Battle Through the Heavens: Xiao Yan, I am your second master.

As long as he can refine a seventh-grade pill, Xiao Li doesn't believe that with his support as a seventh-grade alchemist, Yunshan can't defeat a lowly laborer from the Soul Palace.

. . . . . .

"hiss--"

Yunshan gasped, his hands trembling as he took Xiao Li's jade box. He had been longing for the Breakthrough Pill for so long, and now it was finally in his hands.

Yunshan's original plan was to wait until Yunyun completed her trials at the Gate of Life and Death and became the sect leader before he went into seclusion to break through to the Dou Zong realm. However, breaking through to the Dou Zong realm was risky.

If you succeed in breaking through, then you've succeeded and become a true powerhouse on the continent. The Dou Zong realm is the watershed for powerhouses; only those at the Dou Zong realm can be considered true powerhouses!

Failure to break through will not only result in the backlash of the breakthrough, but also a drop in cultivation level.

Yunshan witnessed his master, Yunyan, the seventh generation sect leader of Yunlan Sect, fail to break through to the Dou Zong realm, and her cultivation level dropped to the eight-star Dou Huang realm. She died not long after.

At this moment, the Breakthrough Pill plays a crucial role. This pill doesn't increase raw strength, but it can increase the success rate of a peak Dou Huang (Battle Emperor) when advancing to Dou Zong (Battle Master). Furthermore, it guarantees that even if the user fails to advance to Dou Zong, their strength will remain stable at their pre-advancement level, without any decrease in rank!

Such effects have made many peak Douhuang experts envious.

Many powerful Douhuang cultivators fail to break through to Douzong, perhaps because they are just one Breakthrough Pill away from success. Fear during the breakthrough leads to failure, but with a Breakthrough Pill as a safety net, they have no worries and can move forward bravely, making it easier to succeed.

"This, I cannot accept. I cannot accept something for nothing. I am not the kind of person who would take something for nothing. I am ashamed to accept this from you." Yunshan's reason finally prevailed over his greed, and he pushed the Breakthrough Pill back.

"Oh, Elder Yun, how can you say that? Your breakthrough to Dou Zong is of great benefit to me. I will have to rely on you a lot in the future."

Xiao Li hadn't expected Yunshan to be so principled at this moment. The better, it meant that Yunshan was more worthy of investment!

"What do you mean?" Yunshan asked, puzzled.

"I refined this Breakthrough Pill. Elder Yun knows the quality of the Breakthrough Pill, right? It's a peak sixth-grade pill. My next step in alchemy is to break through to the seventh grade."

However, seventh-grade pills have already begun to possess some intelligence, and most importantly, refining seventh-grade pills will attract pill lightning, which the boy currently lacks the ability to resist.

Therefore, I need Elder Yun's help to resist the Pill Lightning. Of course, it won't be for nothing; I will refine some suitable pills for Elder Yun's cultivation as compensation. What do you say, Elder Yun?"

Xiao Li's words greatly appealed to Yun Shan. He had never seen a seventh-grade pill before, but the books said that seventh-grade pills could indeed attract pill lightning, and that its power was considerable. Even a Dou Zong expert could be injured if not careful; how could a mere Dou Huang withstand pill lightning?

'He wants me to help this kid withstand the Pill Lightning after I break through to the Dou Zong realm? That brat has a good plan. Oh well, he can't possibly torture this old man like me, can he?'

Yunshan thought to himself, hesitated for a while, and finally decided to help Xiao Li. After all, the two of them might become closer in the future. According to Yun Yun's idea, she might have decided to be with Xiao Li for the rest of her life.

Yunshan glanced at Yunyun holding Xiao Li's hand, feeling somewhat displeased.

"Since that's the case, I'll accept it, even if it means losing face." Yunshan accepted the jade box containing the Breakthrough Pill.

