141: The aftermath of the war, the secret of heaven

The Battle of Hundred Flowers Peak concluded with the Soul Hall Alliance's hasty retreat.

However, the joy of victory did not last long, leaving behind a scene of devastation and a heavy atmosphere.

The Flower Sect disciples suffered heavy casualties, the Hundred Flowers Peak's protective formation was completely shattered, and more than half of its mountain gate buildings were destroyed, leaving it severely weakened.

Sect Master Sect Master of Flower Sect suppressed her grief and directed the surviving disciples to treat the wounded and clear the battlefield.

Elder Heavenly Thunder Master, along with Feng Xian and Yin Ru Meng, assisted in setting up a temporary defensive barrier to prevent the Soul Hall from returning.

Xiao Chen sat cross-legged in a relatively intact side hall, swallowing pills and fully adjusting his breath.

The after-effects of forcibly using the Chaos Heaven Opening Seal were considerable; his Dou Qi was almost depleted, his soul power was greatly consumed, and his meridians throbbed with pain.

But what disturbed him even more was the persistent, eerie feeling of being entangled by invisible threads of karma.

"Heavenly Secret Pavilion..." Xiao Chen introspected, his Heavenly Realm Soul meticulously searching every inch of his flesh and soul, yet he could never find any specific trace of the karmic threads, as if it were merely an ethereal premonition.

However, this premonition was incredibly clear, making him feel as if he had a thorn in his back.

"Brother Xiao, how are your injuries?" Feng Xian entered the side hall, asking with concern.

Although he had also endured a bitter battle, his injuries were lighter and he had mostly recovered.

"It's nothing serious; a few days of rest will suffice." Xiao Chen opened his eyes and looked at Feng Xian, "Brother Feng, thank you for the Starfall Pavilion's timely assistance this time."

"You're too kind, Brother Xiao; there's no need for thanks between us." Feng Xian waved his hand, his expression grave, "This time, the Soul Hall, Heavenly Nether Sect, and Ice River Valley joined forces, and their offensive was so fierce, clearly indicating that the 'Emperor Hunting Plan' has entered a critical stage.

The Flower Sect is just the beginning; next, it will likely be the Pill Tower, Starfall Pavilion, and even all forces that oppose them."

Xiao Chen nodded: "Indeed.

Moreover, I suspect there's more to the Battle of Hundred Flowers Peak than meets the eye."

"Oh? What have you discovered, Brother Xiao?" Feng Xian asked.

Xiao Chen described the feeling of being spied upon and having karmic threads planted during the battle, and also mentioned his suspicion of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion.

"Heavenly Secret Pavilion?" Feng Xian's expression changed slightly, "This organization is mysterious and unfathomable; it is said to be able to peer into heavenly secrets and divine the future.

If they truly intervened and colluded with the Soul Hall, then the situation will become even more complex and dangerous!"

"We must inform Teacher and Venerable Feng about this as soon as possible." Xiao Chen said in a deep voice.

The threat of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion might be even more unpredictable than the Soul Hall's overt attacks.

Half a day later, Xiao Chen's injuries stabilized, and he discussed follow-up matters with Heavenly Thunder Master, Sect Master of Flower Sect, and others.

"After this tribulation, the Flower Sect needs to close its doors and recuperate." Sect Master Sect Master of Flower Sect's face was pale, but her eyes were firm, "This sect will activate its ancestral secret formation, sealing Hundred Flowers Peak for a hundred years to recover its Origin Qi.

During this period, the Flower Sect disciples will disperse and secretly accumulate strength."

Elder Heavenly Thunder Master said, "Sect Master Sect Master of Flower Sect, rest assured, the Pill Tower, Starfall Pavilion, and Sound Valley will surely watch out for each other.

If the Soul Hall dares to offend again, we will make them pay the price!"

He looked at Xiao Chen, "Chen'er, you will return to the Pill Tower with me immediately; Senior Brother Xuan Kongzi has important matters to discuss."

Xiao Chen nodded; he was also eager to clarify the matter of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion.

Bidding farewell to Sect Master Sect Master of Flower Sect and Heavenly Maiden Yin Ru Meng, Xiao Chen, Heavenly Thunder Master, and Feng Xian quickly returned to the Pill Tower Holy Domain aboard a star tower flying boat.

Pill Tower, at the top of the star tower.

Xuan Kongzi's true body listened to Xiao Chen's detailed report, especially his conjecture about the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, and his face became so solemn that it seemed to drip with water.

He paced within the tower with his hands behind his back, remaining silent for a long time.

"Heavenly Secret Pavilion... as expected, they still intervened." Xuan Kongzi sighed deeply and looked at Xiao Chen, "Chen'er, your feeling is correct.

The Heavenly Secret Pavilion is no ordinary intelligence organization; behind it lies a great ancient secret."

"Teacher, what is the origin of this Heavenly Secret Pavilion?" Xiao Chen asked.

Xuan Kongzi pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "According to scattered ancient records, the founder of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion is suspected to be a Half-Emperor expert from ancient times who touched upon the laws of destiny.

