Chapter 1645: End, and Also a Beginning
An epoch-making battle came to an end, leaving the Central Plains in utter ruins. Its former prosperity was gone, and the entire region was now split in two, divided by a massive chasm tens of thousands of feet deep. This chasm would later be known as the Dual Emperor Abyss. No one could ever forget the earth-shattering battle that had taken place that day…
Although the Central Plains had lost its prosperity due to this calamity, fortunately, the disaster stopped there. As people from other regions flocked in, it was only a matter of time before the Central Plains would once again become the center of the Dou Qi Continent. For it was here that the final battle determining the fate of the Dou Qi Continent had erupted.
With Hun Tiandi's sealing, the war naturally concluded with the Allied Forces' victory. As for the Hun Clan, although many of their members' power had greatly increased due to Hun Tiandi's breakthrough to the Dou Emperor rank, before they could even demonstrate this newfound strength, seventy to eighty percent of them had been sacrificed by Hun Tiandi to his blood blade. The remaining members were disheartened and offered little resistance against the Allied Forces' pursuit, quickly allowing themselves to be captured.
Not long after the great battle concluded, the Allied Forces finally managed to breach the Hun Realm for the first time in many years. However, the expected prosperity was nowhere to be seen. Upon entering, all they saw was a vast expanse of crimson red. The entire space was deathly still, with scarcely a trace of human activity.
Further Exploration Book Battle Through the Heavens Allied Three Great Unions (Tian Fu Union)
At the center of the Hun Realm, the Allied Forces discovered a massive blood pool nearly a hundred thousand feet wide. The blood within was extremely viscous, and countless corpses and white bones floated densely within it. Seeing this, they finally understood why the Hun Realm was so desolate.
It seemed almost all the people here had been thrown into this blood pool. In order to achieve his goal, Hun Tiandi had indeed staked everything...
Such a person evoked heart-chilling fear, but it was also a relief that such a madman had finally been subdued.
The remaining stragglers within the Hun Realm were all taken away. Then, Gu Yuan and the others joined forces to completely destroy this old nest of the Hun Clan. From then on, the so-called Hun Clan would no longer exist in the Central Plains...
Of the ancient eight clans, only the Gu Clan, Yan Clan, and Lei Clan remained. Oh, and of course, one must not forget the Xiao Clan, whose Dou Di bloodline was reignited due to Xiao Yan's ascension to Dou Emperor!
Regarding the Dou Di bloodline, the closer the blood relation to Xiao Yan, the greater the benefits received. The most obvious case was naturally Xiao Yan's daughter, Xiao Xiao. She almost directly skyrocketed to the 8-Star Dou Saint level the moment Xiao Yan stepped into the Dou Emperor realm. That speed was enough to make one feel dizzy. Although Xiao Xiao had excellent talent, before it could fully manifest, due to various reasons, she directly leaped to become a top-tier powerhouse on the Dou Qi Continent. This situation made veterans like Lei Ying and Yan Jin, who had cultivated for hundreds or even a thousand years, feel the urge to spit blood. Was this the benefit of being the first generation to enjoy the Dou Di bloodline?
The Dou Di bloodline was just such a monstrous thing. Otherwise, how could one person alone revitalize an entire clan?
One could imagine that the entire Xiao family would thoroughly enjoy the benefits brought by the Dou Di bloodline. Their strength would also experience a huge leap in the future. Returning the Xiao Clan to its former peak prosperity was merely a matter of time.
...
With the war over, the Allied Forces naturally disbanded. However, it was clear that unless special circumstances arose, such a terrifying large-scale war would be unlikely to erupt again on the Dou Qi Continent. Because now, the continent had a supreme powerhouse to maintain balance.
Flame Emperor, Xiao Yan!
A name that resounded in every corner of the Dou Qi Continent, a name revered by countless people. In the hearts of many, he was a deity-like existence, sheltering the Dou Qi Continent!
Although the Allied Forces disbanded, the Tian Fu Union still remained. Moreover, the current Union no longer had distinctions between different forces or sects. Now, they understood very clearly that being able to exist within this Union would be an immensely glorious honor.
And that honor came from the one who stood at the pinnacle of the Dou Qi Continent!
...
Two years after that shocking great battle, the Central Plains gradually became prosperous again. Numerous sects and forces sprang up like bamboo shoots after a spring rain, making the Central Plains once again bustling and vibrant.
Of course, the Tian Fu Union no longer intervened in these matters. They maintained a transcendent status, quietly observing the development and evolution of the Central Plains. And no force dared to show the slightest provocation towards this undisputed hegemon.
