30: A new journey

Late at night after the celebration feast, Xiao Bing stood alone on the tallest tower of the Yan Alliance, gazing up at the starry sky. Source Ice Heart floated in his palm, emitting a soft blue glow.

"Still not resting?" Han Yue's voice came from behind him.

Xiao Bing put away Source Ice Heart, turned, and smiled: "Just thinking about some things."

Han Yue walked to his side, the ice-blue strands in her silver hair particularly striking under the moonlight: "About the last message the Ice Emperor left you?"

Xiao Bing was not surprised that she could guess. Ever since Han Yue was revived by Source Ice Heart, a strange telepathic connection had formed between them.

"Yes." Xiao Bing nodded, "The Ice Emperor's memory fragments show that Dou Qi Continent is just one of countless planes. The Extraterrestrial Evil Clan invaded because their world is collapsing."

Han Yue's eyes widened slightly: "So they want to seize our world?"

"Not just that." Xiao Bing's expression was grave, "The Ice Emperor suspected that Dou Qi Continent hides a secret powerful enough to change the pattern of all planes. This is also why... he chose me."

"What do you mean?"

Xiao Bing stretched out his hand, and nine Spiritual Thunders intertwined in his palm: "After Nine Lightnings Unite, I can sense the existence of other planes." He pointed to a certain spot in the starry sky, "There... something is calling me."

Han Yue held his hand: "Then go."

Xiao Bing was startled: "You..."

"I'll go with you." Han Yue's tone was firm, "Don't forget, I'm half a Spiritual Thunder body now too."

Xiao Bing was about to say something when his expression suddenly changed. Source Ice Heart automatically flew out, projecting an image in the air—it was Xiao Yan's figure, exploring a strange space, surrounded by countless flame runes.

"Flame Brother?" Xiao Bing said in surprise, "Where is this?"

The Ice Emperor's residual consciousness came from Source Ice Heart: "The Legacy ground left by Tuoshe Ancient Emperor... he found an opportunity to Breakthrough to the Emperor Realm..."

In the image, Xiao Yan seemed to sense something, looked up at the Void Realm, and a slight smile played on his lips: "Xiao Bing, it seems you've also discovered it."

"Flame Brother, you can see me?" Xiao Bing was stunned.

Xiao Yan laughed loudly: "Exotic flames and Spiritual Thunders are two sides of the same coin. Since you have achieved Nine Lightnings Unite, you can naturally communicate with me across space." He said seriously, "I found some interesting things here... about the vast world beyond Dou Qi Continent."

Xiao Bing's heart trembled: "You know too?"

"Not only do I know, but I've also found a way to travel to other planes." Excitement flickered in Xiao Yan's eyes, "After I Breakthrough to the Emperor Realm, I plan to explore."

Han Yue couldn't help but interject: "It's too dangerous!"

Xiao Yan then noticed her: "Oh, my sister-in-law is here too." He grinned, "Don't worry, I won't act rashly. But what about you two... what are your plans?"

Xiao Bing and Han Yue exchanged glances: "We also have places we want to explore."

"Good!" Xiao Yan said with great spirit, "Then let's have a competition and see who finds that so-called 'plane secret' first!"

The three looked at each other and smiled. The image from Source Ice Heart gradually dissipated, and the night sky returned to tranquility.

---

Three months later, Yan Alliance Square.

Almost all the powerhouses of Central Plains gathered here to witness a historic moment—Xiao Yan was officially assaulting the Emperor Realm!

On the high platform, Xiao Yan sat cross-legged, twenty-three types of exotic flames surrounding him. Yao Lao, Elder Gu Yuan, and others stood by as Protectors.

Xiao Bing and Han Yue stood at the very front of the crowd. In these three months, Xiao Bing had completely mastered the power of Nine Lightnings Unite, his strength stable at the Peak of Nine-star Dou Saint. And Han Yue, nourished by Moonlight Thunder, had advanced to Six-star Dou Saint.

"It's about to begin." Xiao Bing said softly.

Suddenly, Xiao Yan opened his eyes, and all the exotic flames began to undergo Fusion! The energy of heaven and earth converged frantically, forming a pillar of fire that pierced through heaven and earth!

"With fire as my Dao, today... I enter the Emperor Realm!"

As Xiao Yan declared, a towering phantom appeared in the pillar of fire—it was his Dou Emperor body! The terrifying pressure made everyone present involuntarily kneel, with only Xiao Bing and a few Nine-star Dou Saints barely able to stand.

The phenomenon lasted for a full hour before gradually dissipating. Xiao Yan's figure reappeared, his appearance seemingly unchanged, but his eyes were as deep as the starry sky, containing infinite mysteries.

"He succeeded..." Yao Lao's eyes welled up with tears, "My disciple has achieved the Emperor Realm!"

The entire venue erupted, cheers shaking the heavens. Xiao Yan smiled as he accepted everyone's congratulations, then looked at Xiao Bing: "It's your turn."

Xiao Bing shook his head: "I'm still a bit lacking."

"No, you're not lacking." Xiao Yan said meaningfully, "You just chose another Dao."

The celebration lasted for three days and three nights. During this time, Xiao Yan secretly found Xiao Bing and Han Yue: "I'll depart in three days."

"So soon?" Han Yue asked in surprise.

Xiao Yan nodded: "After Breaking Through to the Emperor Realm, I feel the call from other planes growing stronger." He looked at Xiao Bing, "What about you?"

Xiao Bing pondered for a moment: "Han Yue and I plan to go to the Extreme North Land first. Source Ice Heart has been acting strangely recently, seeming to point to something."

"Good, then we'll part ways here." Xiao Yan laughed heartily, "Remember, no matter which plane we go to, we are brothers."

Three days later, above the Yan Alliance.

Xiao Yan tore through space, revealing a colorful passage. He took one last look at the people seeing him off, waved, and stepped into it.

"Take care!" Yao Lao shouted loudly.

Once the passage closed, Xiao Bing held Han Yue's hand: "It's time for us to depart as well."

Extreme North Land, Ice Emperor Palace ruins.

Source Ice Heart floated above the ruins, projecting a blue light door. Xiao Bing and Han Yue stood hand in hand before the door.

"Are you ready?" Xiao Bing asked.

Han Yue smiled sweetly: "With you, anywhere is fine."

The two smiled at each other and stepped into the light door simultaneously. Behind them, Source Ice Heart transformed into a stream of light and merged into Xiao Bing's body, and the light door immediately closed.

---

Three months later, Yan Alliance.

Yao Lao stood on the tower, looking at the two letters in his hand. One was from Xiao Yan, saying he had found a plane dominated by fire and was establishing a new Yan Alliance there. The other was from Xiao Bing, saying that he and Han Yue had discovered an ancient ruin, suspected to be related to the origin of planes.

"These two boys..." Yao Lao shook his head with a light laugh, his eyes full of gratification.

Little Fairy Doctor and Hu Jia walked over: "Senior Yao Lao, still thinking about them?"

Yao Lao put away the letters: "Yes. But..." He looked into the distance, "A good man's ambition is in the four directions. With Elder Gu Yuan overseeing Dou Qi Continent, nothing will happen for now."

Hu Jia pouted: "Next time we meet, I must catch up to their pace!"

Little Fairy Doctor chuckled: "Then you'll have to work hard."

As the three chatted and laughed, no one noticed that a blue light and a fiery light seemed to flash simultaneously in the sky, like a distant response...