Xiao Hua stood on the open ground, his gaze solemn as he stared at the two churning black clouds in the sky. A deep sigh escaped his lips—he knew that he would have to receive this Black Demon Lightning.
As that heavy thought weighed on him, the twin layers of black clouds in the distant sky continued to twist and roll. The entire square had fallen into a deathly silence. There was no thunderous roar, no fierce crackle—yet it was precisely this oppressive stillness that made one's heart tighten with dread.
Several minutes passed.
Without warning, at the center of each black cloud, a circular spatial vortex silently formed. Pitch-black and bottomless, it resembled a hole that devoured even light itself...
Chi!
A strange sound pierced the silence as the void trembled. An instant later, two arm-thick bolts of black lightning burst forth from the heavens. Without any thunderous prelude, they surged down from the clouds like silent judgment, aiming directly at the two fire phoenixes below.
Gasps erupted from the surrounding alchemists as their expressions turned pale. Even a single bolt of such lightning was enough to terrify—yet now, two descended together with a force that seemed capable of splitting the firmament.
Though the lightning strikes were not vast in size, their oppressive might was undeniable. Many instinctively staggered back, as if their souls had been struck by the mere sight.
Xiao Hua clenched his teeth, a resolute glint flashing within his eyes before his figure abruptly vanished from where he stood. In the blink of an eye, he reappeared several meters above the two fire phoenixes.
Bang!
A surge of bright blood-red lightning erupted from within his body, crackling as it arced across his skin. Taking a firm step forward in mid-air, he shot toward the descending Black Demon Lightning without hesitation.
"What is Mansion Master Xiao doing?! Does he not know that even elite Ban Sheng experts wouldn't dare to face the Black Demon Lightning so recklessly?" Xuan Kong Zi's expression changed drastically as he witnessed Xiao Hua's sudden charge. Startled, he immediately turned toward Wei Jie and Mei Ling, his voice filled with alarm.
Ancestor Huo Yun and the First Elder of the Small Pill Tower were just about to intervene, but Wei Jie and Mei Ling raised their hands, silently stopping them.
"He's well aware of the danger posed by the Black Demon Lightning," Xun Er said softly, a faint smile forming on her lips—yet behind that smile lay a sorrowful weight, tinged with melancholy. "But he has no choice. Certain reasons have forced his hand."
"What does Lady Xun Er mean by that…?" Cao Ying murmured in confusion. As a Dou Zong, Xiao Hua should have no need to recklessly face such a calamity. She simply couldn't understand what drove him to such lengths.
"Are you saying… the astonishing feats Xiao Hua has accomplished—killing a Dou Sheng from the Hall of Souls and surviving an encounter with their Chief—were the result of this same recklessness and willingness to face danger?"
Unlike Cao Ying, Gu Qing Yang sensed the deeper meaning in Xun Er's words. Piece by piece, he connected the scattered fragments of Xiao Hua's past—realizing that such impossible achievements could not be explained by talent alone.
Xun Er responded only with another faint smile. She offered no words, but that quiet, sorrow-laden smile spoke volumes.
And in that silence, everyone came to understand: the path Xiao Hua had taken, the strength he possessed, and the miracles he achieved… were born not of luck but forged through sheer perseverance and the courage to walk into peril again and again.
Little Fairy Doctor's gaze remained fixed on the black-robed figure surrounded by crimson lightning, his expression unwavering as he charged headlong toward the descending black thunderbolts.
"He is truly someone who has no path of retreat… yet still chooses to press forward rather than remain frozen in fear," she murmured, a faint smile appearing on her lips. Her voice, however, carried a hoarseness that revealed the turmoil in her heart.
Silence fell across the crowd. All eyes were locked onto the young man who surged ahead without the slightest hesitation. A wave of awe and respect rose in their hearts. They knew—he must have seen death flash before his eyes… yet he refused to remain still, even if it cost him his life.
Ancestor Huo Yun nodded inwardly. He had begun to admired Xiao Hua's character. This youth was not only a rare genius, but also one who advanced through sheer determination. Even when faced with a mighty Dou Sheng or a terrifying ancient force, he would not retreat.
