Time flowed swiftly, like sand slipping through one's fingers. The Gu Clan's Adult Ceremony concluded smoothly, without a single disturbance. Unlike the story of the past, no one harbored enmity toward Xiao Yan.
Instead, many among the younger generation approached him with curiosity, requesting friendly spars. After all, Xiao Hua's monstrous talent had long crushed their pride as so-called prodigies, leaving them eager to see what kind of strength his cousin possessed.
After several bouts, the results were clear. Though Xiao Yan lacked the terrifying, heaven-defying talent of Xiao Hua, his strength and comprehension were enough for the younger elites of the Eight Ancient Clans to admit—he, too, was a monstrous existence in his own right.
After the ceremony, Xiao Yan departed from the Gu Realm and made his way to Clear Moon City. He visited Flame and spoke with him for a while.
Flame did not appear in the form of Xiao Hua's avatar this time. Instead, he disguised himself directly as Xiao Hua, wishing to avoid any discussion regarding his secret technique, the Divine Four Phoenix. Though, there isn't much to change, however, aside from his hair and eyes.
Xiao Yan began by mentioning that several of the Hun Clan's younger members had attended the ceremony. Yet, contrary to expectations, no fierce confrontations took place. Once within the Heavenly Tomb, those individuals concealed their presence completely and never crossed paths with him.
He then spoke of meeting their ancestor, Xiao Xuan, and listening to the history of the Xiao Clan—its once-glorious rise and its tragic fall. In the end, Xiao Xuan entrusted him with the Xiao Clan's Dou Di Bloodline, allowing that bloodline to flow once more through Xiao Yan's heart and transform his very blood.
Flame listened quietly to his tale, his expression calm yet faintly warm. He responded naturally to Xiao Yan's excitement, letting him speak freely until the youth's fervor gradually subsided.
When the conversation settled, Xiao Yan requested the use of the Spatial Wormhole to return to the Jia Ma Empire, saying he wished to reunite with his brothers.
Flame simply waved his hand, showing no objection. "Go," he said lightly. "There's no need for such formalities between us."
However, before leaving, Xiao Yan hesitated for a moment before asking whether Flame had found any of the fragmented parts of the Map of the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame.
Without a word, Flame handed him two of the four map fragments—one he had discovered in a cave at the bottom of a cliff near the outskirts of the Magic Beast Mountain Range, and another taken from Hai Bodong within the Ancient Map of the Tager Desert.
Since Wei Jie and Mei Ling had no interest in them, he decided to give both to Xiao Yan. With these fragments, Xiao Yan's path toward obtaining the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame would be far smoother—for within that map lay the hidden spiritual imprint of the Purifying Demonic Lotus Saint himself.
"Are you certain you don't intend to claim the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame for yourself?"
As Flame leisurely sipped his tea, space behind him rippled gently. Wei Jie stepped out of the distortion, his calm voice carrying a hint of curiosity.
Flame smiled faintly, setting his teacup down. "While others may be drawn to the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame, it holds little allure for us."
"I must admit," Wei Jie said with mild surprise, glancing toward the direction Xiao Yan had departed, "I didn't expect that young man to possess the third fragment of the map. With the upcoming Spatial Trade Fair, he'll likely complete the entire set."
Flame nodded lightly. "Once he does, he'll gain the spiritual imprint left by the Purifying Demonic Lotus Saint within the map. That should ensure he faces no danger when venturing into the realm where the flame is sealed."
Wei Jie's lips curved faintly. "Even so, I have to admit that he's the one most fated with the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame—especially when he already cultivates the Flame Mantra."
Flame let out a soft chuckle, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Perhaps. But I doubt that's the true reason Brother Wei Jie has come to see me. Tell me—has something else caught your eye lately?"
Wei Jie smiled knowingly. "Nothing much… though, in the Ancient Wasteland Region, I happened upon the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree."
"Oh?" Flame raised a brow, his smile deepening. "No doubt the Dou Qi Continent will grow lively once such news spreads."
"It will indeed," Wei Jie replied, nodding with a quiet laugh. "The three organizers of Spatial Trade Fair—Ground Line Gate, Mysterious Space Sect, and Reflecting Treasure Mountain—is planning to make the news public. Once they do, the entire continent will stir."
"Those three sects merely seek to profit from the chaos after releasing the news…" Wei Jie added with a sigh.
