Seeing the expressions on Yao Lao and the other two, Lin Yuan chuckled and said with a smile,
"Haha, just a joke to lighten the mood. Please don't take offense, the three of you."
A moment later, Yao Lao recovered from his brief surprise and glanced at Lin Yuan.
"Little Friend Tianshu, Queen Medusa, seeing that both of you returned safely puts my mind at ease. And judging by your mood, it seems the outcome of yesterday's pursuit exceeded even my expectations."
Lin Yuan nodded slightly and replied casually,
"As for Protector Wu, Senior need not worry about him anymore. We've already dealt with him. You should recognize this."
As he spoke, Lin Yuan took out a Soul Ring seized from Protector Wu. It was a special ring capable of sealing and storing souls. In the original timeline, after Yao Lao was captured by Protector Wu, he had temporarily been imprisoned within this very Soul Ring.
Having fought Protector Wu for an extended period the day before, Yao Lao naturally recognized the Soul Ring that had always been worn on Protector Wu's hand.
After hearing Lin Yuan's explanation and confirming it himself, Yao Lao finally let out a sigh of relief.
"Excellent. This will make matters much easier moving forward."
After yesterday's encounter, Yao Lao had already concluded that Protector Wu's greed for merit had prevented him from reporting Yao Lao's whereabouts to the higher-ups of the Hall of Souls.
Now that both Protector Wu and Protector Sun, the only two individuals aware of his existence, were dead, neither he nor Xiao Yan would have to face pressure from the Hall of Souls' upper echelon in the near future.
Thinking of this, a relieved smile appeared on Yao Lao's face.
At that moment, Lin Yuan's voice sounded again.
"Senior, I have fulfilled all the conditions of our agreement. So..."
Hearing this, Yao Lao nodded slightly and retrieved a scroll from his storage ring before handing it over.
"Tianshu, this is the payment we agreed upon. This scroll contains the location of the Woeful Poison Tomb, along with various related pieces of information."
After pondering for a moment, Yao Lao looked at Lin Yuan and reminded him,
"Tianshu, although the tomb contains a method that can completely eliminate the hidden dangers of the Woeful Poison Body, I would advise your friend not to use it directly. It would be better to first employ the Poison Pill Method as a transitional step."
"Oh?" Lin Yuan asked. "Why do you say that, Senior?"
"Because the person who created that method had already used the Poison Pill Method herself."
"The technique she developed to solve her own problem naturally took her post-Poison Pill state as the template."
Lin Yuan considered this for a moment before nodding.
"That does make sense. Senior's reasoning is sound."
Looking at Yao Lao, his eyes narrowed slightly.
Opportunities to discuss matters with a grandmaster as knowledgeable and experienced as Yao Lao were rare.
"Perhaps this is a good chance to discuss that idea of mine," Lin Yuan thought.
After a moment of consideration, he said,
"To be honest, after obtaining the Poison Pill Method, I spent some time studying it. My conclusion was that its greatest weakness lies in the limitations of the Sky Poison Dragon Scorpion's Monster Core, which serves as the poison container."
"So I began wondering: if a superior vessel were used to contain the poison, could the upper limit of the technique be increased?"
"Oh?"
Yao Lao's interest was immediately piqued.
"Interesting. So you've thought of that aspect as well."
Straightening his posture, he asked,
"Then tell me, Tianshu, what do you consider a superior vessel?"
Lin Yuan's expression became serious.
"The most suitable choices would be natural treasures born from heaven and earth, especially those possessing limitless growth potential."
"Among them, the best option I can think of is a Heavenly Flame: the Twentieth Heavenly Flame, the Nether Poison Flame."
"The Nether Poison Flame feeds on poison. The accumulated poison of the Woeful Poison Body would continuously nourish its evolution, allowing it to contain ever-greater quantities of increasingly potent toxins."
The moment the words "Heavenly Flame" were spoken, Xiao Yan's eyes lit up.
However, he immediately concealed the reaction.
After all, from a normal perspective, someone who already possessed a higher-ranked Heavenly Flame would have no reason to covet a lower-ranked one.
