Reaching the pinnacle from Doupo

Chapter 583 A Gift for the Disciple
A moment later, a streak of fire flashed out from the door and landed in front of the old man, transforming into the tall figure of a young man in black.

"Teacher, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting!"

Looking at the kind old man before him, Xiao Yan smiled and bowed respectfully.

"After months of seclusion, you've become quite scholarly." Yao Lao chuckled and shook his head, his gaze sweeping over Xiao Yan, a hint of satisfaction appearing in his eyes. "Not bad, not bad, a two-star Dou Zun, and your soul has reached the mid-stage of the Spirit Realm..."

"But it's still too slow!" Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan showed no pride, but instead gave a wry smile.

"I never imagined that the cultivation of a Dou Zun would be so difficult."

"It's been half a year since I broke through to the Dou Zun level, but even with a Heaven-rank cultivation technique, I've only advanced from a one-star Dou Zun to a two-star Dou Zun..."

"And the higher the level of Dou Zun, the more difficult it is to advance."

At this point, Xiao Yan's voice carried a hint of helplessness—cultivating like an ordinary person without relying on external aids such as pills was indeed quite difficult.

His current cultivation level is still far inferior to Lin Yuan's at the First Thunder Ceremony, barely on par with the ancient demons of that time.

However, the initial ceremony of Lei Dianyi was already five years ago.

"Don't be too ambitious!" Yao Lao waved his hand and said gently, "The difference between one star at the Dou Zun level is enormous, no less than the difference between three stars at the Dou Zong level."

"You've improved by one star in six months, which is quite an achievement."

"If you hadn't switched to the Heavenly Flame Saint Technique and digested the medicinal power that had accumulated in your body, this one-star advancement... wouldn't have been easy to achieve! That's good, now the mixed medicinal power that had accumulated deep in your body has finally been completely consumed, and things will be much easier from now on."

"Over the next period of time, you should hone your skills and correct the instability of your battle qi caused by rapid advancement, so that you can fully control your own power."

"The Pill Gathering and the Competition of Prodigies are about to begin; it's a good opportunity."

"After the two major events are over, your fighting spirit should be sufficiently refined. At that time, your master will prepare new pills for you."

At this point, a barely perceptible hint of helplessness appeared in the old doctor's voice.

This method of training, which relies heavily on elixirs for rapid advancement, does not align with his training philosophy. He prefers a steady and gradual approach to breakthroughs.

If it weren't for Xiao Xuan's Dou Di bloodline providing a safety net and helping Xiao Yan steadily break through to Dou Sheng, Yao Lao would never have made this choice!

"The Heavenly Pride Competition?" Xiao Yan's expression turned slightly solemn, a hint of gravity appearing in his eyes, which then transformed into a resolute determination. "This time, I cannot lose again! I must win the Heavenly Pride Competition for my teacher and for the Four Directions Pavilion..."

Currently, Sifang Pavilion is the most prominent force in Zhongzhou, and as the young master of the pavilion, he cannot tarnish its reputation.

As for winning the championship, he didn't hold out much hope, and no one else did either. But he at least wanted to finish in the top ten of the tournament, outshining most of the participating Yao Clan geniuses.

Xiao Yan had become well aware of the feud between Yao Lao and the Yao Clan over the past few years.

"By the way, the Xiao family members have all been secretly moved to Zhongzhou." Just as Xiao Yan was making up his mind, Yao Lao's gentle voice entered his ears, "Feng Xian has scattered them to various places and has also selected a group of core disciples from them."

"And your eldest and second eldest brothers have also come to the pavilion and are currently staying at your residence. Go and have a good chat with them, and set off for Saint Pill City in two days."

"As for news about your father, I will continue to arrange for people to inquire about it."

"Big brother and second brother are here?" Upon hearing Yao Lao's words, Xiao Yan's face lit up with joy, and he excitedly said, "Teacher, thank you! I'll go see big brother and second brother..." He and his two elder brothers had not seen each other for six or seven years!
After saying this, he quickly bowed and rushed towards a mountain peak behind the mountain.

Watching Xiao Yan's hurried departure, Yao Lao smiled gently, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes: "I have shown my sincerity, Senior Xiao Xuan, I hope you can lend me a hand!"

After reaching the Dou Sheng stage, he increasingly realized how much more difficult the cultivation process was compared to the Dou Zun stage.

For several months, Yao Lao didn't feel any progress whatsoever.

Only by changing his cultivation method and mastering those Heaven-rank combat skills could he feel an improvement in his combat power, bringing him a little comfort... But if he wanted to improve his cultivation faster, high-rank cultivation methods and high-rank pills were essential.

"The Pill Gathering, the Competition of Prodigies... the Medicine Clan... Yao Tian, ​​Lin Yuan... it's time for me to make a trip to the Pill Tower!"

