BTTH: From Genius to Invincible

Chapter 184: Anticipated Long Ago



Nalan Yanran looked at Xiao Yan with a strange expression.

Even if she were stupid, she would understand Xiao Yan's purpose for wanting to enter the Gate of Life and Death. Wasn't it just for the Heavenly Flame hidden inside?

Xiao Yan's intentions were as clear as day.

Nalan Yanran found it rather odd. Xiao Yan, someone who wasn't even a disciple of the Misty Cloud Sect, actually wanted to take away treasures within her sect's secret realm? How could he voice such a request so brazenly!

However, she didn't conceal anything and directly said, "Even Master cannot casually allow others to enter the Gate of Life and Death."

"The Gate of Life and Death is the burial ground for the successive Sect Leaders of the Misty Cloud Sect and also the sect's secret realm. Inside, there are not only various trial stages set up by the first-generation Sect Leader Yun Po Tian but also the inheritances left behind by Sect Leaders before their passing."

"However, the Gate of Life and Death doesn't restrict people from entering. As long as a disciple of the Misty Cloud Sect can trigger a reaction from it, they can enter to train and obtain the inheritances and treasures within."

Xiao Yan's ears immediately perked up when he heard this. He grinned and said, "So that means, as long as I can trigger the Gate of Life and Death, I can also enter it!"

Nalan Yanran replied irritably, "But you're not a disciple of our Misty Cloud Sect."

"Hehe, that's a trivial matter. Just register my name, and that'll do." Xiao Yan waved his hand dismissively. Enter first, then leave-that would suffice, wouldn't it?

Nalan Yanran's eyes widened. Are you treating the Misty Cloud Sect like a public restroom, coming and going as you please?!

Meow! Mao Wu's voice transmitted into Xiao Yan's mind at this moment.

"Let's go. The energy vortex is about to dissipate. There's still something to attend to next." An imperceptible gleam flashed in Xiao Yan's eyes, as if he had already anticipated what would happen next.

Soon, the black flames vanished, and the energy vortex dissipated completely. Xiao Yan looked as if nothing had happened after consuming a medicinal pill. He changed back into his 5th-tier alchemist robe and revealed his signature bright smile as he strutted away.

For a moment, the spectators at the scene all wore puzzled expressions as they looked at each other, unsure of who had actually won.

Neither of the two in the square seemed like the loser.

"Yanran, are you all right?" Yun Yun waved her hand to dispel the protective barrier and asked with concern, then cast a subtle glance at Xiao Yan.

Nalan Yanran gave her Master a bitter smile, shook her head, and said, "I'm fine, Master. I've already taken a medicinal pill; the side effects of the Secret Technique have lessened considerably."

Liu Ling hurriedly asked from the side, "Who actually won?"

"I lost," Nalan Yanran stated directly.

"Yanran!" First Elder Yun Leng glared at Nalan Yanran.

Elder Yun Sha on the side cupped his hands toward the powerful figures observing the battle and said, "I believe everyone saw that both sides were evenly matched in this battle. However, as the dueling arena has been destroyed, the battle ends here. Yanran hasn't fallen, so it's a draw between the two."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Hai Bodong couldn't help but burst into laughter. Even Jia Xing Tian and Fa Ma shook their heads. Nalan Yanran had already admitted defeat, yet these judges were still trying to smooth things over.

Nalan Yanran raised her head to look at the thousands of disciples around and solemnly said, "I, Nalan Yanran, have lost this duel. I lost fair and square, and I admit defeat wholeheartedly."

"Yanran!" Yun Leng reprimanded sternly.

On the towering tree, Nalan Jie's expression unexpectedly relaxed. There was a hint of bitterness amidst a long sigh, but more so, there was understanding and acceptance.

He didn't feel regret because when Xiao Yan came to the Jia Ma Sacred City two months ago, he had already told him that even if Nalan Yanran didn't come to annul the engagement, he would do so when the time was right.

Therefore, Xiao Yan never blamed Nalan Yanran for wanting to annul the engagement from beginning to end. Even if she hadn't acted, he would have done so for Xun Er's sake.

Moreover, Xiao Yan had publicly stated at the beginning of the duel that the engagement could be canceled at any time. He didn't like being bound by the so-called engagement, as he had a lady who had won his heart.

Whether it was Xiao Yan or Nalan Yanran, the strength and talent they displayed meant that the Jia Ma Empire could not retain them.

