Thinking of the plans ahead, Lin Yuan's gaze instinctively shifted toward Qing Lin.
However, he saw her body swaying unsteadily, her face unable to conceal her exhaustion. After the joy of successfully cultivating the secret technique faded, the fatigue and weakness from excessive consumption of soul power surged through her.
Seeing this, Lin Yuan quickly supported her. At the same time, his soul power spread out and entered her body to examine her condition.
After a moment, his brows relaxed slightly as he let out a breath of relief. "It's due to excessive consumption of soul power. Not surprising, using multiple soul secret techniques simultaneously and cultivating the Soul Garment Consolidation the consumption is immense."
With that thought, Lin Yuan took out a fist-sized box from his storage ring and handed it to Qing Lin. The box was entirely black, its surface covered with intricate, mysterious runes resembling a seal.
"Young Master, what is this?" Qing Lin asked weakly as she received the black box, confusion mixed with her fatigue.
Lin Yuan smiled lightly. "A little tool to replenish consumed soul power. Qing'er, open it."
Hearing this, Qing Lin opened the box. Inside were three small clusters of light, each emitting a soft glow.
Under the illumination of that gentle light, Qing Lin faintly felt her weary spirit and soul drained from using shadow clones and cultivating the Soul Garment, become somewhat relaxed.
At that moment, Lin Yuan flicked his finger, and one of the small light clusters floated out, landing on his fingertip.
He then brought it close to Qing Lin's forehead and said calmly, "Qing'er, don't resist. Try to absorb it."
"Yes, Young Master." Qing Lin followed his instructions, closing her eyes as she absorbed the light cluster. A wave of comfort filled her soul. Very quickly, she realized that the exhaustion and soul depletion from an entire day of practice had almost completely recovered.
"How does it feel? Any abnormalities?" Lin Yuan asked.
Qing Lin opened her eyes, her gaze filled with excitement. "Young Master, this is amazing! My soul power recovered instantly."
"Good." Lin Yuan nodded with satisfaction. "For the next few days, if you become too fatigued while practicing soul techniques, use this to recover."
"Yes, Young Master." Qing Lin looked at the remaining two light clusters in the box and said confidently, "With this, I'll be able to fully master the technique very soon."
Lin Yuan did not say anything like "no need to rush." The sooner Qing Lin completed her cultivation, the more prepared he would be.
Thus, he simply gently stroked her hair and said in a deep voice, "Qing'er, you've worked hard during this time."
Qing Lin shook her head and looked into Lin Yuan's eyes seriously. "Young Master, please don't say that. Being able to help you is what makes me happiest."
Before long, after fully recovering her soul power, Qing Lin resumed practicing the Soul Garment Consolidation.
Meanwhile, after returning to his room, Lin Yuan took out another identical black box from his storage ring.
This black box was created by Lin Yuan based on the Soul Hall's soul bags, combined with special materials and his own sealing techniques. It could store highly condensed soul power.
Opening the box and looking at the clusters of light inside, a thoughtful expression flashed across his eyes.
Soon after, a faint sigh echoed in the room.
"As expected, extracting origin soul qi to create soul origin is not that simple. This method is likely high-level knowledge even within the Soul Hall."
Origin soul qi, also known as origin soul power, was what the Soul Hall sought by capturing souls across the continent, to extract it and create soul origin. Cultivators who absorbed soul origin could strengthen their soul power and break through soul realms.
After capturing Soul Hall envoys, Lin Yuan had interrogated them repeatedly, hoping to obtain such knowledge.
However, these envoys knew nothing about it. They didn't even understand what origin soul qi or soul origin truly were.
Still, although they lacked direct knowledge, the secret techniques they cultivated contained faint traces of it.
Many Soul Hall techniques relied on captured souls. For example, methods of devouring others' souls to temporarily boost strength involved converting another's soul power into one's own, this process inevitably involved some underlying transformation.
After analyzing the relatively simple techniques contributed by the envoys, combined with his own expertise in soul research, Lin Yuan had essentially understood this intermediate process.
He termed this intermediate step as the transformation into "soul power."
In other words, many Soul Hall secret techniques first forcibly converted others' souls into "soul power," and then used that power to execute various mysterious techniques.
Lin Yuan speculated that this method of converting souls into "soul power" was a degraded version of extracting origin soul qi to create true soul origin.
With his late-stage Seventh-Grade soul strength and his expertise in soul research—supplemented by the souls of powerful individuals he had slain in the Black-Corner Region, Lin Yuan quickly mastered these techniques. Naturally, he also learned how to forcibly convert others' souls into "soul power."
However, even after refining out impurities using a sub-fire of the Fallen Heart Flame, this "soul power" could not compare to true soul origin in enabling breakthroughs in soul strength.
Thus, Lin Yuan could only settle for the next best option. By combining the method of transforming "soul power" with alchemy, using "soul power" and other materials as ingredients, he created a type of pill that wasn't quite a pill, the Yuan Soul Pill.
