Self-awareness is a valuable trait, and Chen Xiao was very clear about his current capabilities.
Right now, dealing with those below the Dou Zong level was not a problem for him. However, when facing a true Dou Zong expert, even with the stacking of Mountain Splitting Seal and Sea Flipping Seal, plus the newly mastered Soul Profound Seal Palm, his chances of winning were still very low.
After all, Dou Zong experts weren't stationary targets that would just stand there and let you hit them.
To heavily injure or even truly kill a Dou Zong expert with these two methods would require perfect timing, location, and coordination.
Based on all of the above, Chen Xiao did not want to get involved with the Soul Hall in the short term, nor did he want to become their enemy.
Therefore, facing Protector Xuan's enticement, Chen Xiao's attitude was ambiguous.
"Thank you, Protector Xuan, for your regard, but I don't believe the Earth Demon Old Ghost can pose much of a threat to me. If I truly cannot resolve this matter myself, I will find another way at that time. Protector Xuan, please return for now."
His youthful arrogance was deliberate, and the word "for now", leaving room for future possibilities, was also intentional on Chen Xiao's part.
Protector Xuan was not surprised by this at all.
He had been in contact with many forces in the Black-Corner Region, but apart from the Earth Demon Old Ghost, most of the old-guard forces had this kind of attitude. Being relatively younger, they were exceptionally confident in themselves.
Moreover, everyone who could establish a foothold in the Black-Corner Region had a bit of cleverness.
If those people were like this, the seemingly even younger Chen Xiao would only have stronger confidence.
"Heh heh, in that case, this protector will not disturb Pavilion Master Chen's cultivation any further. In the future, we will have plenty of opportunities."
Leaving these words behind, a burst of black mist surged from beneath Protector Xuan's black robe, rolling in the sky, and in an instant, it vanished into the vast twilight.
Chen Xiao gazed in the direction the other party had left, and just as he was about to withdraw his gaze, he noticed another figure stepping through the air at a forty-five-degree angle. In just a few breaths, the figure had already swept forward and landed before him.
The Medusa Queen slowly looked around. The coldness in the mountain hollow was like a knife, and the remnants of the battle were everywhere, causing her brows to furrow slightly. Her eyes, like autumn water flowing with light, were firmly fixed on Chen Xiao, scrutinizing him repeatedly.
"I'm fine. The Soul Hall protector who was hidden in the Black-Corner Region just appeared. I deliberately pretended not to know and let the Heavenly Demon Puppet play with him for a while."
Meeting the Medusa Queen's scrutinizing gaze calmly, Chen Xiao's lips curved into a composed smile as he simply explained.
Hearing this, the Medusa Queen raised an eyebrow slightly and replied nonchalantly, "This Queen is not interested in these matters. I just find it strange that the city below was completely unaware of a Dou Zong level exchange."
"It's not entirely like that. Before that Soul Hall protector arrived, I was cultivating a Dou Skill here, and the commotion was already quite large. Zi Yan just went back, and besides, the Heavenly Demon Puppet and that protector only exchanged a few blows; they weren't serious."
Hearing this, the Medusa Queen finally understood.
She was somewhat curious about why that Soul Hall protector had sought out Chen Xiao, but seeing that Chen Xiao had no intention of elaborating, she could only suppress her curiosity for now.
Asking directly did not fit the persona she was trying to maintain.
"This Queen originally just wanted to come back and take a look, but on the way, I saw that people from the Black Emperor Sect were chasing a group of people. If you're interested, you can go and see."
Black Emperor Sect...
Shouldn't the Black Emperor Sect be licking their wounds at this time? What kind of trouble were they stirring up again?
"Where?"
"Northeast direction."
"Let's go, let's take a look."
Seeing Chen Xiao rise into the air with such decisiveness, the Medusa Queen initially wanted to refuse, as she knew there was no danger on this trip.
But after pondering silently for a moment, she still followed closely behind.
...
In a mountain range a thousand li away from Purple Cloud City.
An old man dressed in an Alchemist's robe and a woman in palace attire were fleeing together. The two were like leopards, their movements as fast as lightning. The dense trees in the forest did not hinder them at all; instead, they became the best cover for their figures, causing the blue-robed old man who was relentlessly pursuing them from high in the air to frown from time to time, his attacks frequently missing their mark.