The existence of the Flame Mantra, which allowed a cultivator to control multiple Heavenly Flames, was not yet something that could be exposed.
Meanwhile, Yao Lao stroked his beard thoughtfully before nodding.
"A fascinating idea."
"Not only would it address one of the Poison Pill Method's weaknesses, it would also significantly raise its upper limit."
"The Nether Poison Flame is naturally poisonous. Merely coming into contact with a spark of it is enough to inflict deadly toxins. As a result, it is almost impossible to absorb and fuse."
"Even if someone successfully merged with it, they would constantly have to worry about the poison's backlash."
"According to existing records, there has never been any evidence that the Nether Poison Flame grants immunity to poison."
"On the contrary, there are documented cases of cultivators dying from its backlash."
"However, none of those problems apply to a Woeful Poison Body."
"Individuals who can increase their cultivation through poison are arguably the ideal hosts for the Nether Poison Flame."
"Its capacity as a poison vessel is practically limitless, making it an excellent candidate for the Poison Pill Method."
He paused before his expression became more serious.
"However..."
"I once found the Poison Pill Method quite fascinating myself and conducted considerable research into it, so I have some experience in this area."
"Your idea is excellent, Tianshu, but there are two problems that must be solved."
"What are they?" Lin Yuan asked.
Rather than answering directly, Yao Lao posed a question.
"Have you ever considered this?"
"There is no shortage of Magical Beasts on the Dou Qi Continent that are stronger and more poisonous than the Sky Poison Dragon Scorpion."
"So why does the Poison Pill Method specifically require the Monster Core of a seventh-rank Sky Poison Dragon Scorpion?"
Lin Yuan pondered briefly before answering hesitantly,
"Compatibility?"
Yao Lao looked at him approvingly and nodded.
"Not just compatibility. There's also the matter of balance."
"Is there something special about the Sky Poison Dragon Scorpion's Monster Core?" Lin Yuan asked seriously while cupping his fists.
"Please enlighten me, Senior."
Yao Lao stroked his beard and explained,
"Let's begin with compatibility."
"The Sky Poison Dragon Scorpion's Monster Core possesses a unique structure, but more importantly, its poisonous attribute is complementary to the poison of the Woeful Poison Body rather than antagonistic toward it."
"Other highly toxic Monster Cores with even greater carrying capacity, such as those of the Nine Nether Earth Python possess toxins that would directly clash with Woeful Poison Energy."
Lin Yuan could not help but sigh.
"So that's how it is."
"My knowledge of Monster Cores is rather limited. I hadn't realized there were so many intricacies involved."
"Hehe."
Yao Lao chuckled.
"You'll learn these things eventually, Tianshu."
"At higher levels of alchemy, the Monster Cores used in pill refinement become an entire field of study unto themselves."
"It isn't as simple as categorizing them by elemental attribute like in low-tier alchemy."
"After all, any Magical Beast capable of reaching the seventh, eighth, or Ninth-Grade possesses extraordinary bloodlines."
"Their Monster Cores naturally possess unique characteristics. How could they possibly be classified solely by attribute?"
"If you wish to replace the Sky Poison Dragon Scorpion's Monster Core with the Nether Poison Flame, you'll have to discover the exact method yourself."
"But regardless, I suggest you first thoroughly study the Sky Poison Dragon Scorpion's Monster Core. After all, that's the version of the method that has already succeeded."
"I understand." Lin Yuan cupped his fists.
"Then what exactly do you mean by the issue of balance?"
Yao Lao thought for a moment before smiling.
"Since you've researched the Poison Pill Method, you should know that before condensing the Poison Pill, one must first neutralize the Woeful Poison Energy and restore the body's vitality."
"That's correct," Lin Yuan replied.
Yao Lao continued,
"Under normal circumstances, a single portion of Bodhi Body Transformation Saliva is sufficient to accomplish that."
"However, if the host of the Woeful Poison Body also possesses the Nether Poison Flame, the excessive loss of vitality and the vastly amplified Woeful Poison Energy produced by the combination can no longer be resolved by a single portion of Bodhi Body Transformation Saliva."