"Regardless," Mei Ling said softly, her eyes never leaving the scene, "this pill refinement will be determined by whether Hua'er can endure the Black Demon Lightning."
…
Xiao Hua shot toward the twin bolts of pitch-black lightning without pause. In the next instant, both sides collided with a thunderous roar that shook the heavens!
Grug—!
A muffled sound escaped Xiao Hua's throat as a mouthful of fresh blood surged up, threatening to spill from his lips. His body trembled violently, as though struck by a divine hammer. In the next moment, he was sent hurtling down, crashing heavily onto the ground below.
Astonishingly, Xiao Hua had survived.
However, his condition was utterly dire. His body was riddled with bloody wounds, torn flesh, and shattered bones. Several parts of his skin were charred black, emitting a faint scent of burnt flesh. Amidst the gruesome injuries, one could faintly see a deep golden luster shimmering beneath the torn wounds—the sheen of jade-like bones refined through countless temperings.
His once-handsome appearance had been thoroughly destroyed, now reduced to a wretched state. Were it not for the dense vitality still radiating from his body, many would have assumed he was already dead.
With great effort, Xiao Hua managed to stabilize his footing. He slowly rose, staggering as he stood, fresh blood pouring from his mouth in thick spurts. Crimson lightning flickered wildly across his broken frame—before suddenly growing restless, surging with hunger.
The blood-red lightning twisted and coiled, greedily devouring the remnants of the Black Demon Lightning. It drilled deep into Xiao Hua's body, forcing its way into every meridian and bone.
"AAAHHHHH!!!"
A heart-wrenching scream tore from his throat as an indescribable agony engulfed him. It felt as if every bone in his body had been shattered again under that violent force. Cold sweat drenched his trembling form, and even with Xiao Hua's formidable tenacity, he could no longer suppress a sharp, miserable cry—one born from pain that bordered on madness.
Clearly, it was madness to receive the Black Demon Lightning head-on—without activating any Secret Technique and relying solely on his physical body to endure it. He understood this well, yet still chose to face it directly. The reason was simple: it held immense benefits for his physical refinement.
He had discovered this truth during his time in the Lightning Pool within the inner region of the Stormcoil Mountain Range. There, as he constantly absorbed Black Demon Lightning, he realized its terrifying power could be used as a tempering force.
It was also this very discovery that had allowed him to survive the relentless torment of both energy storms and spatial turbulence back then.
More importantly, he had found that once he activated his secret technique, the benefits of the lightning's tempering effect diminished significantly. Thus, he made a conscious decision—to face the full wrath of the lightning without aid, regardless of the pain.
Since it brought him strength, there was no reason to retreat—no matter how excruciating the pain. From the moment he arrived in the Dou Qi Continent, agony had been his constant companion.
Fortunately, the Black Demon Lightning was unlike nine-coloured Pill Lightning, which descended in successive waves. Though its destructive force was terrifying beyond reason, it struck only once per summoned. And for Xiao Hua—so long as it wasn't endless—he could bear it, even if it meant enduring two at once.
As the lightning was fully absorbed into his body, the raging storm above continued to churn for over ten minutes before gradually dissipating. The distorted sky slowly began to mend, and the torn space stitched itself together piece by piece. Then, like the end of a long nightmare, warm sunlight broke through the clouds and gently bathed the mountain below once more.
As the storm finally dispersed, many pairs of eyes turned back toward the sky. There, they saw a blood-soaked young man floating unsteadily, his aura weak and flickering. It was clear—he had suffered devastating internal and external injuries.
"Brother Xiao Hua!"
"Xiao Hua!"
In an instant, two elegant figures flashed to his side, their beautiful faces filled with visible anxiety. Their voices trembled with concern as they called out to him. Without hesitation, they brought out numerous medicinal pills and gently fed them to him.
To everyone's astonishment, the effects were immediate. As soon as the pills entered his body, his injuries began to recover at a startling rate. Before their very eyes, the mangled wounds and torn flesh knit together, and his bloodied face gradually regained its handsome, youthful appearance.
Although his aura still lacked stability and his condition was far from fully healed, they could sense that his life was no longer in danger. Xiao Hua had begun to recover—if only slightly—for now.
Xiao Hua took a deep breath, sensing the faint stirrings of vitality returning to his broken body. The tension in his limbs gradually eased as he confirmed that he was no longer in a critical state.
