Battle Through the Heavens

Chapter 1013:t.i.tle

One Star Dou Zong

Yao Lao within the light cl.u.s.ter looked at the frowning purple-clothed, old man in the large, dark-black hall. He involuntarily laughed, "Qin Tian, are you feeling an uneasiness?"

The expression of the purple-clothed, old man became slightly cold when he heard Yao Lao"s words. He faintly said, "Yao Chen, you should just look after yourself. If the hall"s chief did not fancy your alchemist skill, do you think that you would have lived until now?"

Yao Lao"s head moved a little. It caused the chain to emit a "clang" sound. His eyelids were slowly shut as he coldly laughed, "The old me is not a softie like you."

"A wise person would recognize the situation. Putting up a futile resistance is the most foolish thing to do. With your alchemist skills, the only people on this Dou Qi continent who could compare with you are likely only those few old people who will not die in the Pill Tower. If you join the "Hall of Souls," your position will definitely be even higher than mine. Why do you want to suffer in this place?" The purple-clothed, old man slowly spoke.

Ridicule surfaced on Yao Lao"s face, but he was too lazy to bother with the other person.

"I think you have a clear understanding of just what kind of strength the "Hall of Souls" possesses. Otherwise, given your haughtiness, it is impossible for you to hide for so many years. Although this place is only a branch hall of the "Hall of Souls," do you really think that your disciple can barge in here?" The purple-clothed, old man scornfully spoke.

"Any words that are spoken now will only gain a verbal victor. Everything will reveal a result when the time comes." Yao Lao smiled when he heard this. His originally turbid eyes had become exceptionally bright.

The expression of the purple-clothed, old man sank upon seeing this. He coldly laughed, "That disciple of yours is called Xiao Yan, right? If I have guessed correctly, it is likely that he has also arrived in the Central Plains. Good. This venerable self (Dou Zun) shall wait for him to come. However, hopefully he will be able to survive while being chased after by the "Hall of Souls"!"

After saying those words, the purple-clothed, old man swung his sleeves. The s.p.a.ce beside him became distorted. He slowly disappeared into that distorted s.p.a.ce in a strange manner.

Yao Lao"s fist was slightly clenched as he stared at the spot where the purple-clothed, old man had disappeared. He immediately let out a soft laugh as both his eyes were gradually shut…

After the end of the conversation between the two, the incomparably large hall once again became deathly silent…

……..

At the top of Heaven Eye Mountain, the strong outpour slowly started to stop. Warm sunlight fell from the grond and brightened up the whole mountain. The environment after rain was extremely fresh.

The human figure in the sky maintained a still stance for a long while before it suddenly shook. Those tightly shut eyes were also slowly opened. A killing intent surged within those dark-black eyes.

"Teacher, wait for me."

Xiao Yan inhaled a deep breath of air and suppressed the churning killing intent within his heart. His tightly clenched hands were slowly opened.

The purple-clothed, old man whom he had seen this time around should be the first genuine elite Dou Zun that Xiao Yan had ever met. That vast pressure was indeed extremely terrifying. Fortunately, the current Xiao Yan was no longer that little fellow who had just advanced into the Dou Huang cla.s.s back then. He was still able to remain calm under that pressure. This was many times better when compared to that last time where he was shattered by the pressure before he could even see the other party.

Xiao Yan had learned a lot after entering that large, dark-black hall. Of course, the thing that rea.s.sured Xiao Yan was that Yao Lao was still safe. Although Yao Lao"s situation might not appear good, at the very least there was no sign of his life being in danger. Even though this was the case, Xiao Yan knew that he needed to speed up. It was not easy for Yao Lao to be able to endure for so many years. If he were to drag on for another couple of years, it was difficult to say just what would happen.

"Once I have settled the matter here, I will head to that Wind Lightning Pavilion. I must find Feng zun-zhe no matter what. I must get his help in order to rescue Yao Lao as soon as possible."

Xiao Yan heaved a gentle sigh of relief after making up his mind. His mind sunk into his body and sensed it carefully. Currently, the interior of his body seemed to have undergone a complete transformation. The veins within had not only widened by more than ten times their previous size, but there was even a faint Dou Qi crystal layer around his veins and even his bones. Moreover, they were repeatedly emitting a weak glow.

