146: The two heroes meet for the first time, whispering secrets in the dark.

Inside the great hall, the atmosphere became slightly subtle due to Xiao Yan introducing himself.

Elder Zhu Li stood beside the main seat, smiling, clearly having known Xiao Yan's identity beforehand.

Hei Qing curiously sized up this young man who had recently risen to fame in the Central Plains.

Zi Yan blinked her large purplish-gold eyes, looking at Xiao Yan, then at Li Ao, her small face full of interest, seemingly finding it amusing that these two equally outstanding young men were meeting.

Medusa's and Xiao Yi Xian's gazes also fell upon Xiao Yan, and they felt a sense of emotion regarding their old acquaintance's current achievements.

Xiao Xun Er stood quietly beside Xiao Yan, her cool gaze sweeping over Li Ao and the two others.

Especially when she sensed Medusa's extraordinary Bloodline aura and the subtle yet heart-palpitating fluctuation emanating from Li Ao, a trace of imperceptible surprise flashed in her autumn-water-like eyes.

"Brother Xiao's great name is like thunder to the ears." Li Ao cupped his hands in return, his tone calm, meeting Xiao Yan's gaze openly.

Although neither intentionally released their Qi, the invisible aura they emitted made everyone in the hall feel a subtle sense of oppression.

This was the natural resonance between two peak Prodigies.

"Haha, both of you are heroes of this era.

It is truly fate that you can gather here in my Dragon Domain today," Elder Zhu Li said, laughing as he broke the silence and invited everyone to sit down.

"Little friend Xiao Yan came this time to fulfill the promise he made with Your Highness Zi Yan years ago, bringing an extremely important Medicinal Pill to help Your Highness stabilize her Bloodline."

Xiao Yan smiled slightly and took out a Medicinal Pill the size of a Dragon's eye, its surface coiled with Dragon and Phoenix patterns, emitting a strange energy.

The room was immediately filled with fragrance, and even the energy in the space became slightly more active.

"Fortunately, I did not fail my mission.

This is the 'Dragon Blood Phoenix Marrow Pill,' which should be able to completely mend Zi Yan's Foundation."

When Zi Yan saw the Medicinal Pill, her purplish-gold eyes immediately lit up.

She could feel that this Medicinal Pill would be of great benefit to her.

Not standing on ceremony, she took it directly and said with a giggle, "Thanks, Xiao Yan! You're the reliable one!"

Xiao Yan looked at Zi Yan's familiar appearance, a hint of warmth flashing in his eyes, and smiled, "What I promised you, I naturally have to deliver."

Li Ao looked at the Dragon Blood Phoenix Marrow Pill and secretly praised it.

This pill was of an extremely high Rank, likely reaching the eight-colored Pill Lightning level or even higher.

Xiao Yan's alchemy skills truly lived up to their reputation.

"Brother Li Ao's matters, I also heard about when I arrived," Xiao Yan said, his gaze turning back to Li Ao, his tone carrying a trace of admiration.

"Using the power of a Dou Zong to forcefully confront a Half-Saint of the Hall of Souls, and even drawing the personal pursuit of a Dou Sheng

—such courage and strength are truly admirable."

His words were not mere pleasantries, but came from the heart.

He had a deep understanding of the power and difficulty of dealing with the Hall of Souls.

"Brother Xiao overpraises me, it was merely luck," Li Ao said calmly.

"It can't compare to Brother Xiao subduing the Three Thousand Burning Flame and shaking the Central Plains with his fame."

The two exchanged smiles, feeling a sense of mutual appreciation.

They could both sense the immense power and potential contained within the other's body

—a sense of threat that transcended their surface Rank.

"The Hall of Souls is powerful and rampages through the Central Plains, making them the common enemy of our Human Race," Xiao Yan said, his expression becoming serious.

"I wonder what Brother Li Ao plans to do next?

If there is any place where I, Xiao Yan, can be of use, please do not hesitate to ask."

Li Ao could feel the sincerity in Xiao Yan's words and pondered, "To be honest with Brother Xiao, I plan to leave the Dragon Domain soon and return to the Pill Tower first to handle some minor matters.

After that, I may travel the Central Plains, searching for an opportunity to Breakthrough.

As for the Hall of Souls... that debt must naturally be settled slowly."

