Lin Yuan had dealt with magical beasts for many years, and the number of magical beasts that had fallen by his hand was by no means small.
Zi Yan's words caused Lin Yuan to realize something he had previously overlooked namely, that he had rarely obtained cultivation techniques or Dou Skills from magical beasts. Yet the magical beasts he had fought always seemed to naturally possess certain techniques, Dou Skills, and secret arts.
As someone who had created and improved multiple Dou Skills and secret techniques, Lin Yuan was certain that some of the abilities used by certain magical beasts were absolutely not things that could be executed through instinct alone. They must have inherited corresponding knowledge through some means. As such, a few conjectures gradually formed in his mind.
After pondering for a moment, Lin Yuan continued asking Zi Yan, "Besides cultivation techniques, is there anything else?"
Zi Yan chewed on the pills in her mouth, thought for a while, then said,
"Yes. There are also some methods for using power that appeared in my head. Oh right—my intuition tells me that once I become stronger, I'll learn even more new things."
"So that's how it is. This world really is wondrous." A look of realization flashed through Lin Yuan's eyes, followed by heartfelt admiration.
"Humans have their own methods of inheritance, and magical beasts have theirs as well. Human inheritance is broad and extensive, while magical beast inheritance possesses its own profound depth."
"Human inheritance relies on clans, sects, master–disciple relationships, and various organizational structures, supplemented by books, scrolls, jade slips, and other tools to pass knowledge down through generations."
"Magical beasts, on the other hand, take bloodlines as the foundation of inheritance. They integrate their most core knowledge directly into their bloodlines. As an individual's strength grows and their bloodline advances, the corresponding levels of knowledge contained within the bloodline are continuously 'unlocked' and gradually revealed."
"The cultivation techniques and secret arts inherited through bloodlines may only contain the most essential parts, but they are more than enough to lay a solid foundation for magical beasts who receive such inheritance. This is also one of the reasons why magical beasts are often stronger than humans at the same level—once they advance, they immediately gain cultivation techniques and innate secret arts perfectly suited to their bloodline."
Lin Yuan gently rubbed his temples and fell into deeper contemplation.
"Besides strength, what other factors influence the process of magical beast inheritance?"
As his thoughts drifted, the image of Queen Medusa surfaced in his mind.
In the original timeline, after Queen Medusa evolved into the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, she underwent earth-shattering changes. Before evolving, she was merely a Dou Emperor of decent strength in the northwestern region. But after evolving, not only did her cultivation begin to advance rapidly, but she also displayed many extraordinary transformations in other aspects.
For instance, she had never obtained any high-grade cultivation techniques or Dou Skills from external sources, yet her combat strength was sufficient to rival Dou Ancestor, Dou Venerate, and even Dou Saints who hailed from great powers and cultivated advanced techniques and skills.
Furthermore, after her evolution, Queen Medusa came to know many secrets about the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python clan—knowledge that even Yao Lao, with his vast experience, had been unaware of. Information such as the Nine-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python and the Nine-Colored Origin Stone had never appeared in any records Lin Yuan encountered during his time among the Snake-People.
It was as though after evolving into a Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, as her strength increased, her foundation in cultivation techniques, Dou Skills, secret arts, and knowledge had all been massively supplemented.
At this realization, Lin Yuan's eyes suddenly lit up.
"Bloodline strength… that must be it."
"Yes—magical beasts revere bloodlines not only because stronger bloodlines make individuals more powerful among peers of the same level, but also because stronger bloodlines can carry and transmit more knowledge."
"This inheritance system is essentially a distributed system."
Once everything clicked, astonishment filled Lin Yuan's eyes.
"Every individual's bloodline contains the most core inheritance of an entire clan. As long as even a single individual survives and grows, the clan can be reborn and continue its lineage."
"Human inheritance, on the other hand, is more centralized—resources are concentrated at the core. If the core of a power is destroyed, its inheritance quickly disappears, and the power declines or even collapses. However, this model allows resources to be gathered more efficiently, which is why human powers, though often shorter-lived, are more capable of producing top-tier experts."
"Powerful magical beast clans also know how to borrow certain structural models from humans, taking strengths from both sides. That is precisely what the major magical beast families in the Beast Domain represent."
After sorting everything out, Lin Yuan found himself in an exceptionally good mood.
Although these realizations did not directly increase his strength, the joy of exploring and understanding the unknown world still filled his heart. To him, such insights were an expansion and deepening of his comprehension of his own cultivation path.
At this moment, Lin Yuan could not help but think of his battle agreement with Queen Medusa, it would not be long before that confrontation arrived.
"So that's how it is…" Lin Yuan thought to himself.
"Queen Medusa knew full well that I had once defeated Yun Shan, yet she was still full of confidence about our battle. It seems she truly obtained something extraordinary from the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python's bloodline inheritance."