As such, Nalan Jie had come to terms with this. They were simply destined not to be together. "This kid is truly astonishing! How did he manage to excel in both alchemy and cultivation simultaneously?" Fa Ma racked his brain but couldn't comprehend it.

Anyone with discernment could see that Xiao Yan relied not only on his Qi Method, Dou Techniques, and Heavenly Flame but had also undergone genuine, grueling training. His combat instincts were comparable to those of some old monsters.

"Indeed extraordinary. Given time, this kid will certainly achieve great things!" Jia Xing Tian nodded and commented lightly.

"You're wrong. This kid has already achieved great things," Hai Bodong smiled as he stroked his beard. No one knew better than him how strong Xiao Yan truly was.

One must know that this freak Xiao Yan still had trump cards he hadn't revealed. Moreover, he was already a high-grade 5th-tier alchemist. This status was enough for him to walk sideways in the Jia Ma Empire!

However, Hai Bodong quickly tensed up and began to circulate his Dou Qi discreetly because he knew that those elders of the Misty Cloud Sect were all stubborn and inflexible old things. He feared these old fogies might do something irrational.

"First Elder, what should we do next? Yanran has already lost," Elder Yun Du, a Dou King, asked with a wry smile.

Yun Leng's expression changed repeatedly. Nalan Yanran represented the entire Misty Cloud Sect. Now that she had lost the duel, it would inevitably harm the sect's reputation.

But at this moment, what Yun Leng was thinking about was not the Misty Cloud Sect's reputation but other matters that made his mood fluctuate.

"There are some decisions we need to make. Don't you agree, Ge Ye?" Yun Leng looked coldly at Ge Ye beside him.

Ge Ye's body trembled. He understood what Yun Leng meant, but now Xiao Yan was no longer the Xiao Yan from back in Yan City!

Xiao Yan's identity and status now were incomparable to before.

"Everyone, the good show has ended. Let's all return to our respective homes."

Xiao Yan raised his head and smiled at the people atop the tall trees. Then, with his hands tucked into his robe sleeves and under countless gazes, he slowly walked toward where his

palanquin was parked.

"Oh, right, Nalan Yanran, discuss with your Master the matter I mentioned. The price is negotiable. I really need that thing," Xiao Yan said to Nalan Yanran through spiritual voice

transmission.

He didn't tell Nalan Yanran that his strength was all thanks to the Heavenly Flames, so obtaining them was something he had to do no matter what.

He even had no qualms about giving Nalan Yanran a tier 5 medicinal pill to heal her injuries.

Heavenly Flames were too important. What did it matter if he had to give up a few pills?

Xiao Yan had calculated that his Flame Mantra was currently at the Low Di Class level. He now had the 11th-ranked Bone Chilling Flame and knew that the 14th-ranked Fallen Heart Flame was in Jia Nan Academy.

But even if he obtained the Fallen Heart Flame from Jia Nan Academy and refined both the 11th-ranked Bone Chilling Flame and the 14th-ranked Fallen Heart Flame, it still wouldn't be enough to evolve the Flame Mantra to the Tian Class.

However, if he could obtain the Yin-Yang Twin Flame, there was a possibility of evolving the Flame Mantra to the Tian Class!

Tian Class! Those two words held immense allure for Xiao Yan. If he could evolve the Flame

Mantra to the Tian Class, then he would fear no one.

He could sweep away all enemies!

Being able to consecutively use two Di Class Dou Techniques, with his Dou Qi greatly consumed but not depleted, showcased the terror of a Di Class Qi Method.

Only a Di Class Qi Method could fully complement Di Class Dou Techniques! If he had a Tian Class Qi Method, Xiao Yan couldn't even imagine how terrifying his Dou Qi would become.

Just as Xiao Yan sat down on the palanquin, a voice suddenly came from not far away.

"Mr. Xiao Yan, please wait a moment. My Misty Cloud Sect has a matter that requires an explanation from you." Yun Leng's voice echoed throughout the entire square.

All the spectators standing on the trees furrowed their brows. Even Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran

looked at each other because not even they had heard about any explanation required. Not even Yun Yun, the Sect Leader, had issued any orders.

Xiao Yan had the calmest expression among everyone present. Reclining leisurely on the

cushion of the palanquin, he asked with a smile, "Oh? I wonder what matter this is? First Elder, why don't you give me a hint? I've been busy with alchemy lately and can't recall too

many trivial things."

"A few months ago, my Misty Cloud Sect's External Deacon Mo Cheng. I wonder if Mr. Xiao Yan still remembers him." Yun Leng narrowed his eyes as he stared intently at Xiao Yan.