Battle Through the Heavens Chapter 667-669

Chapter 667: Ten Exchanges

Xiao Yan completely relaxed after he had settled 'Pan's Gate' properly. Since Xiao Li still needed some time to gather the helpers on his end, the completely relaxed Xiao Yan did not make a move to leave the Inner Academy.

The news that Xiao Yan was about to leave was not spread around. This was because Wu Hao and the others knew that once this news was known by the people within 'Pan's Gate', it was unavoidable that many people would become disappointed. In any case, Xiao Yan frequently disappeared. It was a common matter for him to be missing for a couple of months. Hence, hiding it would also be very easy. It might be better to announce this news in the future when the time was ripe.

Xiao Yan calmly remained within the Inner Academy during this subsequent period of time. He would occasionally refine some low-tier medicinal pill in public and treated them as gifts which he gave to the members of the 'Pan's Gate' who formed an audience around him. Countless numbers of people would come and observe each time he refined medicinal pills. Although the number of alchemists the current 'Pan Gate' had recruited was not small, even the alchemists within 'Pan's Gate' felt great curiosity toward this leader who held the title of the top alchemist within the Inner Academy. After all, most of the new students had never seen the frequently praised medicinal pill refining competition between Xiao Yan and the leader of the 'Medicinal Gang' back then.

Lin Yan came and find him with a face full of sly smiles during one of the days while Xiao Yan was waiting idly. After which, the former dragged him out of 'Pan's Gate' and brought him to the ever noisy Fighting Arena of the Inner Academy.

The Inner Academy's Fighting Arena was the most popular place within the entire Inner Academy. There were a countless number of people who wipe off their perspiration in this place. The victor would enjoy the cheers, honor, or ranking while the loser could only withdraw in hopeless dejection before holding their anger in to train, anticipating the day that they could get back at their opponent.

The enormous arena was, however, empty when Xiao Yan entered the place. The usual never-ending battles had disappeared. Instead, the surrounding high platforms were filled with densely packed human head. The private conversations were just like countless numbers of flies that were buzzing in the Fighting Arena.

This buzzing sound suddenly disappeared the moment Xiao Yan entered the area. Numerous gazes gradually became heated. A moment later a thunder-like cheer sounded beside his ear.

"You… what are you thinking of doing? Don't tell me that you want to fight with me here?" The intense noise caused Xiao Yan to knit his brows as he helplessly spoke to Lin Yan beside him.

"I don't wish to receive a beating. However, the one who wants to take a beating is someone else." Lin Yan laughed out loud. He immediately raised his hands and clapped. A loud clapping sound appeared around the arena. Two human figures suddenly rushed out before flashing and appearing in the Fighting Arena below. Xiao Yan's gaze drifted over. He was stunned to realize that the two people below were surprisingly Lin Xiuya and Liu Qing.

"These two fellows?" Xiao Yan asked in a stunned manner while observing Lin Xiuya and Liu Qing's eager gazes as they raised their heads below.

"I know that you should require quite a number of helpers when you return to the Jia Ma Empire this time around. Hence, I have told these two fellows about your issue. Of course, I did not reveal any intention of inviting them. However, these two fellows volunteered by saying that they will also follow you to the Jia Ma Empire to experience the so-called Misty Cloud Sect if you could defeat the two of them." Lin Yan shrugged his shoulders and spoke with a smile.

Xiao Yan was startled. He immediately looked down at the two people with some surprise. It was quite normal for Lin Yan to follow him to the Jia Ma Empire. After all, the latter had already mentioned it back then. However, these two fellows actually also…

"Hee hee, most of the old friends who were here back then have already left the Inner Academy. There is no longer much meaning to continue remaining here now. Actually, that group of fellows back then did admire you quite a bit. These two people may usually act very proud but they also possess the same thoughts toward you. From a certain point of view, they also think of you as someone they can befriend." Lin Yan smiled and explained.

"If you also think that these two fellows are worth befriending, you should agree to their request. Moreover, you should not hold anything back and viciously give them a beating."

"That's right, Xiao Yan, beat these two fellows. These two people maintained the highest percentage of victory within the Fighting Arena. You are about to leave soon. Leave behind a mark that others will have difficulty exceeding. A young person should do some crazy things." A laugh suddenly sounded from behind. Xiao Yan turned around and saw that it was actually Wu Hao, Xiao Yu, and a large group of people. From the looks of their expressions, it seemed that they were already aware of this long before.

