Chapter 256. Surrender!
With the space sealed off, Lin Feng and the others were no longer worried about the news leaking out, and headed straight for the Soul Hall branch. "
This crude method of spatial manipulation, even when I was a Dou Zong, I could traverse freely!"
Looking at the barrier in front of him, Zhu Li smiled disdainfully. The Dragon Guards behind him understood and stepped forward, with just a wave of his hand.
"Pop!"
The sound, like a bubble bursting, echoed in the same spot.
"Who is it~!!"
Deep in the mountains, inside a dark hall with some noble patterns, an old man who was cultivating with his eyes closed suddenly opened his eyes and shouted.
Not only this old man, but many protectors and elders in this hall also noticed this abnormal situation.
"Look what I found? A performance delivered to my door, hehehehe."
It seems that they had been in this dark hall for too long, and some of the Soul Hall protectors' minds had completely degenerated. Seeing Lin Feng and the others, without realizing their strength, they dared to speak arrogantly.
However, not all protectors were like this.
"Hehehe, Protector Li, your performance this year hasn't met your target, so I'll just give it to you! Hehehe!"
An unknown protector, for reasons unknown, saw Protector Li's brainless actions and instead of dissuading him, seemed to be kindly supporting him.
"Hehehe, since that's the case, I'll take down these arrogant fools who don't know their place!"
"Bang!"
Before he could make a move, a burst of flames instantly enveloped him, and without a struggle, Protector Li was reduced to ashes.
"Insolence! Who are you, daring to cause trouble in my Soul Palace?"
Seeing this, a Dou Zun who had arrived was furious, but he didn't act rashly.
He had been observing from the shadows and discovered something terrifying: as a Dou Zun, he couldn't detect the true strength of these arrogant fools.
"Old sir, we came here today with good intentions, but that Protector Li just now seemed to be somewhat delirious. I had no choice but to send him to his final rest!"
"As expected of the newly promoted genius alchemist of the Pill Tower, he truly inherited the arrogance of an alchemist. I have witnessed it firsthand today!"
"Heavenly Venerable!"
An aged figure slowly appeared before everyone—it was Mo Yu, the Ninth Heavenly Venerable of the Soul Palace!
However, if Mo Yu turned around, these overjoyed protectors and elders would notice that Mo Yu's expression was more solemn than ever before.
"Your Excellency, I don't seem to recognize you?"
Looking at Zhu Li's tall figure, a bead of cold sweat gradually appeared on Mo Yu's face.
"Damn it, that old guy gives me an even more unfathomable feeling than my second brother. He's definitely a half-saint level being, why is he here?"
"Who exposed this place? Could it be that good-for-nothing Binghe?"
"I have indeed never had any dealings with you, but you don't need to know the specific reasons. You just need to surrender!"
Elder Zhuli stroked his beard slightly and smiled.
"You!"
Mo Yu's face was extremely ugly. He secretly took out a jade slip, quietly crushed it, and a spatial fluctuation slowly dissipated.
Seeing Mo Yu's small action, Zhuli raised an eyebrow slightly.
"I advise this Celestial Venerable not to make futile efforts. This space has been sealed off by me; no message can get out!"
"Damn it! My Soul Palace has stood on the Central Continent for countless years, and even the Pill Tower dares not challenge us. Today, you, a mere junior, bring a group of people here, hoping to offer your heads?"
"Don't even think about it!"
Unexpectedly, this Demon Rain Celestial Venerable had such backbone. A hint of surprise flashed in Lin Feng's eyes. He gave Zi Yan a wink, and the Black Wind Duo was about to reappear on the continent!
"Very well, good words can't persuade a damned ghost. Dragon Guards, listen to my command! Take down everyone except this Nine Celestial Venerable!"
Elder Zhu Li waved his hand and said no more!
"Soul Palace subordinates, listen to my command!"
Seeing Lin Feng and the others preparing to attack, the Nine Celestial Venerable Demon Rain's face twisted into a ferocious grin. He turned and shouted at the many guardians of the Soul Palace,
"All of you kneel before me! Do not resist!"
"Bang!"
After giving the order, Demon Rain suddenly knelt on one knee, his face showing respect.
"My lord, I've long since given up on staying in the Soul Palace. I'm willing to surrender, please spare my life!"
"Huh!?"
"Lin Feng, did I hear that right? Didn't this old guy just say he was going to fight to the death?"
Seeing the many black-robed figures kneeling on the ground, Zi Yan's eager expression froze instantly. She hadn't even made a move, and the enemy had already surrendered?
Now, should the Black Wind Duo still attack?
Looking at Zi Yan's dazed expression, Lin Feng couldn't help but smile.
"Demon Rain Celestial Venerable, if you want to live, it depends on your worth. Speak, tell me what you can offer!"
"Young friend, I am a peak eight-star Dou Zun. As long as you are willing to spare my life, I am willing to protect you. I can help you solve most of the problems in Zhongzhou!"
"Hahaha!"
Lin Feng smiled disdainfully, no longer concealing his powerful aura, releasing the full force of a peak four-star Dou Zun.
"Senior Mo Yu, let me formally introduce myself!"
"I am Lin Feng, not yet thirty, an eighth-grade six-color alchemist, and a peak four-star Dou Zun!"
"Tell me, how many years will it take me to surpass you?"
"With my alchemy skills, how many experts of your rank, or even stronger, would serve me?"
"What!?"
Disbelief flashed in Mo Yu's eyes. "This guy's talent is even stronger than Yao Chen's back then! How is that possible?"
Even Zhu Li, standing to the side, was somewhat shocked. An eighth-grade six-color alchemist—that was a distinguished guest on Donglong Island.
Moreover, Lin Feng's plan was already more than half successful. If he absorbed all the soul essence from the three branch halls, how far would his alchemy skills grow?
"Master Lin Feng, I also know of something that is absolutely a first-class natural treasure for alchemists."
"If you are willing to spare my life, I am willing to offer this treasure with both hands!"
Mo Yu gritted his teeth, deciding to temporarily surrender. He was determined to wait for the Hall Master's rescue; he refused to believe these people could escape the Soul Hall's capture!
"The soul essence you spoke of, if I'm not mistaken, is inside the hall behind you, isn't it?"
"How did you know?"
Mo Yu's face was extremely grim. Damn it, who had leaked the Soul Hall's information to this kid?!
"You don't need to know that. The key is whether you can offer the price to save your life. My patience is limited!"
"Damn it!"
Mo Yu clenched his fists tightly beneath his hidden black robe. As one of the Nine Heavenly Venerables of the Soul Palace, he was used to being arrogant and domineering; when had he ever suffered such humiliation!
"Master Lin Feng, I know the locations of all the branch halls in the Central Continent. If you are willing to spare my life, I am willing to tell you!"
"Oh?"
"I really didn't expect that!"
A glint of wild joy flashed in Lin Feng's eyes. If he knew the locations of all the branch halls of the Soul Palace, he could then collect the soul essence of all the branch halls without anyone noticing.
At that time, even the Heavenly Realm Perfection Realm would be easily attainable.
In the original story, Void Devouring Flame reached the Emperor Realm soul level by using the soul essence collected by the Soul Palace!
Although that was the accumulation of the Soul Palace over many years, the gap between the Heavenly Realm and the Emperor Realm is still enormous!
"If Senior Mo Yu can truly reveal the locations of all the Soul Halls to me, I can guarantee your safety!"
"Elder Zhu Li, do you have a way to control them?"
Lin Feng waved his hand, which relieved Mo Yu, but secretly he was sending a telepathic message to Zhu Li.
"The Ancient Dragon Clan has conducted specialized research on this, so you can rest assured, Your Highness!"
Hearing that Lin Feng's alchemy skills had reached the eighth rank, sixth color, Zhu Li's words revealed a hint of barely perceptible respect!
"Mo Yu, open your soul sea!"
After understanding Lin Feng's meaning, Zhu Li slowly walked to Mo Yu's side, his attitude completely different from when he faced Lin Feng.
"Damn it, if I'm implanted with a control method, even if I'm saved, given the Soul Hall's style, I'm doomed!"
The fist hidden under the black robe clenched and unclenched repeatedly. After hesitating for a while, Mo Yu finally accepted reality.
"Of course, senior, this is only right!"
"Dragon Imprisonment Technique!"
Zhu Li stretched out his aged hand and slammed it hard onto Mo Yu's head.