Lin Yuan nodded in agreement.
In fact, he had reached the same conclusion during his own research.
His solution was simple: increase the quantity.
If one portion of Bodhi Body Transformation Saliva wasn't enough, obtain several.
If that still wasn't sufficient, supplement it with medicinal pills of similar effect but even higher quality.
Finally, Yao Lao concluded:
"If you truly intend to modify and perfect the Poison Pill Method, you should begin by studying these issues."
"I don't currently possess a Sky Poison Dragon Scorpion Monster Core, but I did research both its Monster Core and the Poison Pill Method in the past."
"I can give you my research notes and insights."
"Many thanks, Senior."
Lin Yuan immediately cupped his fists in gratitude.
"It's only a small matter."
Yao Lao waved his hand and chuckled.
"In the operation to eliminate those two Hall of Souls Protectors, the two of you contributed the most. Naturally, I won't be stingy."
With that, Yao Lao transmitted a large amount of information through soul communication.
After quickly digesting the materials, Lin Yuan felt a surge of inspiration. His understanding of the Poison Pill Method deepened considerably, and several ideas for improving it flashed through his mind.
"Not yet. There's plenty of time to study it later."
Suppressing his urge to immediately begin researching, Lin Yuan ended the discussion with Yao Lao and turned toward Xiao Yan, raising an eyebrow slightly.
"Oh? What a coincidence. Brother Xiao also advanced by a star so quickly."
Xiao Yan rubbed his nose and gave a bitter smile.
"Brother Tianshu, please don't tease me. How can advancing one star as a Dou Grandmaster be compared to advancing one star as a Dou Emperor?"
As he spoke, Xiao Yan could not help but feel inwardly astonished.
Although he had long known that Tianshu was powerful, only now did he learn the other's true cultivation level: a six-star Dou Emperor.
Moreover, he wasn't some ordinary Dou Emperor, but a monster capable of fighting Dou Ancestor while still at the Dou Emperor stage.
At the same time, his alchemy skills were already above the Sixth-Grade.
Looking at the smiling Lin Yuan before him, Xiao Yan thought of the Pill Gathering agreement eight years in the future. A trace of solemnity appeared in his eyes, accompanied by a growing fighting spirit.
"This is my opponent eight years from now. An opponent truly worthy of competing against."
Unconcerned with Xiao Yan's complicated thoughts, Lin Yuan asked:
"What are your plans moving forward? Although the Protectors who knew Senior Yao's whereabouts have been silenced, this matter is obviously far from over, especially for Brother Xiao."
Before Xiao Yan could answer, Yao Lao spoke from behind him.
"Speaking of that, Tianshu, I'd like to propose a new transaction. Are you interested?"
"Oh?"
Interest appeared on Lin Yuan's face as he looked toward Yao Lao.
"A new transaction? Please, Senior, elaborate."
"There's no rush to discuss business."
Yao Lao looked steadily at Lin Yuan and said calmly,
"Before that, Tianshu, we've fought side by side and can be considered comrades-in-arms. Isn't it time for you to reveal your true identity?"
"Besides, from what I can see, you don't seem particularly interested in hiding it anymore."
After seeing the Fallen Heart Flame Seed Flame yesterday and combining it with some information Gu Xun'er had provided, Yao Lao had already guessed most of Lin Yuan's background.
Hearing those words, Lin Yuan's eyes sharpened slightly. The atmosphere immediately became more tense.
"My identity, It seems Senior has already formed some suspicions."
He sighed lightly.
"Well, after using the Fallen Heart Flame Seed Flame yesterday, I knew I wouldn't be able to hide it for much longer. In any case, it's not a major secret, and I never intended to conceal it forever."
After speaking, Lin Yuan smiled, dispersing the tension among the group.
Then he straightened his posture and said formally.
"Lin Yuan, Elder of the Inner Academy of Jia Nan Academy, greets everyone."
As he spoke, he performed a courteous yet dignified salute toward Yao Lao and Ling Ying.
Even after his disguise was exposed, Lin Yuan still intended to follow the instructions of the First Elder and Vice Principal and uphold the dignity of Jia Nan Academy.
