Battle Through the Heavens - chapter-289

In the spacious room, Xiao Yan was frowning slightly as he eyed the spot
where his finger touched Nalan Jie’s back. With his previous
experience, he could clearly sense the flame was doped with some unknown
things which were in turn absorbed into his body the instant the green
colored flame was withdrawn.

“A mutation of the ‘Searing Poison’ is indeed scary. Even with my
current flame controlling ability, I am unable to completely incinerate
it. Ugh, it is likely that only Yao Lao’s ‘Bone Chilling Flame’ can
completely remove it.” Xiao Yan slowly removed his finger, shook his
head and sighed softly in his heart.

“We will stop here for this poison removing session. After a couple
more times, I think that the poison in your body will be completely
removed.” Xiao Yan retracted his finger into his sleeves, then eyed
Nalan Jie, whose expression was much improved since the last time, and
said.

“Thank you very much Little Brother Yan Xiao. I am able to sense that
the ‘Searing Poison’ in my body is gradually decreasing.” Nalan Jie
wiped off the perspiration on his forehead. The intense pain each time
the poison was expelled was very exhausting, similar to him having gone
through a battle with a strong person of the same class. He turned his
head around and thanked Xiao Yan, whose face showed slight exhaustion.

“It is just that each of us are holding what the other requires.”
Xiao Yan indifferently shook his head. His mind scanned the interior of
his body a couple of times. He knit his eyebrows even deeper as he
realized that the ‘Searing Poison’ appeared to have become even more
dense in his body after this poison removing session.

“Ah… this thing. I wonder if it is a blessing or trouble. It would be
good if Teacher was here. With the experience of his elderly self, I
would not need to blindly worry about such matters…” Xiao Yan softly
sighed and could only speak with a bitter smile in his heart.

“Haha, Little Brother Yan Xiao. It must have been hard on you for these
past two days. If you need any medicinal ingredients or other things, you
can tell us. These are all small matters. Just let our Nalan clan go and
settle it. You just need to rest.” Seeing Nalan Jie’s increasingly
ruddy complexion, the smile on Nalan Su’s face also increased. He took
two steps forward and said with the smile still on his face to Xiao Yan.

Hearing this, Xiao Yan hesitated for a moment. He conveniently took out a
paper and pen from the storage ring. After which, he swiftly wrote some
rare and precious medicinal ingredients that were rarely seen in the
market. After which, he handed it over to Nalan Su. Since the other party
was a big fat sheep, it would be a waste not to slaughter. In any case,
with the financial strength of the Nalan clan, this little bit was an
insufficient amount that wouldn’t even make their hearts ache.

TL: Fat sheep = lot of resources, Slaughter = take a generous cut

Nalan Su received the paper and took a glance at it. His expression did
not have the slightest change because of the valuable medicinal
ingredients on it. He called out and got a female servant to follow what
was written on it and take them out from the clan’s warehouse. During
the whole process, Nalan Su’s response did not have the slightest
hesitation, acting in an ostentatious manner.

“Haha, Little Brother Yan Xiao, why don’t we go to the living room to
take a seat first. The things that you need will immediately be brought
over.” Seeing that the female servant had exited from the room, Nalan
Jie, who had finished wearing his clothes, smiled and said to Xiao Yan.

“Okay.” Xiao Yan nodded slightly and lifted his leg to follow Nalan
Jie and Nalan Su in front of him.

After exiting the door, they passed through a quiet corridor before the
three of them walked into the luxurious living room. They had just taken
their seats when the female servant at the side hurriedly served them
fragrant tea. After which, she bowed her body and stepped back.

“Little Brother Yan Xiao, I assume that the purpose of you coming to
the capital this time around would be to participate in the Alchemist
Grand Meeting, right?” Nalan Jie lifted his teacup, took a slow sip and
asked with a smile.

“Yes.”

“Ke ke, all the mighty people have gathered for this Grand Meeting. It
seems that there will be a good show to watch.” Nalan Su seated by his
side smiled and said.

