Reaching the pinnacle from Doupo

Chapter 588: The curtain falls, the beginning arrives, and the new chapter begins.
Although Lin Yuan was not present at Xin Lan's milestone moment, as a Dou Sheng, it was not difficult for him to multitask and spare some attention for this occasion.

This attention, however, led to the discovery of several unexpected individuals.

Gu Zhen, Shi Yi, Xiao Yan, Yao Ziyou... The small assessment hall was filled with people from four of the eight ancient clans!
"Hehe, Xinlan, could you pass on a message for me later..." Lin Yuan chuckled, then gave the instruction before offering his blessing as a teacher: "Congratulations on passing the assessment perfectly. You truly are worthy of being my disciple... I hope you will continue to strive for excellence in the future!"

As soon as she finished speaking, the soul fluctuations emanating from the "jade ring" on Xinlan's arm gradually dissipated.

"Master...finally...finally..."

Upon receiving Lin Yuan's affirmation, Xin Lan was overjoyed—the phrase "As expected of my disciple" was something she had longed for in her dreams, and now it had finally become a reality.

Taking a deep breath, the girl suppressed her excitement and looked in the direction of Gu Zhen and Shi Yi...
-
Little Dan Tower, Heavenly Valley.

Before a purple cocoon formed from purple flames, Lin Yuan sat cross-legged peacefully. At a certain moment, he slowly opened his eyes, a hint of amusement flashing in his deep eyes.

"Yao Ziyou, I've never seen this person before in the Thunder Realm... but he seems somewhat like one of us?"

"Xiao Yan should have only recently broken through to the mid-stage of the Spirit Realm, while this Yao Ziyou, who is clearly only half a step away from the late-stage of the Spirit Realm, deliberately acts as if he is only slightly stronger than Xiao Yan. It seems that he wants to make Xiao Yan relax and prepare for the showdown at the Pill Gathering."

"The proud Medicine Clan is willing to go to such lengths. It seems he wants to get something from Xiao Yan... The Strange Flame is the only thing worth it."

"Tsk, so someone else picked up the same old tricks I used?!"

He tapped his temples rhythmically with his fingertips, deducing all the possible developments of the situation while pondering the strategy he should adopt...

After a long silence, a glint of light flashed in his eyes: "Perhaps we can make use of this matter."

"If things go well, we might be able to capture the medicinal spirit and even obtain some strange fire to help Fu Xuan further enhance his origin... In any case, we should make sufficient preparations first, so that when things really develop in that direction, we can seize the opportunity to make a move."

"Tsk, I hope the protector sent by the Medicine Clan for this Pill Gathering isn't someone with too much power..."

"Otherwise, achieving our goal will be much more difficult!"

Once his mind was settled, he stopped tapping his forehead with his finger, narrowed his eyes slightly, and looked at the cocoon of purple firelight in front of him.

The cocoon of light emitted a soft glow, and a surge of intense energy rippled outwards.

Lin Yuan sensed the state within the light cocoon, frowned slightly, and came to a conclusion: "At this rate of advancement, it will take about two months for Xiao Danchen to fully advance to the Dou Zun realm... She won't make it to the Pill Gathering in time, so let's accelerate it for her!"

Immediately, he flicked his finger, and numerous extremely precious natural treasures and elixirs flew out like meteors, hovering above the cocoon of light.

Each of these items is a rare and precious treasure that is hard to find elsewhere.

Lin Yuan clenched his fist, and icy blue flames rose up, like a blooming blue lotus, enveloping and melting them into a pool of liquid.

This was a pool of icy blue liquid, radiating extremely terrifying energy fluctuations. Under the impetus of the Dry Blue Ice Flame, it separated into a continuous torrent of energy, which poured down from the sky like a waterfall and poured into the purple cocoon of light.

Nourished by this vast energy, the subtle yet powerful aura within the cocoon steadily increased at a clearly perceptible pace.

At this rate, a promotion would be completed in half a month.

Seeing that the breakthrough was on track, Lin Yuan left behind a clone to manage it, and then directly tore open a spatial rift and arrived in the depths of the boundless void.

"Thunder Illusion Body, appear!" After setting up multiple barriers to conceal his aura, he had a thought, and a silver light flashed out from between his eyebrows, landing lightly in front of him.

"This doesn't resemble the style of the Soul Palace; it needs a serious overhaul!"

Looking at the clear-eyed, dashing figure before him, who was exactly like himself, Lin Yuan gently stroked his chin and murmured to himself.
-
The assessment of the five major families is considered a significant event in Saint Dan City.

Therefore, shortly after the assessment was completed, a series of events that occurred in the main hall spread like wildfire...

Ye Xinlan's first place in the assessment was not too surprising, but her passing the assessment and taking first place with a score three times higher than Cao Ying's record was undoubtedly a bombshell, leaving everyone in disbelief.