"Old Yan, once we're out of this mountain range, we'll split up. As long as we reach the outskirts of Purple Cloud City, we'll be safe. Che Cheng would never dare to pursue us there!" The palace-attired woman's voice quietly sounded.
"Shop Owner, take care!"
The old man also knew that this was the best method at the moment.
This way, with their strength, at least one of them could safely reach Purple Cloud City.
As for who Che Cheng would choose to pursue...
Undoubtedly, the palace-attired woman, who held a higher status, was more likely to be targeted.
"If I don't die this time, I will bite off a piece of the Black Emperor Sect's flesh at any cost in the future!"
Shop Owner Yao's body surged with cold intent, her voice as cold as a blade, every word carrying bone-deep hatred.
She had anticipated that the Black Emperor Sect would not let the Thousand Medicine Shop leave so easily. Because of this, the transfer process had been very careful and cautious, not daring to rush.
However, after several consecutive days, with people from the Thousand Medicine Shop only leaving and none returning, constantly departing from Black Emperor City without anyone coming back, the Black Emperor Sect finally noticed.
Fortunately, Shop Owner Yao received the news in advance, allowing her to lead the people of the Thousand Medicine Shop out of the city first.
But even so, their group of dozens of people could not move very quickly. They were pursued by the reacting Black Emperor Sect, fleeing all the way, and in the end, only two of them remained.
*Boom!*
Suddenly, a dark light appeared in the sky, and a huge palm print, carrying fierce energy, pressed down towards the location of the two with the force of thunder.
The moment the strong wind howled, Shop Owner Yao and Old Yan reacted almost simultaneously, their figures scattering to the sides like startled swans.
But this evasion also made their figures completely exposed under Che Cheng's hawk-like gaze.
Che Cheng's Dou Qi-condensed wings behind him vibrated violently. He hovered in mid-air like a demon god, looking down at the two figures on the ground.
He sneered, "Yao Qiandai, Yan Liang, since you decided to defect from the Black Emperor Sect, you should have expected this outcome. Why resist in vain?"
"Defect?" Shop Owner Yao's apricot eyes widened, and she laughed in anger.
Thousand Medicine Shop had been rooted in Black Emperor City for many years. When did it become a subordinate of the Black Emperor Sect?
Facing Che Cheng's unreasonable words, Shop Owner Yao said no more. The true face of the Black Emperor Sect had been completely exposed. She no longer wasted her breath and exchanged knowing glances with Old Yan. Both transformed into streaks of light and fled rapidly towards Purple Cloud City.
High in the sky, seeing their actions, Che Cheng frowned slightly. He no longer held back. His Dou Qi surged, and a fierce stream of Dou Qi shot out.
As expected, it was aimed at Shop Owner Yao!
When Thousand Medicine Shop was stationed in Black Emperor City, the Black Emperor Sect received huge benefits from it every year. How could they let them leave safely, especially to their arch-enemy?
The stream of Dou Qi carried unparalleled power, tearing through the sky, causing Shop Owner Yao's face to change drastically.
She wanted to circulate her Dou Qi to counterattack, but found that her Dou Qi had already bottomed out during the escape, with less than one-tenth remaining. Even if she drew it all out for defense, it would be difficult to withstand a full-power blow from a Dou Huang expert.
Although the gap between Dou Wang and Dou Huang was not as large as in other realms, it was not something everyone could cross realms to fight against.
Seeing the stream of Dou Qi shooting towards her, Shop Owner Yao felt despair. Without surprise, the Dou Qi defense she had condensed instantly shattered.
However, just as she closed her eyes, thinking she was about to die, several breaths passed, and no pain came.
Shop Owner Yao was startled and quickly opened her eyes. She immediately saw two figures blocking her path at some point. The incoming stream of Dou Qi had already vanished into thin air.
"Elder Che Cheng, long time no see."
Chen Xiao and Medusa Queen stood side by side, looking at Che Cheng in the distance. Chen Xiao greeted him with a light smile and a gentle expression, showing no hostility.
A biting wind swept past his hair. Cold sweat seeped from Che Cheng's forehead. He stared intently at the two figures. It was a greeting like that of old friends, yet it sent a chill down his spine.
