BTTH: Demon Emperor Xiao Yan

The Spirit of the Deep Sea—also known as the Sea Spirit Cauldron—was ranked tenth on the Heavenly Cauldron Ranking. Its true form was a rare sea stone, born in the depths of the ocean where it absorbed the essence of the marine world for countless years. Over time, the power of nature carved its rough body into the shape of a cauldron. Unlike the usual pill cauldrons forged by human hands, this one was a true miracle formed through natural evolution.

Within the Sea Spirit Cauldron resided an incredibly dense water-attribute energy. This natural trait allowed it to automatically filter out unstable components from certain medicinal ingredients, increasing the success rate of pill refinement. Not only that, but the pills refined within this cauldron had gentler medicinal properties, reducing side effects and making them safer for consumption.

As this thought surfaced in his mind, a spark of excitement surged through Xiao Yan's gaze. He stepped in front of the strange bluish-gray stone and casually tossed a few medicinal herbs—those that Zi Yan had just handed him—into the largest cavity at the stone's center. Then, he channeled a wisp of the Nine Nether Illusion Flame into the smaller holes located on the surface.

Seeing Xiao Yan's bizarre actions, both Zi Yan and Qing Lin blinked in confusion. The two girls exchanged glances, equally bewildered. Even Qing Lin, always calm and composed, couldn't help but wonder whether her young master had fried his brain during seclusion. Who in their right mind would refine pills using a rock?

But while the girls stood there uncertain, Xiao Yan's heart was filled with elation. Even though he was only refining simple energy pellets, not actual high-tier pills, he could still distinctly sense how much easier the process had become. The refinement went far smoother than usual, and the formation of the medicinal core occurred at an astonishing pace.

Moreover, when he infused his Dou Qi into the stone, it responded with a cool, soothing sensation. This slight chill served to dispel the mental fatigue that often accompanied long hours of pill refinement. Maintaining absolute focus for extended periods was no easy task, especially during complex concoctions. But this stone—no, this cauldron—seemed to help keep one's mind clear and calm. These were traits exclusive to true Heavenly Cauldrons!

There was no doubt about it now. This seemingly odd rock was none other than the Spirit of the Deep Sea, ranked tenth among the thirteen great cauldrons on the Heavenly Cauldron Ranking!

Something like this… forget ten million gold coins—even if the price were multiplied dozens of times, it would still be virtually priceless. If Yao Lao knew that Xiao Yan had acquired one of the Heavenly Cauldrons for such a cheap price, he would likely be rendered speechless. After all, back then, he had gone through immense hardship to seize the Black Demon Cauldron, which was ranked eighth. And yet here was Xiao Yan, simply sitting in seclusion, while someone delivered a Heavenly Cauldron right to his doorstep.

Of course, no matter how miraculous the find, certain formalities still had to be observed. That idiot who forced Zi Yan to raise the bid from ten thousand to over ten million? He had to be dealt with. If not for that guy's interference, Xiao Yan could have bought the Sea Spirit Cauldron at a fraction of the cost. And besides, that fellow had probably already started investigating them. Since they were destined to become enemies anyway, there was no point in being polite.

Xiao Yan quickly made up his mind: after this, he'd go and deal with that man personally. Considering his current good mood, he wouldn't even resort to any cruel and drawn-out punishments—just a clean and simple kill would do.

In his previous life, Xiao Yan had never been an alchemist, so he hadn't paid much attention to the Heavenly Cauldron Ranking. But after becoming a true pill master in this life, he finally understood the immense value such cauldrons held. Ever since arriving in the Black-Corner Region, he had been instructing others to search for high-grade pill cauldrons, but their efforts had been fruitless.

Who would have thought that not only would he find one here, but it would be a legendary Heavenly Cauldron?

Compared to this, all the cauldrons he had used before were nothing but scrap iron. The arrival of this treasure had completely resolved his last major concern regarding the refinement of high-grade pills. From now on, Xiao Yan could confidently begin refining tier-seven pills in bulk. The only remaining challenge would be surviving the ensuing pill tribulations—but with his current strength, that too was manageable.

As the excitement built inside him, Xiao Yan couldn't help but pick up Zi Yan in one swift motion and plant a big kiss on her cheek. "It's all thanks to you, Zi Yan!"

"Ugh! What are you doing?! So gross!" Zi Yan pushed him away in mock disgust, quickly pulling out a handkerchief to wipe her face. However, the faint blush that bloomed on her cheeks betrayed her inner fluster. "If you're really thankful, just refine more of those tasty pills for me."

Xiao Yan, realizing he had gotten carried away, only chuckled awkwardly. But his skin had long since grown thick—he simply laughed it off and handed her a fresh batch of energy pills. Upon receiving the gift, Zi Yan's eyes sparkled with delight.

Just as Xiao Yan was about to ask for the name of the scoundrel who forced them to spend over ten million gold coins, a sudden change occurred.

A pillar of dazzling light, easily dozens of meters wide, burst into the sky from the distant horizon. It pierced the clouds like a divine spear, illuminating the previously gloomy heavens with brilliant radiance.

Within Dark Sea City, countless figures looked skyward in awe. That blinding column of light—its source unmistakable—was the exact location where the Fallen Grounds were manifesting!

Even from a distance of a thousand li, the spectacle was clearly visible. Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed slightly, surprise flickering within them. He hadn't expected the manifestation to occur so soon… and with such intensity.

"So it's begun," Xiao Yan murmured, glancing toward the distant sky as he stowed the Sea Spirit Cauldron back into his storage ring. A deep spatial fluctuation emanated from the direction of the light. Judging by its intensity, the Fallen Grounds was not some drifting island as rumors suggested. Rather, it appeared to be an independent space concealed within the sea.

A spatial domain hidden within the ocean… it only opened once every fifty years. And every time it appeared, it materialized suddenly and inexplicably—thus giving rise to myths of floating ruins and drifting islands. But Xiao Yan had a different suspicion: it might be the tomb of a long-dead Dou Venerable, or even a Dou Saint.

Not that he cared.

Whether Dou Venerable or Dou Saint, their so-called inheritances held little interest for him. The only thing he sought within that mysterious space was one thing—Heavenly Flame.

Unfortunately, due to the distance and the interference of space itself, Xiao Yan couldn't sense anything specific from here. He couldn't confirm if a Heavenly Flame truly existed inside.

"There must be something good in there!" Zi Yan's large eyes sparkled as she stared at the beam of light. She, too, had sensed the intense energy fluctuations rippling from that direction. Grabbing Xiao Yan's arm excitedly, she cried, "Xiao Yan! Let's hurry over! And remember, once we find good stuff, you better refine pills for me!"

"I told you already… when we're out there, call me Mo Yanxiao," Xiao Yan sighed as he pulled out a mask made from Phantom Beast hide and placed it over his face. His youthful features became plain and nondescript, blending in easily with any crowd.

With a pat on Zi Yan's head, he took a deep breath and said calmly, "Let's go."

(End of Chapter)

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