Chapter 38: A New Era Begins

Chapter 38: Chapter 38: A New Era Begins

Meanwhile, in a distant corner of the Immortal Gang Continent.

BOOMING sounds echoed from within a massive black cage. It was as if some extraordinarily powerful being was striking the bars, causing the very ground to tremble violently.

Two streaks of light flashed, and two figures appeared, standing proudly in the air above the black cage. They were two middle-aged men.

One man wore a golden robe, the other a silver one. Both exuded an aura of condescension, as if looking down upon the entire world.

"This beast has been quiet for so many years. Why is it suddenly causing a ruckus again? Could those two have arrived?"

The silver-robed man frowned at the black cage and spoke to the gold-robed man.

"No."

A golden glint flashed in the gold-robed man’s eyes. He said flatly, "Another person who possesses that power has been born."

The silver-robed man’s gaze sharpened. "What?" he asked, startled. "You’re saying that besides those two, someone else possesses that power?"

"Those two were already enough of a headache for me. Now another one has shown up. This is truly vexing!"

The gold-robed man spoke, rubbing the bridge of his nose. He continued, "Fortunately, it’s just a newly sprouted seedling..."

"Once that seedling grows into a towering tree, I’m afraid no one will be able to touch it," the silver-robed man said, his eyes narrowing.

The gold-robed man’s expression remained impassive, as if he could see through everything before him.

He said coolly, "If this seedling withers and dies in these chaotic times, so be it. But if it manages to grow, I don’t mind personally snapping it in two."

「...」

When Yi Xiaoyao woke up, all he felt was a profound exhaustion that seemed to come from the depths of his soul, along with a slight jostling of his body.

His eyes shifted. He saw giant trees rushing past as Elder Yan carried him on his back, speeding along.

It all felt like a dream.

But Flame Medicine Hidden’s empty right sleeve was proof that every image of what had happened in Yi Xiaoyao’s mind was real.

"Kid, you’re awake?"

Flame Medicine Hidden’s voice sounded, and he slowed his pace.

"Elder Yan..."

Yi Xiaoyao began, somewhat dazed. He didn’t know what to say; he had so many questions.

Flame Medicine Hidden set Yi Xiaoyao down and looked at him with a comforting gaze. "I know you have many questions. Go ahead and ask."

"Elder Yan, your arm..."

"It’s nothing. I’m not dead yet."

"What about those men in white?"

"They’re dead. You killed them."

"Huh?"

Yi Xiaoyao was utterly shocked. The look in Elder Yan’s eyes told him this was no joke.

Flame Medicine Hidden’s gaze was deep, a sharp light glinting within it. He said gravely to Yi Xiaoyao, "I know it’s hard for you to believe. Even I can hardly believe it, but it’s the truth!"

In all his long life, this was the first time he had ever questioned something he had seen with his own eyes.

But whenever he recalled the terrifying aura that had radiated from Yi Xiaoyao, Flame Medicine Hidden’s heart would tremble in fear. Even though that aura had only existed for a single moment, it was enough to be forever seared into his memory.

"At that moment, it was as if you had become a different person—a supreme being, looking down on all existence! I felt the aura you gave off, but I can hardly describe it. It was as if... as if everyone in the world had to bow to you, and whoever defied you would perish!"

Flame Medicine Hidden closed his eyes, recounting the shock of that moment to Yi Xiaoyao.

Yi Xiaoyao was completely confused. He scratched his head and said, "But I don’t know anything about it. All I felt then was rage and indignation. I didn’t do anything."

"I once read in an ancient text that some of the most supreme beings in this world are born with an incredible ability. An ability that can kill without lifting a finger... It’s called ’King’s Dominance’!"

Flame Medicine Hidden said, taking a deep breath.

"Elder Yan, are you saying I have this ability?" Yi Xiaoyao asked, overjoyed.

Flame Medicine Hidden smiled. "Perhaps. I’m not certain either. Besides, you can’t control this power at will yet. You only triggered its release unconsciously before."

Yi Xiaoyao nodded in disappointment. "So, in other words, I can’t count this as part of my own strength. The next time I face a crisis like that, I might die before I can ever trigger it again."

"Don’t dwell on it. Now that you’re awake, it’s time for us to part ways," Flame Medicine Hidden said suddenly.

"Part ways?" Yi Xiaoyao looked at Elder Yan in confusion.

Flame Medicine Hidden explained, "My identity is too conspicuous. You can’t continue traveling with me. Not only would you be in great danger, but it would also hinder my movements."

Yi Xiaoyao nodded. Elder Yan was right. Just like what happened before, not only could Yi Xiaoyao not protect himself, but he would also become a burden to Elder Yan. The severed arm was proof of that, and the price they had paid.

This time, they had escaped death because Yi Xiaoyao had unconsciously triggered some ability, but they might not be so lucky next time.

"Then where should I go?" Yi Xiaoyao asked.

Flame Medicine Hidden tossed a Black Jade Ring to Yi Xiaoyao.

"Take this token. Leave this forest and go to the Seven Kills Star Hall. Find a man named Lin Jie. He is my disciple."

"The Seven Kills Star Hall?"

Yi Xiaoyao heard the name once again, but this time it was under completely different circumstances.

"That’s right! In the Great Shang Dynasty, the Cloud Transformation Sect is called the number one sect. The Seven Kills Star Hall is the other power strong enough to contend with them! Only by entering the Seven Kills Star Hall can you escape the Cloud Transformation Sect’s pursuit," Flame Medicine Hidden said.

Yi Xiaoyao frowned. "The Seven Kills Star Hall can contend with the number one sect, the Cloud Transformation Sect? But I heard they’re an Evil Sect force?"

"Evil Sect?"

Flame Medicine Hidden let out a cold laugh. "I’ve told you before, there is no good or evil, no right or wrong in this world—only different standpoints! In the eyes of the world, the Cloud Transformation Sect is one of the Renowned and Righteous Sects, but in my eyes, they’re nothing but a shameless, despicable sect!"

Yi Xiaoyao’s resolve hardened. He thought of the seven men in white, and then of everything the Cloud Transformation Sect had done to Elder Yan. Any good impression or admiration he once had for the sect instantly vanished like smoke.

"I understand! Compared to a ’Renowned and Righteous Sect’ like the Cloud Transformation Sect, which cloaks itself in false righteousness while committing despicable acts, I’d much rather side with the Seven Kills Star Hall—even if the world calls them an Evil Sect. At least they dare to act and dare to take responsibility. That’s the kind of genuine character I respect!"

Hearing Yi Xiaoyao’s words, Elder Yan burst into hearty laughter.

"Excellent! To be alive is to be true to yourself! Who cares what the world thinks! The so-called ’world’ is just a bunch of poor, ignorant fools with their eyes covered."

Yi Xiaoyao felt he had learned a great deal. He put away the token, cupped his fist, and declared, "This junior will join the Seven Kills Star Hall. In the future, I will definitely destroy the Jin Family and overthrow the Cloud Transformation Sect to avenge my maternal grandfather and you, Elder Yan!"

"Kid, I only have two years left to live. Those two years are also the time limit I’m giving you to grow. In two years, I’ll be waiting for you to inherit my Heaven and Earth Fire Essence!" Flame Medicine Hidden declared, his eyes shining with a sharp light.

Yi Xiaoyao cupped his fist in a deep bow, then turned and left.

Flame Medicine Hidden watched Yi Xiaoyao’s back recede into the distance, standing motionless for a long time.

Finally, he murmured, "It seems a new era is about to begin. An era belonging to this kid is coming..."