Reaching the pinnacle from Doupo

Chapter 589 Preparatory Matters
The method of ascending to spiritual power was the most satisfying masterpiece of Yao Lao's life.

Eighth-grade elixirs prioritize spiritual energy.

The method of enhancing the spirituality of pills by force is so extraordinary that it goes without saying. If Xiao Yan, who is in the middle stage of the Spirit Realm, can master it and with the help of a strange fire, he may be able to refine an eighth-grade six-colored pill at the Pill Gathering.

This level of skill is so high that even among the core disciples of the younger generation of the Medicine Clan, few could likely surpass it.

His own disciple, using a unique skill he had created, defeated a group of core disciples of the Medicine Clan with high-ranking bloodlines in front of countless spectators...

Just imagining that scene filled Yao Lao with immense joy.

Upon hearing Yao Lao's instructions, Xiao Yan nodded seriously, accepted the Spirit-Nourishing Powder handed over by Yao Lao, and then took his leave to return to his secret chamber to cultivate in seclusion.

The method of ascending to higher spiritual status has extremely high requirements for both flame and soul, and even the old master of medicine rarely used it before.

Although Xiao Yan's soul realm met the requirements, the Wind Fury Dragon Flame, ranked eighteenth, was still far inferior in power to the Bone Spirit Cold Flame, ranked eleventh. Successfully performing the Ascension Technique was not such a simple matter.

During this period, he will need to put in some effort to thoroughly master the method of spiritual ascension, ensuring that he can perform it flawlessly at the alchemy gathering.

"That thing... I'd better not use it, it might corrupt my character!"

Watching Xiao Yan's retreating figure, Yao Lao thought of something in his storage ring, and his eyes wavered for a moment. But after struggling for a while, he suppressed his impulse and made up his mind again.

For young people who are inexperienced and whose minds are not yet settled, some things... are indeed useful, but they are extremely easy to become addictive!
Once addicted to that substance, one is only a step away from going astray. In any case, Master Yao did not want his disciples to become monsters like those of the Soul Palace, who would stop at nothing to pursue power and were bloodthirsty by nature.

Shaking his head, the old apothecary moved swiftly, heading towards the towering black pagoda in the center of the city...
-
Several days later, deep in the boundless void.

Lin Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly, carefully examining the cold black mist before him for a moment, and said calmly, "That's about right, illusion... Come on, smile!"

"Jiejiejie——"

A strange laugh slowly echoed from within the black mist, "The matter of capturing the Medicine Spirit is entrusted to this Heavenly Venerable. The Blood Soul Spirit Body belongs to my Soul Clan..."

The sound was like the hooting of an owl, eerie and chilling, enough to send shivers down the spine of anyone who heard it.

"Yes, this is the taste."

Lin Yuan nodded slightly, then lightly waved his sleeve, and the black mist instantly transformed into a black ray of light, shooting straight back into his brow.

He lightly touched his brow with his fingertips, and a dangerous smile curved his lips.

After a period of replenishment and nurturing, the power of the Thunder Illusion Body has been fully replenished, possessing the same strength as Lin Yuan's original body... a late-stage one-star Dou Sheng.

As long as Yao Ling hasn't broken through to the Dou Sheng level, Lei Huan Shen can easily capture her.

With the Soul Clan's secret techniques and the Nightmare Mist concealing its aura, even someone at the Great Perfection of the Heavenly Realm wouldn't be able to see through the illusion's true nature in a short time... During this period, there would be enough time to activate the restrictions within the body to self-destruct before being seen through, thus concealing the true identity.

In this way, the preparations to frame the Soul Clan for the incident were complete, and they could act whenever a suitable opportunity arose.

"Judging by the time, it should be almost time."

After a moment's thought, Lin Yuan dispersed the layers of barriers that concealed his aura, and then stepped into the void, heading towards the spatial marker left in Tianyou Valley.

Half an hour later, in the Heavenly Valley.

Suddenly, space twisted, and Lin Yuan's figure emerged from the distortion, landing lightly in front of the purple fire cocoon.

"This progress... is faster than expected." Sensing the energy within the cocoon, Lin Yuan nodded slightly. "At this rate, I should be able to break through in seven more days. There are still half a month until the Pill Gathering, so I can definitely make it in time..."

"Master, you've emerged from seclusion?!" A cheerful girl's voice rang out behind Lin Yuan.

"Xinlan, you're back." Lin Yuan turned around and said with a smile, "Did anything special happen during my seclusion these past few days?"

"Reporting to Master, Senior Yao Chen came to visit." Xin Lan took out a letter and handed it to Lin Yuan. "But when he heard that Master was in seclusion, he did not disturb him. He left this letter and took his leave."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yuan's eyes narrowed slightly. He opened the letter and quickly began to read it.

Meanwhile, Xinlan continued to relay the message: "Gu Zhen of the Ancient Clan and Shi Yi of the Stone Clan also wish to see Master. They are currently staying at the place where you last met."

