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

Chapter 247 Return to Dragon Island, Mid-stage of Heavenly Realm!
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Cai Lin gently pushed Lu Yu away and picked up her scattered clothes to cover herself. Her cold and beautiful face still had a blush that hadn't faded, and even the corners of her eyes were tinged with a hint of spring.

"It's time to go." She turned her back to straighten her clothes, her voice tinged with a hint of panic. "If we stay any longer, Little Fairy Doctor will become suspicious."

Just as she was about to get up, Lu Yu gently wrapped his arms around her from behind. His chin rested on her smooth shoulder, and his voice was languid: "Cai Lin, you're so good to me."

Cai Lin's body stiffened slightly, and the tips of her ears turned red. She bit her lip lightly and nudged him with her elbow: "Stop with the act, get off me."

Lu Yu chuckled and pulled her even tighter: "I'm serious. Queen Medusa, who is usually as cold as ice, can be so gentle."

"Who's being gentle!" Cai Lin turned to glare at him, embarrassed and annoyed, but her momentum vanished when she met his smiling eyes. "I was just keeping my promise..."

Lu Yu's fingertips gently traced her flushed cheeks, his warm breath brushing against her ear, his voice carrying a hint of seduction: "Then... shall we keep our promise one more time?"

Before Cai Lin could respond, his lips were already on hers. This kiss was different from the previous one; it carried a hint of forceful dominance that left her instantly flustered.

Unbeknownst to her, her body gradually softened, and her hands, which had initially been pushing him away, had somehow wrapped around his neck.

The seven-colored lotus throne seemed to sense the passion between the two, radiating an even softer halo that enveloped their intertwined figures in a hazy glow. Her clothes had unknowingly slipped down, revealing her fair shoulders.

"Mmm..." Cai Lin couldn't help but murmur softly, her fingertips unconsciously tightening.

The water in the pool rippled gently, reflecting the intertwined figures on the lotus throne.

……

As the passion subsided, Lu Yu carefully straightened her clothes, his movements as gentle as if handling a rare treasure. He placed a kiss on her smooth forehead, his voice still hoarse with emotion: "Wait for me to return from Dragon Island."

Cai Lin nodded gently, her beautiful eyes shimmering with tears. She watched his figure slowly rise and finally disappear into the rippling pool, the warmth of their bodies still lingering on the lotus seat.

She raised her hand and gently touched the forehead where he had kissed her, a hint of tenderness and reluctance flashing in her eyes that she herself did not notice.

……

Soon after,

After leaving the blood pool, Lu Yu went straight to a courtyard and found Zi Yan playing with a crystal-clear spiritual fruit.

"Ready to set off?" Zi Yan looked up, her purple eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Yes, it's time to go to Dragon Island." Lu Yu nodded slightly. "It's time to help you refine that Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit."

Zi Yan immediately jumped up excitedly, her long purple hair drawing a beautiful arc in the air: "I've been looking forward to this day for so long!"

Seeing her so excited, Lu Yu couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head: "Don't get too excited yet. I have to say this upfront: with my current cultivation level, I'm not very confident in refining a ninth-grade Xuan Dan."

His expression turned serious: "However, after refining the Dragon-Phoenix Supreme Pill and personally experiencing its medicinal properties, the success rate has increased by 20%. If an accident does occur during the refining process..."

Lu Yu paused for a moment, then continued, "I can at least guarantee that the pills will be temporarily sealed, and the medicinal power of the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit will not be wasted."

“The formation of a ninth-grade Xuan Dan requires an extremely large amount of energy from heaven and earth.” He continued to explain, “Ancient records state that in ancient times, whenever a ninth-grade Xuan Dan was born, the surrounding area would become barren for thousands of miles, because the energy of the entire world would be absorbed by the elixir.”

“The energy concentration in Tianmu Mountain is far from sufficient,” Lu Yu said, looking into the distance. “Only a place like Dragon Island can meet the needs of alchemy.”

Zi Yan nodded in realization: "I see. No wonder you insisted on going to our Dragon Island to refine pills. However, our Dragon Island does have abundant energy, which should be enough to support your pill refining."

