Chapter 18: Becoming Yaochen's Disciple
The space rippled gently, and a black dressed youth emerged from the black void of the gateway, followed by two elderly figures. They stepped onto the ancient city hovering just outside the Xiao Realm, unchanged for millennia.
Xiao Yan took a deep breath, savoring the air of a world entirely distinct from the Xiao Realm.
"This is the true world, the Dou Qi Continent!"
This was a land where Dou Qi reigned supreme, an existence so perfected it left no room for flashy magic. Only Dou Qi, cultivated to its absolute pinnacle, ruled here.
In the ancient city below, teeming with activity, crowds bustled about. As the Xiao Clan's central hub for external interactions, Mystic Emperor City was a vibrant and thriving place. Its streets were lined with stalls and markets where one might glimpse powerful figures from other ancient clans or major sects engaged in trade.
However, the city's vibrance failed to stir Xiao Yan's heart. His gaze turned toward the horizon as he asked the two elders behind him, "Elders, do you know the location of Starfall Pavilion?"
"Starfall Pavilion?" The two half saints exchanged glances and chuckled.
"Starfall Pavilion is quite renowned across Zhongzhou. Among the Four Great Pavilions, it stands as their leader. Not only does its Pavilion Master hold the cultivation of a peak Dou Zun, but he's also revered as one of the continent's foremost alchemists. Without a ninth grade alchemist to compete with, he's essentially unrivaled."
"However," the elder continued, "neither of us has ever visited their domain."
"That's... inconvenient." Xiao Yan frowned slightly. Half saints could tear through space and cross vast distances in an instant, but only if they knew their destination.
"Do not worry, Young Master. Though Starfall Pavilion's location is somewhat hidden, this city is teeming with experts. A little inquiry should yield what you seek," said Elder Wen, smiling.
After some quick investigating, the trio gathered the required information and immediately tore open the fabric of space, stepping through.
"Who is that boy?"
"His guards tore space apart! That's at least Dou Zun level strength!"
"Could he be a Holy Son of some ancient clan? Or perhaps even from the Xiao Clan?"
The murmurs grew. While many in Mystic Emperor City were strong or well connected, spotting someone with Dou Zun level protectors was rare. If they knew the two elders escorting the youth were half saints, their reactions might have been even more dramatic.
The Starfall Pavilion lay hidden within the Heavenly Star Mountains, shrouded by intricate barriers. Without the proper methods, even a Dou Zun would find it impossible to enter.
Though Starfall Pavilion kept a low profile compared to its peers, few dared to provoke it. The reason? Yaochen, a peak Dou Zun and one of the continent's most renowned alchemists. His unparalleled skills had earned him the title of the continent's "foremost alchemist in the making."
The tranquility of the Heavenly Star Mountains was suddenly broken. The space above the lush forests ripped open as the two elders stepped out with Xiao Yan in tow.
"So, this is Starfall Pavilion?" Xiao Yan muttered, surveying the verdant expanse.
"Xiao Yan of the Xiao Clan has come to visit Yaochen, the Alchemy Master. I humbly request an audience," Xiao Yan called out, his Dou Qi amplifying his voice across the mountain range.
Moments later, the air rippled, and a young man emerged. His elegant face and embroidered robes marked him as someone of distinction. The robe bore the insignia of a cauldron with seven crescent shaped marks, signifying his rank as a seventh tier alchemist.
"I am Han Feng, Yaochen's direct disciple. May I know the purpose of your visit to my master, young prodigy of the Xiao Clan?"
Han Feng's tone was polite. The Xiao Clan's strength was no secret, and any visitor from their lineage warranted proper reception.
Xiao Yan frowned slightly. Han Feng... so this is the infamous villain from the story.
"You're not qualified to speak with me. Summon your master I have important matters to discuss with him." Xiao Yan's cold tone carried the weight of his annoyance. From birth, he'd never been one to follow the rules, and hearing Han Feng's name only made him want to provoke him.
Han Feng's polite demeanor stiffened, his voice cooling. "While I respect your heritage, Young Master Xiao, your behavior here is unbecoming. Were you not from the Xiao Clan, a mere Dou Huang would have no right to be entertained at Starfall Pavilion."
"Bold of you to bark here!" snarled Elder Wu, the fiery of the two half saints. His booming voice distorted the air, and Han Feng paled, vomiting blood under the immense pressure.
The half saint's terrifying aura was on full display.
"Yaochen! My young master seeks an audience, yet you remain hidden? Do you dismiss the Xiao Clan's regard for you?" Elder Wu roared. His voice was laced with Dou Qi so powerful it fractured the Starfall Pavilion's protective array, revealing a starry interior.
Within moments, two elderly figures emerged, their dignified presence indicating their status. They were none other than Yaochen and Feng Xian, the two masters of Starfall Pavilion.
"Respected elders of the Xiao Clan, if you wished to visit, was it necessary to harm my disciple?" Yaochen's voice was steady, but his gaze carried a hint of caution as it swept over the two half saints and finally rested on Xiao Yan.
The youth's presence stunned him. A mere teenager, yet already at the peak of Dou Huang? And flanked by two half saints as guards? His status within the Xiao Clan must be extraordinary.
Elder Wu scoffed, "My master wishes to meet you. Are you suggesting he doesn't deserve the courtesy of your presence?"
"Uncle Wu, let's not be rude," Xiao Yan intervened, bowing respectfully to Yaochen. "Master Yaochen, I am Xiao Yan. I have long admired your reputation and have come to humbly request to become your disciple."
"My disciple?" Yaochen frowned slightly. "Young Master Xiao, your Xiao Clan is abundant with Dou Shengs and Dou Zuns. What could I possibly teach you that they cannot?"
"Master Yaochen, your alchemy skills are unparalleled renowned as the finest on the continent. To learn from you would be my greatest honor." Xiao Yan's smile was earnest, but his words carried intent.
"Flattering, but with your background, even finding a ninth tier alchemist wouldn't be difficult. Why seek me out?" Yaochen remained skeptical, glancing at the half saints.
"Perhaps," Xiao Yan replied, his eyes gleaming. "But there's something you possess that no other alchemist can offer me: the Flame Mantra!"
Yaochen's previously calm demeanor instantly shifted. His eyes widened as he stared at Xiao Yan, his composed mask cracking.
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