The spatial wormhole connecting the Starfall Pavilion is situated deep within the well-defended territory of the Flame Alliance. The Flame Alliance has decided not to make this wormhole publicly known, despite the substantial fees charged for passage. After careful consideration, they believe a more discreet approach is preferable, to avoid unnecessary complications. After all, across the entire western-north continent, space wormholes directly linking to the Central Plains are nearly exclusive to this one—once the news spreads, it will inevitably draw envy from many. Xiao Yan smiled and nodded. Beside him, Xiao Yi, Tianhuo Master, and Qinglin were also present. As for the other invited strong ones, they had returned to the Zhongzhou shortly after resolving the troubles of the Shimen Sect. "Brothers, let's go now. Should anything arise in the future, we can simply dispatch messengers through the Xingyin Pavilion—there will always be someone to receive them," Xiao Yan said, turning to look at Xiao Ding and Xiao Li. Upon hearing this, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li nodded in agreement. "Good. Take care," they said. Xiao Yan smiled slightly, making no further formalities, and bowed to the gathered guests. Then he stepped into the wormhole first, vanishing swiftly. Following him, Cai Lin, holding Xiao Xiao, quickly joined. After that came Xiao Yi and the others. Watching Xiao Yin and the others vanish into the spatial wormhole, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li sighed with a sense of melancholy, pausing for a while before finally turning and departing. ... Xingyin Pavilion, within the Grand Council. "Is this... your daughter?" Xiao Long gazed at the young girl in white, who was cradling Xiao Yin's thigh and staring intently at him with her dark, bright eyes. On his weathered face, astonishment spread like a wave. Seeing Xiao Long's expression, Xiao Yin couldn't help but smile and nodded. He knew that when Cai Lin was suspected of being pregnant, Xiao Long had already been captured by the Spirit Palace, so he was unaware of the matter. Thus, he briefly recounted the events that had taken place. "Hey, I never saw that coming—really, never!" Hearing what Xiao Yan had said, even with the Medic Elder's usual composure, he couldn't help but shake his head, his gaze sweeping over Cailein with a teasing smile. "Back then, your wife used to hate you more than anything. If it weren't for my own intervention, you'd have been her victim long ago..." Upon hearing this, Cailein's usually composed, elegant face flushed slightly. Though she had exchanged many private encounters with the Elder over the years, she hadn't expected that a man who had only been slightly stronger than her back then would have grown into such a formidable force. "Xiao Xiang, please meet my senior." Cailein gently patted Xiao Xiang's head, speaking softly. Hearing this, Xiao Xiao blinked her dark, large eyes, hesitatingly looking at Xiao Yan. Only after the latter smiled and nodded did she timidly call out, "Master..." "Ah..." Hearing Xiao Xiao's soft voice, the elderly Master's weathered face broke into a genuine, heartfelt smile. He had no children of his own and had long regarded Xiao Yan as his son. In his eyes, Xiao Yan's daughter was nothing short of his own granddaughter. For elders of his age, regardless of how strong their prowess, there's always a special fondness they hold for children. The old pharmacist stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with warmth and affection as he gently patted Xiao Xiao's shoulder. Then, with his dry hands, he lightly squeezed her small forearm. After a moment, a look of surprise flashed in his eyes. "Such a powerful soul energy," he said. "She's fire-type, and there's also a subtle trace of wood energy within her—she's absolutely capable of becoming a master alchemist." Hearing the elder's assessment, Xiao Yan only smiled. While innate potential and body type were important, true accomplishments ultimately depended on personal perseverance. The progress he had achieved thus far wasn't due to his natural gifts, but rather the breakthroughs earned through countless battles between life and death. Indeed, the true peak强者 relied not on talent, but on sheer determination! The elder continuously kneaded and pressed Xiao Xiao's bones, his slightly firm hands causing the young girl to pout, murmuring softly in complaint, which made the onlookers chuckle. "Then from now on, I'll take charge of raising