156: Two groups, two hearts connected.

With the Alliance established, the atmosphere within Starfall Pavilion became less oppressive and more infused with a surging determination to face a common enemy.

However, everyone understood that the real challenge had only just begun.

The Hun Clan would never sit idly by and watch the Alliance grow, and finding the Eight Desolations Destruction Flame and Nine Profound Golden Thunder Valley would be no easy feat.

Inside the main hall, the core members gathered once more to discuss the next steps.

"Since the Hun Clan has set its sights on the ancient jade in Xiao Yan's possession, Starfall Pavilion has become the eye of the storm," Wind Venerable said with a grave expression, "We must make full preparations to deal with any potential attacks the Hun Clan might launch.

The grand formation within the Pavilion needs further reinforcement, and Disciples who are out should be recalled as soon as possible."

Elder Yao nodded in agreement: "Precisely.

Moreover, the search for the strange flame and Thunder Valley should not be delayed.

Every bit of strength we gain now will give us more confidence in confronting the Hun Clan in the future."

Everyone's gaze fell upon Li Ao and Xiao Yan.

Li Ao mused, "Both the Eight Desolations Destruction Flame and the Nine Profound Golden Thunder Valley are located in perilous places.

Their exploration will take time and cause a considerable stir, making it extremely easy for the Hun Clan to detect us.

I suggest we split into two groups."

He looked at Xiao Yan: "Brother Xiao, you need to remain in Starfall Pavilion to stabilize our defenses.

Furthermore, with the Three Thousand Burning Flame within you, your sensitivity to strange flames is acute.

Perhaps you can try to gather more detailed information about the Endless Fire Territory and the Eight Desolations Destruction Flame through the Pill Tower's connections, in case of need."

Xiao Yan pondered for a moment upon hearing this, then nodded in agreement.

Starfall Pavilion was his Foundation, and with it currently under threat, it was indeed unwise for him to leave easily.

Moreover, as the Alchemist Holy Land of the continent, the Pill Tower indeed held the most comprehensive records regarding strange flames.

"Then the task of finding the Eight Desolations Destruction Flame will be entrusted to Brother Li," Xiao Yan said solemnly, "Please be careful in all matters, and if you need anything, send word at any time."

Li Ao nodded, then looked at Elder Huo Yun and Lei Gang: "Elder Huo Yun, Senior Lei Gang, how do your two clans plan to arrange things?"

Elder Huo Yun stroked his beard and said, "The matter of the sacred flame concerns our clan's Legacy, so this Elder will personally lead a team with Young Friend Li to the Endless Fire Territory.

Our clan has already dispatched four Dou Zun Elders and twenty elite Dou Zong, who will arrive at Starfall Pavilion to rendezvous within a few days."

Lei Gang also said in a deep voice, "The Nine Profound Golden Thunder Valley is an ancestral Legacy and cannot be lost.

This Venerable will also personally head to the Myriad Thunder Mountain Range.

The accompanying personnel will arrive shortly."

The core Elders of two ancient clans personally taking action showed the importance they placed on this operation.

Li Ao's heart settled; with the help of these two powerhouses and their forces, safety was greatly increased.

He continued, "In that case, we shall act separately.

Elder Huo Yun and I will go to the Endless Fire Territory.

Senior Lei Gang will go to the Myriad Thunder Mountain Range.

Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian will accompany me."

He had made this arrangement after careful consideration.

Medusa's strength was formidable, and her Seven-Colored Sky Swallowing Python Bloodline had its advantages in extreme environments.

Xiao Yi Xian's Calamity Poison Body, after being balanced by the Nirvana Origin, had greatly increased controllability, and her poison techniques could produce miraculous effects in certain situations.

Having the two women accompany him would not only ensure their safety but also make them valuable assets.

As for Gu Zhen, Great Commander and Gu Hua, who were sent by the Gu Clan to assist, Li Ao arranged for them to follow Lei Gang's group.

The Gu Clan and the Lei Clan had a decent relationship, and this move would both assist the Lei Clan and serve as a form of supervision and liaison.

Medusa's expression was calm regarding this arrangement, clearly having anticipated it.

Xiao Yi Xian, on the other hand, nodded obediently; as long as she could be by Li Ao's side, she was willing to go anywhere.

Xiao Yan looked at the two women beside Li Ao, both of different charm yet equally captivating, and then thought of Xun'er, who was still diligently cultivating in Jia Nan Academy.

He couldn't help but sigh inwardly at Li Ao's "good fortune," but it stopped there; he was devoted to Xun'er and had no other thoughts.

With the major matters decided, everyone began their respective preparations.

That night, the moon was bright and the stars were sparse.

Li Ao stood on a cliff edge in the back mountain of Starfall Pavilion, gazing at the distant undulating mountains, contemplating the details of the journey to the Endless Fire Territory.

That place was one of the continent's famous forbidden zones, with an extremely harsh environment, rampant fire poison, and many powerful fire-attribute Demonic Beasts lurking, making it extremely dangerous.

