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

Chapter 190 The Arrival of Cai Lin and the Thriving Spirit Treasure Pavilion

Lu Yu carefully scanned the three options in front of him, his fingers unconsciously tapping his chin as he fell into thought.

"They're all good stuff, and they're exactly what we need right now."

He muttered to himself, "In terms of intrinsic value, the Thunder Emperor Dragon King Fist, a perfected divine technique, is naturally the most amazing, comparable to a high-level Heaven-rank combat skill. Even among the eight ancient clans, this level of combat skill is definitely a clan-protecting treasure."

He changed the subject, his tone becoming more pragmatic: "However, while fighting techniques are good, one must act according to one's ability. I am only at the Dou Zun level now, and being able to barely use a low-level Heaven-rank fighting technique is already my limit. Heaven-rank fighting techniques are originally prepared for Dou Sheng level experts, and only they can unleash their full power. If I were to covet this divine technique now, it would be like a child wielding a sledgehammer, harming myself before harming the enemy, and ultimately losing more than I gain."

His gaze finally settled on option one: "In comparison, this superior-grade spiritual fruit, the Netherworld Fruit, can nourish the soul, which is exactly what we need right now. Improving the soul's power has all-round benefits for alchemy, cultivation, and even combat strength. A solid foundation is the way to long-term success."

"As for that Heavenly Demon Puppet at the Dou Zun level..."

Lu Yu shook his head. "Although it can immediately add a considerable amount of combat power, it is ultimately an external thing, and its value is the lowest. There is no need to choose it."

Having made up his mind, Lu Yu no longer hesitated and, with a thought, chose the Netherworld Fruit.

The next moment, a fruit that was entirely deep black appeared out of thin air and landed in his palm. The surface of the fruit faintly shimmered with light and emitted a strange fragrance that made one's soul tremble.

As the strange fragrance permeated his senses, Lu Yu immediately sat down cross-legged and swallowed the Netherworld Fruit without hesitation.

The fruit melts in your mouth, instantly transforming into a cool yet incredibly powerful torrent that doesn't rush into your limbs but directly assaults your mind!

His soul, like a parched sponge encountering sweet spring water, frantically absorbed this extremely pure soul power. In his mind, the black flame longsword was now trembling violently, emitting a joyful hum.

The black flames on the sword burned fiercely, becoming solid and stronger at a visible speed, emitting a dazzling light that was terrifying.

After an unknown amount of time, the immense soul power was finally completely absorbed. Lu Yu slowly opened his eyes, a glint of light flashing within them. His senses became clearer than ever before; he could perceive even the subtle flow of energy in the surrounding world and the movement of dust particles.

He focused his mind inward, sensing the surging power emanating from the more refined soul sword burning with raging black flames in his mind, and a satisfied smile appeared on his lips.

Late stage of the Spirit Realm, achieved!
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Soon after,

As Lu Yu stepped out of the cultivation room, an unprecedented silence enveloped him. Tianmu Mountain, which was usually bustling with activity, now seemed deserted and desolate, with only the howling wind.

Since the departure of the ancient clans, Venerable Tianhuo has been eagerly seeking a secluded place to cultivate the Nine Yuan Returning to Truth Manual, preparing to break through to the First Dou Zun realm.

Meanwhile, Hei Qing was watching over Zi Yan in the back mountain.

On ordinary days, only Little Fairy Doctor would often appear in the courtyard, adding a touch of warmth to this desolate place.

"Strange, where did Xian'er go?"

Lu Yu frowned slightly. His powerful soul force, which was at the late stage of the Spirit Realm, spread out like mercury. He carefully sensed the entire mountain peak, but still could not detect that familiar gentle aura. A sense of surprise and concern rose in his heart.

Just as he was about to continue his search, a clear and melodious laugh suddenly came from the distant horizon.

Lu Yu looked in the direction of the sound and saw several streaks of light rushing toward the summit of Tianmu Mountain. The white figure at the head of the group was none other than Little Fairy Doctor.
In the blink of an eye, a stream of light fell, revealing Little Fairy Doctor and several graceful women behind her, each with an extraordinary aura.

"You've finally emerged from seclusion!" Little Fairy Doctor smiled sweetly, stepping aside to let me see who I've brought with me.

Before the words were finished, a graceful and alluring purple figure stepped out from the crowd.

Her beauty was unparalleled, her brows exuding a natural majesty and allure. A purple dress accentuated her breathtaking curves. Who else could she be but Queen Medusa, Cai Lin?

Her red lips curved slightly, her deep eyes fixed on Lu Yu, and she said with her usual languid charm, "You're really enjoying being a hands-off manager. We've brought you most of the elite personnel from the Black Corner Region's Spirit Treasure Pavilion."

Beside her, a young girl in a light green dress timidly peeked out, her clear eyes brimming with joy and excitement. She called out softly but clearly, "Young...Young Master! We've arrived!"

It was a blue scale.

Behind them, dozens more figures landed one after another, all of them elite members of the Lingbao Pavilion brought from the Black Corner Region.

At this moment, their faces were filled with excitement and awe as they bowed to Lu Yu in unison, saying, "Greetings, Pavilion Master!"

This unexpected reunion left Lu Yu stunned, and then a genuine look of joy appeared on his face.