Xiao Yan clenched his fist and threw out a punch without any fancy moves. One could see the s.p.a.ce around his fist become distorted. A low ear-piercing sonic boom sounded over the sky like thunder. This simple punch was even stronger than the Octane Blast Xiao Yan had displayed with all his strength back then!

Dou Zong and Dou Huang were indeed two completely different levels!

"My current strength should have already stabilized at the level of a one star Dou Zong, saving me quite a lot time needed to get use to it. This is likely an effect of the Heaven Mountain Blood Pool." Xiao Yan softly muttered to himself. Most of the people would have to undergo quite a long period of familiarization in order to truly reach a one star Dou Zong yet Xiao Yan had currently skipped this step and successfully reached the level of a one star Dou Zong.

Although this one star Dou Zong might seem unworthy of being mentioned, the gap between every star within the Dou Zong cla.s.s was enormous. If one were to rely on normal training, requiring many years or even more time than a decade in order to raise one"s strength by one star was not rare.

Xiao Yan was exclaiming his good luck within his heart when his gaze turned to the rock pavilion near the mouth of the volcano. He saw Jin s.h.i.+ and Jin Gu at a glance. Immediately, his feet moved. He slowly stepped through empty air and descended from the sky. Finally, he landed in the rock pavilion.

"Haha, little friend Xiao Yan, congratulations on advancing to the Dou Zong cla.s.s."

Jin Gu smiled when he saw Xiao Yan land in the rock pavilion. His manner of addressing Xiao Yan had changed without him realizing it. Currently Xiao Yan was considered someone in the same cla.s.s as them. Moreover, he was aware that Xiao Yan possessed quite a number of hidden trump cards. It was likely that even he would not be a match for Xiao Yan if they were to really fight.

Regardless of where one was, one"s strength would ultimately determine one"s treatment. Although Xiao Yan did possess the strength to fight with an expert Dou Zong in the past, he was ultimately just a Dou Huang. In the eyes of many Dou Zongs, it was ultimately difficult to view him as someone on the same level as them. Now that Xiao Yan had successfully advanced to the Dou Zong cla.s.s, it was only natural that Jin Gu and Jin s.h.i.+ would not treat him the same when dealing with him. Therefore, their words were a little more courteous.

"I was merely lucky. If elder Jin s.h.i.+ had not provided me with the training spot, it is likely that Xiao Yan would have found it difficult to break through." Xiao Yan cupped his hands toward the two and chuckled. These words were indeed true. If he had not trained in the Heaven Mountain Blood Pool, it was likely impossible for Xiao Yan to breakthrough the Dou Huang cla.s.s without at least a year.

Jin s.h.i.+ grinned when he heard this. He said, "We are only getting what we want. The old me is unable to shoulder this thanks. However, you have exceeded the old me"s expectation by remaining in the Blood Pool for over two months. Even I do not dare to stay within it for such a long time."

"I have trained for over two months huh…" Xiao Yan was startled. His gaze swept around him, but he did not see Nalan Yanran and the others.

"Feng Qing Er and the rest have long since left. Currently, you are the only one left on the Heaven Eye Mountain. That"s right. That friend of yours had stayed here for a period of time before leaving. From the looks of her anxious manner before she left, it is likely that something has happened." Jin Gu said.

"Nalan Yanran has also left?" Xiao Yan was a little surprised when he heard this. Immediately, he nodded. It was fortunate that he was already aware of Yun Yun"s whereabouts. When he had the time, he would head to the Flower Sect and see how she was doing.

"Little friend Xiao Yan. Currently, you have successfully broken through the Dou Huang cla.s.s. I wonder…" Jin s.h.i.+ hesitated for a moment before suddenly speaking.

Xiao Yan was naturally aware of what Jin s.h.i.+ wanted to say when he saw his inability to express himself. He immediately beamed and said, "Elder Jin s.h.i.+, you can rest a.s.sured that Xiao Yan is not someone who does no work after benefitimg. Leave the Heaven Mountain Fire Poison in your body to me."

Jin s.h.i.+ and Jin Gu sighed in relief when they heard this. Jin s.h.i.+ was considered the strongest person in the Gold Swallowing Mouse Tribe. Their tribe was able to occupy this Heaven Eye Mountain because of the deterrence of the two of them. If Jin s.h.i.+ were to end up dying because of the fire poison, it would definitely be a great loss to the Gold Swallowing Mouse Tribe.