A fragrant breeze wafted by, and two graceful figures arrived by his side, one on his left and one on his right.

"Thinking about the Endless Fire Territory?" Medusa's clear and cold voice rang out, her purple eyes like gems under the moonlight.

Li Ao nodded, then naturally reached out and wrapped his arm around her slender yet elastic waist, pulling her into his embrace.

Medusa's body stiffened slightly but she did not resist, only a barely perceptible blush rose on her fair cheeks as she quietly leaned her head on his shoulder.

Xiao Yi Xian, on the other side, saw this and a hint of envy flashed in her eyes.

Just as she was about to quietly retreat, she was gently pulled by Li Ao's other hand.

Li Ao looked at her, his gaze gentle: "Xiao Yi Xian, this journey is dangerous.

Stay close to me."

Xiao Yi Xian's heart sweetened, and she obediently leaned closer to him, softly humming in affirmation, feeling the strength and warmth from his arm, feeling an immense sense of security.

With two peerless beauties in his arms, if other Disciples of Starfall Pavilion were to see this, they would probably be so envious their eyes would pop out.

But Li Ao felt little romantic sentiment, only a heavy sense of responsibility.

He brought them with him, so he had to ensure their safety.

"The Endless Fire Territory has a unique environment, and the fire poison is intense.

Cai Lin, you possess an icy Bloodline, so you must constantly protect your body with Dou Qi and not be careless," Li Ao instructed Medusa, then looked at Xiao Yi Xian, "Xiao Yi Xian, although your poison body is balanced, the scorching fire poison clashes with the nature of the toxins in your body, so you must be even more careful.

Do not easily use poison Dou Qi, to prevent a backlash."

Both women nodded seriously, committing his instructions to heart.

"Don't worry, this Queen knows her limits," Medusa said proudly; as a queen, she had her own pride and strength.

"I'll be careful, I won't cause you any trouble," Xiao Yi Xian said softly.

Li Ao looked at the two women in his arms, so different in personality yet equally deeply in love with him, and a surge of heroic spirit and warmth welled up in his heart.

He tightened his arms and said in a deep voice, "Once these matters are settled and the Hun Clan is annihilated, I will give you both a stable future."

This was his promise.

Medusa's lips curved into a barely perceptible arc, while Xiao Yi Xian gently rested her head on his arm, her eyes filled with longing for the future.

The three embraced, standing on the cliff under the moonlight, unspoken yet entwined in affection.

However, warm moments are always fleeting.

The next morning, on the Starfall Pavilion square, two teams had already assembled.

Li Ao, Medusa, Xiao Yi Xian, and Elder Huo Yun of the Yan Clan, along with his four Dou Zun and twenty elite Dou Zong, stood together.

The Yan Clan members were all dressed in crimson robes, their auras scorching, and when gathered, they resembled a burning blaze.

On the other side was Lei Gang leading the Lei Clan team, similar in number to the Yan Clan, each exuding a violent aura with lightning flickering faintly.

Gu Zhen, Great Commander and Gu Hua were also in this team.

Xiao Yan, Wind Venerable, Elder Yao, and a group of high-ranking Starfall Pavilion members came to see them off.

"Brother Li, Elder Huo Yun, Senior Lei Gang, take care on your journey!" Xiao Yan cupped his hands, his expression solemn.

"Everyone, we await your triumphant return!" Wind Venerable said loudly.

Elder Yao's illusory figure floated forward and handed Li Ao a Jade Slip: "This contains some information I know about the Endless Fire Territory, which might be helpful to you.

Be careful in all matters; if things become unmanageable, prioritize your own safety."

Li Ao took the Jade Slip and said gratefully, "Thank you, Senior Elder Yao."

He looked at everyone, his gaze firm: "Everyone, await our good news!"

With that, he no longer hesitated.

He exchanged a look with Elder Huo Yun, and both simultaneously struck, their vast Dou Qi tearing space apart to construct a stable spatial passage.

From the other end of the passage came suffocating heat waves and the smell of sulfur—that was the direction of the Endless Fire Territory!

"Let's go!"

Li Ao let out a low shout and was the first to step into the spatial passage.

Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian followed closely, and the Yan Clan members also transformed into streaks of firelight, surging into the passage.

On the other side, Lei Gang also let out a loud roar, lightning flashing, and led the Lei Clan team along with Gu Zhen, Great Commander and Gu Hua, breaking through the air towards the Myriad Thunder Mountain Range in the northwest.

Thus, the two teams, entrusted with the mission of seeking powerful strength and expanding the Alliance, split into two paths and embarked on their journey.

On the Starfall Pavilion square, Xiao Yan watched the spatial passage slowly close, his fists gradually clenching.

He knew that he couldn't afford to be idle either; he had to quickly improve his strength and consolidate his power to deal with the greater storm that was about to arrive.

In the skies of the Central Plains, winds and clouds were rising once more.

And this time, it was no longer the Hun Clan taking the initiative!

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