"What?" Upon hearing this, Yao Lao's expression instantly darkened, and an intense killing intent unconsciously spread across his face. "Is this true?"
Seeing this, Xiao Yan was also startled. Having followed Yao Lao for several years, this was the first time he had seen such a gloomy and vicious expression on his teacher's face.
Lin Yuan nodded and said in a deep voice, "Naturally, it is true. I have no reason to deceive you, Senior, do I?"
As he spoke, he showed Yao Lao the spoils he had obtained from those Soul Envoys, and continued, "With the scale of their organization, those 'jié jié' fellows can appear in any corner of the continent. No matter what, Senior, you should be cautious and not let them discover your whereabouts."
"'Jié jié' fellows…" Hearing Lin Yuan's description, Yao Lao was momentarily stunned, then smiled knowingly. "That description is rather fitting."
Afterward, Yao Lao fell into deep thought, his brows tightly furrowed as his expression grew increasingly grave.
If the Soul Hall had agents active within the Jia Ma Empire, then when Xiao Yan went to the Misty Cloud Sect to fulfill the three-year agreement, he would have to be extremely cautious. Ideally, he should remain hidden and avoid taking action. Once he made a move, especially if it involved confronting Yun Shan there would be a risk of exposure. And once exposed, the Soul Hall would pursue him like mad dogs.
At this moment, Xiao Yan, who had been listening from the side, was completely confused by the conversation between Lin Yuan and Yao Lao.
Looking at Yao Lao's serious expression and sensing the heavy atmosphere, he couldn't help but feel tense. He asked in a low voice, "Teacher, Brother Tianshu, what exactly are you talking about?"
Yao Lao glanced at Xiao Yan's anxious expression and gave him a reassuring look, but did not explain. This was not the time to tell him, he had to ensure that Xiao Yan could face his upcoming challenge without distraction.
Turning to Lin Yuan, Yao Lao began to inquire further, "Little friend, where exactly did you discover their traces?"
Lin Yuan seemed to recall the scene from that day before replying, "About a month ago, near Zhen Gui Pass in the Jia Ma Empire."
"Zhen Gui Pass toward the direction of the Black-Corner Region?" Yao Lao muttered. "I see. Those people like to collect souls—border battlefields with heavy casualties are indeed their preferred hunting grounds."
"And how strong were the ones you encountered?" Yao Lao continued.
Lin Yuan thought for a moment before answering seriously, "They weren't particularly strong, just some Soul Envoys at the Dou King level."
"Soul Envoys…" Yao Lao felt slightly relieved upon hearing this. "That is at least some good news."
However, when he thought of the impending three-year agreement, worry resurfaced in his heart. If Soul Envoys could be found near the empire's borders, it meant the Soul Hall might already have informants within the Jia Ma Empire. He would have to act even more cautiously to avoid exposing himself.
At the same time, he began to consider how to deal with the possible confrontation with the Misty Cloud Sect.
Based on his recent investigations, Yao Lao had gained some understanding of Yun Shan and the Misty Cloud Sect's style. Yun Shan was someone who valued the sect's honor above all else.
Especially after breaking through to Dou Ancestor, his approach had become even more domineering. For the sake of the sect's reputation, he had even deposed and exiled the previous Sect Leader, Yun Yun his own beloved disciple whom he had raised personally.
If Xiao Yan were to defeat Nalan Yanran, Yun Shan's direct disciple, in full public view during the three-year agreement, it would be equivalent to trampling on the Misty Cloud Sect's prestige. To preserve that honor, there was nothing Yun Shan wouldn't do, and Yao Lao would not find it surprising in the slightest.
Moreover, within the Misty Cloud Sect, there was also Gu He, a Sixth-Grade alchemist who coveted Heavenly Flames immensely.
Yao Lao knew all too well how irresistible Heavenly Flames were to alchemists and just how extreme their actions could become in pursuit of one.
Xiao Yan, merely a Dou Grandmaster yet possessing a Heavenly Flame, would appear no different from a delicacy served on a platter in front of Gu He.
There was no other reason, possessing a treasure invites disaster.
And if a confrontation truly occurred on the enemy's home ground, with a Dou Ancestor present, the chances of Xiao Yan escaping unscathed without his intervention would be extremely slim.