His gaze swept over the familiar faces, and he was about to speak when a look of surprise flashed in his eyes. His gaze settled on an elderly man in a blue robe with slightly graying hair and beard at the side of the crowd, and his tone was filled with surprise and concern: "Elder Hai? What brings you... here too?"

The old man in blue robes was none other than the Ice Emperor Hai Bodong.

Upon hearing this, he stroked his beard and smiled. Although his face showed signs of fatigue from the long journey, his spirit was extremely vigorous.

Before he could speak, the alluring Cai Lin, with her red lips slightly parted, lazily and with a hint of playfulness, answered on his behalf:
"What? Doesn't our Grand Pavilion Master Lu welcome him? This Ice Emperor is now at the peak of Dou Huang, only one step away from the Dou Zong realm."

“I’ve heard that the Heavenly Blood Pool of your Tianmu Mountain has the miraculous effect of helping people break through to the Dou Zong realm. Such an opportunity should not be wasted on outsiders, so I’ve decided to bring him along. This will allow him to take advantage of this opportunity to try and break through to the Dou Zong realm.”

Hai Bodong also smiled and cupped his hands, his voice booming: "Hehe, Pavilion Master, this old man of mine has come to bother you after hearing Queen Medusa's words, hoping to bask in the glory of your Tianmu Mountain and try my luck at reaching the Dou Zong realm!"

Lu Yu suddenly realized, and looking at the meticulously planned Cai Lin and the spirited Hai Bodong, his smile grew even brighter: "So that's how it is! This is a great thing! Elder Hai, rest assured, the best spot in the Blood Pool will be reserved for you! It will help you break through to the sect in one fell swoop!"

Immediately, Lu Yu seemed to realize something, his brows furrowed slightly, and he continued to ask, "Where is Wuya? Didn't he come with us?"

"He stayed behind in Black Corner to oversee the overall situation there."

Cai Lin lazily tossed a strand of hair and explained, "After all, the Lingbao Pavilion branch needs a capable person to oversee it. With him here, we can be assured of safety."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yu's brows relaxed, and he nodded. Wu Ya was experienced and ruthless in his actions, and having him oversee the Black Corner Region was indeed a prudent move.

"Today, old friends and new acquaintances gather here, which is truly a great joy for our Lingbao Pavilion!" Lu Yu said with great joy, "We should hold a banquet to welcome you all and wash away the dust of your journey!"

That night, the summit of Tianmu Mountain was transformed from its usual quiet and cold atmosphere into a brightly lit place filled with laughter and joy. At the grand banquet, the aroma of fine wine wafted through the air, and the tables were laden with delicacies.

The group that had traveled from afar from the Black Corner Region joined Lu Yu, Little Fairy Doctor, and others in drinking and chatting, reminiscing about the past and looking forward to the future, creating a lively and extraordinary atmosphere.

As the head of the pavilion, Lu Yu was naturally the focus of everyone's toasts. He was in high spirits and accepted all the toasts, drinking countless cups. The banquet did not end until late at night.

Late at night, the summit of Tianmu Mountain returned to tranquility after the banquet, with only the moonlight casting its clear glow.

"crunch..."

The door was gently pushed open. Little Fairy Doctor helped Lu Yu slowly into the room. He swayed slightly, and a strong smell of alcohol filled the air. His dark hair was somewhat disheveled, and his cold profile was flushed with a faint blush in the candlelight. His deep eyes were half-closed, as if he was already drunk.

Only Little Fairy Doctor could sense that his arm, which was resting on her shoulder, was steady and powerful, and that his seemingly unsteady steps were actually very firm.

She understood perfectly well that he had deliberately chosen not to use his battle aura to dispel the wine stains on his body, but instead opted to immerse himself in this rare indulgence and slight intoxication.

She carefully helped him sit down slowly by the bed.

Unlike ordinary drunkards who would fall asleep immediately, Lu Yu wrapped his arm around Xiao Yixian's slender waist and pulled her towards him.

"Xian'er..." he called softly, his voice deeper and hoarse from the alcohol, his warm breath brushing against her ear.

Little Fairy Doctor's cheeks flushed slightly, and she softly hummed in agreement, her voice barely audible: "You naughty guy..."

As the candlelight flickered, it cast their shadows on the wall, their forms subtly overlapping. A few suppressed murmurs quietly rose in the silent room…

The next morning,

Lu Yu slowly opened his eyes. The drunkenness from last night had completely dissipated, and his eyes were clear.

He moved slightly and felt the warmth in his arms. Looking down, he saw Little Fairy Doctor curled up quietly beside him, fast asleep. Her black hair, like a waterfall, was spread out on the pillow, and her fair face still had a touch of lazy and peaceful sleepiness. The corners of her lips were slightly curved, as if she was having a sweet dream.

His gaze softened unconsciously, as if afraid of disturbing her peaceful sleep, and he carefully withdrew his arm from under her neck.

He carefully tucked the blanket around her again before silently getting up.

After getting dressed, he quietly pushed open the door, just as he was about to stretch his muscles, when he saw a graceful purple figure walking towards him from not far away.

Cai Lin held a thick ledger in her hand, seemingly looking for someone.

She looked up and saw Lu Yu, her steps faltering slightly. Her alluring eyes swept over him, and a half-smile curved her red lips as she chuckled knowingly, "Oh, the Pavilion Master is up early. It seems you... slept well last night?"

(End of this chapter)