Five months later, Tianmu Mountain Range.
"Phew, finally made it."
A lean figure soared out from the shadowy forest, landing near the entrance to the mountain range—not far off, the place was already a sea of people, packed so densely it looked like an endless tide of black.
"There are way too many people here…"
The figure was none other than Xiao Yan. It had been five months since he arrived in the Central Plains, during which he'd faced countless challenges. But his strength had steadily grown—he had gone from a newly ascended Dou Emperor to nearly breaking through to Dou Ancestor.
Furrowing his brow slightly, Xiao Yan gave a wry smile and descended from the sky, choosing a secluded treetop where he stood quietly, scanning the surroundings.
Glancing at the crowded entrance, he couldn't help but marvel at the vastness of the Central Plains.
Back in the Jia Ma Empire, a Dou Emperor would be considered top-tier. But here? He was just another competitor scrambling for an opportunity.
And this was only the entrance to the Heavenly Mountain Blood Pool, a relatively minor event. Xiao Yan couldn't even imagine what the scene must be like at a colossal force like the Titled Palace.
As he gazed into the distance, lost in thought, a sharp cry pierced the air. A dazzling seven-colored crane streaked toward the mountain range, its radiant plumage gleaming in the sunlight.
Atop the crane stood a stunning figure in flowing rainbow robes. From afar, she exuded an aura of nobility that was impossible to mask. Her cheeks were slightly sunken, her oval face perfectly sculpted, and her amethyst-brown eyes shimmered like gemstones—absolutely captivating.
Two elders stood respectfully beside her, conversing softly. As a core disciple of the Wind Lightning Pavilion and a member of the Phoenix Clan, she carried herself with natural pride. She was here for one reason—to break through.
There was no doubt she held one of the few coveted slots for entry into the Blood Pool.
From his distant perch, Xiao Yan observed the scene and, after confirming that the Pavilion's Northern Chief was not present, breathed a quiet sigh of relief.
Just as he was about to close his eyes and focus, a presence sidled up beside him.
"Hmm?"
He turned, puzzled, and saw a man in simple white robes approaching with calm steps. The man's eyes sparkled as he stared at Xiao Yan, as if recognizing an old acquaintance.
"You're… Xiao Yan?"
The voice was tentative, not spoken aloud but transmitted via voice transmission—a secretive and cautious approach.
"You've got the wrong guy."
Xiao Yan's expression didn't waver. With people from the Wind Lightning Pavilion nearby, he wasn't about to carelessly admit his identity. He probed the stranger's cultivation but was surprised—he couldn't see through it.
"Haha! Knew it! You really are Xiao Yan!"
In a flash, the man zipped to Xiao Yan's side, his eyes blazing with an almost fanatical gleam, like he had just found a priceless treasure. His gaze was so intense it made Xiao Yan extremely uncomfortable.
That look—wait, was this guy… that kind of person? Was this continent really that inclusive?
Xiao Yan shuddered involuntarily and instinctively stepped back.
"Hey, hey! Don't go!"
The man chased after him immediately, his voice filled with urgency.
Xiao Yan tuned him out. For people like this, he had only one rule: keep a safe distance. These days, the bold ones weren't scary—it was the bent ones who were terrifying!
"Hey! Xiao Yan!"
Seeing Xiao Yan continue to avoid him, the man suddenly flickered and appeared right in front of him, blocking his path with a smug smile. He assumed Xiao Yan was impressed by his speed.
But Xiao Yan, on the other hand, was stunned at the man's audacity. Was he really intercepting him in front of a crowd? What the hell did he want?
That blazing gaze again… Yep, Central Plains really was full of hidden talents—weird talents included.
"I'm not Xiao Yan. You've got the wrong person. And don't follow me again, or…"
Xiao Yan issued a cold warning, unwilling to create a scene with the Wind Lightning Pavilion's people watching. If he was recognized now, it would be a massive headache.
"Pfft, stop pretending. I've got your portrait."
With a dismissive wave, the man's storage ring flickered, and a painting fluttered into Xiao Yan's hands. Though crudely drawn, it bore about 70% resemblance.
In the lower corner of the painting, a line of delicate characters was written:
"Drawn by Hua Qian, of the Titled Palace."
Xiao Yan frowned and looked at the man suspiciously.
"You're from the Titled Palace?"
"Naturally."
The man replied via sound transmission. He clearly didn't want to expose his identity here either. That's why he'd dressed in plain white, rather than his sect's distinctive robes.
After all, these days, many forces were eyeing the Titled Palace, especially its precious alchemical resources.
To roam the world as a Titled Palace disciple was to walk around like a mobile treasure vault.
As the saying goes: "Where there's alchemy, there's bloodshed." Even though the palace's disciples were strong, there was no shortage of people willing to risk it all.
Kill one disciple, and you'd be set for life.
"What's this supposed to be?"
Xiao Yan raised the portrait. Was the Titled Palace really this bored? Carrying his picture around?
Couldn't they draw something more tasteful, like a beauty peeking over a garden wall?
"Oh, our senior brother drew it. Everyone in the palace has one."
The man chuckled, not even embarrassed.
"After all, everyone knows you're Senior Sister Xun'er's man. Since word spread that you'd arrived in the Central Plains, every disciple brought the portrait—just in case we bumped into you, we could…"
He trailed off just in time, catching himself before spilling his true intentions. Straightening up, he added solemnly:
"Senior Brother Xiao, I'll be counting on you from now on!"
He wore a grin as he tried to cozy up to Xiao Yan.
Jealousy? Not a chance. No one in the palace could match Xun'er, not even by a long shot. It wasn't just the disciples—even the elders struggled against her.
The last poor soul who tried to court her? He had just broken through to Dou Venerate, and Xun'er still put him in bed for half a year.
Under those conditions, who dared mess with Xiao Yan?
This man was just an ordinary palace disciple. Of course he didn't have the guts.
But as he looked at Xiao Yan—still just at Dou Emperor level—a spark of opportunity gleamed in his eyes.
If he could build rapport now, maybe later, when Xun'er casually tossed him a reward…
Jackpot.
"Hehehe…"
Lost in his delusions, the man began to giggle strangely. Xiao Yan's scalp tingled.
This guy… might actually be insane.
He stared warily at the palace disciple in front of him.
Was this guy for real?
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