Reaching the pinnacle from Doupo

Chapter 543: Disciple Affairs, Nine Colored Stones

Little Dan Tower, Heavenly Valley.

This usually peaceful and quiet valley is unusually noisy today.

"Three Lights Seal Technique - Sun Seal!"

"Dan Yuan Fire Palm!"

Accompanied by two delicate shouts, a deafening explosion suddenly resounded, and the massive stone platform, nearly twenty feet in size, shattered into countless fragments with a "bang," and a terrifying ripple of energy spread rapidly.

However, just as it was about to erupt completely, ripples suddenly appeared in the space, dissolving the force into nothingness.

Before long, the smoke and dust dissipated, and the two figures in the center of the stone platform appeared.

"Junior sister, it seems I've won!"

The girl in the ice-blue outfit smiled gently, moved her hand slightly to withdraw the sword-like fingers that were resting on the neck of the girl in the purple dress, wiped the glaring crimson from the corner of her mouth, and said softly.

"Senior sister, are you alright?!"

Dan Chen quickly stepped forward, took Xin Lan's hand, and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, I just used my full strength without realizing it..."

"It's nothing, just a minor injury. It'll heal in a couple of days!" Xinlan shook her head, gently tapped her forehead, and said helplessly, "But junior sister, it's been months, and you still can't shake your bad habit of getting distracted during battle?"

Regaining her senses and spiritual power, Dan Chen calmed down, stuck out her tongue, and said somewhat embarrassedly, "I thought I had already won, so..."

"Battles are not such simple things; you can't just look at the difference in cultivation level!" Xinlan stroked Danchen's dazed little face and sighed softly.

"That's right, the art of combat... is in no way inferior to alchemy!"

Just as the two women were preparing to review their sparring session, a familiar voice with a hint of a smile suddenly rang in their ears, causing them to startle slightly.

Suddenly, to the surprise of the two women, ripples appeared in the space in front of them, and Lin Yuan's figure slowly emerged from them.

"Master...Master, you've emerged from seclusion?!" Coming to her senses, Dan Chen exclaimed with delight.

"Disciple Xinlan greets Master!" Standing side by side with Danchen, Xinlan bowed slightly, her steady voice revealing a hint of barely concealed excitement.

"Two-star Dou Zong and four-star Dou Zong... not bad progress!"

Lin Yuan casually helped the two women up, then looked at the two disciples with completely different styles for a moment, a satisfied smile appearing on his lips.

It's been more than half a year since I last saw them, and these two disciples have made good progress.

Xinlan is only one step away from becoming a three-star Dou Zong. In terms of soul power, she has reached the late stage of the Mortal Realm, which is comparable to an ordinary seventh-grade mid-level alchemist.

The Blood Pool of Tianshan has a remarkably good effect on enhancing soul power.

After consuming several Rank 8 pills refined by Lin Yuan, Xin Lan's talent and aptitude had reached an absolute genius level.

With diligent practice, becoming a high-level Dou Zun in the future will not be too difficult.

Given her current skill level, passing the assessments of the five major families will be a piece of cake... and she won't need to find an outsider to take the assessments on her behalf, as was the case in the original story.

Of course, the Ye family is no longer too concerned about the assessment!
After becoming Lin Yuan's agent in the Pill Tower, the Ye family's influence has surpassed its former glory in just a few years.

This opportunity has drawn envy from many Danta families.

In light of this, the entire Ye family worked exceptionally hard for Lin Yuan in order not to be replaced by other families!
As for Dan Chen, in terms of cultivation, he is already a solid four-star Dou Zong, and in terms of soul power, he has even faintly surpassed the peak of the mortal realm, and is only half a step away from the spirit realm... Given the right opportunity, he could cross that final step at any time.

Now that her physical issues have been completely resolved, the limitations on her cultivation speed have also been completely removed.

Considering she's only around seventeen years old... she's a true cultivation genius. Her level of cultivation talent alone far surpasses that of most other Dou Di bloodlines of the same age.

Of course, the real challenge in cultivation comes after becoming a Dou Zun!
Back then, it wasn't just about talent anymore; it was about resources, and having "cheat code"-level physical abilities and good fortune.

It is also from the Dou Zun level onwards that ordinary geniuses will begin to fall far behind.

However, Lin Yuan, who cherishes talent, would naturally not let his genius disciple be buried and simply fade into obscurity.

There are only a handful of people with special soul talents on the entire continent, how can we not make good use of them?!