"Thank you… Xun'er, Xian'er," he said with a warm smile, his voice slightly hoarse but filled with sincerity. Though he possessed some healing pills of his own, they were not of high grade, and none could match the potency of what he had just received. It was true—the two had truly helped him.
Xun Er and the Little Fairy Doctor returned his gaze with soft, sweet smiles. Seeing Xiao Hua alive and smiling again filled their hearts with relief. The memory of his bloodied, mangled form and fading aura still lingered in their minds had truly shaken them.
Reaching out, Xiao Hua gently held their delicate arms, his eyes quietly fixed on the two ethereal, graceful figures before him. A subtle warmth touched the depths of his heart—an unspoken emotion flickering in his gaze.
But just as the atmosphere began to soften, an annoyed voice suddenly cut through the moment.
"Say, can the three of you stop flirting in public? It's starting to get annoying…"
The warmth in the air scattered like smoke. The three turned in surprise to see Wei Jie and Mei Ling approaching. Wei Jie offered a faint, helpless smile, while Mei Ling's expression was filled with obvious irritation, her arms crossed and her eyes narrowed in displeasure.
"Sister Mei Ling, please calm down… I just missed them, that's all," Xiao Hua said with an awkward cough, a hint of embarrassment coloring his tone.
Even Xun Er and the Little Fairy Doctor couldn't help but blush slightly, though they quickly composed themselves and stood quietly at his side, regaining their usual poise.
Mei Ling rolled her eyes in exasperation, while Wei Jie chuckled in amusement at Xiao Hua's flustered response.
At that moment, the Little Fairy Doctor lowered her gaze and noticed two pills resting in Wei Jie and Mei Ling's hands. Her eyes narrowed slightly with curiosity.
"Sister Mei Ling, Brother Wei Jie… are those the medicinal pills that Xiao Hua refined?" she asked softly.
A faint smile played at the corners of Mei Ling's red lips as she cast a teasing, almost disdainful glance at the Little Fairy Doctor—clearly seeing through her attempt to change the subject. Slightly embarrassed, the Little Fairy Doctor lowered her gaze, silently conceding that Mei Ling's guess was correct.
Even so, Mei Ling still gave a slight nod and said, "Hua'er wasn't in any condition to stop the pill's escape. That's why the two of us stepped in, especially after seeing you both rushing to his side."
"Even if it benefits your physical body, don't forget—your goal was only to fulfill the requirements needed to advance your strength," Wei Jie added, his voice tinged with exasperation, though his faint smile betrayed his concern.
"Sorry for worrying you, Brother Wei Jie," Xiao Hua replied with a gentle smile. It was clear he felt a bit guilty for making them anxious.
Mei Ling let out a soft sigh and shook her head. She understood all too well—so long as it brought him benefits, her little brother would continue throwing himself into danger without hesitation. Those who rise to true power often suffer greatly in their youth… but for Xiao Hua, it seemed almost like suffering had become a daily routine.
"Anyway, here. This is the pill you refined," she said, her tone laced with both resignation and pride.
With a light motion of their hands, Mei Ling and Wei Jie released a gentle wave of force. The two pills in their palms floated gracefully through the air, drifting toward Xiao Hua like glowing stars, returning to the one who had birthed them amidst lightning and flame.
Xiao Hua nodded and extended his hand, allowing the two dragon-eye-sized medicinal pills to gently land on his palm. As they settled, layers of pill fog began to rise from their surfaces, swirling outward and filling the surrounding air with a rich, medicinal fragrance. At a glance, the two pills radiated an exceptionally mysterious aura.
"It's truly unexpected…" Gu Qing Yang murmured, momentarily at a loss for words. "Xiao Hua actually survived the Black Demon Lightning with just the strength of a Dou Zong."
As a younger generation member of the Gu Clan, he couldn't imagine any of his peers having the courage—let alone the capability—to do the same.
"It was that blood-red lightning… it lessened the damage he should have suffered," Elder Gu Nanhai said quietly, narrowing his sharp gaze. "Even so, for him to dare such a thing…"
His voice trailed off, but his heart trembled. He had clearly seen the blood-red lightning devour the Black Demon Lightning upon impact—absorbing the violent energy as though it were nourishment. The scene had left a deep impression on him.