Xiao Yan looked at the somewhat serious expression of Lin Yan and then the encouraging faces of Wu Hao and the others. He was dumbfounded. A moment later, he smiled and nodded before saying, "Since this is the case, I shall viciously flatten these two fellows. Actually, I had the desire to do this back then. However, I didn't have the ability."

Xiao Yan's toes pressed on the ground after saying this. His body flipped over the guardrail and rushed down like a shadow, appearing in the arena in an instant.

Xiao Yan parted his mouth and smiled as he looked at the somewhat excited faces of the two of them. He clenched his fist and the sound of beans cracking began to appear.

A cheer that could move mountains and flip the seas sounded from the viewing gallery as Xiao Yan entered the arena. A single person fighting against two Dou Wang class Inner Academy Elders. This extremely exciting line-up was something that rarely appeared within the Fighting Arena. The three people who had appeared were all the most outstanding people from the 'Strong Ranking' back then. Xiao Yan's current legendary hue within the Inner Academy was something that no one could match. Lin Xiuya and Liu Qing were also in the top three on the 'Strong Ranking' back then. Now, these two were among the Elders and their strength could not be underestimated. With the two of them joining hands, it was likely that they could barely fight against an elite Dou Huang.

"Xiao Yan, don't hold anything back this time around. Liu Qing and I will also unleash all of our strength." Lin Xiuya looked at the smiling face of the black-robed, young man who was standing straight in front of him as he laughed.

"We will be your fighters if you defeat the two of us!" Liu Qing said. His gaze was wild and hot as he observed Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan smiled. He immediately extended a hand sign toward the two of them and laughed, "Ten exchanges. If I am unable to dispatch the both of you in ten exchanges, it can be considered my loss!"

"Hee hee, how arrogant. Even the First Elder is present in this fight. Don't end up biting your tongue." Lin Xiuya pointed at a certain part of the viewing gallery as he chuckled.

Xiao Yan's gaze followed the direction that Lin Xiuya was pointing at and looked over. He did indeed see Su Qian and the Inner Academy's Elders sitting and waiting at that place. They smiled while looking at the arena below.

"You fellows… are you all so free?" Xiao Yan helplessly shook his head and turned around to look at the two people. He spoke with a grin, "However… it is still ten moves."

Lin Xiuya and Liu Qing raised their brows when they heard these words. They immediately laughed. Powerful Dou Qi suddenly surged out from their bodies. Each of them took one step to the side. Although this seemed like a random step, it caused surprise to flash across Xiao Yan's eyes. With this standing position, these two fellows could simultaneously deal with attacks that the opponent unleashed from any angle. When had the cooperation between these two reached such a great degree?

"No wonder they dare be this arrogant. They have some cards up their sleeves." Xiao Yan smiled and shook his head. Dark-green Dou Qi seeped from every part of his body. After which, it galloped through his Qi Paths in a torrent-like manner. A powerful energy feeling filled every cell under Xiao Yan's skin.

The cheers of the people in the surrounding viewing gallery became much louder as they experienced the three powerful auras that suddenly surged out. Many people's faces were flushed from the excitement of witnessing a fierce competition.

"Are you ready?" Xiao Yan faced the other two and softly asked.

"Chi!"

Lin Xiuya and Liu Qing used their actions to reply to Xiao Yan's question. The two figures shook and turned into two vague outlines which could not be separated. Finally, they turned into a somewhat mysterious arc as they rushed toward Xiao Yan.

"Quite a good speed."

Xiao Yan smiled as he glanced at the two blurry figures that had rushed over. His body did not move. An instant later, two winds suddenly reached him. The sharp force carried an air-tearing ear-piercing sound. One came from above and the other below as they attacked Xiao Yan.

Lin Xiuya's and Liu Qing's attacking position were somewhat tricky. With one above and one below, they were attacking two spots which Xiao Yan would have difficulty managing. If Xiao Yan only defended against one location, he would definitely be struck from the other spot.

Under the focus of a countless number of gazes, the body of the statue like Xiao Yan suddenly shook as the wind from both fists were about to reach him. Immediately, everyone was stunned as they saw two illusionary feet drifting toward both sides. The two illusionary feet appeared to become substance-like just as it was about to collide with Lin Xiuya's and Liu Qing's fist and instantly unleashed an extremely frightening energy.

The first exchange!

"Bang!"

A low, deep muffled sound appeared in the arena. A powerful force vented out in a torrent-like manner at that moment, causing Lin Xiuya's and Liu Qing's figure to explosively withdraw by over ten steps. They each left behind deep footprints each time their feet touched the ground.

