Xiao Yan’s figure hovered in the sky above this continent, his eyes narrowed as he gazed at the pillar of light, muttering, “Decades of tedious cultivation… it seems I’ve forgotten how to fight!” He sensed something unusual, suddenly jolted awake, and stared intently at the pillar of light, his eyes filled with surprise.
The moment the pillar of light appeared, powerful experts from all directions swiftly converged. In a short span of time, this space became home to countless new generation powerhouses. Previously, he had rescued two members of the Medicine Clan from the Nihility Devouring Flame, and their bloodline was once again extended. The Ancient Clan also saw the emergence of many new powerhouses, with Gu Li and Gu Mei representing them. Despite their young age, they had already reached the Dou Zong realm, and the Ancient Void Dragon wasn’t far behind. It was feared that in the future, this continent would give birth to many legends.
Gu Yuan and Zhu Kun didn’t fly close to Xiao Yan, their eyes fixed on the pillar of light. “This… is a passage to another continent?” The surrounding powerhouses heard the incessant discussions. He subtly furrowed his brow, then nodded.
At this moment, everyone within a thousand-mile radius felt a strange energy emanating from the pillar of light, as if it wanted to absorb the Dou Qi from their bodies. Gu Yuan and Zhu Kun’s expressions shifted slightly. They hastily circulated their Dou Qi to protect themselves, immediately retreating, their eyes filled with astonishment. Only he remained still, observing intently. “This is… Emperor’s Origin Qi?” He was suddenly startled, a powerful sensation rising from within him. His hand, enveloped in Dou Qi, continuously gathered the Emperor’s Origin Qi. Gu Yuan, Zhu Kun, and even several other great powerhouses, seeing this scene, knew how important this item was. They quickly accepted it when Xiao Yan distributed it. Instantly, Emperor’s Origin Qi reappeared on the Dou Qi Continent. With this, they would have the potential to advance to Dou Di.
After distributing a considerable amount of Emperor’s Origin Qi to everyone, he stepped through the void and descended, gently embracing Xun’er’s slender waist. “I want to venture out for a while. You stay home and take care of our child. Xun’er, wait for me to return.” Xun’er’s soft body trembled slightly. Xiao Yan wanted to go to a new world; how could she not be worried? But she knew that Xiao Yan was not only her man but also the strongest person on this continent, always pursuing higher realms, even if she was a little reluctant. “The outside world isn’t like the Dou Qi Continent. Don’t be reckless, take care of yourself.” Xiao Yan smiled and nodded. Just then, a slightly annoyed voice rang out: “Hmph, Sister Xun’er might allow it, but I won’t let you go.” A beautiful figure slowly appeared, a flash of green light accompanying her as she arrived beside him. It was none other than Cai Lin. He was slightly startled, then gave Cai Lin a wry smile. They had been husband and wife for so many years, yet with her personality, he didn’t know what to say. Helplessly, he turned a pleading gaze towards Xun’er for help. Seeing his pitiful expression, she couldn’t help but chuckle. Before she could speak, Cai Lin interjected impolitely: “Hmph, don’t even think about having Xun’er persuade me. It’s useless. Anyway, I won’t let you go so easily. You think you can just leave all the big and small matters of this large family for Xun’er and me to take care of? Is that what you imagine, or is it true!” The surrounding crowd, witnessing the couple, could only let out dry laughs.
He was also helpless. Xun'er quickly stepped forward and smiled at Cai Lin: "Sister Cai Lin, he's a big man who loves to venture out; you should let him go on a trip..." Cai Lin heard this, looked at Xun'er, then at his pleading figure, and helplessly waved her hand: "Alright, you'd best return safely. I don't want our child to be fatherless, otherwise... hmph hmph, just wait and see how I deal with you." He was a little stunned; after all, her words were too overbearing.
He quickly cupped his hands and then smiled smugly: "Many thanks, wife! Don't worry, I will definitely return in one piece." He waved his hand, and several strands of Emperor Origin Qi appeared before him, floating towards Cai Lin, Xun'er, Gu Yuan, and Zhu Kun. "With these, you all can use them when you reach the day of breaking through to Dou Di." "Seniors, after I leave, I hope everyone will look after the Xiao Clan. Xiao Yan thanks everyone. If I can return, I will not forget this kindness."
