In the northern reaches of the Central Region lay a vast, frigid expanse of ice. Deep within this frozen land stood a majestic palace seemingly carved from eternal glacier—its faint, biting chill spreading far and wide.
Upon the highest, frost-laden throne sat a man in snow-white robes. His expression was cold and detached, his emotionless eyes gazing down at the old man kneeling below.
"Has the cause of Tian She's death been found?" His voice was calm—too calm. "Who dares oppose me? To slay fifty-four of my Ice River Valley men in succession—tell me, what place has this left my sect's dignity in?"
Though soft, his words filled the great hall with a suffocating cold. The chill thickened with every echo, and the surrounding elders trembled uncontrollably beneath the oppressive aura.
Even the air itself seemed to freeze, as though the heavens mirrored the master's wrath.
"Valley Master," the kneeling elder stammered, "there was an error in the earlier intelligence. Based on the latest reports, among the three intruders was one Dou Zun. That person struck first—slaying Elders Bing Yuan, Bing Fu, and Bing Hua. Then even Elder Tian She failed to escape death. Their true identities and strength remain… unknown."
None of the fifty-four Ice River Valley experts had returned alive, all perishing under Xiao Yixian's hand. As such, the sect could only speculate on who this mysterious Dou Zun was—or how such overwhelming strength had emerged.
'A Dou Zun… could it truly be the Woeful Poison Body? Impossible. A born poison physique shouldn't have been able to cultivate to the Dou Zun realm without being consumed by its own toxicity…'
The Valley Master's brows furrowed deeply. His fingers tapped rhythmically against the throne's armrest.
Tok. Tok. Tok.
Each dull sound was like a hammer striking the heart of the trembling elder below, draining all color from his face. One more tap might well mean his death.
"Tian Shuang!"
At the Valley Master's cold command, a white-clad elder appeared as if stepping from thin air—hair and beard snow-white, his demeanor kind yet his presence heavy.
"Valley Master, your orders?"
The Valley Master ceased tapping, his piercing gaze settling on Tian Shuang.
"Tian Shuang, you will take men to the Pill Region. Investigate this Dou Zun's origins and strength thoroughly. The Woeful Poison Body—I must obtain it. If this is merely an ordinary Dou Zun, that will not deter me."
Tian Shuang cupped his hands, his kindly smile fading into solemn determination. "Rest assured, Valley Master. If they are within the Pill Region, I will find them."
---
Elsewhere—
Xiao Yixian sensed that they were nearing Qingyang City. The immense Dou Qi within her body surged as she prepared to open a new space passage.
"Young Master, Zi Yan, be ready—we're about to exit the space tunnel."
Her delicate jade hands extended forward, a faint layer of gray Dou Qi covering her skin. With a graceful motion, she crossed her arms and sliced through the air.
Rip—!
A sound like tearing parchment echoed through the void. Far ahead, space itself split apart, revealing a black rift that rapidly expanded until it could accommodate the Space Boat.
---
Outside Qingyang City, beneath a clear and cloudless sky, a dark fissure suddenly ripped open high above. Space fluctuated violently before three figures stepped out—Liu Xi, Xiao Yixian, and Zi Yan.
Liu Xi caught the now-miniature Space Boat as it dropped into his palm, shaking his head to dispel the dizziness.
"Xian'er, that was amazing. A three-day journey shortened to half a day… though this spinning sensation really isn't pleasant."
Xiao Yixian supported him with a gentle smile, teasingly replying, "Young Master, don't tell me your body's gone weak. Even Zi Yan looks steadier than you."
Liu Xi's eyes narrowed in mock offense, his lips curling into a mischievous grin as he leaned close to her ear. "You can't compare us like that. Zi Yan's physique is special. And as for whether I'm weak or not—don't you already know, Xian'er? Or have you forgotten who was begging for mercy last night? Looks like you've recovered nicely… so we'll continue tonight."
A rosy hue instantly colored Xiao Yixian's cheeks as memories of last night flashed through her mind—equal parts fear and anticipation. The technique they practiced was indeed powerful… but the man himself, far more so.
"Big Brother!"
Zi Yan's voice cut in, interrupting the playful tension. Liu Xi turned toward her, noticing the faint confusion in her violet eyes.
"Zi Yan, what's wrong?"
Her brows knitted slightly as she spoke in a low tone. "Before, it wasn't clear… but now, the feeling is stronger. Especially in the void—it's as if something keeps calling to me, urging me to return."
Liu Xi immediately understood. Zi Yan was sensing the bloodline summons of the Ancient Void Dragon.
'The Ancient Void Dragon race split into four factions. Only East Dragon Island still holds the title of Dragon Emperor. Once I finish crafting Elder Yao's body, I'll help her reach them.'
Still, the Beast Region teemed with powerful beings. Zi Yan's current cultivation as a Dou Huang was far too weak for her to go alone.
"Zi Yan," Liu Xi said gently, "that must be your clan's call. Once we handle our current matters, we'll go together."
"That's right," Xiao Yixian added warmly. "We're your family too. We won't let anyone hurt you."
Zi Yan's lips curved into a bright smile. Though uncertain about what awaited her kin, her heart felt full—because she already had a family here.
"Mm!"
Liu Xi glanced at the map, located Qingyang City's position, and led the two women forward.
Within half an hour, a sprawling city glimmering under sunlight appeared on the horizon.
Approaching closer, the three large characters carved above the gates—Qingyang City—stood bold and majestic, the mark of its ruling clan: the Zhao Family.
The Pill Region was famed for its countless alchemists, not without reason. Beneath the Pill Tower and the Five Great Clans existed innumerable smaller alchemy families like the Zhaos.
Generations of inheritance had refined their talent and passion for the craft, and from these families arose many of the Pill Tower's lower and middle ranks.
The constant influx of new blood was what kept the Pill Tower thriving. The Five Great Clans alone could never sustain such a vast institution.
As they passed through the dim city gate tunnel, the bustling noise of the marketplace filled their ears.
A sweep of Liu Xi's Spiritual Power instantly mapped the city's entire layout in his mind.
He found the Zhao Clan's manor in an instant—and without hesitation, led his companions straight toward it.
Times had changed. With Xiao Yixian now a Dou Zun powerhouse, they no longer needed to tread lightly. This was what true strength meant—absolute confidence.
(End of Chapter)
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