"Hmph!"
A muffled groan escaped Mo Yu's lips. As expected of the ancient dragon clan's control method, it was truly unique. A dragon shadow appeared above Mo Yu, then plunged straight down into his soul sea. Judging from Mo Yu's
expression, even as a peak eight-star Dou Zun, he must have been in considerable discomfort!
While Zhu Li was manipulating the dragon, Lin Feng didn't just stand by. His hand seals rapidly activated, unleashing a series of five-star sealing techniques, planting restrictions deep within the minds of the guardian elders within the branch hall!
As for why Lin Feng didn't personally intervene, it was because he worried that his cultivation level wasn't high enough, and there was a risk of backlash.
Besides Mo Yu, the strongest person in this branch hall was only at the three-star Dou Zun level.
For Lin Feng, who had already reached the peak of four-star Dou Zun, it was as easy as turning his hand to destroy them!
Before long, all the strange creatures in the Human Palace had been sealed in Lin Feng's mind, and Demon Rain Celestial Venerable was controlled by Zhu Li.
"Senior Demon Rain, please take me there and collect the soul essence of this Human Palace!"
"I dare not, my lord, please just call me Demon Rain!"
This old fellow was indeed sensible, knowing there was no room for regret now, only a path to the end.
Moreover, after learning that Lin Feng was an eighth-grade six-color alchemist under thirty years old, and that Zhu Li and the others were from the Ancient Void Dragon Clan, this traitor had decided to sincerely submit.
At least, that's how it is for now!
If Lin Feng knew Demon Rain's inner thoughts, he wouldn't be surprised.
After all, a restriction had been planted in his mind, and even if Lin Feng and the others were killed, they would definitely drag Demon Rain down with them before they died.
Moreover, in Demon Rain's impression, the Ancient Void Dragon Clan was definitely no weaker than the Ancient Clan and the Soul Clan behind the Soul Palace.
"Working under their command, at least my life isn't in danger, and the decision-making power isn't in my hands anyway!"
"Moreover," Mo Yu glanced discreetly at Lin Feng behind him, "if this kid—no, if my lord—can become a ninth-grade Xuan Dan Grandmaster in the future, perhaps I'll also have a chance to enter the Saint Realm!"
"My lord, this way please!"
After
a few turns, Lin Feng arrived at a grand hall engraved with noble, dark patterns.
"No wonder Elder Xuan said that the Pill Tower and the Soul Hall are forever irreconcilable enemies!"
Walking through the dark hall, all he could see were souls hanging from the walls, their souls pierced by chains forged from unknown materials.
From Lin Feng's perspective, soul essence was constantly being extracted by the array within the hall, transported to unknown places along with the chains.
"Ahem, my lord, this is also an order from the Palace Master. I am merely following orders."
"What happened before is none of my concern," Lin Feng waved his hand, his tone suddenly becoming serious. "However, from now on, you are forbidden from capturing any more soul entities under my command!"
"Yes!"
"As for these soul entities, release them after we obtain their soul essence!"
"Whether they are recaptured or their souls are scattered is none of my concern!"
After turning several corners, Lin Feng and Mo Yu stopped at the very center of the hall.
"My lord, below the hall lies the place where many soul essences are stored!"
Even without Mo Yu's explanation, Lin Feng could sense the immense soul power below—it was truly terrifying!
"With my current early-stage Spirit Realm soul power, when facing the soul power I sensed below, I only had one feeling: unstoppable!"
"Just how many souls has the Soul Palace captured to amass such terrifying power!" "
Moreover, this is only one of the Human Halls within the Heavenly Gang Hall. Above it are the Earth Hall and Heaven Hall, where the Vice Hall Master and Hall Master reside!"
"Below are twenty-four Earthly Fiend Halls, and numerous branch halls are distributed throughout the entire Dou Qi Continent!"
"And the Soul Palace's history in the Central Continent is extremely long. Perhaps, from the time Void Devouring Flame joined the Soul Clan, or from the destruction of the Xiao Clan, the Soul Clan had already begun its machinations on the Dou Qi Continent!"
"Is this the biggest mastermind on the Dou Qi Continent, the Soul Clan, capable of defeating the other six great imperial clans with the power of a single clan?"
Truly experiencing the Soul Clan's grand scheme, Lin Feng realized how truly astonishing it was that Yan Di was able to defeat the Soul Emperor in the original story!
Even if the Yan Emperor cultivated the techniques practiced by the Ancient Emperor Tuoshe, the Soul Emperor could still claim the title of Emperor before him!
"Nalan Yanran, you truly are the Soul Emperor's mortal enemy!"
"Achoo!"
The curse of the Dou Qi Continent took effect once more. Nalan Yanran, far away at the Flower Sect, was practicing her fighting techniques when she suddenly sneezed.
"Yanran, let's rest for a bit!"
Chapter 257. The Three Mysterious Transformations of Heavenly Fire!
"Useless! All of you are useless!"
A furious roar echoed through the Heavenly Gang Hall of the Soul Palace.
"A whole month has passed, and there's still no news of the thugs who attacked the three branch halls. What are you all doing?!"
"The order has been passed down from above: the once-in-a-century offering must meet the standards no matter what. If you can't find these soul essences, you'll have to make up for it yourselves!"
Inside the hall shrouded in black mist, Soul Extinction looked at the eight Heavenly Venerables on the ground, still unable to contain his rage.
"Especially the Human Palace guarded by Mo Yu, the soul essence within is comparable to a Celestial Realm expert!"
"You can decide for yourselves! Hmph!"
"Palace Master, I have also personally investigated the three attacked branch palaces. The methods of these three villains are extremely superb, and their strength may have reached the level of a Half-Saint!"
"With Mo Yu's combat power, if the villains hadn't had extremely powerful spatial abilities and sealed off the space in advance, they wouldn't have lost their lives without even sending out a message!"
The one speaking was the Soul Palace Deputy Palace Master, originally stationed in the Heavenly Gang Palace's Earth Palace, a powerful being who had reached the late stage of a Three-Star Dou Sheng.
"Based on my understanding of the Dou Qi Continent, forces possessing combat power at the half-life level are quite rare!"
"And on the Central Continent, besides our Soul Hall, there are only the Pill Tower, Flower Sect, Heavenly Nether Sect, Burning Flame Valley, and some powerful figures among the rogue cultivators!"
"You mean, the thugs who attacked this time are one of these forces, or they joined forces?"
Soul Extinction narrowed his eyes. If that were truly the case, then he would make the Central Continent experience once again the fear of being dominated by the Soul Hall!
"No, quite the opposite, I believe these forces can be completely ruled out!"
"Oh? What do you mean?"
"First, we can eliminate the forces outside the Pill Tower. Apart from that old fellow from Burning Flame Valley who was able to advance to the Dou Sheng realm due to the legacy of his ancestors, the other forces do not have any true Dou Sheng experts!"
"They must know that if we investigate the matter thoroughly, facing the wrath of the Soul Hall, there is only one outcome."
"That is, the sect will be destroyed and everyone will die!"
"Vice Hall Master, do you mean that the one who attacked this time was Xuan Kongzi and his group from the Pill Tower?"
Below the hall, Blood River could no longer suppress his anger upon hearing this.
"Hall Master, please give the order, we will definitely bring back the heads of Xuan Kongzi and the others!"
"Fool!"
Blood River thought that even if he didn't receive a reward for his statement, he wouldn't be considered wrong, but instead, he was met with a roar.
"If it were that simple, would I, the Palace Master, need you to investigate?"
"Palace Master, please calm down!"
Seeing Xuehe still looking bewildered despite being scolded, the Vice Palace Master of the Soul Palace sighed helplessly.
"With these incompetent teammates, when will we ever achieve anything great!?"
"The villain is not from the Pill Tower!"
"Apart from that old monster, the strongest person in the Pill Tower is only Old Monster Lin, a late-stage Two-Star Dou Sheng. I can destroy
him with a flick of my wrist!" "Don't be fooled by their arrogant appearance; these alchemists truly understand the situation. This is why, apart from alchemists from the Pill Domain, the Pill Tower doesn't care whether alchemists from other regions are captured by us!"
Hearing this, Soul Extinction was filled with emotion.
"Heh, just like a certain imperial clan that refines medicine!"
"The lower-level juniors are ignorant of their own limitations, only that old fellow Yao Dan is mindful of potential dangers. It's a pity, that old fellow's strength is a fatal flaw!"
