Within a sea of trees was a special space that had been hidden deeply. This was a natural grand formation that had formed from a meteorite’s star strength having a complicated and tangled interaction with Sky Star Mountain Range’s magnetic field. This interaction twisted off a huge empty space.
That space was completely stable and seemed similar to living on the mainland. Moreover it had coalesced the spiritual energy of Sky Star Mountain Range so it could even be considered a holy land for cultivation.
Due to how natural the formation was, even a Dou Zun expert flying over wouldn’t be able to detect the hidden world within. This made it a perfect place for protection.
Even if a powerful expert noticed it, with the protection of the natural formation, no person without the power of a Dou Sheng would be able to enter that space forcefully.
Yao Chen had already reached the peak of the Dou Zong class after the past ten years. But with his techniques and resources, he could probably fight on par with a five or six star Dou Zun. Now that he had found this natural formation and set up several other arrangements, he called back all the Falling Star Pavilion’s brothers which had endured many trials over the past ten years over to this location. Nine people were missing from the original thirty-two members.
Over the last ten years, of those thirty-two people, some died from battle, while others for various reasons betrayed the Falling Star Pavilion.
Now the remaining twenty-three people were the true core of the pavilion and all worked as one.
“Without setting up a transportation formation, it is impossible to directly bring people into Sky Star Mountain Range anymore. Even when it comes to your various disciples, you must be cautious about telling them about this place. In the worst case scenario, this place will be the final refuge. Calling it a holy land would not be overboard.”
Feng Xian was giving a speech to everyone, announcing Yao Chen’s intentions. Truthfully, Yao Chen would never bother with these things.
Although Yao Chen didn’t really manage them, but everyone was extremely clear that no matter how big the Falling Star Pavilion grew, its true core would always be Yao Chen.
Without Yao Chen’s steady supply of high grade medicinal pills, without the alchemists drawn over by his fame, the Falling Star Pavilion would only be considered a third-rate power.
It was only because of the mainland’s number one alchemist who also possessed the Bone Chilling Flame, Yao Chen, that the Falling Star Pavilion could continuously grow stronger unstoppably over the past ten years.
After setting up a couple minor arrangements, although the space was still empty, many of those brothers immediately began to feel a sense of home from it. After ten years of battle, they finally had a place to rest their feet.
After another year, the Falling Star Pavilion had become even more energetic within the Central Plains. Their influence and power spread throughout. Those clans, families, and powers that adhered to the Falling Star Pavilion gradually became masters of their respective cities and powerful existences.
There was almost a miraculous feeling to it. Although their strength hadn’t necessarily increased, but now that they had a place to call home, the amount of power the members could display had clearly risen.
The Wind Lightning Pavilion, Yellow Spring Pavilion, Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion, and the other various ancient powers whose inheritance stretched back hundreds of years all gradually felt a huge pressure from the Fallen Star Pavilion’s growth. In particular, the Wind Lightning Pavilion’s sphere of influence overlapped with the Fallen Star Pavilion in many different complicated ways and areas. They had many conflicts, and Yao Chen even personally went to the Wind Lightning Pavilion once.
Yao Chen’s feelings were also no longer the same. He could no longer return to the Yao clan, so the Sky Star Mountain Range’s Fallen Star Pavilion headquarters was his new home with his new family.
This year he actually didn’t go out at all, instead staying in Sky Star Mountain Range and watching as the empty space gradually became livelier and many new Dou Formations were constructed.
But a new piece of news quickly shook the Central Plains – The Light-Shadow Realm was about to open.
This Light-Shadow Realm was an ancient inheritance. It would appear between every five hundred to every thousand years before once more returning to the void and disappearing.
It was reported that it was a Dou Di space constructed from a peerless Dou Di who had comprehended an ultimate force of both Light and Darkness. After that Dou Di disappeared, this Dou Di Space actually gained its own spirituality and was able to draw energy from the void for itself. Then through some sort of spatial-void law it would appear back in the world.
Every time the Light-Shadow Realm opened there would be countless experts drawn toward it. The remnants of a Dou Di were endless. Just by obtaining a single item it would bring endless benefits. You might not be able to become unrivaled in this world, but becoming a powerful expert that gained the title of a king or overlord would not be difficult.
“Brother Chen, we can’t give up this opportunity.”
Feng Xian had pulled Yao Chen out of his semi-seclusion and told about the past of the Light-Shadow Realm. “Last time the Light-Shadow Realm appeared was eight hundred and ten years ago. Some people saw two divine cauldrons, one pitch black and one radiating light. They’re the root energy of the Light-Shadow Realm. This time there will be many alchemists entering and looking for their chance.”
To an alchemist, possessing a Heavenly Flame was a kind of ultimate dream, while having a divine medicinal cauldron was something that they would cherish more than anything else. A divine cauldron did not need a Heavenly Flame to use.