This place was still a thousand miles away from Purple Cloud City. He couldn't understand why the two had arrived so quickly.
Che Cheng knew clearly that when Chen Xiao and Medusa Queen appeared, his mission had already turned into a bubble. There was no longer any chance of completing his plan.
What made him even more chilled was that now, whether he could leave unharmed was full of uncertainty.
After all, the relationship between the Black Emperor Sect and Purple Firmament Pavilion was now known to everyone.
Thinking of this, cold sweat couldn't help but seep from Che Cheng's forehead.
Being leisurely observed by Chen Xiao and Medusa Queen, Che Cheng forced a smile.
"Pavilion Master Chen, I had no intention of offending. This time..." Che Cheng stammered, trying to explain.
"Scram!"
Before Che Cheng could finish speaking, he was impatiently interrupted by Chen Xiao.
Hearing this soft shout, Che Cheng was not angry but happy, thinking that as long as he could temporarily escape, it would be fine. He quickly put on a smiling face, slightly cupped his fists, bowed and retreated. After retreating a certain distance, he flapped his wings and quickly flew towards the Black Emperor Sect, afraid that Chen Xiao would change his mind.
"Aren't you going to keep him?"
It wasn't until Che Cheng completely disappeared from sight that Medusa Queen spoke.
Just a mere Che Cheng, let alone her, even Chen Xiao could easily keep him.
She had thought that with Chen Xiao's style, he would keep him without hesitation, but she didn't expect him to let him leave.
"Che Cheng is insignificant. There's no need to provoke Mo Tianxing," Chen Xiao shook his head slightly.
In the battle half a month ago, the Black Emperor Sect's Elder Qi, whom Mo Tianxing valued greatly, had perished. Even Mo Ya was severely injured with a broken arm. This had already pushed Mo Tianxing to his limit.
If he were to be further pressured, Mo Tianxing might become desperate and break the existing balance. Then, it would undoubtedly be more troublesome for Chen Xiao to deal with Demon Flame Valley.
Medusa Queen nodded gently, not paying much attention.
Just a mere Dou Huang. Now even Hai Bo Dong couldn't threaten him, let alone others.
Without paying much attention to Che Cheng's whereabouts, the two turned back to look at the palace-dressed woman behind them.
"Why was Shop Owner Yao being chased by Che Cheng?"
When they were in Black Emperor City, Chen Xiao and Little Fairy Doctor had visited Thousand Medicine Shop and met the owner once.
This person didn't leave a deep impression on Chen Xiao. Whether it was from personal contact or in his memory, her presence was not strong.
Having escaped from danger, Shop Owner Yao's expression softened. She bowed deeply to Chen Xiao and Medusa Queen, expressing her gratitude, "Thank you, Pavilion Master Chen and Madam, for saving me from danger. To be honest, half a month ago, I had Thousand Medicine Shop withdraw from Black Emperor City. I originally wanted to settle down in Purple Cloud City, but who would have thought..."
She shook her head slightly, her eyes filled with fatigue and unwillingness, and then slowly recounted the events.
Not minding her incorrect address, Chen Xiao suddenly understood.
This matter was not complicated.
Thousand Medicine Shop wanted to leave, and the Black Emperor Sect did not allow it. It could be summarized in this simple sentence.
"Shop Owner Yao is quite courageous. To come and seek refuge in my Purple Firmament Pavilion at this time, aren't you afraid of being liquidated if we lose the fight against Demon Flame Valley? However, since Shop Owner Yao is interested, Purple Cloud City also welcomes Thousand Medicine Shop to settle in. For specific details, you can first discuss with the Ice Emperor."
During this period, the reactions of the various forces in the Black-Corner Region varied. Most of them were watching from the sidelines, waiting for Purple Firmament Pavilion and Demon Flame Valley to determine the victor.
Thousand Medicine Shop was not strong, but it was the first force to decisively lean towards Purple Firmament Pavilion, which could be considered a big gamble.
Perhaps because he had been in contact with Hai Bo Dong for a long time, Chen Xiao still admired people with such courage.
In addition, allowing Thousand Medicine Shop to settle in would bring huge benefits every year, so there was absolutely no reason to refuse.