"If they could refine a ninth-grade golden pill, the clan leader might not be so unwilling to take in the Yao clan! Hahahaha!"
"What the hall master says is true. There's another point. The Pill Tower Alchemist Grand Gathering is coming soon. How could we noble alchemists possibly care about other things?"
"According to your meaning, it can only be those few families, or a few beings in the Beast Domain, who will make a move?"
Hun Miesheng's expression turned ugly as he thought of this. If that were the case, this matter was truly beyond his ability to resolve.
"That should be the case!"
"Truly arrogant!"
Hun Miesheng slowly rose, and the black mist in the hall immediately rose and fell, the dark aura suppressing all other elemental energies, as if the end of the world was about to arrive.
"Once the patriarch's plan begins, I'll see how many of these arrogant families can still hold their heads high. Hehehehehehehe."
"There are still nearly ten years until the next tribute payment. You all need to find a way to patch this hole."
"If you can't even manage that, I, the Palace Master, will offer your souls!"
"Yes!"
Rewinding to over twenty days ago, with the escape of Lin Feng and the others' released souls, the entire Central Continent knew about the attack on the Soul Palace.
"Boom boom boom!"
It was like three earth-shattering explosions!
All the major and minor forces in the Central Continent were shocked by this news. This was the first time in the long years since the Soul Palace stabilized!
The Soul Palace, which weighed heavily on the heads of many forces in the Central Continent, was attacked simultaneously in three locations, and to this day, the perpetrator has still not been discovered. They can only suffer this in silence.
If it weren't for the Soul Palace's fear of a furious retaliation, many forces would probably be celebrating this day as a day of remembrance!
"Hahaha, the attack on the Soul Hall is truly gratifying!"
Within Saint Pill City, many elders of the Pill Tower gathered, laughing heartily.
"I wonder what this brave warrior's name is? If I knew, I would certainly present him with an eighth-grade, five-colored pill as a token of my gratitude!"
Elder Qiu Ling's face was flushed; this was the happiest news he had heard in recent times.
Even the anger he had felt from his arrogant disciple seemed to vanish in an instant.
A strange thought even arose in his mind, "Perhaps, this disciple is better off without him!"
"Elder Qiu Ling is joking. The Soul Hall is powerful; this brave warrior will surely avoid its sharp edge. Even if we know who attacked the Soul Hall, we cannot reveal it to outsiders."
Looking at the elder, who was as excited as a child, Xuan Kongzi shook his head and chuckled.
"The Guild Master is absolutely right!"
Even so, Elder Qiu Ling's joy was still evident in his flushed face.
"In the coming period, the Soul Palace will inevitably launch a fierce counterattack, so everyone must be careful."
"Especially those younger generations who haven't yet grown up, we must be even more careful in protecting them. These promising trees can't withstand a strong wind right now!"
"Moreover, this is a fierce wind!"
"Yes!"
In Zhongzhou, within the Flower Sect's sphere of influence, as its name suggests, almost every flower on the Dou Qi Continent can be found here.
This is a world of flowers!
"I never imagined that even a powerful sect like the Soul Palace could be attacked. What's even more shocking is that after this powerful figure attacked the Soul Palace, even with the Soul Palace Master Hun Miesheng's strength, he couldn't detect a single clue!"
"Everyone, I believe that in this Central Continent that is about to descend into chaos, the Flower Sect can only barely gain a foothold by joining forces with the Heavenly Nether Sect!"
"What do you all think?"
Above the main hall, Hua Jin, the acting sect master of the Flower Sect, seized the opportunity to reveal his intentions.
"Hua Jin, you are merely the acting sect master,"
several elderly elders in the Flower Sect's main hall glared angrily at Hua Jin, who sat at the head of the table, their words causing the elders' expressions to turn cold.
"Hmph! You old fogies! I am my master's only disciple, and she is currently unwell. My Dou Qi realm has reached Dou Zun, yet you still refuse to let me inherit the position of sect leader!"
"Do you want the Flower Sect to be destroyed?"
"Hua Jin, what are you thinking? We see it all clearly. Your companion from the Heavenly Nether Sect, the Demon Flower Evil Lord, only wants to annex the Flower Sect!"
"As long as we are still alive, you will never drag the Flower Sect into the abyss!"
"Hmph!"
Seeing that the three Dou Zun elders, Mei, Lan, and Ju, were actually going against her in public, Hua Jin could no longer suppress her anger.
"In any case, I will be the one to rule the Flower Sect in the future. Just you wait and see!"
"My suggestion and Hua Lang's suggestion are the most correct!"
With that, Hua Jin waved her sleeve and disappeared from the spot, leaving the three elders looking at each other, their worries clearly visible.
"Alas, how could Hua Yu have recruited such a disciple? What will become of the Hua Sect in the future?"
With such a major event occurring in the Soul Palace, the Tianming Sect, also located in the Central Continent, naturally reacted. To prevent indiscriminate retaliation from the Soul Palace, the entire Tianming Sect had ordered its disciples to keep a low profile.
"Demon Flower Evil Lord, I have a premonition that the Central Continent is about to descend into turmoil."
"Your plan against the Hua Sect must yield results as soon as possible. Only by uniting the strength of the Tianming Sect and the Hua Sect can I be confident of overcoming this crisis!"
In a secluded corner of the Tianming Sect, the Demon Flower Evil Lord, who had recently instigated internal strife within the Hua Sect, stood respectfully outside a secret chamber.
"Ancestor, many elders of the Hua Sect do not wish to unite with the Tianming Sect. Originally, this disciple intended to use a gradual, patient approach to facilitate this."
The Demon Flower Evil Lord slowly raised his head, revealing a handsome, almost demonic face. No wonder he was called the Demon Flower Evil Lord, no wonder Hua Jin trusted him so much.
Perhaps, besides his formidable strength, his divinely bestowed face was also a crucial factor.
"If the Ancestor wishes to quickly unite the two sects, he may need the old man's assistance!"
"Go ahead and do it. If the two Supreme Elders of the Flower Sect intervene, I will certainly lend you a hand!"
"Thank you, Ancestor!"
"Hmm, step back!"
"Yes!"
The land of raging flames seemed to have been dried up by some powerful fire or underground magma, leaving the area where Burning Flame Valley was located crisscrossed with ravines.
Even so, this place was extremely suitable for fire-attribute and earth-attribute cultivators or magical beasts to survive.
The energy of these two attributes was incredibly concentrated here, resulting in the birth of many earth-attribute and fire-attribute natural treasures.
However, most of these natural treasures had long been monopolized by the overlord of this place—Burning Flame Valley!
"Valley Master, I never imagined that such a powerful Soul Hall would be attacked one day! It's truly gratifying!"
Within the small world once created by the nameless ancestor of Burning Flame Valley, the Second Elder sighed with emotion.
"Disciples, please minimize your outings today. If you encounter anyone from the Soul Hall, try to avoid them!"
Normally, upon hearing this news, Tang Zhen, the Valley Master of Burning Flame Valley, would be overjoyed. However, today he seemed somewhat distracted.
The Second Elder, being a seasoned and shrewd man, could easily see through his Valley Master's thoughts.
"Valley Master, are you worried about the Young Valley Master?"
"Alas, Huo'er is strong-willed. He forcibly fused with the Nine Dragons Thunderfire
, damaging his essence. If it's not remedied in time, he only has a year left to live!" As the Valley Master of Burning Flame Valley, Tang Zhen was usually a figure of imposing authority, revered by his disciples.
However, at this moment, Tang Zhen was merely a father!
"Valley Master, our predecessors also failed before. Didn't they have that high-grade seventh-rank pill—the Fire Bodhi Pill—that could save the young Valley Master?"
"Why not go to the Pill Tower and ask the alchemists there for help?"
"Alas, I've tried before, but unfortunately, I've always been refused!"
"Valley Master, why is that? Is it possible that my Burning Flame Valley can't offer the reward they want?"
The Second Elder's face showed a hint of doubt. This shouldn't be the case; with the size of his Burning Flame Valley, even an eighth-rank alchemist shouldn't be unavailable.
"Second Elder, you may not know, but the Pill Tower's alchemist competition is approaching, and many high-level alchemists are preparing with all their might."
"If it were any other time, it wouldn't matter, but now they certainly wouldn't take the time to come here for such a small benefit!"
