Chapter 41

After savoring it, the bears' eyes gleamed. So delicious! Boss was right, this Golden Elixir was far tastier than bamboo shoots.

Lin Fan shook his head with a laugh. These two living treasures were practically the embodiment of two words.

Xiong Aotian licked his lips and sidled over. "Boss... do you have any more Golden Elixirs?"

Xiong Batian slapped him. "Dream on! There were only three spirit pills in total. Boss gave the two of us two of them—what more do you want?"

Xiong Aotian sheepishly shut his mouth, grabbed a bamboo shoot, and bit down hard, desperately imagining the Golden Elixir's flavor.

"Cultivate well." Lin Fan smiled. "If you can break through to the Grand Unity Realm, I'll reward each of you with another one."

The two brothers' eyes immediately lit up. They patted their chests and declared, "Rest assured, Boss! We will cultivate diligently without pause!"

Lin Fan raised a hand and lightly tapped their foreheads. A stream of light split into two and entered them.

The two rays of spiritual light entered Xiong Batian and Xiong Aotian's foreheads, and an arcane ** appeared in both brothers' seas of consciousness.

This Yin Yang Heaven Swallowing Profound Technique had been created by Lin Fan through fusing the Devouring Law and Yin Yang Law. It complemented the Heaven Swallowing Art and happened to suit the Xiong brothers' constitutions and foundations.

"Thank you, Big Brother, for bestowing this technique!"

The two bears bowed respectfully.

Lin Fan flicked his sleeve. "You are now the Black and White Twin Fiends who shake the Primordial World. Do not disgrace that name."

Before his words had faded, the Xiong brothers had already been sent into the Primordial Pearl. This time, they had devoured countless Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures at Laozi's dojo. With the aid of the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir, breaking through to the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm was just around the corner.

Lin Fan took out the remaining Golden Elixir and quietly studied it. Dao rhythms flowed through his mind as laws intertwined. Then, a system notification suddenly sounded—he had actually comprehended the method for refining the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir. The medicinal potency of pills made through this method was gentle, making them most suitable for human cultivation. He immediately erected a stone stele beside the Scripture Repository bearing the words Alchemy Hall.

Just as the hall was completed, rosy light suddenly erupted from the side hall. Lin Fan looked over in surprise, never expecting Empress Houtu to have already condensed her primordial spirit.

"Is Sister about to break through?"

Lin Fan instantly appeared beside her.

Empress Houtu lightly pinched his cheek and smiled. "It's all thanks to those Golden Elixirs of yours."

**

The

"Thanks to you, otherwise Sister's primordial spirit would not have taken shape so quickly."

With her previous comprehension, it would have been difficult for her to grasp the mysteries of the Hunyuan Nine Revolutions Heavenly Technique in such a short time.

But Lin Fan had specially sent out a clone to explain its profound mysteries to her in detail. That was why she had been able to rapidly condense her primordial spirit and greatly increase her cultivation.

At this moment, her heart was full of gratitude toward Lin Fan.

Not only was he adorable, but he was also so thoughtful. Anyone would find it impossible not to like him.

"Big Sister Houtu, you are too polite. It was only a small effort."

Lin Fan shook his head, his expression calm.

The Witch Race had helped him many times and had even given him half the treasures in their treasury. Besides, once the Witch Race became stronger, they would be better able to restrain the Demon Race, which was also beneficial to him.

"Lin Fan, you're the best."

Empress Houtu smiled brightly. Before he could react, she swept him into her arms and affectionately rubbed against his cheek.

Lin Fan caught her fair wrist, feeling slightly dizzy.

Looking at his youthful and adorable face, Empress Houtu's smile deepened. Her heart nearly melted from sweetness as she gently suggested, "Would you like to go back to Buzhou Mountain with Sister?"

"Didn't I just go there last time?"

Lin Fan sounded a little helpless.