The small clusters of light in the black box he gave Qing Lin were precisely three Yuan Soul Pills.
The Yuan Soul Pill was an extremely practical "pill." Although it could not enhance soul strength, it was highly effective in restoring depleted soul power and healing soul injuries, even surpassing Soul Nourishing Saliva.
"The techniques in the hands of Soul Envoys are only basic. To obtain advanced methods for utilizing 'soul power,' it seems I can only rely on the Protectors."
Thinking of the Soul Hall's methods of temporarily boosting strength, Lin Yuan also recalled his own techniques, and a trace of anticipation rose in his heart.
"According to my hypothesis and deductions, the three treasures of the human body, essence, qi, and spirit should be able to support three secret techniques for temporary power enhancement."
"Currently, among my techniques, the Blood Essence Transformation represents essence, and the Qi Origin Transformation represents qi. The two can already operate simultaneously."
"Next, if I can capture a Protector-level target and obtain a more advanced technique involving soul power for temporary enhancement, then it may be possible to complete the envisioned technique representing spirit, the Spirit Origin Transformation."
"When that happens—essence, qi, and spirit all three transformations activated simultaneously, my true combat strength will rise to another level."
At this thought, anticipation flashed in Lin Yuan's eyes. "Protector Wu hurry up and finish your task with the Xiao Clan and come to me. I've been waiting for you for a long time."
"And although it may be wishful thinking, it would be even better if you possess the method of extracting origin soul qi to create soul origin."
Lin Yuan withdrew his thoughts. After studying the Yuan Soul Pills for a while longer, he closed the box and stored it in his storage ring.
"Tomorrow, I'll contact my friend Yun Shan, synchronize the situation with him, and formulate the next steps."
After that, Lin Yuan sat cross-legged and began his cultivation for the day.
The next day, on a cloud peak within the Misty Cloud Sect.
Dressed in a moon-white robe, Nalan Yanran sat cross-legged on a bluestone, forming hand seals as she cultivated.
Within her body, surging energy continuously poured into her Dou Crystal. As it absorbed this vast energy, its size slowly began to grow.
At a certain moment, a faint, barely audible chime sounded within Nalan Yanran's body.
With that sound, her aura surged sharply.
Sitting cross-legged on the bluestone, her delicate face resembled warm jade, emitting a faint glow. After a while, the glow gradually faded. Her eyelashes trembled lightly before her eyes suddenly opened, a pale green brilliance flashing before quickly vanishing.
Nalan Yanran sensed her condition, and a trace of pride appeared in her cold eyes.
"Four-Star Dou Grandmaster."
She clenched her fist, recalling a year of arduous cultivation, the impending three-year agreement, and that furious gaze. A faint smile curled at her lips.
"Xiao Yan, even if you've regained your former talent, so what? With my Four-Star Dou Grandmaster cultivation, how can you possibly compare?"
At that moment, an indifferent voice sounded from not far away.
"Four-Star Dou Grandmaster… passable."
Hearing this, Nalan Yanran immediately stood up and respectfully bowed toward Yun Shan, who stood with his hands behind his back, seemingly observing the sea of clouds in the distance.
"Yanran thanks Grandmaster for standing guard for me."
Over the past year, she had trained under Yun Shan, and her heart was filled with reverence toward him.
Yun Shan's style was completely different from Yun Yun's, and the strictness of his teaching was worlds apart. Compared to when Yun Yun guided her, her training intensity had increased by fifty percent over the past year, and she had rarely returned home.
Without turning around, Yun Shan continued gazing at the sea of clouds and said calmly, "There are less than half a month left before the three-year agreement. Further bitter cultivation holds little meaning. Yanran, go down the mountain. Adjust yourself well and face this battle in your best condition."
"Yes, Grandmaster! Yanran will not disappoint your expectations and teachings." Nalan Yanran replied firmly.
After a year of interaction, Yun Shan's authority had deeply rooted itself in her heart. Although she missed Yun Yun greatly, she no longer dared to act freely in front of Yun Shan, nor did she dare to mention Yun Yun.
"Good." Yun Shan's indifferent voice sounded again. Immediately after, the hand behind his back moved slightly.
Before Nalan Yanran could react, a fierce wind suddenly rose atop the cloud peak. The whirlwind formed a barrier and, within moments, swept her down the mountain.
"So this is the power of a Dou Ancestor…"
Nalan Yanran glanced back at the mountaintop with reverence, suppressing the pride in her heart, and headed toward the Alchemy Hall.
Inside the Alchemy Hall, Gu He was instructing his disciple Liu Ling about matters related to the upcoming Pill Assembly. Upon seeing Nalan Yanran approach, he quickly finished his instructions and beckoned her over.
Nalan Yanran walked forward and bowed slightly. "Uncle Gu He."
