Chapter 163

With the addition of the snake-people clan, the small realm became lively. In comparison to double-digit people present in the Xiao Clan, the snake-people clan's population was in the thousands. 

No one was stupid enough to jump out and challenge Xiao Ning's majesty; even then, Old Li's presence served as a deterrent and eliminated any trace of disobedience. 

Medusa was quite happy after seeing this, and now she won't have to worry about the elders in her clan. She didn't want her relationship with Xiao Ning to be affected by it. 

...

Presently, inside Xiao Ning's courtyard, four people sat harmoniously. Xiao Ning gathered Medusa, Ya Fei, and Old Li to consult them for the development of the small realm. 

Xiao Ning intended to hand over the daily affairs to Medusa and Ya Fei in the future. One was the Queen experienced in managing a giant empire, and the other was exceptionally talented in business. 

He could already foresee a bright future for both the clans in their hands. 

Hence, the behemoth that would stand above all in the future began taking shape in their hands. 

Old Li listened and added his thoughts from time to time. His only job was to stay by Xiao Ning's side and protect him; the rest didn't matter to him. 

"I have an idea that will double the cultivation speed for everyone." Old Li interupted. 

After hearing this, the three stopped speaking and simultaneously looked at Old Li. 

 "I once studied a formation from an ancient ruin called 'Yin-Yang Formation,' it can double the speed of cultivation." 

"Originally, this formation was flawed; no one who cultivated with its help could break through Dou Ancestor. But, for you, this defect doesn't seem to work." 

Old Li pointed at Medusa and said, "Snake-clan people need a cold environment or, rather, 'Yin' to cultivate. Purely, based on this aspect, you can overcome the formation's flaw." 

Xiao Ning and Medusa looked at each other and saw the excitement on each other's faces. 

"Old Li, please." Xiao Ning politely asked him. 

Old Li nodded and went out to set up the formations. It was a coincidence he had collected all the materials over the years. He never thought he would use it now. 

The three also stepped out and followed behind curiously. They wanted to see the miraculous formation with their eyes. 

Under the watchful gazes of Xiao Ning and others, Old Li showed his true strength for the first time and set up formations below two cities. 

Everyone stopped in their tracks after Old Li's momentum covered the entire realm. They raised their heads and looked at the figure in the sky in horror. 

What everyone didn't know was that they could raise their heads only because Old Li allowed it; otherwise, even the strongest in the crowd, a Dou Emperor, couldn't breathe in his presence. 

With a single thought, Old Li took out various materials from his storage ring and arranged them around him in the void. 

He made a set of strange hand signs, controlled the materials with his dou qi, and began marking the formation. Within minutes, Old Li set up the 'Yin Formation' below the land where the snake-people clan will build their residence. 

Then he set up the other half, 'Yang Formation,' below Xiao Clan's residence. Finally, he connected the two halves of the formation, completing it. 

The moment he connected the two halves, the natural energy concentration within the formation doubled. 

Originally, the small realm itself had ten times the amount of natural energy as compared to the outside world. Old Li's formation again doubled the natural energy's concentration. 

It meant that anyone cultivating within the land covered by the formation would be twenty times more effective than the outside world. 

Xiao Ning and Medusa swiftly informed their clan members, and Ya Fei followed them. 

Such a formation was draining for Old Li, a half-saint, and he exhausted more than half of his dou qi in the process. It only implies no one below a half-saint could set up this formation. He went back to rest and refine the lost dou qi. 

...

One month later. 

Over the last month, a massive change took place in the small realm. Firstly, two large cities constructed with large amounts of resources appeared. Even the Jia Ma imperial city couldn't compare with them. 

Apart from that, a five-story alchemy tower stood between the two cities. To maintain the peace for a long time, Xiao Ning built the alchemy tower separately. He set the contribution system, and anyone could exchange for pills. 

Furthermore, Xiao Ning also stored the medicinal materials he obtained from the Misty Cloud Sect in the alchemist tower. 

After seeing his action, the snake-people clan was moved, and Medusa also decided to contribute and handed in all the medicinal materials in her clan. 

Apart from this, all the Dou Emperors went out, and brought back numerous first and second-rank magical beasts to enrich the small realm. Moreover, Xiao Ning also subdued the Amethyst Winged Lion as the guardian beast. 

In between, he also took some time to instruct Gu Ni, the second-rank alchemist. His own experience was enough to guide the latter. 

Fortunately, the latter did not disappoint and successfully broke through and became a third-rank alchemist. Xiao Ning also gave him some notes, enough for Gu Ni to become a fourth-rank alchemist. 

A month was a short period; still, Xiao Ning managed all big and small matters in the clan.

...

'Present.'

Xiao Ning and Ya Fei were standing on the wall of Xiao City. They looked at the sunset and held each other's hands. 

"Soon, I will be leaving for Jia Nan Academy." Xiao Ning broke the silence and spoke softly. He hated parting, but for the future's sake, he had to go. 

Ya Fei did not speak; instead, she held his hand tightly. 

Xiao Ning sighed, lowered his head, and kissed her forehead. 

"One year; I will come back in a year." 

After appeasing Ya Fei and sending her back, Xiao Ning smiled wryly and said, "Come on, how long are you going to keep hiding?" 

The next moment, Medusa appeared from behind and chuckled. She stood beside him and looked at Xiao Ning's face. 

"This time, I will go alone. I will leave everyone to you." Xiao Ning stared back affectionally and spoke softly.