Flame laughed and nodded in agreement. He couldn't deny that it was indeed an ingenious scheme by the three organizers of the Spatial Trade Fair—the ones responsible for maintaining order and balance among the people participating in the fair.
Even so, this revelation would undoubtedly turn the Ancient Wasteland Region into a storm of activity despite its deadly nature.
The Ancient Wasteland Region was perhaps the oldest land in the entire Dou Qi Continent. With its harsh climate, air thick with poisonous miasma, and ferocious beasts prowling freely, it had long been deemed a forbidden ground for humankind.
Moreover, the beasts that roamed within were descendants of ancient times. Some were no weaker than the mighty tribes of the current Magical Beast World, save for the Ancient Void Dragon Clan. In fact, even the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe would face annihilation should they enter that desolate realm.
These beasts were born of ancient blood—fierce, violent, and terrifyingly strong. Though lacking intelligence, their sheer might was enough to shake one's heart. Even peak Dou Zun experts would not dare claim they could escape unscathed once they set foot there.
This truth was carved in blood through countless years of tragedy. Many powerful experts had ventured into the wasteland seeking treasures, yet none returned. Among them were once-renowned figures from the Central Plains whose names later vanished from history.
As more and more experts disappeared, the Ancient Wasteland Region's dreadful reputation spread across the continent. Eventually, none dared to enter it again. Over time, with its remoteness and lethal nature, the land of death faded slowly from memory.
"People die for wealth, just as birds die for food," Flame murmured, the corners of his lips curving faintly.
"Still," Wei Jie replied softly, "if one could truly obtain the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree, it would be a risk worth taking."
"Hence my point." Flame chuckled, amused. Yet his laughter gradually subsided as he caught the subtle change in Wei Jie's expression. A trace of realization flickered across his eyes.
After a brief silence, he asked in disbelief, "Don't tell me… our disciples are planning to head there?"
Wei Jie offered only a dry smile in response—enough to confirm Flame's suspicions.
Flame's face twitched slightly as he let out a soft sigh—one that carried a trace of helpless frustration. The source of that frustration was simple: his sworn brothers and sisters were all preparing to enter seclusion to break through to the 9-Star Dou Sheng.
"There's no doubt the Hun Clan will send their younger generation to compete for it—and use it to further their strength," Wei Jie said coldly, his eyes flashing with sharp light.
"I understand," Flame replied with a calm smile. "I'll send someone to keep watch over the situation. You don't need to worry about it any further."
Wei Jie gave a firm nod. With Flame's assurance, he no longer needed to dwell on the matter and could instead focus wholly on his breakthrough to the 9-Star Dou Sheng, just like the others.
After Wei Jie's departure, Flame remained seated for a moment, then let out a quiet, resigned laugh. Shaking his head, he called for several disciples to tidy the room before finally taking his leave.
…
Within the Master's Abode, soft laughter echoed through the courtyard. Flame sat quietly, watching Xiao Yuyan giggling as she played with Zi Yan and the Little Fairy Doctor. Nearby, Xun Er gracefully poured tea before taking her seat beside him, while Ya Fei settled on his other side. A gentle warmth filled the room as the three women's smiles softened the air.
Ya Fei turned toward Flame when she heard his words.
"The appearance of the Ancient Bodhisattva Tree… that's quite astonishing news," Ya Fei remarked with a faint, knowing smile.
"Still, what does that have to do with us?" Zi Yan asked, blinking curiously as she momentarily stopped playing with Yuyan.
Unlike others across the continent, each of them had already obtained the Bodhisattva Heart and hundred reincarnations from the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree, gaining more than few enlightenments from it.
Thus, they felt little concern for the tree's reappearance—only mild curiosity as to why Flame had suddenly brought it up.
"Our disciples seem quite eager to head there," Flame said with a resigned sigh, a faint helplessness flickering in his eyes.
"Yan Xiaoyu and the others?" Xun Er's brows lifted slightly, her tone filled with quiet confusion. "Didn't they already receive the Bodhisattva Heart from you and experience a hundred cycles of reincarnation beneath the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree?"
Though it was called underneath the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree, the truth was slightly different. Xiao Hua had once granted each of them an orb of emerald light, one that allowed them to experience a hundred reincarnations—an enlightenment no different from truly meditating beneath the sacred tree itself.