"In addition, the students from Canaan Academy have also arrived in Saint Dan City."

"Shortly after Elder Su Qian arrived, Dean Mang Tianchi also came to the Inner Court. They are currently at the Inner Domain Residence."

After Xinlan finished reporting everything, Lin Yuan also finished reading the letter left by Yao Lao.

In his letter, Yao Lao mainly mentioned two things: one was that Lin Yuan already knew about the Soul Hall's transfer of personnel back to Zhongzhou, but he did not inform them because he did not want to leave the impression of being "deeply involved"; the other was that he hoped to meet to discuss some matters.

"I see, he went to the border region."

He put the letter away, a thoughtful glint in his eyes: "The meeting was to discuss the next steps and the deal... Has he made a fortune again?"

He shook his head, looked down at Xinlan, and a gentle smile appeared on his lips.

"Almost at the Nine-Star Dou Zong level, not bad!"

Sensing the girl's fluctuating aura, Lin Yuan nodded slightly and chuckled, "Perfect timing. I have a gift for you that should help you break through to the Nine-Star Dou Zong realm."

Before he finished speaking, he flicked his finger, and a uniquely shaped crystal container appeared in front of Xinlan.

"Master, this is... Yang Fire? No, that's not right!"

Looking at the strange black and white flames in the container, a hint of curiosity flashed in Xinlan's eyes—she could sense the aura of the Ye family's Yang Fire from these flames.

However, the temperature emitted by this flame was much higher than that of Yang Fire.

Lin Yuan smiled and explained, "This is a transformed fire formed by the fusion of many flames, with power approaching that of a strange fire... It's very suitable for you at this stage. When you refine this fire seed, absorb some of its energy, and you should be able to break through to the Nine-Star Dou Zong realm."

"As for why this fire has the aura of yang fire, it's because when this fire was created, the earth marrow pearl, which is condensed from yang fire, was used."

"This fire is given to you. If you obtain a different kind of fire in the future, you may leave it to the Ye family."

With Xinlan's current cultivation level and soul realm, she still struggles to control Fu Xuan's sub-fire. The transformed fire, based on Yang fire and Heavenly Phoenix fire, is perfect for a transition. Besides, it would be too conspicuous for the three of them, master and disciples, to all use synthesized strange fire…

"Transformation into fire? Thank you, Master."

Upon hearing Lin Yuan's words, Xin Lan's face lit up with joy. Her current flame was only an eighth-order beast fire, far inferior to the flame before her.

And the quality of this Transformation Flame seems to far surpass Cao Ying's Blood Demon Flame.

"Focus on your cultivation. I'm going to meet some guests." Lin Yuan waved his hand, and with a swift movement, he transformed into a streak of light and flew towards the exit of the Little Pill Realm, disappearing from Xin Lan's sight in the blink of an eye.
-
The world of medicine, the mountain of medicine.

In a courtyard atop the mountain, Yao Ziyou, who was incredibly arrogant in Saint Pill City, stood bowing behind an old man, his face showing no arrogance but rather deep respect.

"Elder Wan Gui, this is roughly the situation regarding our trip to Saint Pill City..."

"You did a great job!" After listening to Yao Ziyou's report, Yao Wangui turned around, his face full of satisfaction. "That lowly outcast was already given a chance to return by the clan, which was a great favor. Yet he still dared to make demands. He is simply ungrateful."

“No mediocre people are allowed on the clan monument! Not to mention his useless parents, even he himself has no right to have his name on it.”

"When you make a name for yourself outside, you always think you're very capable and become arrogant."

“Just as the elder said!” Yao Ziyou nodded in agreement. “Those disciples of the Abandoned Ones are the same. They have a little skill, so they dare to bare their teeth at my Yao Clan…”

Upon hearing this, Yao Wangui gave a mocking smile and said, "The people taught by the Abandoned Man are indeed just as ignorant and foolish as him."

"Ziyou, I will fully support your plan! I will personally go to the Pill Gathering to oversee it. Go ahead and do your best to seize the strange fire of that abandoned disciple. If that abandoned disciple dares to interfere, I will also take his Bone Spirit Cold Fire."

"Does he think he can simply refuse to hand over a treasure like the Natural Flame? What my Medicine Clan desires, a mere outcast like him cannot protect..."

"What right do mere outcasts and their disciples have to use such a treasure?"

Thinking of what the Medicine Clan could win at this Pill Gathering—the secret method of creating fire, volcanic stone flames, wind-raging dragon flames, and dry blue ice flames—Yao Wangui's heart burned with excitement.

To be able to gain so much while suppressing the Pill Tower—what a delightful thing!

However, when he snapped out of his reverie and looked at Yao Ziyou's face again, he found that the latter looked like she wanted to say something but couldn't.

"Ziyou, what's wrong?" Yao Wangui raised an eyebrow. "We're all on the same side, so feel free to speak your mind."

