In the back mountains of the Jia nan Academy, Zi Yan was fully focused on the medicinal cauldron.
Her initial anticipation gradually turned into tension as she noticed the energy within the cauldron becoming extremely unstable.
A violent surge of energy, like a wild horse breaking free, was on the verge of spiraling out of control.
"How could this happen?" Zi Yan murmured softly, her brows furrowing into a delicate crease.
She knew all too well that if this energy wasn't controlled properly, not only would the elixir fail to materialize, but it could also lead to a catastrophic disaster.
Just then, a sharp whistling sound approached from the distance, and a figure appeared like a ghost at the edge of the barrier.
It was none other than Han Feng, who had rushed over in haste.
"Who are you? How did you get here?" Zi Yan was more surprised than alarmed.
After all, the Black-Corner Region and the Jia nan Academy had always maintained a policy of non-interference.
Han Feng didn't answer immediately. Instead, he stared intently at the turbulent energy within the cauldron, his brows tightly knit.
"This power... Little girl, who is inside this barrier? What kind of elixir are you refining? Why is it so volatile?"
Zi Yan pupils contracted slightly.
She hadn't expected Han Feng to ask such pointed questions right off the bat, and his sharp gaze made her feel an invisible pressure.
"You don't need to know too much. Leave now, or don't blame me for being impolite!" Her tone was firm and unyielding, and the Dou Qi around her began to stir, like a violet rose about to bloom—beautiful yet dangerous.
Han Feng chuckled lightly, placing his hands behind his back, his demeanor still relaxed.
"What if I said I'm quite interested in this matter? Besides, if this energy surge isn't controlled properly, even the Black-Corner Region might suffer the consequences."
"That's a matter for our Jia nan Academy and it's none of your concern" Zi Yan replied with a hint of arrogance.
The Nine Netherworld Tiger totem behind her flickered faintly, as if ready to engage in battle at any moment.
"Ah, little girl, don't be so cold" Han Feng said with a feigned sigh, shaking his head.
"Though my reputation may not be the best, my alchemy skills are top-notch. If I can lend you a hand, wouldn't that be a win-win situation?"
"Lend me a hand?" Zi Yan lips curled into a disdainful smile.
"Let's see what you're capable of."
As she spoke, a faint glow gathered at her fingertips—a fusion of pure Dou Qi and soul power.
With a flick of her wrist, it transformed into a violet energy blade, shooting straight toward Han Feng face.
Han Feng eyes narrowed slightly, and he sidestepped with ease, dodging Zi Yan attack.
At the same time, he flipped his palm, revealing a pill that emitted a soft fluorescent light. He tossed it gently to Zi Yan.
"Since you don't believe me, I'll give you this 'Soul-Calming Pill' as a token of goodwill. If you truly have the ability to resolve this crisis, then this little pill should be nothing to you."
Zi Yan caught the pill, her expression complex.
Though the Soul-Calming Pill wasn't a rare treasure, it was still no ordinary item. It could stabilize one's mind at critical moments, making it quite valuable to cultivators.
She couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and caution toward Han Feng identity and capabilities.
"You're quite the scoundrel, but you do have some skills" Zi Yan said, her tone softening slightly, though her vigilance remained.
"However, my brother Xiao Chong can handle this alone. We don't need outsiders meddling."
"So stubborn, I really don't know what to do with you," Han Feng spread his hands, feigning helplessness, then quickly shifted his tone.
"Then I'll just watch from the sidelines. If anything goes wrong, I hope you won't mind my assistance, little sister."
"Suit yourself" Zi Yan snorted coldly, ignoring Han Feng.
She turned back to the medicine cauldron, closed her eyes, and focused her mind, once again immersing herself in controlling the violent energy.
As time passed, the medicinal aroma in the surrounding environment grew increasingly rich.
*****
On the morning a few days later, the first rays of sunlight pierced through the thin clouds, casting their light onto the serene valley.
Outside the cave, the chirping of birds rose and fell, as if welcoming an extraordinary day.
Suddenly, accompanied by a slight tremor, the surrounding environmental barrier shattered like glass, dispersing into specks of fluorescent light that merged into the air.
Xiao Chong figure slowly emerged from the cave. His robes were slightly disheveled, but his eyes shone with a mix of barely concealed excitement and exhaustion.
In his tightly clenched hand was a pill emitting a gentle aura of vitality—the "Life-Restoring Pill."
"I've succeeded… I've finally succeeded!" Xiao Chong murmured, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
This was not just a recognition of his personal skill, but also a testament to the weight of his promise and his anticipation of the impending turning point in fate.
At that moment, hurried footsteps echoed from the distance, and soon, Han Feng and Zi Yan appeared almost simultaneously in his line of sight.
Both of their faces were filled with tension and expectation, especially Zi Yan, whose eyes held a trace of hidden concern.
Upon seeing the pill in Xiao Chong hand, Han Feng immediately moved to snatch it for himself.
Xiao Chong smile froze and his eyes sharpened as he keenly sensed the sudden surge of killing intent in the air.
He slowly turned, his gaze meeting Han Feng resolute eyes, and sighed inwardly.
'He's really quick.'
"Xiao Chong, Zi Yan" Han Feng voice was as cold and hard as iron, his hands already quietly gathering sharp fighting energy.
"As long as you hand over the Life-Restoring Pill, I might consider sparing your lives."
Xiao Chong smiled faintly, his tone carrying an unshakable firmness.
"The Life-Restoring Pill is right here. If you want it, come and take it with your strength!"
As soon as the words fell, the air seemed to be torn apart by an invisible force, and an inevitable confrontation began.
Han Feng struck first, his figure as swift as a leopard, his fighting energy transforming into sharp blades of wind, directly targeting the two.
Xiao Chong reacted quickly, waving his hand to release a faint golden protective barrier that enveloped him and Zi Yan.
The blades of wind collided with the barrier, producing a series of piercing roars, but failed to make even a dent.
"You're still so naive, thinking this little barrier can stop me?" Han Feng mocked, his fighting energy growing more turbulent as he prepared to launch a more ferocious attack.
Zi Yan frowned, pulling out a pair of short swords from her sleeves. She spun them deftly in her hands, her gaze firm as she looked at Han Feng.
"Xiao Chong, I'll handle this guy!"
With that, her figure flashed like purple lightning, instantly closing in on Han Feng. Her short swords created a dazzling array of sword shadows, launching a relentless assault that forced Han Feng to divide his attention to defend.
Xiao Chong retreated to the side, closed his eyes to focus, and formed hand seals, preparing to unleash a more powerful defensive or counterattack technique.
He thought to himself 'Han Feng is nothing to worry about. It's good for Zi Yan to gain some experience.'
The battle intensified.
Although Han Feng possessed immense strength, he gradually began to struggle under Zi Yan agile and versatile attacks.
Sweat dripped down his forehead, and the fervor in his eyes was slowly replaced by exhaustion.