Word Count: 2,711 Words
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Xiao Yan was accustomed to preparing specific pills to counter the unique properties of each Heavenly Flame he intended to refine.
He needed the Blood Lotus Essence Pill when refining the Ten Thousand Beast Flame and relied on the Ground Spirit Pill when refining the Fallen Heart Flame.
Without the protection of such pills, these wild and violent Heavenly Flames could easily claim his life.
Now that he had refined several Heavenly Flames, he was naturally unafraid of their extreme heat, but he still had to guard against their unique characteristics!
"Will there be enough time?" Little Fairy Doctor asked softly. She knew how desperately Xiao Yan needed the Heavenly Flame.
Xiao Yan clasped his five fingers together, a confident smile appearing on his face as he said, "Don't worry. Whether it's the Heavenly Flame, the Clear Soul Nether Orchid, or Venerable You Du's inheritance, I want them all!"
He had actually known about Venerable You Du for a long time. The intelligence he exchanged for at the Soul Sacrifice Old Shop included mentions of Venerable You Du.
However, contrary to rumors, Venerable You Du was not besieged and killed by other Dou Venerates. Instead, he had suddenly disappeared after arriving here. Subsequently, the Profound Nether Valley became inexplicably shrouded in poisonous miasma, leading to the spread of such rumors.
Moreover, Xiao Yan had learned from the Hall of Souls that Venerable You Du also possessed the Woeful Poison Body, acquired later in life!
After discovering Little Fairy Doctor's natural Woeful Poison Body, Xiao Yan had searched some ancient texts within the Bone Flame Ring. He found that one could cultivate an 'artificial' Woeful Poison Body, although it was vastly inferior to the real thing. Such a method merely stored poisonous energy in the body to boost strength; its power was weaker, and it also possessed fatal flaws.
Xiao Yan suspected Venerable You Du had perished here due to the eruption of these flaws in his artificially acquired Woeful Poison Body.
'In any case, thorough preparation never hurts.' Xiao Yan took out the Ten Thousand Beast Cauldron and various precious medicinal ingredients from his storage ring.
Not only had he acquired the valuable ingredients Han Feng accumulated over the years in Feng City, but when he returned to the Jia Ma Sacred City and revisited the Misty Cloud Sect, how could his hands stay still?
In the Jia Ma Sacred City, Ya Fei had already prepared a good number of tier 5 and tier 6 medicinal herbs for him. Furthermore, the major clans, the imperial family, and even the Alchemist Association had traded medicinal ingredients for pills when seeking his services. Xiao Yan took the opportunity to amass a substantial stockpile.
Otherwise, advancing to a 7th-tier alchemist would have been difficult for him; even refining Detoxification Pills would pose a challenge now.
Zi Yan practically drooled upon seeing Xiao Yan take out so many precious medicinal ingredients.
Noticing Zi Yan stealthily reaching out her hand, Xiao Yan cast her a glance and said, "Don't mess around. These are for refining Detoxification Pills and Poison Resistance Pills."
"When we enter the secret realm inside the Space Lock the day after tomorrow, are you afraid there won't be medicinal ingredients? Just work hard and find them then. Whatever you gather, we'll split fifty-fifty."
This crafty fellow didn't forget to benefit from Zi Yan's efforts.
"Lion King, help me keep watch outside. I'm about to refine tier 6 pills; make sure no one disturbs me," Xiao Yan instructed.
"Understood."
Roar! (Understood!)
The Little Lion King followed up with its own roar, as it hadn't yet learned to speak human language.
With a thud, Xiao Yan pressed a palm onto the Ten Thousand Beast Cauldron. In the blink of an eye, wisps of the Nihility Devouring Flame's Seed Flame flared inside it while a pill recipe swiftly emerged in his mind.
It was for an upgraded version of the Marrow Washing Ice Spirit Liquid sold in the Inner Academy: the high-grade tier 6 Poison Resistance Ice Spirit Pill. This pill had essentially the same effect as the Marrow Washing Ice Spirit Liquid, specifically used to eliminate fire poison.
The difference was that upon consumption, this pill could also generate strong resistance to toxins within the body, thereby resisting fire poison.
The Poison Resistance Ice Spirit Pill was the same grade as the Ground Spirit Pill and was the highest-grade pill Xiao Yan could currently refine to counter fire poison. He planned to rely on it to resist the Ghostly Poison Flame.
Although refining a high-grade tier 6 pill was only slightly simpler than the Mighty Huang Pill, his refinement process flowed smoothly, like drifting clouds and flowing water. His control was precise and skillful, reaching a level of seamless perfection.
No other alchemists were present, but Little Fairy Doctor was knowledgeable enough to appreciate his skill. Xiao Yan didn't conceal his alchemy techniques and displayed them openly for her to observe.
Little Fairy Doctor was quite unique. While other girls liked makeup and jewelry, she preferred either refining poisons for self-defense or watching Xiao Yan refine pills and studying how to cultivate medicinal herbs.
It couldn't even be described as mere liking anymore; it had reached the point of obsession. She had clearly become Grandmaster Xiao Yan's little fangirl.
