Chapter 363 Retreat

Xiao Ling naturally knew the identity of the person that Qing Lin was curious about.

Back then, Yao Chen was still a passionate young man, traveling around the continent and met his lifelong friend, Feng Xian, the Wind Master. Later, the two of them went on an expedition to the Meteorite Icefield to find the legendary Bone Spirit Cold Fire.

Han Shanshan, who was both Yao Chen's teacher and friend, followed them quietly because she was worried about Yao Chen.

However, they all overestimated their own strength and underestimated the strength of Bone Spirit Lenghuo. In front of Bone Spirit Lenghuo who had lived for who knows how many years, the three of them combined were no match for Bone Spirit Lenghuo.

At the most critical moment, Han Shanshan made a sacrifice with a soul constitution similar to that of Bone Spirit Cold Fire. In order to save Yao Chen, she sacrificed herself and at the same time erased Yao Chen and Feng Xian's memories of her in the Meteorite Icefield.

After Yao Chen and Feng Xian subdued the Bone Spirit Cold Fire, they left the Meteorite Ice Field and returned to Shengdan City. They thought that Han Shanshan had disappeared, but they did not realize that she had fallen into the long river of time in order to save them.

Yao Chen searched all over Douqi Continent, but still could not find any clues about Han Shanshan. The name Xingyun Pavilion was given by Yao Chen in memory of Han Shanshan. What fell was not a star, but a person, a woman he would always remember in his heart.

Until now, Yao Chen still has not been able to recover the lost memory, and he is not sure whether Han Shanshan is missing or has met with misfortune.

"It seems that person is really important to Master," Qing Lin nodded slightly after hearing Xiao Ling's words, and said thoughtfully, "Since Xingyun Pavilion was named in memory of that person, then that person should no longer be here."

"If we want to protect those we cherish, we must have enough strength." Xiao Ling gently stroked Qinglin's head and said with a smile.

Then, he opened his arms and hugged Xiao Yixian and Qing Lin tightly in his arms, with a firm and tender tone: "You are all the things I cherish in my life. I will do my best to become stronger so that I can better protect everyone I cherish."

"The path of cultivation is long and lonely. If you can have a good friend accompany you and weather the storm together, it can be a wonderful journey of cultivation. I cultivate in this life, not to become a saint, but only so that you can always be by my side and never leave me."

Qinglin had never heard such straightforward love words before. Her cheeks instantly flushed, but her heart felt as sweet as if she had drunk honey.

How could she not understand Xiao Ling's feelings? Her wish was actually very simple, she just hoped to be with him for a long time and have a place in his heart.

Xiao Yixian was stunned, then turned away, snorted softly, and said with some dissatisfaction: "Hmph, you playboy, no matter how nice you talk, it can't hide your intention of having a harem."

"So what if you want to start a harem?" Xiao Ling made no secret of his feelings and announced with a hint of roguery, "When a man meets a perfect woman like you who is beautiful, powerful, and considerate, which man would not be tempted? I just made a mistake that all men would make. From the day we met, you are destined to be entangled by me for the rest of your lives!"

Qing Lin covered her mouth and chuckled, her eyes revealing her love for Xiao Ling, "Master, you being so overbearing is not a good thing, but Qing Lin will always be by your side."

"You're eating from the bowl, but you're still thinking about the pot! Alas, you're the only one who can get it." Although Xiao Yixiang was harsh in her words, she didn't break free from Xiao Ling's arms. She just sighed helplessly and continued to let him hold her tightly.

Under the bright starry sky, the three of them snuggled together quietly, enjoying the warmth and tranquility.

……

For practitioners, time is like the gurgling of water, passing by quietly without them noticing. For those practitioners with deep cultivation, once they decide to practice in seclusion, years, decades, or even hundreds of years may pass by quietly without them noticing.

Ever since Xiao Ling arrived at Xingyun Pavilion and successfully refined a new body for Yao Chen, he began to practice in seclusion, trying to break through the Dou Zun realm. In the blink of an eye, nearly a year has passed.

