Chapter 683 Xiao Yan Sends a Message to Leave Ancient Dragon Island

The setting sun casts a warm glow on the sky above Gulong Island, turning it a golden hue.

The thin mist that clung to the mountains during the day had long since dissipated, and the glazed tiles of the Dragon Palace shimmered with a delicate luster in the afterglow. In the distance, the figures of the Dragon Armor Army on patrol were stretched long, and the air currents they stirred up as they stepped through the void intertwined with the evening breeze, creating soft sounds that echoed across the silent island.

In the courtyard at sunset, the evening breeze swirls and scatters the needles of the ancient pines. The tea on the stone table has long since gone cold, but the tea leaves unfurling at the bottom of the cup still retain a faint fragrance.

In the center of the courtyard, the tallest pavilion stands majestically, its wooden eaves casting dappled shadows in the setting sun. At the edge of the open-air platform atop the pavilion, several unidentified vines are quietly spreading along the railing, their leaves still glistening with dew from the daytime, glistening in the afterglow.

On the platform, Xiao Lingjing's figure sat bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun.

His blue robe fluttered slightly in the evening breeze, his fingertips unconsciously tapping the stone railing in front of him. His gaze, which had just been fixed on the setting sun in the distance, slowly returned to his own.

Those deep eyes slowly opened, a glint of light flickering within them. As their gaze fell, it landed on the message lying quietly in their palm.

This letter was sent by Elder Yao from the Starfall Pavilion, who used his spatial powers to traverse the endless void.

Using the spatial imprint he had left on Xiao Ling, Yao Chen used a spatial technique to deliver the letter directly to his palm.

Although such a long-distance teleportation would inevitably take some mental effort from the old man, it was still quite easy to send a letter.

This letter wasn't from Yao Lao with any urgent matter to tell him; there was another reason behind it. Xiao Yan, who was traveling in the martial arts world of Zhongzhou, actually made a special trip to Xingyun Pavilion, hoping to make contact with Xiao Ling.

However, Xiao Ling had been staying on Ancient Dragon Island all this time, so even though Xiao Yan found the Starfall Pavilion, he ultimately came up empty-handed and naturally couldn't find him.

However, Xiao Yan already possessed a natural brilliance in Zhongzhou, and the many legendary deeds he left behind during his training had already spread throughout the martial arts world, making his reputation deeply rooted in people's hearts.

Moreover, given his cousin relationship with Xiao Ling, he was naturally treated with great courtesy and hospitality upon his arrival at the Starfall Pavilion.

Upon learning that Xiao Ling was not in the pavilion at the moment, Xiao Yan did not linger. He left a letter and entrusted someone to deliver it, then waited for news.

This matter even alarmed Yao Chen, who was diligently cultivating in the Starfall Pavilion. After Yao Lao inquired about Xiao Yan's purpose for coming, he no longer hesitated and personally used a sophisticated spatial technique to transmit the letter directly to Xiao Ling using the mark he had previously left on him.

At the same time, he reassured Xiao Yan to stay at the Starfall Pavilion for the time being, and told him that Xiao Ling would naturally return to the Starfall Pavilion as soon as he learned about the situation.

Seeing Xiao Ling's brows slightly raised and a subtle, unusual glint in his eyes as he held the letter between his fingers, Little Fairy Doctor, standing to the side, couldn't help but follow his gaze. Her slender white fingers gently brushed against the vines on the railing, and she softly asked,
"What's wrong? You look strange. Did you receive some news?"

Xiao Ling snapped out of his daze upon hearing the sound. With a slight movement of his fingertips, the golden animal hide letter transformed into a glimmer of light and disappeared into his sleeve.

He turned to look at Little Fairy Doctor, a relaxed smile playing on his lips, his tone somewhat nonchalant.

"It's nothing serious, just a letter that Xiao Yan asked Yao Lao to pass on. The kid had some interesting things to see and hear while traveling in Zhongzhou, and he just wrote them down to tell me about them."

At this point, Xiao Ling paused slightly, his fingertips lightly touching the stone railing, a hint of interest appearing in his eyes: "But this kid's luck is really good. The reason for this message is actually related to the strange fire. According to Elder Yao, Xiao Yan has also successfully subdued a strange fire."

"An ordinary alchemist might never even see a rare flame in their entire life, yet he has already obtained one in just a few years since he came to Zhongzhou." He shook his head, his tone tinged with emotion, "If other alchemists knew about this luck, they would probably be green with envy."

"It's not like you're unlucky." Little Fairy Doctor chuckled, her slender white fingers picking up a falling pine needle. Her silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her tone carried a hint of teasing. "Over the years, haven't you subdued quite a few strange flames?"

