Reaching the pinnacle from Doupo

Chapter 594 onwards, absorbing essence and blood.
"Lingquan, this kid took two months off, and this is what he came here to do?!"

In a corner of the square, Gu Zhen looked at the familiar figure flying into the spatial passage, a look of astonishment flashing in his eyes, and murmured to himself.

Beside him, Shi Yi shook the wine flask in his hand, smiled slightly, and asked in return, "What's so strange about that?"

"Among the prizes offered by the Dan Tower, there is a Dan."

"For someone like Lingquan, whose bloodline is average, taking this pill in the late stage of Dou Zun can save him several years, or even ten years, of effort."

“Although he is the eighth commander of the Black Annihilation Army, it is not an easy thing for him to earn a sixth-grade eighth-rank pill… But he can get it by participating in this Heavenly Pride Competition. As long as he enters the semi-finals, he can get it. Why not participate?”

"Moreover, being able to compete and win the championship in such a grand setting is a truly exhilarating experience."

Looking at the sea of ​​people in the square and feeling the enthusiastic atmosphere around him, he also felt a burning desire in his eyes—such a lively scene was extremely rare in the ancient clans.

Ancient clans generally adhered to the principle of seclusion and rarely intervened in mainland affairs.

But as young people, they naturally yearn for such a grand scene, even if they have the blood of a Dou Di.

"Would you like to participate?" Gu Zhen asked with interest, noticing the subtle tone in the other person's voice.

"No, thank you." Shi Yi shook his head. "Although this kind of grand event is very lively, given our strength and our status as the direct descendant of the imperial clan, it would be beneath the dignity of an ancient clan to participate and compete with ordinary people for 'petty gains'..."

Ancient clans must maintain an air of mystery; once they make a move, they must achieve a swift and decisive victory, otherwise they risk losing the awe and respect of outsiders.

Generally speaking, the unknown is more intimidating than simply being "strong"!

It's fine for collateral descendants and those of lower bloodlines to participate in events like the Heavenly Pride Competition, but it can be a bit of a violation of the "unspoken rules" for those of higher bloodlines.

The battles between the superior bloodlines of ancient clans were not something ordinary people were qualified to witness.

Just like the Medicine Clan, if it weren't for the battle agreement with Lin Yuan, and if the interests involved weren't so great, they wouldn't have participated in this Pill Gathering.
-
"Lingquan? Why is he participating in the competition?" In the void, Lin Yuan's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in them.

"You've really reaped the benefits of the Seven Clans Martial Arts Tournament and the 'involution', haven't you? You've already reached the Three-Star Dou Zun level? It seems the ancient clans really value the Seven Clans Martial Arts Tournament as a coming-of-age ceremony and have invested a considerable amount of resources, even cultivating this little guy to this level."

Although it had been several years since they last met, Lin Yuan's memory was exceptional, and he still had some recollection of this outstanding clown from the original timeline.

In the original timeline, this person should have only been at the Dou Zong level at this point in time.

However, due to the butterfly effect brought about by Lin Yuan, his cultivation level has increased considerably.

Lin Yuan stroked his chin, a slight smile playing on his lips... Fun, it's the scent of fun!
What will happen next?

Xiao Yan did not conceal his appearance, and his appearance had not changed much. Ling Quan had also met Xiao Yan several years ago, so the possibility of the two clashing at the tournament was not low.

If the two of them were to face off on the field, the scene... it would be quite interesting, wouldn't it?
"Hehe!" Lin Yuan chuckled lightly, shook his head, cleared his mind of distractions, and continued to sense the participants of this meeting.

Before long, he sensed another 'familiar person'.

"Isn't this guy the extra from the First Thunder Ceremony... cough, the genius from the Kunwu Sect, a Dou Sheng sect? In just a few years, he went from a seven-star Dou Zong to a three-star Dou Zun. That's quite a speed of cultivation. It seems he will be a formidable opponent for Xiao Yan."

Several years ago, at the First Thunder Ceremony, many geniuses from the top sects in the Central Plains participated in the preliminary rounds of the 'Martial Arts Ceremony,' but they all became mere supporting characters for the Imperial Clan.

This genius of the Kunwu Sect was one of the many "supporting actors" at that time.

However, in Lin Yuan's opinion, this Kunwu Sect genius posed a much greater threat to Xiao Yan than Ling Quan!
The outstanding successors of the Dou Sheng sect, due to the strong teaching staff and sufficient resources invested in their training, are usually no less capable than Dou Di bloodlines below the eighth rank.

After all, even among ancient races, there were very few geniuses who could be nurtured by a Dou Sheng.

In terms of cultivation techniques and combat skills, while the Dou Sheng sect may not necessarily have high-level or mid-level Heaven-rank inheritances, it is not lacking in low-level Heaven-rank inheritances... As for Ling Quan, a third- or fourth-rate genius among the younger generation of the imperial clan, he is not yet qualified to cultivate Heaven-rank inheritances.

