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No one expected that the Dou Qi Continent would experience a drastic decline. The Origin Qi had been depleting so severely that it had nearly gone. For thousands of years no one successfully ascended to the Dou God realm, and many Ancient Forces started fading into obscurity.
Being able to sense the presence of Origin Qi, without a doubt Xiao Xuan had had one foot in the Dou God realm. To make a breakthrough, he chose the Heavenly Tomb as a place to cultivate for it contained a powerful formation capable of generating a miniscule amount of Origin Qi. Although it was only a trace, in this era where Origin Qi was practically just a legend, a little was better than nothing.
His decision seemed to be on the spot. In fact, if the Hun Clan hadn't interfered in the critical moment by ambushing him, he might be able to become the first person who broke through to the Dou God realm in the Dou Qi Continent after Tou She Ancient God.
The Innate Origin Qi—that was what Li Xiao desired. The Divine-grade Pill in the system store had yet to be unlocked, and he needed a trace of Origin Qi to unlock it. That being the case, he wasn't certain that he could obtain it via the system reward.
Li Xiao didn't want to rely solely on the system. Moreover, purchasing the divine-grade pill required an astronomical amount of gold coins, an expense he was unwilling to bear unless absolutely necessary.
Seeing that Li Xiao was unwilling to disclose more, Protector Wu didn't press further. This matter was settled for now. If the jade piece were indeed auctioned in the future, their Hall Master would be extremely excited.
Li Xiao took out a pill and tossed it into Xiao Zhan's mouth. Under the powerful medicinal effect, Xiao Zhan's injuries began to heal at a visible rate. Before long, he was restored to his peak condition.
Simultaneously, Xiao Zhan gradually woke up. Seeing Protector Wu, his face filled with terror. Xiao Zhan vividly remembered being captured by this man. Falling off a cliff and narrowly escaping death, only to fall into another dire situation as Protector Wu captured him without any resistance.
Swallowing hard and glancing around, Xiao Zhan immediately knelt upon seeing Li Xiao. "Senior, save me."
Li Xiao spoke softly, "Rest assured, I won't let them kill you. Your Xiao family has been destroyed, and the survivors have gone to Rock Desert City in the Tager Desert."
"The Xiao family destroyed..." Xiao Zhan's expression twisted with agony. "What about the clan members?"
"Most of them are dead," Li Xiao said frankly. Most of the Xiao family members had been killed by Grand Elder Yun Leng, but Yun Leng was now dead, and the Xiao family's vengeance had been fulfilled.
Xiao Zhan felt as if struck by lightning. He collapsed to the ground, tears flowing uncontrollably. Despite his age, he was now like a helpless child.
Yun Shan squinted, realizing that without Li Xiao's intervention, Xiao Yan would have long perished. In the Dou Qi continent, strength ruled supreme, and weakness was despised. While the Misty Cloud Sect was a top-tier force in the Jia Ma Empire, it might not even rank in the Central Plains.
Yun Shan saw no need to antagonize the Heavenly Auction Pavilion over the dead Yun Leng, especially after witnessing how respectful Protector Wu was to Li Xiao, indicating the immense power and influence behind the man. He had no reason to offend such a formidable figure.
"You may go now," Li Xiao said to Xiao Zhan. "The grudge between Xiao Clan and Misty Cloud Sect has been settled. Head to Rock Desert City in the Tager Desert; you will find your clan members there."
Xiao Zhan repeatedly bowed in gratitude, knowing it was not safe to linger here. His priority now was to reunite with his clan and ensure their safety.
Watching Xiao Zhan leave, Protector Wu chuckled sinisterly. "Pavilion Master Li Xiao, you are truly chivalrous. Really impressive."
"Just a small matter," Li Xiao replied. "You must be aware of the situation at the Misty Cloud Sect, Protector Wu."
"Ah?" Protector Wu paused for a moment, confused.
"You and Yun Shan need to cease your activities. Otherwise, you understand the consequences..."
Yun Shan and Protector Wu exchanged glances, their expressions changing as they realized how much Li Xiao knew about their secret dealings. This matter had been strictly between Yun Shan and Protector Wu, never disclosed to anyone, not even Yun Yun, the current head of the Misty Cloud Sect.
"Master, what have you been doing?" Yun Yun asked curiously.
Yun Shan didn't answer Yun Yun directly. Instead, he bowed to Li Xiao and said gravely, "I understand, Senior."
Li Xiao nodded and stood up. "Now that the three-year agreement has concluded, I will no longer stay at the Misty Cloud Sect. I hope you both understand what needs to be done next."
"Yun'er, come with me."
Yun Yun bit her tempting red lips, her eyes lingering on her master. As the head of the Misty Cloud Sect, she feared leaving might disappoint her disciples.
Yun Shan sighed and his voice echoed throughout the Misty Cloud Sect. "From now on, I will take over the position of head of the Misty Cloud Sect. Yun Yun is stepping down."
This declaration stunned the disciples. Everyone was shocked and confused, unable to comprehend why their revered leader Yun Yun was being replaced.
"Master, you..." Yun Yun asked, bewildered. "I..."
"Enough," Yun Shan gently stroked Yun Yun's head. Yun Er, whom he had raised from a young age, was a strong leader. He knew she wouldn't easily abandon the sect for love. This was the only way to free her from her responsibilities to the Misty Cloud Sect.
Before collaborating with the Hall of Souls, Yun Shan was a respectable figure, known for his rationality and fairness. He valued the sect's reputation and made calculated decisions, avoiding unnecessary enemies and forgiving minor transgressions. However, in an attempt to break through to the Dou Ancestor realm, his soul was tampered with by the Hall of Souls, causing a drastic change in his personality from a serene meditator to an ambitious man.
If not for that accident, he would still be a respectable teacher.
Yun Yun bowed helplessly. "I understand, Master."
"Take Nalan Yanran with you as well," Yun Shan added. "Her staying here is pointless, and she need not participate in the Life and Death Gate."
Yun Shan stood with his hands behind his back, knowing this was the last way he could help his disciple.
"Understood."
Li Xiao smiled faintly and left the Misty Cloud Sect's main hall with a carefree demeanor, followed by Bai Ling and Yun Yun.
Protector Wu swallowed nervously. "Yun Shan, are you really going to give up the opportunity to strengthen the sect?"
"What other choice do we have?" Yun Shan's eyes were cold. "The Heaven Ascending Pavilion Master has made his stance clear. If we continue, we won't survive. Do you think the Hall of Souls can do anything to the Heaven Ascending Pavilion?"
"Well..." Protector Wu hesitated, his confidence wavering.