"Now that this round of pill refinement is over, everyone may disperse!"
Lin Yuan chuckled softly. He recalled the Myriad Beast Cauldron into the Ring, then grabbed Zi Yan and disappeared from the stone platform together with her.
Seeing this, everyone reluctantly withdrew their gazes and returned to their own affairs. Before long, the Inner Academy once again returned to its usual order.
No matter how powerful others became, their strength was still theirs. Only one's own strength truly belonged to oneself.
On the other side, Lin Yuan arrived at the pavilion where Su Qian and the others were staying and nodded toward everyone.
"Thank you for guarding me, everyone!"
"We were merely here to watch the show!" Elder Huo looked at Lin Yuan with satisfaction, clicking his tongue in amazement. "I really didn't expect it. You brat actually managed to refine an Eighth-Grade pill. An Eighth-Grade alchemist who isn't even twenty years old. I'm afraid no one would believe it if they heard about it!"
Elder Huo could be considered someone who had watched Lin Yuan grow up. However, ever since Lin Yuan reached the Dou Grandmaster realm, he had been completely unable to understand the trajectory of this kid's growth.
His cultivation clearly advanced at an astonishing speed, yet there was also an inexplicable sense that he was progressing steadily and solidly.
The two things seemed contradictory.
"Elder Huo, you're too kind. It was merely a fortuitous opportunity and a stroke of luck!"
Lin Yuan smiled faintly and handed a Storage Ring to Elder Huo.
"The notes and scrolls inside contain the knowledge I've compiled regarding Seventh-Grade alchemy. They should be able to help you and the Alchemy Department advance further."
Hearing this, Elder Huo's eyes immediately lit up. Without any unnecessary modesty, he accepted the Storage Ring and sighed with emotion.
"Having you in Jia Nan Academy is truly a blessing!"
"I agree with that!"
Su Qian, who was standing nearby, nodded as well. He then looked at Lin Yuan with some amazement.
"However, your cultivation is advancing far too quickly. Judging from your aura, you're already not far from the Four-Star Dou Ancestor-realm. You've completely surpassed this old man."
"Other people count the time required to advance through the Dou Ancestor realm in years, while you brat count it in months. Tsk, tsk..."
Lin Yuan smiled but did not modestly deny it.
During this month, although he had been continuously refining pills, his cultivation had not fallen behind because of the Demonic Poison Spot.
However, he had not pursued rapid advancement. Instead, he had progressed steadily.
On one hand, he and Xiao Yixian cultivated together, gradually refining the Demonic Poison Spot and increasing their Dou Qi cultivation.
On the other hand, he engaged in intensive alchemy, using the process to temper his Dou Qi.
The two matters alternated and complemented each other, allowing Lin Yuan to successfully maintain a balance between alchemy and cultivation.
As a result, during this month, he had not only refined numerous pills, but his cultivation had also advanced from the early Three-Star Dou Ancestor stage to the peak of the Three-Star Dou Ancestor realm. Xiao Yixian, who cultivated together with him, had likewise reached the peak of the Five-Star Dou Ancestor realm.
"After another round of refinement and dual cultivation, Xiao Yixian and I should both be able to break through!"
Thinking of this, Lin Yuan felt even more pleased.
He took a set of notes and a scroll from his Storage Ring and handed them to Su Qian.
"First Elder, these are some of my insights regarding the Fallen Heart Flame, along with a related formation."
"Using the two together should greatly increase the production and effectiveness of the Heart Flame. You and the other Elders might as well study them."
Hearing this, the eyes of several people immediately lit up.
This was a major matter.
If what Lin Yuan said was true, the Inner Academy would be able to produce considerably more Fire Energy. As a result, the academy could support more students and could even appropriately expand its enrollment.
Moreover, with Lin Yuan's reputation now serving as a golden signboard for the academy, there was no need to worry about attracting talented students in the future.
What Lin Yuan had said was naturally true.
The notes regarding the Heart Flame contained the insights he and Venerable Tian Huo had accumulated regarding flame control. As for the formation scroll, he had asked Venerable Tian Huo to prepare it.
Venerable Tian Huo had possessed the Fallen Heart Flame for a very long time and had countless methods of utilizing it. Naturally, a formation of this level was well within his capabilities.
Su Qian accepted the notes and scroll and smiled.
"You haven't even officially taken office yet, yet you've already done so much for the academy and made such enormous contributions. How about you simply take over as First Elder?"
As he spoke, an inexplicable glint flashed through his eyes.
If he could hand over this burden, then.
"First Elder, you're joking. I've merely done a few small things within my capabilities!"
Lin Yuan hurriedly waved his hands and said,
"The position of First Elder carries enormous responsibilities. I can't shoulder it yet. After I go to the Central Plains and make a name for myself for a few years, I'll return and take over."
"Enough. Su Qian, you old brat, stop thinking about retiring all the time."
Old Man Qian Mu interrupted Su Qian, who was about to speak, and scolded him with a laugh.
"That's right!"
Old Man Bai Lie nodded with a smile.