During this year, Xingyun Pavilion also underwent some changes. Although they were not earth-shaking, they were still noticeable enough.

The news that Xiao Ling brought a Dou Zun-level warrior to join the Xingyun Pavilion and was promoted to elder was not hidden for too long and soon spread throughout the streets and alleys of Zhongzhou.

This matter caused a lot of heated discussion among people. Everyone was wondering why Xiao Ling, a famous eighth-grade alchemist, would ignore Danta's olive branch and instead choose to join Xingyun Pavilion, which was far less powerful and influential than Danta.

Within a period of time, this incident became a hot topic among the people of Zhongzhou after dinner. People talked about it with relish and speculated about the reasons behind it.

However, as time passed, Xiao Ling never made a public appearance since joining Xingyun Pavilion, and this once hot topic was gradually forgotten by people and became a thing of the past.

And in this peace, Xingyun Pavilion was quietly accumulating strength.

With the joining of an eighth-grade alchemist and a Dou Zun strongman, Xingyun Pavilion has truly become the leader among the four pavilions, and its influence even has a tendency to compete with the Three Valleys.

Ever since Xiao Ling became a member of Xingyun Pavilion, many powerful people in Zhongzhou have come to him, hoping to hire Xiao Ling to help refine pills.

Xingyun Pavilion's attitude towards visitors is to welcome everyone. As long as the remuneration is appropriate and the relationship with Xingyun Pavilion is not hostile, they can trade with Xingyun Pavilion. And those who seek elixirs can always leave satisfied with the elixirs they need.

Such interactions allowed Xingyun Pavilion to establish a solid friendship with many powerful people in Zhongzhou. There were even three independent cultivators who, tempted by the elixir, became guest elders of Xingyun Pavilion.

Although during this process, the pill seekers did not have the opportunity to see Xiao Ling, who was known as the "No. 1 Genius in Zhongzhou", in person, all matters were handled by Feng Xian, the Feng Zun.

However, they were very satisfied with the effects of the pills they received, so they did not ask too many questions, let alone have any doubts. In their hearts, the quality and effect of the pills were what they cared about most.

After all, it was already surprising enough that Xingyun Pavilion had an eighth-grade alchemist like Xiao Ling. Could it be that Xingyun Pavilion was hiding another eighth-grade alchemist?

Some people even joked that the legendary Medicine Master Yao Chen had returned to Xingyun Pavilion. But everyone knew that this was just a joke after dinner.

Of course, there are always some gossip-loving people who like to compare Xiao Ling with Yao Chen of the past.

Both of them are peerless geniuses in the world of alchemy, and they both belong to the Xingyun Pavilion. This makes people wonder, maybe if Xiao Ling continues to grow, he can really become a legendary figure like Medicine Master Yao Chen.

Although this speculation is a bit joking, it also makes people full of expectations for Xiao Ling's future.

……

Zhongzhou, the beast realm.

Under a blue sky so clear that one can almost see a person's shadow, the sunlight shines softly, covering the earth with a warm golden coat. Everything seems so peaceful and harmonious.

However, this tranquility was suddenly broken by a subtle wave. In a corner of the sky, an almost imperceptible spatial ripple quietly emerged, like a ripple on a calm lake surface blown by a light breeze.

Then, the ripples expanded rapidly, forming a bizarre light gate. At this moment, a petite figure jumped out of the twisted light gate, as if she had crossed the boundaries of time and space and appeared in this world.

The girl was wearing an exquisite purple dress, the hem of which fluttered gently as she jumped. Although she looked childish, only about fourteen or fifteen years old, her purple gem-like eyes revealed wisdom and cunning beyond her age, as well as a hint of innocence that could not be hidden.

Her smooth skin was white and delicate, like the first snow in winter, and her small and delicate feet were exposed without any cover, adding a bit of playfulness and vitality to her.