Breaking through to the Dou Zong realm is not something that can be achieved overnight. Yun Shan felt that he had not yet reached the peak of Dou Huang. After the Strongest Tournament, Yun Shan would prepare to break through to Dou Zong. With the Breakthrough Pill, Yun Shan's confidence was much greater.

Xiao Li smiled, finally completing a crucial step. With Yun Shan's abilities, one Breakthrough Pill should be enough, right? If not, he could refine another one for him. As a Dou Huang powerhouse who was about to break through to Dou Zong, Yun Shan should have collected the ingredients for the Breakthrough Pill, right?

"Yun'er, show Xiao Li around the sect. I need to cultivate now," Yun Shan said, waving his hand. His meaning was clear: he wanted the two of them to get to know each other better.

"Yes." Yun Yun bowed to Yun Shan and then left with Xiao Li.

The two arrived at Yunlan Square again, where a huge stone monument caught their attention.

The first sect leader of Yunlan Sect: Yun Potian

Second Sect Leader: Yun Yanrou

. . . . . .

Sixth Sect Master: Yun Aokong

Seventh Sect Master: Yun Yan

Eighth Sect Master: Yunshan

Yun Yun's name was not on it. She is still the young sect leader. Once she passes the final test to become the sect leader and completes the trial of the Gate of Life and Death, she will become the ninth sect leader of the Yunlan Sect.

"Hmm? Yun'er, why is there such a dense icy battle aura in the sky above?"

Xiao Li suddenly sensed a strong icy aura emanating from the summit of Yunlan Mountain. As a cultivator of fire-attribute battle qi, Xiao Li was particularly sensitive to this opposite attribute.

“Oh! That was from the battle between Senior Ice Emperor and Teacher. The battle ended with Teacher’s victory,” Yun Yun replied.

"Oh, so it's you, Shenqingqishuang Ge! My apologies for not recognizing you sooner."

Chapter 49 Tournament of the Strongest

One year later,

The Tournament of Strongest Warriors, jointly hosted by the Izumo Empire and the Gama Empire, will be held at the border between the two countries. However, do not assume that the participants in the Tournament are limited to those from the two empires.

The Tournament of the Strongest is a grand event among the many empires of the Northwest Continent. Not only the host empire, but also other empires and forces will come to watch.

Being able to stand out in the Tournament of Strongest People will bring you some fame throughout the Northwest Continent.

Both the Izumo Empire and the Gama Empire have made ample preparations and are old rivals.

The leading figures on the Jia Ma Empire's side are: Emperor Jia Xingtian of Jia Ma, Sect Master Yun Shan of Yunlan Sect, President Wang Ming of the Alchemist Guild, and Ice Emperor Hai Bodong.

The leading figures of the Izumo Empire are: Scorpion Biyan of the Ten Thousand Scorpion Sect, the Emperor of Izumo, Wuya of the Centipede Heaven Palace, Fu Hai, the president of the Izumo Alchemist Guild, the Evil Poison Twin Brothers, the Poison Toad Old Man, and the Silver Snake Old Ghost.

At first glance, it seems that the Chuyun Empire has more Douhuang powerhouses than the Jiama Empire. However, the Chuyun Empire has more sects, while the Jiama Empire only has the Yunlan Sect, which is famous. The Chuyun Empire has many famous sects.

The Jia Ma Empire has a Dou Huang powerhouse, as well as Yun Ji, the Grand Elder of the Yunlan Sect. On the royal side, there is also a sixth-tier guardian beast, the Youhai Jiao Beast (Jingtao Dragon Beast).

Although the Chuyun Empire has many powerful individuals, only Xie Biyan has reached the high-level Dou Huang rank. On the other hand, the Jiama Empire has Jia Xingtian, Yunshan, and Wang Ming, all of whom are high-level Dou Huangs.

Although the number of Dou Huang in the Jia Ma Empire has decreased, the number of top-tier Dou Huang experts is greater than that in the Chu Yun Empire. In comparison, the two empires are actually quite evenly matched.

