His question plunged the entire hall into silence. None among them had expected Xiao Hua to intervene personally in this matter. Though they had harbored some hope that he might summon Wei Jie or Mei Ling on their behalf, they never imagined he would take action himself.
Ancestor Huo narrowed his eyes, his brows furrowing tightly. He could sense that the youth before him was anything but ordinary. For two Tier 9 Treasure Pill Alchemists, a Ban Sheng expert, and even the other Hall Masters to willingly submit to his authority and place him upon the Mansion Master's seat—such influence could not come from close relationship alone.
Moreover, as a Dou Sheng himself, Ancestor Huo understood well: no trivial trick could defeat a Dou Sheng expert while sealing another Dou Sheng expert's strength.
Regardless of how the feat was accomplished, he knew this youth had surpassed what most so-called geniuses of the younger generation could ever hope to achieve.
"Does Mansion Master Xiao possess a method to assist this old man?" he asked in a deep tone.
"If Ancestor Huo Yun can endure a little longer—once this junior has fully recovered—how about I refine a Tier 9 Treasure Pill for you in return for the aid you once rendered me?" Xiao Hua replied with a calm smile, his tone as steady as flowing water.
"Tier 9 Treasure Pill?!"
A sudden uproar burst through the hall. Gasps, murmurs, and exclamations echoed all at once, as if a thunderclap had erupted within. No one had expected Xiao Hua to speak those four words—so casually, yet so resolutely.
"Mansion Master Xiao… are you claiming to be a Tier 9 Treasure Pill Alchemist, on the same level as Master Wei and Lady Mei?" Ancestor Huo's eyes grew sharp as he spoke in a deep, steady voice.
Though his expression remained composed, the disbelief in his tone was unmistakable. Even he found it difficult to accept that this young man could be someone like Wei Jie and Mei Ling in the realm of alchemy.
After all, reaching the level of a Tier 9 Treasure Pill Alchemist required not only a profound foundation, but also countless years of tempering and experience. It was not a realm that could be breached by talent and background alone.
In truth, even among the ancient clans, unless one hailed from the Yao Clan—a lineage steeped in the heritage of alchemy—it was nearly unthinkable for someone so young to ascend to such a lofty height.
And yet, as much as he wished to question it, Xiao Hua's unwavering composure and the calm certainty in his voice stirred something within Ancestor Huo. A subtle shift… a faint trace of belief that perhaps—just perhaps—the impossible might be real.
"Whether Ancestor Huo Yun believes me or not, the truth will be revealed in due time," Xiao Hua replied with a faint smile. "Judging by my current condition, I should recover within two months. Once that time comes, I shall begin the pill refinement immediately."
His voice was calm, his tone without the slightest ripple of arrogance. That composed demeanor left no room for doubt, causing some of the elders present to quietly believe his words despite their initial skepticism.
Ancestor Huo fell into silence. After a long, heavy pause, he finally let out a deep breath. His sharp gaze locked onto Xiao Hua as he asked in a low voice, "Then… what is it that Mansion Master Xiao seeks from this old man?"
Though he was inwardly pleased by such an offer, he knew full well that a Tier 9 Treasure Pill was far too precious for a mere favor. There was no way Xiao Hua would offer something of such weight without seeking something in return—something of equal significance, perhaps tied to Burning Flame Valley itself.
Yet Xiao Hua's expression remained unchanged. His calm smile held steady, as if he had long expected Ancestor Huo to see through his intentions.
Though Ancestor Huo detested handling the affairs of management, he was no fool. He had once presided over Burning Flame Valley and had lived through centuries of storms and schemes. With such experience, how could he not sense that Xiao Hua's true purpose lay beyond the surface?
Xiao Hua cupped his hands and spoke calmly, "I wish to propose an alliance between Burning Flame Valley and the Moonlit Chaos Mansion. If I recall correctly, Ancestor Huo Yun once clashed with the Hall of Souls, yet chose to endure their presence out of caution toward their overwhelming strength."
"As Ancestor Huo is no doubt aware, both I and the Moonlit Chaos Mansion stand in direct opposition to the Hall of Souls. This alliance is not born from mere convenience, but from a shared enmity."
His words stirred another wave of commotion within the hall. None among the elders had expected Xiao Hua to seek an alliance—let alone one that involved taking a stand against the Hall of Souls. Shock rippled through their hearts.
The Hall of Souls—ancient, mysterious, and shrouded in darkness—was a force even the strongest factions avoided provoking. Yet this young leader of a newly-risen mansion dared to oppose them outright?
