"Forget it. There's no point overthinking it—when the time comes, I'll naturally find out." Lin Yuan shook his head and withdrew his gaze from the full moon.
He took a deep breath, sorted through his thoughts, and his eyes once again grew deep and tranquil. "The Dou Techniques are more or less fully cultivated now. It's time to head back. The First Elder should have finished preparing the materials for the Zong Breaking Pill and the Mighty Huang Pill by now, right?"
"First, I'll reclaim the clones."
With a thought, the three tool-like clones in the distance returned to his side, ready to be reclaimed one by one so he could absorb the learning and research results, they had accumulated during this period.
While cultivating himself, Lin Yuan had never let the clones idle. He had constantly used them to study and research new things. One clone had been researching the Mountain and River Seal and the Three Radiances Seal Art, one had been studying alchemy techniques and the inheritance of an Eighth-Grade alchemist, and the last had been researching and refining the Cloud Dragon Movement Technique.
Lin Yuan's gaze sharpened as he entered a state of Void clarity. His eyes became lofty and detached. With the explosive growth of his soul power and his improved mastery over its manipulation, his Purifying Spirit Art had also advanced tremendously. In particular, the second form—Purifying Spirit Art: Void Clarity, had not only seen a great increase in computational capacity, but its duration had also been extended significantly compared to before. The amount of knowledge he could absorb in a single instance had increased by a large margin as well. Now, he could fully absorb several days' worth of learning from a clone in one go.
In the state of Void Clarity, Lin Yuan first reclaimed the clone that had been researching the Mountain and River Seal and the Three Radiances Seal Art. As the clone merged back into his main body, its research results were perfectly absorbed and digested by Lin Yuan.
After absorbing this clone's knowledge, Lin Yuan exited the Void Clarity state. Though he felt somewhat fatigued, his eyes were shining with excitement, and an uncontrollable grin spread across his face.
"Hehehe… Hahahaha! I never would have expected it, never would have expected it! A bottleneck that's plagued me for so long was actually broken through!"
"After this round of improvements and adaptations, and with the addition of using soul power to mobilize Dou Qi, it's actually possible to complete a combined technique between two seals. I can finally attempt to stack the Mountain and River Seal with the Sun Radiance Seal to form a combined move. All that long-term investment of effort truly wasn't wasted."
The Three Radiances Seal Art was an excellent Dou Technique, but to Lin Yuan, it had a clear flaw, there was a lack of transition between its standard techniques and its ultimate killing move.
Even for Earth-class High-Tier Dou Techniques, the disparity between the upper and lower limits of power and difficulty was enormous.
Taking the Ancient Clan's God Seal Art as an example: the Open Mountain Seal, Sea Flipping Seal, Overturning Land Seal, Sky Burying Seal, and Ancient God Seal were all Earth-class High-Tier techniques. Yet the gap between the Mountain-Splitting Seal and the God Seal Art was vast whether in power, cultivation difficulty, or required cultivation level.
The reason the God Seal Art was considered the pinnacle of Earth-class High-Tier techniques was not only because the fusion of the five seals at peak mastery could rival a Heaven-class technique, but also because it transitioned naturally, with each seal stronger than the last. Its progression was extremely smooth, allowing cultivators at the Dou King, Dou Emperor, Dou Ancestor, and Dou Venerate stages to each have suitable seals to cultivate and use.
In contrast, the Sun Radiance Seal, Moonlight Seal, and Starry Sky Seal of the Three Radiances Seal Art had no fundamental difference in power—only differences in applicable scenarios. However, the gap between these three seals and the ultimate move, the Sun-Moon-Star Three Radiances Annihilation Seal, was enormous, both in power and in the difficulty and requirements for activation.
In terms of power, by Lin Yuan's estimation, the individual Sun Radiance, Moonlight, and Starry Sky Seals were roughly between the Open Mountain Seal and Sea Flipping Seal in strength, though they could gain some enhancement in certain special environments. As for the Sun-Moon-Star Three Radiances Annihilation Seal, whose destructive power was at the very limit of the Earth-class, it was likely comparable to the Ancient God Seal.