Lin Yuan quietly observed Yao Lao, who was deep in thought, waiting—waiting for him to seek cooperation.
Lin Yuan's visit this time was naturally not just to reminisce. He also wanted to assess Yao Lao's current condition and gauge the extent of his recovered strength, so as to better evaluate the situation.
At the same time, he did have some intention of investing in Yao Lao.
After all, once Yao Lao regained his physical body, he would be a Dou Venerate or even a Half-Saint, an existence at the peak of power.
And right now was his weakest period. By offering information about the Soul Hall—something of little value to himself, he could provide timely assistance and build goodwill. It was a low-cost, high-return move.
Moreover, since he intended to eventually enter the Central Plains circle, establishing a connection with such a powerful figure in advance would only benefit him.
Additionally, Lin Yuan was very interested in the method Yao Lao possessed for refining a perfect physical body that could house a soul. He hoped to obtain it through this cooperation.
After all, the most difficult requirement—gathering three types of Heavenly Flames—had already been resolved by him.
At present, he possessed the Green Lotus Core Flame, the Sea Heart Flame, and a sub-flame of the Fallen Heart Flame. Obtaining the main body of the Fallen Heart Flame would not be difficult either.
As for the three materials required for body refinement, Bone-Melting Blood-Fusing Pill, the essence bloodline of a Seventh-Grade magical beast, and the remains of a Dou Ancestor, none posed a problem for Lin Yuan.
The first material, the Bone-Melting Blood-Fusing Pill: Lin Yuan had already obtained its formula from Han Feng's collection, and had gathered most of the ingredients. By his estimation, if he went all out, he currently had a 20% chance of successfully refining this peak Seventh-Grade pill. In the future, his success rate would only increase.
The second material, the essence bloodline of a Seventh-Grade magical beast: this was not an issue either. He already possessed the corpse of a newly advanced Seventh-Grade magical beast. Furthermore, during his journey from the Black-Corner Region to the Tagore Desert, he had recorded the locations of several mountain ranges inhabited by Seventh-Grade beasts. He could simply hunt a few later.
The third material, the remains of a Dou Ancestor: this too was not a problem. In the Northwestern Region and the Black-Corner Region, there were several Dou Ancestor-level factions he intended to eliminate anyway, as they possessed items he needed. When the time came, he could simply collect a few sets of remains along the way.
Lin Yuan silently watched Yao Lao, who had his eyes closed in contemplation, waiting for his decision.
The reason he had revealed information about the Soul Hall was precisely to create demand to make Yao Lao need something from him, thereby establishing a foundation for negotiation.
After several minutes, Yao Lao opened his eyes. A clear, discerning light flowed within them, he had already reached a decision.
He understood that Lin Yuan's visit must have another purpose, not merely goodwill.
However, that did not matter. For Yao Lao, as long as Lin Yuan could help him resolve his current predicament, his motives were irrelevant.
With that in mind, Yao Lao slowly spoke, "It seems you have already seen through my current predicament. By informing me of this matter, you must be seeking something from me, correct?"
Lin Yuan clapped lightly and sighed in admiration. "As expected of Senior Yao, you saw through my intentions immediately."
He then spoke frankly, "There are two reasons. First, I truly do not wish to see someone of your stature fall into the hands of those people. Second, I have a problem that may require your wisdom and experience to resolve."
He nodded slightly and continued, "I have always upheld the principle of goodwill and mutually beneficial cooperation. However, whether or not to cooperate with me is ultimately your decision, Senior."
"You are quite straightforward." A trace of appreciation flashed in Yao Lao's eyes. "I do admire you. If the conditions are suitable, I am willing to cooperate with you. Speak—what is it?"
Lin Yuan pondered briefly before saying solemnly, "I have an elder whose situation is similar to yours, his physical body has been destroyed, leaving only his soul. As one of the continent's top alchemists, do you possess a method that could allow him to regain a physical body?"
At these words, a flash of delight appeared in Yao Lao's eyes. It felt like receiving a pillow just as one was about to fall asleep.
He did indeed possess such a method for refining a physical body, though it had never been put into practice. If someone was willing to attempt it, that was not a bad thing.