The mysterious young man who made those outrageous remarks, and his battle with the disciple of the Medicine Saint, attracted the attention of countless people, and many were looking forward to their showdown at the Pill Gathering.

In comparison, the assessment of the five major families didn't attract much attention.

After all, compared to the reputation, past, and grudges of a Dou Sheng powerhouse, the assessment of the five major families is really insignificant.

The identity of the mysterious young man has sparked endless speculation among the public.

How could someone who dared to challenge a Battle Saint, and even referred to him as an "outcast," possess such formidable strength at such a young age, not arouse curiosity?!

Those in the know, even if they remain silent... cannot afford to offend either side.

Several days after the assessment ended, Yao Lao, who had traveled back and forth between Zhongzhou and the Northern Continent, finally arrived at the Sifang Pavilion's residence in Shengdan City and learned about the recent events.

"Little Yanzi, you were a bit impulsive this time!" In the courtyard, the old doctor turned around and looked at the black-robed youth, and said seriously, "If it weren't for the elder of the Pill Tower intervening and turning the conflict between you into a soul spar, you would have suffered a great loss this time."

"Your cultivation is still a bit inferior to that person's. Putting yourself in danger just to save face... You must never do such a thing again!"

Despite what he said, the old doctor's weathered eyes softened even more.

Although Xiao Yan's behavior was somewhat reckless, he still stood up for his teacher's honor and dignity, even though he knew he was no match for him. This moved Yao Lao deeply.

Reason is reason, and emotion is emotion.

After hearing Yao Lao's instructions, Xiao Yan hesitated for a moment before reluctantly nodding, "Yes, teacher!" But there was still a hint of stubbornness on his face.

Seeing this, the old doctor gently rubbed his temples, his eyes filled with a mixture of helplessness and relief.

He let out a soft breath, pondered for a moment, and a hint of coldness appeared in his eyes. "The Medicine Clan is still as arrogant as ever... They've come looking for trouble. It seems that my decision to abandon my return to the Medicine Clan and refuse to provide the Different Flame Child back then has greatly angered them..."

Thinking back to what happened back then, Yao Lao still harbored deep resentment in his heart—the Yao Clan wanted his strange fire and his offspring fire, but they were unwilling to let him leave his parents' names on the clan monument.

Although the old doctor is now famous throughout the Central Plains, he is unable to fulfill even his parents' last wishes.

Just as his emotions were fluctuating, a voice carrying a faint rumble of thunder rang out in the courtyard: "Hehe, if I'm not mistaken, this provocation by the Yao Clan should be related to that old fellow Yao Wangui." "In order to defeat my student, the Yao Clan specially arranged for Yao Wangui to personally teach the younger generation, including that brat who belittled you."

"You should know in your heart how his students will treat you, right?"

"You really are unlucky to have made enemies with that old bastard, Yao Laogui."

"Hmph, one day I'll make him regret it!" Old Yao snorted coldly, composed himself, and turned to look at the old man who had arrived behind him. "Long time no see, Old Ghost Mang."

"Long time no see, Old Ghost Yao!" Mang Tianchi smiled, giving Yao Lao and his disciple a meaningful look. "You won't blame me for barging in uninvited, will you? But if you do, it's fine; we're even! Several years ago, you also trespassed into Canaan Academy..."

Upon hearing this, a hint of embarrassment flashed in Yao Lao's eyes, and he chuckled dryly, "Haha, I was forced by the Soul Palace back then, so I owe you a favor!"

"Forget about personal favors, we've known each other for a long time." Mang Tianchi waved his hand, his gaze shifting between Yao Lao and Xiao Yan for a moment, and said, "Just answer some of my questions, questions related to this young Xiao clan member."

From Su Qian, who came to Saint Pill City, he learned about what happened between Yao Lao and Xiao Yan several years ago, and naturally also learned about Xiao Yan's identity.

"That item is of great importance, please tell us the truth."

Correcting his expression, Mang Tianchi said solemnly... At this moment, he was not only the dean of Canaan Academy, but also a half-saint elder of the Thunder Clan.

Seeing this, the old apothecary's expression turned slightly solemn, and he pondered for a moment before saying, "I know what you want to ask, but the ancient jade is not in our hands, nor is it in the nearly extinct Xiao clan... That thing is either in the ancient clan that has been watching over the Xiao clan for many years, or it has already been seized by the Soul Clan."

He paused, then added, "Several years ago, the Soul Palace found the declining Xiao Clan, wreaked havoc on them, and even captured the Xiao Clan's current patriarch and elders."

Afterwards, without waiting for Mang Tianchi to ask any further questions, Yao Lao frankly told the latter many things.

Although he left the Medicine Clan early on, he still had some knowledge of the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade... The Four Directions Pavilion must not touch that thing, otherwise, one wrong move could result in the death of the person and the destruction of the pavilion.