When they crushed the orb, a vast image would appear behind them—the radiant silhouette of the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree, its countless leaves shimmering with golden light, while their figures sat cross-legged beneath it in serene meditation. Thus, it was not wrong to say they had undergone rebirth and enlightenment under the tree's divine shadow.
"They have," Flame nodded, his tone calm yet weary. "But they learned that the Hun Clan will be sending their younger generation there as well. So, they wish to go—to prevent them from obtaining the three treasures of the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree: its Seeds, Heart, and Enlightenment."
At the mention of the Hun Clan, Xun Er and the others exchanged glances, the gentle light in their eyes sharpening like blades. Only now did they truly understand the reason behind their disciples' resolve.
"I won't stop them," Flame continued. "That place is perilous, but with their current strength, it shouldn't hinder them from reaching the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree itself. What concerns me most is the Hun Clan's schemes… They must be cautious and well-prepared."
"Naturally," Ya Fei said softly, her eyes glimmering with concern. "If others wish to accompany them, it would be wise to allow it. There's safety in numbers."
Flame inclined his head slightly in agreement. He knew well that once the news of the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree spread across the continent, countless disciples of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion would set out on their own regardless of orders.
There was never a shortage of those willing to stake their lives for a single chance at transcendence. Some would call it courage, others folly—but in the path of cultivation, there was no rise without suffering, and no greatness without risk.
Flame pondered for a moment before speaking, his tone steady yet thoughtful.
"There's a high chance the Hun Clan possesses a token capable of summoning their ancestor's projection. If that happens, we must be ready to respond the instant Yuyan crushes her emergency talisman."
Xun Er and the others nodded, their expressions solemn. With Ming Cheng and the others in secluded cultivation, Flame could no longer move as freely as before. He had to remain within the Chaos Realm in case the Hun Clan attempted a sudden assault.
Thus, those who could respond swiftly were Xun Er, the Little Fairy Doctor, and Zi Yan—all of whom had already advanced to the late stage of the Seven-Star Dou Sheng realm. Aside from them, a few elders had reached the Dou Sheng class as well, though their strength was comparatively lower, with the strongest among them only at the intermediate six-star level.
"Father~~!"
A clear and tender voice broke through the heavy air, softening the tension instantly. Flame lifted his gaze, and a gentle smile curved his lips as he saw Xiao Yuyan dashing toward him with her small arms outstretched, eager for his embrace.
Without hesitation, he opened his arms and caught her, spinning her lightly as her laughter—bright and pure—filled the courtyard. That innocent sound seemed to wash away the lingering worries of war and duty.
Xun Er and the others couldn't help but smile, their gazes softening as they watched the scene. A gentle laughter escaped their lips, elegant and warm, like blossoms stirred by a spring breeze.
In that moment, the world outside no longer mattered—neither the looming threat of the Hun Clan nor the turmoil surrounding the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree.
There was only the warmth of family, the tender bond between father and daughter, and the quiet comfort of those who stood together… ensuring Yuyan would never feel alone without Cai Lin by her side.
…
Time flowed swiftly, from one month to the next, from autumn's fading hues to the tender bloom of spring. Before anyone realized it, more than a year had quietly slipped through their fingers.
At this moment, Flame, Xun Er, Little Fairy Doctor, Ya Fei, and Zi Yan stood within the spacious square, seeing Yan Xiaoyu and the others off. However, Flame's expression was far from calm. His brows were slightly furrowed, and he sighed helplessly from time to time, unable to hide his restlessness.
"What's wrong with Master, Lady Xun Er?" Yan Xiaoyu asked softly, her clear eyes filled with curiosity.
"Ha ha…" Xun Er let out a dry laugh. "He just learned that Yun Yun is also heading to the Ancient Wasteland Region."
"Lady Yun Yun as well?" Yan Xiaoyu blinked, surprised by the unexpected news.
"Indeed," Xun Er said with a faint smile. "If you depart now, you might encounter her and the Flower Sect near the outer borders of the Ancient Wasteland Region." She then turned her gaze toward Flame, her tone teasing yet gentle. "As for this restless fellow, leave him to us. We'll make sure he calms down."
"I understand. Then, we'll take our leave and search for Lady Yun Yun," Yan Xiaoyu replied respectfully, cupping her hands before departing with Lan Haoran, Su Yuexin, Shui Lanxin, Qing Xiu, and Zhu Ling, their figures gradually vanishing into the spatial light beyond the Chaos Realm.