Tang Zhen shook his head slightly, his face very somber. Watching his beloved daughter wither away day by day, how could he, as a father, bear it?
"Valley Master, the Young Valley Master is the most talented of the younger generation, and also the most compatible with the Nine Dragons Thunderfire. You must find a way to save him!"
"There are a few mid-grade seventh-rank alchemists who are willing to help, but the Fire Bodhi Pill must be refined with the Nine Dragons Thunderfire. With the level of these alchemists, I'm afraid they won't be able to hold out until the end!"
"Valley Master, is the next generation successor of our Burning Flame Valley going to perish like this?"
The Second Elder's face also turned extremely ugly. As the most corrupt person of the previous generation of Burning Flame Valley, he usually valued the rules very much.
However, all of this was for the long-term inheritance of Burning Flame Valley. Now, the most outstanding next generation successor of Burning Flame Valley is about to fall, and the Second Elder's expression is even more anxious than Tang Zhen's!
"There is a high-grade seventh-rank alchemist who controls a different kind of fire. If he is willing to help, the refinement of the Fire Bodhi Pill will definitely be foolproof! However,"
Tang Zhen's face showed hesitation, as if he had some unspeakable secret. He opened his mouth, but did not speak.
"Valley Master, at this point, the safety of the Young Valley Master is of utmost importance!"
Seeing the hesitation on Tang Zhen's face, the Second Elder became anxious. At this point, what was the Valley Master still hesitating about? Compared to the young Valley Master's life, as long as it wasn't his own, he would agree to anything!
"No matter what reward that alchemist demands, Burning Flame Valley will definitely agree!"
"Really?"
Tang Zhen seemed to have been waiting for the Second Elder's words and hurriedly asked.
Seeing the joy on his Valley Master's face, the Second Elder felt a sudden unease.
"The alchemist's reward isn't anything else, it's none other than Burning Flame Valley's inherited secret technique—Heavenly! Fire! Three! Mysterious! Transformations!"
"What!"
Chapter 258 The Pill Gathering Approaches!
"Heaven is going to destroy my Ice River Valley!"
In the Ice River Valley of the Central Plains Ice and Snow Kingdom, since the attacks on several branch halls of the Soul Palace, the once peaceful and tranquil atmosphere has become subtly tense.
The white-haired elder, who usually appears as an immortal in flowing white robes, now frequently shows signs of worry.
Even Tian Shuangzi, the strongest remaining member of Ice River Valley and a peak one-star Dou Zun, feels his fear growing day and night!
This is because, some time ago, due to the willfulness of the former Valley Master, Ice River, Ice River Valley actually sided with the Soul Palace.
Moreover, Ice River actually perished in the misfortune of the Soul Palace!
"Valley Master, what should Ice River Valley do now?"
The Great Elder of Ice River Valley looked at Tian Shuangzi, who had been appointed to take over the position of Valley Master in a time of crisis, his old face full of bitterness.
"Could it be that the millennia-old foundation of my Ice River Valley is about to perish because of this?"
At this critical moment, Tian Shuangzi surprisingly calmed down.
"Everyone, announce to the outside world that the previous Valley Master has gone into seclusion to break through to the Five-Star Dou Zun realm. Disciples within the valley should not leave in the near future. Elders and deacons, please be on guard!"
"Furthermore, I will be heading to the far north to search for several ancestors. During this time, Ice River Valley will be closed for a hundred years!"
"Valley Master, you mustn't!"
"Yes, several ancestors have not returned for a hundred years, nor have they sent any news. How can we know if they are still alive? The only way now is to close the mountain gates and wait for the next generation to grow up!"
"..."
The anxious voices of many elders echoed in Tian Shuangzi's mind, further strengthening his determination to leave.
"Enough!"
"At this critical moment, there is no other way!"
Tian Shuangzi shouted, unleashing the aura of a peak One-Star Dou Zun without reservation, finally silencing the elders who were at most Nine-Star Dou Zong.
With a solemn expression, Tian Shuangzi spoke earnestly,
"Does this old man not know the quality of the next generation of disciples of Ice River Valley?"
"Their future achievements will at most be no more than my own. How can they shoulder the heavy responsibility of inheriting Ice River Valley's legacy?"
"Only by finding a few half-saint ancestors can we restore Ice River Valley's prestige!"
"I will depart today. You all immediately activate the sect's protective formation. Before knowing their true strength, no one will risk offending a peak four-star Dou Zun by launching a direct attack on Ice River Valley!"
With that, Tian Shuangzi vanished in a flash.
"If I can find a few ancestors on this journey to the far north, that would be wonderful!"
Tian Shuangzi stood high in the sky, gazing at the vast expanse of white snow below, and murmured to himself.
"If I cannot find the Ancestor, everyone, I will not return!"
"Don't blame me! Over the years, relying on the strength of Ice River Valley, you have enjoyed many benefits. Now is the time for you to sacrifice yourselves for the sect!"
After the sect's protective formation completely covered the sect, Tian Shuangzi's face hardened, and he sped rapidly northward!
It was unknown whether he would ever return!
Of the several super powers in Central Continent—One Palace, One Tower, Two Sects, Three Valleys, and Four Directions Pavilion—only the mysterious Sound Valley seemed unmoved by the attack on the Soul Palace.
In that mountain range perpetually shrouded in mist, only the melodious sound of the flute lingered, seemingly transcending the mortal realm and attaining immortality!
The Four Directions Pavilion, which originally had some matters to discuss after the grand gathering, cancelled them due to the attack on the Soul Palace and returned to guard their mountain gates.
This was to prevent the Soul Palace, unable to find the culprits, from turning into mad dogs and attacking everyone!
Even some of the hidden forces in Zhongzhou, such as the Loose Cultivator Alliance that traded with Lin Feng and the Scorpion Tiger Sect, have become much more low-key.
"Hahaha, I didn't expect those guys from the Soul Hall to be attacked! Today, I, the commander, am overjoyed! Let's all drink together!"
In a corner of the Dou Qi Continent, Ling Quan, who had met Lin Feng once at Canaan Academy in the Northwest Continent, was laughing wildly, sweeping away his recent gloomy mood.
"Ling Quan, while it's certainly something to celebrate that the Soul Hall was attacked, the Black Annihilation Army cannot drink alcohol while on a mission!"
Just then, a gentle voice came from afar, followed by a pair of young men in black armor slowly walking over.
The leaders were the other commanders of the Black Annihilation Army!
"Big brother, second brother, third brother, you've arrived!"
Upon seeing them, Ling Quan quickly stepped forward and clasped his hands in greeting. His Black Annihilation Army soldiers also stepped forward to greet him respectfully.
"No need for that!"
Gu Zhen waved his hand, signaling everyone to relax. He slowly walked to the cliff in front of him, looking down at the swirling black mist below, his expression grave.
"These demons seem to be getting increasingly arrogant lately. It seems we must wipe them out!"
"News has come from within the clan that the major commanders and the young lady will soon arrive at the Demon Suppression Abyss for a trial."
"Tell the brothers that they must not slacken their vigilance during this time!"
"Yes!"
News from the outside world naturally had no effect on Lin Feng.
On his first day back at the Pill Tower, after giving instructions to Cai Lin and the others, he went to a very secluded secluded cultivation spot given to him by Xuan Kongzi, intending to refine the three enormous soul essences.
As for Zhu Li and the other members of the Ancient Dragon Clan, Lin Feng introduced them to Xuan Kongzi to avoid any misunderstandings!
"Buzz"
Inside the dark and secluded chamber, Lin Feng stood cross-legged, his eyes filled with longing as he looked at the three soul essences floating before him. The throbbing in his mind urged him to quickly absorb them.
However, even without having read the original work, Lin Feng knew that these soul essences could not only enhance one's soul realm, but also concealed a great deal of resentment within them!
This was to be expected, as these soul essences had extracted the foundational essence of countless powerful beings, and after their death, their resentment naturally clung to them.
In this world, only races like the Devouring Flame, possessing the power of devouring, or the extraordinary Yuan Kui, could be immune to this resentment and completely absorb it!
After a brief moment of reflection, Lin Feng took out his medicine cauldron and tossed the smallest of the three soul essences into it, beginning to refine it with the Azure Lotus Earth Core Flame.
Only after removing all the resentment from it would Lin Feng dare to use it to enhance his soul realm!
As for the two larger essences, Lin Feng stored them in his mind and suppressed them with the Dragon Emperor's essence blood!