"This fellow, what frightening speed and strength…" Liu Qing stabilized his body as a thought flashed across his heart. The pores all over his body suddenly shrank. Immediately, a black line abruptly flashed in his eyes as though it had shuttled through the gap in space.

Liu Qing's reaction was similarly quick when the black shadow surfaced. His feet stepped forward and his tall, strong figure swiftly withdrew.

The black figure surfaced and Xiao Yan smiled. His feet spread toward the swiftly withdrawing Liu Qing. Immediately, an invisible wild suction force surged out. Liu Qing swiftly withdrawing body immediately slowed under that fierce, wild suction force. However, without waiting for him to increase his strength to pull back, the suction force suddenly disappeared. A powerful pushing force quickly followed, shaking the figure until it moved back quickly. His feet also drew a long scar on the ground.

The second exchange!

Dou Qi surged out from Liu Qing's body and eliminated the chest tightness that was caused by the suction and convulsing force. He turned his head and took a glance at the boundary line, only two to three meters behind him. Some cold sweat involuntarily surfaced on his forehead. He was nearly thrown out of the boundary line.

"Now is not the time to rejoice."

A slight laugh was suddenly transmitted over just as Liu Qing sighed in relief. A faint thunder-like roar sounded and the black figure appeared in front of Liu Qing in a manner that once again caused everyone to be stunned.

"Great Rift Coffin Splitting Claw!"

Liu Qing's expression sank upon seeing that Xiao Yan was about to approach him. His hand that was brewing Dou Qi was suddenly extended out. Dou Qi wrapped around his hand and dyed it into something like a metal-hand claw. It carried an air fluctuation as it violently clawed at Xiao Yan's chest.

Xiao Yan did not dodge as he watched Liu Qing who had displayed his best move. His finger extended out in a strange manner. After which, it flicked a couple of times. The air that was carried by the flicking finger were like invisible cannonballs that struck repeatedly against Liu Qing's hand claw, completely neutralizing the frightening force that it carried.

The third exchange!

Piercing pain was faintly transmitted from Liu Qing's hand as he was continuously attacked by the air that Xiao Yan flicked over. However, he did not show any intentions of withdrawing his palm and pulling back. He carried a fierce aura and instantly pounced to the side of Xiao Yan's hand. His claws suddenly changed it stance as he extended and firmly grabbed both of Xiao Yan's hands.

"Do it!"

Liu Qing suddenly let out a low roar after grabbing both of Xiao Yan's hands.

A wind blew passed Xiao Yan's back as Liu Qing's roar sounded. Lin Xiuya's body flashed and appeared. His hands were clenched tightly as pale-green blades rotated around them unceasingly. Immediately, they became like sharp long spears that furiously smashed toward Xiao Yan's back.

The sudden unexpected turn of events within the arena caused waves of exclamations to immediately appear in the viewing gallery. Now that Xiao Yan's hands were being bound, it was likely that he would have difficulty escaping Lin Xiuya's attack.

Lin Xiuya's blade-like hands were finally about to reach and heavily smash against Xiao Yan's back in front of a countless number of gazes. However, the moment he was about to strike, his hand strangely passed through the interior of Xiao Yan's body.

"*Clamor*…"

The strange scene caused an uproar to immediately appear in the entire arena.

"This fellow actually practiced the 'Three Thousand Lightning Movement' to such an extent huh…" Su Qian was surprised as he watched the strange scene below. He could not help but softly mutter under his breath.

Liu Xiuya's and Liu Qing's expressions changed drastically the instant that the former's hand passed through Xiao Yan's body. Liu Qing was the person who found it most incredulous. This was because he had clearly sensed that Xiao Yan was indeed firmly restrained by him an instant earlier. However, Xiao Yan had strangely disappeared an instant later.

"This should be the fifth exchange right?"

A somewhat icy hand had unknowingly and quietly pressed on their chest and back while the expression of the two were undergoing a drastic change. The faint iciness emitted caused all of the pores on the bodies of the two people to suddenly open wide. If a force was emitted in this position, it was likely that Liu Qing and Lin Xiuya would at least be seriously injured even if they did not die.

Lin Xiuya's and Liu Qing's body instantly stiffened as their fatal points were restrained. Perspiration flowed wildly from their foreheads. That fellow's speed… had already reached such a frightening level.

"Bang!"

A gentle force suddenly erupted and shook Lin Xiuya and Liu Qing out of the arena. After which, their bodies miserably rolled a couple of times before stabilizing.

"Is it over?"