Ancestor Huo's eyes narrowed into slits as his thoughts sank into silence. He could not deny his distaste—no, his revulsion—for those shadowy beings that cannot be called humans or ghost. But to oppose them? Without cause, few would ever dare.
Still, the echoes of past events resurfaced in his mind—Xiao Hua's audacious moves, the strength of his Hall Masters, and the shockwaves they had sent through the Central Plains. Against his will, a faint tremor stirred within his heart. Could this alliance truly change the tide?
Moreover, the allure of a Tier 9 Treasure Pill weighed heavily on his thoughts. Reclining lazily into the stone chair, he tapped the armrest of the leader's seat with a slow rhythm. His gaze lifted, landing on Xiao Hua—whose expression remained tranquil, like an undisturbed lake—as he silently measured the youth before him.
He could not help but ask, "And what if this old man chooses not to join your alliance?"
"Then nothing changes," Xiao Hua replied, gently shaking his head with a faint smile. "I owe Burning Flame Valley for tending to my injuries. Whether Ancestor Huo Yun agrees to the alliance or not, I will still refine a Tier 9 Treasure Pill to resolve the hidden ailment within your body."
Ancestor Huo's expression froze for a moment. His gaze then locked onto Xiao Hua, eyes narrowing slightly as he searched the young man's face for any hint of falsehood. Yet what he found was only calm sincerity.
After a brief silence, he let out a faint sigh. "Good little fellow. Without that last sentence, there would've been no chance of me agreeing to this alliance."
"Ancestor… you mean—" Tang Zhen's voice trembled slightly, a trace of disbelief showing on his face.
Ancestor Huo gave him a glance and nodded slowly. Turning his eyes back to Xiao Hua, his voice deep and steady, he declared:
"Burning Flame Valley will join the alliance."
…
Once Ancestor Huo Yun agreed to the alliance, Xiao Hua remained to discuss a few more matters with him before excusing himself, citing the need to continue recuperating from his injuries. Tang Huo Er silently followed, guiding him out of the hall.
Back in the main hall, Tang Zhen stood in place, his eyes fixed on Ancestor Huo Yun with a puzzled expression. He was well aware of the old man's fiery temper and impulsive nature—so it came as quite a surprise that he had agreed to the alliance so readily.
Ancestor Huo noticed the questioning look and waved his hand dismissively, letting out a sigh. "I know what you're thinking, but we've lost nothing by joining this alliance. That boy… he let his companions escape, yet stayed behind to face the Hall of Souls alone, enduring severe and near-fatal injuries. Just from that act alone, his character is worthy of respect—and worthy of standing alongside."
"Besides, I have no doubt that the Moonlit Chaos Mansion's strength and status will rise rapidly in the days to come. Frankly, I see no reason not to align ourselves with someone like him."
"Ancestor… are you referring to the long secluded retreat taken by Ming Zun-zhe, Lady Li Mei, and Lady Xin Yu?" Tang Zhen's gaze sharpened as something clicked in his mind. He recalled the recent reports he had received.
"That's right." Ancestor Huo nodded solemnly. "From what I can infer, when they emerge, they may very well have stepped into the Ban Sheng realm."
"But wouldn't such rapid advancement affect their foundations?" Tang Zhen asked, rubbing his beard with a slight frown.
Those with deeper insight into cultivation knew well that rapid growth often came at the cost of one's foundation—leaving it brittle and unstable.
Ancestor Huo let out a helpless chuckle. "They were able to face Ban Sheng experts while still at the Dou Zun level. If their foundation were truly shallow, they wouldn't have survived, much less stood their ground. I doubt they need to worry about such concerns."
Even as he spoke, a trace of amazement flickered in his eyes. Despite his age and experience, he could not help but feel a sense of awe toward the strength these younger cultivators now wielded.
Tang Zhen could only smile bitterly in response. With a quiet sigh, he asked, "Does Ancestor believe they can truly defeat the Hall of Souls?"
"Whether the Moonlit Chaos Mansion can bring down the Hall of Souls… that remains to be seen," Ancestor Huo replied thoughtfully, stroking his beard. "But one thing is certain—no one in the Central Plains can deny the blow the Hall of Souls has already suffered at their hands."
"No matter what tricks he may have employed, the fact remains: a Dou Sheng has fallen to him. That alone is a feat not even the most prominent figures of your generation could claim—much less those of the younger generation."
A rare grin surfaced on his face as his sharp gaze swept across the hall, his voice tinged with excitement.
The elders let out a few dry chuckles as Ancestor Huo's voice echoed through the hall. Indeed, the young man's achievements were nothing short of astonishing—even to the experts of their generation.