"We stayed too briefly last time." Empress Houtu was full of enthusiasm. "There are still so many places on the mountain that you haven't seen. This time, Sister will take you around properly."

"I'd better not. I'm planning to enter seclusion and cultivate soon." Lin Fan politely declined.

He had obtained quite a few treasures from Laozi's dojo this time and needed time to digest them. Moreover, he had enough spirit herbs on hand, so he planned to refine a batch of Nine Revolutions Golden Elixirs to help the Three Ancestors of the Human Race break through to the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm.

"Go on. Consider it Sister asking you."

Empress Houtu hooked her arm around his, her tone soft and carrying a hint of coquettishness.

Lin Fan felt even more helpless. He had never expected Empress Houtu to learn how to cling to people like this.

Seeing that he still would not relent, Empress Houtu had an idea and suddenly said, "Actually, Fifth Brother and Sixth Brother want to see you too."

"Really? That doesn't seem likely." Lin Fan was skeptical.

The last time they had met on Buzhou Mountain, Zhurong and Gonggong, those two blockheads, had been beaten badly by him. They called it sparring, but it had really been a one-sided beating. The two of them had been like living punching bags, and every match had filled the entire mountain with their howls and pleas for mercy. Later, the brothers had not even dared stay in Pangu Hall, each retreating to his own tribe to hide for fear of running into him again.

Would they miss him? They might be a little slow, but they were not truly stupid. Who in the world got addicted to being beaten?

"Why wouldn't they? Fifth Brother and Sixth Brother admire you greatly." Empress Houtu lied without even blushing. "They said that after you left, they could not find a decent opponent, and they hoped you could return to Buzhou Mountain for another three hundred rounds."

If Zhurong and Gonggong knew that their little sister had sold them out just to trick Lin Fan into returning to Buzhou Mountain, their hearts would probably turn cold—this sister was far too treacherous.

"Did they really say that?" Lin Fan was half-convinced, half-doubtful, wondering whether those two had particularly unusual ways of thinking. Seeing Empress Houtu nod solemnly, he agreed, "Alright, I'll definitely go after a while." He thought that the Twelve Ancestral Witches were very close, so Empress Houtu had no reason to lie. If it truly was such a sincere invitation, he naturally could not disappoint them. The next time he went, he would have to do it properly.

A sly glint flashed through Empress Houtu's eyes. Thinking of Nuwa's furious expression when she spirited Lin Fan away, she nearly failed to hold back her laughter.

"Houtu! Let go of my little brother!" Nuwa suddenly appeared and pulled Lin Fan protectively into her arms, her willow brows raised in anger. Though Empress Houtu was startled by her bearing, she showed no weakness. "Sister Nuwa, who Lin Fan likes to spend time with is his freedom. It is improper for you to interfere like this."

"So what? My little brother loves clinging to me."

Nuwa's expression was cold, and her words allowed no argument.

As for a place like Buzhou Mountain, he should not even think about it.

Empress Houtu's brows furrowed slightly, unwilling to accept that.

"I'm afraid that's just your wishful thinking. Lin Fan has already agreed to go with me."

"My little brother has always listened to me. Does that even need to be said?"

Nuwa spoke with certainty.

But Empress Houtu did not buy it and directly threw the question to Lin Fan.

"Lin Fan, tell us. Who do you listen to?"

"Of course, the eldest one."

Lin Fan looked between them and answered casually.

"What do you mean, eldest?"

Nuwa and Empress Houtu looked at each other.

Nuwa lightly pinched her little brother's cheek,

then snorted unhappily.

This little rascal was becoming harder and harder to understand,

always saying strange and inexplicable things.

She turned to Empress Houtu and said coldly,

"What kind of sight is it for an Ancestral Witch like you to linger on Shouyang Mountain?"

Empress Houtu rolled her eyes.

"What business is it of yours?"

If she had not been unable to defeat her,

she really would have wanted to punch this brother-obsessed woman.

