Battle Through the Heaven: Purple Heaven

A dull, thunderous boom echoed from the distance, causing the ground to tremble faintly beneath Xiao Bai's feet as he stood lost in thought.

"What's happening? Is there a fight?"

Nearby, Little Gold Dragon, who had been yawning in boredom, snapped its head toward the source of the noise. Its gaze locked onto the direction of the Inner Academy, and it let out a startled cry.

"Let's go! Back to the Inner Academy!"

Xiao Bai scooped up Xun'er and Xiao Yi Xian, landing lightly on the dragon's head. He stomped his foot, urging it forward.

His spiritual senses had picked up a surge of intense, scorching energy erupting from the Inner Academy. The energy carried a faint trace of Heavenly Flame.

"My Lord, maybe we shouldn't go? If it's an opponent even Jia Nan Academy can't handle, what can we do?" Little Gold Dragon's face drooped, its voice pleading.

"Enough nonsense! That's the Heavenly Flame under the Heaven Burning Refining Tower going berserk, not a Dou Zun. Besides, where would a Dou Zun come from in the Black-Corner Region?"

Xiao Bai shot an exasperated glance at the dragon beneath him. Ever since it lost its memories, this dragon's courage has shrunk to nothing!

"Heavenly Flame?" Little Gold Dragon's eyes widened in shock. Realizing the situation, it shot into the sky without hesitation, speeding toward the Inner Academy. "Why didn't you say so earlier? A mere Heavenly Flame? This dragon fears nothing!" it scoffed.

"…" Xiao Bai, Xun'er, and Xiao Yi Xian exchanged speechless looks.

Ignoring the dragon's cowardly bravado, Xiao Bai turned his gaze toward the Inner Academy. His eyes settled on the faint outline of the black tower's spire, a flicker of anticipation in his expression.

"Xiao Bai gege, do you want the Heavenly Flame beneath the Heaven Burning Refining Tower?" Xun'er asked, her arms wrapped around his. Noticing the look in his eyes, her bright, curious gaze sparkled.

"No." Xiao Bai shook his head. "The Fallen Heart Flame is impressive, but it's not much use to me."

"However, the underground magma beneath that tower… I've been wanting to take a look. This is the perfect chance."

"Normally, getting to the bottom of the Heaven Burning Refining Tower would take some effort—convincing the Great Elder and all that."

"Underground magma?" Xun'er's delicate brows furrowed. "Why go there?"

"That kind of environment is only slightly tolerable for fire-attribute cultivators. For others, it's far from friendly."

"No worries." Xiao Bai looked down at the two pairs of worried eyes gazing up at him and flashed a confident smile. "You don't need to worry. The current me isn't afraid of that environment."

He wasn't boasting. Natural elemental environments like magma posed no threat to him. In fact, they could even enhance his abilities. The underground magma held dangers, but not from the environment itself—rather, from intelligent creatures within, like fire salamanders.

"Relax, I'm just going down to find something. There's no real danger. And if anything unexpected happens, I've got the item Xun'er gave me. I can always escape, right?"

Xiao Bai smiled softly at the two women, their faces a mix of concern and affection.

"Fine. But Xiao Bai gege, you have to be careful. Keep the item I gave you close, and don't hesitate to use it, okay?"

Xun'er, seeing his resolve, relented with a gentle warning.

"Got it." Xiao Bai's heart warmed, and he nodded with a smile.

A moment later, as if recalling something, he asked, "By the way, what's today's date? How much time is left before Xiao Yan's three-year deadline?"

"Less than three months," Xun'er replied after a brief pause.

"Less than three months, huh?"

Xiao Bai pondered for a moment. Factoring in travel time, plus detours to the Tagore Desert and the Magical Beast Mountain Range, his schedule was already tight.

He turned to the two women. "I'll be heading back to the Jia Ma Empire soon. Do you want to come along and visit?"

Xun'er tightened her grip on his arm, her clear eyes shimmering with reluctance. She stared at his face, as if memorizing every detail.

After a moment, she shook her head, her smile radiant. "I'll pass this time. Xiao Bai gege, just go take a look for me."

Xiao Yi Xian opened her mouth to speak but stopped when Xun'er subtly shook her head. Biting her lip, she lowered her gaze and murmured, "I won't go either. I'll stay here with Xun'er."

Xiao Bai caught their subtle exchange. His heart swelled with both gratitude and a touch of helplessness.

He was grateful that the two women had grown so close, just as he'd hoped. But he was helpless because, judging by their expressions, Xun'er's departure was drawing near.

And there was nothing he could do to stop it. How could he prevent Xun'er from returning to her family?

"Alright, then. I'll handle things quickly and come back as soon as I can," Xiao Bai said with a smile, pretending not to notice their little scheme.

