Chapter 82: The Heavenly Token and Leaving Qingshan Town
"Ah!"
Xiao Yi Xian cried out in pain. It felt as though she had collided with a mountain. Of course, Xiao Tiance's body, hardened to the pinnacle of a nine star Dou Sheng, was far tougher than stone. His density alone was enough to make such a collision excruciating for an ordinary person like Xiao Yi Xian.
"Are you alright?" Xiao Tiance asked gently, steadying her as she nearly fell from the pain.
"I I'm fine," Xiao Yi Xian replied, stepping back quickly once she regained her balance. But she couldn't help eyeing him nervously. "What kind of flame was that? How can it have such terrifying power?"
Xiao Tiance chuckled. "Didn't I just say? I'm very strong. As for the flame, maybe I'll tell you about it some other time."
Seeing he wasn't willing to explain further, Xiao Yi Xian nodded hesitantly. Yet after witnessing that astonishing scene moments ago, her fear of this man with a perpetual smile grew even stronger.
Having grown up in the relatively peaceful Qingshan Town, she had never encountered such supernatural power.
Xiao Tiance noticed her unease and remained understanding. She was just a young girl, and he had no intention of alarming her further. Smiling warmly, he said, "Young lady, we've crossed paths twice today, and both times you've stood up for me. I won't forget your kindness.
Here, take this token. If you ever face a situation beyond your ability to handle, infuse it with your Dou Qi or spiritual energy. Someone will come to help you.
Remember, you can use it twice. After that, I'll reclaim it."
As he spoke, a token floated toward her.
Xiao Yi Xian hesitated but eventually accepted the Heavenly Token. When she looked up again, Xiao Tiance and Xiao Huai'en were already gone.
"Why did they leave so quickly? I didn't even get to ask what this token is... or what his name is," she muttered to herself, tucking the token away carefully before slowly heading home.
In the depths of the Magical Beast Mountain Range...
Xiao Tiance and Xiao Huai'en reappeared by a crystal clear pool of water, surrounded by lush greenery. Satisfied with the tranquil environment, Xiao Tiance decided to take a short rest.
"Master," Xiao Huai'en began.
But Xiao Tiance waved him off. "Call me 'Sir' from now on. I'm over a thousand years old. Being called 'Master' makes me feel a bit strange."
"Yes, Sir," Xiao Huai'en replied with a bow. Hearing Xiao Tiance's age only deepened his respect.
He thought to himself, A thousand years? The lifespan of a Dou Zun is limited to a thousand years unless they break through to Dou Sheng. This means Sir is at least a Dou Sheng level expert!
This realization filled him with excitement. Following someone of such immense power was undoubtedly the best decision he had ever made.
"Do you know how to grill fish?" Xiao Tiance suddenly asked.
"Yes, Sir. I'll catch some from the pool right away," Xiao Huai'en offered, starting to remove his shoes.
"No need. Just gather some firewood."
As Xiao Huai'en turned to collect wood, Xiao Tiance casually waved his hand. Five plump fish flew out of the water and hovered mid air before landing gently by the fire pit.
Shocked by this display, Xiao Huai'en quickly focused on gathering firewood. Once he built a simple stone firepit and started the flames using his fire attribute Dou Qi, he began preparing the fish.
When he was about to lament the lack of seasoning, a flash from Xiao Tiance's spatial ring revealed an assortment of spices and condiments neatly arranged on the ground.
"Sir... you even brought seasoning?" Xiao Huai'en exclaimed, awed by his master's meticulousness.
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly, saying nothing. He had prepared the supplies for Huang Min, who was notorious for her picky palate and love of good food. Though she wasn't here, the preparations came in handy.
As the fish sizzled over the fire, memories of the past brought a rare softness to Xiao Tiance's expression.
When the fish was ready, its fragrant aroma wafted through the air. Xiao Tiance took a bite and nodded appreciatively. "Not bad. I'll arrange something for you when we return."
"Sir, are you..." Xiao Huai'en began, fearing he might be cast aside.
Before he could finish, Xiao Tiance explained, "I have two disciples. One of them is quite the foodie. Your cooking skills should suit her well. Once she grows tired of your cooking, you can come back to follow me."
"Yes, Sir. Whatever you command," Xiao Huai'en replied earnestly.
As the sun set, Xiao Tiance gazed at the horizon while Xiao Huai'en focused on cultivating his Dou Qi nearby. Watching him, Xiao Tiance thought to himself, The Soul Devouring Tribe truly lives up to its reputation. Not only is he handsome, but his cultivation talent is exceptional. If Xiao Yan doesn't push himself, Huai'en may surpass him in the future.
Indeed, by the end of the day, Xiao Huai'en had already broken through to Dou Qi Level 2. After consuming a low tier pill provided by Xiao Tiance, his progress showed no signs of slowing.
The night was quiet, punctuated only by the occasional roars of magical beasts in the distance. Xiao Tiance's aura occasionally rippled outward, silencing the forest as nearby magical beasts cowered in submission.
The next morning, after another meal of grilled fish, Xiao Tiance and Xiao Huai'en set off toward the Tagore Desert.
Their destination was the homeland of the Snake People Tribe, where Xiao Tiance intended to meet key figures from the original story. He was eager to see Qing Lin, with her Triple Jade Green Pupils, and determine whether Medusa was as stunning as described. If the opportunity arose, he also planned to offer some guidance to Xiao Ding and Xiao Li. Though they lacked Xiao Yan's talent, their courage and leadership made them worth supporting.
By midday, they had exited the mountain range. The lush greenery gave way to a vast expanse of sand dunes.
Before them stretched the mighty Tagore Desert a barren wasteland of scorching heat, dryness, and relentless sandstorms.
"Sir, are we going to cross the Tagore Desert?" Xiao Huai'en asked curiously.
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