Chapter 56: A Headache
As Xiao Yan remained in the ruins, a strange fire began to stir within him a sensation that grew stronger with time.
It was the infamous "Lower Abdominal Flame," a peculiar curse of desire unique to these ruins, more fearsome than even the flames on the Heavenly Flame Rankings.
The moment this fire emerged, Xiao Yan straightened his posture, his body reacting involuntarily, and his head felt heavy and warm.
"Cousin!" he muttered, his breathing ragged as he glanced at Yao Ling. In his eyes, the already stunningly beautiful Yao Ling seemed to radiate an almost otherworldly allure.
"What are you doing?!" Yao Ling demanded, her brows furrowing as she let out a cold snort.
However, a moment later, a similar flame erupted from within her. For a fleeting instant, Yao Ling's usually frosty eyes turned hazy, and her pale face flushed with a soft, intoxicating red.
Her high and mighty demeanor, now tinged with an unwilling sensuality, left Xiao Yan feeling even more conflicted.
As the strange fire surged within her, Yao Ling bit down hard on her tongue, summoning a burst of clarity. She noticed Xiao Yan reaching toward her, his hand trembling slightly, and let out another icy snort.
"If you dare come any closer, I'll cut your hand off!" she warned.
Hearing this, Xiao Yan immediately withdrew his hand, his dazed gaze snapping back to sharpness.
"This curse is seriously potent," Xiao Yan muttered to himself, sighing with regret for missing his chance.
"Hmph," Yao Ling sneered, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Of all the so called Saint Sons I've met, you're not the strongest, but you certainly have the thickest skin."
"Heh, Cousin, you flatter me," Xiao Yan replied with a sheepish grin, earning an eye roll from Yao Ling.
After a moment of thought, Yao Ling retrieved two Qing Ling Pills from her storage ring and handed one to Xiao Yan.
"These ruins emit a strange aura that targets the soul. The stronger your soul, the less likely you'll succumb," she explained.
Xiao Yan didn't hesitate to pop the pill into his mouth. Instantly, a soothing coolness spread from the depths of his soul, dispelling the heat and bringing him clarity.
"Whew!" Both of them exhaled deeply, their eyes regaining focus as they continued their journey.
"Your soul has reached the level of a seventh tier alchemist?" Yao Ling asked, surprised by how effortlessly Xiao Yan had recovered.
"Why, can't I be a seventh tier alchemist too?" Xiao Yan replied with a playful smirk.
Yao Ling considered this for a moment, then nodded. "If that's the case, you do have the talent of a Saint Son."
A fifteen year old Dou Huang with the soul strength of a seventh tier alchemist Xiao Yan's achievements rivaled, and even surpassed, those of her brother, Yao Tian, at the same age. With such talent, having two Half Saints as protectors suddenly seemed justified.
Xiao Yan remained silent as they pressed on. He had read about the ruins' eerie effects in Yao Lao's scrolls. Ordinary Dou Huangs could last only about an hour here before losing their minds.
The earlier group of Dou Huangs who had harassed Yao Ling likely hadn't been fully bewitched; instead, they were probably overwhelmed by Yao Ling's unparalleled beauty, further amplified by the ruins' influence.
There were stories of a Dou Huang who had stayed in the ruins for a full day after being trapped. When new explorers arrived the next day, they found him reduced to a mindless husk, endlessly performing primitive actions until his body gave out.
Even for skilled alchemists, the ruins posed a challenge. One renowned sixth tier alchemist had survived a day and a night here, only to fall into a half month long frenzy upon leaving. He eventually lost his Dou Huang cultivation level and suffered permanent soul damage.
But for Xiao Yan and Yao Ling, both possessing the soul strength of seventh tier alchemists, a day or more in the ruins shouldn't pose too much of a problem.
Before long, they reached the altar where the black and white flame burned. Around the ancient platform, nearly ten individuals had already gathered.
At the forefront of the group stood two people in robes bearing the insignia of seventh tier alchemists.
The vast Dou Qi Continent was filled with hidden talents. Even in Central Plains, geniuses capable of reaching the seventh tier as Dou Huangs weren't exclusive to the Pill Tower or the Ancient Clans. There were also older individuals whose cultivation had plateaued but whose soul strength had slowly grown over time.
As Xiao Yan and Yao Ling descended, the two seventh tier alchemists narrowed their eyes, their gazes sharpening upon noticing the seven golden stars embroidered on Yao Ling's robe.
When their attention shifted to Yao Ling's cold yet stunning face, their expressions turned from awe to raw desire. The allure of a beautiful, seventh tier female alchemist was a powerful temptation, magnified by the ruins' cursed atmosphere.
Sensing their heated stares, Yao Ling said nothing. Instead, her soul force surged forth like a tidal wave, washing over the group.
These were no ordinary individuals, and they immediately recognized her strength. Shocked, they composed themselves and averted their gazes, now filled with caution and respect.
"I am Yao Ling of the Medicine Clan," she announced coldly. "I have come for the Yin Yang Twin Flame. I will take nothing else. I ask that you show respect to my clan and stand aside."
At her words, the expressions of the two seventh tier alchemists shifted.
The older one hesitated, deliberating for a moment before sighing and nodding. "If even the Medicine Clan is involved, it seems this flame is beyond my reach. Very well, I will yield and consider this a favor to your clan."
"Thank you, sir. If the opportunity arises, I will repay this kindness," Yao Ling said with a polite smile.
"Heh, no need. Your word is enough," the alchemist replied, gesturing for his companions to retreat. Despite their reluctance, they followed him out of the ruins.
The other group, however, showed no intention of leaving. The leader, another seventh tier alchemist, smirked wickedly as he gazed at Yao Ling.
Unlike the others, this man had once stumbled upon a fragment of the Yin Yang Evil Saint's legacy. With his talent, he had reached the peak of Dou Huang and the seventh tier in alchemy by age thirty. Over the years, he had trampled men stronger than him and bedded women more powerful. His unbroken success had given him a god complex.
"Medicine Clan's prodigy, huh?" he said, his expression sinister. "I've always wondered what it's like to taste a goddess from the Medicine Clan's shrine."
Clap, clap, clap! Xiao Yan suddenly began applauding, a grin on his face. "Well said! Such boldness truly makes you a role model for all of us."
The man blinked in surprise before chuckling lewdly. "Young man, if you join me, I might let you share the goddess' taste."
"Really?" Xiao Yan's eyes lit up in mock excitement.
For the first time, Yao Ling's cold composure cracked, her face darkening.
(Chapter End)
Get 30% off on my Patreon and enjoy early access to new chapters.
Hurry up! The promotion ends on February 2, 2026.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/LightKira10