Reaching the pinnacle from Doupo

Chapter 598 has ended; the next chapter is about to begin.

Looking at Xiao Yan's smiling face, Ling Quan's face flushed red, his eyes filled with anger and resentment.

"They lost so easily?"

Lingquan roared inwardly, filled with incomprehension and humiliation.

He had painstakingly cultivated the Four Seals into One, and he was determined to use the Blood Transformation Technique, but he hadn't even unleashed them yet... This battle, compared to the clan's internal sparring, was simply suffocatingly cruel.

Driven by this unwillingness, Lingquan's body trembled violently, and he struggled fiercely.

However, Xiao Yan's claws were like iron hoops, tightly gripping Ling Quan's neck. No matter how much he struggled, he could not break free from the immense strength comparable to that of a demonic beast. The killing intent in Xiao Yan's eyes and the energy in his palm filled Ling Quan with fear.

Upon seeing this, the audience erupted in an uproar, many of them shocked by the sudden outcome.

They originally thought it would be a close and exciting battle, but unexpectedly it developed in such a one-sided manner, with Xiao Yan easily defeating a three-star Dou Zun.

"Hmph, you're just relying on a sneak attack!" Lingquan said through gritted teeth while coughing up blood, his voice filled with stubbornness and resentment.

"A sneak attack?" Xiao Yan's lips curled up slightly, revealing a mocking smile.

"Is this your excuse for incompetence? Remember, in a battle, victory, defeat, life, and death are the only truths. Who cares what tactics you use? However, someone like you, a hothouse flower, probably wouldn't understand these things..."

Before he finished speaking, he slightly increased the force in his hand, and the sharp energy in his palm, like a blade, slowly sliced ​​through Ling Quan's neck, from which a trickle of blood seeped out.

"If you... if you dare to touch me, my clan will not let you off!"

As Xiao Yan gradually increased his strength, Ling Quan felt it becoming increasingly difficult to breathe, his face turned ashen, and a hint of fear flashed in his eyes as he hurriedly threatened.

Seeing the fear on Ling Quan's face, Xiao Yan's mockery deepened.

He believed that after today's battle, Ling Quan would be left with an unforgettable mark and shadow. No matter what level this guy reached in the future, he would find it difficult to maintain his peak performance in front of Xiao Yan.

Because he had already trampled the other person's proud heart under his feet.

With a cold laugh, Xiao Yan casually flung Ling Quan onto the arena, the powerful force causing cracks to spread across the ground like an earthquake.

"Don't worry, I'm not some evil spirit, I have no intention of killing you."

"Please pass on a message to Gu Yao: I, Xiao Yan, have not forgotten the grudge we had at Canaan Academy, the duel we made... I will definitely seek him out for a battle within three years, so that he will realize his mistake and prepare himself mentally!"

Seeing Ling Quan coughing up blood, Xiao Yan's lips twitched slightly, and a soul voice that no one else could hear rang in Ling Quan's ears.

Lingquan is just an appetizer; the ancient demon is the real culprit of past grievances!

Do you think that person is on the same level as me?

Lingquan struggled to his feet, a ferocious smile spreading across his face. He said hatefully, "You arrogant fool, you don't know your place!"

"This is none of your business." Xiao Yan clapped his hands and coldly replied to Ling Quan. Then he turned around, his gaze falling on the high platform in the distance, and respectfully cupped his hands to the three giants.

Looking down at Xiao Yan, the three giants nodded to themselves, full of admiration—their old friend's successor was indeed outstanding, and he was destined for greatness.

Xuan Kongzi stepped forward, his majestic voice echoing like thunder once again throughout the entire Saint Pill Plaza.

"In the second semi-final match, Chen...Xiao Yan of Sifang Pavilion wins!" Just as he was announcing the result, a familiar voice came from the void, causing him to quickly change the "Chen Yan" he was about to say to "Xiao Yan".

As the verdict was announced, thunderous applause resounded throughout the entire venue.

The entire Saint-Dan Square seemed to be a powder keg that had been ignited, instantly boiling over with cheers, applause, and discussions intertwining to form a wave of sound that soared into the sky.
-
"This member of the Xiao clan is quite extraordinary!" In the audience, Shi Yi stared at Xiao Yan on the square and clicked his tongue in amazement, "With this strength, he could easily be ranked among the top ten of the younger generation of your ancient clans, right?"

Gu Zhen remained noncommittal and did not answer the question directly, but a look of solemnity flashed in his eyes.

Xiao Yan's growth rate did indeed exceed his expectations.

"It seems I need to remind the ancient demon!"

Gu Zhen rubbed his temples, thinking to himself, "With Yao Chen as his backer, Xiao Yan might actually be able to challenge him. I hope he doesn't suffer an unexpected setback."

