Chapter 208: Establishing the Flame Alliance
The pill in Xiao Yan's hand was about the size of a longan fruit, with a smooth surface that shimmered in alternating shades of black and red. One side felt cool to the touch, while the other radiated warmth, creating an oddly comforting sensation.
As he examined the Yin Yang Life Soul Pill, Xiao Yan's eyes glinted with satisfaction. Successfully refining this pill proved that his alchemy skills had reached the peak of seventh grade.
However, he understood that even among seventh grade peak alchemists, the skill gap could be significant. Some might refine a pill using two sets of materials, while others required four or five attempts to succeed.
This disparity in efficiency clearly separated the elite from the mediocre.
Xiao Yan's current achievement was largely thanks to the assistance of his Heavenly Flame. Without it, refining even a high grade seventh tier pill would have been fraught with failure.
But now, with his superior tools and skills, all he needed was experience further refining such pills would help him stabilize at this level. Once he perfected his craft, he could begin preparing to ascend to the eighth tier as an alchemist.
Smiling faintly, he carefully placed the black and red pill into a jade bottle.
Yun Potian's Anticipation
Floating nearby, Yun Potian reduced to his spiritual form stared longingly at the jade bottle. He knew that pill was the key to reviving him.
As Xiao Yan stored the Yin Yang Life Soul Pill, the ominous thunderclouds that had loomed overhead for so long finally dispersed. A single ray of dawn broke through the night's stillness, heralding a new day.
Xiao Yan scanned the crowd gathered at the Refining Square, his eyes calm yet sharp.
The Announcement of the Flame Alliance
"Everyone!" Xiao Yan smiled faintly, his voice steady yet powerful enough to carry across the square.
"I believe many of you have already heard of my plans for the Flame Alliance. Today, I officially announce that the Flame Alliance is no longer a mere idea it is now a reality!"
His words hit like a thunderclap. Those on the verge of sleep snapped to attention, their eyes wide with shock.
In recent months, many had noticed the strange movements in Jia Ma Imperial City. Yet the visiting dignitaries from neighboring nations had been cautious, unwilling to act rashly.
After all, the terrifying strength hidden within Jia Ma Empire was no secret. Tales of Lei Yinhuang being reduced to ashes in the Mittel Clan's manor were still circulating in nearby empires.
Xiao Yan ignored their startled expressions, his smile unwavering as he continued:
"You needn't be alarmed. Allow me to clarify something:
The Flame Alliance already has three Dou Zun as its elder protectors. These three are:
Venerable Fukang, now the leader of the Flame Alliance's Pill Hall.The Serpent Emperor, head of Sky Serpent Manor.The founder of the Cloud Mist Sect, Yun Potian."
Shock Ripples Through the Crowd
Xiao Yan's words were like a stone dropped into a still pond, sending waves of astonishment rippling through the crowd.
"Venerable Fukang, the Serpent Emperor, and Yun Potian…?"
The names echoed among the visitors, particularly those from neighboring nations, who were left dumbfounded.
"Three Dou Zuns?!"
On the Northwest Continent, any faction with even one Dou Zun was considered a major force. For a newly formed alliance to have three Dou Zuns from the outset was unheard of.
Growing Enthusiasm
"Please, remain calm!" Xiao Yan raised a hand to silence the rising murmurs. His tone was composed, yet it carried an undeniable authority.
"Three Dou Zuns are merely the founding elders of the Flame Alliance. As we expand, more Dou Zuns will join our ranks."
He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing, "From this day forth, the Flame Alliance is officially recruiting talented individuals. Those who join and contribute to the alliance will be rewarded generously. Accumulate enough contribution points, and you'll gain access to rare pills, cultivation techniques, and battle skills."
Temptation
His final statement left many in the audience visibly moved.
These weren't ordinary people they were leaders and elites from their respective nations. Yet despite their positions, obtaining the resources they truly desired be it high grade pills, rare techniques, or powerful battle skills was often a monumental challenge.
Now, Xiao Yan was offering them precisely what they lacked.
The Birth of a Giant
Xiao Yan's announcement marked a monumental shift in the power dynamics of the Northwest Continent. With three Dou Zuns already standing guard, and the promise of abundant rewards for talent, the Flame Alliance was poised to become a colossus in the region.
The crowd's whispers grew louder, blending excitement with nervous anticipation.
High above, the first rays of dawn bathed Xiao Yan in golden light as he stood at the heart of the square a young man reshaping the fate of nations.
The Flame Alliance, supported by three Dou Zun level powerhouses, was an unparalleled force in the region. For many, joining such a formidable organization meant becoming part of a major power, providing safety and influence.