The injuries sustained from the battle with Hun Tiandi were fully healed by Xiao Yan using the power of the Different Flames. In just two years, he successfully reconstructed his body, fortunately without leaving any sequelae.
During these two years, Xiao Yan held an exceptionally grand wedding with Xun'er and Cai Lin, witnessed by heaven, earth, and countless people... This was also the promise Xiao Yan had once made to the two women.
Not long after the wedding, Xiao Yan transferred the position of Union Leader of the Tian Fu back to Yao Lao. According to him, the current Tian Fu Union no longer needed him to bear the burden...
Yao Lao was somewhat helpless regarding Xiao Yan's action. He knew this kid wanted to be the hands-off leader again. But thinking about the heavy burdens Xiao Yan had carried over the years, his heart ached with some pity. So, he could only take up the position of Union Leader again, taking over this responsibility for Xiao Yan.
Only after卸下 (卸下 - xiè xià - laying down/shrugging off) this burden did Xiao Yan leisurely wander off潇洒而去 (潇洒而去 - xiāo sǎ ér qù - with carefree elegance). Between heaven and earth, he was now free to roam as he pleased.
...
Time passed, spring left and autumn came. Another year or so quietly slipped by.
Several tens of miles outside Beili City in the Eastern Central Plains, three figures sat in a pavilion, their gazes betraying a sense of anticipation.
"Liu Qing, will he really come?" asked a man in gray clothes with a sharp expression in the pavilion, licking his lips.
"Lin Yan, after all these years, you still have such an impatient temper," a man in blue clothes beside him smiled gently, appearing quite refined.
"Lin Xiuya, I heard you established a Ya Gang in Qingtian City?" Liu Qing, tall and sturdy, asked with a smile. He was now the helm of the Liu family, with no small amount of authority between his brows.
"Just for fun," Lin Xiuya chuckled lightly. "It's not presentable, not even worth a hair compared to that guy..."
"Haha, Lin Xiuya, that doesn't sound like something you'd say..." Just as Lin Xiuya's words fell, a familiar laughter rang out in the pavilion. Then, a figure appeared so abruptly within the pavilion, dressed in black robes—it was none other than Xiao Yan!
"Haha, you guy, you finally showed up!" Seeing Xiao Yan appear, joy surged onto the three men's faces. They stepped forward quickly, each giving him a punch on the chest.
"Hehe, I actually punched the Flame Emperor. That's seriously badass," Lin Yan roared with laughter.
Meeting these friends he hadn't seen for years, Xiao Yan also laughed heartily. With a wave of his hand, several jars of strong liquor appeared in the pavilion. "No nonsense now. We don't stop until we're drunk."
"Good! We'll keep you company today!"
The three also laughed heartily, taking the jars without courtesy and gulping them down.
In the pavilion, the four laughed and drank freely. Their laughter echoed, carrying an unrestrained洒脱 (洒脱 - sǎ tuō - free and easy) air in the pavilion.
The moonlight climbed up. Lin Yan and Liu Qing were dead drunk, lying on the ground without regard for decorum. They hadn't used their Dou Qi to resist the alcohol; they wanted to get thoroughly, unrestrainedly drunk.
"Where do you plan to go next?" Lin Xiuya asked, his cheeks slightly flushed, as he looked at Xiao Yan.
"After wandering for so long, I'm a bit tired..." Xiao Yan smiled, raised his head, and looked at the bright moon. "I want to return to the Jia Ma Empire..."
"If you need anything in the future, go to the Tian Fu Union. I've already put in a word for you..."
"Haha, that's quite an intimidating background. Looks like choosing to follow you to the Jia Ma Empire back then was really the right path..."
"Haha..."
...
Former site of the Flower Sect.
Due to the alliance's assimilation, the current Flower Sect had completely integrated into the alliance. However, some of the older members of the Flower Sect still preferred to remain in this quiet place.
In the back mountains of the Flower Sect, a graceful figure stood elegantly. Her moon-white robe outlined her alluring curves, making her appear exceptionally seductive.
"Teacher…" A woman dressed in light-colored robes called out softly from behind.
"Yanran, is there something?" The woman in the moon-white robe turned her head, revealing a beautiful and elegant face—it was Yun Yun.
Looking at that charming and enchanting face, Nalan Yanran sighed inwardly. Over the years, many renowned experts and faction leaders across the Central Plains had expressed their affection for Yun Yun. Unfortunately, none had made even the slightest progress. She knew clearly that the shadow of that person in Yun Yun's heart was likely impossible to erase—even though he now had a wife…
"Xiao Yan sent a message…" Nalan Yanran said softly.
