While the player is in Battle Through the Heavens, the system is in The Great Ruler.

Chapter 167 Double Happiness, Both Breakthroughs!
After seeing Xuan Kongzi off,
Lu Yu did not rush to deal with other matters. Instead, he sat idly in the courtyard with Zi Yan and Little Fairy Doctor for a while, and briefly talked about the poison pill and their plans for future cultivation.

Little Fairy Doctor said she wasn't in a hurry. She had been meditating and cultivating normally in the inner domain recently, and her cultivation speed had already improved quite rapidly, so Lu Yu didn't need to worry too much.

Meanwhile, Zi Yan was half-coaxed and half-persuaded by Hei Qing under the pretext of "teaching the exclusive fighting techniques of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan," and they began to whisper among themselves.

After the two women went about their business, Lu Yu sat down comfortably on a stone bench in the courtyard, took out a jade slip with a smooth texture and a cool touch, and began to carefully study the contents recorded on it—it was the method for setting up a level five spirit gathering array.

After breaking through to the Spirit Realm, his perception and control far surpassed what he had before, making him qualified to set up a Level 5 Spirit Array.

As one of the most basic and commonly used spirit arrays in the vast world, the core principle of the Spirit Gathering Array lies in efficiently gathering the energy of heaven and earth.

The fact that it is commonly used often means that its structure has been optimized through countless generations, and the threshold is relatively simple compared to other spirit arrays. Lu Yu's plan is to first comprehend the level 5 spirit gathering array and then use it to accelerate his cultivation.

……

After a few days,

Lu Yu slowly opened his eyes, his gaze sparkling with enlightenment. With a thought, he swiftly formed hand seals, unleashing a surge of immense spiritual power that drew upon the energy of heaven and earth, sketching intricate and profound spiritual seals above the courtyard.

Countless shimmering spiritual imprints rapidly coalesced, intertwining, merging, and recombining in the air as if they possessed a life of their own.

After several meticulous adjustments and attempts, accompanied by a slight energy fluctuation, a level-five spirit-gathering array covering the entire courtyard finally started operating successfully!
A powerful suction force emanated from the formation, frantically drawing in the energy of the surrounding world. The dense energy even condensed into a light mist, continuously converging and instantly transforming the entire courtyard into a sacred cultivation ground brimming with energy.

"This is... a formation?"

Hei Qing, who was intently teaching Zi Yan Ancient Dragon Fighting Techniques in a corner of the courtyard, suddenly turned his head, a hint of undisguised surprise flashing in his copper bell-like eyes.

With his insight and perception, he could clearly tell that the array in front of him was of a very high grade and could not be set up by an ordinary array master.

Through his time with Zi Yan, he had learned from her that this young man, not yet twenty, was already a peak Dou Zong expert and held the prestigious title of an eighth-grade alchemist. Now, he was displaying such exquisite skill in array formations…

Even someone as knowledgeable as Hei Qing couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion at this moment.

However, Lu Yu had no idea what Hei Qing was thinking at that moment.

He composed himself, turned his gaze to Little Fairy Doctor and Zi Yan, and said with a slightly solemn expression, "The Level 5 Spirit Gathering Array is complete. I need to take this opportunity to go into seclusion for a period of time and make every effort to break through to the Dou Zun realm. During this period, if Guild Master Xuan Kongzi asks about the Spirit-Nourishing Powder, I would appreciate it if you could help me make excuses."

Upon hearing this, Little Fairy Doctor nodded gently and said softly, "You can go into seclusion without worry. Don't worry about things outside."

She was calm and composed, and naturally understood the importance of the matter. Refining the Spirit-Nourishing Powder was important, but compared to her man breaking through to the Dou Zun realm, the latter was undoubtedly more crucial.

Zi Yan, standing to the side, brightened up and excitedly ran to Lu Yu's side, tugging at his sleeve and pleading, "I know! But Lu Yu, after you come out of seclusion, remember to make me lots and lots of delicious pills! I want those sweet, energy-rich ones from last time too!"

