Five years later.
Heavenly Sky Mountain Range.
High above the vast mountain range, a griffin beast streaked across the sky, cutting through the clouds with powerful wingbeats. Several figures stood atop its back.
Among them was Xiao Yan. After five long years, he had undergone remarkable change—most notably in his strength. From a mere Dou Grandmaster, he had now advanced to the level of a Dou Emperor.
Staring ahead at the space tunnel drawing closer with every passing moment, Xiao Yan could hardly contain his excitement.
He had waited far too long for this day. In the past five years, Xun'er had visited him twice. The two had made a promise—to meet again in the Central Plains. Now, that moment was finally within reach.
"Which major forces hold power in the Central Plains?"
His eyes glinted with sharp light. As a sudden thought crossed his mind, Xiao Yan hesitated briefly before turning to the young woman beside him and posing the question.
The woman hailed from the Central Plains and was also a student of Jia Nan Academy. Her name was Xin Lan.
"In the Central Plains, human powers are mainly categorized as: One Palace, One Hall, One Tower; Two Sects, Three Valleys, Three Pavilions."
Xin Lan paused in thought before offering Xiao Yan a calm explanation.
"One Palace… are you referring to the Titled Palace?"
Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed as he asked in a quiet voice filled with curiosity.
"Hmm? Brother Xiao Yan, you know of the Titled Palace?"
Xin Lan couldn't help but exclaim softly, her gaze locking onto Xiao Yan with surprise.
The Titled Palace was a superpower that had only risen to prominence in the last ten years. In the Central Plains, its reputation was unmatched. Yet, beyond its borders, it remained relatively unknown.
In places like Jia Nan Academy, which had lost touch with the Central Plains for some time, even someone as esteemed as Elder Su Qian likely hadn't heard of the Titled Palace.
"I've had... some encounters."
Xiao Yan nodded slightly, his expression growing more solemn. That the Titled Palace ranked number one among Central Plains factions spoke volumes of its might.
"Can you tell me more about the Titled Palace?"
Xin Lan's eyes lit up. She scanned Xiao Yan eagerly. He had dealings with the Titled Palace? That was an unexpected and thrilling surprise.
But that surprise quickly gave way to confusion. If he had come into contact with the Titled Palace, how could he not know much about it?
Then again, she thought, perhaps there were special circumstances.
"Brother Xiao Yan, I don't know too much myself, but I'll tell you what I can."
Xin Lan organized her thoughts, then began to explain.
"As a newly established force, the Titled Palace managed to surpass many old powers. It owes its dominance to sheer, overwhelming strength."
"It's said that the Titled Palace is home to a staggering number of experts. Dou Venerates are a common sight there. Although they don't have many disciples, those they do have tend to break through to Dou Emperor or even Dou Ancestor realms at a very young age."
"And among their ranks, there are multiple Dou Saints presiding. Their presence alone has shaken countless powers in the Central Plains."
"Dou Saints!"
At the mention of Dou Saints, not only did Xiao Yan freeze, but even Little Fairy Doctor was visibly shocked.
A single sect boasting multiple Dou Saints? That level of power was simply terrifying.
Xin Lan nodded at their reactions. The Central Plains were home to countless elites, yet the Titled Palace stood at the pinnacle thanks to these ultimate powerhouses.
"Not only does the Titled Palace have several Dou Saints overseeing it, but it also possesses a Dou Saint-class magical beast guardian—its strength is utterly monstrous."
"It's said that a Three-Star Dou Saint once provoked it… and was swallowed whole."
Both Xiao Yan and Little Fairy Doctor were stunned. A Three-Star Dou Saint... devoured just like that? Just how powerful was that beast?
"That incident made waves across the Central Plains. Since then, few have dared challenge the Titled Palace."
It was one of the most talked-about events of recent years, and naturally, Xin Lan had heard all about it.
"Whew…"
Xiao Yan exhaled deeply. Now he understood why Xun'er had always avoided talking much about the Titled Palace. She didn't want to burden him with pressure.
"Oh right—Brother Xiao Yan, if you ever come across disciples from the Titled Palace in the Central Plains, whatever you do, don't antagonize them."
As if remembering something, Xin Lan gave a sudden, serious warning.
Xiao Yan raised a brow in confusion. "Oh? Why is that?"
He truly knew little about the Titled Palace, so he could only ask Xin Lan.
"Brother Xiao Yan, their disciples rarely appear in public. But when they do, they're always equipped with powerful life-preserving treasures."
"Four years ago, a young female disciple at the Dou Emperor level was ambushed while traveling. A group of Dou Emperors attempted to rob her of her pills."
Xin Lan's expression grew somewhat awkward as she paused, then continued:
"In the end, she directly consumed the pill, forcibly boosting her strength to the Dou Ancestor level. She then turned the tables and killed every last one of them."
"Uh…"
Xiao Yan and Little Fairy Doctor were momentarily speechless. But Xiao Yan quickly regained his composure. He had seen the Titled Palace's pills before—even Yao Lao admitted inferiority.
It was no surprise others coveted them.
As for the effects? He'd seen three pills taken in succession that elevated someone to Saint on the spot.
Xin Lan's story made it clear: picking a fight with someone from the Titled Palace was tantamount to suicide.
What if one moment you had the advantage, and the next your opponent popped a pill and completely outclassed you?
That was how people got killed.
"They can do that? Aren't they worried about the side effects of forced breakthroughs?"
Little Fairy Doctor had recovered but remained skeptical. From her knowledge, forcibly advancing one's cultivation left serious internal damage—often stalling progress for life.
"Ah… that's what makes the Titled Palace so terrifying. Their pills are tailored to cultivation stages—no side effects, no backlash."
Xin Lan sighed. The appearance of such pills had shaken the Central Plains. Fortunately, the Titled Palace didn't sell them, or else even the Pill Tower's authority would have been toppled.
Little Fairy Doctor was shaken to her core. She turned to Xiao Yan, who could only give a wry smile and nod helplessly.
Was all her medical knowledge wrong? Could alchemists really be this powerful?
Xiao Yan simply shook his head and said nothing more. After all, even he didn't fully understand those pills.
As the mountain range below receded into the distance, a city gradually emerged on the horizon. The weight of the Titled Palace's power pressed heavily on Xiao Yan's shoulders.
Staring toward the distant sky, he took a deep breath. A determined glint shone in his eyes.
"Xun'er, I will reach that level and come find you again… wait for me!"
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