"Izumo Poison Master, tsk, that inhuman, ghostly appearance is comparable to the Soul Hall," Xiao Li complained, the appearance of Izumo Poison Master opposite him was really not good.

After a year of cultivation, Xiao Li's cultivation level has reached the nine-star Dou Wang level, and he is now working towards breaking through to Dou Huang.

Meanwhile, Xiao Lin, who was beside him, had reached the fifth-star Dou Wang level with the support of Xiao Li's pills. Such rapid progress at the Dou Wang stage was thanks to his younger brother, a sixth-grade alchemist.

"Old ghost Jia Xingtian, I didn't expect you to still be around? Why are you still occupying that emperor's position and not making room for your descendants?"

The Emperor of Izumo spoke first, mockingly. Before the two armies clashed, he launched into a few witty remarks.

Jia Xingtian frowned and said, "Unlike you, I still have a long life ahead of me! You, on the other hand, are practically half-buried. I'm in a good mood today, so I might as well see you off."

"Ha, then let's go!"

Emperor Izumo made the first move, unleashing a terrifyingly dense poisonous battle aura. Jia Xingtian also attacked, using earth-attribute battle aura that condensed into an earth-yellow divine bird that charged towards Emperor Izumo.

"Heh heh, now that the fight has begun, I won't stand idly by either. Who dares to challenge me?"

The old ghost, Silver Serpent, stepped forward. He leaned on a silver cane, his back hunched, and he looked no different from an ordinary old man. However, the powerful figures present felt that he was not a person, but a venomous snake poised to strike.

"Let this old man play with you!"

A middle-aged man dressed in a blue robe stepped out from the Gama Empire.

"Ice Emperor!"

This is the Ice Emperor Hai Bodong, one of the top ten strongest figures in the Jia Ma Empire. He is aloof and arrogant, and once fought a decisive battle with the Yunshan Sect Master at the summit of Yunlan Mountain.

The Ice Emperor emerged, his hands clasped behind his back, emanating a dense aura of ice.

"Ice Emperor? Heh heh heh, let me see just how strong you really are. Serpent Invasion!"

Silver Serpent Old Ghost released countless purple venomous snakes that attacked Hai Bodong.

"Still so flashy." Hai Bodong gathered icy battle qi in his right hand, and ice crystals appeared in the air of this desolate place, and the surrounding temperature dropped accordingly.

"Xuan Bing Long Xiang!"

Roar--

Hai Bodong used his icy battle qi to condense two giant ice dragons, which then attacked the countless poisonous snakes.

"Tsk, Old Man Bing's strength has improved again. Even I might not be able to defeat him." Old Wang sighed. He sensed that Hai Bodong's current cultivation level was probably a five-star Dou Huang, but the power of his icy Dou Qi was astonishing.

"No wonder you seem so refreshed, starting with two ice dragons. But you won't be laughing after you encounter the snake."

Xiao Li observed the battle in the sky. The battle between Jia Xingtian and the Emperor of Chuyun was not very interesting, but the battle between Hai Bodong was very interesting. The two ice dragons had already dispersed the silver snake's venom.

On the Izumo Emperor's side, the president of the Izumo Alchemist Guild began to spread rumors.

Do you know who's on this mission?

"I know, it's Wang Ming, the president of the Gama Alchemist Guild!"

That's right, the Izumo Empire is plotting a big conspiracy. They want to get rid of Elder Wang first! Why? Elder Wang's alchemy skills are extremely strong. He can cure most of the poisons in the Izumo Empire.

Moreover, they were afraid. From the information they had gathered, Wang Ming was a sixth-grade alchemist capable of refining the Imperial Extreme Pill, something the president of the Izumo Alchemist Guild could not do.

They feared that Wang Ming would be the first to refine the Breakthrough Pill, allowing their archenemies, the Jia Ma Empire, to reach the Dou Zong level before them.