"So, the first generation of disciples has finally set off for the Ancient Wasteland Region…" Flame murmured as his gaze lingered on two graceful figures with strikingly similar appearances.
Naturally, the so-called first generation referred to the earliest disciples personally taken in by Xiao Hua—Flame's original—alongside Ming Cheng, Li Mei, Xin Yu, Mei Ling, and Wei Jie.
"That's right," Han Yue said with a soft laugh, her demeanour as elegant as flowing jade. "Senior Martial Cousin Ling and Junior Martial Cousin Hai are still in seclusion, while my sister and I… are a little lacking in strength for now."
Flame's lips curved slightly. "First time I've heard a 3-Star Dou Zun describe themselves as weak…"
Han Yue and Han Xue were the second and third disciples personally guided by Li Mei.. As such, it was only natural for them to address Ling Chenxi and Hai Qingyao—the second and third disciples of Xin Yu—as Martial Cousins.
Han Xue's expression carried a calm grace as she replied, "Perhaps, under ordinary circumstances, it wouldn't be. But the Ancient Wasteland Region is anything but ordinary…"
"Yet Yun Yun is heading toward that place which is anything but ordinary…" Flame muttered with a dry laugh, his voice carrying a faint edge of worry before he sighed softly.
"Alright, alright. You've already given Yan Xiaoyu more than enough protection tokens to protect Yun Yun," Zi Yan said, exasperation flickering across her delicate face. "If anything happens, they'll be safer even against ordinary Dou Sheng."
"Let's head back to the office," Ya Fei added with a gentle clap of her hands, her smile graceful yet teasing. "Perhaps a pile of paperwork will distract you from thinking too much."
Flame nodded faintly, though his expression remained gloomy as he turned to leave. Yet before he could take a step, Han Yue's calm voice rang out behind him—her words causing his expression to turn grave.
"By the way, over the past few months, many villages have vanished without a trace. Even Profound Sky Sect has begun attacking small sects and towns for no apparent reason."
"That's… quite concerning," Flame murmured, his brows furrowing as his mind began to turn. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully before looking toward Han Yue and Han Xue. "You said the villages disappeared in a strange manner—how strange, exactly?"
"There were traces of blood here and there," Han Yue replied, her tone composed yet serious, "but very little of it—almost negligible. There were no signs of struggle, and no corpses, burned or buried. It doesn't appear to be a massacre, but rather… a disappearance. What's more troubling is that each missing village was located near the regions recently struck by Profound Sky Sect."
Han Yue's eyes reflected a cold glint as she continued, "This information came from the disciples who went out to temper themselves. They've confirmed the pattern more than once."
"There's no reason for the Profound Sky Sect to suddenly turn to senseless slaughter…" Ya Fei murmured softly, her brows slightly furrowed as she pondered the matter.
"That's right—they didn't." Han Xue's voice was calm but carried a hint of unease. "I personally investigated several of the vanished villages. This strange phenomenon began shortly after Mansion Master Xiao met me for the first time."
"That long ago…?" Flame's eyes widened slightly, shock flashing within them. "How could something of this scale go unnoticed for so long?"
"It's because the incidents didn't occur in one place," Han Yue replied. "At times, they happened in the northwestern region of the Central Plains; at others, in the far east. Each event was scattered and irregular, making it nearly impossible to connect them."
Flame's gaze darkened, his expression turning solemn as his fingers brushed thoughtfully against his chin. "To move on such a wide scale, and yet remain hidden from all eyes… There's no doubt the Hall of Souls—or rather, the Hun Clan—is behind this. But what could they be planning?"
His voice sank into quiet contemplation.
The thought that surfaced first was the ancient formation Hun Tiandi use during the final battle in the novel—using the Central Plains as a cauldron, lives as ingredients, the world as flame, and his body as the pill to refine the embryonic Di-tier pill into a true Di Pill.
However, after some thought, Flame dismissed the idea. 'There's no embryonic pill this time,' he mused silently. 'Without it, such a grand and destructive formation would serve no purpose—it would only provoke the enmity of every powerhouse across the continent.'
After pondering for a long while, Flame still couldn't discern the true reason behind the Hun Clan's strange movements. In the end, he decided to set the matter aside for now.
'For the time being, it's best to simply observe their actions, he thought. Hun Tiandi shouldn't have any means to ascend to the Dou Di realm… at least, not yet.'
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