Although Gu Yao's defeat was beneficial to his own chance to become the commander-in-chief, Gu Zhen was still willing to put aside his petty thoughts when faced with "external war"... His ability to prioritize the big picture and consider the overall situation was a major reason why he was trusted by everyone in the ancient clan and the Black Annihilation Army.

"Qing'er, you continue watching the game, I need to take care of something!"

In a corner of the square, Lin Yuan withdrew his gaze from the arena. Seeing the girl beside him looking excited, a smile appeared on his face, and he said gently.

"Young master, do you need my help?" Qinglin asked.

"No need." Lin Yuan shook his head, glanced at the sky above the square, and said calmly, "It's just setting up some methods. I can do it by myself. You can watch the game without worry."

Without further ado, he vanished from the spot in a flash.

With the battle between Xiao Yan and Ling Quan over, and Xiao Yan's identity exposed... having confirmed what he wanted to confirm and seen what he wanted to see, Lin Yuan had no interest in the upcoming decisive battle between Xiao Yan and Chen Xuanli.

On the other side, Qinglin's eyes narrowed slightly, and a faint light flashed in her emerald eyes. A figure entered a distorted space through spatial changes.

"Is the place where the first stage of the Pill Gathering is being held, young master?"

The girl's barely audible whispers were instantly drowned out by the cheers that rose and fell in the square.
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This is a hazy, gray space, filled with a strange, dark gray gas.

Under the pervasive presence of this eerie gas, visibility was reduced to less than half a meter, and some spaces within sight appeared slightly distorted. If one wandered in haphazardly, one would lose one's way or even become trapped inside.

This space, filled with soul illusions, is a space constructed by powerful members of the Pill Tower.

The first test of the Pill Gathering was to find the right path and leave this strange secret realm space when one's vision and soul power were suppressed by the gray mist.

Of course, this kind of assessment posed no obstacle to Lin Yuan.

He didn't come here to cheat or scout ahead, but to capture the Medicine Spirit and set up some methods in advance.

Opportunities to attack the Medicine Spirit and the Medicine Clan are few and far between, so the first two stages of the Pill Gathering present a rare and excellent opportunity.

The first challenge is the Soul Illusion Realm, and the second challenge is finding medicinal herbs... Both of these challenges require participants to enter an alternate dimension, giving Lin Yuan the opportunity to avoid the Medicine Clan's protectors and set up methods on the medicinal spirits to prepare for the capture operation after the Pill Gathering.

With his mind settled, Lin Yuan's soul power spread out from between his eyebrows, and soon the structure of the entire space appeared in his mind.

Then, he took a deep breath and formed a series of strange hand seals. In no time, the soul power that spread out was like a paintbrush dipped in ink, outlining strange array patterns in the void.

As the last stroke was made, a subtle, hidden array materialized and took shape.

This formation is extremely mysterious, almost completely isolating this illusionary space from the outside world, making it virtually impossible for outsiders to see inside.

After the formation was set up, Lin Yuan's hand seals suddenly changed.

"Nightmare Mist!" With a low shout in his heart, the last hand seal in his hand condensed and took shape. Instantly, white mist surged out of his body and flowed in all directions, intertwining with the gray mist in the space and eventually becoming indistinguishable from each other.

To ensure everything went perfectly, Lin Yuan spent almost an entire day setting up the array and Nightmare Mist flawlessly.

After that, he went to the Pill Realm and set up backup measures there.
-
When Lin Yuan left the Pill Realm and returned to the Inner Domain, the Heavenly Pride Competition had already ended two days prior.

But the thrilling match from a few days ago is still a hot topic among people. You can hear heated discussions about the match everywhere, from the streets and alleys to teahouses and taverns.

The decisive battle between Xiao Yan and Chen Xuanli was the most discussed topic among everyone.

In stark contrast to the two one-sided, decisive semi-final matches, the final battle of the Tianjiao Competition was undoubtedly a closely contested and suspenseful showdown, with both sides fighting fiercely.

Needless to say, Xiao Yan, Yao Lao devoted a great deal of effort to ensuring the success of the Heavenly Tomb expedition.

Under his wholehearted guidance and training, Xiao Yan's martial arts techniques, fighting skills, secret methods, physical body, fighting spirit, and soul... are all outstanding and powerful!
And Chen Xuanli was no less impressive.

Kunwu Sect is a long-established Dou Sheng sect, and it is one of the top three hidden sects on the continent. Its young sect leader's combat strength is naturally extraordinary.

In terms of overall "configuration" beyond cultivation level, Xiao Yan is undoubtedly a few points ahead.

However, Chen Xuanli also has his own advantages. Not only is his cultivation level one star higher than Xiao Yan's, but his martial arts techniques and fighting skills are also comparable to Xiao Yan's, and his combat experience is extremely rich.