As for Yuan Kui, who was also suppressed in the sea of souls, whether he would be shocked by these two clumps of soul essence, Lin Feng had no time to care.
After squeezing every last drop of value out of him, Lin Feng's decision not to kill him was already considered merciful.
The Azure Lotus Earth Core Flame, now displaying its power—ranked nineteenth on the Strange Flame Ranking—seemed to distort even the void itself under the enhancement of Lin Feng's four-star Dou Zun-level Dou Qi!
The unsuspecting soul essence ball was in even worse shape, with wisps of black energy constantly escaping from it. This
black energy was formed from the resentment, anger, and curses of the one whose essence had been extracted.
Initially, the black energy nearly enveloped the entire secret chamber, but fortunately, in addition to the Azure Lotus Earth Core Flame, Lin Feng also summoned the phantom of the Qilin Sacred Beast to purify it!
After nearly a month, the black energy finally stopped overflowing, and after another purification by the Qilin Sacred Beast with no success,
Lin Feng knew the time to absorb it had arrived!
After a brief observation, Lin Feng opened his mouth wide, and a powerful suction instantly drew it into his body.
With a resounding boom,
the purified soul essence instantly dissolved upon entering his body, seemingly without needing Lin Feng's absorption, and surged towards his soul sea.
"Soul Forging Millstone!"
"Return of All Things to the Spirit!"
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Lin Feng visualized a massive soul millstone in his mind. After his soul realm entered the Spirit Realm, this millstone seemed to have evolved, becoming almost tangible!
It seemed that if Lin Feng needed it, he could even summon it as a means of soul attack or defense!
The surging soul essence was absorbed by the massive millstone, spinning rapidly, making it even purer while imprinting it with Lin Feng's mark!
At the same time, a tiny divine needle was summoned by Lin Feng—a soul needle cultivated using the Great Sage of Returning to Origin Secret Technique!
More and more soul power was absorbed by the visualized divine needle, which grew increasingly dark and insidious, seemingly invisible even when right in front of you.
As time passed, the refined soul essence deep within Lin Feng's mind grew increasingly thin, while Lin Feng's aura became increasingly ethereal, difficult for others to detect.
Conversely, a spiritual aura emanated from the depths of his mind. If Lin Feng were to refine pills at this moment, the spiritual energy contained within the pills would undoubtedly far surpass that of the past.
While Lin Feng was in seclusion, three figures dressed in turquoise robes, after making inquiries, arrived at the courtyard where Cai Lin and the others resided.
"Sister Qing Lin!"
Seeing the figures before her, Little Fairy Doctor covered her mouth, her face filled with surprise.
"Sister Little Fairy Doctor!"
Upon seeing the familiar white-clad figure, Qing Lin choked up, her years of feigned strength completely crumbling, tears instantly overflowing.
The two sisters, who hadn't seen each other for many years, embraced tightly once more!
After a long while, they slowly released each other, looking at each other's slightly changed faces, and suddenly burst into laughter—a joyful laugh.
"Little Fairy Doctor, I missed you and Brother Lin Feng so much! We can finally be happy together again!"
"Yes, Little Qinglin, if Brother Lin Feng were to come out of seclusion and see you now, he would be so happy."
Looking at the drastically changed Qinglin, Little Fairy Doctor was quite moved; she had grown into a young lady!
She even subtly glanced at the magnificent figure before Qinglin, a hint of envy barely perceptible in her eyes.
"Is Brother Lin Feng in seclusion?"
Qinglin's joy faltered slightly, but it vanished in an instant.
"Seclusion always ends. Qinglin has waited so long; this time, I mustn't be separated from Brother Lin Feng again!"
"Yes!"
Little Fairy Doctor took Qinglin's hand and led her into the courtyard.
"Little Qinglin, before we go, let me introduce you to two sisters!"
The vast and mighty power of Zhongzhou wouldn't change because of the existence of an individual, unless it was a legendary saint.
Or perhaps, an event that would attract the attention of the entire Dou Qi Continent!
In the Central Plains, a month from now, an event will occur that will cause a sensation throughout the entire Dou Qi Continent!
That is, the grand gathering of alchemists across the continent—the Alchemist Grand Competition held at the Pill Tower!
As the date draws near, more and more alchemists are arriving at the sacred ground of alchemists—the Pill Tower!
Although the champion of the competition is destined to belong to those far beyond ordinary people, those whose talents have been granted a special opportunity by heaven to cultivate alchemy
, even those with mediocre talent can still gain attention through their own efforts.
If they ultimately join the Pill Tower and learn advanced alchemy techniques
, even those with average talent may eventually become alchemists of extremely high caliber!
It is said that Qiu Ling, the current Grand Elder of the Pill Tower, had mediocre talent in his youth.
However, he never gave up, and finally, at the Pill Competition, he was appreciated by a seventh-grade alchemist of the Pill Tower. Through diligent effort, he eventually achieved his current position as Grand Elder!
Of course, that was hundreds of years ago, and few people remember it now.
However, this did not dampen the enthusiasm of the many alchemists!
For example, a middle-aged alchemist from the Northwest Continent, though his face was weathered, his eyes were filled with fervor.
"This is where I, Gu He, have dedicated my life!"
Besides alchemists like Gu He from outside the Central Continent, some from remote areas of the Central Continent had also arrived early, gathering information and hoping to pass the various stages smoothly!
However, a careful observer would notice that many of the Pill Tower's renowned young prodigies from the Central Continent were nowhere to be seen.
It seemed that this grand alchemist gathering had nothing to do with them!
However, as the prodigies of the Pill Tower, the champions of this alchemy competition, they all possessed a deep sense of pride; the championship must belong to the Pill Tower!
Their collective disappearance could only mean one thing: improving their alchemy skills!
Meanwhile, within a dark hall, an evil aura suddenly soared into the sky!
"Hehehe, the champion of this year's Alchemist Conference is destined to be mine!"
"Three Thousand Burning Flames, hehehe!"
A cloud of black mist swept across the sky, blowing the cloak covering him and revealing a pale face.
If Yao Chen were here, even if he were reduced to ashes, he would recognize this pale-faced man—Elder Mu Gu!
However, if he knew that this year's competition included Lin Feng, a prodigy whose alchemy skills had reached the level of the older generation, perhaps he would have been much more discreet.
While others were diligently practicing alchemy, Lin Feng strolled around Saint Pill City with Qing Lin, whom he
hadn't seen in a long time. Of course, the three women, Cai Lin and her two companions, who were usually in seclusion and could only meet occasionally, didn't miss this opportunity either.
Thus, the four women's distinct and beautiful appearances became a striking sight in Saint Pill City.
No one dared to provoke him, as Lin Feng's appearance was already known to many powerful forces.
And with the Pill Gathering approaching, the Pill Tower's enforcement team was a common sight!
Chapter 259. Secret Operation!
On the streets of Saint Pill City, Lin Feng strolled casually with several stunning beauties, without a fixed destination.
Every now and then, they would stop in front of a vendor, haggling fiercely over a hundred-year-old spiritual fruit worth a fifth-grade pill.
Among them, Zi Yan and Qing Lin were the most entertained; one retained her childlike innocence, and the other reminisced about strolling around with Lin Feng years ago.
Of course, sometimes Lin Feng and his companions would also find genuine treasures among the piles of goods.
For example, there was this seemingly ordinary stone.
However, from Cai Lin's perspective, this stone exuded immense pressure.
"Husband, you must get this stone! If I'm not mistaken, this is the Seven-Colored Devouring Python clan's inherited gemstone—the Seven-Colored Primal Stone!" Cai
Lin, her expression calm, looked at the stone, her inner excitement barely contained!
In the past year, those around him had all successively entered the Dou Zun realm, with Lin Feng and Little Fairy Doctor even advancing further.
Of the group, only she is stuck at the peak of the Nine-Star Dou Zong realm, encountering a bottleneck.
Or rather, aside from the extraordinary physiques or bloodlines of the Imperial Clan and Little Fairy Doctor, most normal people, except for monsters like Lin Feng who advance through Dan Lei,
are stuck at the Dou Zun realm for many years! Although Cai Lin,
as a Seven-Colored Devouring Python, is destined to reach the Dou Zun realm, and even the Half-Saint realm,
she has a great chance, all require time to hone her skills!
Given Queen Medusa's pride, the pressure she feels is unimaginable. Seeing this inheritance stone representing the Devouring Python clan, her excitement is almost uncontrollable.