Upon hearing the word "pills" and seeing Zi Yan's greedy expression, Hei Qing, who was standing not far away, couldn't help but twitch the muscles on his bronze face and his lips twitched violently.

He was speechless for a moment. He couldn't help but want to dissuade Zi Yan from begging for food, but seeing her happy expression, he swallowed his words.

Seeing this, Lu Yu couldn't help but smile, ruffled Zi Yan's hair, and said with a smile, "Alright, as you wish. I'll start a furnace for you when I come out of seclusion."

Having finished giving his instructions, Lu Yu didn't linger. He turned around and stepped into the core of the Spirit Gathering Array, where the energy was most concentrated. His figure was slowly engulfed by the misty energy, and he officially began his seclusion.

……

Upon entering the core of the Spirit Gathering Array, a vast expanse of energy mist rippled between heaven and earth as if it were a tangible substance. Due to the immense and condensed energy, everything within sight became exceptionally blurry, even fingers were faintly visible in the thick fog, indistinct and unclear.

Lu Yu took a deep breath, feeling his battle qi instantly surge and leap. He was in the inner region of the Pill Tower, where the energy was most concentrated in the Central Plains, and was further enhanced by the ultimate support of the Level 5 Spirit Gathering Array.

The energy concentration here is probably comparable to the cultivation environment enjoyed by the core disciples of the eight ancient clans.

Lu Yu immediately sat cross-legged, formed hand seals, and the Great Floating Pagoda Technique was activated. A vast amount of heaven and earth energy surged forth, flowing in like a dragon, continuously pouring into him...

In just a short while, Lu Yu's figure was completely engulfed by the surging, almost liquefied energy tide.

His body, however, seemed to have transformed into a bottomless black hole, endlessly devouring and refining all the incoming energy with an almost greedy and frenzied attitude.

This was an almost ultimate cultivation experience. Almost every moment, he could clearly feel the astonishing increase in his own cultivation level that was visible to the naked eye, and a feeling of exhilaration, with power filling his heart, spread through him.

In short, the repair was great!
Time flies by in the midst of cultivation, and two months have passed in the blink of an eye.

On this day, the energy mist at the core of the Spirit Gathering Array suddenly surged violently, as if it were being stirred by an invisible giant hand!
Lu Yu, who was sitting cross-legged, suddenly opened his eyes, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, as if they were real.

boom!
In an instant, an immense and unparalleled aura surged forth from his body, and a terrifying suction force suddenly erupted. Centered on him, the energy of heaven and earth within a radius of a hundred feet was instantly sucked away, forming a brief vacuum zone!

Even the stable level-five spirit-gathering array flickered violently due to this sudden and frantic extraction, and the array's operation suddenly stalled, almost coming to a complete halt!

At this moment, Lu Yu felt an extremely powerful energy, like a tidal wave, sweeping through his body.

An indescribable feeling of exhilaration spread from his limbs and bones, instantly breaking through that incredibly solid barrier!
At this moment, his cultivation level suddenly stepped into a completely new realm—Battle Venerable! Battle Venerable!

"call!"

Lu Yu exhaled a breath of stale air and looked up, only to see that the thick fog around the courtyard had dissipated completely in an instant.

Inside the courtyard, Little Fairy Doctor, Zi Yan, and Hei Qing all looked at him with surprise, their eyes filled with a mixture of shock and joy.

However, before they could even speak, another aura, no less powerful and perhaps even more so, suddenly erupted from the backyard!
hum-

Space trembled, and invisible energy ripples spread out like a tide. On the stone platform in the backyard, the body obtained from the old demon was now bursting with dazzling light, as if a sun had awakened at this moment.

Within his body, the soul of Venerable Heavenly Fire shone with unprecedented intensity, and vast energy gathered wildly, forming a huge energy vortex above the courtyard, its power terrifying.

"This is... Elder Yao is about to awaken!"