“I am only here to join the fun and don’t have much ability to
compete with the others.” Xiao Yan smiled and replied.

“You are really modest. Possessing something as unique as a ‘Heavenly
Flame’, it would be impossible for you not to display your splendor.”
Nalan Jie shook his head and immediately laughed, “Before the Grand
Meeting, there is definitely a need for some practice. If Little Brother
Yan Xiao needs any medicinal ingredients, you can just mention them to
me. As long as our Nalan clan has it, we will definitely not be stingy.”

“So you want to win me over early…” Xiao Yan sipped his tea,
slightly shook his head and whispered in his heart.

The kind of prospects that an alchemist who possessed a ‘Heavenly
Flame’ was something that a strong person like Nalan Jie was extremely
clear of. Therefore, Xiao Yan might only be a tier two alchemist now but
Nalan Jie still had put in all his effort to win the former over. As the
saying goes, ‘one’s mouth will be shorter after eating other
people’s things’. If Xiao Yan really did as he had said and randomly
took the medicinal ingredients from the Nalan clan, it would not be easy
for Xiao Yan to reject Nalan Jie when he invited Xiao Yan to be an
alchemist for the Nalan clan in the future.

“I will come and find the two of you when I require them.” Xiao Yan
did not immediately reject him. However, his vague words did not agree
either.

As a person who had become wise with age, Nalan Jie naturally could hear
Xiao Yan’s vague meaning. He smiled and his face did not have any
disappointed emotion. With a smile, he diverted their topic of
conversation and began to randomly inquire about some other information
about Xiao Yan.

“Haha. May I ask who is Little Brother Yan Xiao’s teacher? I am able
to recognize over half of the Jia Ma Empire’s well known alchemists.
However, I have never heard of any one of their students possessing a
‘Heavenly Flame’ at such a young age.”

“Teacher doesn’t like to reveal himself. He has been living in
isolation. Before I left, his elderly self had instructed me not to
reveal any information about him.” Xiao Yan shook his head and said.

“Since it’s like this, I will not make things difficult for you.”
Hearing the words, Nalan Jie smiled and nodded. His heart, however,
muttered, “A strong person hidden from the world? With Yan Xiao’s
age, it is naturally impossible for him to rein in the ‘Heavenly
Flame’ by himself, I think that his Teacher should have given quite a
lot of help on this. A strong person who could rein in a ‘Heavenly
Flame’ should at least be a Dou Huang. Looks like the strength behind
this little fellow cannot be underestimated. If I can win him over, there
would be many benefits…”

Following Xiao Yan’s casual reply, time slowly passed by. The female
servant that had gone to obtain the medicinal ingredients carried a
silver plate and walked into the living room with a curled posture. She
then respectfully placed the plate on the table beside Xiao Yan.

Glancing at those perfectly preserved medicinal ingredients on the silver
plate, Xiao Yan nodded his head slightly. It looked like the Nalan clan
had quite a number of skilled people who knew how to take care of their
medicinal ingredients.

Xiao Yan cautiously stored the medicinal ingredients into his storage
ring. Not intending to wait, Xiao Yan didn’t continue to stay any
longer. Immediately, he stood up and bid the other two goodbye.

“Hehe, let us see Little Brother Yan Xiao off.” Seeing Xiao Yan stand
up, Nalan Jie also hurriedly did the same. After which, he and Nalan Su
walked shoulder to shoulder out of the living room.

Once they were out of the room, they walked along a small path. The Nalan
clan members who were coming and going hurriedly greeted them. They
waited until the three of them walked away before facing each other in
shock. Immediately afterwards, they threw their curious and surprised
gazes at Xiao Yan. In the whole of the Jia Ma Empire, there were no more
than five people who had the qualification for both, the old grandfather
of the Nalan clan and the clan head to respectfully send someone off
together. Yet this young person who appeared only around twenty years old
actually possessed the qualification to enjoy such a respectful treatment?