Xiao Yan nodded, "I am also aware of the matters concerning the Pill Tower.

Brother Li Ao, rest assured, the Hall of Souls' main attention is likely focused more on the Starfall Pavilion and me right now.

You might be able to use this window to make your arrangements calmly.

If needed, the Starfall Pavilion is willing to support Brother Li Ao."

Xiao Yan's intention to form an alliance was very clear.

This was not only because he admired Li Ao's strength, but also because they shared a common powerful enemy

—the Hall of Souls.

"In that case, I shall thank Brother Xiao in advance." Li Ao did not refuse.

Having one more powerful friend was always better than having one more enemy, especially a person of Xiao Yan's boundless potential.

The first meeting between the two contemporary Prodigies passed in such a harmonious and mutually understanding atmosphere.

They discussed the Central Plains situation and exchanged some tips on how to Cultivate.

Although they did not delve into deep discussions, they gained a deeper understanding of each other.

That night, the moonlight was like water, showering down upon the continuous mountain ranges and palaces of the Dragon Domain.

Li Ao stood alone on the terrace outside the palace, looking at the Dragon Island floating in the sea of clouds in the distance, contemplating his next itinerary.

His meeting with Xiao Yan allowed him to recognize the complexity of the Central Plains situation and the urgency of improving his own strength even more clearly.

A slight sound of footsteps came from behind him, accompanied by a faint, cool Qi that carried a hint of subtle fragrance.

Li Ao did not turn around, already knowing who it was.

"You haven't rested yet?" he asked softly.

Medusa walked up to him and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with him, her purple eyes appearing exceptionally deep and charming under the moonlight.

She did not answer Li Ao's question, but remained silent for a moment before speaking softly, "You are going to leave the Dragon Domain?"

"Yes," Li Ao nodded.

"Although this place is good, it is not my home.

Furthermore, there are still many matters outside that need to be settled."

Medusa turned her head to look at him, the moonlight outlining her perfect profile.

"This King will go with you."

Her tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable firmness.

Li Ao was slightly startled, and he also turned his head to look at her.

Their eyes met, and he could clearly see the moonlight reflected in her purple eyes, as well as the deep affection and resolution hidden beneath that moonlight.

After experiencing the separation and death in the Ancient Domain of Extinction, and relying on each other within the Dragon Domain, some things had quietly changed without being spoken.

Li Ao reached out his hand and gently held her slightly cool, soft hand, feeling a slight tremor at her fingertips, yet she did not pull away.

"Alright." He said nothing more, just a single word, yet it felt heavy as a thousand jun.

At an angle unseen by the moonlight, the corner of Medusa's mouth curved into a breathtaking arc.

She allowed him to hold her hand, feeling the warmth radiating from his palm, as if it could dispel all coldness.

"With Zi Yan keeping the North Dragon King and the West Dragon King in check, there should be no major problems for now.

But the Hall of Souls..." A cold light flashed in Medusa's purple eyes, "They will definitely not let you go."

"I know," Li Ao's gaze was sharp.

"Therefore, we need greater strength.

Whether it is our own power, or... allies."

He thought of Xiao Yan, he thought of the Pill Tower, and perhaps he could also contact some other forces dissatisfied with the Hall of Souls.

"No matter what the road ahead holds, this King will always be by your side," Medusa's voice was very soft, yet it sounded like a vow.

Li Ao was moved, and he gently pulled her closer to him.

Medusa's body stiffened slightly at first, then slowly relaxed, leaning against his shoulder.

Under the moonlight, the two figures nestled together, quiet and warm.

Without the need for many words, their hearts were already connected.

Meanwhile, by the window of another palace nearby, Xiao Yi Xian quietly watched the two figures embracing on the terrace.

A faint trace of loss flashed in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by blessing and determination.

She gently stroked the Seal of Extinction Li Ao had given her to balance her Poison Body, murmuring to herself, "As long as I can help you and stay by your side, that is enough..."

As the night deepened within the Dragon Domain, some slept peacefully, some diligently Cultivated, and some pledged their love under the moonlight.

And Li Ao, who was about to leave the Dragon Domain, carried deeper bonds and stronger resolve as he prepared to return to the turbulent stage of the Central Plains.

What awaited him were even more tumultuous waves, and a fiercer clash with his destined enemies

—the Hall of Souls, and even the Hun Clan behind them!