Little Fairy Doctor exclaimed in surprise, a look of astonishment flashing in her eyes. The next moment, the body suddenly opened its eyes, its gaze shining brightly, devoid of any trace of death. The figure took a step forward, its hair and beard white, yet its spirit vigorous and its aura soaring to the heavens. Who else could it be but the fully resurrected Heavenly Fire Venerable?

He roared to the sky, his voice clear and resonant, filled with boundless joy! The roar stirred the energy of heaven and earth, and his majestic aura rose steadily, breaking through all barriers and stopping abruptly at the peak of the Nine-Star Dou Zun level!

"Hahaha! I, Yaotianhuo, have returned to the Dou Zun realm today!"

Almost at the same time, Lu Yu was also filled with excitement, feeling the new power surging like the sea within his body, and couldn't help but let out a long roar.

Two whistling sounds, one powerful and the other clear, intertwined and swirled, soaring straight into the sky, causing the surrounding space to hum and vibrate. It was like the cries of a fledgling phoenix and the cries of an old phoenix echoing each other, bringing endless joy!

This sudden double breakthrough, along with the two overwhelming Dou Zun auras that could change the very heavens and earth, caused the three people in the courtyard to look at each other in disbelief, each seeing undisguised shock in the other's eyes.

The Fairy Doctor gently covered her red lips with her slender hand, her eyes sparkling with wonder.

Ziyan waved her little fists excitedly, almost jumping up to clap and cheer.

Even Hei Qing, a man of great experience and strength himself, showed astonishment on his rugged face. He touched his nose and sighed in a deep voice, "A nine-star Dou Zun, this kid actually has such a powerful protector by his side..."

As the long howl subsided, Venerable Heavenly Fire gracefully descended and landed in front of Lu Yu. His aged eyes were filled with relief and gratitude. He cupped his hands and solemnly said, "Thank you for your help, Pavilion Master. I will never forget this life-saving grace!"

Lu Yu suppressed his aura, his face beaming with a hearty smile, and returned the greeting with clasped hands: "Elder Yao, you flatter me. Congratulations on your successful recovery and your unexpected blessing in disguise, as you have stepped into the realm of Nine-Star Dou Zun!"

At this moment, Lu Yu's mind was perfectly clear. Originally, according to his estimation, the body of the Seven Star Dou Zong Earth Demon Old Ghost would be used as the base, supplemented by the blood essence of a seventh-tier peak magical beast and an eighth-grade three-colored pill.

This is equivalent to two Dou Zong-level materials plus one Dou Zun-level material, which can at most help Venerable Tianhuo recover to the level of a three-star or four-star Dou Zun.

To reach the level of a five-star Dou Zun, all three materials would probably need to reach the Dou Zun level.

However, the extra small piece of Dou Sheng's hand bone contained power far beyond imagination, and actually produced an amazing effect of turning decay into magic!
It not only perfectly made up for the difference in grade between materials, directly helping Venerable Tianhuo to fully recover, but also broke through to the peak of the Nine-Star Dou Zun!
This is a full five or six stars stronger than the estimated three or four-star Dou Zun! It can be described as a complete transformation!

"If it weren't for the sacred artifact bestowed upon me by the Pavilion Master, how could I have achieved what I have today!"

As the Heavenly Flame Venerable felt the vast and boundless battle qi within his body, his voice trembled slightly with excitement, "I originally thought that being able to recover to the five-star Dou Zun realm would be a stroke of luck, but now this nine-star Dou Zun realm..."

He slowly clenched his fists, the space between his fingers slightly distorting. "This is true power!"

His gaze was intense, as if it could pierce through the void and look towards a more distant future: "What's even more precious is that the sacred artifact has merged with my very essence. From now on, until I reach the Dou Sheng realm, all the barriers and bottlenecks on the path of cultivation will be as useless as they seem to me! Even... the once unattainable Dou Sheng realm now seems to have a glimpse of what it's all about!"

