Medusa"s might. Nevertheless, each time a treasure fell into their hands, it would stir numerous crimson-eyed Magical Beast to crazily chase after the two of them. The fiddling by one big and one small female demons caused the mountain range, that had always been quiet, to be repeatedly filled with roars each day, filling it with life.
An increasing number of natural treasures landed in Zi Yan"s hands with the flow of time. All of these things that she obtained were treated as sweets that she swallowed into her stomach without exception. After this kind of plundering action continued for nearly half a month, most of the powerful Magical Beasts in this Magical Beast Mountain Range had been visited by Zi Yan and Medusa.
This vigorous plundering naturally resulted in stirring up everyone"s anger. This Magical Beast Mountain Range did not lack some powerful Magical Beasts. Their intelligence was not lower to that of a human. Hence, many powerful Magical Beast began to gather together after suffering losses a couple of times. Thus an unusually large lineup was quietly formed within the Magical Beast Mountain Range.
This lineup with numerous Magical Beasts was met by Zi Yan and Medusa on the second day when they acted once again. A surging fury suddenly erupted!
When Zi Yan and Medusa looked at the countless number of Magical Beast that swarmed over like floodwater while carrying a roar that shook the sky, even Medusa could not resist feeling a numbness on the skin of her head despite her strength. She immediately grabbed Zi Yan and swiftly fled.
This chase and escape nearly involved this entire section of the Magical Beast Mountain Range. It was still a little better for Zi Yan and Medusa. Those mercenaries who were hunting Magical Beast within the mountain range suffered great misfortune. Everyone"s body turned icy-cold as they looked at the beast tide that had come swarming over like floodwater…
The wild retaliation of the beast tide caused this Magical Beast Mountain Range to boil unusually. However, it was fortunate that Medusa was cautious enough not to fly back to the valley. Instead, she brought Zi Yan along and took a big detour around the mountain range. Only after she was certain that she had got rid of all the Magical Beasts on her tail did the two of them hurry back to the valley.
The two of them did not dare to carelessly leave the valley for a couple of days after the event was over. Although the two of them were unafraid, it was likely that Xiao Yan, who was refining pills, would be disturbed if those crazy Magical Beasts were to discover this place. Should any accident happen at that time…
Even Zi Yan could only extend her tongue when she thought of this. She quietly stayed in the valley and played with those Magical Beast within the valley that had been tamed by her. Medusa also sighed in relief when she saw Zi Yan quieten down. If any accident were to occur, it was likely that that fellow would become mad.
The usually lively Zi Yan began to show signs of something being amiss after the two of them quietly remained in the valley for five to six days. At first, only her words were reduced. Gradually, her face turned unusually red and her body became boiling hot as though it was an oven.
The changes in Zi Yan naturally caused Medusa to pale in shock. However, she did not understand all of these things, and thus was unable to provide even the slightest help to Zi Yan. However, just when she was hesitating about whether she should call Xiao Yan out, Zi Yan suddenly descended into a slumber. A rich-purple glow surged out from her body while she slept. Finally, it transformed into a ten-foot-wide purple coc.o.o.n that wrapped around her body.
Medusa was startled after seeing this but ended up sighing in relief. It seemed that nothing was amiss. Instead, this little girl had consumed too many natural treasures during this period of time. The energy that was gathered within her body was enough for her to advance in rank!
A serene fragrance was hidden within the lush green mountain valley. Occasionally, there would be a good-sized Magical Beast pa.s.sing through this place. A low roar would suddenly appear, causing the valley to be filled with life.
There was a rich-purple light hidden deep in a spot within the valley. There was an enormous bright coc.o.o.n that was over ten feet wide within the purple light. Although one could not clearly see the being within the coc.o.o.n, the majestic energy that was contained within it indicated that this thing was not ordinary.
Chapter 745: Pill Formed
The purple-colored glow on the surface of the light coc.o.o.n alternated between bright and dark. It was just like the beating of a heart and possessed a rhythm. If a person with sharp senses was present, he would be able to sense that each time the glow on the light coc.o.o.n changed, the natural energy within the valley would slightly fluctuate. The great amount of energy would be absorbed into the light coc.o.o.n, causing the light on the body of the coc.o.o.n to become even brighter.
Medusa was seated cross-legged on a huge rock not far from the light coc.o.o.n. Her gaze was focused intently on the activity of the light coc.o.o.n. It was a long while later before she relaxed a little. She turned her gaze and observed the mountain cave under the mountain wall where a rich pill fragrance continued to flow out of. She helplessly shook her head. It had been a month since Xiao Yan had entered the cave to refine medicinal pills. However, from the looks of it, it seemed that there was no sign of it ending. At the same time, Zi Yan ceased having any other response after transforming into a light coc.o.o.n three days ago. She was repeatedly absorbing the surrounding natural energy every day. However, there was not the slightest change in her body. Looking at this situation, it seemed that the time that Zi Yan needed to advance would likely not be short.