"These are some medicinal ingredients needed to expel the Heaven Mountain Fire Poison. I did not prepare them. Hence, I"m afraid that I will have to trouble the two of you." Xiao Yan took out a white piece of paper from his Storage Ring. After which, he wrote some medicinal ingredients on it, and handed it to Jin s.h.i.+ and Jin Gu.

Jin Gu by the side hurriedly received the white paper. His gaze swept over it. He immediately laughed, "It"s not a problem. This Heaven Eye Mountain Range is filled with medicinal ingredients. Our Gold Swallowing Mouse Tribe also has a rich stockpile after so many years. Although these medicinal ingredients are rare, it is likely that they can reach little friend Xiao Yan"s hand by this afternoon."

Jin Gu and Jin s.h.i.+ were also aware of some of the alchemist"s tradition. If they wanted the alchemist to refine a medicinal pill, they needed to prepare their own medicinal ingredients. These alchemists only needed to refine a pill.

Jin Gu swiftly left the rock pavilion after receiving the white paper. After which, he rushed to the middle of the mountain. He needed to prepare all of these medicinal ingredients as fast as possible

Xiao Yan smiled when he saw Jin Gu disappear.

"Little friend Xiao Yan, if you are able to expel the fire poison from my body, the Gold Swallowing Mouse Tribe will treat you as a lifetime friend. Although my Gold Swallowing Mouse Tribe cannot compare with those ancient families, we also do have a reputation in the Magical Beast world. Moreover, due to our large numbers, we are aware of a large amount of information. If one were to think about it, we can be considered as very knowledgeable individuals within the Magical Beast world." Jin s.h.i.+"s gaze slowly slide from Jin Gu"s body to Xiao Yan as he softly laughed.

Xiao Yan"s heart moved when he heard this. He hesitated for a moment before suddenly asking, "In that case, can I inquire about something from elder Jin s.h.i.+?"

"Please ask." Jin s.h.i.+ responded.

"May I know if elder Jin s.h.i.+ has heard of the Gu clan?" Xiao Yan licked his lips and slowly asked.

"Gu clan?"

These two simple words, however, caused Jin s.h.i.+"s expression to instantly change.

Chapter 1014:t.i.tle

Gu Realm

Xiao Yan"s heart tightened when he saw the change of Jin s.h.i.+"s expression. It seemed that he was aware of some information that was related to the Gu clan.

"Little friend Xiao Yan, why have you suddenly mentioned the Gu clan? Don"t tell me that you have a conflict with them?" Jin s.h.i.+ also gradually recovered a moment later and spoke with some worry. This Gu clan was not the Wind Lightning Pavilion. Xiao Yan might still be able to live happily even after offending the Wind Lightning Pavilion. However, if he were to form an enmity with this mysterious Gu clan, the result…

Xiao Yan shook his head and smiled as he said, "I have never met this Gu clan. How could there be any conflict? It is just that I wish to know some information related to this Gu clan. Is it possible for elder Jin s.h.i.+ to tell me about them?"

Jin s.h.i.+ sighed in relief. He wiped off the cold sweat on his forehead as he said, "It is best if this is the case. Throughout the Central Plains region, the human"s "Hall of Souls," and Pill Hall or the three great ancient families in the Magical Beast world fear this Gu clan."

Xiao Yan also felt slightly startled when he heard this. Although he was able to guess that Xun Er"s background was not weak, he did not expect that the so-called Gu clan was actually this strong.

"Why is it that I have never heard of this Gu clan? Moreover, this clan has never appeared among the humans nor Magical Beast factions. Could it be that they do not belong to either one?" Xiao Yan asked uncertainly.

"Strictly speaking, this Gu clan could be considered human. However… they are descendants from the ancient times. It is rumored that they possessed the bloodline of a Dou Di." Jin s.h.i.+ slowly explained.

"The bloodline of a Dou Di?" Xiao Yan was stunned.

"It is rumored that if a person is able to reach the Dou Di cla.s.s, their bloodline will undergo a change. His descendants will benefit as a result. There were quite a number of Dou Di clans in the ancient times. Although they could be considered humans, they possessed a rich talent when it came to training. Some of those who were lucky might even inherit some Dou Di"s abilities through their bloodline. However, such a thing is extremely rare and will completely depend on one"s luck." Jin s.h.i.+ nodded. His tone contained a respect that was difficult to hide when he mentioned the words Dou Di. This was a respect for the strongest people in the world.

