"Travel? So suddenly?" The Little Fairy Doctor was slightly taken aback as she looked at Lin Yuan in surprise.
However, seeing the smile on his face, she immediately understood what he was planning.
"I see you're planning to capture a Seventh-Rank Magical Beast?"
A faint smile appeared on her face.
"In that case, I'll accompany you."
As for Zi Yan, excitement was already written all over her face. She licked her lips eagerly and said,
"Are we going out to loot heavenly treasures? That's great! Big Brother, let's set off right away!"
"Don't rush." Lin Yuan chuckled. "I'll arrange the Poison Sect's affairs for the near future before we leave."
At the same time, a gleam flashed through his eyes as he thought to himself,
There are a few things I've been planning. Since we're going out this time, I might as well deal with them along the way.
With that thought, Lin Yuan gently pressed down on Zi Yan's eager little head before turning to the Little Fairy Doctor.
"Little Fairy Doctor, among the factions in the Northwestern Region, do you know of any that are within our ability to deal with, yet possess unique techniques that could be useful to us?"
"For example, a faction like the Golden Goose Sect of the Luo Yan Empire. Their strongest expert has only just entered the Dou Ancestor realm, yet they possess a unique technique like the Heavenly Goose Nine Flight Wings."
After a brief pause, he added,"Of course, any factions with extensive medicinal herb collections are worth mentioning as well."
The Little Fairy Doctor glanced at him, immediately guessing his intentions. A playful smile appeared on her lips.
"You're asking because you're planning to plunder their treasures, aren't you?"
"Mhm."
Lin Yuan nodded without the slightest attempt to hide it.
"Right now, we have you, me, and the Blood Soul, three Dou Ancestor-level combatants plus Zi Yan, whose strength is rather special. With such a powerful lineup, it would be a waste not to pull off a few raids."
"My brother's right!"
Zi Yan nodded enthusiastically from the side.
"We're this strong. If we don't go rob someone, we'd be letting our strength go to waste!"
As she spoke, both she and Lin Yuan looked expectantly at the Little Fairy Doctor.
The Little Fairy Doctor rubbed her forehead, gaining a deeper understanding of the siblings' rather unconventional way of doing things.
Still, she didn't object.
After thinking seriously for a moment, she looked at Lin Yuan and said,
"If we're limiting this trip to one month, then based on your criteria, aside from the Golden Goose Sect you just mentioned, I can think of four other possible targets."
"Let's hear them," Lin Yuan said with interest.
The Little Fairy Doctor nodded, took out a map from her Storage Ring, spread it open, and pointed to a country bordering the Luo Yan Empire.
"The Perching Phoenix Sect of the Luo Huang Empire."
"As far as I know, this sect specializes in combined attack techniques. Every generation's Sect Master cultivates a powerful defensive Dou Technique known as the Falling Phoenix Bell."
"There's also a rumor that the Perching Phoenix Sect has an Ancient Bloodline that's been passed down through generations."
"As for their strength, the current Sect Master, Huang Ning, broke through to the Dou Ancestor realm five years ago."
"The Luo Huang Empire, the Perching Phoenix Sect, the Falling Phoenix Bell an Ancient Bloodline..."
A gleam flashed through Lin Yuan's eyes.
"What about the others?"
"The second option is Medicine King Valley, located within the Fei Yun Empire."
Her finger moved to another location on the map, not far from the Chu Yun Empire.
"Medicine King Valley?"
Lin Yuan's interest visibly increased.
"Judging from the name, it sounds like a faction that deals with medicinal herbs?"
The Little Fairy Doctor nodded.
"Medicine King Valley is regarded as the holy land of physicians in the Northwestern Region. Their research and inheritance in the field of medicine surpass every other faction in the region."
"Since they're a medical sect, they naturally possess an enormous stockpile of medicinal herbs."
As she spoke of this faction, an almost imperceptible sigh escaped her lips.
Had she never awakened her Woeful Poison Body, she had originally intended to travel to the Fei Yun Empire someday, settle there, and devote herself to the study of medicine.
But fate had other plans.
After awakening the Woeful Poison Body, she had become the very type of Poison Master that physicians despised the most, and was now also the ruler of the Chu Yun Empire, a nation viewed as an enemy by the Fei Yun Empire.
Medicine and poison were two sides of the same coin, yet their conflict ran deep.
Although neither the Fei Yun Empire nor the Chu Yun Empire ranked among the region's strongest nations, their philosophies stood in complete opposition. They had long regarded each other with hostility. Had they not been separated by a massive Magical Beast Mountain Range, the two nations would likely have been locked in endless war long ago.
As if sensing the complicated emotions in her heart, a hand gently rested on her shoulder, offering silent comfort.
The Little Fairy Doctor shook her head, dispelling the distracting thoughts before continuing,
"As for their strength, although I don't know the Valley Master's exact cultivation level, according to the intelligence I've gathered, the current Valley Master of Medicine King Valley, Sun Ping, advanced to the Dou Ancestor realm seven years ago."
"Medicine King Valley, Sun Ping Interesting."
Lin Yuan made his decision immediately.
"Then let's make the Fei Yun Empire one of the destinations for this journey."