"Lin Yuan is so young and so dazzling. The Central Plains is the stage that suits him. He's still nowhere near the age where he can retire with us at the academy. You'd better work for a few more decades!"
After those words were spoken, everyone present revealed smiles with different meanings.
However, although everyone continued smiling as usual, Lin Yuan keenly sensed that their attitudes toward him had undergone a subtle change.
There was an inexplicable increase in closeness, but at the same time, there was also a little more subtle distance.
At this moment, Lin Yuan could not help sighing inwardly.
"In this world where strength reigns supreme, whenever one's status and strength change, many things will naturally change, regardless of whether I care about them or not..."
He shook his head, putting away his thoughts. Then he looked toward Old Man Qianmu and Old Man Bai Lie and spoke solemnly.
"Senior Qian Mu, Senior Bai Lie, there are two things I'd like to ask you to help me with."
"Oh? What matters?" the two asked.
"Two things!"
Lin Yuan cupped his hands, then raised two fingers.
"First, I'd like Zi Yan to enter seclusion and advance in cultivation at the library. I hope the two Seniors can guard her and conceal the disturbance caused by her breakthrough."
"Second, I'd like the two Seniors to make a trip to the Central Plains soon and bring back some medicinal ingredients for me."
To prevent any accidents, Lin Yuan did not intend to reveal Zi Yan's whereabouts to the outside world before she successfully returned to the Eastern Dragon Island.
Old Man Qian Mu and Old Man Bai Lie exchanged a glance before nodding together.
"I agree to both matters. As for the medicinal ingredients, I'll make the trip. I have friends in the Central Plains who have their own channels. Just give me the list of medicinal ingredients."
Lin Yuan nodded and handed over a prepared list.
Qianmu glanced through the list. It contained a large number of high-grade medicinal ingredients, including quite a few familiar ones.
"You need five sets of ingredients for Bignning Venerable Pill as well?"
Qianmu raised his brows.
"Hehe."
Lin Yuan chuckled and spoke frankly.
"I intend to refine four for the academy and give them to the First Elder, Elder Huo, the Vice Principal, and Elder Wu, who is about to break through. In addition, I still need some for the people in my 'family,' so my current supply of ingredients isn't enough..."
The four people he had mentioned had all shown kindness to Lin Yuan when he was still weak.
Now that he possessed the ability, he was naturally willing to repay them.
Besides, if he wanted the Sky Demon Puppet to advance, Pill Lightning was indispensable as well.
"Four Bignning Venerable Pills?"
Upon hearing Lin Yuan's words, the eyes of the three people present lit up with delight.
For them, a single Bignning Venerable Pill was enough to save several years, or even ten years, of cultivation.
This was truly an enormous benefit.
At this moment, Lin Yuan was clearly still the same Lin Yuan as before, yet in the eyes of everyone present, he seemed to be surrounded by a golden radiance.
"Ahem!"
Su Qian lightly coughed and looked at Lin Yuan with gratification, an undisguisable smile on his face.
"Thank you, Lin Yuan. We won't stand on ceremony regarding this matter!"
"What a generous gesture. As expected of an Eighth-Grade alchemist."
Bai Lie sighed inwardly.
Only after truly having a high-grade alchemist among their own people did he fully understand just how comforting such a thing was.
A mere pill could solve countless problems.
It was no wonder high-grade alchemists possessed such lofty statuses.
"If possible, please help me keep an eye out for a High-level Earth Class body-refining Dou Technique."
"We'll keep an eye out for it!"
After discussing things with everyone for a while longer, Lin Yuan left the pavilion and headed toward the Medicine Garden.
At the edge of the Black-Corner Great Plains.
A white beast shadow more than ten zhang long streaked across the sky like a bolt of lightning, emerging from the endless mountain range before hovering beneath the gloomy gray sky.
Upon closer inspection, this long white beast shadow was none other than the renowned Winged Snake King.
At this moment, a youthful voice tinged with a hint of coquettish charm suddenly rang out from the Winged Snake King's back.
"Xi Yue Sister, this is the gateway to the Black-Corner Region, the Black Domain Plains. Now that we've arrived here, we're not far from Jia Nan Academy."
Looking at the excited Qing Lin, Medusa smiled lightly, gently patted Qing Lin's little head, and gazed softly toward the distance.
"The Black-Corner Region so this is the place where Lin Yuan grew up."
Qing Lin took out several prepared maps and carefully compared them. After examining them for a moment, she pointed excitedly toward the southeast.
"Jia Nan Academy is in that direction. At the Winged Snake King's speed, we should be able to reach it in about four days."
"Then let's set off!" Medusa nodded and said softly, "Your Young Master will surely be surprised when he sees how much you've grown."
"Hehe!" Hearing Medusa's words, a hint of pride flashed through Qing Lin's eyes, along with a trace of anticipation.
"Young Master, Qing'er will be back by your side very soon. This time, I should be able to reunite with Sister Xiao Yixian."
At the mention of Xiao Yixian, a trace of nostalgia appeared in Qing Lin's eyes.
Although the two girls had only spent a few months together, Xiao Yixian's kindness toward her, like that of an elder sister, had left an extremely deep impression on Qing Lin.
