[The Earth Level Protector Wu Protector from the Soul Hall of Central Plains, while searching for powerful souls in the Northwest Continent and incidentally looking for Xia Luo who might be a descendant of the Xiao Family, unexpectedly sensed at Cloud Mist Mountain that Yun Shan, the eighth-generation sect master of the Cloud Mist Sect, was severely poisoned, his lifespan nearly exhausted, and on the verge of death. He attempted to lure Yun Shan into working for the Soul Hall but was temporarily rejected.]
[Yun Shan was afflicted with the Poison Demon Spot released by a three-star Dou Emperor of the Ten Thousand Scorpion Sect from the Chu Yun Empire before his death. Although Yun Shan suppressed it with his powerful Dou Qi cultivation, the toxicity continued to erode his body, greatly reducing his lifespan. He is nearing his end. You have three methods to assist him.]
[Your methods to resolve Yun Shan's Poison Demon Spot]
1.
Yao Lao possesses a self-created sixth-grade pill formula, the "Lingfu Clarity Pill." Refining this sixth-grade pill can neutralize the toxicity of the Poison Demon Spot. After absorbing the Dou Qi, Yun Shan has a 70% chance of breaking through to the Dou Ancestor realm and restoring the lifespan consumed by the toxicity.
2.
Within a year, if you break through to the Dou Grand Master level and master a Heavenly Flames, you can help Yun Shan resolve the toxicity. You will gain some cultivation progress, but Yun Shan's lifespan cannot be restored. By risking his life to break through, he has a 30% chance of reaching the Dou Ancestor realm and restoring the lifespan consumed by the toxicity.
3.
Allow Wu Protector to assist Yun Shan in breaking through. If he succeeds, inform him that his soul has been tampered with by Wu Protector. Using the sixth-grade Primal Purity Pill can remove the Soul Clan's influence but not its effects. The seventh-grade Primal Qi Pill can resolve the lingering concerns and clear the soul's afflictions.
"So the Soul Hall approached Old Sect Master Yun Shan at this time," Gu Han's eyes flashed with a gleam of insight.
The conflict between the Xiao Family and the Cloud Mist Sect had escalated to a life-and-death struggle.
The three-year agreement was the trigger, and Yun Leng's insistence on avenging Mo Cheng while using it as a pretext deepened the conflict. However, Yun Shan's collaboration with the Soul Hall was the root cause.
If he could resolve this matter, Gu Han would not only fully repay his debt to the Cloud Mist Sect but also exceed it.
By then, he could leave without any psychological burden and seek development in the Central Plains.
"Three methods—I'll pursue all three simultaneously."
"If the old sect master breaks through to the Dou Ancestor realm, the Cloud Mist Sect might barely squeeze into the first-rate ranks of the Northwest Continent and the second-rate forces of the Dou Qi Continent."
"After participating in the Sect Tournament, it will be time for me to leave."
The Sect Tournament was divided into several stages and types, with the most attention-grabbing being the Sect Master Battle and the Disciple Battle.
In the Disciple Battle, each sect could only send disciples under twenty-five years old to compete, using rankings to demonstrate a sect's potential.
The Sect Master Battle involved sect masters participating in ranking matches, reflecting the current strength of a sect's leader.
Based on performance in these two areas, numerous benefits could be gained. Gu Han naturally planned to participate in the Disciple Battle.
"For now, I must focus on cultivation!"
With a thought, Gu Han returned to the Black Tortoise Mystic Realm, leaving a phantom image on the bed.
It was worth noting that after his soul broke through to the Mortal Realm Middle Stage, the space within the Black Tortoise Mystic Realm had expanded to a radius of one hundred meters.
While inside the Black Tortoise Mystic Realm, he could perceive everything within a thirty-meter radius outside with perfect clarity and sensitivity.
Additionally, when outside, he could sense any gaze directed at him within a five-hundred-meter radius.
"Ice layers overlap, I stand before them, unmoving as a mountain, impervious to the enemy's assaults."
Gu Han sat upon the Essence Crystal Jade Marrow, holding the Century Cold Jade in his hand as he circulated his Dou Qi according to the meridian pathways recorded in the Ice Soul Mystic Classic.
The Dou Qi within his body flowed through his meridians in a unique cycle, leaving behind a portion each time it passed through his Dantian.
After thirty-six cycles, a white crystal condensed within his Qi Cyclone, emitting a bone-chilling cold energy.
This was the core of the Ice Soul Mystic Classic - constructing a false Dou Crystal within the Qi Cyclone to simulate the Dou Grand Master realm.
