Chapter 56: Xiao Yan’s Furious Rage

At the mountain peak, an ethereal old figure hovered in mid-air.

The eyes of the two young men were fixated on this ghostly image.

One had a calm expression, while the other was full of terror.

To Xiao Yan, this translucent figure was undoubtedly a ghost.

Given his limited experience, the fact that he could maintain his composure was already quite impressive.

Moreover, with Wei Yang present, Xiao Yan managed to calm himself somewhat, though his voice still trembled as he asked, «Mr. Wei, what… what is this thing?»

Wei Yang suppressed a laugh and explained, «This senior is in a soul form, not a 'thing'.»

«Soul form? Isn't that just a ghost?» Xiao Yan muttered under his breath.

«Well, if you put it that way, you're not entirely wrong,» Wei Yang nodded after a moment of thought.

«Young man, it's not polite to throw around such terms carelessly,» the old figure holding a ring on his finger said, his face twitching with slight displeasure as he glanced at Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan pressed his lips together and remained silent.

The old figure, Yao Lao, then turned his gaze to Wei Yang, stroking his white beard and expressing his admiration, «Young man, your soul power is incredibly strong. Quite the talent you have.»

Yao Lao's discerning eyes easily saw through Wei Yang's abilities.

Even with his vast experience, he couldn't help but feel a bit surprised. It was rare to see such talent in a remote place like the Jia Ma Empire. This young man couldn't be more than seventeen or eighteen years old, yet his soul power was nearing the later stages of the Mortal Realm. (Soul power is divided into four realms: Mortal, Spirit, Heaven, and Emperor, each with early, middle, late, and peak stages.)

For someone so young to have such advanced soul power was remarkable.

As for Wei Yang's peak nine-star Dou Ling cultivation, Yao Lao wasn't overly impressed.

What caught Yao Lao's attention most was Wei Yang's soul talent.

As a renowned Medicine Venerable from the Central Plains, Yao Lao naturally appreciated a good potential alchemist.

However, his past betrayal by his disciple Han Feng had made him cautious.

If it weren't for meeting Xiao Yan, Yao Lao might have been tempted, but now…

He glanced at Xiao Yan, who was hiding beside Wei Yang, his eyes flashing with satisfaction.

Xiao Yan was someone Yao Lao had observed and tested for a long time before deciding to take him as a disciple.

Moreover, Xiao Yan's soul talent was also quite impressive.

…

Wei Yang cupped his hands in respect, «Thank you for the praise, Senior. I am Wei Yang, pleased to meet you.»

Yao Lao stroked his beard and asked calmly, «Young Wei, what brings you to me?»

Wei Yang smiled, «May I ask your name, Senior?»

Yao Lao paused for a moment, then resumed his usual demeanor, stroking his white beard, «I am Yao.»

Wei Yang nodded, «Senior Yao.»

Yao Lao's eyes narrowed slightly, «You don't seem surprised to hear my surname.»

Feigning surprise, Wei Yang asked, «Is there something special about the surname Yao?»

Yao Lao was taken aback, then asked, «Are you from the Jia Ma Empire?»

Wei Yang smiled, «I'm from Wu Tan City and have never left the Jia Ma Empire.»

«Oh.» Yao Lao's expression relaxed, and his vigilance eased significantly.

He was amazed to find such talent in a remote place like Wu Tan City. It was remarkable.

He looked at Xiao Yan, whose soul talent was also exceptional. Yao Lao was speechless.

How could such a small place produce two soul talents of the same age at the same time?

Could it be that the heavens favored Yao Chen, sending these talents to him?

Wei Yang, however, found the old man's caution amusing.

But Wei Yang wasn't afraid, as he truly was a local of Wu Tan City.

Yao Lao collected his thoughts and resumed his calm demeanor, «Young Wei, you still haven't said why you're looking for me.»

Wei Yang laughed, «Senior Yao, do you really not know what you've done?»

He glanced at Xiao Yan beside him.

«Uh…» Yao Lao's expression stiffened, realizing what Wei Yang meant.

Okay, they were here to catch a thief.

Xiao Yan seemed to understand something as he looked at Wei Yang.

Wei Yang nodded, «For the past three years, the reason your cultivation regressed and your Dou Qi disappeared is related to Senior Yao. He… absorbed your Dou Qi.»

Xiao Yan's face darkened as he stared at the ethereal figure in front of him, his words dripping with frost, «So, it was you who caused my Dou Qi to disappear?»

«Hehe, I had no choice. Don't blame me, young man,» Yao Lao said with an awkward smile but did not deny it. «But I must thank you for your three years of offerings. Without them, I might still be in deep sleep.»

«Fuck you!»

Xiao Yan, who had grown more composed over the years, could no longer hold back his fury. His face twisted with rage, and he pointed at Yao Lao, trembling, «You… you…»

Wei Yang patted Xiao Yan's shoulder, gently reminding him, «Xiao Yan, calm down. We are no match for him.»

Xiao Yan took a deep breath, calming down somewhat, though his breathing remained heavy.

Knowing the culprit of his three years of humiliation was right in front of him, it was hard for him not to lose control. If not for being outmatched, he might have already attacked the old man.

«Hehe, young man, no need to be so angry. It's just three years of Dou Qi,» Yao Lao said nonchalantly, seemingly enjoying Xiao Yan's rage.

Wei Yang sighed inwardly. The old man was pushing Xiao Yan's buttons.

Xiao Yan's face twitched, nearly losing control again.

After several deep breaths, he managed to suppress his anger, gritting his teeth, «Old man, since you were hiding in the ring, you should know the humiliation and scorn I've endured because of you.»

«But haven't you grown through these years of scorn? Do you think you would have the same resilience and maturity if this happened three years ago?» Yao Lao responded, his tone indifferent but his words carrying weight.

Yao Lao was satisfied with Xiao Yan's reaction.

He had done this deliberately to test Xiao Yan's character one last time.

Now pleased, he was ready to officially take Xiao Yan as his disciple.

Wei Yang added, «Xiao Yan, I believe this was a test from Senior Yao. Honestly, three years ago, you were a bit too arrogant. Look at me; I'm not any less talented than you, but I always keep a low profile.»

Xiao Yan furrowed his brows, his anger slowly dissipating.

Reflecting on his past, he realized he had been too arrogant. The trials of the past three years had indeed matured him.

Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yan felt a wave of relief wash over him.

Knowing the reason for his Dou Qi's disappearance, his talent was undoubtedly still there.

No, his talent had never left!

Realizing he could finally shed the label of a waste, Xiao Yan felt a newfound sense of freedom and joy.

Looking at the old man, he no longer found him so detestable.

Sometimes, it's only after losing something that its value becomes clear.

Gaining it back makes one cherish it even more.

A test?

Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed as he seemed to understand.

(End of Chapter)