"These clans that possess an ancient Dou Di bloodline greatly discriminate against outsiders. Due to them needing to maintain the purity of their bloodline, even if they were to marry an ordinary human, they would definitely choose an extremely outstanding person.

"There were quite a number of clans in the ancient times who possessed the bloodline of a Dou Di. However, with the flow of time, it seems that hardly any remained. The survivors are called the extremely mysterious Gu clan.."

"The Gu Clan doesn"t care much for the ranking on the continent but its strength is without doubt. There are many experts in the clan and speaking truthfully, there are very few factions in the continent that can contend against it."

Xiao Yan nodded his head. It was no wonder that Xun Er told him that he had to wait until he was a Dou Zong before he could go and try to find her. So the Gu Clan was actually this scary. Thinking of the strength of the Hall of Souls, even they were afraid of the Gu Clan. How terrifying was the strength of this Gu Clan?

"Then does elder Jin s.h.i.+ know where the headquarters of the Gu Clan is?" Xiao Yan paused before asking.

"The eastern region of the Central Plains basically belongs to the Gu clan. Other than a few of them, the many various fractions there are all va.s.sals of the Gu clan. However, the Gu clan seldom manages them. Usually, most of the people of the Gu clan all live in the "Gu Realm"." Jin s.h.i.+ continued to explain.

"Gu Realm?" Xiao Yan was once again startled when he heard these unfamiliar words.

"Any experts who reach the Dou Sheng cla.s.s are basically standing on the peak of the Dou Qi continent. At this level, one would have already surpa.s.sed the ordinary and would have stepped into the holy level. The strength that one would possess would naturally be far from what an ordinary person can imagine. Opening a realm where people could live is an indicator of an elite Dou Sheng." Jin s.h.i.+ sighed. His voice contained extreme envy. "This Gu Realm is built from the extremely strong Dou Shengs of the Gu clan over the generations. After a countless number of years of strengthening and expanding, its size could at the very least be comparable to the northern region of the Central Plains even if it cannot be compared with the entire Central Plains region. That place is uniquely owned by the people of the Gu clan. Hence, the ordinary people from the Central Plains do not really understand it."

Xiao Yan gently inhaled a breath of cold air. Opening a realm. Was such a frightening thing really something that a person"s strength could achieve? An elite Dou Sheng was so powerful it ended up making one feel disbelief? Xiao Yan felt himself tremble when he thought of the frightening strength that could tear s.p.a.ce apart with just the lift of a hand.

This was already the case for an elite Dou Sheng. Then just how terrifying was the even stronger Dou Di?

By comparing the two, the mysterious ability of an elite Dou Di being able to change their bloodline mentioned by Jin s.h.i.+ did not appear to be some cooked up story.

"Even I am not certain on how one enters this Gu Realm. If not for the many members of my Gold Swallowing Mouse Tribe, it is likely that I would be far from qualified to be aware of so many secrets given my strength." Jin s.h.i.+ shook his head and spoke somewhat regretfully.

Xiao Yan nodded. He was also satisfied by learning so much information related to the Gu clan. Although the Gu clan"s strength was extremely great, he would definitely break into that place for Xun Er even if it was extremely dangerous.

Although Xiao Yan was uncertain how many experts were within the Gu clan, it was likely that there would not be any less than that of the "Hall of Souls." Xiao Yan"s strength was insufficient even though he had currently broken through to the Dou Zong cla.s.s. However, this did not become an obstruction to Xiao Yan.

"Once I rescue Yao Lao, I will head to that Gu clan. Regardless of how special you are, you are ultimately humans!" Xiao Yan clenched his teeth and spoke viciously in his heart. He did not feel any fear just because of the great strength behind the Gu clan. Xun Er had waited for him for so many years. Regardless of the situation, he needed to make a trip there. Otherwise, he was heartless.

"Looks like I should quickly expel the fire poison in Jin s.h.i.+. The Four Pavilion Grand Meeting that Mu Qing Luan had mentioned is about to begin. If I miss it, I don"t know just when it will be before I can find Feng zun-zhe…"

Jin Gu efficiency had somewhat exceeded Xiao Yan"s expectation. Before noon time, all the things that Xiao Yan needed were delivered into his hands.

