Having claimed the greatest treasure within the Dou Saint's Relic, Liu Xi wasted no time. He led Zi Yan and Qing Lin swiftly toward the exit—there was no chance of leaving the way they came. Though unaware of the precise situation outside, Liu Xi knew well that once a Dou Saint's Relic surfaced, it would never remain hidden for long. If anyone were to see him emerging from the relic alive, their imaginations would do the rest—and trouble would inevitably follow.
At a time like this, even the title of an 8th Tier Alchemist could not shield him. Who would listen to talk of "fate and destined treasures" before a pile of fortune gleaming under their eyes? Greed could drive even the wise to madness. The wrath of the masses was not something any one man could endure. Even with the Pill Tower's protection or the support of his allies, there would always be those who would risk everything for a single chance.
Hiding within the spatial crevices, Liu Xi instructed Zi Yan to scout the situation outside. Sure enough, what she found was exactly as he feared—the Beast Bone Mountain Range was now flooded with countless powers, both human and beast. The Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe and the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe were among them, as well as other, lesser-known but still formidable beast bloodlines.
As for humanity, every major and minor faction from the Central Plains had sent experts to investigate. Even so, the true overlords behind these powers had yet to appear in person—an unexpected blessing.
After seeking a secluded spot far from prying eyes, Liu Xi opened a hidden spatial fissure and slipped out of the crevice in silence. Without Zi Yan's mastery of spatial power, it would have been impossible to move so freely. Otherwise, he would still be wandering the mountain range, unable to escape until the relic fully emerged.
Once outside, Liu Xi stood hidden in the corner of the mountain range, his expression faintly amused. Through his Spiritual Perception, he could sense familiar auras: the Four Pavilions Alliance, Burning Flame Valley, Ice River Valley… even the Pill Tower's people had arrived. Nearly all of the Central Plains' major factions had gathered.
Yet, this time, they were destined to leave empty-handed. The relic had been stripped bare by his own hands. Perhaps not every trinket was taken, but the true treasures—the essence of the Dou Saint's legacy—were already in his possession.
Still, it wasn't all bad. At least there would be no bloodbath this time. When the truth came out, perhaps these factions could even console each other—sharing in the collective sorrow of having entered a relic and gained nothing but experience.
"Zi Yan, Qing Lin—let's go," Liu Xi finally said. "We can't stay here, and the Central Plains is no longer safe for us either. Let's head to… yes, the Ancient Dragon Island. It's time we settle down and refine what we've gained."
Indeed, the safest place now was the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe's island. Hidden deep within the endless Void, it was a sanctuary even the Pill Tower couldn't find. Having swallowed an entire Dou Saint's Relic alone, Liu Xi needed time away from all eyes and rumors.
Zi Yan nodded. The Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit she had obtained must be reported to the elders—and so must the news of Zhu Kun.
She raised her delicate jade hand and traced a line through the air. The space before them split open soundlessly, revealing the endless black expanse of the Void.
"Qing Lin, come," Liu Xi said with a faint smile. "You'll finally get to see the Ancient Dragon Island. And while we're there, we'll solve that problem with your Ancient Heavenly Serpent. Since it wishes to survive through you, it will have to pay its price."
"Understood," Qing Lin answered softly, clutching the little pill beast in her arms. Liu Xi had entrusted the creature to her care—it might be needed again soon.
The three stepped through the rift one after another. The spatial fissure closed behind them, sealing all traces of their passage. Within the Dou Saint's Relic, every mark of their battle had long been erased—no one would ever find a clue pointing to them.
Drifting through the endless Void, the trio pressed onward. Zi Yan, now a 4-Star Dou Zun, could traverse the Void with ease. Even the deep regions where the Ancient Dragon Island lay hidden posed no challenge to her. With a casual wave of her hand, she forged a gleaming silver path through the darkness. The purple radiance around her body shimmered softly, calming even the raging spatial storms that howled within the void.
Darkness stretched infinitely in every direction, while beneath their feet flowed a single, silvery-white corridor leading into the mysterious depths.
Since the Beast Bone Mountain Range was already close to the island's hidden domain, only a few hours passed before the vast silver light of the Ancient Dragon Island appeared ahead.
"That was fast," Liu Xi said with a smile of genuine admiration. "Zi Yan, your control over spatial power has grown frighteningly precise since your breakthrough."
Zi Yan's eyes curved into a gentle smile. "It's part of my bloodline's gift. Once my strength rose, mastery of space simply came naturally."
"Then it seems there's nowhere on the continent you can't take me," Liu Xi replied, amused but sincere.
Zi Yan nodded solemnly. "Anywhere you wish to go, big brother, I can lead you there."
Liu Xi chuckled softly, his heart stirred by her words. "Come then—Elder Zhu Li is probably waiting for us already."
"Mm." Zi Yan smiled, and with a flash of violet light, the three crossed the final barrier. The silvery spatial halo shimmered as they stepped through.
The scenery shifted—the dark void gave way to a radiant sky. Below lay the boundless Ancient Dragon Island, stretching across the horizon with its mountains, forests, lakes, and canyons, just as majestic as before.
A booming laugh echoed across the sky before the trio had even landed. "Haha! Brother Liu Xi! Elder Zhu Li told me to wait here for you all. And… wait—"
A massive shadow descended from above, landing before them. The newcomer's cheerful voice belonged to none other than Hei Qing. His gaze quickly shifted to the girl beside Liu Xi—and froze.
"This… is Zi Yan?"
He blinked, utterly dumbfounded. The mischievous little girl from before now stood before him as a stunning young woman, her aura noble and awe-inspiring. If not for the faint trace of her familiar bloodline and the resemblance in her face, he might not have believed it.
"Uncle Hei," Zi Yan greeted with a smile, her tone composed yet warm. "Please, take us to see Elder Zhu Li. There's much that must be discussed."
"Ah—of course! Come with me."
Still scratching his head, Hei Qing turned and led the way. The changes were simply too great for him to process. Zi Yan's transformation alone was enough to leave him speechless.
The group ascended toward the highest peak of the island, where none of the dragon guards dared impede them. At the summit, a serene figure stood waiting—white-haired, gentle-faced, with a kindly smile that carried both wisdom and warmth.
Elder Zhu Li.
As the four descended before him, Hei Qing clasped his fists respectfully. "Elder Zhu Li, I've brought them as you instructed!"
"Good," the elder replied, his gaze falling on Zi Yan. The faint smile on his face froze for an instant as astonishment flickered in his eyes—Zi Yan's transformation had surpassed even his imagination.
(End of Chapter)
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