Under the surprised and strange gazes throughout the journey, the three
of them finally came to the main door. Xiao Yan bowed slightly toward
Nalan Jie and Nalan Su. He was just about to leave when the corner of his
eye suddenly stiffened at the sight of two human figures who were slowly
walking over to the Nalan clan.

Of the two human figures, one was a male and the other was a female. The
lady was wearing a moon white colored robe with trailing spacious
sleeves. Her elegant footsteps caused people to have an extremely
pleasing beautiful feeling. Her pretty face, which carried a little
smile, hooked the gazes of the surrounding men as she passed by.

The man was wearing an alchemist long robe. His age was also quite young
and his figure was tall and straight, appearing only slightly over twenty
years old. His handsome face had lines that seemed to be carved by a
knife, emitting a somewhat feminine feeling. The gentle smile on his face
also had an easy time moving some ladies’ hearts. When comparing the
appearance of this person to Xiao Yan’s disguised appearance, it was
like two polar regions that were extremely far apart.

Of course, the thing that attracted the most attention was still the
alchemist badge on the young man’s chest. On it, three silver colored
ripples reflected an eye-piercing glow under the sunlight. Those
passersby, whose heart originally had contained a sour feeling because of
the other party having the company of such a beautiful woman, felt dull
initially upon seeing the three silver colored ripples that represented
his status. Immediately, the unhappiness in their eyes automatically
turned into one of respect that one used when faced with a strong person.

The man and the lady slowly walked over. A talented man and a beautiful
woman, a perfect couple. They attracted the attention of quite a number
of eyes on the street. Immediately, numerous amazed and envious gazes
were thrown over as two of them suddenly became the focus of attention on
the street.

At the moment when Xiao Yan’s gaze paused on the two of them, Nalan Jie
and Nalan Su beside him also noticed the two people walking over. When
their gazes swept onto the man by Nalan Yanran’s side, each of their
expressions were somewhat different.

Staring at the two of them who were slowly walking over, Xiao Yan lowered
his head slightly. For some unknown reason, his heart faintly had a hint
of anger. A long while later, he inhaled a breath of icy cool air. He
understood that although he no longer had those feelings for the lady in
front of him, she was still someone who had nearly become his wife
regardless of all that had happened. Now that he saw her conversing and
laughing with another man as they walked together, he would naturally
feel a knot in his heart.

Xiao Yan raised his head. The emotions in his eyes were completely
withdrawn by him as he calmly watched the two people who had arrived in
front of him.

“Mister Yan Xiao, we have troubled you again today.” As the two
people reached the main door, Nalan Yanran greeted Nalan Jie and Nalan Su
before she smiled and spoke to Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan did not open his mouth to speak. He merely shook his head. His
face, which was covered by the icy silk mask, appeared slightly cold.

Having known Xiao Yan for a day, Nalan Yanran also knew about his
indifferent character and was unconcerned with it. She pointed to the man
by her side and said with a smile, “Mister Yan Xiao, this is my friend,
Liu Ling. He is also an alchemist.”

“Nice to meet you, Mister Yan Xiao.” That handsome man extended his
hand as he smiled and greeted Xiao Yan. His smile was extremely gentle,
appearing quite sincere.

“Nice to meet you.” Xiao Yan extended his hand and held the other
party’s hand as he spoke calmly. His eyes watched Liu Ling. Ever since
he had left Wu Tan City, the young man in front of him was the first
young person who caused Xiao Yan to actually pay close attention to.
Being able to become a tier three alchemist at such a young age, his
talent was definitely not weaker than Xiao Yan.

“Hey, Liu Ling boy, why have you run over here instead of learning
refining skills from your teacher?” Nalan Jie glanced at this man who
was extremely outstanding. He sighed slightly in his heart. Liu Ling was
the most outstanding young man that he had seen during these last few
years. If one were to discuss about talent and ability, he was a man who
was a good match to Nalan Yanran. He also knew that his extremely haughty
granddaughter may also have a favorable impression of this very
outstanding young man who was at her age. Although this small favorable
impression was far from having any feelings, Liu Ling was one of the few
males of her age who had given her a favorable impression in many years.

