Seeing Lan Haoran and the other top disciples of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion greet him with respect, the rest exchanged glances before following suit, bowing and offering their salutations to their Mansion Master.
Xiao Hua could only shake his head helplessly, his tone caught somewhere between amusement and exasperation. "Sister, you're purposefully trying to embarrass me…"
"You are the Mansion Master of our Moonlit Chaos Mansion. It's your own fault for not showing up during the opening ceremony, despite me and the others warning you beforehand, you damn brat."
Mei Ling rolled her eyes and let out a disdainful snort. She had long been aware of the awkwardness the disciples felt toward a Mansion Master who had never appeared before them. Thus, the only way to break this barrier was to handle it in such a manner.
'Yet he still dares to complain about being embarrassed… This little brother of mine truly knows no gratitude!' she thought darkly, shooting him a hateful glare.
Feeling the sharp stab of her gaze, Xiao Hua gave a dry cough. He understood full well what Mei Ling was doing, but that didn't stop the faint awkwardness from creeping up on him…
"Ke ke. Now that your Mansion Master is here, you no longer need to worry about training resources. Most of our Dou Techniques, Qi Methods, and other cultivation resources come from him," Wei Jie said with a faint smile, his voice carrying a hint of amusement as he addressed the others.
"So… our training resources have always come from…" Someone among the disciples murmured in shock.
Everyone knew that the Moonlit Chaos Mansion was a newly risen force, yet its wealth and resources were astonishing—surpassing even many first-rate factions.
Even this very realm, saturated with incomparably rich and pure natural energy, existed only because of a formidable figure connected to the Mansion Master—or so the Hall Masters had said.
Moreover, most of their Dou Techniques and Qi Methods were of Di Class or higher. This alone was more astonishing than anything they had ever encountered. Materials and high-tier pills, normally rare and difficult to obtain, were readily accessible here. It was no wonder the Moonlit Chaos Mansion's foundation, wealth, and resources were so stable and unshakable.
If all this was true, then the disciples truly owed their rapid progress to him. Without these resources, reaching their current heights in such a short span—without compromising their cultivation foundations—would have been nearly impossible.
"Thank you for supporting our training, Mansion Master!"
Once more, the disciples cupped their hands and bowed, heartfelt gratitude ringing in their voices. This time, there was no trace of awkwardness in their demeanor.
From the rumors alone, their Mansion Master was already a figure of terrifying strength, despite his level at Dou Zong, and a Tier 9 Treasure Alchemist to boot. Naturally, they were more than willing to follow him, even if he was close to their own age.
Watching the scene unfold, Xiao Hua's eyes twitched slightly. He shook his head with a faint smile, unsure whether to laugh or sigh.
"Anyway, Haoran," Wei Jie chuckled lightly before turning to Lan Haoran, "has Brother Ming Cheng returned yet?"
Just as Lan Haoran was about to reply, a spatial ripple spread through the air. In the next instant, three familiar figures appeared as if stepping out from the void itself. The moment they arrived, one of them spoke with a hint of amusement.
"You sure know how to stir up a storm right after recovering from such severe injuries, little brother."
Seeing Ming Cheng, Xiao Hua let out a light laugh and answered with a faint smile, "That couldn't be helped, Older Brother Ming Cheng. Aside from displaying my strength, it was the only way to ensure that no one dares to trouble the Moonlit Chaos Mansion."
Ming Cheng nodded without further comment. He knew exactly which trouble Xiao Hua referred to—the Hall of Souls. With three Tier 9 Alchemists, Moonlit Chaos Mansion was bound to draw the attention of countless experts, even Dou Shengs.
At present, the Hall of Souls would find it difficult to cause trouble, especially with the Gu Clan's watchful eyes upon them.
At this moment, Mei Ling stepped forward, a faint trace of concern in her voice. "However, without a Dou Sheng elite, our strength is still lacking to face those strange bastards that are neither ghost nor human."
"Don't worry," Xin Yu replied with a light laugh, her tone gentle yet brimming with confidence. "The three of us will definitely break through within a month. Once that happens, the absence of a Dou Sheng in our ranks will no longer be a concern."
"At that time, we can also make public the secret alliance we have formed with the Pill Tower and Burning Flame Valley," Li Mei added with a soft smile.
Hearing Xin Yu and Li Mei's words, a wave of hushed yet excited murmurs rippled through the disciples and elders. After all, a Dou Sheng elite was not to be taken lightly. Even long-established powers such as the Flower Sect and Profound Sky Sect lacked such experts.