Then she gently said to Lin Fan,

"Little brother, don't forget our agreement.

You must come to Buzhou Mountain to find me."

"Don't worry, Sister Houtu. I'll definitely go."

Lin Fan smiled and waved.

Only then did Empress Houtu smile. She snorted at Nuwa and strode away.

Nuwa narrowed her eyes at Empress Houtu's retreating figure.

That Houtu had no good intentions.

She actually dared set her sights on Nuwa's little brother.

Next time, Nuwa would definitely teach her a proper lesson.

She turned to Lin Fan and asked sternly,

"Do you really like Houtu that much?"

Lin Fan answered without hesitation,

"Of course. Sister Houtu has fair skin, a pretty face, and long legs.

Being with beautiful women is such a pleasure to the eyes."

Nuwa felt a sourness rise in her heart, and her expression immediately darkened.

Little Brother's Sweet Talk

"Is that sister not as good as me?"

Lin Fan secretly glanced at Nuwa's expression, and a chill ran down the back of his neck.

The jealous woman before him was completely unlike the Hunyuan Daluo Golden Immortal who ruled the Primordial World.

He hurriedly tried to make amends. "Sister's grace is peerless. How could Houtu compare? Naturally, Sister is far superior."

A trace of a smile escaped Nuwa's tightly pressed lips as she pinched the youth's cheek. "Smooth talker! Did you say the same thing to Houtu?"

"Heaven and Earth can bear witness!" Lin Fan pointed at the sky and swore.

Her slender arms suddenly tightened, pressing him into her embrace. "You little rascal, don't think you can fool me!"

After Nuwa left, Lin Fan sprawled in the Alchemy Hall and finally caught his breath.

With a sweep of his sleeve, the Innate Spiritual Roots he had looted from Laozi filled the air. Amid countless rays of rosy light, he summoned the Eight Trigrams Furnace—the furnace was wreathed in saintly might, and it had wrestled with the Primordial Pearl for three days before its mark was erased.

Thunderclouds surged atop Kunlun Mountain, and Laozi's furious roar echoed as he shattered a jade pavilion.

"Lin Fan, you wretch! This Saint will refine your soul for ten thousand years!"

Inside Kunlun Mountain, everyone from the Chan Sect and Jie Sect wore bewildered expressions.

Their Grand Uncle-Master's furious roar resounded through the skies once more.

A Saint's rage possessed boundless power. Such frequent outbursts were truly enough to make people tremble in fear.

Yet amid their panic, they felt even more irrepressible curiosity.

What exactly had that Lin Fan done to make their usually tranquil and detached Grand Uncle-Master so enraged?

Lin Fan was utterly unaware of this, wholly focused on comprehending the mysteries of the Eight Trigrams Furnace's restrictions.

A clear voice suddenly rang through his sea of consciousness: "Congratulations on comprehending the Hunyuan-level divine ability, Yin-Yang Bagua Diagram. You have been awarded Ancestral Dragon Essence Blood."

This Yin-Yang Bagua Diagram was an unparalleled divine ability capable of evolving a universe. Ancestral Dragon Essence Blood was also a sacred body-tempering treasure, each having its own merits compared to Kirin Marrow.

The restrictions of the Eight Trigrams Furnace were instantly **.

The Xuanhuang Pill Furnace appeared within the hall, its ancient, weighty body radiating Dao rhythm. Lin Fan flicked his fingertip, and Samadhi True Fire immediately rose within the furnace.

This time, he was going to refine Nine Revolutions Golden Elixirs.

Even Great Luo Golden Immortals could benefit from such divine pills, but their refinement was unimaginably difficult. One needed perfect control over the proportions of spirit herbs, the intensity of the flame, and the infusion of mana. The slightest error would ruin everything. Even if Saint Laozi personally refined them, the chance of success would be no more than one in a hundred million.

The

Clouds and rosy vapors surged as golden light blazed. A brilliant phantom of a Golden Elixir hung above Lin Fan's head.