"Senior, this is an eighth-grade, three-colored pill. I'll take all your items!"
Seeing Cai Lin forcibly suppressing her excitement, Lin Feng knew she didn't want to reveal her eagerness, lest this old merchant try to take advantage of her. A warmth rose in his heart!
However, at this juncture, how could Lin Feng let her be in a hurry for a little profit?
Lin Feng took out a small hamster and tossed it into the hands of the old merchant, who immediately scrambled to grab it.
"Thank you, Master! Thank you, Master! All the items here are yours, Master, please feel free to use them!"
Seemingly afraid Lin Feng would change his mind, the old merchant quickly put the hamster into his storage ring, said a few words, and hurriedly ran off, not even bothering to pack up his stall.
"Husband!"
Lin Feng looked at Cai Lin, who suddenly hugged him, and was momentarily stunned. Then he smiled gently and slowly embraced her.
Lin Feng was naturally not one to favor one over the other. After buying the inheritance stone for Cai Lin, he also went to the special trading area of Saint Pill City and bought many high-level rare and precious materials for Qing Lin and the others,
such as an eighth-order snake-attribute magic core and a ten-thousand-year-old poison-attribute spiritual herb.
Seeing their happy expressions, Lin Feng felt a sense of satisfaction.
After strolling around for a while, the group returned to their courtyard.
However, upon arriving at the mansion, an unexpected figure caught Lin Feng's eye.
"Junior Brother Xiao Yan, it's you?"
Looking at Xiao Yan before him, Lin Feng's eyes flashed with surprise, not only for his presence but also for his strength.
Perceived by: Xiao Yan
Dou Qi Realm: Eight-Star Dou Zong!
Soul Realm: Mortal Realm Perfection
Under Lin Feng's powerful soul perception, Xiao Yan's strength and realm were immediately apparent!
"I didn't expect that with just a slight influence, Xiao Yan's strength would increase so much compared to his counterpart in the original story!"
"If I remember correctly, in the original story, Xiao Yan only reached Nine-Star Dou Zong after absorbing the Three Thousand Burning Flames!"
"However, his soul realm is almost identical to the original story. That makes sense; besides the Soul Palace's soul essence, there aren't many shortcuts to accumulating soul power!"
A faint pressure appeared in Lin Feng's heart. Although he had completely refined that soul essence after nearly half a year of seclusion, his soul realm had thus reached the Spirit Realm Perfection level.
Even after emerging from seclusion for two or three months, Elder Zhuli led him to a secluded place far from the Central Plains to secretly improve his alchemy skills.
During this time, he absorbed many high-level pill lightnings, causing his physical strength to advance by leaps and bounds, reaching a level comparable to the late stage of an eighth-tier magical beast.
His cultivation of Dou Qi was also rapid; after entering the peak of the four-star Dou Zun realm, he continued to charge forward, reaching the peak of the seven-star Dou Zun realm! Such
rapid improvement in a short period of time was something Lin Feng wouldn't have been able to control if his soul power hadn't reached the Spirit Realm Perfection.
During this time, he even requested guidance from Zhuli, a high-level half-saint of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, before he was able to fully master it!
In the eyes of Zhuli, a high-level half-saint, Lin Feng, whose Dou Qi and physical body had both reached the advanced Dou Zun realm, combined with his Five Elements Technique, could even rival some first- or second-tier Dou Zun.
And if one were to use the powerful soul secret technique with the soul power of the Spirit Realm Perfection, only a strong person with soul defense methods could achieve such a feat.
Otherwise, even a sixth or seventh-rank Dou Zun would be instantly killed if caught off guard by a sneak attack!
This is the terrifying aspect of Lin Feng now.
It can be said that on the Dou Qi Continent now, with no Half-Saint experts appearing, Lin Feng can roam freely without restraint!
"Lin Feng, kid, how is your soul power possible?!"
Just as Xiao Yan was about to greet Lin Feng, a shocked voice suddenly rang out from Xiao Yan, and Yao Chen's illusory figure floated out immediately afterward.
Yao Chen had no choice but to act this way. As a Spirit Realm Perfection expert of the Eighth Grade and Nine Colors,
and even surpassing Xuan Kongzi and others in talent, he had already stepped into the Heavenly Realm. Even though his soul essence was depleted at this moment, his eyesight remained sharp.
Lin Feng at this moment gave him the feeling that his soul was completely unified, without any outward manifestation, coupled with that agile aura.
If he wasn't mistaken, Lin Feng's soul must have entered the Spirit Realm Perfection realm!
"Hahaha, Elder Yao's insight is as sharp as ever!"
Facing Elder Yao's question, Lin Feng smiled slightly, confirming his guess.
"Hiss!"
After gasping a few times, Yao Chen sighed softly, "The younger generation of geniuses are truly terrifying!"
"Teacher, Senior Brother Lin Feng, what are you talking about?"
Although Xiao Yan has now achieved the status of an eight-star Dou Zong and has even assumed the position of Young Master of the Starfall Pavilion, and his alchemy skills have reached the advanced seventh rank,
the Spirit Realm remains an extremely distant goal for him without an extraordinary stroke of luck.
He naturally only partially understood the conversation between the two Spirit Realm Perfection experts!
"I'll explain this to you in detail later. Let's take care of business first!"
"What business do you have with Elder Yao and Junior Brother Xiao Yan? Let's go inside and discuss it!"
Slowly pushing open the courtyard gate, Lin Feng led the two to the peach tree, prepared spiritual tea for them, and waited for them to speak.
"Senior Brother Lin Feng, Master's condition is extremely dire. Because of my recklessness, Master's soul essence has been almost completely depleted."
Looking at Xiao Yan before him, Lin Feng couldn't help but admire him slightly. He truly possessed the bearing of a Great Emperor!
Even though he was anxious inside, he wasn't as reckless as he had been in his youth!
"Even with Master's wife's elixirs, only the soul power can be restored; the essence remains untouched!"
"In this state, even if the resurrection method is fulfilled, resurrection will be difficult, because the empty soul simply cannot adapt to the new body!" "
Master's wife's information indicates that only rare and precious natural treasures like the Soul Infant Fruit and the Spirit Dragon Heavenly Mushroom can replenish the depleted soul essence."
"Knowing that Senior Brother Lin Feng's information network is always extremely efficient, Xiao Yan shamelessly came to inquire."
"Wait!"
Lin Feng paid no heed to Xiao Yan's slightly flattering words, but instead noticed a blind spot.
"Junior Brother Xiao Yan, who is this 'Master's Wife' you mentioned?"
"It's Xuan."
"Ahem."
Seeing that Lin Feng was indeed unpredictable, Yao Chen quickly coughed, interrupting his foolish disciple.
"Lin Feng, don't pry into the affairs of your elders!"
After saying this, he stood with his hands behind his back, admiring the peach tree in front of him, as if it contained the notes of a ninth-grade alchemist.
"Hahaha, I understand, I understand!"
Looking at the old Yao Lao's flushed face, Lin Feng laughed heartily, then his expression turned serious.
"Junior Brother Xiao Yan, Elder Yao, these two spiritual herbs were extremely rare even in ancient times."
"If even the Pill Tower didn't preserve them, nowadays, they could only be found in the legendary ruins of ancient powerhouses!"
"Could it be that even Senior Brother Lin Feng doesn't have any information about these spiritual herbs?"
Even though he was prepared, Xiao Yan couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. He had finally gained the strength to revive his teacher, but now he was powerless.
This was a huge torment for Xiao Yan, who regarded Elder Yao as a father!
"It's not that there's no way, but we don't have any accurate information yet. I need to investigate further!"
"Senior Brother Lin Feng, do you really know anything about these two spiritual herbs?"
Xiao Yan, who had already planned to return, excitedly grabbed Lin Feng's arm upon hearing that there was still a chance.
"I'm sorry, Senior Brother Lin Feng, I lost my composure!"
"Haha, Elder Yao, you've truly gained a good disciple this time!"
Lin Feng didn't care at all. With his soul perception and Dou Qi realm, how could Xiao Yan possibly catch him if he were truly on guard?
"Hahaha, to have such a fine disciple is truly my good fortune!"
"Don't be impatient, we'll need to wait another six months to get definite news on this matter."
"Right now, the most important thing is the upcoming Alchemist Grand Gathering!"