Yao Chen was no exception to this rule. Although his refining success rate was already extremely high, if he had a true divine cauldron his success rate might reach the point that it would be a defiance of the heavens. Especially that black cauldron – it should be a perfect match for his Bone Chilling Flame.
Therefore how could he possibly give up on this opportunity?
The most important thing was that the Light-Shadow Realm had its own special rules. Only those weaker than Dou Zun could enter, so Yao Chen’s peak Dou Zong strength was already the greatest power that could be tolerated by the space. According to the rumors, only a peak Dou Zong would be able to obtain the true inheritance of the Light-Shadow Space.
Half a month later…
Yao Chen and Feng Xian arrived at Qinshan Town. There was no longer a night and day at this place. The sky was in a perpetual state of dusk. It was as if they were on the horizon; light and dark were fighting, forming a strange equilibrium.
Qinshan Town was originally just a small ordinary town. The strongest person there was just a Da Dou Shi. Ever since the news that the Light-Shadow Space was about to open in the Qinshan mountain range, the peace there had been broken by the arrival of countless experts.
Ice River Valley, Blazing Flame Valley, Wind Lightning Pavilion, Yellow Spring Pavilion, Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion… they all had Dou Zun experts come over.
When Yao Chen and Feng Xian arrived, there were already people there to receive them. Those three were an old man, a middle-aged man, and a young man, all who looked alike and seemed to be directly related.
“Brother Chen, this is Qin He, the master of Qinshan. He’s also an outer member of our Falling Star Pavilion.”
“This subordinate greets pavilion chief.”
Qin He immediately knelt and prostrated himself before the two of them.
“Stand up when you speak.” Yao Chen nodded. In order to find Han Shanshan, the Falling Star Pavilion had expanded out to many outer powers. They didn’t even ignore the tiny and remote villages like Qinshan Town. There also wouldn’t be any other strong powers who would contest with the Falling Star Pavilion over such small places.
“This subordinate doesn’t dare.” In Qin He’s eyes, the Falling Star Pavilion was on a god-like level. As for the pavilion chief Yao Chen, he was like a divinity. Right now all of Qinshan Town was completely chaotic as all kinds of powers fought. The only way for him to keep himself safe in this chaos was to stick tightly to the Falling Star Pavilion’s feet.
“He said get up, so get up!”
Feng Xian waved his sleeve and raised Qin He up. “Have the residences been prepared?”
“Uh...”
“What?”
“I prepared a place for the pavilion chief, but it was taken by the people of the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion.”
Qin He was completely helpless to this. He had actually made those preparations carefully and long ago, never expecting that the better this accommodations were, the easier it would be for others to notice them.
“Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion? Let’s go take a look.” Yao Chen indifferently laughed.
“Yes, this was pavilion chief.” Qin He quickly went to show them the way.
The Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion was an ancient and well-known power within the Central Plains, but the Falling Star Pavilion was not afraid of facing any power.
Qin He knew that the Light-Shadow Realm would quickly close again. Qinshan Town would then eventually return to its original state. What he cared about was his position and whether he could still remain unrivalled in his small town. There were other families in the town that had borrowed this chance to get access to the other great powers. His old opponents all had used secret techniques to increase their strength to the Da Dou Shi class. Right now he could only rely on the Falling Star Pavilion’s strength in order to deter those old opponents.
They met many experts along their path. Dou Wangs were everywhere, while Dou Lings were the absolute weakest. There were also some experts with strange styles who were obviously from strong powers outside the Central Plains.
But they didn’t end up seeing any Dou Zun level experts. It was reported that once the Light-Shadow Realm opened, a spiritual pressure would be emitted in a hundred mile radius. Those below Dou Zun would be unaffected, but those who weren’t would be completely suppressed by it as if a huge mountain was crushing them.
The three of them arrived at a house. All kinds of powerful beast carvings were along the courtyard walls. Elegant willows had been planted along the walls, a beautiful and secluded scene that caused a person’s mind to relax.
“It’s here.”
Qin He pointed to the gate. Outside the gate were four black-robed men with long swords on their backs. On their clothes were the mark of the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion.
“You’ve come back again!? We’ve already said that after we’ve finished with it we’ll return it and you’ll be recompensed properly.”
One of the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion’s disciples saw Qin He and couldn’t hold back from coldly shouting at him. He then turned to Yao Chen and Feng Xian. “Two sirs, the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion is resting here and isn’t taking any guests at the moment.”
Yao Chen indifferently smiled. “I’m also not taking any guests, so if you guests could please leave?”
BOOM!
Feng Xian didn’t even say anything before sending out a palm. His Dou Qi formed a gale that blew those four back, slamming them into the gate. “Is the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion’s Sword Son present?”
