Harvest

On the plaza, two beams of light shot into the sky, filling the air with the Medicinal Fragrance. Before everyone could recover from the shock of the two men simultaneously Pill Formation, a sudden change occurred in the sky!

Rumble--!

The once clear sky was instantly covered with dark clouds, like silver snakes dancing wildly! Two Lei Yun converged almost simultaneously, locking onto the two newly formed pills below!

Tier 7 Medicinal Pill, triggering Pill Lightning!

However, the two Lei Yun were vastly different! The Lei Yun that locked onto Master Xiao was smaller in size, and the lightning within it was pale silver, its power appearing ordinary.

Meanwhile, the Lei Yun that were targeting Lin Ming's pill covered half the sky. Within the thick, dark clouds, thick, Giant Python Silver Lightning bolts surged wildly, emitting deafening roars and radiating Destructive Aura that made many Dou Emperor Expert present feel their legs go weak!

"This... this is the real Tier 7 Pill Lightning! What Master Xiao triggered was at best a pseudo-lightning!" someone exclaimed in shock.

Master Xiao's face turned deathly pale. Looking at the 'weak' Pill Lightning above his head, and then comparing it to the terrifying Lei Yun above Lin Ming's head, a huge sense of defeat welled up in his heart. He knew that in the art of alchemy, he had been completely defeated!

"Puppet One!"

Faced with the terrifying silver Pill Lightning, Lin Ming simply raised his head and gave a soft shout.

A dark shadow shot out from the shadows behind him like a ghost, instantly appearing beneath the raging silver Lei Yun! It was none other than the Puppet that had been nourished by numerous battles and energy— Puppet One!

Puppet One showed no fear, raised his head and let out a silent roar, actually taking the initiative to meet the first thick silver lightning bolt that poured down!

"Boom!"

The blinding lightning instantly engulfed the Puppet One! Everyone thought the Puppet would be reduced to ashes by the Pill Lightning.

However, when the lightning dissipated, Puppet One's figure still stood in mid-air!

At this moment, its entire body shimmered with dazzling silver light. The silver patterns on its surface, which were originally slightly dull, became incredibly pure and bright under the baptism of the Pill Lightning, as if they had been tempered anew! The aura it emitted actually rose steadily at this moment, breaking through the previous shackles and reaching the level of Seven-Star Dou Ancestor!

It spread its arms as if embracing the thunder, allowing the terrifying Silver Lightning Pillar to strike its body. Not only was it unharmed, it also continuously absorbed the power of the thunder, transforming it into energy to strengthen itself!

This scene once again shocked everyone! To use Puppet to withstand such terrifying Pill Lightning and even increase its strength in the process?! What kind of monstrous Puppet is this?!

But what surprised everyone even more was that after Puppet One completely absorbed the last and strongest silver Pill Lightning drawn by Lin Ming's pill, he seemed to still be unsatisfied and turned his silver-glowing "gaze" towards the weak Lei Yun above Master Xiao's head.

Then, to everyone's astonishment, Puppet One suddenly opened his mouth and inhaled, unleashing an invisible suction force! The pale silver Lei Yun above Master Xiao's head began to churn uncontrollably, and the tiny Pill Lightning that had just condensed and was about to strike down within it seemed to be drawn by an irresistible force, twisting and deviating from its original trajectory, turning into a faint silver thread, which was directly sucked into Puppet One's mouth.

With a "pop..." sound like bubbles bursting, the Lei Yun above Master Xiao's head dissipated, and the sky returned to clear skies.

The entire room fell silent.

Master Xiao himself was stunned. He had prepared himself for a difficult battle against the Pill Lightning, but he never expected the crisis to be resolved so dramatically.

He looked at the Puppet whose aura had reached the Seven-Star Dou Ancestor and which had easily devoured two bolts of Pill Lightning, then looked at the composed Lin Ming opposite him. His expression was incredibly complex, containing both the relief of surviving a calamity and an indescribable sense of defeat and... a trace of gratitude.

Lin Ming reached out, and the Crimson Sun Melting Snow Pill, which had triggered terrifying Pill Lightning, landed in his warm palm, its Medicinal Fragrance filling the air. Without immediately looking at Elder Chi Yun, Lin Ming turned to Master Xiao, whose expression was complex, and with a warm smile, proactively cupped his hands in greeting:

"Master Xiao, you flatter me. I was fortunate to be one step ahead, and I gained many insights during the refining process. I am grateful for the opportunity to exchange ideas with you. Puppet One rash and acted without permission just now, so I hope you will forgive me."

Master Xiao was taken aback upon hearing this. Looking into Lin Ming's sincere eyes, which were devoid of any sarcasm, most of the resentment and bitterness in his heart dissipated after hearing these words.

After a moment's hesitation, Master Xiao accepted reality, gave a wry smile, sighed, and returned the greeting with clasped hands. "Young friend Lin Ming... truly a hero among young men. I have certainly broadened my horizons today. Whether it's alchemy or... Puppet Art, I am truly impressed. In this competition, I admit my inferiority. As for the matter of the Pill Lightning, I must thank you for... rescuing me."

His words were somewhat sincere. If Puppet One hadn't absorbed the Pill Lightning, and he had tried to take it head-on in his current state, even if he could have blocked it, he would have been in a sorry state, and might even have damaged the pill.

