Yao Lao handed the two scrolls he had retrieved to Lin Yuan and Queen Medusa respectively.
After receiving the scroll, Lin Yuan focused his gaze upon it, and a meaningful smile flashed deep within his eyes.
It turned out to be a medicinal formula, one he already possessed. It was precisely the formula for the Breath Altering Pill that he had refined before.
Lin Yuan pretended to carefully study the formula that he was already extremely familiar with and let out a fake sigh of admiration.
"Breath Altering Pill, a Sixth-Grade medicinal pill capable of changing the user's aura. Senior Yao's collection truly is abundant. Even such obscure and niche medicinal pills are included within it."
Afterward, Lin Yuan looked toward Queen Medusa beside him and the scroll in her hand.
"Ancient secret art, Profound Origin Aura Concealment Technique. Once mastered, this technique can conceal the practitioner's cultivation and regulate their aura, making them difficult to probe or see through."
Lin Yuan briefly examined it. This secret art bore some similarities to the Hidden Abyss Art taught to him by Elder Huo, but the difference in subtlety and profundity was worlds apart.
If Queen Medusa could master this technique, combined with the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python's innate ability to conceal its aura, her anti-detection abilities would reach an extremely terrifying level.
At this moment, Yao Lao's voice sounded out.
"As long as Queen Medusa can roughly grasp some of the methods within this secret art, combined with the aura concealment ability she displayed earlier, and remains cautious during battle, she should not be recognized."
"Of course, Tian Shu brat, if you can refine the Breath Altering Pill, then this issue can be solved perfectly."
"This old man has already produced both the method and the item. The rest depends on your choice. If you are willing to help, then in the future, the two of you shall gain the friendship of this old man and the Falling Star Pavilion."
After speaking, Yao Lao fixed his gaze steadily upon Lin Yuan, waiting for his answer.
Lin Yuan put on an expression of contemplation. After pondering for a moment, he spoke seriously.
"One medicinal formula and one secret art. Senior Yao's sincerity is truly considerable. Since Senior has already spoken to this extent, I shall agree to this cooperation. I will help Brother Xiao smoothly complete the Three Year Agreement."
Hearing Lin Yuan's answer, Yao Lao inwardly let out a long breath of relief.
He had finally agreed.
Now they possessed two additional powerful combatants.
Of the two, Queen Medusa's true form was the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, whose combat strength among those of the same class was exceptionally fierce, not inferior to his own normal state. As for Tian Shu, he cultivated the Heavenly Capital Fire Canon and the Three Radiance Seal Art that he had previously obtained through their trade. Yao Lao clearly understood how powerful those two supreme arts were.
"With Queen Medusa and Tian Shu working together, they should be capable of holding back a four-star Dou Ancestor." Yao Lao thought inwardly.
At this moment, Lin Yuan's voice entered Yao Lao's ears.
"Senior, since we have reached a cooperation agreement, I shall also contribute my full effort. Take this, it should prove useful this time."
As he spoke, Lin Yuan took out a jade bottle containing a purple-red medicinal pill from his Storage Ring and handed it over to Yao Lao.
"Oh?" Yao Lao accepted the jade bottle and examined it, delight flashing through his eyes.
"It's the Breaking Origin Rising Qi Pill. Tian Shu brat, I never expected you to still have this on hand."
"This is probably one of fate's wonderful coincidences." Lin Yuan chuckled lightly.
"The medicinal formula I obtained from Senior during our transaction back then happened to include it. Since it's very useful, I normally keep some in reserve. And now, during this cooperation with Senior, it has come into use."
Hearing this, Yao Lao also laughed softly and sighed.
"It truly is a wonderful coincidence. I never expected that transaction from back then would end up helping my present self."
"Take this."
Yao Lao handed the Breaking Origin Rising Qi Pill to Ling Ying and said calmly,
"You are already at the peak of the Dou Emperor class. If you consume this medicinal pill during battle, you should be able to temporarily display strength approaching the Dou Ancestor class."
Hearing this, Ling Ying was delighted.
If he could display Dou Ancestor-level strength, then with his speed, protecting Xiao Yan and escorting him away would no longer be difficult.
At this moment, Lin Yuan took out another medicinal pill and handed it to Ling Ying.
"Mr. Ling, this is the Wind Traveling Pill. It can temporarily increase the user's speed. If an accident truly occurs, it should lend you some assistance."