"Yes, Elder Wan Gui." Yao Ziyou cupped his hands and pondered, "If I want to seize the Wind Fury Dragon Flame, I need to defeat that abandoned disciple, which is not a problem."

"But I found out that the abandoned man seems to have created a cheating method called 'Spirit Ascension Method,' which can forcibly enhance the spirituality of pills."

"He won the championship at the Dan competition decades ago using this method."

"Now, although that disciple of the Abandoned One is far inferior to me in terms of soul power and alchemy, he possesses a strange fire. If he were to learn that cheating method... I... I'm afraid I cannot guarantee victory!"

After saying that, he stopped talking, raised his head slightly, and looked cautiously at Yao Wangui, a hint of expectation flashing deep in his eyes.

"Forcibly enhancing the spirituality of pills... Hmph, a crooked and evil method."

Upon hearing Yao Ziyou's words of concern, Yao Wangui remained silent for a long time before suppressing his jealousy and letting out a cold snort.

A fierce glint flashed in his eyes, and with a flick of his wrist, an exquisite jade box appeared in his hand.

"This is my treasured Blood Soul Jade Marrow. After consuming it, it will surely help you advance by leaps and bounds, breaking through to the late stage of the Spirit Realm will be a piece of cake. Use it before you set off. In addition, I will also do some work to obtain for you the right to use the Yin-Yang Twin Flames for three years..."

After a moment's hesitation, he stared intently at Yao Ziyou and said calmly, "I've gone to such lengths for you, Ziyou, you mustn't let the clan down!"

Upon hearing this, Yao Ziyou's eyes flashed with a hint of wild joy.

Whether in Saint Dan City or right now, wasn't all his performance for this very purpose?!
Yao Wangui is not only a four-star Dou Sheng, but also a master of precious pills and the punishment elder of the Yao clan. He holds a high position and great power in the clan, and naturally controls a huge amount of precious resources. As long as he lets some slip through his fingers, it will be enough for Yao Ziyou to benefit greatly.

Now it seems that, just as Yao Ziyou had predicted, the Yao Clan outcast who was deliberately targeted was indeed a knot in the Punishment Elder's heart.

If this matter can be utilized, there's a chance to gain even more benefits in the future.

Thinking of this, Yao Ziyou was filled with excitement, but his expression became even more respectful: "Elder Wan Gui, rest assured, Ziyou understands! At this Pill Gathering, Ziyou will not let you or the clan down... I will definitely win back the Wind Fury Dragon Flame this time!"

He paused, gritted his teeth, and added, "If this fails, Ziyou is willing to suffer the punishment of having his soul whipped!"

"Good intentions." Yao Wangui nodded in satisfaction, handed the jade box to Yao Ziyou, and said gently, "It's good that you have this awareness. The formula for harmonizing the Blood Soul Jade Marrow is in the jade slip inside the box. You can take any of the auxiliary materials from the medicine storeroom. Go!"

After saying that, he turned around, waved his hand, and signaled the other party to step back.

Yao Ziyou suppressed her inner elation, carefully put away the jade box, bowed again, and left the courtyard with light but steady steps.
-
Outside Saint Dan City, at the Competition Pavilion.

On the eve of the "Competition of the Prodigies", this tavern pavilion, which was also a "competition", became exceptionally lively as a constant stream of people poured in.

On the central bluestone arena, two figures clashed fiercely, drawing cheers from the surrounding audience.

In a spacious private room on the upper floor of the attic, Lin Yuan, Shi Yi, and Gu Zhen, who had not seen each other for several years, finished catching up and began to discuss business.

Shi Yi put down his wine cup and said seriously, "Brother Lin, the matter you asked me to handle has been accomplished!"

"When the Heavenly Tomb opens in two and a half years, Brother Lin can arrange the two slots for our clan to enter the Heavenly Tomb. However, I hope that Brother Lin can come to the Stone Realm as soon as possible after this Pill Gathering, as the clan leader has something to discuss with him."

"Thank you for your help, Brother Shi." Lin Yuan nodded and pondered for a moment, then said, "Brother Shi, please pass on a message for me: 'I will definitely visit the Shi Clan within six months.'"

"Within six months... Haha, that's great!"

Upon hearing Lin Yuan's clear promise, Shi Yi's face lit up with joy, and he laughed loudly, "This way, I can report back to my superiors when I get back..."

“It’s the same on my end!” Gu Zhen chimed in, “The Elder Council has agreed, Brother Lin can arrange for people from outside the Eight Clans to enter the Heavenly Tomb.”

"However, the cultivation level of the person entering cannot be too high, preferably not exceeding the nine-star Dou Zun, and they cannot bring high-level puppets or other external objects—this is an exception, and we must try our best to avoid accidents. I hope Brother Lin can understand this precautionary measure!"

Breaking the rules means taking responsibility, so the elders of the ancient clan made strict restrictions just in case.

(End of this chapter)