*Chapter 30: The Cycle of Calamity, Breaking Heaven and Earth!*

*[Cycle of Calamity: With minimal force, redirect the power of yin and yang, using the opponent's strength against them. Actions are gentle and slow but can control movement through stillness, overcome hardness with softness, and avoid direct confrontation. It utilizes the opponent's power to counterattack, making it highly effective in group battles. The Cycle of Calamity emphasizes listening to the force and guiding it. It involves discerning the opponent's attack strength and direction, then guiding it away from the main force. By using the opponent's movement and staying close, it adds force to counterattack, causing the opponent to exhaust their strength while being unable to retract it, binding them with their own power. This technique can forcefully borrow strength.*

*Due to its nature of pure strength-redirection, the Cycle of Calamity relies heavily on the opponent's power.*

*[Move: Break Heaven and Earth!]*

In a split second, Xiao Yan comprehended a battle technique even stronger than Yan Rebound Strike.

This was the benefit of witnessing powerful techniques and skills. It greatly stimulated Xiao Yan's ability to understand.

Xun'er's sharp soul perception immediately noticed the subtle change in Xiao Yan.

"Brother Xiao Yan, the technique you just used was already quite impressive. Could it be that you have an even stronger technique? You should know that powerful techniques require a deep reservoir of Dou Qi to be executed. Even if you were given a heavenly-level technique now, you could only look at it helplessly. However, if you practice a high-level cultivation method, the time required would be significantly reduced."

Yao Lao nodded in agreement, "It's not just techniques. Even if you were given a heavenly-level cultivation method back then, you couldn't have practiced it. The terrifying speed of cultivation in such methods would instantly destroy your meridians. The cultivation of Dou Qi methods is progressive. Only by raising your strength can you adapt to stronger methods. Yet, few are willing to start from the lower Huang level…"

Xiao Yan smiled bitterly. He knew this well, but rank was never an issue, especially with his extraordinary comprehension abilities.

"Brother Xiao Yan, I'll have to get more serious now!" Xun'er said with a sweet yet firm tone, noticing Xiao Yan's nonchalant demeanor. Suddenly, golden light surged from within her.

Xiao Yan's black pupils contracted sharply. This little girl was truly terrifying!

"Guardian Palm!" As the golden light surged, Xun'er's feet lifted slightly off the ground, her long hair floating behind her without wind. Golden light radiated from her palms, and then she unleashed a powerful strike.

A phantom palm left a golden energy trail, shooting forward like lightning.

"Cycle of Calamity!" Xiao Yan began to move his hands in circular motions, but the circle he drew was a complete one.

Xun'er's pretty face turned pale as she looked at Xiao Yan in disbelief. Even a technique like the Yan Rebound Strike couldn't possibly reflect her Guardian Palm!

She had used that kind of power for this move!

Xiao Yan was not as relaxed as he appeared. Borrowing such fiery energy was taxing, and if it were anyone else, they would have been consumed by fire long ago. Even so, Xiao Yan felt as if his body were submerged in magma, unbearably hot.

"Break Heaven and Earth!" With a deep shout, Xiao Yan pushed forward. A dazzling golden beam shot out.

This beam carried terrifying heat, leaving scorched earth in its wake.

A wave of scorching heat surged forward, and the exhausted Xun'er closed her eyes in terror.

Yao Lao thought to himself, "Why did I teach this brat such a move..."

With a loud boom, a massive boulder to Xun'er's right exploded into countless fragments. The ground trembled, and dust and smoke filled the air.

The area where the boulder once stood became a desolate ruin.

"You lost," Xiao Yan said as he flicked Xun'er's smooth forehead.

Xun'er winced and touched her forehead, looking in astonishment at the shattered boulder. The scorching hot fragments clearly bore the power of her own technique.

"How is this possible!" Xun'er was shocked. "Even if Brother Xiao Yan perfected the Yan Rebound Strike, it shouldn't have been able to reflect my technique!"

"Xun'er, I understand everything you've been doing. My current effort in practicing low-level Huang methods is for the same purpose. You'll understand in time."

Suddenly, Xiao Yan grabbed Xun'er's delicate waist and pulled her into his arms.

The sudden action left Xun'er momentarily stunned. A moment later, a blush crept up her ears, and after a brief struggle, she shyly stopped. Her small face flushed with an alluring red hue.

A gentle breeze swept over the cliff, and the green willow trees swayed lightly. The young man held the young girl tightly, their bodies fitting perfectly, almost as if they were one.

"Xun'er, three years from now, my strength will be so great that no one will be able to say a word against me."

Burying his head in the silky hair, the young man's promise finally made the previously bewildered girl nod obediently.

Moments later, a playful voice echoed from the cliffside.

"Brother Xiao Yan, you're so bad!" Xun'er's face turned bright red as she reached behind her neck to tie the strap of her green undergarment.

Due to her actions, her figure appeared even more graceful.

Xiao Yan raised his hand to touch his nose, invigorated by the fragrant scent. She was growing up so fast.

Seeing Xiao Yan's movements, Xun'er shyly stomped her foot and ran down the mountain.

Stretching lazily, Xiao Yan went back home and changed into a black robe with the help of his maids. He then packed some items and left the Xiao family, heading straight for the Mittel Auction House.

Yao Lao had always been satisfied with Xiao Yan's talent, but as for his lifestyle… he was a spoiled young master of a prominent family!

---

The Mittel Auction House was the largest auction house in Wu Tan City and belonged to the wealthiest family in the Jia Ma Empire: the Mittel Clan.

In the Jia Ma Empire, the Mittel Clan was undoubtedly the richest.

Looking at the grand building at the end of the street, Xiao Yan ducked into a secluded alley and quickly donned a black cloak from home.

The large cloak concealed his appearance and even made his slender frame look bulky. Now, even if Xun'er stood in front of him, it would be hard to recognize him at a glance…

Although he didn't expect this disguise to last long, any time it bought him was precious.

After covering his identity, Xiao Yan finally breathed a sigh of relief.

He wasn't being overly cautious. Alchemists rarely appeared in a place like Wu Tan City.

An alchemist's magical abilities were extremely alluring to various family forces.

And at a deeper level, knowing the existence of the Soul Hall, Xiao Yan only wanted to maintain his quiet cultivation until the day he could catch them off guard.

*(Chapter End)*