Xiao Xiao," the elder finally lifted his gaze, directly addressing Xiao Yan with unwavering resolve—even he, facing such a nearly perfect gem, could no longer help but be moved. Seeing the elder's appearance, Xiao Yan smiled and nodded. The reason he had brought Xiao Xiao to Xingyin Pavilion was precisely this—Master Yao's alchemy skills, in Xiao Yan's opinion, were unmatched among all the people he knew. It was only natural that he would personally train Xiao Xiao. Moreover, Xiao Yan understood that while Xiao Xiao's talent was certainly impressive, it might not necessarily prompt Master Yao, such a strong master, to be eager immediately. To Master Yao, Xiao Xiao was truly seen as his own granddaughter. And the desire to see her become completely perfect stirred deep admiration in Xiao Yan's heart. "This child has been with you in the wormhole for a few days now. Let her rest well first..." Master Yao gently patted Xiao Xiao's head, slightly reluctant to return the Cai Lin, then instructed the staff to settle Cai Lin and her daughter. "Then you go ahead and chat." "Cailei was also a thoughtful person, aware that the master-apprentice pair had something to say. So, she gently spoke a few words to Xiao Yan before slowly stepping back with Xiao Xiao. Watching Cailei and Xiao Xiao retreat together, the herbal elder finally turned his gaze back, smiling, "Young man, you've truly found a good daughter this time. However, I never expected you to end up with Medusa—how surprising that is!" Xiao Yan spread his hands, admitting that his relationship with Cailei was indeed quite complex. No one could have imagined that the Queen Medusa, who had pursued him for years, would ultimately become his wife. "I've heard about your recent matter as well. Sending two Heavenly Sovereigns shows clearly that the Soul Palace takes this seriously. Still, they've suffered significant losses—your victory in eliminating the Nine Heavenly Sovereigns was decisive, and even the Four Heavenly Sovereigns managed to escape only after being severely wounded." The herbal elder smiled, stroking his beard. "But as for what the Spirit Palace truly intends to achieve—I must admit, I'm still not entirely certain. This race has always been enigmatic and unpredictable. They gather souls, undoubtedly with a hidden agenda. Moreover, given their recent intensified efforts to collect souls, it seems the plot is accelerating. According to the intelligence I've gathered, significant wars have also erupted on other continents beyond the Central Plains. Perhaps the Spirit Palace is involved in those as well." The old pharmacist mused. "Oh? Wars have also broken out elsewhere?" Hearing this, Xiao Yan's expression slightly changed, a sense of unease creeping in. What exactly does the Spirit Palace intend to accomplish? "Yes." The old doctor nodded seriously, then after a moment, sighed lightly and shifted the topic. "There are still about fifteen days until the Space Exchange Fair begins. In that time, we should make proper preparations. The participants in this fair are all top-tier cultivators and exceptionally powerful factions. The Pure Lotus Demon Flame is simply too captivating. Since we've obtained news of it, other factions will surely be aware as well. Therefore, to secure that final fragment of the map amidst fierce competition, we will undoubtedly have to make significant sacrifices." Xiao Yan nodded in agreement. The Pure Lotus Demon Flame ranked third on the List of Unique Flames—an achievement that clearly underscores its strength. Its appeal is unquestionable. Even if it's merely a fragment connected to it, the value is immense. Securing it amidst such intense competition will surely prove challenging. "Nevertheless, no matter what, the pure lotus spirit flame must be secured. Of the four fragmented maps, three are already in your hands—this final one, no matter how we strive, must be obtained. On the List of Unusual Flames, the top three flames are renowned for their ability to destroy heaven and earth. These three flames are exceedingly rare—so rare that even after tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of years, only a single one may form. Indeed, it is said that due to their overwhelming power, heaven and earth themselves hesitate to allow the birth of more than a few such flames. Unless one of these top-tier flames completely vanishes, it may take many such millennia before a second one emerges. Such treasures—fear even gods and spirits, and terrify heaven and earth!"