Seeing the moved expression on Jin Shi's face, Xiao Yan's heart also tightened—seeming to indicate that Jin Shi was aware of certain news related to the ancient clan. "Xiao Yan, how did you suddenly bring up the ancient clan? Is it not possible that you have some disagreements with them?" After a moment, Jin Shi gradually regained his composure, expressing concern. "The ancient clan isn't like Fenglei Pavilion. If you offend Fenglei Pavilion, Xiao Yan might still manage to live comfortably. But this enigmatic ancient clan—if they come into conflict with you, the consequences could be far more serious." Xiao Yan shook his head and smiled, "I haven't actually met this ancient clan, so what could possibly be the source of any conflict? I merely wish to learn more about them. Would you be so kind as to share what you know?" Jin Shi exhaled in relief, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, and said, "Then it's good. Throughout the Zhongzhou region, even the human Soul Palace, the Dan Tower, or the three ancient families of the Beast Kingdom, likely maintain a considerable level of caution toward this ancient clan." "Heard this, Xiao Yan was also slightly astonished. Although he had expected Xun'er's background to be strong, he hadn't anticipated that the so-called ancient clan had reached such an impressive level. 'Why haven't I heard of this ancient clan before? Moreover, they aren't listed among the major powers in either the human or the beast realms. Does that mean they don't belong to either?' Xiao Yan asked in curiosity. 'Strictly speaking, this ancient clan can be considered human, though... they trace their lineage back to ancient times, and it's said they possess the bloodline of a Battle Emperor.' Jin Shi explained slowly. 'Battle Emperor bloodline?' Xiao Yan was momentarily taken aback. "It's said that if a person reaches the Duke Emperor level, their bloodline will transform, and their descendants will also benefit from this change. In ancient times, there were numerous Duke Emperor clans—though they were human in origin, they possessed an exceptional natural aptitude for cultivation. Indeed, some fortunate individuals could inherit specific Duke Emperor abilities directly through their bloodline, though such occurrences were rare and entirely dependent on personal fortune." Jinshi nodded, his tone filled with an unmistakable reverence whenever he mentioned the term "Duke Emperor"—a mark of deep admiration for the supreme beings of this realm. "Clans with ancient Duke Emperor bloodlines are often highly selective and resistant to outsiders, as they strive to preserve the purity of their blood. Even when marrying ordinary humans, they only choose those who stand out exceptionally." "Back in ancient times, there were indeed many races with the lineage of the Battle Emperor. However, as time passed, only one such race has managed to survive—the enigmatic ancient clan." "The ancient clan doesn't place much emphasis on rankings among the continental powers, yet their strength is unquestionable. Their ranks are filled with formidable warriors. If one truly considers how many powers can rival them, even across the entire continent of Qi, such contenders are scarce." Xiao Yan nodded slightly. It made sense now why Xun'er had said he needed to reach at least the Battle Sovereign level to find her. The ancient clan was indeed formidable—so much so that even the proud and dominant Huan Palace had to hold its ground. How impressive was that strength? "Do you know, Senior Jinshi, where the headquarters of the ancient clan is located?" Xiao Yan hesitated, then asked again. "The central eastern region is essentially within the sphere of influence of the ancient clans. Most of the various powers there—except for a few exceptions—are vassals of the ancient clans, yet the ancient clans themselves rarely exercise direct oversight. Most of the ancient clan members reside within the 'Ancient Realm.'" Jin Shi sighed, his voice filled with profound admiration: "This ancient realm was built by successive generations of exceptional elders within the ancient clans who had reached the peak of the Battle Saint rank. Through countless years of reinforcement and expansion, while its size may not rival that of the Central Province, it should at least be comparable to the northern region of the Central Province—this is the unique domain of the ancient clans, and thus ordinary people on the Central Continent are not particularly familiar with it." Xiao Yan inhaled a deep breath, his mind stunned by the sheer magnitude of such a feat—could human effort truly achieve something so astonishing? The Battle Saint rank had already reached such an incomparable level? Simply imagining the terrifying power to tear through space with mere gestures left him feeling a subtle tremor. If the Battle Saints were already this