Although the ancient clan lineage is extremely powerful, it is still quite difficult for a third-rate genius to suppress a first-rate genius from a top-tier sect.

Shaking his head, Lin Yuan pulled his scattered thoughts back and continued his investigation, unexpectedly discovering four more one-star Dou Zun, two two-star Dou Zun, and one three-star Dou Zun.

Most importantly, there were two five-star Dou Zun who were hiding their strength, and their auras even carried a very faint trace of the Soul Clan.

If it weren't for Lin Yuan's extremely familiarity with the Soul Palace, it would have been difficult for others to discover.

"This conference is more exciting than I expected."

After a moment, Lin Yuan withdrew his soul power, his eyes narrowing slightly as he made a decision: "Is the Soul Palace here to cause trouble? Their method of concealing their aura is quite good, but..."

After a moment's thought, Lin Yuan used his index finger as a brush and gathered his soul power as ink, drawing a silver rune in the void with flowing grace.

The moment the rune took shape, it transformed into two wisps of white mist that shot directly into the massive passageway in mid-air.

"It's a rare occasion for the Pill Tower to host such a grand event, a cause for universal celebration. If the Soul Palace were to disrupt it, it would be a huge disappointment! This wisp of Nightmare Mist, while harmless, is enough to keep you trapped in a dreamlike state until the preliminaries are over..."

At the same time, Lin Yuan's lips moved slightly, and a wisp of soul power transformed into a soul sound, flying towards the three giants.

Upon receiving the telepathic message, the three leaders seemed slightly taken aback.

Seeing this, Lin Yuan left behind a clone for recording, then turned around, causing a spatial fluctuation around him before his true form disappeared.

Although it was somewhat entertaining, he had no interest in watching the whole thing, which was a "battle of the weak".
-
This is a world of fire.

In a sudden instant, the void began to ripple, and then a figure flashed out from within it...

"Is this the venue for the preliminary rounds? The temperature is terrifying."

Xiao Yan looked around and found that the space he was in was filled with crimson flames. Even those protected by the Wind Fury Dragon Flame felt a burning heat.

Even he was so timid; an ordinary Dou Zong expert probably wouldn't last long here.

With his gaze shifting slightly, Xiao Yan looked at the sea of ​​fire ahead. His keen spiritual power allowed him to sense layers upon layers of spatial power permeating the sea of ​​fire.

In the center of the sea of ​​fire, a dark wormhole was faintly visible, emanating intense spatial fluctuations.

It's obvious that that's the passage to the second level.

"So that's how it is. Crossing the sea of ​​fire is the trial." After a brief investigation, Xiao Yan quickly understood the content of the test. "There are arrays constructed with spatial power within the sea of ​​fire. The distance between here and the central spatial passage is much farther than it appears to the naked eye..."

"Moreover, an invisible spatial barrier also blocked the way." "As expected of the Pill Tower, the level is indeed ingeniously designed. Those who are not strong enough or have a special skill will most likely be eliminated in this level."

"But it has no effect on me now."

With a proud smile, Xiao Yan's mind stirred, and a strange fire slowly surged from within his body, enveloping his entire form. Then, with a swift movement, he sped towards the center of the sea of ​​fire.

This time, for the sake of the Four Directions Pavilion, Xiao Yan will fight for the top spot!
A streak of brownish-yellow flame pierced through the sea of ​​fire, its brute force directly scattering and smashing away anything that tried to block it, whether it be flames or spatial barriers...

The first challenge is not difficult enough to stop a Dou Zun.

Thus, under everyone's watchful eyes, Xiao Yan directly and violently broke through the sea of ​​fire and poured into the central spatial passage.

With him setting an example, others rushed to the passage.

However, most of them had only been in the sea of ​​fire for a moment when their fighting spirit was completely depleted by the terrifying heat. The space around them distorted and then sucked them in. It seemed they had crushed their space stones...

"Aren't we going to make a move?" In one corner of the sea of ​​fire, an ordinary-looking young man turned his head and asked the gloomy young man beside him.

"This place is too close to the entrance. Let's check the situation first."

The gloomy young man surveyed his surroundings, a fierce glint flashing in his blood-red eyes. "After we reach the third level, we'll kill and steal souls there; it'll be more secluded and suitable..."

Their mission was to kill and extract souls, thus creating enemies for the Danta.

Finally, as a genius of the Soul Palace, he won the championship of the Heavenly Pride Competition hosted by the Pill Tower, which greatly damaged the reputation of the Pill Tower.

Just as the two Soul Clan members were lost in thought, two streaks of white light silently flashed by and, before they could react, pierced straight into their foreheads, instantly draining the light from their eyes and leaving them utterly bewildered…

After all the contestants had left, the space rippled slightly, and Tian Leizi's figure appeared in this world of fire.