As soon as the purple-dressed girl jumped out of the space light gate, she quickly looked around like a frightened deer. After confirming that no one was following her, her tense nerves finally relaxed and she breathed a long sigh of relief.

Then, the purple-dressed girl's surroundings began to fluctuate again, like ripples on the water, and her figure disappeared without a trace in an instant. The next moment, she landed lightly on a soft lawn, like a light feather, without stirring up a speck of dust. After confirming that no one was following her, the purple-dressed girl breathed a sigh of relief, and immediately patted her flat chest. A smug smile appeared on her face, and she said to herself,
“Hehe, I finally escaped this time. It seems that those old guys haven’t discovered me yet. As expected, as long as I break through the eighth level, those old guys will have no way to deal with me. I am really gifted, haha.”

Just as the purple-dressed girl was immersed in her own pride, suddenly, the colorful little snake wrapped around her wrist moved. It twisted its body and flexibly jumped into the air.

Then, a dazzling red light cut through the air, and the colorful little snake's figure quickly changed in the light. In a flash, it turned into a beautiful woman in a red dress.

This woman has a stunning appearance. She is tall and well-proportioned, wearing a purple brocade robe, noble and cold. Her lavender eyes are charming, her long black hair hangs down to her waist, her face is exquisite and beautiful, her red lips are like fire, and her every move shows the aura of a queen, which can be called peerless elegance.

As soon as the beautiful woman appeared, she chuckled and tapped the purple-clothed girl on the forehead, and asked, "Zi Yan, have we successfully left Donglong Island? Where are we now?"

The purple-dressed girl was sobered up by the impact. She stretched out her hand and rubbed her forehead, saying with a smile, "Hey, Sister Medusa, I checked around and those old guys probably didn't catch up with us. We are free now."

"As for where we are now, I'm not sure, but we're probably in the Beast Domain. Let's just catch a monster to ask for directions, and then go find Xiao Ling. By the way, that big guy Hei Qing said that Xiao Ling is in a certain... pavilion?"

"Oh, it's the Xingyue Pavilion. Okay, there happens to be a seventh-level Star-Shining Silver-Scaled Snake over there. Let's go catch it and ask where this place is first. Then, let it take us to the Danyu first." Medusa sighed softly, with a hint of helplessness in her tone.

As soon as she finished speaking, Medusa's figure appeared like a red lightning in front of a giant snake covered with silver-white scales.

Then, a tremendous amount of fighting spirit and blood pressure emanated from her body, surging out like a sea wave.

This aura of the peak Dou Zong realm, coupled with the blood pressure of the Seven-Colored Sky-Swallowing Python, was an overwhelming shock to the Seventh-Rank Star-Shining Silver-Scaled Snake in front of him.

As the aura spread, the Star-Shining Silver-Scaled Snake was immediately frightened and dared not move. Its eyes were filled with fear, and its huge body trembled and shivered involuntarily, as if under the pressure of Medusa, it had lost even the courage to escape.

Immediately, a female voice came out from the mouth of the Star Shining Silver Scale Snake, with a trembling voice: "Sir, what can I do for you?"

Medusa stood in the void, playing with her nails with one hand nonchalantly, glancing at the Star-Shining Silver-Scaled Snake, her tone revealing a hint of laziness: "Where is this place? Tell me everything you know..."

Hearing Medusa's questions, the Star-Shining Silver-Scaled Snake could only answer her questions honestly and completely, not daring to hide or conceal anything.

After obtaining the required information, Medusa did not hesitate and forcibly requisitioned the Star-Shining Silver-Scaled Snake to use as a means of transportation for the two of them to travel to the Dan Realm.

At Medusa's command, the Star-Shining Silver-Scaled Snake spread the broad wings behind it, waved them vigorously, and rushed towards the distant skyline.

Sitting on the broad back of the Star Shining Silver Scale Snake, Zi Yan looked at the ground getting farther and farther away, her excitement was beyond words, and she shouted loudly,

"Xiao Ling, I'm coming to see you right now!..."