The viewing gallery was completely silent. Only Xiao Yan's soft laughter sounded. Many people were unable to see what actually occurred in this battle. However, the unusual speed of Xiao Yan where he strangely appeared and disappeared in a flicker caused everyone to quietly feel shock.

The silence continued for a long time before it was eventually broken by an applause. Following which, a thunder-like applause which could move mountains and overturn the seas resounded like a bang!

Lin Xiuya and Liu Qing climbed up from the ground. They exchanged looks with each other, smiled bitterly, and shook their heads. The gap was too huge. There was basically not the slightest chance of comparison. They did not have the slight possibility of winning in front of such frightening speed.

"This fellow… is really too terrifying. Back then, I was still able to go all out until both of us were defeated with serious injuries. Now…" Liu Qing laughed bitterly.

Lin Xiuya's face was also filled with a bitter smile. Although Xiao Yan was outstanding then, he was merely able to cause Lin Xiuya to view him a little seriously. Who would have thought that in a mere two to three years, Lin Xiuya himself would have to look up to him…

"No wonder even an outstanding girl like Xun Er likes him… From the looks of it now, he does indeed have the qualification…" Lin Xiuya sighed softly in his heart as he studied the young man on the stage who was displaying a warm smile.

Chapter 668: Tranquil

This battle, not surprisingly, became a topic that the people in the Inner Academy relished. The fight in the Fighting Arena that caused a countless number of people to be shocked ended in Xiao Yan's perfect victory.

Lin Xiuyan and Liu Qing were people whose names reverberated like thunder even among the new students within the Inner Academy. They were frightening existences who had dominated the top three on the 'Strong Ranking'. No one could replace them all the way until they detached from their student identities and became Inner Academy Elders. Hence, compared to them, Xiao Yan, who had been missing for two years, gave people a somewhat unrealistic feeling because of the rich legendary aura that had covered his name due to the influence of public opinion.

Although when Xiao Yan left the tower, he had fought with Lin Xiuya, at that time, it was merely a test and although some strong experts could see the differences in strength between the two, normal students didn't have the perception to see who was stronger in the quick exchange. As for the huge attack against the 'Black Alliance', although he had slain Han Feng who was at the Dou Huang stage, the act of him doing so was too shocking that it made people feel that it was unreal. Especially for people who didn't witness it first hand.

Although many people didn't expressed their dissenting feelings out loud, that thought remained in their hearts.

However, this fiery hot fight that had occurred in front of over half of the Inner Academy's student population caused that thought, which faintly existed in their hearts, to completely disappear…

The students of the Inner Academy were clearly aware of Lin Xiuya's and Liu Qing's strength. However, even the combination of these two was unable to last for ten exchanges against Xiao Yan's hands. This strength was sufficient to automatically swallow all the doubts about Xiao Yan into their stomach while being secretly shocked.

Hence, there were a countless number of students, who did not get enough from the battle and spread the news to their fellow students despite it being a couple of days after the fiery hot battle that caused one's blood to be boil. Their faces would also reveal a reverence. A person who was able to establish a faction like 'Pan's Gate' was indeed no ordinary person.

The members of 'Pan's Gate' appeared even more excited in the face of the news spreading among other students. When they saw the other party's reverence upon mentioning this name, a name that carried a legendary feeling in their occasional conversations with those outside, they would pretend to pay no attention and wave their hands. They would immediately randomly mention that they had occasionally met this legendary figure from their mouths within 'Pan's Gate'. After which, if they were lucky, they would be given a pill when observing him refining medicinal pill. Each time this happened, the envy that appeared on the faces of those outsiders would cause their vanity to soar limitlessly.

Xiao Yan had once again hidden himself within 'Pan's Gate' as the place outside it descended into a fiery hot state because of the big fight in the Fighting Arena. Occasionally, Lin Yan, Lin Xiuya, and Liu Qing would make a trip over. However, most of the time, Xiao Yan was alone in the secret chamber refining medicinal pills or training.

Time gradually past amid these tranquil like days. Without realizing it, Xiao Yan had already stayed in the Inner Academy for nearly half a month. He had also received news that Xiao Li had brought him during this period of time. He was also making progress gathering helpers on his end. There were many experts within the 'Black-Corner Region'. However, attempting to gather these rebellious fellows under him not only required him to spend quite a bit of money but also required him to possess a strength that they were willing to submit to. These two things were things that 'Xiao Gate' currently possessed. Hence, quite a number of somewhat renowned experts within the 'Black-Corner Region' expressed quite a great interest to the recruitment of 'Xiao Gate'. According to this situation, it was likely that the expert line-up that 'Xiao Gate' gathered when the time came would exceed Xiao Yan's expectations.