Hearing this, Ling Ying did not act pretentiously and accepted the medicinal pill Lin Yuan handed over.
Looking at Lin Yuan, Ling Ying inwardly sighed in admiration.
"This person is unexpectedly reliable. As for the matter of the Zong Breaking Pill, perhaps…"
After distributing the medicinal pills, Lin Yuan spoke seriously.
"I believe in a certain saying know yourself and know your enemy, and you shall never be imperiled in a hundred battles. I think that in order to avoid making unnecessary mistakes, we should first synchronize the information each of us possesses."
"If I'm not mistaken, the two of you should know certain things that I do not. Please inform me of them."
Yao Lao and Ling Ying exchanged glances before nodding.
Immediately afterward, the two began explaining the information they knew.
In the end, aside from the matter concerning the Xiao Clan's Ancient Jade, which Ling Ying steadfastly concealed, everything else was disclosed to Lin Yuan.
As Lin Yuan listened to their explanations, he smiled inwardly with satisfaction.
Because he had now confirmed that from the perspectives of Yao Lao and the Gu Clan, there was absolutely no information linking the Xiao Clan incident to Lin Yuan or anyone around him.
"The Ancient Jade matter has ended perfectly."
Only now did Lin Yuan truly relax inwardly.
Thus, he pretended to ponder deeply before voicing his own opinion after a moment.
"Based on my judgment, I believe Senior Yao and Brother Xiao have most likely already been exposed. After all, the characteristics of the Wind and Thunder Fury Flame and Bone Chilling Flame are simply too distinctive."
Yao Lao nodded, agreeing with Lin Yuan's assessment.
The moment he learned that the Hall of Souls had specially stationed personnel within the Jia Ma Empire to deal with the Xiao Clan matter, he already realized that he had most likely been exposed.
"However…" Yao Lao took over the conversation and smiled faintly.
"Even if this old man has been exposed, the Hall of Souls still did not mobilize a large number of experts to capture me. Heh heh, it seems the person in charge over here wishes to monopolize this heaven-shaking merit for himself."
"Therefore, what we must face this time is not the entire Hall of Souls, but rather a protector greedy for merit. Now we shall see exactly what kind of trump cards this mere protector can prepare."
"He wishes to capture this old man, yet why would this old man not wish to capture him instead or silence him permanently?"
"Next, we shall see whose methods are superior."
As he spoke toward the end, Yao Lao's voice gained several traces of chilliness, while the faint smile on his face carried an icy killing intent.
After hearing Yao Lao's deductions, which were almost identical to his own, Lin Yuan slightly nodded.
At the same time, he silently reminded himself once more:
"Never underestimate the intelligence of others. Many of my gains are built upon my advantage in information. I absolutely must not become arrogant."
Thinking of this, Lin Yuan clapped his hands and sighed in admiration.
"To analyze matters to such a degree, Senior Yao truly lives up to his reputation. This junior is impressed."
Hearing this, Yao Lao waved his hand dismissively.
"Merely some experience gained from wandering the continent. Nothing worth praising. Besides…"
He looked at Lin Yuan with a playful smile.
"You should have already guessed all of what I just said as well, no? Why not speak of your own thoughts and countermeasures?"
Lin Yuan chuckled softly.
"Countermeasures would be difficult to speak of. Since we cannot determine the enemy's exact situation, there is no need to formulate overly precise strategies. On my side, I merely have several general suggestions."
"Oh? Let's hear them." Yao Lao said.
Lin Yuan straightened his expression and spoke solemnly.
"My suggestions are simple. There are four in total."
"First, we need to establish methods and priorities for handling any unexpected changes after they occur. Regarding this point, I only have one requirement, once we clash with the Hall of Souls, Mr. Ling must immediately escort Brother Xiao away from the battlefield. After hiding him safely, only then should you return to support us."
"After all, in a Dou Ancestor-level battle, with Brother Xiao's current strength, remaining on the battlefield would only distract us and become our weakness."
"Second, we need to establish a few code signals for covert communication and to mislead the people from the Hall of Souls."
"Third, we need to unify our objectives in advance and decide what strategic goals should be achieved when facing enemies of different strength levels. That way, the moment battle begins, everyone's goals will already be aligned, allowing us to coordinate automatically and reduce unnecessary losses."