In truth, that was precisely why none of the elders had interrupted the earlier conversation. They all understood clearly: Xiao Hua could no longer be treated as a junior, nor even as someone on equal footing with their strength. He had long since stepped beyond such comparisons.
Ancestor Huo let out a soft sigh and remarked, "If I recall correctly, he should be around the same age as Huo'er. Considering his achievements, talent, character—and even his appearance—why not consider matching him with Tang Huo Er?"
"I believe that may prove rather difficult," Tang Zhen replied with a dry chuckle. "You've forgotten about the Heavenly Poison Lady who's already by his side."
He paused for a beat before adding with a meaningful tone, "Besides, I've heard from certain rumors that the Young Lady of the Gu Clan shares a rather… deep connection with Mansion Master Xiao."
Ancestor Huo stroked his beard, his expression growing contemplative. He had, indeed, heard that the Gu Clan once dispatched a powerful Dou Sheng expert to block the Hall of Souls' chief from pursuing Xiao Hua. What was more telling was that the one who gave the order had been none other than the Young Lady of the Gu Clan herself.
If true, then the relationship between the two… was far from simple.
"Well, in any case, we might as well try. Who knows? Perhaps fortune may favor us..." Ancestor Huo sighed softly as he spoke, though even he didn't sound too hopeful.
Tang Zhen could only shake his head and sigh in resignation. He had to admit—even he had entertained such thoughts after learning of Xiao Hua's true identity. But unlike Ancestor Huo, he was more familiar with the relationship between Xiao Hua and the Heavenly Poison Lady.
Ancestor Huo had spent a long time in seclusion, refusing any interruptions during his retreat. That was also the reason he missed the opportunity to seek help from Wei Jie and Mei Ling, and likewise, he had never met the Heavenly Poison Lady.
Tang Zhen, however, had met the Heavenly Poison Lady multiple times. She often accompanied Wei Jie and Mei Ling during their monthly visits to check on Xiao Hua.
She would sometimes stay behind for a week or longer. From her eyes, her actions, and her silent presence… it was more than clear. The bond between her and Xiao Hua ran deep—far deeper than what could be easily shaken.
"Regardless of the outcome, maintain a good relationship with Xiao Hua," Ancestor Huo finally said. "For now, let's focus on what he asked of us—and begin spreading the news a month later."
Seeing Tang Zhen's helpless expression, Ancestor Huo understood that the idea of a match with Huo Er was little more than wishful thinking. He could only wave his hand and shift the topic, understanding that his earlier suggestion had little chance of success.
"…It seems he intends to draw the Pill Tower into this as well," Tang Zhen murmured after a brief silence. He understood very well—once this news spread, there was no doubt that even the Pill Tower would come, eager to see things with their own eyes.
After all, an event of this scale was bound to draw their attention—especially when considering the current reputation and rising status of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion.
While Xiao Hua and the others had already demonstrated overwhelming strength in past battles, what truly solidified the faction's prestige was the presence of not one, but two Tier 9 Treasure Pill Alchemists—Wei Jie and Mei Ling.
The status of Tier 9 Treasure Pill Alchemist was not something to be taken lightly. Just by bearing that status alone, countless hidden experts—reclusive figures who had never joined any faction—suddenly emerged from seclusion and aligned themselves with the Moonlit Chaos Mansion, accepting positions as guest elders.
Though the title of "guest elder" might seem superficial on the surface, in truth, it placed them firmly on the same boat as the Moonlit Chaos Mansion.
In the past, human factions within the Central Plains were broadly categorized as: One Hall, One Tower, Two Sects, Three Valleys, Four Pavilions.
Yet now, following the major conflict in which the Moonlit Chaos Mansion faced both the Wind Lightning Pavilion and the Hall of Souls head-on, the balance of power had shifted.
It had become: One Hall, One Tower, One Mansion, Two Sects, Three Valleys, Three Pavilions.
And now, if Xiao Hua were to reveal himself as a Tier 9 Treasure Alchemist as well, even the elders of the Pill Tower would be shaken. After all, that would mean the Moonlit Chaos Mansion boasted three Tier 9 Treasure Alchemists under its banner.
Such a lineup was unprecedented—even the Pill Tower, with its long and alchemical legacy, had never possessed such a number at one time.
If confirmed, this would firmly solidify the Moonlit Chaos Mansion's status as one of the true major factions of the Central Plains—no longer a rising power, but a dominant force in its own right.