One person was refining pills while another had transformed into a coc.o.o.n to advance her rank. In this way, only Medusa was guarding this mountain valley. She was naturally somewhat bored because of this. However, Xiao Yan and Zi Yan could not be distracted at this moment. Should they be disturbed during this period of time, the problems could be disastrous. Hence, she could only guard this valley all day. Even when she occasionally left the place, she had try her best to hurry back as soon as possible. This kind of dull guarding caused her to feel extremely helpless.
This kind of dull guarding continued for around five days before it was broken by an unusual activity transmitted from the mountain cave.
On this day, Medusa was still training with her eyes shut as she had always done. She naturally diverted some of her attention to the light coc.o.o.n while she was training. It was at this moment that the cave, which had been silent, suddenly emitted an earth-shaking explosion. The entire valley shook under this explosion.
Medusa opened her eyes in shock. She looked at the cave, only to see that smoke was repeatedly escaping from the cave. Immediately, a somewhat miserable figure slowly walked out from it while letting out an intense cough.
Xiao Yan walked out of the cave which was permeated with smoke. The glaring sunlight that scattered down from the sky caused Xiao Yan to instinctively cover his eyes. After getting used to it for a moment, he finally opened his eyes, lowered his head, and looked at his tattered clothes. He could not help but let out a bitter laugh. The medicinal effect of this "Mighty Huang Pill" was too overbearing. The refining process was filled with wild and violent medicinal strength. If one were even a little careless during this refinement, one would cause the medicinal pill to self-detonate. The might of this kind of explosion was quite strong and was comparable to a strike with the full force of an expert Dou w.a.n.g. When Xiao Yan was refining this pill during his few attempts earlier, he would swiftly scatter the flame the moment the medicinal strength within the medicinal pill showed signs of being unstable. Although this would cause the medicinal ingredients in the cauldron to be destroyed, it was at least superior in terms of it being safe. Little trouble had occurred during the few attempts of Xiao Yan to refine the "Mighty Huang Pill" under such extreme caution.
A couple of days ago, the three "Mighty Huang Pills" that Xiao Yan needed had been successfully refined by Xiao Yan. In order to refine these three "Mighty Huang Pills", Xiao Yan was basically left with hardly any of the medicinal ingredients that he had prepared. Despite this, Xiao Yan"s aim this time around had been achieved. While he was sighing in relief, he saw these remaining medicinal ingredients and a thought struck him. He wanted to help himself refine a "Mighty Huang Pill" for future use. The problem laid here. Due to there being only enough medicinal ingredients to refine one "Mighty Huang Pill", Xiao Yan was unwilling to waste this last set of medicinal ingredients when the medicinal pill once again showed signs of violent activity while it was being refined. After which, he forcefully tried to refine it. Of course, the final result was naturally the earth-shaking explosion he created…
If the extraordinary crimson cauldron had not blocked most of the force from this big explosion, it was likely that Xiao Yan would not merely be facing the problem of his clothes being shattered.
Xiao Yan felt somewhat lucky when he thought of this. His defense at that time was not strong. If he were to be struck by this enormous force head-on, it was likely that he would add new injuries to the old injuries on this body of his.
Xiao Yan wiped the ashes off his face with his sleeve before sweeping his eyes over the valley. After which, he paused with surprise on the enormous purple-colored light coc.o.o.n that was extremely eye-catching. It was only a moment later before he turned his gaze toward Medusa by the side. He asked, "This is?"
Medusa was also startled when she saw the miserable appearance of Xiao Yan. She immediately smiled a little and responded softly, "This is Zi Yan"s transformation."
Xiao Yan was surprised upon hearing this. He rejoiced a moment later, "She is about to advance her rank?"
"That should be the case. However, it has been a couple of days since she has transformed into a coc.o.o.n, but there is no activity even until now. It seems that this advancement will require quite some time." Medusa nodded as she replied.
Xiao Yan smiled but was not surprised. In most cases, a Magical Beast required quite a long time to advance. Moreover, Zi Yan"s original form was not an ordinary being. It was naturally a little more difficult for her to evolve.
"Have you succeeded in your medicinal pill refinement?" Medusa"s pretty eyes swept over Xiao Yan as she asked.
"Yes." Xiao Yan nodded. He immediately laughed bitterly, "However, I was a little greedy. Otherwise, I would not have ended up in this state."
"Your aura is also becoming increasingly unstable. It is alternating between being strong and weak. There is also a faint feeling of the Dou Qi within your body seeping out. Looks like you should be breaking away from the Dou w.a.n.g cla.s.s very soon." Medusa"s eyes paused on Xiao Yan"s body. She sensed the powerful Dou Qi that seeped out from the latter"s body while she spoke in surprise.
"Soon. The pill refinement this time around did benefit me quite a bit. According to my estimation, this moment will arrive within ten days." Xiao Yan smiled. His eyes also contained a gratification.
