Chapter 53: A Three-Year Agreement (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Yao Chen could understand the meaning behind Qin Sheng's words, as similar allusions existed on the Dou Qi Continent.

This allowed Yao Chen to sense Qin Sheng's determination. In truth, a single cultivation technique meant nothing to him; let alone a low-level Huang Class technique, he had the ability and the will to obtain Heaven Class techniques if he so desired.

Did Yao Chen truly value the Flame Mantra as his life? Of course not.

To put it bluntly, the current Flame Mantra was nothing more than a "useless technique" with no visible hope of being mastered.

It was primarily because too many things had happened to Yao Chen because of this single technique.

"It is best to start practicing the Flame Mantra from the Dou Zhe stage. You absorbed three years of Xiao Yan's Dou Qi, causing him to fall from the Dou Zhe realm."

Qin Sheng showed a look of sudden realization. "So, you aren't planning to take Xiao Yan as your disciple so he can practice this technique, are you?"

"I just don't like dealing with smart people like you," Yao Chen said helplessly.

This man was too monstrous; it was as if he possessed a power that could pierce through the human heart, leaving nothing hidden from him. It was almost as if he possessed foresight.

"Han Feng snatched away half of the Flame Mantra, which shows how much he craved this technique. He was once your beloved disciple; why didn't you just let him practice it directly?" Qin Sheng asked.

"Because it was too dangerous. I felt there was no need for Han Feng to take such a risk."

Yao Chen shook his head. "With my dedicated cultivation and Han Feng's talent, it was destined that he would become a Dou Zun and an Tier 8 Alchemist, perhaps even gaining a glimpse into the Saint Realm."

Back then, he had truly doted on Han Feng, treating him like his own son.

Qin Sheng looked at Yao Chen with a strange expression.

"So, you didn't want one of your disciples to take a risk back then, but now you intend to let a second disciple risk his life?"

"When you were at your peak, you weren't even certain you could protect Han Feng while he practiced the Flame Mantra. Now, in your current state..."

Qin Sheng shook his head and stopped speaking. Yao Chen let out a long sigh.

"I possess a method of resurrection, but it requires the use of three different Heavenly Flames."

"I cannot allow Xiao Yan to enjoy the same treatment as Han Feng while forcing him to face even greater dangers. I know... it is not fair."

Qin Sheng said, "Then give me the Flame Mantra. If I succeed, I will resurrect you in the future."

"If I fail... even a Dou Huang would be unable to succeed in re-cultivating. Doesn't that simply prove this path is a dead end?"

Even if a Dou Huang had dissipated their cultivation, their physical body and soul were incomparable to those of a Dou Zhe. Theoretically, the success rate for a powerhouse transitioning to the Flame Mantra was indeed higher than that of a novice.

"Well? Are you willing?"

The two men locked eyes, and Yao Chen suddenly laughed.

"And if I refuse?"

"Then I can only head far away to the Central Plains."

"Ha, an interesting kid. You've convinced me."

Yao Chen sighed inwardly; he knew he actually had no choice. Qin Sheng was willing to trade with him, which was a form of respect. If he refused that respect...

"However, I have three conditions," Yao Chen added.

"First, help me restore my soul strength; second, Han Feng; third, if you succeed, resurrect me in the future."

"Fine, I agree," Qin Sheng smiled. "But exchanging a low-level Huang Class technique for three conditions is a bit of a loss for me. Why don't you throw in a few Earth Class techniques, Dou Skills, or the Tier 8 Alchemist inheritance for good measure?"

"Sometimes, going all-in is a form of wisdom. I think you are extremely wise."

Yao Chen was speechless. He hadn't realized this young man was quite shameless. He was trying to squeeze an old man like him dry.

However, Yao Chen truly did have to raise the stakes. Once he gave up the Flame Mantra, he would have sunk costs.

...

Watching Xiao Yan's figure as he went to meet Yao Chen, Qin Sheng felt it was quite amusing.

"I wonder what kind of path you will walk this time? Will you still practice the Flame Mantra? Or will you go directly from Wu Tan City to Jia Nan Academy, and then to the Starfall Pavilion, the Pill Tower, and the Gu Clan?"

With Yao Chen and Xun'er around, no matter which path Xiao Yan took, his future would be bright. As for "living off a woman"—only those who have done it know how wonderful it is.

Returning to the drawing room, Qin Sheng nodded toward Xiao Zhan's expectant gaze.

"The problem has been resolved. Xiao Yan will be able to cultivate normally from now on, and his talent will be even better than before."

Xiao Zhan was overjoyed, his eyes turning red. He might not have been a qualified clan leader, but he was certainly a good father.

A moment later, Xiao Yan returned, high-spirited and completely different from before. He first knelt before Xiao Zhan and said with deep sincerity

"Father, I brought you shame in the past. In the future, I will surely become your pride!"

As the disciple of a Dou Zun and a Tier 8 Alchemist, Xiao Yan felt as though he had already taken flight. He felt as if he had been reborn!

Xiao Zhan shed tears. Xiao Yan once again solemnly thanked Qin Sheng, then turned to Nalan Yanran and said

"Miss Nalan, it is I, Xiao Yan, who has failed you. Three years... please give me three years."

"In three years, I will go to the Misty Cloud Sect to prove to the world that your former fiancé was not a waste, and that I will not let you be shamed."

"Afterward, we will apologize to you in front of everyone. I will never let you bear an unjust engagement that affects your reputation."

Nalan Yanran was at a loss. "This... I don't care about that. You don't have to do this. It's enough if we both live our own lives well."

"You are a good girl. I, Xiao Yan, cannot be a man without gratitude. I will definitely keep my promise in three years!" Xiao Yan was resolute.

Qin Sheng: "..."

He never imagined things would unfold this way.

Nalan Yanran failed you, so you set a three-year pact. You failed Nalan Yanran, and you *still* set a three-year pact.

His name shouldn't be Xiao Yan; it should be Xiao San (Three), and he should have been born on the Douluo Continent.

"It is good for a young man to have such drive. We understand your intentions."

Qin Sheng: "Since you insist, so be it, Clan Leader Nalan."

Only after receiving permission did Nalan Su dare to speak.

"Then, Brother Xiao, Yan'er, we shall take our leave. Let us stay in touch."

The father and son escorted the three of them out of the Xiao Clan with excellent manners.

"Yan'er, if you miss a good girl like Yanran, it may become a regret in your future."

"Father, you are wrong. Miss Nalan should be the Sect Leader of the Misty Cloud Sect, free from all constraints. I shouldn't hold her back."

Xiao Yan smiled. "I sincerely wish for her to be safe and happy."

"I am glad you think this way," Xiao Zhan said with relief. "You've grown up."

Xiao Yan replied, "When you reach my age, Father, you will understand."

The sky had turned dark.

"Oh no!"

In his own room, Xiao Yan suddenly slapped his thigh in frustration.

"Senior Qin hasn't told me how to treat kidney deficiency yet!" Xiao Yan grew anxious; this concerned his future happiness!

"Teacher, you are a Tier 8 Alchemist, do you have a way?"

Yao Chen: "..."

He was beyond saving. He might as well wait for death.

In the Jia Ma Empire Capital.

Qin Sheng first visited the Nalan family. Using the power of a Heavenly Flame, he removed the Brand Poison from Nalan Yanran's grandfather, the Dou Wang expert Nalan Jie, and simultaneously obtained the soul treasure, the Seven-Colored Illusionary Spirit Saliva.

Upon returning to the Misty Cloud Sect, Qin Sheng glanced toward the back mountains.

A "Jie Jie" monster was hiding there.

(End of Chapter)