23: Xiao Yan's determination and unexpected invitation

A month of intense cultivation brought about earth-shattering changes in Xiao Chen's strength. His Soul Realm was stable at the intermediate stage of Spirit Movement, his energy pool remained at a steady level, and his combat ability was greatly enhanced by the cultivation of "Iron Bone Fist" and "Swimming Fish Steps."

However, he knew that this level of strength was still not enough in Black Flame City.

That evening, Xiao Chen finished another round of soul cultivation, feeling refreshed.

He decided to visit Xiao Yan, partly to check on his fellow countryman's progress, and partly to subtly gather information about the Black-Corner Region and Black Flame City.

Arriving at Xiao Yan's small courtyard, he saw the gate tightly shut, with faint sounds of Dou Qi collisions and heavy breathing coming from within.

Clearly, Xiao Yan was cultivating diligently.

Xiao Chen did not disturb him, but instead stood outside the courtyard, quietly releasing a wisp of his soul perception.

His soul perception could now cover a radius of twenty meters, allowing him to clearly "see" the scene inside the courtyard.

Xiao Yan, stripped to the waist and drenched in sweat, was fiercely battling an illusory figure condensed from Dou Qi.

The figure's moves were ruthless and incredibly fast, clearly an opponent simulated by Yao Lao.

Xiao Yan already had several bruises on his body, but his eyes were sharp as an eagle's, and every dodge and counterattack carried a ruthless determination and tenacity.

"Peak of the ninth stage of Dou Qi!" Xiao Chen was slightly startled.

In just over a month, Xiao Yan had actually advanced from the seventh stage to the peak of the ninth stage!

This speed was simply astonishing!

As expected of the protagonist!

"Bang!" Xiao Yan seized an opening, unleashing a powerful Eight Extremities Collapse infused with hidden force, which slammed into the illusory figure's chest, scattering it.

He panted heavily, but his face glowed with excitement.

"Not bad, kid, your mastery of the Eight Extremities Collapse's hidden force is becoming more and more proficient," Yao Lao's illusory figure appeared, his tone filled with approval.

"At this rate, in another half a month, you'll be able to break through to Fighter!"

"Fighter..." Xiao Yan clenched his fists, his eyes burning with fire.

"Teacher, once I become a Fighter, can I start preparing to devour the Heavenly Flame?"

Yao Lao nodded, his tone serious: "Theoretically, yes.

However, devouring a Heavenly Flame is extremely perilous and requires thorough preparation.

First, you need a fire-attribute cultivation technique of at least Profound High-grade to control the Heavenly Flame; second, you need several special pills to protect your meridians; and finally, and most importantly, you need to find a suitable Heavenly Flame!"

"Profound High-grade cultivation technique... pills..." Xiao Yan frowned slightly.

"These are not easy to obtain."

"I already have a lead on the cultivation technique," Yao Lao smiled mysteriously.

"As for the pills and the Heavenly Flame... perhaps we can go to a certain place."

"Where?" Xiao Yan pressed.

"The Black-Corner Region!" Yao Lao uttered three words, his voice carrying a hint of solemnity and... nostalgia.

The Black-Corner Region!

Xiao Chen's heart stirred!

Indeed!

"The Black-Corner Region?" Xiao Yan had apparently heard the name too, his expression changing slightly.

"Isn't that place known as the 'Land of Chaos,' a paradise for criminals and fugitives?"

"Precisely," Yao Lao said gravely.

"The Black-Corner Region is located at the intersection of the three great empires, a lawless zone, a place where dragons and snakes mingle, and the strong prey on the weak.

But precisely because of this, it gathers rare treasures, cultivation techniques, and Dou Technique from all over the continent!

Many things that are not tolerated within the empire can be found there.

And... it is also one of the places where a Heavenly Flame might appear!"

Yao Lao paused, then continued: "As far as I know, there have been rumors of a Heavenly Flame appearing recently in 'Black Flame City' on the edge of the Black-Corner Region.

While the authenticity is hard to determine, it's worth investigating.

Moreover, although the Black-Corner Region is dangerous, it is also the best place to hone one's strength and rapidly improve!

If you want to have the strength to challenge the Yunlan Sect within three years, it's impossible to do it gradually; you must take a risk there!"

A flicker of struggle crossed Xiao Yan's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination: "Teacher is right!

Flowers in a greenhouse cannot withstand the wind and rain!

To become strong, one must experience life-and-death tempering!

The Black-Corner Region... I'll go!"

"Good!" Yao Lao praised.

"However, before you go, you must first become a Fighter and stabilize your strength.

And we will need a considerable amount of funds to purchase pills and intelligence."

Hearing this, Xiao Chen already had a plan in mind.

