Battle Through the Heaven: Purple Heaven

Time slipped by, and the day Xiao Bai's message reached the Desert Iron Mercenary Corps arrived.

At dawn, the corps' training ground brimmed with over a hundred mercenaries, men and women, their faces sharp with grit. Clad in white, Xiao Ding stood on a raised platform, his gentle expression tinged with pride as he surveyed the crowd. These are the fruits of our blood and sweat, built by me and Xiao Li. Yet, recalling Xue Lan's report from two days ago, his pride dimmed, a bitter taste rising. Xiao Bai didn't even need to act—just a flicker of his lightning could kill a Da Dou Shi. Compared to him, what are my achievements?

Stuck at ninth-stage Dou Zhi Qi for years, Xiao Bai's cultivation was unfathomable then and even more so now. Thankfully, he's a Xiao, not an enemy. The thought's chilling otherwise.

"Everyone here?" Xiao Ding asked, turning to Xiao Li.

"All accounted for," Xiao Li confirmed, scanning the crowd.

"Let's move out!"

___

Outside Stone Desert City, Southeast Dune

The final wisp of yellow-gray lightning in the sand beneath Xiao Bai vanished. After a brief pause, he opened his eyes, a surge of brilliance flashing through them. Facing the rising sun, he exhaled a turbid breath. "Six-star Da Dou Shi!"

Feeling the vastly amplified power within, Xiao Bai's lips curved into a smile. Refining the Wu Earth Nether Thunder had pushed him three stars beyond his initial breakthrough, fueled by residual energy in his meridians. He didn't absorb the thunder seeds' essence for cultivation, viewing them as nascent entities with boundless potential—his "children" to nurture, not plunder, for the long cultivation road ahead.

Their aid was immense: Little Yi's healing, Little Bing's ferocious attacks, and their combined alchemy prowess. The Wu Earth Nether Thunder, despite its initial trouble, gifted him a prize—the underground passage's location. Its earth-infused nature, far surpassing soul perception in the desert, let him probe miles deep via lightning-attached soul force, pinpointing the flame at roughly three hundred meters below. Digging such a tunnel required professionals, beyond his current strength.

His expression shifted, sensing Xiao Ding's large group approaching. Standing, he stretched, his body crackling with energy. "Young Master!" Qing Lin, among the crowd, scampered up the dune, her steps uneven in the sand, her bright eyes and beaming smile lighting up as she called out.

Seeing her joy, Xiao Bai ruffled her twin ponytails, nodding with a smile. "Young friend Xiao Bai!" "Xiao Bai!" "Hmph, jerk!" Amid the greetings, Xiao Bai ignored the odd one, nodding to Hai Bodong and turning to Xiao Ding with a grin. "Thanks for the effort."

"We're family—no need for formalities," Xiao Ding replied, his warm smile faltering as he gripped Xiao Li's arm, cutting off his grumbling. "By the way, hearing you needed men, Second Brother called back our desert-savvy veterans overnight."

Xiao Bai glanced at Xiao Li, who seemed ready to speak but was restrained by Xiao Ding, his dark, fierce face flushing. "Much appreciated, Old Two," Xiao Bai teased.

"Big Brother, let go! I'm gonna fight this bastard!" Xiao Li roared, struggling to break free and lunge at Xiao Bai.

"Calm down, Second Brother!" Xiao Ding strained to hold him, exasperated. He's usually cool-headed, but Xiao Bai turns him into a reckless brute.

"Let's get to business. Why'd you call us?" Xiao Ding asked, diverting attention as Xiao Li settled.

"To dig," Xiao Bai said.

"Dig?"

"Yep. I need a tunnel at a spot I'll mark, about two hundred meters deep. Can you do it?"

"No problem," Xiao Ding assured. His crew included digging experts. He didn't question Xiao Bai's purpose—mercenary code forbade prying.

Pointing out the location, Xiao Ding dragged Xiao Li to organize the work, wary of leaving him with Xiao Bai. Before Xue Lan's report, I'd have trusted Second Brother's odds. Now? Better keep him close, or he might not survive.

Under Xiao Ding's orders, the hundred-plus mercenaries split tasks. Desert veterans directed, others labored, the site buzzing with activity. "Big Brother, think the Sand Mercenary Corps will crash this?" Xiao Li asked, eyeing the bustle with concern.

Xiao Ding patted his shoulder, smiling. "Don't worry. Even if they show, it's fine." He hadn't shared Xiao Bai's prowess, sparing Xiao Li's pride. Far from fearing the Sand Corps, he hoped they'd come—better yet, he'd have tipped them off if it weren't improper. If Xiao Bai eliminated their Da Dou Shi leader, Xiao Ding could unify Stone Desert City's mercenaries under the Desert Iron Corps.

Xiao Li, puzzled by his brother's confidence, stayed vigilant without pressing further. As Xiao Bai took the ring from Qing Lin, Yao Lao's voice burst out, "Kid, you sure about the location?"

"Positive. The flame's below, Senior. Don't worry," Xiao Bai said confidently.

"Haha, great!" Yao Lao laughed, thrilled. He didn't care which flame—any would do, even the lowest-ranked Mysterious Yellow Flame. His body restoration needed three flames, rank irrelevant. With two nearly secured, excitement stirred. Too long in this ring. Who wouldn't want to walk freely again, not skulk in a trinket?

Thoughts of his traitorous disciple, once cherished like a son, soured his mood. That wretch betrayed me for a technique—heartless, worse than a beast. "Vile cur, bet you didn't expect me to survive! When I'm restored, I'll reclaim everything I gave you!"