"If even those stubborn old men from the Pill Tower decide to show up, then Xiao Hua's alliance might become far larger than we imagined," Ancestor Huo said with an amused grin.
"That's assuming he truly succeeds in refining the Tier 9 Treasure Pill," Tang Zhen replied, rubbing his beard thoughtfully.
Yet, deep down, he couldn't shake the feeling that the young man was indeed capable of such a feat. And because of that, he felt a growing anticipation… eager to see just how far this storm would spread.
…
"Seems like you have no reason to stay quiet anymore, child."
Lady Azure's voice echoed in Xiao Hua's mind the moment he returned to his room, her tone laced with amusement and playful teasing.
"I only stayed in the Jia Ma Empire and Jia Nan Academy to ensure my strength reached a level where the Hall of Souls could no longer pose a threat to me," Xiao Hua replied with a faint smile, shrugging his shoulders casually.
"Even so," Xue Yue spoke softly, her brows slightly furrowed, "won't this draw that so-called Hall to this place?"
"They won't dare, sister," Lady Azure chuckled gently, her tone light and teasing. "That Gu lass has been keeping a close eye on the Hall of Souls' movements. Because of her, they can no longer act as freely as before."
"That's precisely why they abandoned that reckless tactic they once used—mobilizing countless experts at once in an attempt to seize Xiao Hua. They won't risk such a move again so easily."
"Would the Gu Clan really move on her orders just because she possesses a divine-grade bloodline?" Xue Yue raised her brows slightly, her tone laced with skepticism.
"Ordinarily, they wouldn't bother interfering for someone at Xiao Hua's level," Lady Azure replied with a light shrug. "However, the boy's strength and accomplishments have already forced them to take him somewhat seriously—especially with the possibility that he might be carrying a fragment of the Tou She Ancient God's Jade."
"Whether that turns out to be a blessing or a curse... that remains to be seen," she added with a wry grin.
"If the Hall Chief dares to appear again, I'll greet him with the Third Strike," Xiao Hua said coldly, a chilling smile curving on his lips.
Unlike before, Xiao Hua would reach peak condition within a month—fully capable of unleashing the final level of his Heavenly Tribulation Body: Heavenly Overlord Transformation. The reason he claimed he needed two months was merely a cover—he intended to travel elsewhere and fully form the Third Strike, allowing Lady Azure to use a special method to seal it into spatial storage.
And once that was complete…
The Third Strike of the Nine Supreme Chaos Strikes would be unveiled to the world.
"Anyway, focus on your recovery first, child. Everything will begin two months from now," Lady Azure reminded gently.
"Even if the plan succeeds, your condition comes first. Whether that Hall Chief appears or not… that's a matter for the future," Xue Yue added softly.
With those final words, both Lady Azure and Xue Yue withdrew deep into his spiritual sea, leaving him undisturbed.
A faint smile touched Xiao Hua's lips, warmed by their quiet concern. He then retrieved a communication jade, and upon activating it, he was immediately greeted by a flood of messages from Xun Er, Cai Lin, Ya Fei, and the Little Fairy Doctor.
A gentle, affectionate smile curved on his face as he read their words.
He responded to each of them patiently, reassuring them of his safety. Naturally, the moment he replied, more messages quickly poured in—each filled with concern and longing. One by one, he answered them, his heart quietly moved by their presence.
By the time Xun Er and the others finally relented and felt reassured, night had already fallen. A soft sigh escaped Xiao Hua's lips as he leaned back slightly, feeling a weariness settle in—not from battle, but from the long and heartfelt conversation.
Even then, it wasn't until he mentioned needing to focus on recovery that the four finally stopped messaging. Clearly, handling one lover was already demanding—much less four.
With a sigh, Xiao Hua calmed his thoughts and activated the System with a mere flick of his mind. A translucent blue panel, visible only to him, appeared before his eyes.
He glanced at his accumulated ACP and, without much hesitation, began spending it on the Gacha. After thirteen draws, he reviewed the rewards.
To his surprise, among them was a massive ACP bonus—pushing his total beyond four million. Naturally, he didn't hold back. With a casual wave of his hand, he continued drawing, rapidly spinning through hundreds of pulls. In the end, he reserved just enough to upgrade his ACP rate, bringing it to 350 ACP every six hours.
His gaze landed on the remaining balance—27,950 ACP. Nodding in satisfaction, he dismissed the panel and closed his eyes, finally directing his full attention to recovering his injuries.
Once his wounds healed and his preparations were complete, another storm would soon sweep across the Central Plains—one that would thrust both the Moonlit Chaos Mansion and Burning Flame Valley back into the heart of the spotlight.
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