Venerable Tianhuo took a deep breath, suppressing his turbulent emotions. He turned to face Lu Yu, his expression solemn, and bowed deeply with utmost respect: "What the Pavilion Master has bestowed upon me is not only a chance for rebirth, but also a path to the heavens. Such a great favor, Yaotianhuo... will never forget!"

From this day forward, I will be at your service!

Seeing this, Lu Yu quickly stepped forward and reached out to help him up, saying, "Mr. Yao, you are too kind! We have always supported each other along the way, so there is no need for such a grand gesture. I am happy to do my part for you."

"Moreover, in the future, we will still need to rely on the old gentleman's help for all matters of Lingbao Pavilion. Let us work together."

His tone was sincere, his eyes were clear, and there was not a trace of arrogance about his achievements.

Hei Qing, who was standing to the side, took in the whole scene, and a look of surprise and inquiry appeared on his rugged face.

The fact that a powerful expert whose strength had recovered to the peak of the Nine-Star Dou Zun was so sincerely convinced by this young man Lu Yu, and even willing to serve him like a dog, made him even more curious about Lu Yu.

He crossed his arms, his gaze shifting between Lu Yu and Venerable Tianhuo, and muttered in a deep voice, "This kid... is getting more and more interesting."

……

After Venerable Tianhuo broke through, the two chatted for a while.

Heavenly Fire Venerable then turned to look at Black Qing beside him, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes, and said, "Sect Master, who is this person...?"

"This person is Senior Hei Qing of the Ancient Void Dragon Clan, and he is of the same clan as Zi Yan..."

Lu Yu then briefly recounted Hei Qing's origins and the events that had occurred during this period to Venerable Tianhuo.

Then, a thoughtful look flashed in Venerable Tianhuo's eyes, and he said, "Sect Master, now that we have both broken through to the Dou Zun realm, and given that you have become an elder of the Pill Tower and have connections with the Wind and Thunder Pavilion and the Starfall Pavilion in the Four Directions Pavilion, I think it is time for our Lingbao Pavilion to march into the Central Continent."

"With my strength, coupled with the influence of the Pavilion Master, an eighth-grade alchemist, it is enough to lay the first foundation for my Lingbao Pavilion in this Central Continent where powerful figures abound!"

Upon hearing this, Hei Qing, who was standing to the side, showed a hint of surprise in his eyes, but did not say anything. He simply nodded slightly, as if he had also become somewhat interested in this plan.

Then, Lu Yu smiled and nodded, saying, "That's exactly what I was thinking too. However..."

He changed the subject slightly, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the courtyard before finally settling on Venerable Tianhuo. “The situation in Zhongzhou is complex and far more complicated than it appears on the surface. With one palace, one tower, two sects, three valleys, and four pavilions, various forces are deeply intertwined, and almost all the cultivation treasures have been divided up by these major powers.”

He pondered for a moment and said, "If my Lingbao Pavilion is to establish itself here, the most urgent task is to find a suitable place to set up its mountain gate. This place needs to be rich in energy, have a strategic location, and preferably be located at the intersection of the spheres of influence of various forces, so as to facilitate trade and also to demonstrate the prestige of my pavilion."

Venerable Tianhuo stroked his beard and nodded, his eyes showing approval: "The Pavilion Master's considerations are thorough. But I wonder, does the Pavilion Master already have a suitable choice in mind?"

Lu Yu smiled slightly, a knowing glint in his eyes: "Indeed, there is such a place. I wonder if Elder Yao has ever heard of... the Tianmu Mountains?"

"Tianmu Mountains?"

After a moment's thought, Venerable Tianhuo's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he slowly said, "But what about the Tianmu Mountains, where the 'Heavenly Mountain Blood Pool' occurs every three years and can help peak Douhuang experts break through to the Douzong realm?"

"This is the place."

Lu Yu nodded and said, "The Tianmu Mountains are rich in energy, have a strange terrain, and are further blessed by the Blood Pool. They are truly blessed by nature. Although they are currently being checked and balanced by various forces and no one is in control, given our current strength, it is the most suitable place for us to take this place as our foothold."

……

(End of this chapter)