While Liu Ling was indeed very outstanding, the agreement with his old
friend back then had always been in Nalan Jie’s heart. Just thinking
about the little fellow from the Xiao clan whose engagement was broken
off, his heart was filled with regret and helplessness. Therefore, he had
some resistance to Liu Ling and Nalan Yanran becoming too close. He was
still trying to think up ways to rescue the already shattered
pre-arranged marriage.

“The Grand Meeting is about to begin soon. The Grand Meeting has
gathered countless strong people in the empire’s alchemist scene. There
is always someone better than one. Therefore, Teacher has asked me to
descend from the mountains and experience it for myself. Additionally,
Teacher also asked me to send his regards to Old Sir.” Liu Ling bowed
slightly and replied with a smile.

“Mister Yan Xiao, I didn’t expect that you were able to help Old Sir
remove the ‘Searing Poison’ at such a young age. It really surprises
people. Back then, Teacher had also come and taken a look, but did not
have the slightest solution. Ha ha, I think that Mister Yan Xiao should
be in possession of the legendary ‘Heavenly Flame’, right?” Liu
Ling turned his gaze to Xiao Yan by the side and laughed.

Xiao Yan’s eyes narrowed as he probed Liu Ling and asked, “Who is
your teacher?”

“My teacher is Gu He.” Liu Ling gently smiled and said. Although he
hid the pride in his smile very deeply, some of it still seeped out.

“So it is Pill-King Gu He…” Xiao Yan muttered softly in his heart.
He nodded, but the indifferentness on his face did not move because of
this name that had once shaken the entire Jia Ma Empire.

Xiao Yan’s calm manner caused Liu Ling to be startled; being able to
become Pill-King Gu He’s personal disciple had always been something
that he was very proud of. However, in the eyes of the young man in front
of him, it seemed to be nothing at all. Immediately, his eyebrows were
pressed together slightly without being noticed before they immediately
quickly relaxed. He smiled and asked Xiao Yan, “May I know the name of
Mister Yan Xiao’s teacher?”

“Teacher is just an idler in the mountain and does not have a great
reputation like the Pill-King Gu He has. He is not worth mentioning.”
Xiao Yan smiled and answered faintly. His very calm manner caused Nalan
Jie, Nalan Yanran and the others to give him a sidelong glance.

“Mister Yan Xiao is really humble. Even if we don’t mention the
‘Heavenly Flame’, you have become a tier two alchemist at such an
age. Your teacher’s ability is naturally not weak in order to be able
to teach a student like you.” Nalan Yanran at the side covered her
mouth and laughed.

“I have no choice. This was all forced by someone…” Xiao Yan stared
at Nalan Yanran’s pretty face and suddenly mocked himself as he spoke
softly.

Nalan Yanran was at a momentary loss. For some unknown reason, the eyes
of the other party caused her heart to quiver without realizing it. She
gently shook her head and was just about to say something when Xiao Yan
cupped his hands together and shook them at everyone. He smiled faintly
and said, “I’m sorry. I still have something to do and won’t be
able to accompany everyone to chat. Goodbye.”

Once he said those words, Xiao Yan walked toward the street. After which,
he gradually disappeared into the sea of people in front of the eyes of
Nalan Yanran’s group.

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“Yanran, does he really possess a ‘Heavenly Flame’?” Seeing that
Xiao Yan had disappeared, Liu Ling could not help but inquire again.

“Yes. Mister Yan Xiao’s ability is quite good. His flame controlling
ability would not be lousier than yours. In terms of refining pills, he
is the only one of similar age whom I have met in so many years that I
think may actually exceed you.” Nalan Yanran nodded her head. Her
pretty eyes watched the end of the street and she felt a little
absentminded. For some unknown reason, this cold young man kept giving
her an extremely strange feeling. This kind of feeling was something that
she had never felt from Liu Ling.

Liu Ling frowned as he eyed Nalan Yanran who was staring at the end of
the street in a somewhat absentminded manner. His fist tensed slightly
without him noticing while a faint sourness appeared in his heart…