Chapter Seventeen: Medicine Dust—You Know Me?

The bright red handprint on Xiao Yan’s face burned with pain. His fists clenched tightly, and the resentment in his eyes was laid bare, unrestrained. Life in the modern world had been far from ideal, but by a twist of fate, he had arrived in the continent of Dou Qi, becoming the young master of a prestigious clan. His talent was extraordinary—a protagonist’s halo shone upon him—but it had faded all too quickly, disappearing before he could fully enjoy its glory.

He had endured humiliation in silence for three years, and now, faced with yet another disgrace, how could he possibly resign himself to it?

Gritting his teeth, Xiao Yan gathered up his battle techniques and several pills.

“A true man knows when to yield and when to stand tall. Today’s humiliation—they will repay it a hundredfold. No matter who you are, one day, I, Xiao Yan, will make you regret this.”

With his body weary, Xiao Yan departed from the council hall.

Watching him leave, Xiao Zhan and Xiao Xun’er were overcome with sorrow, hating their own weakness. They could do nothing as Xiao Yan suffered such shame.

Back in his room, Xiao Yan immediately swallowed a Purification Pill. Its immense medicinal power surged through his limbs and bones, washing over him and raising his Dou Qi, which had not advanced for so long.

“I never want to experience this day’s disgrace a second time!” He spread open his left hand, still marked by a bloody line, his voice hoarse but resolute.

…

What happened today in the Xiao Clan had gone so far that Lin An and the others were embarrassed to remain any longer. Instead, they found an inn and settled in.

“Senior brother, can you really help Xiao Yan recover his talent for cultivation?” Nalan Yanran asked, puzzled.

She knew well of Xiao Yan’s sudden regression in cultivation. She had never imagined her own junior brother possessed such ability.

If Xiao Yan truly regained his talent, her guilt over breaking the engagement would be lessened. Yet, it troubled her to have burdened Lin An with the three-year agreement, making her feel guilty towards him—after all, it was all because of her.

“Don’t worry, it’s not a big deal,” Lin An assured her. “You look tired. Go rest first. Later, after I return this storage ring to Xiao Yan, we’ll leave Wutan City.”

Nalan Yanran nodded, understanding Lin An still needed to study Xiao Yan’s ring, and quietly left.

Once she was gone, Lin An took the ring and entered the Netherlord Space.

At this time, Medicine Elder existed only as a soul. His continued unconsciousness was due to the severe damage his soul had suffered. After three years of absorbing Dou Qi from Xiao Yan, he had nearly recovered and was now awake.

He had witnessed what happened in the Xiao Clan today, but since he and Xiao Yan were strangers, he naturally had no reason to intervene. Lin An, however, possessed a mysterious power that drew Medicine Dust’s attention. In the brief time spent on Lin An, he felt as though he had absorbed a month’s worth of energy compared to Xiao Yan.

If he could remain with Lin An, perhaps in a year his soul would be fully restored to its peak.

Suddenly, Medicine Dust sensed something amiss. An overwhelming pressure bore down from all sides—even within the ring, it did not abate. He realized, with dread, that this youth must have discovered his presence; otherwise, he wouldn’t be acting upon the ring so abruptly.

“Enough hiding—now is the time to show yourself!”

Lin An’s voice soon echoed.

Medicine Dust knew that any further concealment would only make him a laughingstock. Though weak in his soul form, he still possessed the formidable Bone Spirit Cold Flame. He had little fear of a mere youth.

A phantom figure drifted from the ring—like a candle flickering in the wind, it could vanish at any moment. Even now, with freedom to move, a soul-targeted attack could easily obliterate him.

Upon his appearance, Medicine Dust sensed something different. This place felt like paradise for souls; he could distinctly feel his own existence—a strange and wondrous sensation.

“What is this place? Are you from the Hall of Souls?” Medicine Dust surveyed his surroundings, greedily absorbing the dark aura that nourished his soul—a rare and precious supplement.

At the same time, he speculated about Lin An’s identity. In his memory, only the Hall of Souls or the Soul Clan could achieve such feats on the Dou Qi Continent.

“No need to worry, I am not from the Hall of Souls,” Lin An replied. “On the contrary, I am your benefactor. I can help you rebuild your body, help you go further, even accomplish things you never dared dream.”

Lin An sat upon the throne of the Netherlord, gazing indifferently at Medicine Dust.

“Do you know who I am, to speak such bold words?” Medicine Dust was not so easily deceived, and he would never agree to anything on mere promises.

“Medicine Dust of the Medicine Clan—known as Medicine Sovereign…”

“You know me?” Medicine Dust, who had looked down on Lin An, now widened his eyes as Lin An spoke, his expression growing increasingly grave. He had thought Lin An just an ignorant boy, but the youth not only knew his identity, but could also recount his enemies and past events.

“Of course I know you—and I know that, if I wished, I could decide your fate,” Lin An said.

Medicine Dust felt his soul strengthening, but did not take Lin An’s words to heart. In his view, Lin An was merely a nine-star Dou Practitioner; even a touch of the Bone Spirit Cold Flame would reduce him to ashes.

Lin An watched Medicine Dust—who had never once shown panic—and knew well what the old soul was thinking, and what he intended.

Unfortunately, within the Netherlord Hall, even if the Soul Heavenly Emperor arrived, Lin An would not be afraid.

Thinking this, Lin An pointed a finger at Medicine Dust, and his soul was swept up uncontrollably.

Medicine Dust’s gaze was filled with shock.

But even greater surprises awaited him.

Lin An’s other finger tapped his body, and strands of milky-white flame appeared from nowhere.

As the master of Bone Spirit Cold Flame, Medicine Dust recognized it instantly. He had nearly died from this very flame once.

What baffled him most was—who exactly was Lin An, and how did he achieve this?