Xiao Yan was looking down from a high vantage point from the roof of a building in 'Pan's Gate'. A moment later, some sound of footsteps slowly sounded behind him. He turned his head over and looked at Xiao Yu who was climbing up the stairs. He was just about to speak when his gaze swept toward a lovely, beautiful, young woman behind her.

"Xiao Mei?" The familiar face caused Xiao Yan to be startled as he immediately cried out with a smile.

"Xiao Yan ge-ge."

The young lady was wearing a pale-purple dress. Her lovely body curved in all the right places. Certain aspects of her young self possessed a graceful demeanor comparable to a matured woman. This was especially the case for her little face that was a mixture of enchantment and purity. It was able to emit a kind of unusual charm. It was likely that this kind of outstanding young lady possessed quite a number of suitors within the Inner Academy. However, at this moment, this young lady, who appeared quite cold in the eyes of many suitors, was calling out with a somewhat timid, soft voice.

Xiao Yan smiled and nodded. His gaze immediately turned to Xiao Yu as he said, "I have settled most of the things after staying in the Inner Academy for so long. I am thinking of going to train a little in the deep mountains during the remaining time. I will make another trip back to the Inner Academy to bring Lin Yan and the others away when second brother has settled the things on his end."

Xiao Yu was startled when she heard this. She frowned slightly and said, "Must you arrange your schedule until it is so tight?"

"The Misty Cloud Sect and Yun Shan are not ordinary enemies. Back then, all that I was thinking of when I was chased out of the Jia Ma Empire was to do everything to strengthen myself. Ke ke, after that, second brother came. Do you know that the me then had nearly lost my sense of reasoning and wished to immediately charge to the Jia Ma Empire upon hearing that the Xiao clan was nearly eliminated by the Misty Cloud Sect." Xiao Yan smiled. His voice, however, was calm without much fluctuation.

"However, I ended up enduring it at the last moment…"

Xiao Yan rubbed his nose and laughed softly, "This is because I know that with my strength two years ago, it was likely that my end would not be much different from back then even if I did return. Moreover, I might even end up fleeing in a more miserable state, chased away.

"Perhaps many people are surprised that I can reach this stage in three years. However, I don't find it surprising. This is because the effort and pain that I have paid for is worth this reward."

A bright smile surfaced on the young man's face in front of her. Xiao Yu felt a gratuitous heartache. The blood feud of the clan was a heavy rock pressing on the hearts of every member of the Xiao clan. After which, the heavy burden of taking revenge and revitalizing the Xiao clan were all pressed on this fellow in front of her. From the beginning until the end, the young man who was called the trash of the clan back then did not utter a single complain.

Xiao Yu slowly walked to Xiao Yan's front. She eyed this young man who had unknowingly become almost the same height as her. Her delicate hand suddenly rubbed the head of the former as she gently said, "Little pervert. Uncle Xiao was right about you back then. He always believed that you would become the most outstanding person of the Xiao clan. I, too, believe this now."

Envy and dejection flashed across Xiao Mei's bright beautiful eyes as she stood by the side and watched Xiao Yu who was performing such affectionate actions with Xiao Yan. Who said that a young lady did not yearn for love? With the reputation that Xiao Yan currently possessed within the Inner Academy, quite a number of young ladies with good talent and appearance held an admiration for him. There were also no shortage of young ladies who quietly flirted with him. The shadow which had originally existed deep within Xiao Mei's heart also expanded. However, that single matter back then had completely resulted in her being only able to seal such a feeling within her heart. She already knew that even though they had already buried the hatchet, it was very difficult for both Xiao Yan and her to return to the kind of relationship they had in the past.

From a certain point of view, Xiao Mei's and Xun Er's relationship with Xiao Yan stood on the same starting line back then. However, after they began to run, the route had suddenly changed the moment that Xiao Yan had fallen from being a genius to trash. The relationship between the two also changed drastically… resulting in the present where it was difficult for it to heal.

Xiao Yan was somewhat depressed at this action of Xiao Yu which appeared as though she was dealing with a child. He turned his head only to speak with dissatisfaction, "Who are you calling a little pervert?"

"Chi, back then, you barged into the place where I was bathing. Not only did your hands and legs act strangely, but you also yelled that you had charged in because you were panicking from being chased by a Magical Beast after everything had happened. Do you think that I am stupid. Being filled with terrible thoughts at such a young age, what else would you be other than a little pervert?" Xiao Yu's face was somewhat flushed red as she rolled her eyes and spoke with curled lips.