Knowing they might soon have one, it was only natural for excitement to spread. While it was said that the Moonlit Chaos Mansion already stood above the Pill Tower, everyone understood that without the strength of a true Dou Sheng elite, such status was not absolute.
Once Dou Sheng elites emerged within their ranks, only then could their position above the Pill Tower be fully solidified.
"Regardless, I'm sure you still need to properly see the Moonlit Chaos Mansion for yourself. How about we older sisters show you around? In the meantime, we can also discuss the future that you and our little sisters will share."
Sensing the bubbling excitement in the air, Xin Yu let out a light laugh. Her gaze met Xiao Hua's as she spoke in a gentle tone.
"That's a good idea. I've been curious as well, so I'll be joining in," Li Mei said with a smile, her expression showing she had wanted to bring up this topic for quite some time.
"Now that I think about it, I haven't spoken to him about 'that matter'… I'll come along too." Mei Ling tapped her snow-white chin, a smile curving her lips—yet it never reached her eyes. Several disciples felt a faint chill run down their spines.
Seeing Mei Ling's expression, Xiao Hua's smile stiffened, his heart sinking slightly. He understood there was a hidden implication behind her words, but he could not tell which matter she was most displeased about.
"I believe Older Sister Mei Ling is talking about Sister Cai Lin carrying your child…"
Just as he was racking his brain, Little Fairy Doctor's gentle voice echoed in his mind, providing the answer he sought.
Hearing this, Xiao Hua's face turned pale with fright. He suddenly recalled that Mei Ling had never truly spoken about that matter, even after all this time. He had thought she might have forgotten… or perhaps simply let it go since Li Mei and Xin Yu had already punished him.
Yet, it was now clear—she had merely been patient, waiting for him to fully recover… so she could punish him even more severely.
"Sister Li Mei and Sister Xin Yu have already 'discussed' that matter with me, so I don't think we should—" Xiao Hua coughed dryly, a trace of horror in his voice. But the sight of Mei Ling's calm, smiling face made it painfully obvious—there would be no escape. He would have to face her wrath head-on.
Xin Yu and Li Mei exchanged a glance before covering their lips and laughing softly in amusement, while Ming Cheng and Wei Jie could only pray in silence for their little brother's survival.
"Anyway, let's go. We'll show you around the Moonlit Chaos Mansion," Xin Yu said as she turned and began walking ahead.
Naturally, Li Mei, Mei Ling, Xiao Hua, and Little Fairy Doctor followed after her. But from the look on Xiao Hua's face, it was clear he wished this stroll would last forever—for once it ended, he and Mei Ling would be having a certain 'discussion'… one that promised to leave him in considerable pain.
…
Watching them leave, Ming Cheng waved his hand, signaling the remaining disciples to disperse and resume their tasks. However, the elders and direct disciples did not depart, lingering instead with curiosity in their eyes.
Their gazes followed Xiao Hua's retreating figure until the rest of the disciples were gone. Only then did one elder step forward, addressing Ming Cheng and Wei Jie in a tone laced with intrigue.
"Hall Master Cheng, why is our Mansion Master still a Dou Zong instead of a Ban Sheng? The sense of danger I feel from him is overwhelming—far stronger than when I first met you. I find it hard to believe our Mansion Master is truly still at the Dou Zong realm…"
Though the elder's words were spoken in a hushed tone, those with keen hearing caught them, their ears perking up. They, too, had felt the quiet yet suffocating pressure Xiao Hua exuded, and doubt about his cultivation realm began to grow in their hearts.
In truth, this very question was what had kept them from leaving.
"Ke ke… straight to the point, aren't you, Elder Gan?" Wei Jie laughed, his eyes gleaming with amusement.
The elder in question gave a sheepish chuckle. Outside, Elder Gan was known as one of the strong old-generation Dou Zuns, but before these two, he could only lower his head. Their reputations and strength far outstripped his own.
Ming Cheng shook his head lightly. "It is due to his unique Qi Method. Once he breaks past the Dou Zong realm, his cultivation will leap directly to Dou Sheng. So there's no need to worry about any so-called 'lack of strength.'"
He spoke without hesitation. There was no reason to conceal the truth—after all, everyone here had been personally vetted by Lady Xue Yue. None were enemies or spies from other forces.
Ming Cheng's words struck everyone like a bolt of thunder, leaving their minds buzzing in shock. A wave of disbelief rippled through the gathered crowd, erupting into murmurs of astonishment.
Fortunately, the uproar did not spill beyond the courtyard—Wei Jie had anticipated such a reaction and had already erected a sound barrier, ensuring no word of this would leak and stir chaos elsewhere.