"Mhm."
The Little Fairy Doctor nodded.
She then introduced the remaining two candidates.
The first was the Berserk Thunder Sect of the Heavenly Thunder Empire, which possessed a Heaven-Class body-refining technique.
The second was the Myriad Weapons Sect of the Heavenly Dou Empire, a sect renowned for producing all kinds of weapons.
After carefully comparing all the available intelligence, Lin Yuan finally settled on both the route and objectives of their expedition.
Their route would begin in the Chu Yun Empire, proceed through the Luo Yan Empire, then the Luo Huang Empire, continue into the Fei Yun Empire, and finally cross the Magical Beast Mountain Range before returning to the Chu Yun Empire.
Their objectives were equally clear.
They would obtain the Heavenly Goose Nine Flight Wings from the Golden Goose Sect, seize the combined attack techniques and the Falling Phoenix Bell from the Perching Phoenix Sect, confiscate the medicinal herbs these factions had accumulated over the years, and eliminate some of their top experts to pave the way for the Seven Stars' affiliated forces to annex those empires in the future.
As for Medicine King Valley, Lin Yuan had yet to decide how he would deal with it.
Out of respect for the word medicine, and his admiration for the fact that, despite the continent's highly developed alchemy system, they still devoted themselves to researching pharmacology and medical arts, he decided to visit the valley first before making a final decision.
With their plans finalized, Lin Yuan and the Little Fairy Doctor immediately summoned everyone, including Xie Biyan and Xie Shan, and convened another conference centered around the Demonic Poison Spot.
After distributing the appropriate rewards, Lin Yuan assigned the next phase of work.
He instructed Xie Shan to mobilize the full strength of the Chu Yun Empire, allocating even more manpower and resources to accelerate the analysis and refinement of the Demonic Poison Spot.
After swiftly arranging all the necessary matters, Lin Yuan left the Poison Ancestor that very night with Zi Yan and the Little Fairy Doctor. Three figures rose into the sky above Tiandu City, transforming into three streaks of light, one azure and two violet as they shot toward the Yan Luo Empire.
The next day, three streams of light streaked across the distant heavens like shooting stars chasing the moon.
At one point, as they passed over a secluded valley blessed with lush mountains and clear waters, the three streaks suddenly changed direction and descended from the sky like thunderbolts. The light faded, revealing Lin Yuan, Zi Yan, and the Little Fairy Doctor beside a tranquil pool within the valley.
Lin Yuan's Spiritual Strength surged out like a tide as he carefully scanned the surroundings.
A moment later, the corners of his lips curled into a satisfied smile.
"Perfect. This is the place."
The Little Fairy Doctor looked around before saying softly,
"This place is very similar to the valley near Qingshan Town. The energy here is abundant, making it an excellent place to break through."
"Mhm."
Lin Yuan nodded before looking at Zi Yan and the Little Fairy Doctor.
"I've decided to consume the medicinal pills here and raise my cultivation to the peak of the Nine-Star Dou Emperor. It'll probably take a few days, so I'll leave the two of you to guard me."
"Don't worry, Brother!" Zi Yan raised her little fist confidently. "As long as I'm here, no one will be able to disturb you."
The Little Fairy Doctor nodded gently.
"Focus on your secluded cultivation. Leave everything to me."
Lin Yuan nodded slightly before flying onto a towering peak within the valley.
Taking the Green Lotus Seat from his Storage Ring, he placed it atop a large boulder. Then, forming a series of intricate hand seals, he summoned six Shadow Clones. With another thought, the Blood Soul also condensed beside him.
After appearing, the clones and the Blood Soul dispersed to different locations some distance away before simultaneously circulating the Heavenly Heart Soul Art with all their strength.
Soon, sensing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth converging toward the clones and the Blood Soul, satisfaction flashed through Lin Yuan's eyes.
This time, he intended not only to reach the peak of the Dou Emperor realm in Dou Qi cultivation but also to push his soul into the peak of the Mortal Realm.
Meanwhile, Lin Yuan's true body sat cross-legged upon the Green Lotus Seat. After swallowing a Yuan Soul Pill, he slowly closed his eyes and began regulating his breathing.
A short while later, he opened his eyes once more, his aura smooth and perfectly balanced.
"It's time."
With a flip of his hand, a flawless jade bottle emitting a faint green glow appeared in his palm. Inside floated a crimson medicinal pill roughly the size of a longan.
"I'll begin with you, the Fire Emperor Pill."
Lin Yuan dispersed the Green Lotus Core Flame wrapped around the bottle, uncorked it, and carefully removed the Fire Emperor Pill.
Immediately, a rich medicinal fragrance spread through the valley, refreshing the spirit. Even the surrounding natural energy seemed to grow noticeably hotter.
Taking a slow breath, Lin Yuan opened his mouth and swallowed the pill.
The Fire Emperor Pill melted instantly upon entering his mouth, transforming into an immense torrent of blazing medicinal energy that surged violently into his thoroughly tempered body. The tremendous energy raced through his meridians like a roaring river.
"What overwhelming fire-element energy incredible."
Lin Yuan let out a satisfied sigh before immediately closing his eyes and immersing his consciousness within his body.