With a thought, countless spiritual ingredients fell into the furnace in sequence. Each additional herb strengthened the pill's aura by another degree.

Suddenly, Dao rhythm circulated within the furnace, and an exotic fragrance spread in all directions, enveloping the entire Shouyang Mountain in an instant.

Time flowed like water, and the immortal aura above the hall grew increasingly solid. Abundant spiritual energy nourished the mountain's grasses and trees, while the branches and leaves of spiritual plants unfurled.

Then purple qi suddenly came from the east across the heavens, and amid ten thousand zhang of rosy light, the Golden Elixir phenomenon appeared once more. Vast Dao rhythm surged like a tide, making all the humans look up.

"The Alchemy Hall!"

"Holy Venerable must be refining immortal pills!"

Reverence appeared on everyone's faces as discussions rose one after another.

Hongyun, who had been teaching the Dao, abruptly looked up. The shock in his eyes was impossible to conceal—the pill radiance shooting into the heavens clearly showed that a Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir was about to be completed. Other than Saint Taiqing, was there actually someone else who possessed such methods?

"Little Friend Lin truly is..." Hongyun sighed as he gazed at the pill radiance. Even the great powers of the Primordial World would be ashamed upon seeing such attainments in alchemy.

Inside the pill chamber, a gleam flashed through Lin Fan's eyes. Smiling, he lightly patted the furnace lid.

"The pill is complete."

The

The furnace lid flew open, and dazzling rosy light burst forth. Several Golden Elixirs, wrapped in vast spiritual energy, leaped into the Purple Gold Gourd. By then, the phenomenon outside the hall had gradually faded, and the spiritual energy returned to calm.

Six golden Nine Revolutions Golden Elixirs lay quietly inside the gourd. Their medicinal potency had fully condensed, reaching a state of flawless perfection. Lin Fan examined the pills, satisfaction appearing in his eyes.

With a thought, Suiren Shi, Youchao Shi, and Ziyi Shi answered his summons. The three respectfully bowed. "Greetings, Holy Venerable."

Hongyun suddenly rushed in. Before he could even offer greetings, he urgently asked, "Little Friend Lin, have the Golden Elixirs been refined?"

"So-so. I only managed six." Lin Fan poured out the gourd, regret in his voice.

Hongyun stared at the Golden Elixirs, his lips trembling slightly—these were Nine Revolutions Golden Elixirs that could help mortals directly reach the Great Luo realm. Even if Laozi came in person, he might not achieve such a result. Yet Lin Fan was still dissatisfied?

"Daoist Friend, you came at just the right time." Lin Fan distributed the Golden Elixirs among them. "Six pills are just enough for you to receive one, while the Three Ancestors each receive one."

Hongyun gladly accepted one, while the Three Ancestors knelt excitedly with the Golden Elixirs in their hands. "We thank Holy Venerable for this gift!" These were supreme treasures that, according to legend, only Saints could refine. The Great Luo realm was now within reach, and everyone's reverence for Lin Fan deepened further.

"The spiritual energy in these pills is immense but gentle. Go back and cultivate diligently, then break through to Great Luo as soon as possible," Lin Fan instructed.

The Three Ancestors answered together, "We will not disappoint Holy Venerable's guidance!"

The

Hongyun carefully examined the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir in his palm.

The shock in his eyes could not be hidden as energy flowed around his fingertips.

This pill was naturally flawless,

and secretly aligned with the Great Dao True Meaning.

Pill patterns covered it as densely as stars.

Even its escaping aura made his cultivation faintly loosen.

"Little Friend Lin's alchemy methods..." Hongyun's gaze blazed.

"I'm afraid they can contend with Saint Taiqing's."

"You flatter me." Lin Fan smiled and shook his head.

Refining this pill had indeed been thanks to Laozi's help.

Most of those rare medicinal herbs had come from Eight Views Palace.