He cupped his hands towards the powerful experts from all directions. He wanted to leave, his only worry being that no mishaps would befall the Xiao Clan. Although he said that, ever since he advanced to Dou Di, the Xiao Clan's bloodline power was activated, and the strength of its members continuously increased. In just a few short years, the Xiao Clan developed at an astonishing speed, becoming one of the top powers on the Dou Qi Continent. The sole reason was that they had a Dou Di overseeing them. "Haha, rest assured, with this old man here, nothing will happen to the Xiao Clan." Gu Yuan laughed heartily, looking at the black-robed young man. He couldn't help but sigh with emotion in his heart, that in just a few short decades, an ignorant youth had become the leader of this continent, truly making people envious... "And there's me! This place will be left to us. Old Man Gu and I will also quickly break through to Dou Di, and then we'll come find you." Zhu Kun stepped forward and patted his chest. Now that they had the Emperor Origin Qi, their advancement to Dou Di was only a matter of time. "Haha, excellent! This junior will definitely come to welcome you then." He cupped his hands in thanks. Only then did he feel at ease about the Xiao Clan.
"Father!" As a cry rang out, a beautiful figure rushed into his embrace. It was none other than Xiao Xiao. Xiao Xiao was already eleven or twelve years old, her appearance resembling her mother's, naturally enchanting. She was becoming more beautiful and captivating by the day, so much so that ordinary people might not be able to withstand her charm.
After years of growth, Xiao Xiao's strength truly made the older generation so angry they could spit blood. She possessed the bloodline of her mother, the Nine-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, and also Xiao Yan's Dou Di bloodline. Her current strength had broken through to Nine-Star Dou Sheng. Given Xiao Xiao's growth rate, it was feared that even Cai Lin would eventually be surpassed.
He gently stroked Xiao Xiao's hair. "Father will be back soon after this trip. You must look after the Xiao Clan for me..." He gently pushed Xiao Xiao away, rubbing her nose. Xiao Xiao immediately straightened up, like a very serious adult: "Yes! No problem! Father, rest assured, Grandmaster is here too." After speaking, she pointed behind him. "Teacher—" He tilted his head to look. An aged figure slowly appeared in his sight.
He immediately showed excitement. An unknown youth from Wutan City, it was thanks to that figure's protection that he grew up strong and healthy. If not for that person, he wouldn't be worth a dime now, likely would have long since been scattered, how could he have achieved what he has today? Yao Lao smiled happily, recalling how he had protected that young man, who had now grown to become the overlord of this Dou Qi Continent. He was truly filled with countless emotions.
"My child, remember to be careful when you go out. Your master can no longer help you now. Instead, I await your adventures, hoping you can bring new discoveries for your humble master in the future."
Xiao Yan smiled. His master was still the same as ever.
He waved his hand, sending several medicinal pills and a ball of light flying towards Yao Lao. "Thank you, Master, for your guidance. This is a token of your disciple's filial piety. I wish Master an early advancement to Dou Di." In recent years, Xiao Yan had prepared the Nine-Rank Golden Elixir for Yao Lao, along with the Emperor's Origin Qi he had just obtained. Yao Lao looked at the items in his hand, a flicker of emotion flashing in his eyes. Zhu Kun and Gu Yuan saw the golden light emanating from the medicinal pills in Yao Lao's hand and couldn't help but feel a little envious. This Nine-Rank Golden Elixir, it was feared no one on the Dou Qi Continent possessed one, because it was refined by a Dou Di powerhouse, making it incomparable to ordinary Golden Elixirs.
"Alright, my child, prepare to depart..." Yao Lao nodded.
"Master's kindness to his disciple, Xiao Yan would never forget in his lifetime. Please accept your disciple's bow." He instantly knelt down, letting out a sound that shook heaven and earth, as if the entire world trembled. Xiao Yan kowtowed several times, with immense gratitude in his eyes. Recalling past events, how could he not be moved? He slowly stood up, not saying another word. His figure, like a streak of falling starlight, streaked across the sky, rushing towards the passage, immediately disappearing between heaven and earth. Behind him, repeated farewell cheers echoed.
"Farewell, Flame Emperor — Long live the Flame Emperor!"
As the echoing sounds slowly faded, Xiao Yan's figure directly stepped into the pillar of light, immediately disappearing as if he had never appeared on this continent at all...!
Inside the unfamiliar space, what would happen, perhaps no one knew.
On the Dou Qi Continent, why was there not a single Dou Di remaining? As time passed, did the ancient Dou Dis perish due to old age? Or did they all, like Xiao Yan, leave this world? This was a question without an answer.