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

Chapter 195 Xian'er's Persuasion, Lu Yu's Wavering

Seeing the negotiations going so smoothly, Lu Yu's face showed a hint of satisfaction.

He has reached the eighth-grade level in refining Spirit-Nourishing Powder, and is currently the only one in the Spirit Treasure Pavilion capable of doing so. Given the enormous demand from the Pill Tower, it would undoubtedly consume a great deal of his precious cultivation time if he were to do everything himself.

However, he couldn't possibly give up such lucrative profits. Therefore, finding a reliable partner to refine the product on his behalf became the optimal solution.

The Cao and Dan families are the most ideal choices. Since they have already incurred enmity with the Bai and Qiu families, it is only natural to win over the remaining three families.

Otherwise, if the entire Pill Tower is filled with enemies, even as a guest elder of the Pill Tower, he will find it difficult to gain the support of the Pill Tower as a whole.

Seeing that both the Cao and Dan families had readily agreed, Lu Yu turned his gaze to Ye Chong, the eldest elder of the Ye family, who was standing to the side.

A look of extreme embarrassment and awkwardness appeared on Ye Zhong's aged face. His lips trembled slightly, seemingly unable to speak, before finally letting out a bitter sigh and saying in a dry voice, "Sect Master Lu's conditions are very fair, and I have no objections. However, I'm sure you've heard about the current state of my Ye family..."

He paused, his face filled with helplessness and shame: "My Ye family no longer has any alchemists capable of independently refining eighth-grade pills. Even if we were fortunate enough to obtain this refining method, we probably wouldn't be able to refine qualified Spirit-Nourishing Powder..."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yu frowned slightly, looked at Ye Zhong, and did not immediately express his opinion.

Feeling Lu Yu's gaze, Ye Zhong quickly continued, "However, although my Ye family lacks alchemists, we still have some resources! My clan is willing to provide the Lingbao Pavilion with the medicinal materials needed to refine the Spirit-Nourishing Powder every year free of charge. I only ask that the Pavilion Master can grant my Ye family a few portions of Spirit-Nourishing Powder to help my Ye family overcome our difficulties!"

"When my Ye family produces an eighth-grade alchemist again, we will follow the lead of the Lingbao Pavilion!"

After listening, Lu Yu's brows remained furrowed. He did not make a decision immediately, but instead turned his gaze to Cao Ping and Dan Hong beside him and asked, "What are your thoughts on this, Elders?"

Cao Ping and Dan Hong exchanged a glance but did not answer immediately. Ye Zhong quickly moved closer to the two of them, lowered his voice, and whispered a few words earnestly.

Cao Ping and Dan Hong exchanged glances, seemingly weighing the pros and cons, before finally nodding slightly to Lu Yu to indicate that they had no objections.

Lu Yu observed all of this, tapped his fingers lightly on the table, pondered for a moment, and then slowly spoke: "Since Elders Cao and Dan have no objections, and Elder Ye is so sincere... then so be it."

His gaze returned to Ye Zhong, and he said in a deep voice, "In that case, the Spirit Treasure Pavilion will take 50% of the annual Spirit-Nourishing Powder, the Cao and Dan families will each take 20%, and the Ye family will take 10%. Does anyone have any objections to this distribution?"

Upon hearing this, the three people below exchanged a glance.

Ye Zhong quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands and said, "Sect Master Lu, my Ye family is currently not strong enough. We only need to take three portions of Spirit-Nourishing Dust each year. We will not take more than that. The remaining portions can be discussed and allocated by the Cao and Dan families."

Upon hearing this, Cao Ping and Dan Hong exchanged a glance and nodded slightly, having no objection to the arrangement.

Seeing this, Lu Yu's eyes flashed with curiosity, but he didn't ask any further questions.

He then changed the subject, looking directly at Ye Zhong, and added in a calm yet undeniable tone, "Furthermore, I have another request. I've heard that the Ye family possesses an 'Ancient Altar of Yang Fire,' which contains extremely pure Yang fire, and is exceptionally mysterious. I need the right to use this altar for a hundred years."

Upon hearing the words "Yanghuo Ancient Altar," Ye Zhong's facial muscles twitched violently, and a look of extreme heartache flashed in his eyes—it was undoubtedly one of the Ye family's most precious inherited resources.

However, after a brief struggle, he gritted his teeth and nodded emphatically, saying, "Alright! As long as Pavilion Master Lu keeps his promise and agrees to all the conditions just now, my Ye family... is willing to lend the Yang Fire Ancient Altar for a hundred years!"

Seeing Ye Chong agree so readily, Lu Yu's smile deepened. The reason he wanted this Yang Fire Ancient Altar was because it contained a "Ground Core Fire Pearl" of extremely high grade, which was the essence of the earth's fire.

It is a rare and highly nourishing substance for both the Earth Core Flame and the nascent Strange Flame Spirit.

Now that the Ye family has come knocking on our door, we should naturally try to squeeze a hefty sum out of them.

"Since everyone agrees with the terms, let's establish a soul contract. We'll ask the Dan Tower headquarters to witness this agreement later to ensure its fairness."

Lu Yu looked around at the three of them and said in a calm tone.

Cao Ping, Dan Hong, and Ye Zhong all had no objections. Soon, a contract containing the binding force of souls was drafted.

