After waiting for about half an hour, Tang Jue's figure finally appeared before them.
"Your Excellency, everything is here."
Tang Jue approached Xiao Tian respectfully and handed over more than ten storage rings.
Xiao Tian took them and scanned the contents with his spiritual perception. There were many good items inside—not only rare poisonous herbs, but also large quantities of ordinary medicinal herbs, various ores, and vast resources.
However, as his spiritual sense probed into the final, specialized ring, his mind froze.
Deep inside the spatial compartment, wrapped in dense protective spiritual seals, floated an eerie red-colored flame. The fire burned without heat, radiating a suffocating, lethal aura that made even the surrounding space faintly corrode and melt.
It was a Heavenly Flame! Specifically, the Netherworld Poison Flame, ranked 20th on the Heavenly Flame Ranking!
Xiao Tian pulled his gaze back, genuine shock written across his face as he stared at Tang Jue.
"This… a Heavenly Flame?!" Xiao Tian asked, his voice carrying rare amazement. "Where on earth did you find the Netherworld Poison Flame?"
Tang Jue lowered his head respectfully and answered, "Reporting to Your Excellency, I stumbled upon it deep inside an ancient, uninhabited Poison Mountain years ago. It was born within the mountain's core toxic veins. Because my strength and attributes weren't enough to safely refine a Heavenly Flame, I sealed it away until now, waiting to become stronger to subdue it."
Xiao Tian looked at the red flame, a look of immense satisfaction flashing across his eyes. Without hesitation, he took the Netherworld Poison Flame into his Heavenly Poison Pearl and stored the rest of the treasures safely inside his Yellow Spring Ring.
He tossed the cultivation methods and Dou Techniques obtained from the auction house and the Absolute Poison Sect back to Tang Jue, keeping everything else for himself.
"You will take over the auction house and help me collect medicinal herbs. I will come to retrieve them when I have time."
"Understood."
"You should head back first. Handle the remaining matters yourself."
Xiao Tian waved his hand. He and Hai Bodong disappeared from the spot in an instant. Tang Jue also returned to his usual slightly dignified demeanor.
---
After sending Elder Hai back to his palace, Xiao Tian appeared directly in his own manor.
Little Fairy Doctor and Qing Lin were sitting in the lakeside pavilion, their faces filled with worry. The moment Xiao Tian appeared, their worried expressions instantly turned into joy, and they threw themselves into his arms. Xiao Tian reached out and embraced both of them tightly.
"Young Master, you're finally back," Qing Lin said, her eyes glistening with happy tears.
"Are you hurt anywhere?" Little Fairy Doctor asked with a beaming smile.
"No. No one can hurt me," Xiao Tian said confidently while gently stroking their smooth hair.
The three of them quietly embraced, forming a beautiful picture with the surrounding scenery.
---
Three months passed in the blink of an eye.
Inside the training room, Xiao Tian slowly calmed the fluctuating Dou Qi in his body. He raised his hand, and silver energy flickered in his palm.
"After many months, I've finally fully cultivated to Dou Wang."
He then summoned his Dou Qi Wings.
Behind him, a pair of liquid-like emerald-green wings unfurled. The surface of the wings looked like living green liquid continuously flowing and circulating, giving off a soft, vibrant glow of pure life energy. They did not appear solid, yet when they moved, one could feel the dense vitality contained within them.
Xiao Tian raised an eyebrow slightly. "So this is the result of the Life Spirit Flame completely merging into my Dou Qi method…"
Outside the palace, Xiao Tian flapped his wings. A soft but powerful humming sound rang out. As the liquid-green wings vibrated, he shot forward like a streak of living green light.
Xiao Tian flew several circles in the air. "With this speed and the recovery ability from the Life Spirit Flame, even a peak Dou Huang would find it difficult to catch me." He was extremely satisfied with his new wings.
After Xiao Tian landed, Qing Lin appeared beside him, her eyes wide with curiosity.
"Young Master… your wings turned green? They're so beautiful… and they look like flowing liquid. Can I touch them?"
"You can." Xiao Tian slightly retracted his wings and placed them in front of her.
Qing Lin carefully reached out. Her fingers sank slightly into the surface, as if touching warm, living liquid.
"It's soft… and warm. It feels like it's alive," Qing Lin exclaimed in wonder, then happily added, "Young Master, I've broken through to five-star Dou Master!"
Xiao Tian sensed Qing Lin's aura and confirmed she was indeed a five-star Dou Master. "Qing Lin, that's amazing. Your promotion speed truly surprises and makes me envious. Maybe you'll surpass me one day."
"I'm your personal maid. How can I surpass Young Master? Also… next time you fight bad guys, can Qing Lin come along? I can summon White Fang." Qing Lin's tone carried a hint of grievance.
"Alright, alright. From now on, you'll protect Young Master." Xiao Tian laughed heartily.
---
A week later.
Suddenly, a powerful wave of energy erupted from Little Fairy Doctor's palace. A layer of dark purple smoke continuously surged out, covering the top of the palace before pouring down and disappearing in an instant.
Xiao Tian's face darkened as he sensed the erratic, volatile aura from within.
"Not good."