Doupo: Marry a Young Doctor and Be Rewarded with Douhuang Cultivation

189: The feelings are strong before parting, and the retreat breaks through!The teleportation light dissipated, and the wind from the Desolate Ancient Domain plain, carrying the scent of grass and trees, blew directly at them.

As Xiao Ze landed, he raised his hand to shield Cai Lin and Xiao Yi Xian at his side, his gaze sweeping over the surroundings.

The previous Puppet chaos had already deterred the covetous, and at this moment, no extraneous people were prying.

”The journey to the Barren Ancient Domain should end here.” Xiao Ze’s gaze first fell on Xun’er, his tone a few shades softer than when speaking to others, his fingertips gently brushing the strands of hair the wind had disarrayed on her temples, ”It’s rare for the Gu Clan to let you out, and I didn’t expect to have to say goodbye so soon.”

He knew all too well Gu Yuan’s preciousness of Xun’er.

If it weren’t for an Opportunity as rare as the Bodhi Ancient Tree, Gu Yuan would never have agreed to let Xun’er leave the Gu Clan by half a step.

To meet again in the future, he would probably have to personally visit the Gu Clan.

”I have to thank you for protecting me, allowing me to obtain the bodhi seed this time.” Xun’er smiled sweetly.

Xiao Ze’s voice softened, his gaze falling on Xun’er’s hand, which clutched the bodhi seed.

”After you return, don’t rush to refine it. Let the Gu Clan Elder protect you. This item’s energy is pure, so be careful of backlash. Once I’ve dealt with the Xiao Clan’s matters, I’ll go to the Gu Clan to see you, and then I’ll accompany you to study the refining method together.”

Xun’er’s cheeks flushed slightly, her hand clutching the bodhi seed obtained from the Ancient Tree, her fingertips gently brushing against Xiao Ze’s wrist: ”I understand. You must also be careful in the Xiao Clan; don’t always carry everything on your shoulders.”

She stood on tiptoe, quickly pressing a light kiss on Xiao Ze’s cheek before turning to nod her goodbyes to Cai Lin and Xiao Yi Xian, then departing as a streak of light with Gu Qingyang and other Gu Clan disciples. Before leaving, she looked back at Xiao Ze, her eyes filled with reluctance.

Yun Yun stepped forward at this moment, her fair hand holding the hem of the Flower Sect Sect Master’s skirt, showing less majesty and more of a young woman’s gentleness.

She took out a silk handkerchief from her storage ring and gently wiped away the traces of Dou Qi remaining on Xiao Ze’s fingertips: ”The Flower Sect Elders are still waiting at the mountain gate; I must return to oversee the refining of the bodhi seed.”

”The Bodhi Leaf you gave me, I’ve already carefully stored it in a jade box and placed it by my bedside, where I can see it every day.”

Xiao Ze held her hand, feeling a cool touch on his fingertips: ”If you encounter an energy backlash during refinement, immediately crush the communication jade slip, and I will rush over at the first moment. After your Breakthrough, I will take you to the Xiao Clan’s back mountain hot spring; the spring water there can nourish your Meridians, which will be beneficial for your future Cultivation.”

A faint light shimmered in Yun Yun’s eyes, and she nodded gently, then smiled warmly at Cai Lin and Xiao Yi Xian: ”Two younger sisters, I shall take my leave first. In the future, in the Xiao Clan, I will need to learn much from you.”

After speaking, she turned and left with the Flower Sect Elders. As her figure gradually receded, she looked back and waved, her silk handkerchief tracing a graceful arc in the air.

After the two had left, Xiao Yan stepped forward, a hint of teasing on his face: ”Third Brother, you’re still the best. Even Xun’er and Sister Yun Yun are so devoted to you.”

Xiao Ze smiled, patted his shoulder, and took out a Bodhi Leaf from his storage ring, handing it over: ”Less chatter. This Bodhi Leaf can nourish the Soul, which will be useful when you go into seclusion at Starfall Pavilion to refine the bodhi seed. Strive to Breakthrough to Half-Saint early; then, the Xiao Clan and Starfall Pavilion can better look out for each other in the future.”

Xiao Yan took the Bodhi Leaf and nodded solemnly: ”Don’t worry, Third Brother! Once I’ve made my Breakthrough, I’ll go to the Xiao Clan to congratulate you!”

He then cupped his hands at Cai Lin and Xiao Yi Xian before turning and flying towards Starfall Pavilion.

Subsequently, Xiao Ze, accompanied by Cai Lin and Xiao Yi Xian, transformed into a streak of light and headed directly for the Xiao Clan.

Rushing at full speed, they arrived at the Xiao Clan’s mountain gate in just a moment.

Upon seeing their Clan Chief return, the clan disciples all stepped forward to greet him, their eyes filled with reverence.

Today’s Xiao Ze was already the backbone of the Xiao Clan, and those by his side were naturally held in high esteem.

Returning to the Xiao Clan’s main hall, Xiao Ze took out the treasures obtained from the Bodhi Ancient Tree: besides the bodhi heart and one Bodhi Leaf he kept for himself, there were also more than ten bodhi seeds, as well as Dou Technique scrolls confiscated from the Puppets.

”These treasures will be distributed according to merit,” Xiao Ze said to the clan Elders. ”Disciples with outstanding talent will each receive one bodhi seed to help them Breakthrough their Bottleneck; the Dou Technique scrolls will be given to the Cultivation Technique Hall for clan disciples to study; the remaining Bodhi Leaves will be left for the Elders to nourish their Souls.”