Lin Yuan had planted a seed in Dan Chen's soul long ago. That soul seed, which he instructed Dan Chen to cultivate with the 'Soul Nourishing Technique,' was enough to become the latter's 'cheat code,' giving her the power to compete with the geniuses of the imperial clan for a period of time to come.

For Lin Yuan, that soul seed was also an important move he had made for himself... It just needed time to mature and play its role at the right time!
Of course, Dan Chen still needs to be properly trained to be of great use.

Fortunately, now that he has broken through to the half-saint level, he has plenty of time to properly train his disciples and organize his own knowledge during the year and a half before the Pill Gathering.

Teaching and imparting knowledge is itself a path of spiritual practice, a spiritual practice!

Now that Fu Xuan is helping Lin Yuan with his "AFK cultivation," he can focus more on spiritual cultivation related to "enlightenment."

Of course, we'll discuss these things after he finishes taking care of some matters during this trip...

With his mind at ease, Lin Yuan smiled slightly and looked at his two disciples with great interest: "It's been half a year since we last met. Today, let your master give you a good test!"

After speaking, he lightly waved his sleeve, and a surge of crimson energy flowed out from his sleeve and then directly merged into Xinlan's body.

Under the influence of this crimson energy, her injuries, which originally required several days of recuperation, were completely healed in the blink of an eye, and her complexion changed from pale to a rosy hue.

Even her aura seemed to have become slightly stronger than before.

However, before Xinlan and Danchen could show any joy, Lin Yuan's gentle yet cruel voice reached their ears a century later.

"The assessment begins, starting with a combat test... Let me see the results of your training! Don't worry about getting hurt, I'm very confident in my medical skills. Even if you step into the gates of hell, I can easily pull you back..."

The next day, a streak of icy blue light shot out from the Pill Tower, piercing the sky above Saint Pill City and heading straight for the northeastern region of Central Continent...
-
Space Trade Fair is a rather unfamiliar term in Zhongzhou.

Across the entire continent, only a few "top" forces or powerful individuals with access to information about the Space Trade Fair are able to learn about it.

At the beginning, the space trade fair did not have a specific organizer.

However, as time went by and the trade fair expanded, it eventually reached a point where rules and organizers were needed. Thus, three powerful and reputable reclusive sects were selected to join forces as organizers to maintain order.

These three reclusive sects are the Earth Path Sect, the Void Profound Sect, and the Treasure Appraisal Mountain.

The Central Plains are a land of hidden talents. The so-called "one palace, one tower, two sects, three valleys, and four pavilions" is largely exaggerated and far from being the strongest force in the Central Plains.

Some low-profile sects, which keep a low profile, possess extremely strong foundations and their strength is no less than, or even far surpasses, that of ordinary people. However, due to their sectarian style, they have never been exposed to the public eye.

In terms of reputation, none of the three sects of the Space Trade Fair are as well-known as the Four Directions Pavilion, but in terms of strength, they are almost no less powerful than the two sects of the Central Plains.

As the organizers chosen by the powerful, Sanzong is quite trustworthy in its actions. To date, it has hosted many space trade fairs without any major accidents.

In recent years, with the joint sponsorship of the three parties, space transactions have grown stronger.

Even some reclusive powerhouses are attracted by the treasures, among which Heaven-rank cultivation techniques and Heaven-rank combat skills are occasionally seen... This once-a-decade grand event is a channel for the circulation of Heaven-rank inheritances, permitted by a few ancient clans.

Overall, the Space Trade Fair is the highest-level trade fair in Central Continent, apart from the Ancient Clan Trade Fair, and is highly sought after by powerful individuals!

However, its next event will not be held for another six years.

If things remain the same, there are two things that Lin Yuan is determined to obtain at the next Space Trade Fair—the Demon Flame Remnant Map and the Nine-Colored Origin Stone.

Of course, Lin Yuan couldn't just wait idly; that wasn't his style.

The Demon Flame Remnant Map was something Lin Yuan promised the Pure Lotus Demon Saint, but it wasn't essential before the Demon Flame was born; however, the Nine-Colored Origin Stone was related to Medusa's final evolution, concerning whether she could transform into the Nine-Colored Devouring Python, so Lin Yuan had to get his hands on it as soon as possible.

Therefore, after breaking through to the Half-Saint realm, his first battle outside was in the desolate desert of northeastern Central Continent.

This desert is extremely barren, usually ravaged by sandstorms and devoid of human habitation.

No ordinary person would ever imagine that this place, which even wild beasts wouldn't want to set foot in, would be the venue for the Space Trade Fair.

"call out--"

In a split second, a faint whooshing sound rang out, and a blurry figure fell from the sky.