He and and Feng Xian directly strolled into the yard. They saw a miserable scene. A dozen Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion disciples were in the yard, most of them with missing limbs. They were tidying up a pile of corpses with mournful expression. When they saw Yao Chen and Feng Xian barge in, those disciples all acted as if they were facing a powerful enemy, but they were unable to make a sound.
It was obvious they had just encountered a catastrophe that had injuried them greatly.
A rush of wind came from inside and an expert in his thirties with a long sword on his back walked out. “Feng Xian, you dare intrude on the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion’s territory!”
“Sword Son, I’m afraid it’s you who have taken up our Falling Star Pavilion’s territory,” coldly said Feng Xian unafraid.
“You! If you want to fight then just come at us! There’s no need for your lies.”
Yao Chen frowned and suddenly said, “Wait, you’ve all been infected by the Yin Nine Poison Insect’s poisonous eggs. If you once more use your Dou Qi, the results would be absolutely horrifying.”
“You… You do you know about the Yin Nine Poison Insect!?”
Those disciples’ expressions all changed. They had actually just fought with a Yin Nine Poison Insect and that was why they were in such a miserable condition. However they had also made quite a profit from it.
But a poison egg?
Everyone knew that the Yin Nine Poison Insect’s larva were incorporeal. They’d normally attach themselves to the bodies of experts and after maturing they would devour their host’s brain. The most insidious part of it was that after that, they wouldn’t immediately eat the rest of them, but use the body to commit countless terrible actions. Killing their father, killing their brothers, taking advantage of their masters, exterminating ancestors… to a sect or clan, it posed countless troubles, even posing a possibility of complete extinction.
“That’s impossible. We all applied the Dragon Spirit Salt on our bodies, so how could the larva infect us?”
Yao Chen only smiled and indifferently explained, “If it was a Dou Zun level Yin Nine Poison Insect and possesses just a trace of the Dragonizing Qi, the Dragon Spirit Salt is completely useless against it. I don’t care whether you believe me or not.”
Feng Xian said, “Sword Son, this is our Falling Star Pavilion’s chief, grandmaster Yao Chen.”
The Sword Son’s expression immediately changed. “The mainland’s number one alchemist? Ah, we’ve been disrespectful… I wonder whether grandmaster Yao Chen has a way to resolve the poisonous eggs?”
“Medicinal pills are useless against the poison eggs with the Dragonizing Qi. However if you want to resolve it, you can go to a cold pool valley and soak deep within in. If you take these medicinal pills first, it will resolve itself in three days.”
Yao Chen threw over a bottle of medicinal pills.
The Sword Son thought over this. It was obvious to him that Yao Chen most likely had other methods to expel the poisonous eggs. The only valley with such a cold pool was over ten thousand miles. This was obviously Yao Chen’s way of forcing them to leave Qinshan Town. However he also rejoiced since if Yao Chen hadn’t noticed this, the consequences would have been too terrible to even imagine.
“Hmph, you’re quite ruthless. We’ll leave immediately.” In the end the Sword Son took those medicinal pills.
In just a quarter of an hour they had cleaned up those corpses and all the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion’s people left, not wanting to waste even a moment.
Feng Xian blinked at him. “Brother Chen? Can it really only be resolved with a cold pool valley?”
“It was a bit of a lie. Those medicinal pills are actually enough to expel the poison eggs,” laughed Yao Chen.
“Haha, that’s also good. The Sword Son is also a peak Dou Zong and would have been a powerful opponent.”
Yao Chen nodded. The other disciples of the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion might be overlookable, but that Sword Son had had a terrifying energy within him. Even without those poison egg expelling pills, in the end he still would have been able to use his own power to resolve those poison eggs. If they could remove this kind of opponent so they wouldn’t have to face him head on, then that would only be a good thing. Of course, if he hadn’t left, Yao Chen would definitely still not be afraid of him. Yao Chen had complete confidence in defeating anyone below the Dou Zun class.
The next day, Qin He guided the two of them to the entrance of the Light-Shadow Realm. Over a hundred experts had already gathered there. There was no longer a single Dou Ling level combatant there. The weakest members were still at least a one star Dou Wang.
“Haha, Feng Xian, you’ve also come?”
At this time a group of three walked over.
These three had monstrous appearances. They definitely could be called ugly, but their skin was as snow white as a lady’s. Their eyes emitted a strange spiritual ripple that possessed a bewitching power to steal the soul.
It was obvious those three had trained in an evil demonic qi.
Feng Xian’s face tightened. “The Three Scorpion Devil Ghosts. So you three actually dared come.”
“Haha, last time we lost to you because our cultivation technique reached a critical moment and we were unable to display our true strength. This time, hehe…”
The Three Scorpion Devil Ghosts all seemed to want to attack, but when their gaze swept Yao Chen they were startled. With their seven star Dou Zong strength and their special probing techniques they were still actually unable to see through Yao Chen.