Moreover, it could serve as a bargaining chip in his negotiation with Lin Yuan and help him resolve his current troubles.
In addition, the young man before him possessed a Heavenly Flame. If he could borrow Lin Yuan's Green Lotus Core Flame, combined with his own Bone Chilling Flame and Xiao Yan's Wind and Thunder Fury Flame, the most difficult step in refining a body, gathering three Heavenly Flames would be complete.
However, despite the many thoughts running through his mind, Yao Lao's expression remained calm and unchanged.
After Lin Yuan finished speaking, Yao Chen pondered briefly before slowly saying,
"I do indeed have a method to resolve what you speak of. However, this method was obtained by chance, and it is quite difficult to execute. Moreover, I cannot guarantee success."
Hearing this, Lin Yuan said in a deep voice,
"Senior, please enlighten me."
Yao Chen then took out a scroll containing the secret method for refining a body and briefly explained the process to Lin Yuan.
After listening, Lin Yuan seemed to think for a moment before saying, "This method is exactly what I need. Now, Senior may state your conditions."
Yao Chen smiled faintly, raising the scroll in his hand as he said, "Very simple. You will protect Xiao Yan as he goes to the Misty Cloud Sect to fulfill the three-year agreement. Once it is accomplished, this scroll will be yours. If your elder uses this method, you must inform me of its effects afterward."
"After that, you will lend me your Green Lotus Core Flame once, using the alchemists' flame-borrowing method. Of course, I am not taking your Heavenly Flame, only borrowing it in the proper manner among alchemists."
Lin Yuan frowned slightly, as if weighing the pros and cons.
After a long pause, he slowly spoke,
"Senior Yao, I have no objections regarding informing you of the effects or lending the flame. However, regarding protecting Brother Xiao at the three-year agreement…"
"Oh? What about it?" Yao Chen raised an eyebrow.
Lin Yuan shook his head slightly.
"Rashly going to someone else's home ground is not my style. Moreover, I do not wish to appear before the people of the Jia Ma Empire. So, can this condition be adjusted slightly?"
"Oh? Adjusted? How do you propose we do that?" Yao Chen asked with interest.
A faint smile appeared on Lin Yuan's lips.
"What you are worried about is none other than Yun Shan, the Dou Ancestor, making a move. At that time, you would be forced to act, exposing yourself and drawing unwanted attention, correct?"
Yao Chen nodded. That was indeed his concern.
"Then why not change our approach?" Lin Yuan said meaningfully. "If, on the day Brother Xiao fulfills the agreement, Yun Shan is not at the Misty Cloud Sect, wouldn't the problem be solved?"
"I have a way to ensure that Yun Shan will not be present that day. As for the rest, it should be much easier for you to handle. Without Yun Shan, even if you do not act, Brother Xiao should still be able to leave safely."
As he spoke, Lin Yuan cast a subtle glance toward the direction where Ling Ying was hiding.
Yao Chen's eyes lit up. This was indeed an excellent solution. If Yun Shan was absent, then with Jia Xing Tian from the imperial family and the Alchemist Association backing Xiao Yan, the Misty Cloud Sect might not even take action.
Even if they did, the peak Dou Emperor expert sent by Xiao Yan's young lover would be enough to ensure his safe retreat, even without Yao Chen intervening.
Thinking this through, Yao Chen nodded slightly. "Indeed, your strategy is feasible. I accept."
Lin Yuan nodded and said solemnly,
"For this to succeed, I will need the cooperation of both of you in one matter."
"What matter?"
"Before the battle, Xiao Yan and Yan Xiao must not be revealed to be the same person to the Misty Cloud Sect. Otherwise, luring Yun Shan away will become far more difficult."
"Why?" Xiao Yan asked.
Lin Yuan smiled lightly. "Because you possess a Heavenly Flame, Brother Xiao. Gu He's obsession with Heavenly Flames is no joke."
"As far as I know, the former Sect Leader of the Misty Cloud Sect, Yun Yun, was Gu He's beloved. She was expelled from the sect because she helped him search for a Heavenly Flame in the desert, trespassed into the Snake-People's Holy City, and was defeated and captured by Queen Medusa."