Looking at Elder Yao and Xiao Yan before him, Lin Feng's expression was serious.
"Junior Brother Xiao Yan, in this grand gathering representing the highest honor for alchemists on the continent, I will not hold back."
"At the same time, I look forward to your performance!"
Looking at Lin Feng's fully unleashed aura, Xiao Yan felt immense pressure, but the determination in his eyes remained as unwavering as ever!
Only Yao Chen, standing to the side, knew that unless a true old monster, one hundreds or thousands of years older than him, made a move,
most of his peers in this world would be no match for Lin Feng.
These peers included his deeply cherished clan—the Yao Clan!
Watching Xiao Yan's resolute departing steps, Lin Feng's eyes flickered slightly, and he went to the next courtyard, finding Elder Zhu Li, who was drinking tea and playing chess.
"Senior Zhuli, what a refined taste!"
"Hahaha, Lin Feng, come here quickly, help this old man see what to do next!"
Opposite Zhuli was the seemingly brute Hei Qing. This guy looked big and burly, but who would have thought that his talent in this area was extremely high!
"Senior Zhuli, let's discuss this later. I came here because I received some astonishing news!"
After waving his hand and thinking for a while, Lin Feng decided to tell him about the Beast Domain Ruins in advance!
"Lin Feng, does the Soul Palace know about our attack?"
Looking at the serious-faced Lin Feng, Zhuli placed his large hand on the chessboard and said solemnly.
Seeing this, Hei Qing's usually serious face twitched slightly, because this old man seemed to have completely messed up the chessboard.
"It's about the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit!"
Lin Feng shook his head slightly and said, word by word.
"What!"
"Boom!"
Upon hearing these words, both Zhu Li and Hei Qing lost their composure, their battle auras rampaging and crushing the surroundings!
"You two, calm down!"
Lin Feng, who had been prepared, shouted, and the Five Elements Barrier he had set up instantly rose, firmly covering the area.
Otherwise, the full-force explosion of a peak Nine-Star Dou Zun and a high-level Half-Saint would have shaken the entire Saint Pill City and even the entire Central Continent!
"Hoo!"
A full quarter of an hour later, the two shocked individuals finally calmed down slightly.
Only they, as members of the Ancient Dragon Clan, truly knew what the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit meant to the Ancient Dragon Clan!
In the ancient records of the Dragon Clan, it represented a being capable of becoming a Battle Emperor upon reaching the Great Perfection stage!
It was the true supreme being among the magical beast races!
"Lin Feng, do you really have news of the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit? I'll immediately go and invite Elder Qingshan here! Even if it means the collapse of the Central Continent, I will get it!"
Zhu Li was so excited he could hardly contain himself, and his words were incredibly arrogant.
This was because those seniors who had traveled far into the void had already sent the news back through the connections between the dragon bloodlines.
In at most half a year, the most recent seniors would return, and then the dragons would be reborn, sweeping across the Beast Domain once more!
"Senior Zhu Li, please calm down. I'm not entirely sure about this news myself."
"That's precisely why I need Senior Zhu Li to investigate first. If the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit truly exists, I will definitely get it for Zi Yan!"
Slowly rising, Lin Feng took out a map from the Loose Cultivator Alliance.
Although the original text stated that the ruins were in a corner of the Beast Domain, the Beast Domain was so vast, and the ruins had appeared suddenly.
Therefore, Lin Feng had already used an eighth-grade, five-colored pill to invite Venerable Cang Mo of the Loose Cultivator Alliance to personally investigate the Beast Domain.
At the same time, to prevent Cang Mo from developing any inappropriate thoughts, Lin Feng also hinted at his current alchemy skills and his status within the Pill Tower.
Having grown up in this dog-eat-dog Dou Qi Continent as a lone cultivator, Cang Mo naturally knew what he deserved.
Besides feeling even more respect for Lin Feng, he had already confirmed his goal for this trip: to gather information.
Furthermore, unless Cang Mo could achieve the Dou Sheng realm, with this monstrous talent's power, anyone who coveted his things would only face certain death!
Chapter 260. Plotting Against Mu Gu!
Lin Feng stood with his hands behind his back beneath the peach tree, gazing at the slowly healing spatial rift before him, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.
"Venerable Cangmo has found the approximate location. If Senior Zhuli can truly find a way to open the spatial ruins ahead of time, then the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit will be guaranteed!"
"Supreme Dragon-Phoenix, I truly look forward to it!"
Lin Feng murmured softly, a confident glint in his eyes. With a wave of his hand, the energies of the five elements in the world seemed to have met their sovereign.
"That supreme treasure is about to be born. If the opportunity is sufficient, the power of the five elements physique will fully erupt. Even if the Dragon-Phoenix is born, it's uncertain who will be stronger!"
After erasing the traces of Zhuli and the others' departure, Lin Feng wasn't in a hurry to immediately go into seclusion.
Now, there was less than a month left before the Pill Tower Grand Gathering began.
However, Lin Feng's cultivation levels in both alchemy and battle qi had reached a point where further progress was impossible in the short term.
And Cai Lin, who had obtained the Devouring Python's inheritance stone, had not broken through to the Dou Zun realm in less than a month.
Having reunited with Qinglin after a long separation, the group of five spent much of their time exploring Saint Pill City.
Occasionally, when the mood struck, they would even go treasure hunting in the market, making it the most leisurely time they had experienced in over a decade.
At night, Cailin and the others unleashed their immense enthusiasm, the now mature individuals relentlessly taking from Lin Feng.
Fortunately, Lin Feng's physical body was now comparable to a high-level eighth-tier magical beast; otherwise, his Dao heart would have long since collapsed!
Of course, Lin Feng couldn't let his long-awaited leisure time pass by so carelessly.
He took out the thousands of cultivation techniques he had collected over the past decade from his storage ring and began in-depth research, preparing for his upcoming technique creation.
At his cultivation progress, even without other resources, relying solely on the tempering of the pill lightning, he was confident he could advance to the Half-Saint realm within ten years!
And once he reached the Saint realm, the efficiency of Earth-grade cultivation techniques was insufficient to support the energy demands of a Half-Saint!
Although with Lin Feng's current alchemy skills, obtaining a Heaven-level cultivation technique from the Lesser Pill Tower wouldn't be difficult,
creating his own technique would not only be easier to execute but also allow him to maximize his Five Elements Physique!
This would greatly enhance his combat power!
While Lin Feng was researching, the date for the Continental Alchemist Grand Gathering was drawing near! Three massive bell tolls
echoed
throughout the Holy Pill City, igniting the passion of the alchemists who had been waiting there.
The Continental Alchemist Grand Gathering had officially begun!
Within the Pill Domain, numerous alchemists had already completely occupied the area, and the number of participants had reached an all-time high.
Even more so, many veteran alchemists were participating, not only to win the championship and gain fame across the continent, but
more importantly, to obtain the alchemist's ultimate treasure—the Three Thousand Burning Flames!
Lin Feng and his companions had just arrived when they witnessed a sea of people, the noise almost deafening!
Many top-tier alchemists, rarely seen in ordinary times, gathered together at this grand event, displaying their highest alchemy skills without reservation!
The plaza for the final competition alone was a thousand feet in size—truly terrifying!
Keep in mind that before entering this plaza, one must undergo two rounds of selection to finally stand on this highly anticipated platform!
"Seeing this scene, even I'm getting a little excited!"
"Senior Brother Lin Feng!"
Just then, a familiar voice rang in his ears. Turning around, he saw Cao Ying and Dan Chen approaching.
Behind them was the warrior Song Qing; it seemed that Elder Qiu's teachings hadn't had much effect!
"Junior Sister Cao Ying!"
After a slight greeting, Lin Feng suddenly paused, seemingly noticing the difference between Cao Ying and Dan Chen.
"Senior Brother Lin Feng, are these your confidantes?"
Lin Feng had assumed Cao Ying would simply greet him and leave, but to his surprise, she changed the subject, looking at the women beside him, including Cai Lin.
Looking at their graceful figures and ethereal, otherworldly auras, Cao Ying felt a strange unease. Seeing
Cao Ying's odd behavior, Lin Feng's brow twitched, and he quickly changed the subject before things got too complicated.
"Junior Sister Cao Ying, what are the rules of this competition?"
"This competition consists of three rounds. Besides the final round, which is a true test of alchemy skills, participants must also pass through the illusionary realm of the Soul Beast in the first round, and then search for spiritual herbs in the Pill Realm in the second round."