"Thank you, Pavilion Master! This concubine will now head to Purple Cloud City."
Shop Owner Yao bowed again gracefully before getting up and leaving.
However, after flying several hundred feet, she suddenly turned back.
She took out a wooden box from her Storage Ring, and instantly, a chill permeated from it.
But what was peculiar was that this chill wasn't stimulating; instead, it was somewhat restrained, making one feel refreshed upon sensing it.
Especially Chen Xiao, who could feel that the wooden box seemed to have a very special attraction to him, causing the Dou Qi in his body to circulate uncontrollably faster, as if it were cultivating on its own.
"This concubine has no way to repay the Pavilion Master's life-saving grace. I suddenly remembered that many years ago, my Thousand Medicine Shop obtained a pair of jade pendants by chance."
"This pair of jade pendants is extremely special. If worn by someone with a fire attribute, it will invisibly suppress cultivation, making it difficult to make any progress even after cultivating diligently for many days. Conversely, if worn by someone with an ice attribute, it has the effect of calming the mind, concentrating the spirit, and accelerating cultivation. This concubine is not of the ice attribute, and it is difficult to make use of it, so I will gift it to the Pavilion Master."
Saying this, Shop Owner Yao handed over the wooden box.
Listening to her explanation, Medusa Queen was slightly surprised.
Meanwhile, Chen Xiao's eyes revealed immense delight.
He instantly thought of an Ice Attribute Spiritual Object that Hai Bo Dong and Teng Shan had told him about many years ago in the Tagor Desert.
Ice Spirit Jade!
Its effect was exactly the same as what Shop Owner Yao had described!
Chen Xiao had tried to pre-order this item before, but he couldn't until the last time he pre-ordered the Heavenly Demon Puppet.
This Ice Spirit Jade, for those with an ice attribute, was as precious as the help the Fallen Heart Flame provided to those with a fire attribute!
Chen Xiao hadn't expected to obtain something he had searched for without any clues so easily today.
This truly was,
Fate, wonderfully inexplicable!
"I accept it. You can settle down in Purple Cloud City with peace of mind. As for the Black Emperor Sect, you don't need to worry. When the time comes for reckoning, I will include you."
Shop Owner Yao's eyes widened slightly. She had only intended to repay the life-saving grace with this, never expecting to receive such an unexpected surprise.
"Thank you, Pavilion Master!"
After thanking him yet again, Shop Owner Yao turned and flew towards Purple Cloud City.
Chen Xiao withdrew his gaze and, under Medusa Queen's stunned watch, summoned the Heavenly Demon Puppet and ordered it to open the wooden box.
Only after confirming there were no risks did he step forward and take out the pair of jade pendants.
The pair of jade pendants were overall frost-white, with a soft matte surface, as if condensed from moonlight.
On the edge of the jade pendants, flowing cloud patterns were carved, and in the center, the shape of twin butterflies was hollowed out. The butterfly wings were outlined with extremely fine gold threads, and a few strands of ice-blue silk threads were attached to the tails, as if the butterflies were about to flap their wings and fly. Chen Xiao's nose twitched slightly, and a faint, almost imperceptible fragrance of orchids lingered, adding a touch of mystery and elegance to the pair of jade pendants.
Holding the two jade pendants in his palms, Chen Xiao closed his eyes slightly and circulated the cultivation technique within his body.
Instantly, Chen Xiao felt as if his physique had changed, as if he was no longer a body of flesh and blood, but had become a body of jade. The ice attribute Dou Qi within his body also surged like a flood released from a dam.
After a long time, Chen Xiao slowly opened his eyes, a hint of unconcealed shock in his gaze.
This small pair of jade pendants had actually increased his cultivation speed by more than twenty percent!
It was indeed a good item, no wonder he couldn't pre-order it until now!
"It seems you've stumbled upon a great find."
Medusa Queen's voice sounded, and Chen Xiao looked over.
He saw that this woman, for some unknown reason, seemed to be in a good mood. Her bright red lips were slightly curved as if brushed by a spring breeze, and even the gold ornaments swaying in her hair seemed to tremble slightly with her smile. There was a rare hint of lazy ease in her every movement.
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