Thinking of the two items in the storage ring, a smile flashed in Yao Lao's eyes.
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Little Dan Tower, Heavenly Valley.

Vast spiritual energy continuously overflowed from the space, converging towards a cave in the valley and transforming into a strange vortex of spiritual energy.

"Bam—"

In a sudden moment, a deafening roar resounded from the cave.

Suddenly, the solid stone door of the cave burst open, and an invisible light burst forth from it, hovering in mid-air. A vast amount of soul power, like a monstrous wave, swept out with lightning speed...

If it weren't for the outer barrier concealing it, this strange phenomenon would surely have been noticed by many grandmasters.

On a stone platform outside the cave, feeling this vast spiritual power, the seemingly delicate girl's eyes lit up with joy, and a bright smile appeared on her face.

"Master, Master, Senior Sister has successfully advanced!"

"Hmm!" The young man nodded in satisfaction in front of the girl. "Nearly at the mid-stage of the Spirit Realm, very good! The combination of Earth Core Soul Essence and Demon Soul Saint Technique is guaranteed to be effective..."

These two people were naturally Lin Yuan and Dan Chen.

Ten days have passed since Lin Yuan returned to the Pill Tower, and the assessment day for the five major families of the Pill Tower is not far away.

Ten days ago, after returning to Tianyou Valley, he saw that Xinlan had reached the critical point of breaking through to the Spirit Realm. So he gave her a piece of Earth Core Soul Essence that he had obtained from Jianbao Mountain and set up an array to gather spiritual energy to help his disciple break through the barrier.

Lin Yuan was extremely generous to those who served under him, and naturally he would be even more generous to his own disciples.

Although the Earth Core Soul Essence is precious, it's nothing to him now.

Although Xinlan's talent is limited and she cannot be considered top-tier, her loyalty to herself and the Ye family is something of value to Lin Yuan!

For Lin Yuan, who aspires to control the continent, he needs both geniuses and powerful warriors for research and conquest, as well as loyal subordinates to manage the affairs. The Ye family, who were among the first in Zhongzhou to pledge allegiance to him, were, in a sense, 'loyal subjects who followed him to the throne,' typical examples of this type of person.

Moreover, it's interesting to see how far Xinlan, this "genius" she created herself, can ultimately go.

As Lin Yuan and Dan Chen were talking, the spreading soul power gradually dissipated, and the invisible light slowly appeared under their gaze.

Faintly visible was a phantom of a soul, which upon closer inspection was none other than Xin Lan. After a pause, the "Xin Lan" in the sky lowered her head. Seeing Lin Yuan looking up at her, her expression changed instantly, and she quickly transformed into a streak of light, flying towards the physical body inside the cave…

As Xinlan's soul returned to her body, the pervasive pressure of her soul dissipated completely.

"Master, Xinlan..."

A moment later, the girl flew out of the cave and knelt heavily in front of Lin Yuan, wanting to say something, but not knowing what to say.

The reason is simple: the kindness shown to me by the person before me is far too great!

Who could have imagined that a daughter of one of the five declining families of the Pill Tower would reach such heights in less than five years—an eight-star Dou Zong in Dou Qi cultivation and a soul cultivation approaching the mid-stage of the Spirit Realm, making her undoubtedly one of the top two geniuses in the Central Continent.

Of course, these rankings do not include Lin Yuan. He is recognized as an outsider among the geniuses of Zhongzhou and is not placed in the category of the younger generation. His status is closer to that of a regional lord.

For example, no one thought Lin Yuan would participate in this "Competition of the Prodigies".

Xinlan was also very self-aware, knowing that she was no genius like her junior sister or the Cao family's enchantress, and that she had reached her current level entirely thanks to the support of the person in front of her.

At this moment, even if Lin Yuan needed her to sacrifice her life, she would not hesitate for a moment.

"There's no need for such formalities between master and disciple!"

Lin Yuan smiled slightly, reached out to help the girl up, and said gently, "You are only one grade eight pill away from becoming a master alchemist. I hope I can witness that day soon."

"Yes, Master." Xinlan nodded heavily. "Xinlan will not let you down!"

"After breaking through to the Spirit Realm, you need to consolidate your realm." Lin Yuan nodded slightly and passed a secret technique to Xin Lan. "Familiarize yourself with this technique; you might need it later... The assessment of the five major families is approaching, and your grandfather is waiting for you in Saint Pill City. Go and meet up with him!"

Xinlan nodded gently, shared her joy with Danchen beside her, and then, without further hesitation, flew away from Tianyou Valley and headed towards the exit of the Little Pill Tower.

Watching Xinlan's figure disappear into the distance, Lin Yuan turned his gaze to Dan Chen, who stood gracefully before him.

With the aid of the soul seed and soul fragment left by Lin Yuan, coupled with the high-level Heaven-rank Demon Soul Saint Technique and Dan Chen's own unique soul-devouring talent... her progress in soul power is terrifying.