As for the threshold and difficulty of activation, with a Earth-class High-Tier cultivation method, a nine-star Dou King could barely use the Sun Radiance, Moonlight, and Starry Sky Seals. But the Sun-Moon-Star Three Radiances Annihilation Seal would likely require Lin Yuan to reach at least the Dou Ancestor realm—perhaps even high-level Dou Ancestor to barely activate it. To fully master it, he would probably have to wait until after breaking through to Dou Ancestor.
To solve this issue, Lin Yuan had been researching, ever since his time in the Jia Ma Empire, how to stack the Mountain and River Seal—possessing stacking properties with the Three Radiances Seal Art to form more powerful combined techniques. While preserving the stacking nature of the Mountain and River Seal, he continuously adjusted, improved, and refined it, hoping to perfectly merge it with the Three Radiances Seal Art and unleash greater power.
Only someone like Lin Yuan, who had personally created the Mountain and River Seal and understood every detail of it, allowing him to modify it at will, could accomplish such a feat. Moreover, according to Lin Yuan's own deductions, as his understanding and refinement of the Mountain and River Seal deepened, a stronger version of the seal would allow the combined technique's power to rise even further.
After fully digesting the knowledge and insights in his mind, Lin Yuan could no longer wait and immediately began testing it.
With the aid of his powerful soul strength, Lin Yuan split the Dou Qi within his body into two streams, guiding them toward his left and right hands respectively, while forming two different hand seals simultaneously.
"Mountains and rivers to the left, sun radiance to the right."
With a soft shout, two small light seals slowly took shape in his hands. Before long, ripples of energy between the two seals began to intertwine, producing a strange resonance as their auras grew increasingly compatible.
Lin Yuan carefully controlled the two seals as they drew closer, allowing their auras to intermingle. The surrounding space began to tremble violently. However, just as the process was about to succeed, a soft bang sounded, and the two seals suddenly became extremely unstable. Cracks began spreading across their surfaces.
"Reached the limit already? As expected, it wouldn't be that smooth." Lin Yuan let out a soft sigh. With a thought, he slowly dispersed the two seals, and the surrounding space returned to normal.
Yet his fighting spirit quickly reignited. "Good things take time. The important part is that all the major obstacles have already been overcome, only some fine details remain to be adjusted. I believe it won't take long to succeed. And once I do, my combat strength will soar once again."
"Next, I'll continue reclaiming the clones."
After adjusting his breathing and restoring his focus, Lin Yuan proceeded to reclaim the remaining clones one by one.
He first reclaimed the clone that had been researching alchemy and the inheritance of an Eighth-Grade alchemist. The results left him quite satisfied.
"In that case, all the details for refining the Zong Breaking Pill and the Mighty Huang Pill are now completely clear to me."
"This way of utilizing soul power is truly exquisite. This Eighth-Grade alchemist inheritance really lives up to its reputation. As expected, anything from Yao Lao is guaranteed quality."
Next, Lin Yuan reclaimed the clone that had been researching movement techniques. The results could only be described as passable.
"As expected, the Cloud Dragon Movement Technique has already been pushed to its current theoretical limit. To go any further, it would require touching upon space. The strength of this movement technique lies in its flexibility within a small range. Combined with my soul power and combat techniques, I'm confident that in close-quarters combat, I won't be inferior to someone cultivating a Earth-class movement technique."
"However, in terms of pure speed, the Cloud Dragon Movement Technique is indeed slightly inferior to Earth-class techniques that specialize in speed. Although flight Dou Techniques can compensate to some extent, I still need to find a better solution."
Lin Yuan stroked his chin, thought for a moment, and made up his mind.
"It seems it's time to head to the Black Corner Region and retrieve some things. I'll need to prepare a few 'meeting gifts' first. The ones I refined back in the Magic Beast Mountain Range have already been used up—it's time to refine a new batch."
With that, Lin Yuan took out a cauldron that emitted an ominous aura and began refining pills. Before long, a deathly silence began spreading outward, centered on the cauldron.
Two days later, Lin Yuan returned to the Inner Academy.