With the matter settled, both Cao Ping and Dan Hong wore satisfied smiles. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, they contentedly took their leave first.

Relieved that his family might produce another eighth-grade alchemist, Ye Zhong's previously heavy heart lightened considerably. Before leaving, he solemnly handed a smooth, warm jade slip to Lu Yu:

"Sect Master Lu, this is a communication jade slip from my Ye family. If you have time to visit Ye City in the future and wish to use the Yang Fire Ancient Altar, you only need to inject your battle qi into this item, and I will be able to sense it. I will personally welcome you and arrange everything for you."

Lu Yu accepted the jade slip with a nod, saying, "Elder Ye, you are very kind."

Seeing Lu Yu accept the jade slip, Ye Chong's smile widened. As if remembering something, he changed the subject, asking with a hint of probing and eagerness, "Uh, I wonder if Pavilion Master Lu is currently married? I have a granddaughter named Xinlan, who is quite young..."

Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly felt a chilling gaze coming from his side. He saw Little Fairy Doctor, who had been standing quietly to the side, still wearing a gentle smile, but her clear eyes were devoid of any warmth as she glanced at him indifferently.

Ye Zhong felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave. The second half of his sentence got stuck in his throat, and a bead of cold sweat even seeped from his forehead. He quickly chuckled awkwardly to cover his embarrassment: "Heh...heh, I was too forward, too forward..."

After saying that, he left in a hurry, almost as if he were fleeing, his back view looking rather disheveled.

Seeing this, Lu Yu shook his head helplessly, glanced at the Little Fairy Doctor beside him who still maintained a gentle smile, and could only cough lightly and put away the jade slip in his hand.

"I think Zi Yan is quite good. She comes from the Ancient Dragon Clan of the Void, so she can be of help to you, and her personality is also familiar with yours..."

Little Fairy Doctor suddenly spoke up.

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed across Lu Yu's eyes: "Why bring this up all of a sudden?"

Little Fairy Doctor didn't answer directly, but only glanced at him lightly, and continued, "Zi Yan is a pure-hearted girl, close to me, and knows me very well. If you could be with her, it would be better than that Gu Xun'er from the ancient clan..."

The thought of that girl in green with an amazing background and unparalleled talent made Little Fairy Doctor feel a sense of crisis.

He had received many opportunities along the way and was only a nine-star Dou Zong, but that young lady from the ancient clan had easily reached the Dou Zun realm. Her talent was truly terrifying.

If we can win over Ziyan and get her on my side... even if Gu Xun'er comes again in the future, the two of us joining forces might be able to put up a fight against her.

These thoughts flashed through her mind, but she showed no sign of it on her face. Instead, she spoke softly, her tone carrying a rare hint of agreement: "Sister Ziyan is innocent and carefree, and she is familiar with you, so I am naturally happy to see it happen."

Lu Yu shook his head, interrupting her: "I've always considered Zi Yan as a younger sister..."

Little Fairy Doctor smiled slightly, her tone still gentle, yet carrying a hint of worldly wisdom, and slowly said, "Of course I know that you treat her like a younger sister now, and have no ulterior motives. But if you really have such thoughts in the future, I will not object."

She looked at Lu Yu with gentle eyes and said softly, "In this Dou Qi Continent, the strong are respected, and it is common for top experts to have multiple confidantes. Besides... it is a good girl like Zi Yan, who is pure-hearted and of noble status."

She subtly shifted her tone, posing a thought-provoking question: "Ask yourself honestly, if one day Ziyan were to wear a wedding dress, marry someone else, and drift further and further away from you... could you truly accept it without any emotional turmoil?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Yu was slightly taken aback.

His previously unwavering "brother-sister" bond was now beginning to waver slightly.

Involuntarily, the image of Zi Yan in her wedding dress walking towards another man surfaced in his mind. The thought of that scene brought an indescribable sense of unease to his heart, causing him to unconsciously furrow his brow.

Seeing Lu Yu's expression change slightly and fall silent, Little Fairy Doctor understood and said no more.

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Soon after,

With mixed feelings, Lu Yu walked towards the quiet room where he was going into seclusion.

As he passed through the courtyard, his gaze inadvertently fell on Zi Yan, who was practicing her fighting skills not far away.

Sunlight shone on her slender figure, and her purple-gold dress outlined her captivating curves. Zi Yan, whom he had always regarded as a younger sister, made his heart skip a beat at this moment. He was suddenly surprised to realize that this girl had grown into such a radiant and beautiful woman, with unparalleled elegance.

A strange stirring and desire quietly arose from the depths of my heart.

Lu Yu suddenly became alert, immediately regaining his composure, his brows furrowing. He subconsciously clenched his fist, secretly wary: "What's wrong with me? How could I have such thoughts about this girl... Could it be that Xian'er was right?"

He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the strange emotions surging within him. He then quickened his pace, no longer looking in Zi Yan's direction, and headed straight for the quiet room.

Xian'er is getting bolder and bolder. I'll punish her severely tonight.

Right now, it's more important to conduct simulations.

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After returning to the quiet room,

Lu Yu sat cross-legged, and a pale blue light screen slowly unfolded in front of him.

(End of this chapter)