In just one year, her soul had advanced to the late stage of the Spirit Realm.

"Dan Chen, this is for you..." Under Dan Chen's gaze, Lin Yuan slowly extended his palm and said, "You are already in the late stage of the Spirit Realm, and you are qualified to control this fire!"

Before he finished speaking, with a thought, five colorful flames—deep purple, azure, milky white, sky blue, and pale red—emerged from his natal energy core. As they intertwined and converged, they finally transformed into a dreamlike pale purple flame.

The flame flickered in his palm, emanating a wave of intense heat that distorted the surrounding space.

Looking at the beautiful pale purple flames before her, even with Dan Chen's refined nature, she couldn't help but be slightly taken aback, her beautiful eyes sparkling with amazement.

"This is... a strange fire?!" After a moment, Dan Chen came back to his senses, his eyes widened, and he stared blankly at his master, his voice filled with disbelief as he asked again, "Master, are you really going to give me this strange fire?"

As a genius alchemist, Dan Chen's greatest hobby is alchemy, and he simply cannot say "no" to the strange fire.

Seeing the girl's incredulous expression, Lin Yuan smiled, then reached out his free left hand and rubbed her head, his face softening.

"Hehe, of course it's for you. I hope you make good use of it!"

"I will protect you. You must refine this flame immediately. If you were to do it alone, even with your current cultivation level at the peak of the Dou Zong realm, you would find it difficult to subdue it, and there is a high probability that your life would be in danger..."

The flame in Lin Yuan's hand was a sub-flame personally separated by Fu Xuan, who had already reached the second-star Dou Sheng level... Since it was composed of multiple sub-flames, it could be called a strange flame.

The power of the sub-fires separated from the original flame is closely related to that of the original flame.

The reason why the sub-fire of the Void Devouring Flame is so powerful is twofold: one is its powerful origin, and the other major reason is that its true form is a Nine-Star Dou Sheng.

Ordinary sub-fire is enough to contend with a Battle Saint; earth sub-fire can even go toe-to-toe with the Pure Lotus Demon Fire.

After consuming the Ninth-Rank Thunder Tribulation Pill and the Blood of the Reverse Scale, Fu Xuan had already advanced to the late stage of the Two-Star Dou Sheng. The sub-flame he separated was no less powerful than the Fifth-Rank Dou Zun.

Without Fu Xuan's active cooperation, Dan Chen would not have been able to subdue her sub-fire.

After a pause, Lin Yuan's expression turned slightly solemn, and he said in a deep voice, "I will pass on to you a secret technique that, when used in conjunction with this fire, will allow you to rapidly improve your cultivation... Make good use of it!"

After saying that, he flicked his finger, and a surge of soul energy flashed out and flew into the girl's brow.

Without the slightest hesitation, Dan Chen gently closed her eyes, mobilized the somewhat illusory soul between her brows, and grabbed the one that was floating in front of her.

The moment the energy surged into her hand, it transformed into streams of information, rapidly flooding into Dan Chen's mind. Before long, a complete secret technique slowly emerged from the depths of Dan Chen's mind; the characters, radiating a burning aura, caused the young woman's heart to tremble slightly.

After a long while, Dan Chen slowly opened her eyes, looking at Lin Yuan with admiration, and exclaimed in surprise, "Transplanting flowers and grafting trees... What a mysterious technique! No wonder you are my master!"

"Transplanting Flowers and Grafting Trees" is a derivative secret technique that Lin Yuan deduced based on "Demon Yuan Spot" and supplemented by the Burning Technique.

What makes it special is that it is a secret technique targeting different types of fire.

It allows the person who subdues the strange fire to perfectly absorb the energy within it. As long as the flame is powerful enough, it can increase their cultivation level by an extremely exaggerated degree.

This secret technique was a "cheat code" that Lin Yuan specially designed for Dan Chen to improve her cultivation.

Only Dan Chen, whose soul had been planted with a seed by Lin Yuan and whose soul had mutated to be completely adapted to Lin Yuan's power, could receive the energy from his natal Qi Pill with minimal loss, and maximize the use of this secret technique to rapidly improve his cultivation.

Meeting the girl's adoring gaze, Lin Yuan simply smiled and said, "First, familiarize yourself with this flame and get ready... We'll begin the devouring process in half a day!"

As he spoke, he raised his hand, and flames leaped from his palm, hovering lightly in front of Dan Chen.

"What a beautiful flame!"

With her gaze fixed on the pale purple flames in front of her, Dan Chen seemed to be drawn by an invisible force, a look of infatuation appearing in her beautiful eyes.

After a moment, the girl gradually came to her senses. Then, with a thought, her soul power surged from between her brows, transforming into invisible threads that coiled around the pale purple flames, beginning the first round of contact...

(End of this chapter)