"Fourth, we need to decide beforehand on regrouping and rendezvous locations, as well as methods for future communication."
Lin Yuan laid out all of his suggestions in one breath before looking toward Yao Lao and Ling Ying, waiting for their responses.
After thinking for a moment, Yao Lao nodded seriously.
"The points you raised are indeed necessary. I agree."
"So do I," Ling Ying added from the side.
Seeing that everyone had reached a consensus, Lin Yuan spoke directly.
"Since we're all in agreement, let's begin discussing things immediately and make a simple battle plan as quickly as possible. I don't have much time, I still need to refine the Breath-Changing Pill for Her Majesty afterward."
"I checked earlier. I already have all the ingredients for the Breath-Changing Pill, and refining it won't be difficult, but it will still take some time."
As he spoke, he glanced toward Queen Medusa, who was already comprehending the Mysterious Origin Breath Concealment Art.
After a brief pause, Lin Yuan continued, "As for a temporary hiding place for Brother Xiao and reliable rendezvous locations afterward, I'll have to trouble the two of you to prepare those tonight."
"Very well. Leave it to us."
After several hours of discussion, the group finally formulated a fairly complete battle plan.
Once everything had been settled, the expressions on everyone's faces relaxed somewhat.
Lin Yuan cupped his fists.
"You two, Medusa and I still have some preparations to make, so we'll take our leave first."
With that, Lin Yuan departed together with Queen Medusa.
Meanwhile, Yao Lao and Ling Ying also began their own preparations. One returned to Xiao Yan's residence to nourish his soul within his main body and prepare for the coming battle, while the other searched for and prepared suitable hiding locations.
Meanwhile, in a valley not far from the Misty Cloud Sect.
Within the pitch-black night sky, a mass of black shadow shot over from the distant horizon. Moments later, it arrived above the valley.
The black figure descended from the sky as dense black fog spread out from its body, completely enveloping it.
Finally, the cloud of black mist stopped at the center of the valley, and a sinister laugh echoed out from within.
"Heh heh heh Protector Wu, come out. After receiving your message, this Protector rushed over without stopping. I hope you're not deceiving me."
As soon as the voice fell, another strange mass of black fog drifted out from the shadows beneath a large tree within the valley and floated before the black mist at the valley's center.
Immediately afterward, Protector Wu's sinister laughter rang out.
"Heh heh heh Protector Sun, it's been a long time."
"Heh heh heh There's no need for pleasantries. Let's talk business directly. After receiving your message, this Protector gave up three Dou Ancestor souls that were practically within reach just to come here. If we successfully capture Yao Chen this time, seventy percent of the rewards will belong to me," Protector Sun said gloomily.
Hearing this, the red glow within Protector Wu's eyes twitched slightly.
The bastard immediately demanded seventy percent of the rewards, this was exactly why he disliked cooperating with people from within the Hall.
And "three Dou Ancestor souls"? What nonsense. Where around the Jia Ma Empire would there even be three Dou Ancestors for him to kill and harvest?
Protector Wu took a deep breath before sneering coldly.
"Heh heh heh Protector Sun, stop making outrageous demands. I'll give you thirty percent. If you don't want to cooperate, then get lost."
"Thirty percent? Protector Wu, are you treating me like a beggar? This Protector wants at least sixty percent—"
"You must be dreaming."
Meanwhile, after parting ways with Yao Lao and Ling Ying, Lin Yuan strolled through the streets of the Jia Ma Sacred City.
Today was the second day after the conclusion of the Alchemist Grand Meeting, yet the city's nightlife remained just as lively as in the previous days. The entire city was brilliantly illuminated, with crowds of people bustling through the streets in a scene of prosperity and excitement.
The two of them were exceptionally attractive and should have drawn immense attention, yet strangely enough, not a single passerby paid them any notice.
The pedestrians around them unconsciously avoided and ignored them entirely. This was the effect of Lin Yuan's everyday soul secret technique, "Idle People Disperse."
Queen Medusa held onto Lin Yuan's arm as she walked with relaxed steps, curiously observing the scenery so completely different from that of the Snake-People Tribe.
Walking arm in arm with a human man through the bustling streets of a human city was something she had never imagined in the past.
Afterward, Queen Medusa raised her head to look at Lin Yuan's face. Thinking back to the previous meeting, she could not help staring at him for a moment.