"The gap between a Dou w.a.n.g and a Dou Huang is extremely large. Normally speaking, even if one possessed the strength to breakthrough, one would require half a year or even a year in order to truly be able to undergo the transformation. Looks like you will need to undertake a deep retreat next." Medusa lowered her eyes and slowly replied.
Xiao Yan nodded slightly. He was also aware that his retreat this time around might be quite long.
"The pill refinement this time around only lasted for a month. I think that the person that big brother has sent has already reached the place where I indicated we would meet. I will return to undertake a deep retreat once I deliver the medicinal pills. I will not leave this retreat until I breakthrough to the Dou Huang cla.s.s!" Xiao Yan laughed faintly. His hand gently touched the white fire seal on his forehead. He only sighed in relief after sensing the faint warmth that was being emitted from the fire seal. He muttered in his heart, "Teacher, wait for me. Your disciple will raise his strength as quickly as possible and rescue both you and father!"
Medusa nodded while she observed the dark chill that had flashed across Xiao Yan"s eyes. She randomly said, "Relax. I will help protect you while I am watching Zi Yan."
Xiao Yan smiled when he heard this. He immediately cupped his hands toward Medusa and softly laughed, "Since this is the case, I shall give you my thanks. I will deliver the medicinal pills first, and will begin my deep retreat after a short rest upon my return."
"Yes." Medusa eyes turned to the light coc.o.o.n. Her clean nose that stuck out emitted a slight sound.
Xiao Yan did not say anything more when he saw this. He walked one round around the light coc.o.o.n. Only after discovering that there was nothing wrong did he put down the worry in his heart. He leaped up and flew out of the valley by himself.
Xiao Yan"s figure paused in the sky after leaving the valley. His gaze looked in all directions. After identifying his bearings, the fire wings on his back were flapped and he transformed into a ray of light that flew toward the northern sky in a lightning-like manner.
This flight continued for a moment before Xiao Yan slowed down. He swept his gaze around before immediately pausing it on a mountain peak. There was the faint trace of humans moving about at that spot.
With a thought, Xiao Yan appeared above that mountain peak within a couple of breaths. He had just appeared when he sensed the ten plus auras on the mountain peak below suddenly become extremely faint.
"Show yourselves." Xiao Yan glanced over as he softly commanded.
A commotion was immediately emitted from the mountain peak the moment Xiao Yan"s voice sounded. Dozens of figures flashed and appeared immediately. An old man who was leading them looked at Xiao Yan in the sky. Joy surfaced on his old face as both of his kneels fell to the ground and he respectfully said, "Greetings Chief."
The dozens of people behind the old man orderly feel on both knees. An orderly deep sound resounded over the mountain forest.
Xiao Yan"s gaze swept over these people. Finally, his eyes paused on their chests. There was a jade-green badge was present there, and an exquisite fire lotus was drawn on the badge.
Xiao Yan slowly landed as he asked indifferently, "Are you people the one"s whom Big Brother sent?"
The old man quickly bowed and stepped forward when he heard this. He took out a scroll from his storage ring and handed it over with both hands while speaking respectfully, "Chief, this old man is called Bai Lisheng. I am currently the deacon of the Yan Alliance. I was indeed dispatched by Elder Xiao Ding this time around."
Xiao Yan received the scroll and slowly scanned it. Only then did he nod slightly while he smiled with a deeper meaning, "I will trouble you then. I still have some matters to do and cannot return to the capital. Hence, your group will be responsible for escorting these things back. There is my Spiritual Imprint within these things. I will naturally have the ability to find them should you have the misfortune of being robbed along the way."
"Ke ke, chief, you can rest a.s.sured. There is really no one within this Jia Ma Empire who would dare touch the things that belong to our "Yan Alliance"." Bai Li Sheng hurriedly nodded and replied. He was naturally clearly aware of the other meaning within Xiao Yan"s words.
"Yes. Since that is the case, you should hurry up and leave. Inform Big Brother after you return that I will be undertaking a retreat for half a year or a year. Tell him to make the decisions for all the matters of the Yan Alliance during this period of time." Xiao Yan waved his hand and commanded.
"Yes!"
A respectful response was emitted within a fifty kilometer radius. The old man immediately withdrew. Only after he withdrew a couple of dozens of meters did he wave his hand and led a few dozen people, who were quite strong, into the forest in a well trained manner. Finally, they swiftly left the mountain under the cover of the sea of trees.
Xiao Yan sent off this group of escorts with his eyes. He nodded slightly. The strongest person among them was that old man who was at the peak of the Dou Ling cla.s.s. However, their overall quality still caused Xiao Yan to be satisfied.
"Since I have already settled the matter about the medicinal pills, the next thing I need to do is to return and undertake the deep retreat…" Xiao Yan softly mumbled. His body had just risen into the sky and was about to return to the valley when a sudden soft "what" sounded. His eyes swept toward a spot that was over fifty kilometers away. A Spiritual Imprint that he had left behind was being transmitted from there.
"That place is…" Xiao Yan"s eyes flickered slightly. A moment later, he whispered, "Qingshan Town…"