A fog floated within a rock house on the slopes of a mountain. The fog contained waves of dense medicinal fragrance and a transpiring heat.

There was a large wooden basin within the rock house. Jin s.h.i.+ was seated within the wooden basin, and boiling water covered his body up to his neck. He was unable to use Dou Qi to block the temperature. Hence, Jin s.h.i.+"s face was filled with perspiration.

A jade-green flame was swiftly writhing on Xiao Yan"s hand just beside the wooden basin. There were numerous medicinal ingredients mixed with it. A moment later, it transformed into a drop of a fiery-red medicinal liquid. With a flick of his finger, the medicinal liquid fell into the basin. The surface of the water immediately turned red as many fiery-red bubbles churned within it.

"Consume this medicinal pill." A medicinal pill shot out from Xiao Yan"s Storage Ring before being suspended in front of Jin s.h.i.+. He sucked it and swallowed it into his body.

When the medicinal pill entered his body, a bone-chilling coldness immediately began to spread out, covering every single inch of his body. At the same time, the medicinal strength within the hot red-colored liquid within the basin seeped into his body from every pore. Amid this clash between cold and hot, drops of a grayish liquid, that contained a stenc, slowly seeped out of Jin s.h.i.+"s nose.

"Hiss hiss!"

Jin s.h.i.+"s body intensely trembled as the fishy gray liquid seeped out. His teeth were tightly clenched together as his mouth emitted a hissing voice. Clearly, he was suffering an extremely intense pain during the process of forcing the poison out.

Jin Gu by the side also became anxious when he saw Jin s.h.i.+"s painful expression.

"There is no need to be anxious. It is only a normal pain. Everything will be fine if he can endure for a while." Xiao Yan"s face was calm. He waved his hand and a cl.u.s.ter of jade-green flames fell from it. After which, it landed in the wooden basin, and the temperature of the fire-red liquid swiftly rose.

Jin s.h.i.+"s face was like burning charcoal following the swift increase in the water"s temperature. The air that he exhaled was hot. His appearance caused Jin Gu, who was watching by the side, to feel numb. If the fire poison was not being forced out, he would have wondered if Xiao Yan was planning on murdering Jin s.h.i.+…

With the rise of the flame, an increasing amount of gray-colored liquid seeped out of Jin s.h.i.+"s body. However, with the combustion of the Glazed Lotus Heart Flame, the fire poison was swiftly incinerated the moment they appeared. Thus, the purity of the medicinal strength in the wooden basin was maintained.

This method of using ice and fire to expel the poison continued for nearly eight hours. Only then did it end because of the exhaustion of the medicinal strength within the wooden basin. However, it must be said that the fire poison was indeed deposited too deeply within Jin s.h.i.+"s body. Xiao Yan was unable to completely remove it from the root despite having used this method.

"According to this speed, it should be possible to expel most of the fire poison in your body within five days. At that time, I will refine some medicinal liquid for you. As long as you soak in it for two to three hours everyday for two to three months, the fire poison in your body will be completely removed." Xiao Yan pulled away the "Heavenly Flame" and spoke after seeing Jin s.h.i.+ stand up from the wooden basin to put on his clothes.

"Thank you mister Xiao Yan. Our Gold Swallowing Mouse Tribe will definitely not forget this favor. If there is anything that requires our help in the future, you can come and look for the old me on the Heaven Eye Mountain."

Jin s.h.i.+ solemnly bowed to Xiao Yan as he spoke in a deep voice. He could sense the change in his body. A disease that had been with him for so many years could finally be expelled. Currently, his heart was quite excited.

Xiao Yan beamed. He looked at Jin s.h.i.+, whose spirit was much better. His hand suddenly rubbed his chest. There seemed to be quite a frightening poison also present within his body, the Demon Poison Spot… this thing had also pestered him for many years. Although he had yet to find an elite Dou Zun, Xiao Yan had already advanced to the Dou Zong cla.s.s. His ability to resist it had also significantly risen.

"I wonder if I am able to rely on my strength to refine this Demon Poison Spot with my current ability. If I am able to obtain the Dou Qi from a Dou Zong"s lifetime, it would likely be a great tonic to me…"

Xiao Yan"s heart involuntarily became heated when he thought of this. His intention to deal with the Demon Poison Spot was not something that he had been thinking about for just one or two days…