Chapter 171: Ascension to Dou Zong
As the appearance of two intertwined "yin yang" fish inside his Qi Sea solidified, Xiao Yan couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. The successful fusion of two Heavenly Flames within his body was proof that the Flame Mantra was indeed real and powerful, capable of propelling him to the peak of this world.
While elation swelled in his heart, the two small flaming fish began to tremble. Moments later, an unexpected and intense heat surged from his lower abdomen, igniting a sensation far stronger than even the Emperor Flame.
Realizing the situation, Xiao Yan's expression shifted, and he quickly opened his eyes. His gaze darted to the shimmering seven colored cocoon nearby, glowing ever brighter as if on the verge of life. However, the anticipated breathtaking emergence from the cocoon hadn't occurred yet.
"Not good!" Xiao Yan gasped, his breathing quickened. He looked around hastily, searching for anything to cool the flame of desire burning within him. Unfortunately, the only company was the aged First Medusa, her sharp gaze fixed on him.
Slap!
Xiao Yan delivered a firm smack to his own face.
"Control yourself, man. You're better than this!"
The First Medusa tilted her head, clearly puzzled.
"What's wrong? You look... unwell."
"It's nothing. Just... too much energy." Xiao Yan's tone was laced with embarrassment. Suddenly, he recalled the two beauties waiting outside. Unfolding his Dou Qi wings, he prepared to leave.
Before he could escape, a rainbow colored light spread across his path, barring his way.
"What's the meaning of this, Old Lady?" Xiao Yan's voice was tinged with both urgency and frustration.
The First Medusa chuckled softly, her voice calm yet firm.
"Just a reminder, boy. The seven colored serpent could hatch at any moment. If you're not here when she emerges, things might get... complicated later. But it's your choice. If you've got urgent matters, go ahead and leave."
Xiao Yan hesitated, struggling internally. His gaze flickered between the glowing cocoon and the outside world. After a moment of contemplation, he reluctantly turned back.
"No telling how long I'd be gone," he muttered.
However, the relentless fiery sensation in his body refused to subside. The intensity mounted, driving him to the brink of madness.
"Can't take this anymore!" Xiao Yan muttered under his breath. Spotting a large boulder nearby, he dashed behind it without hesitation.
"Hey, boy, what are you up to now?" the First Medusa called out, her tone tinged with amusement.
"Respect a man's privacy, Old Lady!" Xiao Yan's exasperated shout echoed from behind the boulder.
The First Medusa laughed lightly, shaking her head. "Cheeky brat. I see what you're doing."
As someone who had lived for thousands of years, she needed no explanation for his behavior.
Time ticked by, and after about an hour, Xiao Yan emerged from behind the boulder, his face flushed with embarrassment but his aura much calmer. The heat and tension that had tormented him earlier were gone, replaced by a serene and refreshed demeanor.
But guilt gnawed at him.
"I've let myself be ruled by desire. Shameful," he muttered, walking back with a heavy heart.
As he stepped forward, his Qi Sea suddenly began to ripple and tremble. A powerful surge of energy swept through his body, accompanied by a sharp tearing sensation.
"Am I... about to break through?" Xiao Yan's eyes widened in surprise.
For a long time, he had been at the pinnacle of the Nine Star Dou Huang realm, especially after the intense battles and continuous refining of the Heavenly Flames. The past month's progress had only sharpened his foundation further. Now, it seemed, he had stumbled upon the perfect opportunity to ascend to the next realm.
Without hesitation, Xiao Yan wiped his hands clean and sat cross legged on the ground. Closing his eyes, he began to focus entirely on his Qi Sea, guiding the turbulent energy within.
Moments later, his Qi Sea shattered like glass, the reverberating crack signaling the beginning of his breakthrough.
A towering column of energy shot out from the crown of Xiao Yan's head, piercing the sky. The surrounding energy surged toward him like tidal waves, condensing and rushing into his expanding Qi Sea.
Witnessing this phenomenon, the First Medusa's expression shifted to one of astonishment.
"This brat... He's actually breaking through to Dou Zong, just like that?"
The process of ascending to Dou Zong was a daunting hurdle for most practitioners, yet Xiao Yan made it seem effortless.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan's attention was fully devoted to the transformation within his body. The shattered Qi Sea had reformed, larger and more refined than ever before. It expanded significantly, creating a temporary void as the immense energy rushed to fill the space.
For ordinary practitioners, replenishing such a vast reservoir of Dou Qi could take weeks. But Xiao Yan wasn't ordinary.
From his nostrils, two flaming fish darted out, transforming into majestic dragons. These fire dragons, adorned with shimmering rainbow scales, coiled in the air above him. Their fiery bodies radiated an awe inspiring heat as faint images of powerful magical beasts flickered within their flames.
The dragons circled above Xiao Yan, drawing in the rich ambient energy of the pocket dimension. In just half a day, they refined the energy into pure Dou Qi, channeling it directly into Xiao Yan's Qi Sea.
By the time the process was complete, Xiao Yan's Qi Sea brimmed with energy, his foundation stronger than ever.
With a faint smile, he opened his eyes and stood up, clenching his fists to feel the newfound power coursing through him.
"With this strength, I can crush a Three Star Dou Zong in a single punch," he murmured, his voice brimming with confidence.
The First Medusa observed him, her face a mixture of amazement and exasperation.
"You're a monster, boy. Now I understand why the Xiao Clan chose you as their Emperor's Successor."
Xiao Yan scratched his head, grinning sheepishly.
"It's not like I wanted to break through so easily, but when opportunity knocks..."
Before he could finish his sentence, the sky above them darkened abruptly. Thick black clouds swirled into view, crackling with silvery lightning.
Seeing this, both Xiao Yan and the First Medusa turned serious.
"A Heavenly Tribulation?" Xiao Yan muttered.
"Not yours," the First Medusa replied, her gaze locked onto the glowing cocoon.
"She's waking up."
(Chapter Ends)
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