For someone capable of refining both the Zong Breaking Pill and the Emperor Heaven Pill, producing high-grade tier 6 pills no longer posed a real challenge. Even though it was his first time refining this specific pill, his terrifying Spiritual Strength and precise fire control ensured success on the first attempt.
However, he did not stop there and continued refining more, as he now had five people who each needed a pill.
During his second and third attempts, Xiao Yan achieved the incredible feat of refining two pills in a single batch.
As for the Detoxification Pills, those were even easier. They served as insurance against unknowingly being poisoned when encountering dangerous areas within the secret realm.
Xiao Yan spent a full two days and one night refining all the required pills. Even with his Tian Class Qi Method and Perfected Mortal State Spiritual Strength, such frenzied refinement of tier 6 pills was taxing.
It took him half a day just to recover his Spiritual Strength. The restorative effect of the Spirit Heart Gathering Soul Technique was now minimal, no longer replenishing his Spiritual Strength as rapidly as before.
As night fell, the entire Dark Poison City remained bustling. Downstairs in the inn, people chattered noisily about the events of the past two days.
"Xiao Yan."
Venerable Tian Huo's voice suddenly came from the storage ring. Xiao Yan slowly opened his eyes, a flicker of flame passing through his pupils. He, too, had sensed a faint spiritual fluctuation from afar.
"Looks like it's finally opened." Xiao Yan stood up slowly. Soon, Little Fairy Doctor and the others appeared in his room, having also sensed that the Space Lock had opened.
With a soft exhale, Xiao Yan donned the Soul Robe he hadn't worn in a long time. This Soul Robe was no longer that of a Heaven Grade Protector. During the half-month he stayed in the Jia Ma Empire, the Law Enforcer named Hun Lu had come to audit the soul records and had brought the Honorable Elder's Soul Robe to him.
When Hun Lu learned that Xiao Yan had been promoted to Honorable Elder in just two short years, he was all smiles, feeling he had curried favor with the right person.
Though the Honorable Elder's Soul Robe looked the same externally, its effect was worlds apart. Wearing it meant that one would need at least Perfected Soul State Spiritual Strength to sense him.
Although night had fallen, the Profound Nether Valley was brightly lit after the poison barrier receded. Splendid pavilions stood on both sides of the valley, and many major factions from the Chu Yun Empire had set up camps in the area where the Space Lock was located.
"It's open! It's finally open!"
"The Space Lock was breached at last!"
"Hurry, let's go! That's a Dou Venerate's inheritance!"
The moment the Space Lock opened, a powerful poison formation was immediately laid down, sealing the entrance in an instant.
In no time, the entrance was swarmed by a sea of people. Pairs of Dou Qi wings of various colors floated in the sky, but none dared to force their way through the poison formation, as it had been set up by the Poison Sect.
The Poison Sect was renowned in the Chu Yun Empire not only because their Sect Leader Dugu Tian Gao was a Dou Ancestor but also because they possessed profound poison formation inheritances.
By the time many learned the Space Lock had been breached and rushed over, they were a step too late. Sect Leader Dugu Tian Gao and elite experts like Xie Shan had already stationed numerous experts from their factions to guard the area.
Clearly, they intended to monopolize the opportunity!
Entering the secret realm now required breaking through the guards and dismantling the poison formation sealing the entrance. Otherwise, no one could get in.
Seeing the Poison Sect guarding the entrance, some experts from other sects voiced their dissatisfaction, "Profound Nether Valley belongs to no one! What gives your Poison Sect the right to block the entrance?"
"Everyone has misunderstood," an elder said calmly. "The Profound Nether Valley is a treasure of our Chu Yun Empire, belonging to all its citizens. However, to prevent senseless bloodshed over the secret realm's treasures and inheritance, our sect leader, out of compassion and unwillingness to see everyone slaughter each other, joined with the Ten Thousand Scorpion Gate's Sect Leader Xie Shan, Poison Granny, the Chu Yun Emperor, and other experts to draft a list based on the sects that contributed to opening the Space Lock these past few days."
"Only cultivators from contributing factions may allow their disciples to enter the secret realm. Those factions and rogue cultivators who didn't assist in breaching the Space Lock are prohibited from entering."
As the elder presented the list, he simultaneously released the intimidating pressure of his Dou Emperor aura without restraint. The rolling momentum washed over the crowd, causing some weaker Dou King-level factions nearby to seem furious but dare not protest outright.
"Hmph! Your Poison Sect has been sealing off the entire valley these past few days!" one Sect Leader retorted coldly. "Do you intend to make enemies of all the Poison Masters in the Chu Yun Empire?"
"Exactly! What right do you have to bar our way?"
Many elite experts present wished to enter. The Poison Sect's actions naturally incited discontent among numerous sects and rogue Poison Masters.
Faced with this situation, Poison Sect elder Zhang Wan's attitude hardened. He stated coldly, "If anyone tries to force their way in, don't blame us for being impolite!"