After distributing the treasures, Xiao Ze said to Cai Lin and Xiao Yi Xian: ”You two should return to your residences first to refine the bodhi seeds. If you encounter any problems, find me immediately. I need to go into seclusion to refine the bodhi heart and charge towards a higher Realm. I’ll trouble you two to look after the clan affairs.”

The two nodded in agreement, watching Xiao Ze walk towards the seclusion chamber, their eyes filled with anticipation.

After Xiao Ze entered the secret chamber, he sat cross-legged in the center of the Qi Gathering Formation and took out the fist-sized bodhi heart.

The bodhi heart emitted pure energy. He circulated his Dou Qi to envelop it, feeling the energy slowly merge into his body.

Days passed, and the Dou Qi in the secret chamber grew increasingly dense, almost liquefying.

The golden Dou Qi around Xiao Ze would sometimes surge, causing the secret chamber to tremble slightly.

At other times, it would contract, completely merging into his body.

Finally, as time passed, after an unknown duration, a terrifying pressure suddenly erupted from the secret chamber. A terrifying Dou Qi soared into the sky, breaking through the Formation and enveloping the entire Xiao Clan.

”Two years, it wasn’t in vain after all.” Xiao Ze raised his hand, feeling the surging Dou Qi within his body, and a smile curved at the corner of his mouth.

During these two years of seclusion, he not only refined the bodhi heart but also nourished his Soul with the help of the Bodhi Leaf, leading to a more refined control over the power of a Dou Saint.

He rose and pushed open the door to the secret chamber. Outside, a crowd had already gathered.

Cai Lin and Xiao Yi Xian hurried forward, their eyes filled with concern.

Xiao Zhan stroked his beard, unable to hide his excitement.

The clan Elders also bowed, their tones respectful: ”Congratulations to the Clan Chief on his Breakthrough!”

”I’ve kept everyone waiting.” Xiao Ze nodded, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, ”How have things been in the clan these past two years?”

Xiao Zhan stepped forward, smiling as he said: ”Thanks to you, the clan disciples’ strength has improved extremely quickly, utilizing the bodhi seeds you left behind. Now, the Xiao Clan has nearly ten more Dou Venerate powerhouses than two years ago, and there are even two newly promoted Half-Saints!”

”And there’s even more gratifying news,” an Elder added. ”The Saint-Grade Dou Technique scrolls you left before your seclusion have also significantly strengthened the clan disciples’ combat abilities. Now, no surrounding forces dare to provoke the Xiao Clan, and many smaller forces have even voluntarily come to pledge allegiance!”

Xiao Ze nodded slightly, understanding in his heart.

He looked at Cai Lin, who understood and said softly: ”However, the Central Plains hasn’t been peaceful these past two years. The Tianming Sect has been expanding its influence everywhere, acting increasingly domineering, and many small and medium-sized forces have been annexed by them.”

”Tianming Sect?” A cold glint flashed in Xiao Ze’s eyes, ”They certainly know how to cause trouble while I’m in seclusion.”

Xiao Yi Xian also added: ”Fortunately, Starfall Pavilion has Old Yaochen overseeing it, so the Tianming Sect hasn’t gained much advantage.”

”Old Yaochen is now a high-level Half-Saint, his Soul Power is unrivaled in the Central Plains, and he is proficient in alchemy, capable of deterring an entire region by himself.”

”Starfall Pavilion, relying on his prestige, has attracted many Peak Dou Venerate powerhouses to serve as Guest Elders, significantly expanding its influence.”

Xiao Zhan took over the conversation: ”Old Yaochen is indeed formidable. Previously, the Tianming Sect’s Grand Elder, Old Demon Tianming, led people to provoke them and was humiliated by Old Yaochen’s spatial power, ultimately retreating in disgrace.”

”But the Tianming Sect’s ambition is not small. Their high-level Half-Saint Grand Elder has never given up and constantly probes the edges of Starfall Pavilion’s sphere of influence. Although Old Yaochen can suppress them, it’s difficult to completely eradicate the hidden danger.”

”After all, between a Half-Saint and a Dou Saint, there is an insurmountable chasm.” Xiao Ze’s fingertips traced through the air, his Dou Qi leaving a faint spatial mark, ”Although Old Yaochen is strong, the Tianming Sect might have other forces involved behind them, and a prolonged stalemate would be disadvantageous to Starfall Pavilion.”

He paused, his voice suddenly turning sharp: ”Issue an order: gather all Half-Saints and Dou Venerate powerhouses in the clan. We will hold a meeting in the main hall three days from now.”

”Additionally, send a message to Starfall Pavilion, informing Old Yaochen that I have emerged from seclusion. It’s time to settle accounts with the Tianming Sect!”

”Yes!” The Elders responded in unison, their eyes filled with excitement.

With Xiao Ze, a Peak Dou Saint of Seven Stars, overseeing them, coupled with Old Yaochen of Starfall Pavilion, dealing with the Tianming Sect would be effortless.

Cai Lin looked at Xiao Ze’s back, her eyes filled with admiration: ”With you here, the Xiao Clan and Starfall Pavilion will have no more worries.”

Xiao Ze held her hand and said warmly: ”Only with you all helping me oversee the clan affairs could I Cultivate in peace. Next, it’s time to let the Central Plains know who the true controllers of this continent are!”