Xun'er's emotions were conflicted. Part of her wanted him to know, but she didn't want to burden him with sadness.

Yet, seeing him usually sharp and perceptive Xiao Bai gege act so oblivious, not even asking a single question, sparked a flare of indignation. Hmph. He seems awfully eager to go back!

"Wronged! If I hadn't promised that kid Xiao Yan, why would I bother traveling thousands of miles?" Xiao Bai's heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly protested his innocence.

"Is that all?" Xun'er bit her lip, her gaze sharp and tone cryptic.

"Absolutely!" Xiao Bai straightened up, his voice firm. Then, cautiously, he added, "Or… maybe I just won't go?"

"Would that be right? Didn't you promise Cousin Xiao Yan?" Xun'er's eyes narrowed, her smile teasing.

"Let that kid fend for himself!" Xiao Bai shook his head quickly, thinking to himself, Sorry, Little Yan. Your Brother Bai can't make it. Good luck!

Xun'er's smile widened. She gently brushed her hand across Xiao Bai's face, choosing not to press him further. "Forget it. A promise made must be kept. I wouldn't want my Xiao Bai gege to be known as someone who breaks his word."

Xiao Yi Xian's lips curved into a faint smile. She'd heard some things from Xun'er but stayed quiet, watching the two playfully spar with words.

Xiao Bai had tactically retreated, while Xun'er had started firm but softened. It was her way of warning him: Don't think you can run wild back home just because no one's watching.

___

Jia Ma Empire

Meanwhile, Xiao Yan stood in a spacious hall, shrouded in a mysterious black cloak.

The hall was packed with guests, adorned with vibrant red silk, exuding a festive air. Yet, despite the crowd, the room was eerily silent.

"Who are you?"

From the high seat on the platform, an elderly man in ornate robes, his hair streaked with white, frowned at the uninvited guest whose face was hidden.

"You're Mo Cheng, I presume? I have some questions for you," Xiao Yan said calmly, unfazed by the anger flashing across Mo Cheng's face.

"Today is a joyous occasion for the Mo Clan. I ask that you show some respect and rest to the side for now. We can discuss matters after the banquet. How about it?"

Mo Cheng's heart eased slightly at Xiao Yan's youthful voice. Beneath his sleeves, his withered hands glowed faintly with volatile fire-attribute energy, a glint of menace in his eyes as he smiled.

"Show respect? A mere dog of the Yun Lan Sect—you think you're worthy?" Xiao Yan's casual retort left the gathered guests dumbfounded.

"Ha…" Mo Cheng's laughter was cold, his tone venomous. "In all these years, you're the first to dare cause trouble at the Mo Clan!"

"Cut the nonsense. Who from your Mo Clan went to Stone Desert City? Who injured the people of Mo Tie Mercenary Corps? Hand them over, or I'll bathe the Mo Clan in blood!" Xiao Yan waved his hand impatiently.

Back in the desert, after Brother Bai had spared the female Dou Huang, Xiao Yan had returned to Stone Desert City. There, he found the Mo Tie Mercenary Corps' base in ruins. His eldest brother, Xiao Ding, was gravely injured, while his second brother had been away on a mission, narrowly escaping disaster.

If Xiao Yan hadn't returned when he did, and if not for Yao Lao's guidance, Xiao Ding might not have survived.

When Xiao Ding regained consciousness, Xiao Yan learned the truth: the Mo Clan had come to Stone Desert City, demanding the whereabouts of a girl named Qing Lin.

If not for the Mo Tie Mercenary Corps' dominance in Stone Desert City, and Xiao Ding's regular tributes to the city lord, the city lord's intervention might not have saved his life. But even the city lord feared the Mo Clan and could only protect Xiao Ding, offering no hope of vengeance.

"So, you're here for that mercenary corps!" A gleam of delight flashed in Mo Cheng's eyes. This must be the one who took that girl!

Some time ago, Mo Ran and others from the Mo Clan had passed through Stone Desert City. They'd heard of a despised young girl who had suddenly gained the ability to summon a Dou Ling-level magical beast.

After a thorough investigation, they reached a thrilling conclusion: this girl likely possessed the rare and extraordinary Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils.

According to Mo Ran's report, Mo Cheng planned to visit Stone Desert City himself after establishing the Mo Alliance during this celebration. He hadn't expected the culprit to deliver himself to his doorstep.

If I can obtain those eyes and refine them to maturity, who in the Jia Ma Empire could stand against me?

Mo Cheng's murky eyes flicked toward a woman in moon-colored robes below, a shadow of resentment crossing his face. The Yun Lan Sect… once I have that girl, I'll make you spit out every resource you've extorted from us!

