Battle Through the Heaven: Purple Heaven

Yao Chen watched Xiao Yan with a genial smile, unfazed by the tirade. He knew his actions weren't exactly honorable—who wouldn't be resentful? Besides, he was cautious of Xiao Bai and Xiao Xun Er.

This kid will be my disciple eventually. The harder he curses now, the more he'll suffer later.

Seeing Xiao Yan's relentless venting, Xiao Bai waved a hand to cut him off. He needed to handle his own business first. Whatever love-hate drama unfolded between this master and disciple later? Not my problem.

Once the trio and the soul settled back down, Xiao Bai spoke first. "May I know how to address you, Senior?"

"Hmm… my real name's long forgotten. Just call me Yao Lao," the old man said, stroking his beard with a vague smile, exuding an air of sage-like charm.

A glint of amusement flickered in Xiao Bai's eyes. He cupped his hands respectfully. "So it's Senior Yao Lao. With 'Yao' in your name and such a formidable soul, you must be an alchemist of no low rank, yes?"

"Not bad, kid. I was indeed an alchemist back in the day. As for my rank… it's been too long to recall," Yao Lao replied, puffing out his chest slightly, a trace of pride in his gaze.

He then eyed Xiao Bai. "What's this? Need a pill refined? Sorry, I'm just a soul now—can't do any refining."

Xiao Xun Er's thoughts stirred. Does Xiao Bai gege need a special pill? If this old man can't help, I'll ask around when we get back.

Xiao Bai's gaze sharpened. Does he think I'm blind? That glaring Bone Chilling Flame of yours isn't exactly subtle. Without a Strange Flame, refining as a soul would be tough—either you needed Dou Qi to form a tangible flame (impossible without a body) or a beast flame or Strange Flame. Is Yao Lao testing me? My knowledge? To see if I recognize the Bone Chilling Flame?

Shaking his head, Xiao Bai set the puzzle aside. "Senior, you misunderstand. I'm not after a pill. I seek an alchemist's inheritance from you."

Yao Lao raised an eyebrow. "You're a thunder attribute. What do you need an alchemist's inheritance for?"

"That's my business, Senior. I have my plans," Xiao Bai replied firmly.

"Fine, then become my disciple!" Yao Lao said with a sly grin, clearly fond of the youth.

"No intention of taking a master," Xiao Bai rejected without hesitation.

Was Yao Lao a good teacher? Absolutely—his reputation was solid. Without his own cheats, this would've been a golden opportunity. But for Xiao Bai? Not a fit.

"Kid, you're dreaming! No disciple, no inheritance!" Yao Lao rolled his eyes. Youngsters these days, always wanting the prize without the work.

Ignoring the old man's expression, Xiao Bai asked, seemingly off-topic, "Judging by your soul's state, Senior, you could still be revived, couldn't you?"

"Hmm… uh, what's that got to do with anything?" Yao Lao's eyes narrowed, suddenly wary. That's my biggest secret.

Unfazed, Xiao Bai continued, "I once read in an ancient text about a method requiring three Strange Flames to craft a revived body. Is that your approach, Senior?"

Yao Lao's calm shattered, his face turning serious. "Oh? Never heard of such a thing," he said dryly.

Xiao Bai smiled faintly. "Senior, how about a trade?"

"What kind of trade?" Yao Lao asked, sensing the boy's true aim. He's been circling all this time, and now he's showing his cards.

He no longer saw Xiao Bai as just a junior. This kid's a damn fox—his words seem random, but every step's calculated.

"One Strange Flame for two of your items," Xiao Bai proposed.

"Which two?" Yao Lao's eyes narrowed, his tone neutral.

"An eighth-grade alchemist's inheritance and the method of revival," Xiao Bai said earnestly.

These were crucial for his future plans—he had to secure them. There's one more thing, but no rush. It's not going anywhere.

Xiao Xun Er's bright eyes sparkled as she gazed at Xiao Bai, his confidence almost radiant. He's so poised, like everything's in his grasp. She felt an urge to throw herself into his arms and bask in his affection.

Xiao Yan, watching their exchange, felt out of place. Strange Flames? Revival? Eighth-grade alchemist inheritance? This was beyond a stage 3 Dou Zhi Qi's pay grade. In Wu Tan City, a single first-grade alchemist would be worshipped like a deity. Even the famed Pill King Gu He of the Jia Ma Empire was only sixth-grade.

Yet Bai-ge and this mysterious old man tossed around eighth-grade inheritances like cabbages. Suddenly, Xiao Yan's grudge over Nalan Yanran's words felt petty. Am I even worthy to sit at this table? This stone bench is burning my butt!

"How'd you know I'm an eighth-grade alchemist?" Yao Lao asked, surprised.

"Though you're a remnant soul, Senior, your soul's quality is exceptional, with a vibrant, fluid ease. That suggests your soul reached the Perfect Spirit Realm in life. Not all eighth-grade alchemists achieve that, but those who do are surely eighth-grade," Xiao Bai explained calmly.

Yao Lao's face lit with a smile. He clapped his hands. "To think a small place like the Jia Ma Empire would produce a talent like you! Kid, you'll claim a spot among the continent's powerhouses one day!"

"Your trade—I accept."

Xiao Bai wasn't surprised. A trade's success didn't hinge on fairness but on mutual need. He knew where to find a Strange Flame but couldn't use it himself—better to trade for what he needed. Yao Lao, to help Xiao Yan cultivate the Flame Mantra and craft a revival body, desperately needed Strange Flames. Neither side lost; both got what they wanted—a win-win.

"But I have a condition," Yao Lao added suddenly.

Xiao Bai frowned but nodded. "Speak, Senior."

"I want a ready Strange Flame—no maps or clues. And it must be mature, not a juvenile one," Yao Lao said.

Xiao Bai's mouth twitched. I was gonna toss him a map and call it a day. This old fox is sharp. But if that's how it was, he had terms of his own.

"Fine. But I have conditions too."

Yao Lao groaned inwardly, cursing. This little fox doesn't give an inch! Here comes the counterattack already. He nodded helplessly. "Let's hear it."