"I hope so." Lu Yu sighed softly. "It would be a real pity if the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit, such a rare treasure of heaven and earth, failed to be refined."

……

Three days later, two streaks of light pierced the sky and slowly descended in front of the barrier surrounding Dragon Island.

The entire Dragon Island was enveloped in powerful energy fluctuations. Towering ancient trees could be seen amidst the swirling clouds and mist, and various precious medicinal herbs were faintly visible. Pure energy from heaven and earth rushed towards us like a tidal wave.

The barrier shimmered with light, and a figure emerged from within. Elder Zhuli strode forward, a rare smile appearing on his usually stern face. He cupped his hands in greeting from afar, saying, "It is truly an honor for our clan that young friend Lu Yu has come to my Donglong Island."

He scrutinized Lu Yu closely, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes: "I've heard from Zi Yan that young friend Lu has not only advanced to the Dou Sheng realm, but has also become a ninth-grade alchemy grandmaster. Now even I should respectfully address him as the Heavenly Flame Saint."

These words were extremely polite, a stark contrast to his usual attitude. Clearly, in Elder Zhuli's mind, Lu Yu now deserved such treatment.

"Elder, you flatter me." Lu Yu returned the greeting with a cupped hand.

Zhu Li stepped aside to make way and gestured for them to enter: "Please follow me inside. The matter of the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit is of great importance. Our island's First Elder and Second Elder have both emerged from seclusion and are currently waiting for us in the main hall."

Upon hearing this, Zi Yan's eyes lit up, and she gently tugged at Lu Yu's sleeve, heading into the barrier. Elder Zhu Li followed closely behind, watching the two figures side by side, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

Passing through the shimmering, colorful barrier, a dense surge of energy immediately enveloped them. The three walked along the cobblestone path, ancient trees towering on both sides, with glistening dewdrops formed from condensed energy faintly visible among the branches and leaves. In a short while, a magnificent palace appeared before them, the three ancient characters "Eastern Dragon Palace" shining brightly above the palace gate.

Upon entering the main hall, one sees two elderly men with white hair sitting in the main seats. The man on the left is dressed in a green robe and has a lean face; the man on the right is dressed in a white shirt and exudes an air of authority.

The two exuded profound and unfathomable auras, clearly indicating they were both Dou Sheng experts, far surpassing ordinary Dou Sheng. Simply by sitting there, the naturally flowing energy around them enveloped the entire hall in an invisible pressure.

Upon seeing the three enter, the two elders simultaneously looked up. When their gazes fell upon Lu Yu, they both nodded slightly in acknowledgment. The elder in the green robe spoke first, his voice gentle and refined: "This must be young friend Lu Yu, right? Truly, heroes emerge from among the young."

"I am Qingshan, the Grand Elder of Donglong Island, and this gentleman beside me is Qingmu, the Second Elder. We have truly troubled you with the matter of Ziyan, young friend..."

Lu Yu bowed respectfully, saying, "You two elders are too kind. Zi Yan and I are very close friends, and this is just my duty."

Elder Qingshan stroked his beard and smiled, a look of approval flashing in his eyes: "Since you wish to refine pills for Ziyan, my Dragon Island will certainly do its utmost to assist you. What materials do you need? You may take whatever you need from the treasures in Dragon Island's treasury."

Lu Yu took out a jade slip that had been prepared beforehand and gently unfolded it: "This is a list of the main auxiliary materials needed for refining. A total of 367 kinds of rare and precious materials are required, including 12 core auxiliary ingredients."

The jade slip shimmered with light, and was densely listed with the names of various rare medicinal herbs.

Elder Qingmu took the jade slip and examined it briefly, his expression remaining calm: "These materials are all stored in the treasure vault. However... does my young friend require any special conditions?"

Lu Yu pondered for a moment: "Besides these materials, we also need a place with extremely abundant energy for alchemy. It would be best if it were close to the core of Dragon Island's energy network, so as to ensure an uninterrupted energy supply during alchemy."

The two elders exchanged a glance upon hearing this. Elder Qingshan stroked his beard and pondered for a moment, then suddenly said, "In that case, my secluded cultivation place, 'Azure Dragon Pool,' meets the requirements. It is one of the three major energy nodes of Dragon Island. I will have it prepared immediately."