Xiao Yan stood amidst the excited murmurs, his smile calm yet persuasive as he continued,
"The Flame Alliance, in its early stages, requires a large number of alchemists for support. Thus, I promise this: any alchemist who joins the Flame Alliance will receive a beast flame matching their alchemical rank, as well as a formula of the same level!"
Excitement Among Alchemists
As soon as his words fell, the alchemists in the crowd collectively held their breath, their faces flushing with excitement.
Xiao Yan's offer struck at the heart of their desires.
For mid to low tier alchemists in the Northwest Continent, resources were incredibly limited. Many low level alchemists didn't even possess a beast flame, a critical tool for refining pills.
Obtaining a beast flame could significantly enhance their abilities. And pill formulas? They were priceless treasures no alchemist would ever complain about having too many.
Seeing the growing fervor of the crowd, Xiao Yan nodded inwardly. His plan was working.
With such generous promises and the prestige of three Dou Zun powerhouses as the alliance's foundation, news of the Flame Alliance's benefits would spread like wildfire. Soon, countless powerhouses would flock to its banner.
Wrapping Up the Gathering
"Everyone," Xiao Yan said with a faint smile, "that will be all for today. Go home and rest well."
As his words echoed, his figure vanished into the sky.
Before leaving, he transmitted instructions via soul voice transmission to several key figures within his faction.
Receiving Xiao Yan's commands, the leaders of various allied factions centered around Xiao Yan's close companions also began to depart.
The remaining guests, left alone in the square, wore excited and thoughtful expressions.
Exhausted Yet Fulfilled
With Xiao Yan gone, many low tier alchemists finally succumbed to their exhaustion.
"Thud, thud!"
One after another, they collapsed onto the ground, falling into a deep sleep where they stood.
They had spent eight days and nights intensely observing Xiao Yan's alchemical techniques. The mental strain of such prolonged concentration was unbearable.
However, even in their slumber, smiles lingered on their faces. To them, this grand alchemical gathering was an unparalleled opportunity, a transformative experience.
In just a few months, many of these alchemists might find themselves breaking through their current limitations.
The other powerhouses glanced at one another, then began gathering their sleeping alchemists to leave.
A Spreading Storm of News
As the crowd dispersed, a storm of information began to ripple across the Northwest Continent.
Reports quickly emerged from Jia Ma Empire:
A young Dou Zong had appeared, wielding both terrifying strength and the ability to refine seventh tier peak pills.This young powerhouse had established a massive organization known as the Flame Alliance.Despite its newness, the alliance already boasted three Dou Zun guardians.
Then came the explosive revelation from a Dou Huang who had encountered Xiao Yan twice:
This young man was none other than the figure who, during the Seven Colored Demon Saint's legacy battle, had defeated over twenty Dou Zong level powerhouses while only at the Dou Huang pinnacle!
Shock and Recognition
This revelation stunned countless strongholds but also made sense.
Many had heard of Xiao Yan's exploits during the Seven Colored Demon Saint inheritance battle, where his unmatched strength and cunning had left a deep impression.
Now, with his strength and background further confirmed, countless powerhouses reevaluated their impressions.
Xiao Yan's personal strength alone was monstrous, but his backing was even more terrifying.
Reports also detailed that Xiao Yan's two guardians had effortlessly slain Shi Tian, the Dou Zun master of the Lion Abyss Sect. And the alliance's Dou Zun level elders, Fukang Venerable and the Sky Serpent Manor Leader, had publicly pledged their allegiance to him.
The Shadow of the Xiao Clan
However, what truly made higher level powerhouses tremble was a deeper secret only the most informed individuals understood:
Not long ago, the Northwest Continent had been quietly swept by the spiritual scans of Dou Shengs.
These unfathomably powerful entities were believed to be part of the Xiao Clan, a legendary and hidden lineage rarely seen on the surface of the continent.
To those in the know, the Xiao Clan was a behemoth, so powerful that even Dou Zun level powerhouses had to tread lightly around it.
Now, for the first time in centuries, the Xiao Clan seemed poised to reveal itself through the actions of Xiao Yan and his Flame Alliance.
Widespread Speculation
The implications were staggering.
Was Xiao Yan the Xiao Clan's representative in this region?
Was the Flame Alliance merely the beginning of the Xiao Clan's grand plans?
As rumors swirled and guesses flew, one thing was certain: Xiao Yan's name was now known throughout the Northwest Continent.
And the Flame Alliance had become a force that no one could ignore.
A Return to the Cloud Mist Sect
Amid this rising storm of speculation and ambition, the mastermind behind it all, Xiao Yan, had quietly returned to the Cloud Mist Sect.
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