He reined in his aura and gently knocked on the courtyard gate.

The movement inside immediately ceased.

A moment later, the courtyard gate opened, and Xiao Yan, dressed in his training clothes and radiating heat, appeared at the doorway.

Seeing it was Xiao Chen, he was a little surprised: "Brother Xiao Chen?

Why are you here?"

"I was just passing by and heard some movement inside, so I came to take a look," Xiao Chen smiled, his gaze sweeping over the bruises on Xiao Yan's body.

"Big Brother Xiao cultivates so diligently; it seems your progress is swift."

Xiao Yan scratched his head, a little embarrassed: "It's alright, at least I haven't let Teacher down.

Brother Xiao Chen, please come in and sit."

Entering the small courtyard, Xiao Chen could feel that Yao Lao's aura had already concealed itself.

After sitting down, he asked casually, "Big Brother Xiao, I think I just heard you mention 'Black-Corner Region'?

What kind of place is that?"

Xiao Yan's expression grew serious, and he whispered, "That's a very dangerous place, located on the empire's border, lawless.

Brother Xiao Chen, you'd best not inquire about it."

"Oh?" Xiao Chen feigned curiosity, "I just heard it's very chaotic there, but it seems there are also many treasures?

Is Big Brother Xiao planning to go there for experience?"

Xiao Yan hesitated for a moment, then, remembering Xiao Chen's repeated help and reliable character, he didn't hide it and nodded: "Yes, Teacher suggested I go there to temper myself and seek opportunities to become stronger.

But that's all for later; I'm not even a Fighter yet."

"Opportunities often come with risks," Xiao Chen said meaningfully.

"I've also heard recently that there seems to be some ruin about to appear near Black Flame City, attracting quite a few people.

If Big Brother Xiao plans to go, you'll need to prepare in advance; that place is very treacherous."

"Ruin?" Xiao Yan was startled; his teacher had only mentioned the Heavenly Flame, not a ruin.

Yao Lao, hidden in the ring, however, felt a stir in his heart.

A ruin appearing in Black Flame City?

Why hadn't he heard any news?

Could it be... related to that place?

He secretly made a note to investigate later.

"Yes, just rumors, I don't know if they're true or false," Xiao Chen stopped there, changing the subject.

"Big Brother Xiao is about to break through to Fighter; do you need any pills to assist?

I've recently partnered with the auction house, so I can get some good quality power storing pills and qi recovery powder."

Xiao Yan's eyes lit up.

power storing pills and qi recovery powder would indeed help him break through to Fighter, especially the qi recovery powder, which could quickly restore Dou Qi and increase the success rate of the breakthrough.

However, he was short on funds, having exhausted his savings on the foundation establishment spiritual liquid.

Seeing Xiao Yan's predicament, Xiao Chen smiled: "Big Brother Xiao, there's no need to be polite; I'll give them to you at cost price.

Consider it an early investment; when Big Brother Xiao becomes famous throughout the continent in the future, just don't forget to lend your brother a hand."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan was moved and said solemnly, "Brother Xiao Chen has helped me repeatedly; Xiao Yan will never forget it!

If I achieve anything someday, I will surely repay you generously!"

Xiao Chen waved his hand, and after agreeing on the delivery time for the pills with Xiao Yan, he stood up to leave.

His objectives for this trip had been achieved: first, confirming that Xiao Yan would also be going to the Black-Corner Region (Black Flame City), likely leading to future interactions; second, doing a favor to further solidify their relationship; and third, subtly revealing the news of the "ruin" to Yao Lao, which might lead to some unforeseen developments.

Returning to his small room, Xiao Chen continued his intense cultivation.

With only a month left until departure, he had to seize every single moment.

However, plans often change.

Just three days after his visit to Xiao Yan, an unexpected visitor knocked on his door.

It was a maid from the Xiao Family, respectfully presenting an invitation.

"Young Master Xiao Chen, the Nalan Family has sent an invitation, inviting Young Master to 'Wangjiang Tower' tomorrow evening for a meeting."

The Nalan Family?

Xiao Chen took the invitation, his brows furrowed.

The Nalan Family, one of the three great families of the Jia Ma Empire, a loyal ally of the Yunlan Sect, Nalan Yanran's family!

Why would they seek out an unknown person like him?

The invitation was courteously worded, but it carried an undeniable sense of command.

Something unusual was definitely afoot!

The Nalan Family appearing at this time was absolutely related to Xiao Yan!

Were they trying to win him over? Warn him? Or... something worse?

Xiao Chen felt an invisible net seemed to be quietly tightening.

The waters of Wutan City, due to Xiao Yan's rise and his own appearance as a variable, had become increasingly murky.

The appointment tomorrow, would it bring fortune or disaster?