"Moreover, due to my intervention, she and Xiao Cai remained separated from beginning to end, without the burden of soul conflict. Under such circumstances, she would be able to rapidly digest everything she obtained from the inheritance. By the next time we meet, her strength will likely have undergone earth-shaking changes."
At this thought, Lin Yuan took a deep breath. Determination, anticipation, and a sense of urgency surfaced in his eyes.
"It seems I must also accelerate my own growth."
He glanced at Zi Yan beside him. The girl was still happily devouring pills, as though she intended to make up for everything she had missed during her half-year-long seclusion.
Soon after, Lin Yuan summoned his shadow clones, preparing to reclaim the result of their efforts over this period.
First, he recalled the clone researching the combined use of the Mountain-River Seal and the Sun Radiance Seal. After assimilating it, a satisfied smile appeared on his lips.
"Good progress. Success isn't far off."
Next, he recalled the clone studying the alchemist inheritance. After doing so, he fell into thought.
"Not bad. In a state of void clarity, computational capacity can still be increased a bit."
Then, he recalled the culinary clone. Afterward, he glanced at Zi Yan.
"The progress here is significant. This girl really is blessed with good fortune."
Finally, Lin Yuan turned his gaze toward the last clone, his expression growing solemn, mixed with anticipation.
This was an extremely special clone. Compared to the others, it possessed a unique form of energy—spiritual qi.
That's right. After being created, this clone had only done one thing: circulate the Heavenly Heart Soul Art and gather spiritual qi.
Lin Yuan's main body also circulated the Heavenly Heart Soul Art. With its assistance, he successfully sensed the spiritual qi that the clone had painstakingly separated and collected from the dense heaven-and-earth energy over the past few days, a mass of spiritual qi roughly the size of several fists.
Carefully, Lin Yuan guided the spiritual qi to the space before his forehead and refined it according to the Heavenly Heart Soul Art.
Instantly, a faint cooling sensation arose within his mind. His eyes became noticeably more spirited, and his soul strength increased slightly, pushing him even closer to the late seventh-grade stage.
After absorbing the spiritual qi, excitement flashed through Lin Yuan's eyes.
"If a shadow clone containing a soul imprint can circulate the Heavenly Heart Soul Art, then I can cultivate Dou Qi and soul strength in parallel. The main body cultivates Dou Qi, while the clones gather spiritual qi and cultivate the soul."
However, a moment later, his mood sank slightly.
"Unfortunately, the Heavenly Heart Soul Art is incomplete after all. Even when circulated by a clone, its efficiency is far inferior to when used by the main body. For now, soul cultivation remains a slow, grinding process. Perhaps in the future, I'll need to research how to complete and improve the Heavenly Heart Soul Art."
"Still, it's ultimately a good thing."
Zi Yan had emerged from seclusion. Three Thousand Lightning Movement had been cultivated to perfection.
"It's time to head out."
Lin Yuan looked at Zi Yan and chuckled softly.
"Zi Yan, since you've already advanced, let's go out. We'll first inform the First Elder, then head back. Today, I'll cook something delicious for you."
"Something delicious!"
Zi Yan's eyes instantly lit up. Then, her eyes rolled mischievously as she said slyly,
"This doesn't count toward the ten medicinal meals you promised me."
"Huh?"
Lin Yuan pinched her delicate little face and laughed.
"You little rascal. Fine—since I'm in a good mood today, I'll go along with it."
"Yay!"
Zi Yan cheered, grabbing Lin Yuan's hand and flying outward.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go, Brother Lin Yuan!"
Chu Yun Empire
Following the contents recorded in Lin Yuan's handwritten notes, the Little Fairy Doctor prepared all the necessary items for subduing an Heavenly Flame. Afterward, she led several experts of the Poison Sect and flew toward the Nether Poison Ancient Marsh.
This time, she came fully prepared, her resolve firm, she was determined to subdue the Netherworld Poison Flame.
After several days of searching and investigation, the Poison Sect group arrived at a highly toxic swamp enveloped by powerful poisonous miasma.
Standing at the edge of the swamp, the Little Fairy Doctor gazed at the sky-obscuring purple-black poisonous fog ahead. An inexplicable throbbing arose within her heart. Her Woeful Poison Body was sensing the presence of an ultimate poisonous entity ahead.
'To trigger such a strong reaction from the Woeful Poison Body, the Netherworld Poison Flame must be ahead without a doubt.'
Her eyes narrowed slightly as she pondered inwardly. 'To subdue the Netherworld Poison Flame, I may need to rely on the Woeful Poison Body but its existence must not be revealed to others. That means I can only proceed alone.'
"I will go in by myself," the Little Fairy Doctor commanded, her voice cold and resolute.
"You are to guard the perimeter. Do not allow anyone to approach. Ensure that no one interferes."
"Yes, Sect Master!"