"Xiao Yixian?" The corners of Medusa's lips curled up slightly, a trace of curiosity flashing through her alluring eyes. "I'd like to see exactly what kind of woman she is, the first person my little man has ever 'fallen for'."
"Sister Xiao Yixian is a good person! I believe you'll definitely like her, Sister Xi Yue! Xiao Bai, full speed ahead."
As her voice fell, the Winged Snake King let out a sharp hiss and shot rapidly toward the direction of Jia Nan Academy.
Black-Corner Region
Beneath a gloomy mountain valley stood a rather magnificent underground palace.
Suddenly, a patch of shadow in the center of the main hall began to writhe. A mass of black mist strangely surged out, followed by a wave of contraction before slowly condensing into a pitch-black human figure. Faintly, a pair of crimson eyes emerged from within the darkness.
The black figure slowly climbed the steps, then turned around and sat upon the throne in the center of the main hall.
"Hehehe, you're back? My beloved generals, the Soul Envoys!"
As soon as his voice fell, large amounts of black mist surged in from outside the hall. Dozens of figures completely shrouded in black mist appeared within the rather solemn main hall.
"Greetings, Protector!" the Soul Envoys bowed and spoke in unison.
Their practiced movements made it obvious that they had specifically trained for this.
Seeing this, a trace of satisfaction and nostalgia flashed through Protector Xuan's fierce eyes.
During his "lifetime," Xuan Ping had also been the ruler of a nation. Although he had now become a worker for the Hall of Souls, he could still pursue a little bit of pomp and circumstance. As long as it did not interfere with their missions, the Hall of Souls did not care about such personal hobbies.
As long as they could hand over enough souls on time, the Hall of Souls was not exactly some evil organization although the workload was ridiculously high.
Taking a deep breath, Protector Xuan suppressed the nostalgia in his heart and began dealing with business.
His gaze swept across everyone below before he asked solemnly, "Have you confirmed the matter I asked you to investigate earlier? Is that Lin Yuan really a Seventh-Grade alchemist?"
"Protector!" A Soul Envoy at the Dou Huang level stepped forward and respectfully replied, "We mobilized some of our forces in the secular world and finally managed to find out everything about Lin Yuan! The rumors are true. He is indeed a Seventh-Grade alchemist!"
After a pause, he continued, "During this period, this man has personally refined several pills in front of the people of Jia Nan Academy, all of which attracted Pill Lightning."
"As for the detailed information regarding Lin Yuan, these are the results of our investigation. Please take a look, Sir…"
As he spoke, he took out a dossier and respectfully held it out with both hands.
"Hehehe, well done!"
Protector Xuan habitually displayed the Hall of Souls' "corporate culture." He then clenched his hand, and the dossier immediately flew into his grasp.
"The Black-Corner Region is such a remote place, yet it actually managed to produce someone like this. That's rather interesting."
Protector Xuan opened the dossier and carefully read through it. The more he read, the more solemn his expression became.
The main hall gradually fell into complete silence.
After some time, when he finished reading the final page, Protector Xuan slowly closed his eyes and began carefully pondering the information.
After a long while, a somewhat reckless-looking Dou Emperor-level Soul Envoy stepped out of the ranks and asked bluntly, "Father, how should we proceed from here? Since this man is in Jia Nan Academy, capturing his soul will take quite a bit of effort!"
"Idiot!"
Protector Xuan's eyes suddenly snapped open. He stared at his "son" from his previous life with an expression of exasperation.
Had he been out of his mind back then?
He had actually been foolish enough to pay a huge price to "guide" this brainless fool, who possessed some strength but lacked any sense, into the Hall of Souls when he was on the verge of death. He had even gone to considerable lengths to turn him into a Soul Envoy.
Judging from the information in his hands, Lin Yuan was a ruthless figure who had killed the Earth Demon Old Ghost.
Could someone like himself, merely a Heaven-Class Protector, really afford to provoke him?
"Hehehehe~"
Protector Xuan gave a sinister laugh and said coldly, "Xuan Soul Envoy, remember this clearly. There is no 'Father' here! As a Soul Envoy, you should call me Protector!"
Hearing this, Xuan Soul Envoy hurriedly nodded.
"Yes, Protector. This subordinate misspoke."
"Hmph!"
Protector Xuan snorted coldly before looking at the other Soul Envoys.
"Mobilize your forces in the secular world and closely monitor all news regarding this man, but do not act rashly. Without my permission, you are not to engage in any hostile actions against him!"
"Yes, Protector!"
Afterward, everyone held a long-overdue work review and arranged their tasks for the next round before dispersing.
Once everyone had left, Protector Xuan once again began flipping through Lin Yuan's information.
"Born a commoner, yet before reaching twenty years of age, he has already broken through to the Dou Ancestor realm and become a Seventh-Grade alchemist. This really is an unparalleled talent!"
A trace of envy flashed through his eyes as Protector Xuan secretly thought,
"His circumstances completely match the target requirements from above!"
"However, Lin Yuan's strength is not something I can handle. There's no time to waste. I need to immediately report his situation to Central Plains."
----
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