At the end of Episode 128, after an intense battle, Xiao Yan’s soul finally triumphed and successfully absorbed the Three Thousand Flames.
Once he had refined the flames into a new type of Heavenly Flame, he emerged from seclusion. However, back in the Pill Tower, a strange phenomenon suddenly occurred.
Cracks slowly began to appear, causing everyone’s faces to turn pale. The overwhelming energy instilled fear in everyone present. Gradually, from within the cracks, a massive claw tore through the void. Following that, the colossal figure of the Three Thousand Flames emerged, letting out a deafening roar that spread its intimidating energy across the surroundings.
The space around it continued to fracture, and the starry domain seemed on the verge of collapse. From the Black Dragon’s mouth, a powerful energy beam began to condense.
Seeing this, some Pill Tower elders fled in terror. However, the three great leaders stood firm. Muttering a few words, Xuan Kong Zi instantly acted, condensing a terrifying purple energy into a sphere aimed at the Black Dragon before him.
But just then, a familiar voice echoed from the starry domain, saying, “Everyone, long time no see.”
As the words faded, the Black Dragon retracted its energy and slowly retreated back into the cracks, vanishing from sight.
Xuan Kong Zi lowered his fist, his eyes filled with astonishment as he stared at the portal. All eyes turned toward the starry domain, where a tall, slender man in a black robe stepped out, wearing a radiant smile and nodding slightly at everyone.
Upon seeing the familiar figure, Zi Yan cried out in excitement, while Xiao Yi Xian broke into a gentle smile.
Recognizing him, the three great leaders were stunned. “Xiao Yan, this aura… you’ve absorbed the Three Thousand Flames?”
“Indeed. But the Pill Tower wouldn’t want it back, would they?”
“If you’ve resolved this disaster, what can we possibly say?” Xuan Kong Zi responded. Xiao Yan nodded slightly and descended slowly.
Immediately, everyone gathered around him. Xiao Yi Xian asked softly, “Xiao Yan, are you alright?”
Xiao Yan nodded gently. “Thank you all, I’m fine.”
“I told you he would be fine,” Zi Yan chimed in, her voice full of pride. Xiao Yan chuckled, patting her head, then turned toward the three leaders and clasped his hands in apology.
“Apologies for causing the Pill Tower so much trouble.”
“As long as you’re safe. If anything had happened, old Yao Chen would’ve broken through to come looking for me,” Xuan Kong Zi joked.
Hearing this, Xiao Yan’s lips tightened, his fists clenching. Sensing his mood, Elder Xuan Yi said, “Later, when we return to the Pill Tower, I have something to discuss with you.”
Xiao Yan nodded in agreement. Soon, everyone departed the scene.
Meanwhile, at the Heaven’s Enlightenment Sect, after learning of his son’s disappearance and Xiao Yan’s survival, Shen Tian Yan visited Di Tu Luo.
“Should you succeed in taking Xiao Yan’s life, the Heaven’s Enlightenment Sect will undoubtedly support you in the sect leader selection,” Shen Tian Yan offered.
Di Tu Luo, twirling his blade arrogantly, thought for a moment before flinging the knife toward Shen Tian Yan, startling him.
Nevertheless, knowing that Di Tu Luo agreed to avenge his son, Shen Tian Yan felt triumphant. Together, they began plotting their assault on the Pill Tower.
Back at the Pill Tower, in the main hall, Elder Xuan Yi informed Xiao Yan, “We’ve discovered that the Hall of Souls has relocated Yao Chen.”
“Where is he being held now?”
“We have leads but haven’t confirmed the exact location. It will take more time.”
“Don’t worry. The Hall of Souls needs Yao Chen alive. They won’t harm him,” Xuan Yi reassured.
Xiao Yan nodded in acknowledgment, expressing gratitude to the three leaders. Xuan Kong Zi added, “Stay here while we await more news. The Pill Tower cannot intervene directly.”
Xiao Yan agreed, clenching his fists as a murderous intent flashed in his eyes.
“Master… rest assured, I will rescue you soon,” he murmured.
Shifting to a secluded chamber, Xiao Yan began reviewing the Emperor Seal Technique, delving deep into the mysteries of its next two seals.
After some time, he successfully mastered the new seals and tested them, sending a powerful strike that shook the mountains.
Soon, however, Xiao Yi Xian arrived with news that the Heaven’s Enlightenment Sect had come seeking him again. Hearing this, Xiao Yan clenched his fists and left.
At the Pill Tower gates, Shen Tian Yan, Di Tu Luo, and their group were blocked by Elder Qiu. An intense verbal clash ensued.
Eventually, Di Tu Luo stepped forward, declaring, “I challenge Xiao Yan, the champion of the Alchemy Conference. Does he dare accept?”
From within the void, Xiao Yan emerged. “If you’re so eager, I shall oblige.”
Despite objections, Xiao Yan calmly stepped forward, leading to a grand duel at the central arena.
In the battle, Di Tu Luo demonstrated his ferocity, but Xiao Yan countered every move. Using his full strength as a Nine-Star Dou Zong, Xiao Yan overwhelmed Di Tu Luo with the Emperor Seal Technique.
In the final blow, Di Tu Luo was sent flying, lying defeated.
“Thank you for letting me win,” Xiao Yan said with a slight smile. Furious, Di Tu Luo stormed off.
However, Shen Tian Yan, unwilling to accept defeat, charged at Xiao Yan in a reckless attack, only to be struck down by Xiao Yan’s allies.
As tensions flared, Elder Xuan Yi appeared, scolding Shen Tian Yan before warning, “If you wish to ally with the Hall of Souls against the Pill Tower, do as you please.”
Frightened, the intruders retreated. Elder Xuan Yi turned to Xiao Yan and scolded, “Why reveal yourself for something like this?”
“But they came knocking…”