As she spoke these boastful words, Cao Ying suppressed her strange feelings and straightened her expression.
"Only by passing these two rounds of trials will you have the chance to ascend the stone platform, be the center of attention, and unleash your alchemy skills to the fullest!"
"Senior Brother Lin Feng, you must perform well and strive to win this year's championship!"
"Junior Sister Cao Ying, I also wish you great success in your alchemy career!" "
Dong!"
Just as the two were talking, a bell that resounded throughout the heavens and earth rang out from above the square!
Even the clamor of the hundreds of thousands of spectators was completely suppressed by it!
"I am Xuan Kongzi!"
More than a dozen figures suddenly appeared above the stone platform, namely the three giants of the Pill Tower and the eight powerful elders!
After Xuan Kongzi spoke, hundreds of thousands of eyes were focused on him, staring at this legendary figure in the alchemy world!
This was a powerful existence who was only one step away from becoming a ninth-grade alchemist. If he were willing to take on disciples, among the tens of thousands of alchemists present, apart from a few veterans, no one would refuse!
"You have all come from afar to participate in the most prestigious alchemist gathering on the entire continent, eager to showcase your pinnacle alchemy skills and make your names known throughout the land!"
"In that case, without further ado!"
"I hereby declare the Continental Alchemist Gathering officially open!"
"Boom!"
As Xuan Kongzi's voice fell, the clamor once again resounded through the sky. Both the participating alchemists and the spectators were extremely excited!
"This tournament is divided into three stages."
After everyone quieted down, Xuan Kongzi slowly explained the rules of the competition.
"The rules have been announced. Now, all contestants who have reached the fifth-grade alchemist realm, please step forward! Enter the first stage, the Soul Illusion!"
*Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!*
As Xuan Kongzi's voice fell, tens of thousands of fifth-grade alchemists stepped forward, each displaying their unique abilities, rushing towards the distorted space ahead!
This unprecedented spectacle left many spectators dumbfounded!
"There are actually tens of thousands of fifth-grade alchemists!"
*Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!*
Watching the number of alchemists in front of him gradually decrease, Lin Feng wasn't in a hurry. Instead, he looked around, trying to find the people from the Soul Palace hidden among them.
After a long while, Lin Feng gave up. Xuan Kongzi and the others were all at the peak of the Spirit Realm, and he wasn't much stronger.
It could only be said that Elder Mu Gu had made extensive preparations for this. If it were so easy to find them, it would be an underestimation of him!
"Cai Lin, Xian'er, Zi Yan, Qing Lin, I'm setting off too!"
"Husband/Brother Lin Feng/Lin Feng, be careful and protect yourself!"
"Okay!"
After giving them a reassuring gesture, Lin Feng didn't hesitate any longer and flew rapidly towards the space!
"Lin Feng has set off too?"
Xuan Kongzi and the others on the high platform also noticed Lin Feng's figure, their eyes filled with curiosity.
"It's been almost a year since he refined the eighth-grade six-colored pill. I wonder what level his pill-refining skills have reached now?"
"Hahaha, Tian Leizi, he's definitely beyond your expectations!"
"Xuan Kongzi, do you know something?"
Xuan Yi looked at the mysterious Xuan Kongzi, his curiosity growing even stronger.
"Hahaha, just wait and see!"
In a corner of the square, Xiao Yan solemnly handed the Bone Nether Ring to Feng Zun Zhe Feng Xian beside him, and then strode confidently towards the space tunnel.
"Hehehe, Xuan Kongzi, the champion of this tournament, including the Three Thousand Burning Flames, will all be mine!"
Gray gas permeated the surrounding space, greatly suppressing the senses of many alchemists. Space distorted randomly; without following these clues, one would be lost within this secret realm.
However, this illusory space was only for selecting the next round of contestants, so there was no danger to life!
After a certain period of time, if one still hadn't passed, this illusory space would automatically disappear.
Of course, that meant elimination, missing out on the highly anticipated tournament!
This was also the reason why the Pill Tower specifically stipulated that participating contestants must be at least at the fifth-grade alchemist level.
This was because alchemists at the fourth grade and below had too weak a soul power, making it almost impossible for them to pass.
Even if they were lucky enough to pass, their alchemy skills would be insufficient, leaving them with nothing to show for it in the third round of the competition.
Rather than that, it was better to delve deeper into alchemy and wait for the next tournament! After observing the alchemists for a week, Lin Feng stopped lingering, ignoring the layers of folded space, and headed straight for the destination. Before his perfected Spirit Realm soul power, this illusory space was like flat ground to him!
"Buzz! " "Elder Lin Feng is here! As expected, you're the first one!" After passing through the brief, dark spatial passage, a hearty laugh reached Lin Feng's ears. The reason Lin Feng was addressed as Elder was because after he refined the eighth-grade, six-colored pill, he was unanimously approved by the many old monsters of the Small Pill Tower and appointed by Xuan Kongzi. Of course, Xuan Kongzi and the others knew that Lin Feng's time was precious; they only arranged for him the treatment of an elder, not real power. It wasn't exclusion; with Lin Feng's talent, he would likely reach the level of the three giants in no time. At that time, if any of the three wanted to step down, after Lin Feng made some contributions, he could even directly assume the position of a giant in the Pill Tower! "Greetings, Elder Qiuling!" Lin Feng greeted the kind old man with a slight bow. After the brief greeting, Elder Qiuling returned to his seat, waiting for more contestants to pass the test. Time slowly passed. Beside Elder Qiuling, a huge funnel floated, with quicksand dripping from it. Once the quicksand had completely fallen, it would mean the second round of contestants had been selected, and Elder Qiuling would then explain the second stage of the test. Seeing that less than a tenth of the sand had dripped from the funnel, Lin Feng knew there was still plenty of time, so he found a secluded corner, sat cross-legged, and closed his eyes to rest. When about a third of the sand had dripped from the bottom of the funnel, the space rippled again, revealing Lin Feng's never-before-seen master—Elder Qinghua! However, when Lin Feng was weak, it was through Elder Qinghua's name that he had managed to lower Yao Chen's guard and exchange for Yao Chen's top-tier alchemy techniques. Of course, after several subsequent transactions, the old fox Yao Chen also noticed the loopholes in Lin Feng's words. Perhaps out of respect for the younger alchemist, or perhaps out of fear that Lin Feng would leak his information, he continued with the later transactions. "This old man Qinghua, I can secretly give him an opportunity in the future!" Lin Feng murmured to himself. With his current alchemy skills and battle qi realm, he was qualified to say that. The appearance of the old man Qinghua seemed to have triggered some kind of signal, and more and more alchemists, such as Cao Ying and Dan Chen, began to appear. When the hourglass was halfway through, several strange auras suddenly appeared in Lin Feng's perception. Lin Feng, who had already secretly dispersed his soul power in the space, slowly opened his eyes and glanced at the figure hidden in the gray robe without leaving a trace. "Besides Mu Gu, are there fifteen other Heavenly-level protectors of the Soul Hall?" After secretly marking a few people with his Spirit Realm-level soul power, Lin Feng's lips twitched slightly, and he transmitted his voice to Elder Qiu Ling. "Elder Qiu Ling, I've detected the aura of people from the Soul Palace. You must not make a sound!" "Elder Lin Feng!?" " Elder Qiu Ling, the leader among them is a four- or five-star Dou Zun. If I'm not mistaken, he should be Elder Mu Gu, the junior brother of Senior Yao Chen!" "Elder Mu Gu?" "That's right. If I'm not mistaken, given the Soul Palace's style, if they decide to take action, they certainly won't just send Elder Mu Gu, a four- or five-star Dou Zun." " Presumably, besides Mu Gu winning the Pill Gathering in the third round, they also want to summon other Heavenly Venerables to attack within the Three Thousand Burning Flames!" "Otherwise, even if Mu Gu and some guardians below the Dou Zun realm win the championship, they will still fail against the Three Thousand Burning Flames!" "And Elder Xuan and the others are definitely included in their calculations. Therefore, the Soul Palace experts dispatched this time are very likely to reach the Half-Saint realm!" "I think we should notify the Little Pill Tower to prepare early, lest something unexpected happen!" "Elder Lin Feng is absolutely right!" Elder Qiu Ling slowly opened his eyes, his expression remaining unchanged, clearly a cunning old fox himself! (End of Chapter)