She changed the subject, her gaze falling on Xiao Ling. The evening breeze ruffled her skirt as she softly asked, "However, the strange fire is crucial to your cultivation of the 'Burning Technique.' Since this is related news, it must be of great benefit to you. Are you planning to return to the Starfall Pavilion?"

Xiao Ling nodded in agreement, "Indeed, the strange fire is an indispensable aid to my cultivation of the 'Burning Technique'. Now that news has come, I naturally want to go and see for myself."

As he spoke, he turned his head and cast a probing gaze at Little Fairy Doctor. The afterglow of the setting sun fell into his eyes, and he asked gently, "Afterwards, I plan to return to Starfall Pavilion. Do you intend to stay on Ancient Dragon Island, or... come back with me?"

Faced with Xiao Ling's question, Little Fairy Doctor tapped her chin with her slender fingertips as if in thought, then gently shook her head: "I came to Ancient Dragon Island this time not long after leaving Starfall Pavilion, and I originally intended to come out and take a stroll. You have been away from Starfall Pavilion for some time now, so it is indeed appropriate for you to go back. I have only been gone for a short time, so I will not travel with you."

She changed the subject slightly, a faint smile appearing in her eyes: "But you could ask Qinglin if that girl is willing to go back with you."

Upon hearing Little Fairy Doctor's reply, Xiao Ling nodded: "That's true. It just so happens that Zi Yan has a lot of things to deal with on Ancient Dragon Island these days. With you staying to help, you can share some of her burden and be of great assistance."

He gazed towards the bamboo grove deep within the courtyard where Qinglin frequented, and continued, "Afterwards, I'll go tell Ziyan about what's happening here, and also ask Qinglin if she wants to come to the Starfall Pavilion. But I suppose that girl's thoughts are probably similar to yours..."

……

Just as Xiao Ling had guessed, when he found Qing Lin and mentioned the return trip, the girl hesitated for a moment, clutching the hem of her clothes, but finally shook her head: "Young Master Xiao Ling, I've only been on Ancient Dragon Island with Sister Xian'er for a short time, and there are still many places on the island that I haven't explored enough. I don't want to go back to Starfall Pavilion so soon."

Xiao Ling had already intended for the two women to stay on Gulong Island to help Zi Yan with her affairs, so he didn't try to persuade her further. He simply patted her head and smiled, "Then you should stay here and keep Xian'er company, and also help Zi Yan more."

Then, Xiao Ling turned and headed to the Dragon Palace. At this moment, in the study of the Dragon Palace, Zi Yan was buried in a mountain of scrolls, her fingertips tracing the yellowed ancient books, her brows slightly furrowed.

Upon hearing Xiao Ling push open the door and enter, she looked up. The weariness in her eyes faded slightly the moment she saw him, but after hearing the reason why he wanted to return to Xingyun Pavilion, the gentle look that had just relaxed was tinged with a hint of reluctance.

She put down the wolf-hair brush in her hand, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the dragon patterns on the edge of the scroll, and said softly, "The Ancient Dragon Clan of Taixu has only been at peace for a few days, and you're leaving again?" Her tone couldn't hide her desire to keep her, and even the end of her voice trembled slightly. Before she could finish speaking, Zi Yan lowered her eyes, as if afraid of revealing too much emotion, and only whispered, "However, since it's related to the Strange Fire, and is crucial to your cultivation of the 'Burning Technique,' it can't be delayed. You should go as soon as possible. However, there are still many things about the Ancient Dragon Clan that I need to handle personally, so I can't go with you."

But in those eyes that looked at him, there was clearly an unspoken longing, like ripples spreading quietly when the evening breeze brushed across the lake.

"Oh, I'm just leaving for a while, it's not like we're never seeing each other again." Seeing the lingering affection in her eyes, Xiao Ling reached out and pulled her into his arms, gently stroking her soft purple hair with his fingertips. His voice was as gentle as the evening breeze. "Besides, with your current strength and the dragon seal left in my body, wouldn't it be a piece of cake for you to come to my side? If you miss me, you can come to me anytime. What's so difficult about that?"

"Tch, who, who would miss you? You're just being presumptuous." Zi Yan pouted in his arms, patted his arm, and struck a haughty pose. "I am the current Dragon Emperor of the Ancient Dragon Clan of Taixu. Don't underestimate me." Despite her words, the reluctance in her eyes had quietly faded, replaced by a touch of warmth.

She pulled away slightly, looked up at Xiao Ling, and her tone suddenly became serious, though the last syllable of her voice still carried a hint of her former coquettishness: "However, if you encounter any danger and need help, you must activate the dragon seal I left in your body. If I sense it, I will rush to your aid immediately. Anyone who dares to touch a hair on your head will be crushed to dust by this emperor!"