Imagining the Yun Lan Sect groveling at his feet, Mo Cheng laughed heartily. "Excellent, excellent!"

Snapping out of his fantasy, he fixed a chilling glare on the black-robed figure and roared, "Since you've come, don't think about leaving!"

With that, a powerful aura erupted from his body. His robes billowed, and the surrounding tables and chairs shattered, debris flying.

"Uncle Ge, should we intervene?" The moon-robed woman glanced at the escalating tension and tilted her head slightly.

"No rush. The Mo Clan has been acting recklessly these past two years. Even with the Great Elder keeping things in check, some elders in the sect are displeased. This mysterious figure isn't simple—let Mo Cheng suffer a bit," Ge Ye replied softly, shaking his head.

"Great Elder!" The mention of the name darkened the woman's expression.

Ge Ye sighed inwardly, offering comfort. "Don't worry. The Sect Leader is still the Sect Leader. The Great Elder is merely handling sect affairs for now."

Recent changes within the Yun Lan Sect had left elders and deacons like him bewildered. Just days ago, the Great Elder had called a sect meeting, declaring that he would take full control of all sect matters.

Several elders had fiercely opposed this, urging the Sect Leader to reject such an absurd decision. The Sect Leader is still here—how dare Great Elder Yun Ling seize power?

Yet, the Sect Leader remained silent, as if acquiescing. This left loyal elders and deacons with no choice but to relent.

Ge Ye fell silent, unable to fathom what could have caused a Three-Star Dou Huang Sect Leader to be sidelined by a Peak Dou Wang Great Elder.

Teacher, what are you thinking? Nalan Yanran murmured, a flicker of worry in her eyes.

As the two were lost in thought, a sinister voice cut through: "Seize him!"

Mo Cheng, eyes gleaming with excitement, waved his hand. Instantly, the Mo Clan's fighters summoned their Dou Qi armor and closed in on the black-robed figure.

Xiao Yan's eyes flashed with ruthlessness. With a flick of his hand, tendrils of eerie white flame materialized, darting toward the attackers.

A faint thud sounded. The Mo Clan fighters didn't even have time to scream before they were reduced to black ash, scattering before the stunned crowd.

"That's… Heavenly Flame! Bone-Chilling Flame! He's the one the Great Elder is looking for!" Ge Ye shot to his feet, staring at the black-robed figure in shock.

Xiao Yan's brows furrowed, his gaze locking onto the unforgettable figure of Nalan Yanran. Looking for me? he thought coldly. Gu He, you're relentless. Using the Yun Lan Sect to hunt me down?

"Fine! Yun Lan Sect, let's add another debt to our tally!"

"Xiao Yan, finish this quickly and leave. Don't linger—I have a bad feeling," Yao Lao's voice suddenly warned.

"Understood!" Xiao Yan's heart jolted. Something in the Jia Ma Empire is making Teacher uneasy? He nodded swiftly.

His eyes glinted with cold resolve. Done with words, he clenched his fist and moved like a phantom, charging toward Mo Cheng with ferocious momentum.

Mo Cheng felt a chill but had no time to think. His Dou Qi surged, deep red energy enveloping him. His hand curled into a claw, striking viciously at Xiao Yan's heart.

Bang!

Fist met claw, and a sharp crack rang out. Mo Cheng spat blood, flying backward and crashing into the wall, leaving a long skid mark.

Xiao Yan stepped forward, appearing beside Mo Cheng in an instant. He seized the man's throat, his voice icy. "If you won't say who it was, the entire Mo Clan can pay the price."

"Sir, please—" As Xiao Yan prepared to end him, a clear, youthful voice interrupted.

"Get lost!" Recognizing Nalan Yanran's voice and guessing her intent, Xiao Yan snapped irritably without turning. "Don't think being the Yun Lan Sect's Young Sect Leader makes you untouchable. If you weren't still useful, you'd be dead today!"

"Wait… Sir, I'll talk, I'll talk!" Mo Cheng, closer to death than ever and realizing this man feared not the Yun Lan Sect, pleaded desperately.

"No need." Xiao Yan's gaze was frigid. Bone-Chilling Flame flared in his hand, reducing Mo Cheng to ash in an instant.

The hall fell deathly silent. The crowd watched in horror as the once-proud Mo Clan's Great Elder perished, not even a corpse remaining.

Moments later, Xiao Yan strode out of the Mo Clan's gates, speeding off into the distance until he vanished.

___

Half an hour later, a strange black mist enveloped the Mo Clan's estate.

After a few screams, a sinister cackle echoed through the fog: "Hah hah hah!, Yao Chen, it really is you. You slipped through my Soul Hall's grasp back then, but this time, you'd better not fall into this Protector's hands!"

____

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