In that decisive battle, the two were locked in a stalemate from the very first exchange, fighting fiercely and evenly matched.

From the fierce and dangerous close-quarters combat to the intense battles at long range; from the brutal physical fights to the unpredictable and elusive agility of the footwork contests, the two brought their respective strengths to the extreme.

Finally, to everyone's astonishment, the battle escalated into a clash of Heavenly Rank combat techniques.

The Heaven-Rank Battle Technique Kunwu Shaking Palm and the Heaven-Rank Battle Technique Shocking God Finger... When the two clashed, their power was earth-shattering, as if the end of the world had arrived.

If the three giants hadn't intervened in time, Saint-Dan Plaza would probably be in ruins now.

Even with such a thrilling battle, the two were still unable to determine a winner. In the end, the decisive move was something that no one expected.

When both were nearly exhausted, Xiao Yan used his Spirit Realm Soul to unleash a sonic fighting technique, causing Chen Xuanli to become briefly dizzy, creating a decisive opportunity. He then used the combined Sun and Moon techniques of the Three Lights Seal Technique to secure the final victory.

Then everyone suddenly remembered that as a disciple of the Medicine Saint, Xiao Yan was not only a master of combat, but also a powerful alchemist.

Soul attack is his only natural and decisive move.

The young master of the Four Directions Pavilion, who won the championship, and his real name "Xiao Yan" spread rapidly throughout the Pill Domain along with the title of "Champion of the Heavenly Pride Competition".

Today, in the eyes of many who are unaware of the ancient lineage, Xiao Yan is the second most outstanding talent in the Central Plains.

As for the number one prodigy, it is naturally still Medicine Lord Lin Yuan.

The Valley Master of Calamity Valley, who appears to be equally young but is even more outstanding, is not categorized as a genius, but rather as a powerful figure.

"The Gathering of Prodigies has come to an end. The next event... is the Pill Gathering!"

Lin Yuan strolled casually through the streets of Saint Pill City, listening to the lively discussions of the crowd while observing the situation. He noticed that compared to two days ago, not only was the defense much tighter, but the number of alchemists had also increased significantly.

The grand event for cultivation geniuses has come to an end; next, Saint Pill City will become the arena for alchemists.

This year's Dan conference is different from previous ones, with incredibly generous rewards.

Not only are there high-level pills, cultivation techniques, and fighting skills, but the champion can even obtain a different kind of fire. It is rumored that those who make it into the top ten can obtain different soul cultivation techniques according to their ranking.

This rumor is widely accepted by various factions.

After all, the Pill Tower has given out astonishingly generous rewards for the Heavenly Pride Competition, so why would it be stingy with the rewards for the Pill Gathering, a grand event for alchemists?

A soul cultivation technique—that's truly the most suitable reward, enough to become one of the foundations of a sect.

In order to obtain soul cultivation techniques, many forces in Zhongzhou sent their alchemists to participate in the Pill Gathering. They did not aspire to win the championship or obtain a strange fire, but only hoped to enter the top ten and obtain a scroll of earth-rank or even profound-rank soul cultivation technique. If they could do so, their trip would not have been in vain.

However, Dan's chances of making it into the top ten this time may be much greater than they anticipated.

Lin Yuan strolled along the streets of Saint Pill City, his gaze casually sweeping over his surroundings as he pondered and refined his plan for capturing the medicinal spirit, striving to ensure that nothing went wrong.

If this attempt to capture the medicinal spirit fails, we will have to wait several years for another opportunity.

"Let's prepare to this extent for now, Return to the Valley of Heaven!"

With his mind made up, Lin Yuan no longer hesitated. He moved and transformed into a streak of light, flying towards the entrance of the Small Pill Tower.

When Lin Yuan returned to Tianyou Valley, it was already evening.

A light mist hangs in the valley, which, under the setting sun, resembles a golden veil, adding to the valley's mystery and tranquility. Exotic flowers and plants sway gently in the breeze, releasing their intoxicating fragrance.

Qinglin seemed to have sensed Lin Yuan's return and was already waiting at the valley entrance. Upon seeing Lin Yuan's figure, she immediately hurried over to greet him.

"Young master, you're back! Come with me!"

Before she finished speaking, she pulled Lin Yuan up and flew directly into the depths of Tianyou Valley.

As soon as they entered the secluded valley sealed by the barrier, a beautiful purple figure suddenly darted out from the void and rushed into Lin Yuan's arms, wrapping her arms around his waist.

Immediately, the girl's cunning and charming voice rang in Lin Yuan's ears.

"Hehe, did you miss me? My brother Lin Yuan..."

(End of this chapter)