The Poison Sect experts bowed deeply. Worry flashed through their eyes, but it was quickly overshadowed by fervent reverence and awe.
The Little Fairy Doctor paid no attention to their emotions. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward with a strange footwork technique, moving as if on flat ground as she entered the poisonous marsh.
Before long, her figure vanished from their sight.
Step by step, she advanced deeper. With each step forward, the toxicity of the surrounding miasma intensified. Soon, the area she stood in was saturated with poisonous gas so terrifying that even a Dou Spirit expert would struggle to withstand it.
Yet for her, the deadly poison seemed utterly ineffective.
On the contrary, as her aura merged with the miasma, it grew increasingly powerful, as though she had become part of the poisonous swamp itself. The poisonous fog around her appeared to submit to her presence.
Her gray-purple eyes swept across the surroundings, a thoughtful look flashing within them.
"This place is an exceptional cultivation ground for me. In the future, it could even be designated as Poison Sect territory."
Shaking off stray thoughts, the Little Fairy Doctor continued forward, guided by the throbbing sensation. Her Woeful Poison Body faintly sensed another ultimate poisonous entity deeper within the miasma.
Before long, she reached the center of the swamp but the sight before her caused her to pause slightly.
At the very heart of the poisonous marsh lay a dormant volcano.
Recalling the information Lin Yuan had provided about the Netherworld Poison Flame, realization dawned on her.
"The Netherworld Poison Flame is a flame formed when fire within the poisonous marsh is tempered by the sky-covering toxic miasma for tens of thousands of years, devouring endless poisonous qi… So this volcano must be where the primordial flame was nurtured."
Suddenly, she sensed something and turned toward the southwest.
A gloomy green light flashed through the miasma, dispersing the surrounding poisonous fog as it moved, like ghostfire weaving through the swamp.
"The Netherworld Poison Flame… I've finally found you."
A cold smile appeared on the Little Fairy Doctor's face. She knew she was only one step away.
Watching the flame dart nimbly through the air, she could feel the immense energy and poison accumulated over thousands—perhaps tens of thousands—of years.
"This flame has already developed intelligence. Direct confrontation would be unwise."
Her mind swiftly formed a plan.
"If force won't work, then I'll lure it. The poison blood of the Woeful Poison Body is the ultimate toxin. To a sentient Netherworld Poison Flame, it is nothing less than a supreme delicacy."
Her gaze sharpened. Taking a deep breath, she forced out a single drop of deep crimson poison blood from her body.
This drop of blood, containing vast energy, fell into her palm, it was her Woeful Poison Blood.
With a thought, the poison blood began to churn within her palm, releasing powerful energy fluctuations. The surrounding poisonous miasma was drawn toward it, gathering of its own accord.
Soon, the poison blood formed a dense blood-colored poisonous fog, Woeful Poison Miasma.
She released it outward.
The Netherworld Poison Flame immediately sensed the attraction and began drifting toward her.
Under the lure of the blood-colored miasma, the flame gradually revealed its true form—a thumb-sized, butterfly-shaped origin flame.
It fluttered gracefully within the crimson fog like an elegant spirit, yet the terrifying poison and heat it emitted were enough to make any living being shudder.
As it devoured this supreme delicacy, it slowly approached the source of the richer blood-colored miasma—the Little Fairy Doctor.
Her gaze never wavered.
Her heartbeat quickened, yet her eyes remained firm as stone.
She knew this was the crucial moment.
The instant the origin flame drew near, the Little Fairy Doctor struck like lightning.
Her palm cut through the air and precisely seized the 'butterfly'.
The flame writhed violently in her hand, releasing scorching heat and terrifying poison, yet the resolute Little Fairy Doctor seemed oblivious to pain as she calmly proceeded to the next step.
She immediately took out the secret medicine prepared in advance to protect her meridians and swallowed it without hesitation.
The pill melted instantly within her body. A cool sensation flowed through her meridians, forming a blood-colored barrier within them.
Then, taking a deep breath, she slowly brought the origin flame to her lips.
Her eyes closed as she felt the scorching heat dance within her mouth, then she swallowed it whole.
The moment the flame entered her body, violent energy and poison surged chaotically through her.
She sat down cross-legged and activated a high-grade flame-devouring secret art obtained by the Poison Sect.
Her body seemed to transform into a massive furnace, operating at full capacity as it devoured and refined the origin flame of the Netherworld Poison Flame.
Gray-purple currents surged within her body, racing through her meridians as they clashed fiercely with the flame.
At the same time, she fully unleashed her Woeful Poison Body, greedily devouring the poisonous qi released by the flame.
As time passed, the flame's ferocity and malice were gradually worn down, while its poison was steadily absorbed and refined by her body.
A long, painful process of refining an Heavenly Flame had begun.
----
For additional chapter's
Join pateron.com/Translaterappu