"Ancient race... Soul race...that makes sense!"

Mang Tianchi stroked his chin and pondered for a moment. Then he noticed Yao Lao's worried look as if he wanted to say something but hesitated. With a quick glance, he understood what the other was worried about.

"Don't worry, Old Ghost Yao!" Mang Tianchi waved his hand and laughed loudly.

"In any case, this kid is an outstanding graduate of Canaan Academy, and I admire his unyielding nature... As long as you old devil haven't lied to me, I won't speak carelessly and put you or him in danger."

However, although Yao Chen's character and reputation are trustworthy, this matter is of great importance and must be investigated and verified before being reported to the clan's higher-ups.

The old doctor breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "My old friend is truly righteous. Thank you!"

"If you want to thank me, then do something practical." Mang Tianchi seemed to have thought of something, and looked intently at Yao Lao. "Speaking of which, you've surpassed me in just a few years since your resurrection and successfully broken through to the first-star Dou Sheng realm. How about passing on some of your experience and secrets to me..."

"Of course! Keep talking!" The old apothecary waved his hand and invited, "We've been apart for a long time, why don't we have some tea and discuss the Dao?"

Mang Tianchi naturally had no reason to refuse.

As a high-level semi-saint, he had been stuck in this realm for a long time and had not yet seen an opportunity to break through the bottleneck.

"Thank you very much, I will accept your kind offer!" Mang Tianchi cupped his hands and followed Yao Lao into the tea room to ask for advice on advancing to the Dou Sheng level... Despite his low bloodline concentration, he had cultivated to his current level, which was inseparable from his positive attitude towards learning.

Half a day later, a bolt of lightning shot out and flew towards the place where the Canaan Academy students were staying—Lin Yuan's residence in the inner domain.

"Little Yanzi, time is running out."

Watching Mang Tianchi leave, Yao Lao turned to Xiao Yan and said, "It won't be long before the storm rises in the Central Plains. You must grow up as quickly as possible..."

Xiao Yan's eyes turned slightly serious. "Teacher, has something happened to the 'Reverse Soul Alliance'?"

The old apothecary nodded, his voice becoming more serious: "During this trip, I captured a Heavenly Venerable of the Soul Palace and obtained some important information from him."

"Several months ago, the Soul Hall gathered powerful figures in the Northwest Continent, preparing to ambush the 'Reverse Soul Alliance' which was operating in the border region. But no one knows who made the move, annihilating the powerful figures gathered by the Soul Hall, including a Dou Sheng powerhouse."

At this point, while feeling a sense of awe, he couldn't help but feel a little fortunate.

Fortunately, an unknown powerhouse intervened and dealt with the Soul Palace's Battle Saint. Otherwise, if the Reverse Soul Alliance had run into them, the annihilation of the entire alliance and the involvement of the Four Directions Pavilion would have been a foreseeable outcome.

Yao Lao truly hadn't expected the Soul Palace to be so generous, investing in Dou Sheng powerhouses in the border regions.

Hearing this news, Xiao Yan was also slightly stunned and said in disbelief, "A Dou Sheng has fallen?" Dou Sheng, isn't that the dream of countless cultivators, the strongest person at the top of the continent? How could one of them have fallen like this?

"When I heard this news, I couldn't believe it either." The old doctor shook his head and said with a wry smile, "But in any case, this is the truth, and what we need to do is deal with it."

"Due to the fall of the Dou Sheng, the Soul Palace leadership has ordered the abandonment of the border regions and the withdrawal of personnel back to the Central Plains!"

"According to the orders of the Soul Hall's higher-ups, in order to replenish the souls they need to collect, the Soul Hall's operations in the Central Plains will become much more frequent in the coming period. Given our current expansion momentum, we may confront them sooner than expected."

“Once we officially clash with the Soul Hall, your identity may soon be exposed to them.”

"You need to be mentally prepared for this in advance!"

Xiao Yan nodded emphatically, "Yes, teacher!" There was not a trace of fear in his eyes, but rather a surge of fighting spirit.

After so many years, he was finally able to confront the Soul Palace in person.

The Xiao family is facing a crisis of destruction, and his father's fate is still unknown... These hatreds are firmly engraved in Xiao Yan's heart, and he can finally vent them soon.

Seeing his disciple's high spirits, Elder Yao smiled gently and said, "The Heavenly Pride Competition will begin soon. Take this opportunity to hone your skills! This time, it may be your time to become famous throughout the continent."

He paused, then added, "Furthermore, you must diligently cultivate the method of Spirit Ascension... that will be your greatest trump card at the Pill Gathering!"

When the topic turned to the 'method of spiritual ascension', Yao Lao's gentle voice couldn't help but carry a hint of pride.

(End of this chapter)