The next step was to repeat the cultivation method ten times in succession, only then could he condense an Ice Soul within his heart. This would indicate he had mastered the skill to perfection.
Theoretically, this Ice Soul within the heart could store Dou Qi equivalent to his cultivation level. When needed, it could be activated through secret techniques, or even detonated to dramatically boost his combat power.
Gu Han was currently unable to achieve this. Condensing the first Ice Soul had already consumed all of his Dou Qi, requiring the assistance of the Century Cold Jade and Essence Crystal Jade Marrow to accomplish.
"I'm afraid it will be difficult to condense the second Ice Soul before breaking through to Dou Master."
Feeling his strength increase by more than ten percent, Gu Han revealed a satisfied smile, opened his eyes, and left the Black Tortoise Mystic Realm.
The sun was already high in the sky, and it wouldn't be long before lunchtime.
After lunch, Gu Han would return to the imperial capital with the Nalan Family.
Nalan Yanran would also follow them back, waiting for Xiao Yan to come and marry her a year later.
Of course, if Xiao Yan had the capability to reclaim the former Xiao Family residence in the imperial capital, they could hold the wedding there as well.
After a simple wash, Gu Han left his courtyard and headed toward the Xiao Family's main hall.
On the roof of a nearby courtyard, Ling Xiao noticed Gu Han's current state and was slightly surprised: "Brother, look at Gu Han. Has he successfully condensed his first Ice Soul?"
"Sister, remain calm." Ling Ying's voice was deep, giving off a steady feeling: "He has already perfected a Mysterious Low-Rank Skill. If he couldn't master the basics and condense the Ice Soul to minor achievement in one night, he wouldn't be worthy of yours and the young lady's attention."
Ling Xiao immediately shot him a look full of disdain: "Before saying that, stop reaching for the dagger behind your waist."
Ling Ying had a habit of grabbing his dagger whenever he felt nervous or excited.
Ling Ying: "..."
"This speed is seven days faster than we anticipated." Xun Er's voice came from behind them, her face showing surprise: "Even with the assistance of ice-attribute treasures, this speed is quite remarkable."
"But he didn't leave his courtyard last night, nor did he take out any ice-attribute treasures, right?"
"No." Ling Xiao shook her head with certainty: "Although I wasn't specifically watching him, I would have sensed any changes in heaven and earth energy immediately."
"It seems his foundation is exceptionally solid, and his comprehension is beyond ordinary S-grade." Xun Er's lips curved slightly: "I never expected to discover such talent before leaving."
"Elder Ling, you shall stay behind and become his guardian."
"Yes, young lady." Ling Ying readily agreed.
After Xun Er left, even if he broke through to Dou Ancestor, he wouldn't rank highly.
It would be better to become Gu Han's guardian, essentially investing in this wild talent.
Unaware of the trio's conversation, Gu Han arrived at the Xiao Family's main hall and began chatting casually with Nalan Su and the others.
When the time was about right, everyone proceeded together to the banquet hall for the meal. This gathering was much smaller than the previous day's, attended only by the Xiao Family's upper echelons, direct lineage members, and some powerful figures from Wu Tan City.
After the meal concluded, Nalan Su took his leave.
"You go ahead with Uncle Nalan first. I need to discuss something with Xiao Yan," Gu Han said.
Having Xiao Mei leave with Nalan Su, Gu Han privately approached Xiao Yan: "Brother Xiao Yan, may we speak aside?"
"Please." Xiao Yan was somewhat surprised that Gu Han would specifically seek him out privately, suspecting that Nalan Yanran or Yun Yun might have asked him to relay some message.
Considering the Nalan Family's good character and out of respect for Nalan Yanran, as long as the words weren't too harsh, he would simply let them pass by like wind in his ears.
The two arrived at Xiao Zhan's study. Xiao Yan invited Gu Han to sit, and the latter didn't stand on ceremony. After sitting down, he went straight to the point: "Brother Xiao Yan, congratulations on recovering to the four-star Dou Disciple level within three days."
Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed slightly as he sat opposite Gu Han, his smile appearing bashful and gentle: "This is all thanks to the Thousand-Year Stalactite Spirit Liquid gifted by Uncle Nalan. For some reason, my Dou Disciple cultivation has stopped mysteriously disappearing."
Gu Han looked at Xiao Yan and said: "Brother Xiao Yan, you're clearly using the Foundation Establishment Spirit Liquid. Why deceive me?"
Xiao Yan: !
Yao Lao: !!
--Enjoying the story? Want more chapters? Check out my Patreon and support me for 40+ advance chapters.
Just search for "QueenTL" on Patreon!"
Thanks!