……

Zhongzhou, Fenyan Valley.

The atmosphere in the meeting hall was solemn and serious.

Inside the vast hall, several old men in red robes were sitting around the hall. They were the elders of Fenyan Valley.

At the head of the hall, Tang Zhen, the master of Fenyan Valley, sat upright. His face still maintained its usual majesty, but if you looked closely, you could easily find a hint of worry hidden in his deep eyes.

“Valley Master, the invitation letter sent out by our Fenyan Valley has received a response. Several sixth-rank alchemy masters have accepted the invitation and will arrive one after another soon.” At this time, a white-haired elder stood up and said.

Tang Zhen was sitting in the main seat. When he heard the news, his expression softened. He then asked anxiously, "It won't work without a seventh-grade alchemist. So how is Master Huan doing? Has the deal been reached?"

Another elder stood up and replied, "Valley Master, Master Huan does seem to be interested, but he mentioned that he has recently gained new insights in alchemy, so he has not given us a clear answer yet."

After Tang Zhen heard this, his brows, which had just relaxed a little, furrowed slightly again. He said in a deep voice, "Then you can ask next time how much time it will take. Huo'er's condition won't last too long."

"Yes, Valley Master." After hearing the order, the elder bowed slightly and sat back in his seat.

As the elder sat down, the meeting hall was shrouded in silence again.

Just when everyone thought that today's discussion might not make much progress, a crisp knock on the door suddenly broke the silence. Then, a young girl's voice floated through the heavy door and into the ears of Tang Zhen and the elders.

"Father, it's me."

Hearing his daughter's voice, Tang Zhen showed a puzzled look on his face, and he quickly waved his hand. A gentle fighting spirit shot out from his palm, gently pushing open the closed door of the meeting hall.

The door slowly opened, revealing Tang Huoer, who was wearing a scarlet long dress. She walked into the meeting hall with a heroic look and firm steps.

"Huo'er, has something happened? Or are you feeling unwell? Do you need your father to check you out?" Tang Zhen asked with concern as soon as he saw his daughter.

Tang Huoer first politely bowed slightly to the elders around him, then turned to his father, with a hint of excitement in his tone that was difficult to conceal: "Father, Xingyun Pavilion sent someone to bring news, they said they can help us refine the Fire Bodhisattva Pill."

Tang Zhen frowned, a little confused: "Xingyun Pavilion? We didn't send them an invitation letter."

"It was the disciples of Xingyun Pavilion who heard the news themselves and offered to help." Tang Huo'er explained, "According to the disciples they sent, Master Xiao Ling will come to Fenyan Valley in person and will personally help us refine the required elixirs."

Hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Tang Zhen's eyes, but then he heard Tang Huo'er add: "But they put forward a condition, that is, requiring us in Fenyan Valley to teach Xiao Ling the Three Mysterious Changes of Heavenly Fire."

"Valley Master, this is absolutely not allowed!" Elder Wu Chen of Fen Yan Valley suddenly stood up and said indignantly, "The Three Mysterious Transformations of Heavenly Fire are the treasure of our Fen Yan Valley, and must not be easily passed on to others!"

After Wu Chen spoke, several other elders nodded in agreement.

Faced with such a scene, Tang Zhen frowned, and Tang Huoer felt even more sad. After all, this was related to her life, but these elders seemed to value the inheritance of a secret method more.

Immediately, Tang Huoer cast an inquiring look towards Tang Zhen.

Tang Zhen responded with a firm and reassuring look. His voice rang out in the hall, steady and powerful: "I have made up my mind on this matter. If the alchemists we invited can successfully refine the elixir, there is no need to bother Master Xiao Ling."

"But if they can't complete it, then even if we want to use the Three Mysterious Transformations of Heavenly Fire, we have to ask Master Xiao Ling for help. My decision will not change, and this matter is settled..." (End of this chapter)