"As expected, the stench of the rats in the Soul Palace is indeed the most disgusting."

Looking at the Soul Clan duo who were standing there dumbfounded, a fierce glint of killing intent flashed in Tian Lei Zi's cold eyes—as expected, they were two five-star Dou Zun.

The Dog Soul Hall is causing trouble again?!
-
After leaving the Holy Pill Plaza, Lin Yuan went straight back to Tianyou Valley.

After monitoring Dan Chen's advancement and Xin Lan's progress in subduing the Transformation Flame, and confirming that both of them were making steady progress, he entered the depths of Tianyou Valley... the central area enveloped by layers of barriers and formations.

After entering the valley, he moved swiftly and darted to a blue stone platform in the center, where he sat down cross-legged.

"Having advanced to the Dou Sheng realm for several months, my Dou Qi and cultivation level have been honed. With half a month left until the Pill Gathering, I'll take this opportunity to further enhance my strength!"

"This thing can finally be used."

With his mind settled, Lin Yuan flipped his hand, and as the Nether Sea Ring flashed, two drops of purplish-gold blood appeared in his palm.

The moment this drop of blood appeared, the surrounding天地能量 (heaven and earth energy) began to violently fluctuate.

Centered on Lin Yuan, all the energy of heaven and earth within a radius of several hundred feet was driven far away by the pressure of the purple-gold blood.

"As expected of the Dragon Emperor's essence blood, it is so domineering." Seeing this, Lin Yuan couldn't help but smile... Even the energy of heaven and earth was driven away. Such domineering energy is indeed worthy of the essence blood of a half-emperor!

These two drops of purple-gold blood were naturally the blood of Zhu Kun's reverse scale, a blood essence even superior to that of the Yellow Spring Demon Saint.

Although both are peak experts at the half-emperor level, Dragon Emperor Zhukun is still a notch stronger than Yellow Spring Demon Saint in terms of physical body, and the energy in his blood essence is naturally superior.

"After having it for several years, I can finally enjoy this essence blood!" Lin Yuan's eyes sharpened, and his mind connected with the spirit of the pill fire within his body.

"Fu Xuan, lend me a hand!"

"Yes, Master!" A clear, bell-like voice rang out, and pale purple flames gushed out from Lin Yuan's body, gathering in one place and transforming into the delicate figure of a young girl.

After appearing, Fu Xuan didn't need Lin Yuan to say anything; he simply moved and sat opposite the latter on the bluestone platform.

The two exchanged a glance and simultaneously formed a hand seal, releasing two balls of flame, one blue and one purple, which converged in the center to form a fiery cauldron that enveloped the two drops of purple-gold blood. It then unleashed a terrifying temperature capable of scorching the heavens and boiling the seas.

However, the two drops of purple-gold blood showed no fluctuation whatsoever, as if the terrifying high temperature of the strange fire did not exist.

Lin Yuan and Fu Xuan were unsurprised by this and patiently refined the two drops of Reverse Scale Blood.

This refining process lasted for a full two hours.

Two hours later, Lin Yuan opened his eyes, opened his mouth, and a drop of purple-gold blood from the cauldron flew out and directly into his mouth.

The moment the purple-gold blood entered his body, Lin Yuan's robes burst open instantly, and a terrifying energy wave spread out from his body, causing cracks to appear on the nearby rocks.

Within Lin Yuan's body, the violent energy emanating from the purple-gold blood surged wildly like a wild horse.

Such vast and violent energy is enough to kill or burst a Dou Zun powerhouse.

Fortunately, Lin Yuan has now far surpassed the Dou Zun level, so digesting this energy that has been partially refined is not too difficult for him.

Taking a deep breath, Lin Yuan calmed his mind and slowly began to regulate the energy within his body.

Under his near-perfect control, the raging energy that had been like a wild horse began to return to his control one by one, and under the tempering of the strange fire, it slowly became gentle, merging into every part of his body.

On the mountain rocks, Lin Yuan sat cross-legged, a dense aura of energy accompanying his breath, coiling upwards like a dragon of energy before finally disappearing into the world...

Beside her, Fu Xuan stretched out her jade hand and collected another drop of purple-gold blood.

The spirit of Danhuo gave Lin Yuan a deep look, then formed a hand seal, which instantly transformed into purple flames and returned to Lin Yuan's Qi Sea to take up its position.

Subsequently, while absorbing the essence and blood energy from the Devouring Power and converting it into her own pure primordial power to make up for the consumption of the separated sub-fire, she also helped Lin Yuan regulate the energy in his body and accelerate his advancement.

The massive array centered on the bluestone platform also began to operate rapidly, channeling the vast energy of heaven and earth into the bluestone platform.

As time went by, Lin Yuan's aura as a late-stage One-Star Dou Sheng began to steadily rise.

(End of this chapter)