At this time a person suddenly saw Yao Chen from a group of Dou Zongs and he actually flew over, calling, “Brother Yao! Even you’ve come haha! Everyone, I’ll introduce you. This is Yao Chen, the mainland’s number one alchemist. Even the Small Pill Tower couldn’t hold him.”
That group of Dou Zongs immediately became noisy. No matter who it was, they all cupped their hands to Yao Chen. Whether it was the veiled aura over Yao Chen’s body or his title as the number one alchemist, either was enough for him to be viewed respectfully by everyone.
The Three Scorpion Devil Ghosts quietly retreated, glad that they hadn’t attacked just now. Otherwise if Yao Chen had given a single order, the three of them would have immediately been collapsed upon by that group of Dou Zongs.
To those experts, if it meant doing a favor for the mainland’s number one alchemist, suppressing three Dou Zongs was nothing.
Yao Chen indifferently laughed and also cupped his hands to them. He was already used to this kind of status. The title of number one alchemist was actually just an empty, meaningless title. There were definitely stronger alchemists than him, however those people rarely revealed himself. Even if they did refine a rare medicine, they were mostly kept to themselves. Only he would have his various refined medicinal pills sent out through various channels. The Falling Star Pavilion would often use them for allies or for an auction.
Moreover, while Yao Chen didn’t necessarily bother with every expert who came to him asking for medicine, when he was in a good mood he would spent a great deal of time refining for some of them. Gradually his reputation grew and he was given the title of number one.
“This time I’d like to ask one thing of everyone. If you find anything related to alchemist masters, whether it is techniques, medicinal cauldrons, or medicinal formulas, I, Yao Chen, would like to exchange for it.”
“Haha, it’s not like we’re alchemists. If we did find such things we can only exchange them.”
“Not bad.”
But not everyone stated their position so clearly. Those few were people were already good friends with other alchemists, maybe even followers.
However Yao Chen didn’t force it. Chances had to be fought over be yourself. If you entrusted it to others, you would naturally fall to a weaker position.
Suddenly a cackling laugh rang out. “Yao Chen, I hadn’t thought it’d be possible for you to also become a Dou Zong. As expected, possessing a Heavenly Flame will bring many benefits. What? Are you still searching for you sister Han?”
Yao Chen’s expression changed slightly. His gaze was sharp as he glared at this person. “Mu Gu!”
A black-robed and malicious middle-aged man walked over.
Feng Xian’s gaze flashed. “A person who cheats his master.”
“Tut tut, I’ve already said that Han Shanshan’s disappearance had nothing to do with me. No matter how you put it, she is my master, right junior disciple Yao Chen?”
“I don’t have an apprentice-brother like you,” coldly said Yao Chen. “Sister Han also never once recognized you as her disciple.”
“Well, think whatever you want. In any case, your Falling Star Pavilion should stop bothering me. Right now I’m already a seventh tier alchemist and a Dou Zong. Do you think I want a woman as a master? Please.”
As he spoke, those Dou Zongs who hadn’t replied to Yao Chen had already walked over to stand behind Mu Gu. Obviously they had obtained many benefits from Mu Gu.
But that was also reasonable. A seventh tier alchemist could easily summon a dozen Dou Huangs with just a single word. If he wanted to, inviting seven or eight Dou Zongs was also a simple matter. Alchemists never fought on their own unless they were stupid.
Behind Yao Chen was also a group of Dou Zongs. Both sides emitted a powerful aura that clashed against each other. Ever from the start Yao Chen had been suspicious that Han Shanshan’s disappearance had had to do with Mu Gu.
Before Yao Chen had arrived at Sacred Pill City, Mu Gu had been a disciple with absolutely shocking talent. He had paid his respects to Han Shanshan as a master, but before of some of his conduct and using human corpses to be refined into medicine, he had irked Han Shanshan and been forced out from Sacred Pill City.
This was also one of the reasons Han Shanshan had vowed to never take an apprentice and had also had a bit of effect on Yao Chen’s entrance into the Pill Tower to cultivate.
In this world, the person who hated Han Shanshan the most would definitely be Mu Gu.
Just be training on his own he had managed to become a Dou Zong and a seventh tier alchemist. If he had stayed in Sacred Pill City and managed to cultivate in the Small Pill Tower, just what kind of level would he have reached? Perhaps Mu Gu’s hatred of Han Shanshan had seeped deep into his bones.
However despite the Falling Star Pavilion investigating him for over ten years, they had found clear proof that Mu Gu had had nothing to do with Han Shanshan’s disappearance. In the moments before Han Shanshan had disappeared, Mu Gu had been the guest of a Dou Huang and hadn’t left that residence for three months.
In the midst of this strained atmosphere, an immense ringing suddenly came from the Light-Shadow Realm, and a gate with light and shadow interweaving appeared in front of everyone.