"Teacher… is that true? Will Martial Uncle Hua truly advance to Dou Sheng the moment he breaks through from the Dou Zong realm?" Lan Haoran's voice trembled as he spoke, his eyes fixed on Ming Cheng. He knew his master would never joke about such a matter, yet the thought itself seemed almost impossible to accept.
After all, this would mean Xiao Hua could leap several major realms in one step, ascending directly to Dou Sheng. How could such a thing be believed?
The elders exchanged uncertain glances, their expressions betraying the same disbelief. None of them had ever heard of a Qi Method that could allow one to skip so many cultivation stages. Yet, no one dared to question Ming Cheng's words.
"Yes, he will," Ming Cheng replied with a calm smile.
Silence fell over the elders at his affirmation. They knew Ming Cheng would never deceive them in such matters, and the certainty in his voice left no room for doubt. Yet, their hearts refused to settle.
Some couldn't help but question their own cultivation paths—had all their years of bitter training been worth it? Or would it have been better to abandon the blade and plough the fields instead…?
Meanwhile, the direct disciples—Lan Haoran, Su Yuexin, Shui Lanxin, Qing Xiu, and Zhu Ling—found themselves quietly unsettled. They knew well that their sparks of Heavenly Lightning, seeds of Primordial Heavenly Flame, and petals of Celestial Ancient Frost had all come from Xiao Hua.
But until this moment, they had never truly grasped the depth of his abnormality, nor why their master had always spoken of him with such weight. Now, they finally understood.
Glancing back, Ming Cheng caught sight of their downcast expressions and shook his head. Turning his gaze toward the path where Xiao Hua had disappeared, he spoke slowly:
"Of course, nothing comes without a price. Before he even steps into the Dou Zong realm, he must endure a thunder strike equivalent to Pill Lightning—and survive it."
"Furthermore, for every minor advancement within the Dou Zong stage, he must absorb the full might of Nine-Coloured Pill Lightning. And to finally break through to Dou Sheng… he must withstand the wrath of over one hundred bolts of Black Demon Lightning."
Ming Cheng's eyes swept over them, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "So… do you still envy him now?"
Everyone was left stunned as they listened to the suffering and relentless trials Xiao Hua had endured to reach his current height. Surviving even one of those ordeals would already be unimaginably difficult for them—yet he had faced them countless times.
If it were them, could they truly dare to press forward after repeatedly hovering between life and death, enduring excruciating agony each time, without faltering even slightly…?
"Teacher, is Martial Uncle Hua's Qi Method the reason he can be a Tier 9 Treasure Alchemist while still only at the Dou Zong class?" Zhu Ling asked in a quiet, gentle voice, her gaze turning to Wei Jie.
"You should know that's not the case." Wei Jie shook his head, letting out a bitter chuckle. With a faint, helpless smile, he explained, "This is because of the Heavenly Astral Lightning. It constantly nourishes one's soul with spiritual aura, allowing one's Spiritual Strength to grow and break through bottlenecks."
"The strength of the soul doesn't necessarily equate to the strength of the body. There are those born with exceptionally strong Spiritual Strength, but that doesn't mean they possess the cultivation of a Dou Zhi Qi or higher. They still need to train, advancing from Dou Zhi Qi to Dou Zhe, and so on."
"You mean like the Pill Tower's successor, Cao Ying? I've heard rumors about her… it seems Teacher believes them to be true," Zhu Ling said, her eyes narrowing as a charming smile played on her lips.
Zhu Ling had always been competitive in the field of alchemy, especially under Wei Jie's tutelage. Though she never arrogantly claimed to be the finest among the younger generation, she refused to tarnish her master's name—thus, her competitiveness was only natural.
Qing Xiu noticed the fire burning in Zhu Ling's eyes and could only shake her head. As fellow disciples of the same generation, she had challenged and been challenged by Zhu Ling over a hundred times. She knew all too well—once that flame was lit, the urge to challenge Cao Ying would inevitably surface.
Even so, Qing Xiu herself felt a spark of curiosity toward the Pill Tower, harboring a quiet desire to test her own skills—especially in the upcoming Pill Gathering to be hosted by the Pill Tower in a few years.
Lan Haoran, Shui Lanxin, and Shi Yuexin exchanged glances before shaking their heads with helpless smiles. They knew Qing Xiu and Zhu Ling were cut from the same cloth. In fact, they had witnessed countless alchemy duels between the two over the years.
Their skills in pill refinement and flame control were evenly matched, and their knowledge of medicinal ingredients was equally vast and profound—neither able to claim superiority over the other.