At that moment, his resilient meridians were filled with immense, refined medicinal power, coursing through every major pathway within him.
Without the slightest hesitation, Lin Yuan formed a cultivation seal and began circulating the Heavenly Capital Flame Scripture.
The Green Lotus Core Flame immediately surged out from his Spiritual Nurturing Space into his meridians, enveloping the overwhelming medicinal energy before guiding it along the cultivation route, completing one circulation after another.
Outside his body, the natural energy of heaven and earth seemed drawn by an invisible force, rushing toward him and forming a magnificent, multicolored energy vortex.
The vortex continuously rotated, compressing the energy at its center into liquid form before pouring it into Lin Yuan's body as he sat upon the Green Lotus Seat.
After being refined by three Heavenly Flames, the Sea Heart Flame, the Green Lotus Core Flame, and the Heart Flame Seed Fire, the enormous energy transformed into the purest fire-element energy before continuously flowing into Lin Yuan's body.
The incoming natural energy intertwined with the blazing medicinal power of the Fire Emperor Pill. After being refined, both were converted into streams of pure Dou Qi that were absorbed into his flesh and meridians.
Lin Yuan's aura steadily climbed from the middle stage of the Eight-Star Dou Emperor realm, while an overwhelming momentum gradually gathered throughout the valley.
Five days later.
Lin Yuan, who had remained motionless like a statue, slowly opened his eyes. A brilliant gleam flashed through his deep, star-like pupils like a shooting star streaking across the night sky.
Feeling the immense Dou Qi surging through his body, the corners of his lips unconsciously lifted into a confident smile.
Every bone and every meridian within him radiated a faint crystalline glow, becoming even tougher than before.
"The peak of the Dou Emperor realm achieved."
His gaze sharpened as the enormous energy vortex surrounding him gradually dispersed. His formidable aura instantly withdrew into his body, and everything returned to perfect calm.
Yet just as silence settled over the valley.
"Roar—!"
A long, resonant cry erupted.
The powerful sound waves, combined with the overwhelming aura of a peak Dou Emperor, swept across the valley with the force to split clouds and shatter stone. The two intertwined, echoing endlessly through the mountains, while even the distant mountain streams seemed to freeze for a brief instant.
The air surrounding Lin Yuan seemed to ignite as waves of scorching heat spread outward from him. The atmosphere was filled with the faint scent of burning and blazing fire.
He slowly exhaled a mouthful of stale air, feeling the boundless Dou Qi surging within him. An unprecedented sense of confidence and ambition filled his heart.
"At last only a single step remains before reaching the Dou Ancestor realm."
"But I'm not finished yet."
A sharp gleam flashed through Lin Yuan's eyes as he retrieved the Heavenly Origin Qi Tempering Pill he had refined earlier from his Storage Ring.
"Right after breaking through is the perfect time to temper my Dou Qi with this pill."
Taking a deep breath, he adjusted both his body and mind to their peak condition before gently placing the Heavenly Origin Qi Tempering Pill into his mouth.
As the pill dissolved, a cool yet incomparably pure medicinal force spread throughout his body, flowing through every meridian and reaching every corner of his limbs.
Unlike the violent power of the Fire Emperor Pill, this energy was remarkably gentle.
Lin Yuan closed his eyes and calmly guided the medicinal force throughout his body, allowing it to merge with his Dou Qi.
However, the instant the two came into contact, the Dou Qi within him seemed to ignite, beginning a violent transformation.
The medicinal power resembled the giant hammer wielded by a master blacksmith, continuously forging and tempering his Dou Qi, removing every trace of impurity and instability until it became purer and denser than ever before.
Tempering one's Dou Qi was by no means an easy process. It was accompanied by intense pain.
"Ugh..."
A muffled groan escaped Lin Yuan's lips as if his entire body were being torn apart.
Even so, he never wavered.
He simply gritted his teeth, steadied his mind, and continued methodically guiding the medicinal power of the Heavenly Origin Qi Tempering Pill throughout his body, allowing it to temper every strand of Dou Qi little by little.
Between waves of agony, Lin Yuan even found himself entertaining random thoughts.
"It seems the Heavenly Origin Qi Tempering Pill still has room for improvement. Lesson learned. Next time I derive a new pill formula, I'll include user comfort as part of the design."
The entire process of tempering his Dou Qi lasted a full day and night.
The following morning, as the sun rose.
"Haa..."
At last, after the final strand of Dou Qi had been completely tempered, Lin Yuan abruptly opened his eyes.
Two dazzling rays of light shot forth like divine swords piercing through darkness. His entire being seemed to have undergone a complete rebirth.
He raised his hand, and a strand of dense emerald-green Dou Qi appeared in his palm.
Looking at the strand of Dou Qi which was noticeably deeper in color than it had been the previous day, Lin Yuan smiled with satisfaction.
"The suffering wasn't in vain. After this round of Heavenly Origin Qi Tempering, my chances of breaking through to the Dou Ancestor realm have increased by at least another ten percent."
"Next..."
"It's time to fight to my heart's content and completely master the tremendous increase in strength I've gained during this period."
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