Gu He looked at her and nodded with satisfaction. "Yanran, very good. You've already reached Four-Star Dou Grandmaster. It seems you've completed all the training assigned by the old sect master."
Nalan Yanran nodded and informed him of Yun Shan's arrangements.
Gu He pondered for a moment before nodding slightly. "The path of cultivation requires balance. You've been pushing yourself too hard this past year, it's time to relax and adjust your state."
"Coincidentally, the Jia Ma Empire's Alchemist Grand Meeting is about to begin. Yanran, go and take a look with Liu Ling."
Upon hearing this, Liu Ling's eyes lit up with excitement. He quickly said, "Yanran, come with me to take a look! This event only happens once every eight years, it's extremely rare."
Gu He glanced at his foolish disciple and couldn't help but feel a bit helpless. "If he goes down the mountain with Yanran, this kid might completely forget the task I assigned him to make contact with that Yan Xiao rumored to possess a Heavenly Flame."
After thinking for a moment, Nalan Yanran nodded. "Alright. I also want to return home for a visit."
Deep within the Mitel Clan's residence, Lin Yuan slightly turned his head and gave a subtle nod to Qing Lin beside him.
Qing Lin immediately understood. She nodded and connected with the Purple Jade Scale Snake that Lin Yuan had given to Yun Shan, initiating a communication request through the Sky Network.
At that moment, atop the cloud peak of the Yunlan Sect, Yun Shan, who was observing the sea of clouds, suddenly sensed movement within his wide sleeve. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes as he thought, "This disturbance it's him. After a year apart, it seems he has finally arrived in person."
Recalling the communication manual he had long memorized, Yun Shan took a deep breath and stimulated the Purple Jade Scale Snake on his wrist according to the encoded signals, confirming the communication request.
Thus, with the assistance of Qing Lin's Sky Network, a long-awaited and covert communication between Lin Yuan and Yun Shan began once more across a vast distance.
"Are you currently under Protector Wu's surveillance?" Lin Yuan asked first.
"No," Yun Shan replied succinctly.
"Is he within the Misty Cloud Sect?"
"No."
"Are you able to maintain a prolonged exchange of information?"
"Yes."
"It's been a while, Sect Master Yun," Lin Yuan greeted.
"It has indeed. Greetings, my alchemist friend," Yun Shan responded.
"Let's get straight to the point. We'll exchange intelligence first, then discuss the next plan. I will now share four pieces of information I've gathered."
"Very well. Please proceed."
"First, preparations to remove the soul restriction on your spiritual body are complete. The process will only take half an hour."
"Excellent. I must thank you for your efforts. Yun Shan is deeply grateful," Yun Shan said sincerely.
"You're too courteous. Next is more important information. Second, Yan Xiao is Xiao Yan, the very youth who made the three-year agreement with Nalan Yanran."
"As expected." Yun Shan nodded slightly; he had already suspected this upon hearing the name Yan Xiao.
"Third and this is something you may not know, Xiao Yan's teacher is the former number one alchemist on the continent, Yao Venerate. Currently, he exists as a soul body by Xiao Yan's side." Lin Yuan's tone grew more serious.
"Yao Venerate? How is that possible? Wasn't it rumored that he perished many years ago?" Yun Shan asked in shock. The Misty Cloud sect had always gathered intelligence across the continent, and even his agents had heard of Yao zhe's supposed death.
"The rumors are incorrect. According to my information, Yao zhe did not die, he merely lost his physical body. His close friend, Feng Venerate, has been searching for him all this time. And the target that Protector Wu asked you to deal with during the three-year agreement is very likely him."
"What? This…" Yun Shan's expression changed drastically. If he sided with Protector Wu against such a figure, if they failed, he and the Misty Cloud Sect would offend a being of that level; if they succeeded, even the slightest leak of information would bring catastrophic destruction upon the sect.
"Finally, one more crucial piece of information. As far as I know, a Dou Saint-level expert has entrusted his daughter to the Xiao Clan, and that young woman shares a very close relationship with Xiao Yan."
"That girl Xiao Xun'er is the daughter of a Dou Saint?" Yun Shan was stunned once again, immediately recalling the mysterious young girl mentioned in Ge Ye's report. Even though he had already held her in high regard, he had never imagined her background would be so extraordinary.
"This is absolutely true. That Dou Saint has old ties with the Xiao Clan's ancestors, and he is among the strongest even within the Dou Saint ranks," Lin Yuan affirmed.
Yun Shan fell silent for a long time. Although he had anticipated complications, reality had far exceeded his expectations.
"Ancient clans, Soul Hall, Dou Saint, daughter of a Dou Saint, the continent's number one alchemist…" Yun Shan sighed deeply. "How has my Misty Cloud Sect, of all sects, ended up entangled with so many beings capable of destroying us with a flick of their hand?"
Thinking of this overwhelming situation, streaks of anger appeared in Yun Shan's eyes.
"Soul Hall, Protector Wu all of this is your doing."
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