After returning, he didn't go back to his own courtyard. Instead, he flew straight toward the secluded valley where Qing Lin was in seclusion. Qing Lin had already sent him a message, she was about to break through to Dou King, and at this crucial moment, she hoped Lin Yuan would be there to witness it.
Lin Yuan entered a tranquil mountain valley. Deep within it stood Qing Lin's cultivation cave, silent and still. He looked toward the cave and saw vast amounts of heaven and earth energy gathering toward it.
Stepping further into the valley, Lin Yuan fixed his gaze on the cave as the surrounding heaven and earth energy surged endlessly inward.
"The Azure Sky Profound Codex truly is a rare and excellent cultivation method. Choosing it back then was indeed the right decision." Lin Yuan smiled faintly and walked into the cave. Before long, Qing Lin's figure came into view.
At this moment, Qing Lin sat quietly with her eyes closed, her hands forming seals as she cultivated the Azure Sky Profound Codex. The surrounding heaven and earth energy continuously converged, swirling around her and forming a unique vortex-like energy field. Massive amounts of energy poured into her body as a powerful aura brewed within.
Looking at the girl before him, a hint of amazement flashed through Lin Yuan's eyes. After more than a year apart, Qing Lin had clearly matured. The childishness on her delicate, oval-shaped face had gradually faded, replaced by a budding, alluring charm.
Sensing Lin Yuan's arrival, Qing Lin's eyelids trembled slightly, and she slowly opened her enchanting and mysterious dual pupils. She looked deeply at Lin Yuan, as if drawing strength from him. After a moment, she closed her eyes again. The aura around her body compressed to an extreme, like a spring wound tight to its limit, about to rebound explosively.
Suddenly, the aura she had suppressed to the extreme burst forth. Her presence surged upward at an astonishing rate, instantly reaching the peak of the Dou Spirit realm. Yet it didn't stop there, it continued to climb, as if breaking through all restraints.
Boom—
An intangible sound echoed in the void as an invisible barrier shattered. Qing Lin's Dou crystal reacted as if triggered, instantly melting into a viscous liquid energy that rapidly flowed into every part of her body, fusing with her meridians, bones, and flesh. As this energy merged, her body underwent a shocking transformation. Vast Dou Qi erupted from her blood, flesh, and meridians.
At a certain moment, a powerful aura one far beyond that of a Dou Spirit, erupted from Qing Lin's body and spread in all directions.
Dou King achieved.
Qing Lin opened her eyes, and a subtle change occurred within them. The mark of the Three-Floral Imprint grew even deeper, as though it contained endless mysteries.
Lin Yuan stood quietly to the side, a trace of gratification appearing in his eyes. He had personally witnessed Qing Lin transform, in an extremely short period of time, from a young, fragile, and bullied Snake-Person girl into the formidable Dou King she was now. At the same time, a hint of complexity surfaced in his gaze. He had seen with his own eyes how Qing Lin had surpassed his former self in less than two years, the self who had once swallowed the Life-Devouring Pill in order to obtain a seat in the game for the world's great powers.
Feeling the surging and powerful Dou Qi within her body, a radiant smile blossomed on Qing Lin's face. She looked toward Lin Yuan, her eyes shining with excitement. She had finally broken through the shackles of Dou Spirit and become a Dou King, catching up to the level Lin Yuan had been at when they first met.
"Young Master, I broke through!" Qing Lin exclaimed excitedly as she quickly stood up and ran toward him.
Watching the girl jog over to him, Lin Yuan smiled and nodded. He raised his hand and gently stroked Qing Lin's head, sighing softly. "Qing'er, you've grown up and you've become stronger."
Hearing this, Qing Lin's eyes reddened slightly. She lowered her head and buried it in Lin Yuan's chest, wrapping her arms tightly around him as she murmured softly, "Young Master, thank you for meeting me. Thank you for always staying by my side."
Lin Yuan gently embraced Qing Lin, feeling her growth and changes. His heart was filled with joy, yet also tinged with a faint sense of melancholy. He knew that Qing Lin was no longer the little girl who needed his constant protection, she had already grown into a powerful expert capable of standing on her own.