As soon as she spoke, Yun Yun, who had always been as calm as still water, suddenly turned around. Her reaction made Nalan Yanran sigh inwardly once again.
"What?" Yun Yun's voice trembled almost imperceptibly.
"He said… Would you be willing to return to the Jia Ma Empire…" Nalan Yanran smiled, though her smile carried a hint of bitterness.
Yun Yun was momentarily stunned. She bit her red lips tightly, and her beautiful eyes suddenly grew moist. That place had always been the one she missed the most.
Not the Yunlan Mountain, but the Magical Beast Mountain Range…
…
Jia Ma Empire, Qingshan Town.
Today's Qingshan Town was undoubtedly much more prosperous than in the past. Taking advantage of the Magical Beast Mountain Range's terrain, more and more mercenaries had stationed themselves here. Aside from the ease of entering the Magical Beast Mountain Range, another reason was the presence of a medical clinic in Qingshan Town.
The clinic was not large, but as long as you still had a breath left in you, it could make you leave alive and kicking. This place was also the most revered spot in all of Qingshan Town…
The front of the clinic was perpetually crowded with people. Some were injured mercenaries, while others were patients who had traveled from afar. However, there was one ironclad rule here: regardless of how noble your status was, you could only wait in line after taking a number.
Naturally, such an arrogant rule initially drew plenty of sneers and disdain. But when a Dou Huang who broke the rules began to melt inexplicably in front of everyone, people finally understood that the girl in white robes, who appeared kind and pure, possessed terrifying methods…
From then on, no one dared to disregard the rules of this place.
Inside the clinic, there was a simple and tidy wooden desk. Behind it sat a girl in white robes, quiet and composed. Sunlight streamed down from the roof, illuminating her face, which carried a gentle smile. The sight was so breathtaking that the injured patient sitting before her was completely captivated.
"Go home and boil the medicine into a liquid, then apply it to the wound," the girl in white said softly, placing a packet of medicine on the table. Her cascading black hair flowed like a waterfall, making her appear pure and moving. Her aura made the blood-soaked people who came here feel ashamed of themselves.
The injured patient took the medicine packet and left in a daze, the gentle smile lingering in his mind. Such a girl, so tender and kind—just looking at her seemed to soothe the restlessness in one's heart.
Seeing the previous patient leave, the next person in line was overjoyed. However, just as he was about to step forward, a figure walked past from the side and sat down in the chair first.
"You're looking for death!"
Seeing someone cut in line, everyone was stunned for a moment before erupting in rage. They glared at the figure with killing intent. How dare this guy cause trouble here? Was he tired of living?
"Please wait in line."
The girl in white tilted her body, not even raising her head as she organized the herbs beside her. Her gentle voice was like a soothing breeze.
Seeing her reaction, many in the back sneered inwardly. This guy was going to be in trouble if he didn't leave soon…
However, just as they were sneering, the rogue sitting in the chair suddenly chuckled and said, "With such a good relationship, there's no need to wait in line, right?"
"This bastard actually dares to flirt with her?!"
Hearing such a frivolous remark, everyone was stunned. Was this guy an idiot? Did he really think this seemingly delicate girl was an ordinary woman?
All eyes turned to the figure with pity. Some even sighed and shook their heads. Of course, there were also those who were furious that this person had offended the untainted fairy in their hearts.
Yet, just as these people were waiting for a tragedy to unfold, the girl in white, who was organizing the herbs, trembled. Her jade-like hands paused for a moment, and she quickly turned her head. Instantly, a familiar face with a smile appeared before her eyes. She bit her red lips gently.
"Walking alone, aren't you afraid of loneliness?" the man in black robes asked with a light laugh.
His words left the angry crowd behind him momentarily confused. Before they could process what was happening, the girl's clear and lively voice rang out playfully, stunning everyone into silence.
"You wouldn't accompany me, so I had no choice but to leave on my own."
The man in black robes scratched his head. Looking at the girl in white, whose bright eyes held a trace of dimness, he smiled wryly for a moment before finally saying, "Then, why not come live with me in Wutan City?"
The girl in white covered her mouth and chuckled, but her eyes grew slightly red. The corners of her lips curled into a warm and gentle smile.
Seeing her reaction, the hearts of those waiting in line shattered into pieces, instantly turning cold and desolate.
…
Jia Ma Empire's capital, Jia Ma Sacred City.