Gu Qing Yang was briefly startled by Elder Gu Nanhai's words, then smiled helplessly. Even knowing that the blood-red lightning could offset some of the Black Demon Lightning's strength, the unbearable agony and grievous injuries that came with it were enough to terrify most experts. Few—if any—would have the courage to follow such a path.
"Mansion Master Xiao, are you alright?"
Ancestor Huo Yun spoke up with concern, his brows furrowed as he observed the paleness on Xiao Hua's face. It was clear that he had not fully recovered.
"Ancestor Huo Yun, please rest assured… I'll be fine." Xiao Hua waved his hand lightly, though his laughter was noticeably weak and hollow.
Raising his hand, he revealed the two pills resting in his palm. Immediately, a rich medicinal fragrance burst forth, wafting through the valley. Everyone who inhaled it could feel the energy within their bodies stir violently, their Dou Qi agitated and boiling with intensity.
One pill was a deep crimson, adorned with flowing white and earthy brown patterns that resembled layers of shifting terrain. The other was dark blue, laced with golden veins that resembled dancing flames—yet its surface gave the illusion of a boundless sea of fire sealed within, mysterious and awe-inspiring.
Upon seeing the two pills, a surge of greed briefly rose in the hearts of many presents. However, they quickly suppressed the impulse—reminding themselves of who the pills were intended for.
"Ancestor Huo Yun," Xiao Hua said respectfully, "these are the two pills I've refined."
"This one is the Earth Spirit Pill. It can heal the hidden injuries and internal flaws within your body, while also slightly improving your chances of a breakthrough. If fortune favors you, it may even help you advance to the two-star Dou Sheng realm."
After explaining the crimson pill, Xiao Hua's gaze shifted to the deep blue one. A faint smile tugged at his lips.
"As for this one, it's called the Skyfire Refinement Pill. It's a pill of my own creation," he said calmly, yet the pride in his voice could not be hidden.
"This pill is crafted specifically for those who cultivate fire-attributed arts. Upon consumption, it triggers a profound transformation—enhancing the user's innate talent and potential, allowing them to advance toward the Dou Sheng realm without bottlenecks."
"Additionally, it tempers the physical body, refining it to a higher level of resilience. With this transformation, one would even be capable of safely swallowing a Heavenly Flame ranked below the top ten on the Heavenly Flame Ranking."
Upon hearing Xiao Hua's explanation of the second pill, a wave of shock rippled through the crowd. This pill was practically tailor-made for cultivators who practiced fire-affinity techniques. The mere fact that it could allow one to safely swallow a Heavenly Flame ranked below the top ten—without risking death—was already extraordinary.
But that wasn't the most shocking part.
The truly earth-shattering revelation was that the pill could help one reach the Dou Sheng realm in the future.
Just that alone was enough to make countless experts inwardly salivate with desire. A pill of such value would undoubtedly drive the top factions of the Central Plains into bloodshed—battling to the death just for a single one.
Xiao Hua paused for a brief moment, letting out a light chuckle as he sensed the intense yearning radiating from the viewing gallery. Then, with a calm smile, he continued:
"Ancestor Huo, this pill is for Miss Huo Er. She once saved my life when I was on the brink of death, nearly crossing the Yellow Springs. I am also aware of Burning Flame Valley's rule regarding the next successor inheriting the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame."
He turned his gaze toward the red-clothed young lady, who was clearly startled to find herself suddenly at the center of everyone's attention. Meeting her eyes with a calm smile, Xiao Hua's voice remained steady and composed.
"This Skyfire Refinement Pill is not merely a token of gratitude—it is a gift meant to aid her on the road ahead."
Xiao Hua paid no mind to the shifting expressions around him. Whether shocked or envious, he remained calm. His gesture was simple: a repayment of kindness, delivered with sincerity and action.
Naturally, those observing couldn't help but feel a wave of longing surge within their hearts once more. However, that greed was swiftly extinguished.
A monstrous aura had erupted from Ancestor Huo Yun the moment Xiao Hua finished speaking—vast and suffocating. That invisible pressure alone was enough to crush any lingering desire. No one dared to covet the pill further.