Xiao Ling looked down at her, noticing her obvious concern yet stubbornness, and couldn't help but chuckle. He reached out and gently pinched the tip of her nose: "Don't worry, if I really encounter danger, I'll naturally ask you for help. I still want to hold on tighter to the Dragon Emperor's powerful backer."

"You're so glib!" Zi Yan blushed slightly as he teased her. She reached out and punched him, but then snuggled even closer into his arms.

……

The two lingered in the study for a few more moments, the warmth of their fingertips touching and their soft whispers gradually dispelling the melancholy of parting.

Although they could not travel together, Zi Yan still got up and walked into the hall, raising her hands to form an intricate dragon-patterned hand seal.

As the spatial power flowed from her fingertips, a spatial rift shimmering with a pale purple-gold light slowly unfolded in the hall, its edges swirling with the unique spatial fluctuations of the ancient dragon race.

“This is a spatial passage that directly connects Ancient Dragon Island and Starfall Pavilion,” Zi Yan withdrew her hand, the residual warmth of spatial power still lingering on her fingertips. “With it, you can save a lot of trouble when you go back, and you won’t have to travel long distances across the void to get there.”

She gazed at the stable passage and then added, "From now on, if you want to return from the Starfall Pavilion, you only need to expend some spatial power to activate the mark, and the passage will open for you. It's much more convenient than before."

Xiao Ling stepped forward, took her still-warm hand in his, and smiled gently: "With you, the Dragon Emperor, personally paving the way, it seems I've enjoyed an immense blessing on my return journey."

Zi Yan glared at him, but didn't pull her hand away. She just said softly, "Let's go quickly, don't delay our business."

Xiao Ling took a step closer and gently kissed Zi Yan's cheek, the warm touch brushing against her skin.

He released Ziyan's hand, took a half step back, waved to her, and smiled brightly: "Then I'll be going now. Wait for me to come back."

As soon as he finished speaking, he turned around and leaped into the space passage that shimmered with purple-gold light.

Zi Yan stood there, watching his figure disappear completely into the depths of the passage. The spatial rift that had been flowing steadily gradually closed, and the golden light at the edges faded little by little, eventually disappearing into the void without a sound, as if it had never existed.

She raised her hand to lightly touch the cheek that had just been kissed, her fingertips still warm from the touch. She couldn't help but shake her head, but the gentle smile on her lips couldn't be hidden; it quietly spread in the dim light...

……

In the southern part of Zhongzhou, the Tianxing Mountains rise in layers like a crouching tiger. Ancient trees cover the mountains and plains, blocking out the sun. Sunlight filters through the branches and leaves, dancing in the forest. Occasionally, the roars of wild beasts come from the deep valleys, mingling with the rustling of the mountain wind through the leaves, weaving together a vast expanse of vitality.

Above the mountain range, a subtle ripple suddenly appeared in the void, followed by a spatial passage shimmering with a pale purple-gold light, its energy patterns gently rotating in mid-air.

A tall and slender figure leaped out from the passage, his clothes fluttering slightly in the air currents. It was Xiao Ling, who had just arrived from Ancient Dragon Island through the spatial passage.

As soon as his toes touched the ground, the spatial passage behind him slowly receded like a tide, the silver light gradually dissipated, and finally disappeared into the void, leaving only a few wisps of residual energy that were swept away by the mountain wind.

Xiao Ling landed steadily on a hilltop with a wide view, his green robe fluttering in the mountain breeze. He looked around, the familiar scent of the mountains filling his nostrils, and the outline of the Tianxing Mountains appearing and disappearing in the clouds in the distance.

He gazed at this long-lost land and couldn't help but sigh, his voice trembling with emotion: "Tianxing Mountain Range... I'm finally back. It's been quite a while since I left."

Not long after Xiao Ling stood still, he seemed to sense something and suddenly looked towards the horizon.

From the depths of the Tianxing Mountains, a slender black shadow tore through the clouds and hurtled towards him at an incredible speed, accompanied by a whistling wind.

Sensing that familiar aura, Xiao Ling couldn't help but smile knowingly, and a gentle warmth welled up in his eyes.

In a short while, the black figure arrived above the mountaintop. Its nearly thousand-foot-tall body hovered and stretched in mid-air, its scales gleaming eerily in the sunlight, exuding an imposing aura.

However, the next moment, it slowly lowered its huge head and affectionately approached Xiao Ling, its posture so docile that it was completely devoid of its previous sharpness, full of the longing of a long-awaited reunion.

"You've gotten quite robust, haven't you?" Xiao Ling raised his hand and gently patted Rayquaza's smooth scales, his voice filled with a familiar chuckle. "Looks like you've had a pretty good time in the Celestial Star Mountains these past few years."

Rayquaza let out a low roar, as if responding to Xiao Ling's teasing, and moved closer to him, casting a cool shadow over the entire mountain. (End of Chapter)