"*Cough*… I am innocent." Xiao Yan coughed intensely. His face had turned somewhat flushed for some unknown reason as he opened his mouth to defend against the accusations toward the actions he committed when he was young. On top of defending himself, his gaze quietly glanced toward a pair of sleek, delicate, sexy, long legs on the other side and involuntarily shook his head within his heart. He wondered just which man would benefit from such unforgettable legs.

Xiao Yan's gaze might be obscured but it was still discovered by the sensitive Xiao Yu. A faint bright-redness rushed on to her pretty face as she stared furiously at the former.

Xiao Yan smiled in an embarrassed manner. He eyed the somewhat flushed face of Xiao Yu and a slight warmness surged in his heart. He smiled slightly and spoke to the two of them, "I will send someone to inform all of you once I have settled the matter within the Jia Ma Empire. At that time, you can all return if you wish. Believe me, at that time, the Xiao clan will become the strongest clan within the Jia Ma Empire!"

Xiao Yu and Xiao Mei nodded slightly as they watched that serious expression of Xiao Yan. They believed that Xiao Yan would definitely be able to fulfill his promise to them!

"Ke ke, it is already quite late. I also need to enter the mountains. I'm afraid that I will really be going to leave this place the next time I return." Xiao Yan waved his hands to the two of them but did not delay the time any further. He acted free and easy as he headed to the descending stairs.

"Cousin brother Xiao Yan!" Xiao Mei tightly clenched her delicate hand when she saw that Xiao Yan was about to descend the stairs. Finally, she could not resist shouting out loud.

"Hmm?" Xiao Yan turned his head and his gaze swept toward the young lady.

"I'm sorry." Xiao Mei's little face was flushed. It was a moment later before she had summoned the courage to timidly speak with a soft voice.

Xiao Yan was startled. He immediately smiled and shook his head as he said, "We can be considered to be brothers and sisters who have grown up together. There is no need to say such words. I have already forgotten about the matter back then." Xiao Yan did not stop after speaking. He turned around, descended the stairs, and disappeared in front of the gazes of the two woman.

The back of Xiao Mei's teeth tightly bit her lower red lip as she watched the spot from which Xiao Yan disappeared. Her little face was somewhat pale. A moment later, spoke in a somewhat bitter soft voice, "Have you really forgotten…"

Xiao Yu sighed when she saw the dejected, bitter face of Xiao Mei. She pulled the former into an embrace as her delicate hand rubbed the smooth black hair of the former. Her gaze swept toward the spot where Xiao Yan had left and a faint bitter smile appeared on her pretty face. This fellow was really as stubborn as he had been in the past. Anyone who had hurt him would be completely expelled from his heart.

Xiao Yu vaguely felt some rejoice as she thought of this…

Chapter 669: Fully Prepared

"Bang!"

The sudden loud sound of rolling-thunder appeared in the quiet mountain range that was covered in a dense, lush, green color, surprising a countless number of birds in the forest. The manner which those birds flapped their wings and flew high in the sky in all directions forboded that a great disaster was about to strike.

A mountain peak began to shake and fall at a certain spot in the mountain range. Huge rocks repeatedly rolled down from above, pressing against some of the enormous trees below until they were all broken. Numerous arm thick crack lines began to swiftly spread as the enormous rocks rolled down. Within a couple of minutes, a perfect mountain peak stopped just short of completely collapsing.

A black-robed human figure was flapping jade-green fire wings extruding from his back in the air above the mountain peak. His eyes studied the swaying mountain peak that was about to fall before he nodded his head with some satisfaction. Currently, the strength of this 'Open Mountain Seal' was indeed much stronger than before. Moreover, since this was only practice, the Dou Qi that was maneuvered was not at its full strength. It was difficult to imagine just how frightening the force would be if one were to unleash it to one's full potential.

"Is this the 'Open Mountain Seal'? It is indeed worthy of being a Di Class High Level Dou Technique." A somewhat illusionary old figure suddenly appeared and stood suspended in the air beside the black-robed, young man. He eyed the mountain peak that was nearly destroyed below as he nodded his head with some surprise and inquired with a smile.

"Yes." Xiao Yan nodded his head and smiled. He immediately asked, "Has teacher heard of this Dou Technique?"

"Ke ke, the 'God Seal Technique'. How could I have not heard of such a great name? This set of Dou Technique is also not something that anyone within the clan of your little girlfriend can practice. The reason she could obtain it was most likely because of her extraordinary status. However, it is really unexpected that she was able to give you such a rare Dou Technique." Yao Lao laughed. He immediately seemed to have recalled something and involuntarily sighed.

