Chapter 221: Xiao Yan Appears

It seemed that Haibodong was in a hurry, otherwise, he would not have brought up the reason for his visit without talking for a few minutes first.

Haibodong also noticed that he was being a bit impatient, so he smiled apologetically and said, "Actually, I'm not in too much of a hurry. I just need you to refine it while you're in Jia Ma Sacred City."

"Haha, Your Excellency the Ice Emperor, you're being too formal," replied Xiao Ming. "I won't go back on my word. Bring the medicinal herbs and I'll refine it for you."

"Fine," said Haibodong excitedly, handing over a Storage Ring that was already prepared.

As Xiao Ming accepted the ring, Haibodong was finally relieved. However, this relief also led him to realize something he hadn't noticed before: he couldn't sense anything about Xiao Ming at all!

What was going on here? Even if Xiao Ming was in the peak Dou Emperor Realm, he should still have been able to sense something.

It could be... a thought that even he himself felt ridiculous flashed through Hai Bodong's mind, but when applied to Xiao Ming, it felt like something reasonable.

"In the time we haven't seen each other... this realm of yours..."

"Hm?" Xiao Ming raised his eyebrows at his words, probably not even Hai Bodong himself noticed that his voice trembled a little.

"Your realm has broken through to... Dou Ancestor?" Swallowing saliva, Hai Bodong finally uttered those words.

"Mm," replied Xiao Ming, nodding softly.

Although he wouldn't announce his strength to the world, he wouldn't hide it when others asked.

Seeing the nod, Haibodong took a deep breath. He realized that compared to Xiao Ming's rapid advancement, he himself had made little progress over the years. He laughed bitterly and said, "Your talent is truly amazing!"

Even without being sealed for decades, it would have been difficult for Hai Bodong to reach the Dou Ancestor realm at this point.

He was similar to the previous Jia Xing Tian and Yun Shan.

In contrast, Xiao Ming had not even stayed in the Dou Emperor for more than three full years before directly breaking through to Dou Ancestor, this was the gap between people.

At the end of his thoughts, Hai Bodong's desire for the Spiritual Recovery Purple Pill grew stronger.

Suddenly, he remembered something. "I wonder if you, Master Xiao Ming, can refine a Mighty Huang Pill?"

"Mighty Huang Pill? That's a commonly used pill across the Continent, and many sixth-tier Alchemists can refine it," replied Xiao Ming.

Excited, Hai Bodong asked, "In that case, I'd like to request that you refine one for me." He believed that with the Mighty Huang Pill and the Spiritual Recovery Purple Pill, he could instantly become a six-star Dou Emperor, and with a bit of luck, even a seven-star Dou Emperor, thus saving him a lot of cultivation time.

Thinking of this, Hai Bodong's pale face couldn't help but show a smile.

After Xiao Ming repeatedly spoke to him, Hai Bodong finally came to his senses and his old face reddened slightly.

"I'm sorry, I just got carried away a few moments ago."

"Human nature, I understand, I can help you refine this Mighty Huang Pill, and I don't want your payment, but you have to promise me one thing."

"What is it?" asked Hai Bodong.

"It's a small thing. When I leave the Jia Ma Empire this time, I won't be back for a while, so I need you to take care of the Xiao family," said Xiao Ming.

Although Xiao Ming had already planned to let the Amethyst Winged Lion King stay with the Xiao family, the Amethyst Winged Lion King was still a magical beast after all, and with an additional Hai Bodong taking care of them and then solving the hidden problems of the Misty Cloud Sect, the Xiao family wouldn't have too much trouble developing on their own.

Xiao Ming didn't want to go on adventures and come back only to find the Xiao family in ruins, after all, it's the clan he came from, so it was only fitting to leave some extra insurance.

"I'd do that even if you didn't ask. I'll make sure to take care of the Xiao family." Hai Bodong waved his hand and patted his chest.

Hai Bodong was known to be distant and cold towards strangers, but he would do his best for those he recognized. In the original story, he had saved many members of the Xiao family at the cost of offending the Misty Cloud Sect, and this was why Xiao Ming held him in high regard.

"Well, now that it's all settled, send the ingredients for the Mighty Huang Pill in the next few days."

After a little talk, Hai Bodong left Xiao Ming's residence with a satisfied smile on his face, as the outcome of his visit exceeded his expectations. He quickly set about delivering the herbs that Master Xiao Ming needed.

After Hai Bodong's departure, all the major and minor forces in the Jia Ma Sacred City sent out invitations, including the three big clans.

Princess Yao Ye of the Jia Ma Imperial Family even personally visited Xiao Ming's mansion to invite him to a banquet, but all invitations were declined politely by Xiao Ming.

...

At the landing station of the Jia Ma Sacred City, as Xiao Yan stepped out of the crowded row of flying transports, he raised his head to admire the magnificent city. He couldn't help but sigh in awe, as he considered it to be the most majestic city he had ever seen.

"It's worthy of being the Imperial Capital of the Jia Ma Empire, it's truly magnificent," Xiao Yan said.

An old voice echoed in his head, "This is nothing. After you get stronger, you will find that Jia Ma Sacred City is nothing more than this."

Xiao Yan rubbed his head and smiled, but didn't reply. He yearned for the words spoken by Yao Lao in his heart.

Rubbing his nose, Xiao Yan asked, "Master, it's still more than a month before we go to the Misty Cloud Sect. Why are we here in the Jia Ma Sacred City so soon?"

"You're usually quite intelligent, why are you a little dumber today? Your strength is only in the seven-star Dou Master, and this cultivation level is not reliable enough to go to Misty Cloud Sect. We need to find some medicinal herbs to refine a strength-enhancing pill for you. Jia Ma Sacred City is the capital of the Jia Ma Empire, so it must have many treasured medicinal herbs scattered around," Yao Lao laughed and scolded him.

Xiao Yan was moved by Yao Lao's consideration for him.

He was aware of all the things his Master had done for him over the years, and if it wasn't for Yao Lao, his strength wouldn't have improved so quickly.

Moreover, he had also obtained a Heavenly Flame!

As he thought about the Heavenly Flame, a flash of worry crossed Xiao Yan's eyes.

He had obtained it in an unorthodox manner, by sneaking up on others while they were trying to devour it. Originally, killing people was a common thing in the Dou Qi Continent, and as long as he didn't expose himself, he had nothing to worry about and wouldn't have a psychological burden.

But the person he robbed was named Gu He, a familiar name, right?

Yes, it was the Pill King of the Misty Cloud Sect, Gu He!

To be honest, when he sneaked up on Gu He, he didn't know that it was him. He had only heard the name from someone else and didn't know his appearance. The only thing that mattered to him at that moment was that Gu He had a Heavenly Flame.

And knowing that, how could he not sneak attack? That was a Heavenly Flame! A key treasure for the evolution of Flame Mantra and necessary for his Master's resurrection. How was it possible that he would give it up?

He only regretted not decisively asking Yao Lao to completely finish him off at that time.

At this moment, Gu He was already in the Misty Cloud Sect, and if he recognized him, there would be a big bloody battle.

Yao Lao seemed to have guessed what was on Xiao Yan's mind and spoke to dispel his worries, "Don't worry. That Pill King Gu He has been severely injured by me. Without a special Sixth Tier Healing Pill, it will be difficult for him to recover. It will also be difficult for him to refine pills being severely injured, so he shouldn't appear when you compete against Nalan Yanran."

"If he really does appear, didn't you also invite the two peak Dou Emperors from the Snake-People Tribe? Even with the addition of that Yun Yun, it will be hard for them to hold you back."