Sensing her gaze, Lin Yuan asked in confusion, "What is it, Your Majesty?"
Queen Medusa smiled beautifully and said teasingly, "Nothing. I was just thinking about what happened earlier. Little man, your acting today truly opened my eyes. You obviously intended to involve yourself in the matter of the Three-Year Agreement from the very beginning, yet you still acted as though…"
"Hehe…" Lin Yuan chuckled softly. "Naturally. If one doesn't have at least this level of skill while traveling the world, how could they survive? Through that little performance earlier, we gained quite a few good things, a Sixth-Grade pill formula, an ancient secret art, and the friendship of the Medicine Venerable."
Queen Medusa glanced at him and replied calmly, "Most importantly, you learned the location of the Woeful Poison Body tomb, didn't you?"
After a brief pause, she continued.
"There's no need to hide it. I'm not some unreasonable female fiend. I also know that the host of the Woeful Poison Body is one of your confidantes, someone who even met you earlier than I did. Her name should be Xiao right, the Little Fairy Doctor."
"Since she'll likely be capable of helping you in the future and assisting you in reaching the peak, I have no objections. Besides, I've already taken the best part for myself."
Hearing Queen Medusa's words, Lin Yuan scratched the back of his head and smiled with mixed emotions.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Seeing his current expression, an amused smile bloomed across Queen Medusa's enchanting face.
After sensing something, she pulled Lin Yuan toward a nearby building radiating a faintly suggestive atmosphere.
"Suddenly, I feel like I shouldn't let you off so easily. Some things have to be earned with your own ability. Tonight, let this Queen see whether you truly possess such capability."
She turned toward Lin Yuan, lightly licking her red lips as she released an astonishing charm.
"Just in time, your body refinement seems to have broken through, and your physical body feels much stronger than it was a few days ago. Let this Queen inspect it personally and help you adapt to your suddenly increased physical strength."
As for the Breath-Changing Pill, it had long since been placed within Queen Medusa's storage ring.
Preparing only a single pill had never been Lin Yuan's style.
The next day, just as dawn began to break, Lin Yuan having spent the entire night mastering his newfound physical strength returned to the Mitel Clan residence.
At that moment, Qing Lin had just finished an entire night of cultivation.
Seeing Lin Yuan return, she immediately walked over.
"Young Master, you're back."
Lin Yuan brushed his hand gently through her hair and said energetically, "Mm, not bad. Judging by your aura, you're not far from reaching an Eight-Star Dou King now. It seems the Qing Yuan Pill worked quite well for you too."
"Hehe~"
A smile flashed across Qing Lin's face upon hearing his praise.
Soon afterward, she recalled the task Lin Yuan had assigned her yesterday and quickly became serious again.
"Young Master, all the dependents assigned to surveillance and information gathering in your plan have already been deployed. At present, there are no abnormalities in any of those locations."
Lin Yuan nodded.
After thinking for a moment, he said, "Qing'er, continue maintaining surveillance. Inform me immediately if anything unexpected occurs."
After another moment of thought, he continued, "Also, later on, take Zi Yan and Xiao Cai to District Fifteen. Be careful to remain hidden. At the same time, prepare to activate the Beast Essence Spirit Gathering Formation. There's a chance we may need it today."
"Yes, Young Master."
After arranging everything on this side, Lin Yuan headed toward the Misty Cloud Sect together with Queen Medusa, who remained hidden within his sleeve.
As the crimson sun rose above the horizon, within the Yan Residence of the Jia Ma Sacred City.
The young man formed a mysterious hand seal, undoing the secret technique concealing his appearance. A delicate and handsome face appeared within the mirror.
From this day onward, the identity of Yan Xiao could retire into obscurity.
Now, his name was Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan removed the alchemist robes from his body and changed into a familiar black robe. Immediately, an additional trace of mystery appeared upon his handsome face.
Then, with a wave of his hand, the massive black Xuan Heavy Ruler abruptly appeared.
Xiao Yan stretched out his palm to stroke the ruler before swinging it around several times. A familiar and nostalgic sensation instantly surged within him.
This was the feeling of power.
With a soft sound, the enormous black ruler was slanted across his back once more.
Pushing open the door, Xiao Yan gazed into the distance toward that towering mountain peak radiating faint sword cries, the Misty Cloud Sect.
"Nalan Yanran Xiao Yan of the Xiao Clan has arrived…"
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