formidable, what would the even greater Battle Emperors be like? In comparison, Jin Shi's claim that Battle Emperors could alter bloodlines now seemed far from mere fantasy. "As for how the ancient clan entered, even I am not entirely aware of the details. If it weren't for the large number of my Phage-Gold Mouse kin, merely with my own strength, I'd still fall far short of being qualified to know so many secrets." Jin Shi shook his head, expressing a sense of regret. Xiao Yan gritted his teeth, determined in his heart: he would not be intimidated merely because the ancient clan was powerful. Xun'er had waited for him for so many years—no matter what, he had to go. Otherwise, he would simply be utterly ungrateful. "It's time to swiftly remove the fire toxin from the golden and stone relics. The grand assembly at the Four-Directional Pavilion is almost upon us. If we miss this opportunity, finding Feng the Elder will become a matter of uncertainty—no one knows when that might happen..." Inside the stone pavilion stood a large wooden basin. Within the basin, Jinshi sat cross-legged on a stone platform, the steaming boiling water completely covering his neck. The intense heat could not be resisted by his Qi, causing him to sweat profusely. Beside the basin, Xiao Yan’s palm displayed a rapidly swirling emerald flame. Among the flames, various herbs intertwined and, after a while, coalesced into a drop of crimson medicinal liquid. With a simple finger flick, the liquid fell into the basin, instantly turning the water a deep red, with countless crimson bubbles continuously rising and rolling. "Take this pill," said Xiao Yan. A pill emerged from his jade talisman and hovered before Jinshi. He inhaled and swallowed it whole. As the pills entered his body, a profound cold immediately spread throughout every part of him. At the same time, the hot, crimson liquid in the water basin continuously seeped into his body, penetrating without fail. Amidst this clash of cold and heat, droplets of gray liquid, carrying a faint odor of腥, slowly oozed out from the pores of the golden stone. "Shhh!" As the gray, odorous liquid seeped out, the golden stone's body trembled violently, his jaw clenched tightly, and he continuously emitted sharp inhalations of cold air—clearly experiencing intense pain during the detoxification process. Seeing the golden stone's distressed expression, Jin Gu passed his hand, growing increasingly anxious. "Relax," Xiao Yan remained calm. With a simple gesture, a cluster of emerald flames detached and settled into the wooden basin, instantly causing the temperature of the red liquid to rise rapidly. As the water temperature surged rapidly, Jin Shi's face turned as if scorched by charcoal, and the breath he exhaled carried a scorching heat. To Jin Gu, standing by, it was enough to send a chill down his spine—had it not been for the clear sight of the fiery toxins being forced out, he would have thought Xiao Yan intended to kill Jin Shi outright. With the flames rising, an increasing amount of gray liquid seeped continuously from within Jin Shi's body. However, thanks to the burning of Lvy Lianxin's flame, these toxins as soon as they appeared were swiftly consumed, thus preserving the integrity of the medicinal power within the wooden basin. This interplay of ice and fire, lasting nearly eight hours, finally came to an end when the medicinal power in the basin was depleted. Yet it must be acknowledged that the fiery toxins within Jin Shi's body had accumulated deeply, and despite the vigorous treatment, they were not completely eradicated. "At this pace, we should be able to expel most of the internal heat toxicity within five days. Then, I'll provide you with some herbal decoctions I've specially prepared. As long as you soak in them for two to three hours each day, consistently for a few months, you'll be able to completely eliminate the heat toxicity within your body." Watching Jin Shi stand up from the wooden basin and change into his clothes, Xiao Yan also settled the Fiery Flame within him and said. "Thank you, Master Xiao Yan. This kindness will never be forgotten by my Shiji Mouse Clan. Should there ever be any need in the future, please feel free to come to Tianmu Mountain anytime." With a solemn bow, Jin Shi spoke earnestly. He could clearly feel the changes within himself—this long-standing ailment, which had plagued him for years, was finally being resolved. Now, he was truly excited. Xiao Yan smiled, looking at Jin Shi, who now seemed much more energetic. Yet suddenly, his hand dipped to his chest, where within him there was another quite formidable toxin—the Magi Toxin Spot. This condition had plagued him for many years. Though he had not yet encountered a Dou Zun-level master, he had now ascended to Dou Zong rank, and his resistance against the toxin had significantly strengthened.