Immediately afterward, he produced a black token engraved with the character "Lin" and displayed it to them.
It was none other than Jia Nan Academy's Envoy Token.
Yao Lao nodded after hearing this and glanced at the token.
"As expected, you're from Jia Nan Academy."
"And this type of token is an Envoy Token representing Jia Nan Academy itself. To be allowed to travel with it, your status within the academy must be quite extraordinary."
After some thought, Lin Yuan replied calmly.
"It's not too bad. You could say I'm a candidate for the position of First Elder of the Inner Academy."
Yao Lao nodded slightly.
His trust in Lin Yuan increased somewhat. Everything Lin Yuan had said matched the information he already knew. Combined with his identity as a member of Jia Nan Academy, he could be considered trustworthy.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan wore an expression of complete disbelief.
"Brother Tianshu, you're really that Lin Yuan from Jia Nan Academy? You're not joking?"
"Oh?"
His reaction amused Lin Yuan.
"Judging from your tone, Brother Xiao, it sounds like you've heard of me. But as far as I remember, I've never revealed my true identity in the Jia Ma Empire."
Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yan calmed his shock somewhat.
"The name Lin Yuan was something I heard from a clan member studying at Jia Nan Academy."
"It's just that the difference between your current cultivation and the cultivation of the Lin Yuan she described is far too great. I simply couldn't believe it."
Xiao Yan had first heard the name Lin Yuan from Xiao Yu years ago and remembered it quite clearly.
Not only because Lin Yuan had long been the strongest person of the same generation that Xiao Yan knew of, but also because Xiao Yu frequently used Lin Yuan as an example to persuade Xun'er that Jia Nan Academy was filled with geniuses and that Xiao Yan was merely average, encouraging her to broaden her horizons.
Hearing this, Lin Yuan immediately understood and chuckled.
"I see."
"The version of me she talked about was probably only a Dou Grandmaster, wasn't it?"
Xiao Yan nodded.
Then he looked at Lin Yuan with burning eyes.
If Tianshu had not been concealing his cultivation all this time, then it meant he had risen from a Dou Grandmaster to a six-star Dou Emperor in only three years.
There had to be an enormous secret behind such progress.
And if he could obtain it...
Looking at Xiao Yan's barely concealed desire, Lin Yuan smiled playfully.
"Brother Xiao, to be honest, I really was only a Dou Grandmaster three years ago."
"From Dou Emperor to Dou Emperor in three years. Are you interested in that secret?"
"Brother Tianshu—no, Brother Lin are you willing to share—"
Before Xiao Yan could finish speaking, Yao Lao interrupted with an annoyed snort.
"Enough, Lin boy. Stop misleading Xiao Yan."
"You don't possess any extraordinary bloodline or special constitution. If you managed such progress, then you must have used some medicinal pill with an enormous price attached to it."
"Having the courage to use such a thing... your nerve is truly impressive."
Lin Yuan displayed just the right amount of surprise.
"You figured it out?"
"As expected of Senior Yao. To see through it so accurately in a single glance."
"Then can Senior guess exactly which pill I used?"
"Heh, testing me, are you? Interesting."
Yao Lao immediately became intrigued.
"When we first met, you were already a Dou King."
"So the pill you used must have been one capable of elevating a Dou Grandmaster directly to the Dou King realm."
"There aren't many pills capable of such a feat. Among those I know, there are only four."
"The Heavenly Fate Pill."
"The Blood Transformation King Pill."
"The Beast Spirit Fusion Origin Pill."
"And the long-lost Life-Devouring Pill."
After pondering for a moment, Yao Lao arrived at his conclusion.
"Thinking back now, that fleeting glimpse of gray hair I noticed on you should have been a sign of lost lifespan."
"So the pill you used was the one that exchanges lifespan for cultivation, the Life-Devouring Pill."
Clap!
"Senior truly deserves the title of the continent's number one alchemist. I am thoroughly impressed."
Lin Yuan applauded and admitted openly:
"As Senior said, I did indeed take a Life-Devouring Pill three years ago and used it to break through directly into the Dou King realm."
----
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