"Back then, I was also quite interested in this set of hand seal Dou Techniques. Unfortunately, I was unable to obtain it. If one were to reach complete mastery of this set of Dou Techniques, it would not be overboard to say that one could destroy the mountains and boil the seas."

"Unfortunately, there are only two hand seals of this hand seal Dou Technique within the scroll that Xun Er gave me." Xiao Yan rubbed his head and replied in a somewhat embarrassed manner.

"You greedy little fellow. Just be content. Although this 'God Seal Technique' is a Di Class High Level Dou Technique, if one were able to practice it until the final seal and achieve the stage where each seal is connected to each other, it would likely be able to rival a Tian Class Dou Technique." Yao Lao laughed as he reprimanded this young man. He said, "Even though the status of that little girl is extraordinary within the clan, it is likely that she has taken quite the risk by privately giving such a Dou Technique to you. That clan of hers regards these top level Dou Techniques very highly. Being able to give you two of the seals in the 'God Seal Technique' is likely already her limit."

Xiao Yan let out an embarrassed laugh. He was merely careless mentioning it. Naturally, it was impossible for him to grumble about Xun Er. From the solemn expression she had when she gave him the 'God Seal Technique', it was obvious that she held it in extremely high regard. According to what was written on the scroll, just training the first seal, the 'Open Mountain Seal' would require one to at least be of the Dou Wang class. Given Xiao Yan's current strength, he could only feel around this 'Open Mountain Seal'. Hence, even if Xun Er had really gave him all of the 'God Seal Technique', it was likely that he could only salivate while looking at the seals beyond. Being able to see them but unable to practice them. This was an even greater torture.

"It has been at least half a month since I entered the mountains but there is no news from second brother's end. Did some trouble occur?" Xiao Yan flapped the fire wings on his back and threw his gaze in the direction of the 'Black-Corner Region'. He could not help but frown as he spoke.

"It should be fine. If something were to happen, he would definitely have sent a signal to you." Yao Lao smiled and his face immediately became solemn as he spoke, "Now, you should place your attention on yourself. When contending with Yun Shan, it will be extremely difficult to kill him unless you have a powerful technique."

Xiao Yan withdrew his smile when this name that was wedged deep within Xiao Yan's memory was mentioned. He nodded slightly and mused, "Although my strength has soared during these three years, it is also impossible for that old fellow to remain at the same level. Moreover, the Misty Cloud Sect has stood in the Jia Ma Empire for so many years. It definitely possesses quite a strong foundation. The Dou Techniques that the old fellow knows will likely not be weak."

Back then, Xiao Yan was able to barely contend with Yun Shan for a couple of exchanges by relying on Yao Lao's strength but this was because the latter did not display many Dou Techniques. Once he unleashed Dou Techniques to accompany his originally extremely powerful strength, it was likely that Xiao Yan's ending would be quite miserable even with Yao Lao's help.

Currently, Xiao Yan's strength had soared and he also possessed powerful killing weapons like the 'Angry Buddha Lotus Flame' as well as the 'God Seal Technique'. However, there was still some uncertainty if he wanted to rely on them to kill Yun Shan. After all, even though the Dou Zong class could not be considered an expert that could stand at the top of the pyramid if placed in the entire continent, they were experts that were only a little below that level. If one underestimated an expert at that level, it would undoubtedly cause oneself to experience a disaster. This was especially so for someone like Xiao Yan, whose level was far below that level.

However, Xiao Yan could not accept even the slightest uncertainty to appear on this trip back to the Jia Ma Empire. Back then, he had been chased out of the Jia Ma Empire like a dog that had lost its home. After which, he had caused the Xiao clan to face such calamity. He might still be able to flee if he failed after returning this time around. However, what awaited the Xiao clan might be true extermination!

Hence, he must kill Yun Shan at all cost when he return the the Jia Ma Empire this time around!

Of course, if he were to include the two great fighting strength of Medusa and Yao Lao, it would definitely not be difficult to kill Yun Shan. Unfortunately, Xiao Yan did not have confidence to convince Medusa to help him fight against Yun Shan. Yao Lao might currently have the strength to contend with an elite Dou Zong but who could guarantee whether the Misty Cloud Sect would have a hidden super strong person?