Therefore, the Izumo Empire's mission objective this time is to kill Elder Wang and nip this possibility in the bud! To this end, they are even prepared to sacrifice two Dou Huang powerhouses!

"Xuanbing spins to kill!"

"Ugh!"

In the sky, Hai Bodong and Silver Snake Old Ghost have decided the winner. Silver Snake Old Ghost fought Hai Bodong one-on-one and was defeated!

"Silver Serpent, I'm here to help you!"

Another Dou Huang powerhouse has appeared in the Izumo Empire. He actually joined forces with Silver Serpent Old Ghost to attack Hai Bodong at the same time.

"Another one? What difference does it make whether there's one or two?"

Hai Bo flew eastward in the sky, flicked his right hand, and an ice-blue spear appeared in his hand. He had just finished warming up after fighting with the Silver Serpent Old Ghost when the Silver Serpent Old Ghost could no longer hold on.

"Hai Bodong, don't be so arrogant!" Silver Serpent Old Ghost roared angrily. He was already furious after being defeated by Hai Bodong, and now that a helper had come to his side, Hai Bodong was still spouting nonsense!

"Am I arrogant? No, I merely wish to make you hear the lament of fate! Mystic Ice Dragon Soars!"

The icy spear in Hai Bodong's hand could dissipate at any moment, and three icy blue halos would condense on his right hand. In just a short while, snow began to fall in this desolate place.

"It's snowing?" The powerful figures from both countries saw the snowflakes.

Roar--

Five ice-blue dragons materialized behind Hai Bodong, roaring at the two Dou Huang of the Chuyun Empire!

"Insanity!"

Silver Serpent Old Ghost and that Dou Huang simultaneously unleashed their strongest fighting techniques, purple poisonous fighting energy attacking Hai Bodong.

Hai Bodong snapped his fingers: "Go!"

The five ice dragons charged straight ahead.

Boom——

The blue and purple hues in the sky were exceptionally vivid. The icy and poisonous battle qi raged, causing the dark clouds to be pierced through by these two powerful battle qi in the next moment, and the sky became clear and blue again.

"My goodness, the Ice Emperor is truly amazing! He single-handedly fought two Dou Huang from the Izumo Empire and held his own!"

"What?! Ebi clearly had the upper hand!"

Within the Mittel family's camp, a middle-aged man watched Hai Bodong's heroic figure in the sky with utmost seriousness.

"Elder Hai, the Mittel family is only possible because of you!"

The person who spoke was named Mittel Tengshan. He was quite strong, already a Dou Ling expert, but in this kind of battle, he could only act as a spectator.

Chapter 50 Scorpion Rock, Melee

"hateful!"

In the very first exchange, neither Silver Serpent Old Ghost nor that Dou Huang had the upper hand. The two Dou Huangs, working together, did not gain any advantage against Hai Bodong!

"Tsk, the Izumo Empire is no good either. Two Dou Huangs working together can't even defeat a five-star Dou Huang. What a disgrace."

A powerful figure who had come to observe the ceremony from afar mocked.

This cast a shadow over the Izumo Empire. The battle in the sky between Jia Xingtian and the Izumo Emperor was also nearing its end, with Jia Xingtian ultimately gaining the upper hand in terms of cultivation level.

"Let this old man do it." A slightly hunched, white-haired old man slowly walked out.

The old man was dressed in ordinary clothes, his aged face expressionless. His seemingly cloudy eyes held a chilling glint in them. He held a jet-black cane in his hand, on which was a particularly ferocious scorpion head. On the scorpion head's forehead, a faint purple light flickered.

“Xie Biyan!” Hai Bodong naturally recognized this powerful figure from the Izumo Empire; he was quite an old monster.

"Hehe, Hai Bodong, let this old man see your ice." Xie Biyan's purple battle aura wings fluttered, and he quickly arrived in front of Hai Bodong, striking with a poisonous palm.

"Mystic Ice Shield!"

Hai Bodong quickly conjured an ice shield to block Xie Biyan's attack.