At that moment, another Dou Emperor aura emanated from within the poison formation. An elder wearing the Ten Thousand Scorpion Gate's attire emerged, stroking his beard with a sneer. "Elder Zhang Wan speaks the truth. If anyone wishes to force their way in, our Ten Thousand Scorpion Gate will gladly accompany them."
The resolute stance of the Poison Sect and the Ten Thousand Scorpion Gate left many present both furious and apprehensive. However, none were willing to act recklessly. After all, the Poison Sect's poison formation was indeed formidable, and with the Ten Thousand Scorpion Gate's involvement, even ordinary Dou Emperors couldn't breach it.
"Who the hell do you think you are? A mere flimsy formation and two low-star Dou Emperors dare to block my path?" A domineering and leisurely voice suddenly echoed, immediately drawing everyone's attention.
They turned to see two massive shadows slowly approaching from the depths of the valley. On the backs of two lions embedded with amethyst crystals and bearing a pair of giant wings sat three black-robed individuals.
It was, without doubt, Xiao Yan's group. The large and small Amethyst Winged Lion Kings approached with composed majesty, drawing every eye. Using Rank 6 magical beasts as mounts was a shocking sight anywhere.
"Sweet heavens, that's a Rank 6 magical beast, the Amethyst Winged Lion King!"
Many Poison Masters went weak at the knees. After all, a Rank 6 magical beast could easily overwhelm a low-star Dou Emperor. Back then, even Yun Yun hadn't defeated the Amethyst Winged Lion King. If Xiao Yan hadn't intervened to save her, grass several meters high might be growing over her grave by now.
Naturally, Xiao Yan's arrogant declaration caused the faces of the Poison Sect and Ten Thousand Scorpion Gate members to darken. Zhang Wan was a Dou Emperor second only to the First Elder within the Poison Sect, holding a highly esteemed position.
Moreover, his cultivation had reached 3-star Dou Emperor, and he was proficient in poison formations, making his strength highly feared. Otherwise, Dugu Tian Gao wouldn't have entrusted him with setting up the poison formation to prevent others from entering.
Zhang Wan's face twisted with anger, revealing a ferocious expression. "Hmph! Ignorant beast! Even if you're a Rank 6 magical beast, I'll capture you today!"
Although he might not defeat the Amethyst Winged Lion King in a direct confrontation, he was confident in the poison formation he had laid.
However, rather than enrage the Lion King, his threat stirred a flash of violent glee in Zi Yan's eyes. She was also a magical beast—and a Rank 6 one at that!
"Zi Yan, I'll leave that poison formation and that old man to you. Lion King, you handle the other Dou Emperor. Little Fairy Doctor and I will go in first; you guys follow afterward," Xiao Yan said softly.
"No problem!" Zi Yan shouted in delight. She leaped down from the Amethyst Winged Lion King's back. Rolling her shoulders, she laughed, "Let me teach you a lesson!"
Little Fairy Doctor also jumped down from the Amethyst Winged Lion King but landed on the back of the Little Lion King. For the two of them, the Dou Venerate's inheritance was secondary; finding the Heavenly Flame and the Clear Soul Nether Orchid was most important.
Zi Yan immediately charged forward, cracking her knuckles. This girl became more belligerent than anyone when excited, so seeing the poison formation before her instantly ignited her fighting spirit.
Although she was the oldest among them, Zi Yan was akin to an elementary school student for a race like the Ancient Void Dragon.
She hadn't encountered such poison formations in the Inner Academy, so she was naturally thrilled now.
A purple light flashed as Zi Yan charged directly into the poison formation. Spatial fluctuations rippled, and the formation, which even Dou Emperors hesitated to breach, began to waver, revealing the entrance to the Space Lock within.
Roar! Roar! Roar!!
The Amethyst Winged Lion King didn't hold back either, slamming a paw toward the Ten Thousand Scorpion Gate's Dou Emperor elder. With a thunderous boom, the entire valley quaked, and terrifying power caused the ground to crack open.
The Little Lion King carried Xiao Yan and Little Fairy Doctor swiftly toward the entrance. Along the way, disciples at the Dou Grandmaster and Dou Spirit levels were no match for the Rank 5 Little Lion King and couldn't stop them at all.
"Let's move," Xiao Yan reminded Little Fairy Doctor. "If your Woeful Poison Body shows any sign of trouble, we'll withdraw immediately. There are rumors that Venerable You Du had an 'artificial' Woeful Poison Body. The Clear Soul Nether Orchid is important, but not to the point of risking your life. Worst case, we still have the Poison Pill Method."
"Mm, don't worry. I won't push myself," Little Fairy Doctor nodded gently.
"Go, go, go! Let's follow them in!" The crowd behind Xiao Yan erupted with excitement. In an instant, people surged forward like a tidal wave, all pressing toward the mountain pass ahead.
Having someone take the lead easily spurred such a reaction.
Chaos reigned for a while. Countless Poison Masters scrambled desperately to enter the mountain pass. Even those only at the Dou Master realm were unwilling to lag behind. Everyone feared missing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; they all aspired to obtain the legendary Dou Venerate's inheritance.