From what Xiao Li had said, it was obvious that the Misty Cloud Sect was collaborating with the Hall of Souls. Therefore, Xiao Yan must plan for the worst. In the event of any accident occurring that would prevent Yao Lao from participating in the fight, Xiao Yan needed to be able to fight Yun Shan independently. Hence, he needed to enable himself to possess the strength to kill Yun Shan!

Yao Lao nodded slightly as he watched Xiao Yan's face which was gradually becoming cold and stern. He slowly said, "It is indeed extremely difficult for you to have absolute confidence in killing Yun Shan with your current strength. However, it is not totally impossible to do."

"What method does teacher have?" Xiao Yan was startled and he hurriedly inquired.

"Learn the second seal of the 'God Seal Technique'." Yao Lao laughed.

Xiao Yan immediately became dispirited when he heard this. He helplessly said, "Now, I have not even completely grasp the first seal. How can I master the second seal? Moreover, according to what Xun Er said, the second seal requires one to reach the Dou Huang class before one can practice it."

"Ke ke, in that case, there remains only the last possibility." Yao Lao smiled. He waved his hand and a dense white colored flame curled and rose. He watched Xiao Yan who was deep in thought in front of him and laughed, "Merge three kinds of 'Heavenly Flame' and use the 'Angry Buddha Lotus Flame!"

"An 'Angry Buddha Lotus Flame' that is merged from three kinds of 'Heavenly Flame'…" The expression on Xiao Yan's face changed rapidly. He knit his brows tightly. Being the creator of the 'Heavenly Flame' fire lotus, an attack that possessed the strongest and most frightening strength, he understood the danger and the instability of it extremely well. Back then, he had relied on his luck to control the equilibrium between two kinds of 'Heavenly Flames'. However, he had paid the price of nearly blowing himself to pieces. The merger of three kinds of 'Heavenly Flame' might appear to be simply adding one kind of 'Heavenly Flame' on top of it. However, the difficulty involved was something that Xiao Yan had a profound understanding of. One could unceremoniously say that the difficulty in attempting to merge three kinds of 'Heavenly Flame' was not any less than practicing the 'Open Mountain Seal'.

"If you are truly able to merge the three kinds of 'Heavenly Flame' into an 'Angry Buddha Lotus Flame', there will no longer be any unexpected event occurring when you kill Yun Shan." Yao Lao smiled and spoke when he saw Xiao Yan tight frown.

"I… shall try." Xiao Yan hesitated for a moment but he could only helplessly nod his head. It was likely that he only had this method at this moment.

Yao Lao smiled and nodded. He said, "You need not be too anxious. Merge it if you can. If you really can't, then forget about it. At the very most, teacher will intervene at that time and kill Yun Shan."

Xiao Yan smiled. However, his heart knew that he should work hard in order to achieve true assurance…

After he possessed an aim, Xiao Yan began to try and merge these three kinds of 'Heavenly Flame' into the 'Angry Buddha Lotus Flame' during the remaining period of time. However, as he had expected, it was indeed extremely difficult to merge this thing. He tried a couple of experiments during this period of time but all of them ended up in failure. Moreover, he even received minor injuries during the intense explosion that was created when the 'Heavenly Flame' collided with one another.

Yao Lao was also helpless in the face of Xiao Yan's repeated failed attempts. This was not because Xiao Yan lacked the talent. Instead, this 'Heavenly Flame' merger was indeed difficult. He even thought that even at his peak back then, attempting to merge three kinds of 'Heavenly Flame' might well be an extremely difficult task. Moreover, although Xiao Yan was already in possession of two kinds of 'Heavenly Flame', the 'Bone Chilling Flame' did not belong to him. Even though Xiao Yan could use it, it was extremely difficult for him to reach the point where he had absolute control. However, this slight deviation in control possessed a critical consequence in this kind of merger that required extreme precision.

Yet, Xiao Yan did not appear overly anxious in the face of such repeated failures. This caused Yao Lao to put down the worry in his heart. He was actually afraid that this little fellow would come into a dead end under the pressure of time. This kind of 'Heavenly Flame' merger was not something that one could complete by being anxious. The calmer one was, the better the effect. If one was more anxious, one might lose more than what one would gain.

After one month of such repeated experiments without rest, there seemed to be some progress with the merger of these three kinds of 'Heavenly Flame'. However, a messenger bird came flying from the 'Black-Corner Region' at such a time, causing Xiao Yan to have no choice but to cease his experiment.

"Everything is in order, we can leave anytime!"

The note only had this one sentence. However this one sentence caused Xiao Yan to be silent for a long time. He immediately exhaled a long breath. He had waited three years for this day.

Chapter end