Today was a rather important day for the Jia Ma Empire and even the entire Northwestern Region. The Yan Alliance's biennial auction was about to take place in Jia Ma Sacred City.
This auction was exceptionally grand, and the items up for sale were of the highest quality. Each auction not only attracted various forces and experts from the Northwestern Region but even drew people from other regions who came specifically for the event.
The venue for the auction was located in the central area of Jia Ma Sacred City, where the Misty Cloud family's headquarters once stood.
Under a crystal dome hundreds of feet high, the seats were packed with a dense crowd. The lively atmosphere kept the auction at a continuous high. Of course, the fervor wasn't solely due to the items being auctioned—the auctioneer also played a significant role.
She was a enchanting woman dressed in a red cheongsam. The well-fitted robe accentuated her voluptuous and mature curves to the fullest. Every smile and gesture exuded boundless mature charm.
Naturally, while many in the audience harbored some desires for the stunning beauty on stage, they understood that she was no mere pretty face. The Yan Alliance's dominance in the Northwestern Region was largely attributed to her economic strategies. Her business ventures spanned the entire Northwestern Continent, and her intelligence network could investigate any of your actions with utmost clarity.
This woman, though not particularly talented in cultivation—having only reached the Dou Huang level with the help of pills—commanded the loyalty of countless Dou Zong experts. With such capabilities, who would dare call her a mere花瓶 (decorative piece)?
In the Northwestern Region, this woman had a unique title: the Golden Queen. Moreover, her name was Mi特尔·雅妃 (Miteer Yafei).
On the auction stage, Yafei watched lazily as someone paid several times the value of an item to secure it. She couldn't help but shake her head with a light laugh. Then, she took out an ancient-looking scroll from her storage ring. Her seductive voice carried an endless allure.
"Heavenly Tier Low-Level Skill, Thunder Movement Art. Starting bid: three billion…"
Her words immediately caused a stir in the auction hall. Many gazed at her with fervent eyes, though it was unclear whether their passion was for the scroll or the person…
However, a Heavenly Tier Low-Level Skill clearly held significant weight here. Many sects and forces were eager to compete for it.
"Three billion… Can it be cheaper?"
Just as the bidding was about to start, an untimely voice rang out, leaving everyone momentarily stunned before they burst into laughter. Who was this fool? Did he think this was a marketplace? How dare he haggle here?
All eyes followed the voice to the front row, where a young man in black robes had somehow appeared in a seat that was previously empty.
Yafei on the stage was also taken aback by the sudden voice. Her beautiful eyes turned toward the seat. However, when her gaze fell upon the familiar face with its teasing smile, the priceless Heavenly Tier Low-Level Skill in her hands fell to the ground with a clatter.
"Three billion, and what if I throw myself in as well?" The black-robed young man gazed at the stunning beauty who had grown even more mature than in the past, smiling playfully as he spoke.
As soon as these words were uttered, many people's expressions darkened slightly. Some of the auction house guards, their faces grim, quickly closed in, heading straight for the black-robed young man. They were convinced he was here to cause trouble.
However, just as many sat back to enjoy the spectacle, Ya Fei on the stage stared intently at those pitch-black eyes, still as clear as they had been years ago. After a long moment, she gently bit her red lips, and a bewitching, captivating smile bloomed across her cheeks.
"That could be considered…"
Her voice echoed through the auction house. Immediately, the previously bustling hall fell into complete silence. The guards froze mid-step, their faces blank with bewilderment.
...
Time flies, never pausing for anyone. Unnoticed, over a dozen years had passed since the legendary Dual Emperor Battle.
During these years, the Dou Qi Continent had seen no shortage of talented individuals emerging. New experts continuously rose to prominence, adding their own brilliance to the land.
As for the Flame Emperor, Xiao Yan, he had completely faded from the public eye over this decade. Yet, the many legends surrounding him never vanished; instead, they grew even more deified and awe-inspiring through word of mouth.
Within the Jia Ma Empire, in Wu Tan City.
To the people of the Jia Ma Empire, Wu Tan City had become a holy land of sorts. This was because it housed the headquarters of the Xiao family. Over the years, the Xiao family had produced countless powerful experts. Even across the entire Dou Qi Continent, few could rival them.
At the center of Wu Tan City stood a manor. Faintly, the sounds of children playing could be heard from within.
Looking over the high walls, one could see several children tumbling and playing in the courtyard, their cheerful giggles echoing incessantly.
On a stone chair in the courtyard, a young man lay with his arms behind his head, a blade of grass between his teeth. He squinted his eyes, enjoying the warm sunlight.