While the Hall Masters' direct disciples were brimming with excitement and preoccupied with their own matters, the elders wore far more complicated expressions—especially those who practiced alchemy. The mention of the Heavenly Astral Lightning stirred a storm in their hearts.
They had long since learned that Moonlit Chaos Mansion possessed a heavenly treasure capable of elevating one's Spiritual Strength to a higher state of Spiritual State. Even now, the truth of such a thing felt almost too unbelievable to accept.
'If those alchemists in the Pill Tower were to learn of this, it would be only natural for them to request its use in exchange for something of equal value.'
Several elders exchanged glances, their thoughts aligned though unspoken. Yet, despite thinking this, none had any intention of spreading the matter. There was no benefit in doing so—especially after learning of Xiao Hua's terrifying future potential.
One by one, they dispersed, returning to their own affairs, hoping that by immersing themselves in other matters, their hearts might gradually settle and they could temporarily forget this incident.
Seeing their spirits lighten somewhat, Ming Cheng felt a sense of relief. Turning to Wei Jie, he spoke, "In any case, with him in the Moonlit Chaos Mansion, I'll take this chance to enter seclusion and attempt a breakthrough to the Dou Sheng class."
"Very well. I doubt the Hall of Souls will dare to act recklessly for the time being—not after suffering such a heavy loss," Wei Jie replied softly, his voice low enough that only Ming Cheng could hear.
Ming Cheng's eyes narrowed, a cold glint flashing within them before he swiftly concealed it. Drawing in a deep breath, he cast his gaze in the direction where Xiao Hua had disappeared.
"Wei Jie, does Xiao Hua know of the Xiao Clan's situation—the one our two sisters-in-law told us about?"
Wei Jie's eyes widened faintly before he let out a quiet sigh. "Our little brother knows nothing of it, but he is far from foolish. He must have sensed something amiss, seeing how those two have remained silent and refused to tell him anything about the Xiao Clan."
Ming Cheng nodded, rubbing his chin as his narrowed eyes seemed to recall a certain piece of information from Li Mei.
"Regardless, send someone to keep watch over them and ensure nothing happens. Li Mei has informed me of some unusual movements from the Hall of Souls, and they have grown quite concerned."
"Unusual movements? Are they dispatching experts to the North-West Region?" Wei Jie raised his brows, clearly taken aback by this.
"While they are not of the Honourable Elder level, there have been sightings of Protectors within the Black-Corner Region… searching for someone," Ming Cheng said with a faint frown.
"Searching for someone?" Wei Jie's eyes widened slightly, his surprise evident. He had expected the news to concern the North-West Region—not the Black-Corner Region.
He paused for a moment, deep in thought, before a sudden realization flashed across his mind. Lifting his head, he spoke in a low voice, "Don't tell me… are they after Yao Zun-zhe and Xiao Yan?"
"Perhaps. I've heard Xiao Yan is currently building a force in the Black-Corner Region to resist the Misty Cloud Sect—or more precisely, Yun Shan. It's no surprise they would discover him," Ming Cheng replied with a faint sigh.
They had uncovered Yun Shan's ties to the Hall of Souls. Without question, their aim was to seize every member of the Xiao Clan. Whether or not they were searching for something specific, each captured clansman would still serve as a soul to be harvested—fuel to strengthen the Hall of Souls' power.
If Xiao Hua returned, the Hall of Souls would retreat from the North-West Region. But if he remained in the Central Plains, they would linger there, relentlessly harvesting the souls of his kin.
No matter the outcome, they would never suffer a loss. Worse still, no one could stop them. It was, without a doubt, a vile and insidious scheme.
"Then, I will head there quietly and secretly construct a spatial tunnel linking Moonlit Chaos Mansion to the North-West Region," Wei Jie said with a soft sigh. "Once it's complete, I will send a few people to watch over our two sisters-in-law."
Ming Cheng nodded in relief. With Wei Jie handling the matter, the chances of unforeseen incidents would be greatly reduced. If anything did occur, they could be notified immediately and dispatch reinforcements without delay.
"Now, the issue is how to tell our little brother…"
"Let Sister Xin Yu or Sister Li Mei handles it. They can reassure him if he becomes alarmed and throws himself into desperate cultivation. Not to mention Little Sister Fairy Doctor. Let the three of them be the ones to inform him."
"I couldn't agree more…"
Ming Cheng and Wei Jie exchanged glances before turning away. They would certainly tell Xiao Hua of this matter, but they had no intention of doing it themselves. Unlike Li Mei and the others, they lacked the ability to soothe him once his temper was stirred.
Thus, they would leave the task of informing him to the women who could temper his mood, while they themselves ensured that nothing would befall Cai Lin and Ya Fei.
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