These words surprised even Elder Zhuli, who was standing nearby. The Azure Dragon Pool was the Grand Elder's secluded retreat where he had cultivated for hundreds of years, and he had never allowed outsiders to enter.

Lu Yu was also slightly surprised, and solemnly cupped his hands: "Thank you, Elder. However, before that, please allow me to go into seclusion for three days to carefully deduce the alchemy process. The Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit is too precious, and we must ensure that nothing goes wrong."

"That's only right." Elder Qingshan nodded in satisfaction and instructed Zhuli, "Take young friend Lu Yu to the quiet room. During this time, no one is allowed to disturb him."

After Lu Yu left with Zhu Li, Elder Qingmu said softly, "Big Brother even gave up the Azure Dragon Pool. It seems he has high expectations for this boy."

Elder Qingshan gazed out of the hall, his eyes deep: "To achieve such accomplishments at such a young age, this child's future is limitless. Besides... given the current state of Dragon Island, what could possibly be of interest to others?"

“This shows,” he slowly withdrew his gaze, “that this boy is truly sincere towards Ziyan.”

Elder Qingmu nodded slightly, his brows furrowing: "However, the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit is of paramount importance; if the refining fails..."

"Since you've chosen to trust him, there's no need to worry anymore," Elder Qingshan interrupted, waving his hand. "Besides, do you think a ninth-grade grandmaster of alchemy would do something he's not sure of?"

……

Shortly after, inside the quiet room.

Lu Yu sat cross-legged, with a small Soul Infant Demon Tree floating in front of him. Nourished by the Flame of Life, the tree grew at a visible speed and soon bore three silver-glowing fruits.

"I hope to break through to the mid-stage of the Heavenly Realm with this..." Lu Yu gently stroked the Soul Infant Fruit, feeling the pure soul power contained within it.

He knew very well that refining a ninth-grade profound pill not only required a massive amount of energy, but also placed extremely high demands on one's soul realm. If he could break through to the mid-stage of the Heavenly Realm, the success rate of refining the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit would increase by at least 10%.

After adjusting his state, Lu Yu consumed the first silver-grade Soul Infant Fruit. A gentle yet powerful soul force slowly spread through his mind, nourishing the origin of his soul like spring rain moistening the earth.

He activated the Thunder Emperor's Book, using the power of thunder to guide this energy to circulate in his mind.

Three hours later, the energy of the first Soul Infant Fruit was completely absorbed. Lu Yu could clearly feel the growth of his soul power, but he was still far from breaking through.

Without hesitation, he swallowed the second Soul Infant Fruit. This time, the surge of soul power was even more pronounced, and silver ripples appeared in his mind. Under the tempering of the power of lightning, the essence of his soul began to undergo subtle changes.

When he consumed the third Soul Infant Fruit, his soul power had reached a critical point. Lu Yu felt as if there was a barrier in his mind hindering his breakthrough; it was the bottleneck of the early stage of the Heavenly Realm.

"It's still a bit short..." He sighed softly and induced the birth of two more silver-grade Soul Infant Fruits.

After consuming the fourth Soul Infant Fruit, soul power surged against the barrier like a flood. A brilliant silver light shone in his mind, and his soul essence became increasingly solidified under the tempering of lightning power.

When the fifth Soul Infant Fruit was consumed, the long-accumulated soul power finally underwent a qualitative change. A crisp shattering sound rang in his mind, as if some kind of shackle had been broken.

The surging energy gradually subsided, transforming into an even more vast and profound silver ocean.

Lu Yu slowly opened his eyes, his pupils shimmering with silver light. Sensing a soul power several times stronger than before, he gently exhaled a breath of stale air.

I've finally reached the mid-stage of the Heavenly Realm!
"Luckily, I chose the Flame of Life back then..."

Feeling the warm, emerald-green flames within his body, Lu Yu couldn't help but exclaim, "This strange fire, ranked fifth on the Strange Fire Ranking, truly lives up to its reputation."

(End of this chapter)