Its purpose is 'to observe destiny and maintain balance,' seemingly detached from worldly affairs, but in reality, it secretly influences the continent's pattern.

Its methods are bizarre, and it is most adept at setting up schemes, using people and even forces as chess pieces to push its so-called 'heavenly destiny trajectory.'"

"Observing destiny? Setting up schemes?" Xiao Chen frowned, "Why would they target me?"

"It's not just targeting you alone." Xuan Kongzi shook his head, "In the eyes of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, all living beings can be chess pieces.

You, bearing the Xiao Clan's bloodline and having obtained the opportunity of the dragon phoenix origin fruit, have grown at an astonishing speed, already becoming an important 'variable' that influences the continent's destiny.

The Heavenly Secret Pavilion either wants to bring you, this variable, under its control and make you a chess piece; or... it wants to completely eliminate you, this unstable factor, to maintain its envisioned 'balance.'"

A chill ran through Xiao Chen's heart.

Becoming a chess piece, losing control of himself; or being eliminated... neither was what he wanted!

"Teacher, how should we respond?"

Xuan Kongzi's gaze was profound: "The Heavenly Secret Pavilion's schemes are often interconnected, where one move affects the whole.

Instead of passively reacting, it's better to actively break the situation!

Now that the Soul Hall is powerful and the Heavenly Secret Pavilion lurks in the shadows, the Central Region and even the entire continent are in a precarious state.

Our Pill Tower can no longer remain aloof; we must unite all possible forces and take the initiative to disrupt their plans!"

He looked at Xiao Chen, his eyes sharp: "Chen'er, your strength and potential have been recognized by all parties.

Next, there is a heavy responsibility that only you can undertake!"

"Teacher, please speak!" Xiao Chen said solemnly.

"I intend to use the name of the Pill Tower to unite the Starfall Pavilion, the Flower Sect (remnants), the Sound Valley, and attempt to contact the descendants of ancient races like the Ancient Clan and Yan Clan, to form a 'Anti-Alliance' and jointly resist the Soul Hall and the Heavenly Secret Pavilion!" Xuan Kongzi said in a deep voice, "And what you need to do is to represent the Pill Tower and go to the Ancient World and Yan Realm to persuade the Ancient Clan and Yan Clan to join the alliance!"

"Ancient World? Yan Realm?" Xiao Chen's heart trembled.

The Ancient Clan and Yan Clan are two of the Eight Ancient Clans, renowned alongside the Xiao Clan, with unfathomable foundations.

Their dwelling places are independent small worlds, isolated from the outside world for a long time.

It would be extremely difficult to persuade them to emerge!

"Exactly." Xuan Kongzi nodded, "Although the Ancient Clan and Yan Clan have been reclusive for many years, the Soul Hall's 'Emperor Hunting Plan' concerns Origin Qi, touching upon their fundamental interests, so they cannot remain indifferent.

They just lack an opportunity and a sufficiently influential persuader.

And you, as a descendant of the Xiao Clan, who has repeatedly inflicted heavy damage on the Soul Hall, with sufficient strength and prestige, are the best candidate."

Xiao Chen took a deep breath, feeling the heavy responsibility on his shoulders.

If he could facilitate the alliance of the three Ancient Clans, the Anti-Alliance's strength would surge, enough to contend head-on with the Soul Hall Alliance!

"This disciple is willing to go!" Xiao Chen agreed without hesitation.

He knew that this was not only a heavy responsibility but also an opportunity.

Contacting the Ancient Clan and Yan Clan might uncover more ancient secrets about the Xiao Clan, and even find a way to fully awaken his bloodline.

"Good! The sooner, the better!" Xuan Kongzi took out an ancient spatial jade slip and a Pill Tower guest elder token and handed them to Xiao Chen, "This jade slip records the general directions and entry methods for the Ancient World and Yan Realm, but you need to find the specific locations yourself.

This token represents the Pill Tower's highest sincerity; seeing this token is like seeing me.

Feng Xian will go with you; he is familiar with external affairs and can assist you."

"Additionally," Xuan Kongzi's tone became solemn, "since the Heavenly Secret Pavilion has already set its sights on you, this journey will certainly not be smooth.

They will try every means to obstruct you, and may even exploit internal conflicts within the Ancient Clan and Yan Clan.

You must be extremely careful and act according to the situation.

If things become impossible, prioritize your own safety!"

"This disciple understands!" Xiao Chen solemnly accepted the jade slip and token.

Three days later, all preparations were complete.

Xiao Chen and Feng Xian quietly left the Pill Tower Holy Domain, embarking on their journey to find the Ancient World and Yan Realm.

At the same time, news of Xiao Chen's impending mission to the Ancient Clan and Yan Clan, through unknown channels, quietly spread among the top forces in the Central Region...

A secret war centered around the ancient races and concerning the fate of the continent officially began with Xiao Chen's departure.

And the shadow of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, like a persistent parasite, followed close behind.