After more than ten minutes, Qing Lin finally pulled away from Lin Yuan's embrace.
Lin Yuan's palm lightly brushed over Qing Lin's silky hair. A playful smile appeared on his face as he chuckled. "Let's go, Queen Qing. We'll head back and celebrate properly. While we're at it, I'll teach you some flying techniques and how to use soul power."
Hearing this, Qing Lin's pretty face flushed slightly as she said shyly, "Young Master, that's just what the Inner Academy students call me at random. Don't address me like that."
"What's the harm? Queen Qing, it sounds pretty nice. Hahaha!" Lin Yuan laughed teasingly.
"Young Master~" Qing Lin lowered her head bashfully.
As the two walked back together, Lin Yuan taught Qing Lin some of the flying techniques he had summarized, while also explaining some of the ways to use soul power that he had recently comprehended, helping her further tap into the power of her Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils.
After returning home, Lin Yuan personally cooked a meal to celebrate.
Later, the two admired the moon together in the courtyard, chatting idly. Their voices intertwined with the night breeze, and their hearts drew a little closer to each other in the silence.
Two days later, inside a top-tier alchemy room within the Inner Academy.
Lin Yuan sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion. Before him stood a massive, fire-red cauldron, towering quietly in place.
Around him, a large number of medicinal ingredients were neatly arranged, each carefully placed within jade boxes. Rich medicinal fragrances seeped out from these boxes, gathering into a strange yet strong aroma that filled the entire alchemy room. These ingredients were precisely the materials for refining the Mighty Huang Pill and the Zong Breaking Pill that the First Elder had delivered the previous day.
Looking at this enormous pile of medicinal ingredients, Lin Yuan could not help but marvel at the richness of the Jia Nan Academy's medicinal repository. By his estimate, these ingredients were sufficient to support the refinement of ten Mighty Huang Pills and six Zong Breaking Pills. Moreover, the First Elder's requirements were not harsh at all, there was no time limit, and as long as five Mighty Huang Pills and three Zong Breaking Pills were delivered in the end, it would be sufficient.
As for the refinement of Dou Spirit Pills, the First Elder had already decided to entrust that task to Elder Huo, who had just broken through to the Sixth-Grade. After all, the growth of an alchemist was always accompanied by the consumption of large quantities of medicinal ingredients. Upon hearing the news of Elder Huo's promotion to a Sixth-Grade alchemist, Lin Yuan was genuinely happy for him.
After pondering for a moment, Lin Yuan decided to refine the Mighty Huang Pill first to warm up, and then move on to the Zong Breaking Pill. Both were Sixth-Grade pills, but the Zong Breaking Pill was the pinnacle among Sixth-Grade pills, and its refinement difficulty was far greater than that of the Mighty Huang Pill. Choosing an easier pill to refine during the warm-up phase was clearly the safer option.
Although his soul power had already reached the seventh-grade realm, Lin Yuan knew very well that alchemy was an extremely profound and complex discipline. Even a seventh-grade alchemist refining a Sixth-Grade pill could not guarantee a one-hundred-percent success rate, only that the success rate would be relatively higher.
The medicinal ingredients gifted by the First Elder were abundant, but every single one was extraordinarily precious and absolutely could not be wasted. Even Lin Yuan would feel heartache if they were squandered needlessly. After all, he still had two major "ingredient consumers" to raise, Zi Yan and Xiao Cai.
With his mind settled, Lin Yuan took a deep breath and used Purifying Spirit Art · Severing Thoughts to cut away all distracting thoughts. Then, with a flick of his finger, a wisp of green flame leaped from his fingertip and lightly shot into the cauldron, instantly transforming into blazing flames that surged upward. The scorching temperature rapidly spread throughout the alchemy room, while the temperature inside the cauldron gradually rose to a stable state.
Once the temperature within the cauldron reached a steady level, Lin Yuan waved his hand, and green Dou Qi swept up one medicinal ingredient after another, sending them flying toward the fire-red cauldron.
As the first ingredient fell into the cauldron, Lin Yuan's long alchemical journey officially began.
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