Beside him, a girl in a light green dress skillfully peeled a piece of fruit with her jade-like, slender hands and gently placed it in the young man's mouth. Having done this, she was about to stand up when an arm wrapped around her slender waist. With a soft cry of surprise, she was pulled into his embrace. He then planted a firm kiss on her cheek, causing her face to instantly flush crimson.
"Lin'er and the others are still here..." the green-clothed woman protested shyly.
"So what if they see? We're an old married couple..." Xiao Yan grinned nonchalantly.
"Dad, you're bullying Mom again! I'm telling Aunt Cai Lin!" Just as he finished speaking, a spirited little boy darted over, hands on his hips, shouting loudly.
"You little rascal, daring to threaten your father? Go play somewhere else."
Xiao Yan rolled his eyes and casually waved his hand, sending a gust of wind forward. Seeing this, the little boy immediately erupted with a powerful Dou Qi light pillar from within his body. Unfortunately, when the gust of wind arrived, it still swept him off his feet, sending him tumbling softly onto the ground.
"You..." Seeing this, Xun Er couldn't help but give Xiao Yan a light pat, chiding him.
Xiao Yan smiled, raised his eyes to the sky, and the smile on his face gradually faded. He said softly, "Lately, I've been having some rather peculiar feelings..."
"What?" Xun Er asked, startled.
"Xun Er, do you know why all the Dou Emperors from ancient times on the Dou Qi Continent later disappeared?" Xiao Yan said.
"Why?" Hearing this, Xun Er was also slightly taken aback.
"Perhaps... they left this Dou Qi Continent," Xiao Yan murmured, a faint light flickering in his eyes.
"Impossible?" Xun Er was shocked, muttering in disbelief.
"That feeling is getting stronger and stronger. At most, in half a year, we might have an answer..." Xiao Yan said, holding Xun Er close.
Hearing this, Xun Er also nodded slightly, unconsciously tightening her jade-like arms around Xiao Yan's waist.
...
Half a year passed in the blink of an eye.
At the headquarters of the Tian Fu Alliance in the Central Plains, atop a towering stone pagoda.
Countless experts hovered around the stone pagoda, their eyes filled with fervent admiration as they gazed at the top. There, a black-robed young man sat quietly in meditation. This was the first time in ten years they had seen this legendary figure.
The Flame Emperor, Xiao Yan!
"Do you think what Xiao Yan said is true or not?" Zhu Kun looked at Xiao Yan, then turned to Gu Yuan beside him.
"This... I don't know either. But it seems this is the only way to explain why all the Dou Emperor experts on the Dou Qi Continent disappeared so completely. It's not easy to kill someone of that level..." Gu Yuan hesitated before replying.
"Sigh..."
Zhu Kun let out a sigh, his heart filled with complexity. If it were truly as Xiao Yan said, then they had indeed been frogs at the bottom of a well...
The tranquility in the sky lasted for a full half-day. Finally, as the sun began to set, strange fluctuations suddenly rippled through the air.
Countless people held their breath, watching this scene with shocked eyes.
As time passed, the fluctuations grew increasingly intense. Later, Xiao Yan's eyes suddenly snapped open. A pillar of energy, seemingly capable of piercing through heaven and earth, shot out from the top of his head. Under the gaze of the entire Central Plains, it charged directly into the distant sky.
"Buzz! Buzz!"
As this energy pillar shot forth, the fluctuating sky became extremely violent. After a moment, a glowing passageway, as if tearing through the constraints of dimensional space, appeared before the eyes of countless onlookers between heaven and earth.
When the passage appeared, Xiao Yan also abruptly stood up, his expression grave as he watched. From within that passage, he sensed a familiar aura.
Source Qi!
The Source Qi that had long vanished from the Dou Qi Continent—the key to advancing to the Dou Emperor level!
The entire world fell silent at this moment. Zhu Kun and Gu Yuan stared, their mouths agape, their hearts surging with shock and awe. When that passage appeared, they distinctly felt that their strength, which had stagnated for thousands of years, actually showed signs of increasing!
"Gulp..."
Their eyes burned with intense desire as they stared at the glowing passage. A powerful thrill stirred deep within their souls, telling them that if they entered it, their strength would surely break through!
"Whoosh..."
Xiao Yan let out a deep breath. A fiery heat surged within his pitch-black eyes, which had been calm for many years. His long-cooled blood seemed to boil once again.
"The end... is indeed also a beginning..."
A smile lifted the corner of Xiao Yan's mouth. Perhaps, this would be the start of something else entirely.