Yet everyone knew—once word of this event spread, the Central Plains would be shaken.
Three Tier 9 Treasure Alchemists within a single faction… The Moonlit Chaos Mansion's foundation had grown terrifyingly deep. Even the Pill Tower would find it difficult to compete with such a lineup!
With a flick of Xiao Hua's finger, the two pills transformed into two streaks of radiant light. One flew toward Ancestor Huo Yun, who calmly received the Earth Spirit Pill. The other flew gracefully toward Tang Huo Er, landing gently in her hands—the Skyfire Refinement Pill now hers to protect and cultivate.
"Haha! Huo Er is truly a fortunate child to have saved Mansion Master Xiao. This old man shall forever remember this great favor!" Ancestor Huo Yun laughed heartily, his expression full of satisfaction. He was genuinely pleased with the young man's character.
Truth be told, when he first heard the news surrounding Xiao Hua, Ancestor Huo Yun had been slightly troubled—especially regarding the tension with the Hall of Souls. He had no wish to provoke such a terrifying force.
However, after personally meeting Xiao Hua and receiving not one, but multiple favors, any reservations in his heart had long faded. Now, he felt nothing but admiration and was more than willing to support Xiao Hua's alliance.
Meanwhile, Tang Huo Er hesitated, glancing uncertainly at her father. The pill resting in her palm was simply too precious for her current level. She couldn't help but feel unworthy of it.
"Take it, Huo Er," Tang Zhen said gently, understanding her concerns. "Mansion Master Xiao refined this pill solely because of your kind heart and your decision to save him—something even I hesitated to do. There's no hidden meaning. You've earned this. Accept it with dignity."
With a reassuring nod, he took out a pristine jade bottle from his storage ring and handed it to her.
"I understand." Hearing her father's words, Tang Huo Er nodded softly. She carefully placed the Skyfire Refinement Pill into the jade bottle, her fingers trembling slightly as she sealed it—fully aware of just how rare and extraordinary the gift she had received truly was.
Seeing Tang Huo Er accept the pill, Tang Zhen finally breathed a sigh of relief.
To be honest, he had always harbored deep concerns about letting his daughter refine and merge with the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame. The risk was far too great. Should anything go wrong, she could lose her life.
As his only child, Tang Zhen would rather she never attempted such a dangerous path. But he also knew her temperament—once her mind was set, no one could sway her.
This unexpected turn of events was, to him, nothing short of a blessing from the heavens. With the Skyfire Refinement Pill in her possession, the danger she would face could be drastically reduced, if not completely eliminated.
'Huo Er's decision to save him has truly brought great fortune—not just for her, but for Burning Flame Valley… and for me as well,' Tang Zhen mused inwardly, a faint smile rising on his lips.
Only now did he feel truly at ease. Saving Xiao Hua had not only been the right decision—it had brought benefits far beyond anything he had imagined, even at the cost of offending the Hall of Souls.
'Refining two Tier 9 Treasure Pills at my current level… truly is a task beyond my limits…'
As Tang Huo Er and Ancestor Huo Yun received their pills, a sudden wave of intense fatigue surged from the depths of Xiao Hua's soul. His vision dimmed, the world before him slowly fading into black. His body faltered—and he nearly collapsed, only to be swiftly caught by Xun Er and the Little Fairy Doctor.
Had the two not acted in time, he would've hit the ground without resistance.
Yet, neither of them showed the slightest panic. With calm, practiced movements, they checked his pulse and condition. It was just as they had expected—he was merely overwhelmed by exhaustion. His injuries had yet to fully recover, and the strain of simultaneously refining two Tier 9 Treasure Pills had taken a heavy toll. Falling unconscious was not surprising in the slightest.
"Rest well, Brother Xiao Hua," Xun Er said softly.
"Leave the matters of the alliance to Brother Wei Jie and Sister Mei Ling. They'll handle everything—especially negotiations with the Pill Tower." the Little Fairy Doctor added, her tone gentle yet resolute.
A faint, bitter chuckle echoed from within Xiao Hua's heart as their sweet voices reached his ears. And with that lingering warmth, darkness claimed his senses, and he sank into unconsciousness.
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