Lin Yuan landed on a steep sand dune, scanned the surroundings for a moment, and finally landed in the center. A look of surprise flashed in his eyes: "This is the entrance to the Space Trade Fair. Is there a Space Town inside... This is quite a feat!"

In the heart of the desert, in a depression in a towering sand dune, a black hole hundreds of feet in size was slowly rotating, emanating a strange suction force.

Around the black hole, dozens of figures were stationed, all exuding an aura of at least Dou Huang level.

After a moment's hesitation, Lin Yuan concealed his aura completely.

Considering the worst-case scenario of this operation—failure to obtain what was desired despite all the effort—he had to minimize the butterfly effect and ensure that his actions against the three entities did not interfere with the next Space Trade Fair.

Otherwise, if not only do we fail to obtain the item this time, but it also prevents it from appearing in the next transaction, then it would truly be a case of overdoing it.

With his mind settled, a faint purple light flashed in Lin Yuan's eyes, and then he waved his sleeve.

"Crash-"

With a sound like flowing water, the space around Lin Yuan rapidly distorted, firmly enveloping his body.

Immediately, the space rippled, and his figure vanished mysteriously.

Having advanced to the level of a half-saint, Lin Yuan's spatial abilities have undergone a fundamental leap. With the enhancement of the ancient dragon's power within his body, his control over spatial power is unparalleled, in no way inferior to an ordinary one-star Dou Sheng. He can now move freely in the void.

Compared to before, Lin Yuan's abilities in both stealth and speed have greatly improved.

An hour later, the space rippled slightly, and Lin Yuan's figure reappeared on the sand dune.

"Sure enough, it's too early, there's hardly anyone inside!" He gently rubbed his forehead, a hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes, and muttered helplessly, "It seems this operation might take quite a while..."

He shook his head, took out a map, examined it carefully, and fixed his gaze on the southeast direction of the spatial wormhole.

"Is Baojian Mountain located... over there?"

Having confirmed the location, Lin Yuan no longer hesitated, put away the map, and sped towards the direction of the Baojian Mountain sect.

With six years to go before the Space Trade Fair, only a portion of the three factions are stationed in Space Town. There are no truly high-ranking officials in charge, and not even many Dou Zun.

In this situation, even useful intelligence cannot be gathered.

In light of this, Lin Yuan decided to go directly to Baojian Mountain to find the old man of Baoshan who would be the next host of the Space Trade Fair and obtain a list of people who might participate in the fair.

Once we have the list, if we don't have more accurate information, we'll have to resort to the most rudimentary method...
-
Half a day later, at Baojian Mountain.

In a secluded chamber, an elderly man with white hair and beard sat cross-legged on a priceless jade platform made of the Earth's core stone, his eyes gently closed.

With each breath, an extremely powerful aura emanated from his body.

This person is none other than the Treasure Mountain Elder, the master of Treasure Mirror Mountain. He was a powerful figure who was already famous in the Central Plains a hundred years ago. He has seen countless treasures in his life and has a very sharp eye. His strength has long since reached the peak of the Ninth Rank Dou Zun, and he is only a step away from becoming a Half Saint.

Not far from the old man in Baoshan, Lin Yuan stood in front of a desk, holding an ink brush, pondering as he sketched on the list spread across the desk.

“In the original story, the owner of the Nine-Colored Origin Stone was a gaunt old man, so these people don’t fit the description!”

After a moment's thought, Lin Yuan crossed out some of the names.

“They’ll be setting up stalls in Space Town, and they seem to know the place well, so it shouldn’t be their first time participating in the Space Trade Fair… We can postpone considering these people.”

Thinking of this, Lin Yuan crossed out some more names, but with less force.

"Those who dare to bare their teeth at Elder Yao and Xiao Yan's group of powerful figures either have a powerful background or are very strong. These are the people we should pay close attention to."

As Lin Yuan pondered, he once again wielded his pen and circled some names on the list.

"The price that person asked for when selling the seven-colored raw stone was two grade eight three-colored pills... Someone who would be interested in pills of this grade and specifically set up a stall to trade with them must not be exceptionally strong or wealthy. This is the part we should pay close attention to!"

So Lin Yuan picked up his brush again and marked some names with asterisks to indicate that they needed special attention.

And so, based on the transmigrator's God-like perspective, the information from the Dan Tower, and the information he obtained from the old man of Baoshan who was being manipulated by illusion magic, he analyzed and planned little by little...

Half a day later, the long period of contemplation finally came to an end!
As a result, a relatively concise list and a well-planned roadmap were placed on the desk in front of Lin Yuan.

(End of this chapter)