"Gu He is someone who would even lead people deep into the Snake-People territory just for the sake of a Heavenly Flame."
"Now think about it, Brother Xiao, you are merely a Dou Grandmaster, yet you possess a Heavenly Flame and deliver yourself right before him. Do you think he would let you go easily?"
After a brief pause, Lin Yuan continued,
"If your identity is exposed in advance, he will certainly make preparations and wait for you to fall into his trap. To ensure absolute success, he might even request Yun Shan to take action. If that happens, I may not be able to lure Yun Shan away."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan fell silent for a moment before cupping his fists.
"I see. Thank you for the reminder, Brother Tian Shu."
Only now did he realize how dangerous his usual behavior had been. If the roles were reversed, even he did not know what he might do.
"Perhaps, in places I do not see, Teacher has already shielded me from countless hidden dangers…"
Thinking of this, Xiao Yan looked at Yao Chen with even greater gratitude.
Meanwhile…
"Achoo!"
Not far away, in the shadows, Ling Ying sneezed. Rubbing his nose, he muttered,
"Who's thinking about me?"
His gaze then shifted toward Xiao Yan, Lin Yuan, and Yao Chen. "Who is this person? He shouldn't be from the Jia Ma Empire. To have such cultivation at such a young age truly terrifying."
"How should I report this to Miss so that Young Master Xiao Yan appears even more outstanding…" he added, somewhat troubled.
On the other side, Lin Yuan continued discussing the detailed plan with Yao Chen and Xiao Yan.
He also revealed to Xiao Yan that the imperial family and the Mittel Family already knew his true identity, as well as the matter of his father being appointed city lord.
"In short, for concealing your identity, Brother Xiao can ask your friends in the imperial family for assistance. As for the Mittel Family, I will have them suppress the information. I have done them favors, this small matter is nothing."
Lin Yuan's attention to detail demonstrated his sincerity in cooperation.
After finalizing everything, Xiao Yan solemnly cupped his fists toward Lin Yuan.
"I'll have to trouble you this time, Brother Tian Shu."
Lin Yuan waved his hand casually.
"No need for thanks. This is mutually beneficial. If Brother Xiao were to fall here, there would be one less peer to compete with on the continent in the future, that would be quite a pity."
"Competing across the continent…" Xiao Yan repeated softly, his eyes shining with anticipation. "I, Xiao Yan, will not disappoint."
With the serious matters settled, Lin Yuan finally allowed himself a bit of humor.
"Brother Xiao, your choice of alias was rather careless," Lin Yuan said with a smile. "Yan Xiao and Xiao Yan, anyone paying slight attention could connect the two. Otherwise, even the imperial family wouldn't have discovered your identity so easily."
Xiao Yan gave a bitter smile. He had always known the risk, yet he still chose that name.
"Perhaps deep down, I wanted someone to see through it," he thought. "I wanted to astonish others…"
"Just didn't expect the three-year agreement to become so complicated."
Yao Chen seemed to see through his thoughts. Patting his shoulder, he said with a smile,
"Young people should be steady, but they must also have passion and drive. Don't regret it, every decision you make becomes part of your growth."
Though Yao Chen knew most of Xiao Yan's choices, he never interfered. That youthful vigor was precisely what he appreciated.
Hearing this, Xiao Yan nodded firmly.
Lin Yuan also nodded and said loudly,
"Seeing Brother Xiao's determination, I am reassured. Then I wish you victory in the upcoming Alchemist Grand Meeting."
"Brother Tian Shu, you are also an alchemist. Don't you plan to participate?" Xiao Yan asked.
Lin Yuan smiled calmly, confidence overflowing in his eyes. "If I participate, there would be no suspense, it would be too boring."
"So this stage is yours, Brother Xiao. As for our duel, let us leave it for eight years later, at the Pill Gathering in Central Plains."
"Eight years later the Pill Gathering?"
"That's right. Eight years from now will be the next Pill Gathering, the greatest event for alchemists in the Central Plains. Senior Yao once won the championship there and later became the number one alchemist on the continent."
"I hope that by then, Brother Xiao will be worthy of being my opponent, so that we may have a proper showdown."
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