Within the Inner Academy, in a quiet and elegant chamber, Liu Xi sat cross-legged upon a lotus-shaped platform. His eyes were closed, hands forming a seal of cultivation, as dense threads of energy surged toward him from the surrounding air.
Streams of tangible Heaven and Earth converged into the lotus, purified within its light before flowing back into Liu Xi's body.
By the time dawn broke, the dim radiance within his meridians flared once again. Torrents of Dou Qi roared through his body like the rush of a mighty river.
When his energy finally stabilized, Liu Xi opened his inner sight—and a familiar sensation welled up within him. His bones, blood, and very flesh seemed to hum with a deep hunger, as if craving something beyond their reach.
At once, the Nine Nether Ghost Flame Technique began to circulate on its own. The surrounding energy, which had been calm, suddenly became turbulent, pulling toward him with immense force.
A flicker of excitement flashed through Liu Xi's heart. He recognized this feeling all too well—it was the sign of a breakthrough. Having reached the peak of an 8-Star Dou Huang, he stood now at the threshold of the 9-Star Dou Huang realm.
The surrounding Heaven and Earth energy thickened until it took on visible form, a colorful current spiraling into the lotus beneath him. From there it coursed through every pore, refined and drawn into his veins, bones, and muscles, strengthening his body with unrelenting power.
The breakthrough lasted nearly ten hours. When the last trace of energy was absorbed, tranquility returned to the room.
Liu Xi slowly opened his eyes. Within those dark pupils shone a depth as vast as the night sky. Rising from the lotus, a wave of powerful aura radiated from him.
"So this is the power of a 9-Star Dou Huang," he murmured, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Next comes the leap to Dou Zong. There's still no room for complacency."
Putting the lotus away, Liu Xi glanced toward the door. "Now that the Old Earth Demon Ghost is dead, Demon Flame Valley no longer has a true powerhouse. Before leaving the Northwest Region, I might as well pay them a visit. That puppet technique capable of withstanding Pill Lightning—heh, I'll see it perfected."
As he stepped outside, a slender figure awaited him—Xiao Yixian, clad in white. Her pale face held a cold grace, a faint trace of indifference sharpened by the poison within her body.
The moment Liu Xi emerged, her gray-violet eyes softened with warmth.
"You've grown stronger again, Young Master."
Liu Xi smiled lightly. "Nothing escapes your eyes. Just a minor breakthrough—only 9-Star Dou Huang. Come, let's walk."
Xiao Yixian nodded gently, but still kept a measured distance beside him. Even in control, her Woeful Poison Body constantly radiated deadly toxins—close contact was dangerous.
As the two walked through the academy paths, students and elders alike stepped aside with respectful awe. The pair passed silently through, the sight of them commanding reverence.
Before long, they reached the pavilion where Grand Elder Su Qian resided. The old man himself came out to greet them warmly.
"Elder Liu, Miss Xiao Yixian," Su Qian said with a kindly smile. "Have your injuries recovered fully? The academy can prepare medicinal materials if you require them."
Liu Xi waved his hand lightly. "No need, Grand Elder. I came this time to inquire about information regarding the Central Plains, and a map. I intend to head there soon."
Su Qian's gaze turned distant, filled with memories. "The Central Plains… truly the most prosperous land on the continent. Powerhouses gather like clouds there. Even a Dou Zong is only barely qualified to claim a foothold."
His eyes shifted toward Xiao Yixian, admiration flickering across them. "But with Miss Xiao Yixian by your side—and your status as a 6th Tier Alchemist—you'll have nothing to fear as long as you don't offend the supreme powers."
He led them upstairs to a study, rifled through a shelf, and drew out a rolled parchment. Spreading it across the table, Su Qian pointed first to one region, then another.
"Here is the Northwest Region… and here, Tianya City. That's where you'll find a spatial wormhole leading directly to the Central Plains. Don't underestimate it—only Dou Zun experts can build stable space channels like this. Without it, even a Dou Zong would take half a year to reach the Central Plains. With it, you'll arrive in just one month."
Liu Xi nodded thoughtfully. That was precisely what he sought—a route to cross the vast distance efficiently.
After explaining, Su Qian carefully rolled up the map and handed it to him. "This will guide your way. As for the powers of the Central Plains… they're far too numerous to list. There are human factions, beast clans, even ancient races. But in general, you should know the human power divisions—'One Hall, One Tower, Two Sects, Three Valleys, and Four Pavilions.'"
"The Hall refers to the Hall of Souls, shrouded in secrecy and dread. Even its name alone carries fear across the land."
"The Tower is the Pill Tower, sacred ground for Alchemists. Its three leaders are among the top ten powerhouses of the Central Plains. When you arrive, you should visit—it may benefit your alchemy greatly."
"The Two Sects are the Profound Sky Sect and the Flower Sect."
"The Three Valleys: Burning Flame Valley, Sound Valley, and Ice River Valley."
"And the Four Pavilions: Wind Lightning Pavilion, Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion, Falling Star Pavilion, and Yellow Spring Pavilion."
"These factions might not rival the Hall of Souls or Pill Tower, but each holds Dou Zun-level experts and ancient legacies. They stand at the peak of the continent's powers. When roaming the Central Plains, tread carefully around them."
Su Qian's tone grew serious. "Even a Dou Zong or 6th Tier Alchemist won't make them hesitate. The Central Plains are not like our Northwest—keep your strength hidden, your pride restrained. Survival is the foundation of every ambition."
A faint warmth filled Liu Xi's heart. He already knew most of these names, and even more about the truth—that beyond these factions lay the Seven Ancient Clans and the Three Great Beast Tribes, the real giants of the continent.
Liu Xi smiled. "You know me well, Grand Elder. I'm not the arrogant kind."
Su Qian chuckled, nodding. "Indeed. You're the pride of our Inner Academy. With your talent, it's only a matter of time before you stand among the continent's strongest."
He sighed wistfully. "It's a pity the next batch of students won't graduate for half a year yet, or you could have traveled alongside those from the Central Plains—at least you'd have some companions there."
"It's fine." Liu Xi's gaze softened as it fell upon Xiao Yixian beside him. "I don't have the luxury to wait. I'll visit Demon Flame Valley first—since the Old Earth Demon Ghost is gone, no one remains to stop me. After that… we head for the Central Plains."
(End of Chapter)
---
This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on Patreon, There is 2 Chapters Ahead of Release for Free Members on my Patreon.
Support me if you like this Fanfiction.
Patreon,com/Fallen_Archangel_
(Remove comma for dot.)
Leave a 5 star Review and a Power Stone.