Lin Ming smiled and said, "Master, you are too modest. The experience and profound knowledge of Tier 7 alchemy master are far beyond what I can achieve with mere tricks. If there is an opportunity in the future, I hope to have more exchanges and discussions with you."

Hearing this, Master Xiao's expression softened considerably, and he even smiled slightly, "Excellent! With such ambition and talent, young friend, your future achievements are boundless. If you have some free time in the future, feel free to come to the Pill Tower to find me; I will certainly welcome you with open arms!"

The amicable ending between the two surprised everyone around them. What was initially thought to be a fierce and bitter feud turned out to be a completely different story, ending in such a harmonious manner.

The happiest person was Elder Chi Yun. He had originally worried that Lin Ming, being young and impetuous, would offend Master Xiao elder of the Pill Tower. But now, seeing how mature and tactful Lin Ming was, not only winning the competition but also saving face for his opponent and even forging a good relationship, he was overjoyed, and his smile became even brighter.

"Haha, excellent!" Elder Chi Yun clapped his hands and laughed, stepping forward. "Both of you are outstanding figures in the Yao Realm. It is truly a wonderful thing that you can make friends through Pill Gathering and encourage each other! Young friend Lin Ming, now that you have won, why don't you come with me to Blazing Flame Valley? The Valley Master must have been waiting for you for a long time."

He then politely said to Master Xiao, "Master Xiao, your journey here has allowed us to witness the brilliance of the Pill Tower's outstanding disciples. If you are not in a hurry to leave, why not stay in my Crimson Flame City for a few more days, so that I may fulfill my duty as a host?"

Master Xiao waved his hand with mixed feelings. "I appreciate Elder Chi Yun's kindness, but I have also gained some insights this time. I should return as soon as possible to absorb and internalize them. Farewell for today. Farewell, young friend Lin Ming!"

"Until we meet again!" Lin Ming smiled and cupped his hands in greeting.

Watching Master Xiao lead the Zheng Family away, his figure no longer so dejected, Elder Chi Yun's evaluation of Lin Ming rose even higher. This young man not only possesses astonishing talent and strength, but his mind and methods are also extraordinary; his future is definitely not to be underestimated!

Elder Chi Yun strode up to Lin Ming, a genuine smile appearing on his face, and his tone became extremely polite:

"Young friend Lin Ming, on behalf of Blazing Flame Valley, I formally invite you to come to the valley to assist the Valley Master in refining a crucial elixir! Upon successful completion, Blazing Flame Valley will reward you handsomely and will certainly not disappoint you!"

In response, Lin Ming immediately replied, "Elder, your kindness is too much for me to refuse. I am willing to accompany you to the Blazing Flame Valley."

Seeing this, Elder Chi Yun immediately burst into laughter. However, amidst the laughter, after glancing at the Wu Family members who were overjoyed and with tears in their eyes, Elder Chi Yun, who had originally intended to take Lin Ming away immediately, changed his mind and said, "Young friend Lin Ming, these past two days of alchemy have left you quite exhausted. Then we'll depart tomorrow, and tonight you'll have to make do with the time at my residence."

"Elder Chi Yun, you're too kind!" After nodding, Lin Ming put away the Myriad Beast Cauldron and the Puppet One, whose aura was restrained yet even more powerful. He gestured to Xiao Yi Xian and Zi Yan, and then followed Elder Chi Yun amidst the Wu Family's extremely grateful and awe-inspiring gazes.

However, on their way, Elder Chi Yun glanced meaningfully at the Wu Family before disappearing from the square with Lin Ming and the others.

That means we're seeing if the Wu Family is on the right track.

At night, in front of a Courtyard in Crimson Flame City, Wu Cheng, the head of the Wu Family, was respectfully waiting with several core elders. Behind them, several clansmen with steady auras held several jade plates covered with brocade, and the air was filled with the faint fragrance of medicinal herbs and fluctuations of energy.

"Squeak--"

The courtyard gate opened, and the Xiao Yi Xian, dressed in white, stood inside. Her cool gaze swept over everyone, and she said softly, "Lin Ming invites you all in."

"Thank you for your trouble, young lady." Wu Cheng quickly cupped his hands in greeting, his attitude extremely polite.

Judging from the aura he sensed during the day, this seemingly frail woman in white likely practiced Poison Technique. Her strange and unpredictable aura made Wu Cheng feel that her strength was equally unfathomable.

As the group entered the courtyard, they saw Lin Ming sitting at a stone table, leisurely sipping tea. Zi Yan, on the other hand, was curiously fiddling with several Strange Ore that shimmered with various colors; these were some small gifts that the Wu Family had sent earlier that afternoon.

Upon seeing Wu Cheng and the others enter, Lin Ming put down his teacup and smiled slightly, "Patriarch Wu Family, esteemed elders, it's so late at night, there's no need for such formalities, please have a seat."

Wu Cheng dared not actually sit down. He bowed deeply, his tone filled with gratitude and awe. "Master Lin Ming, if it weren't for your intervention today, my Wu Family would not only have lost face, but the management of this Space Wormhole would also have changed hands! This kindness is like a second life, and my entire Wu Family will never forget it!"

As he spoke, he gestured to the clansmen behind him to present the jade plate, and then personally unveiled the brocade.

In an instant, soft light and a rich Medicinal Fragrance filled the entire courtyard.

On the first jade plate, a dozen or so Jade Box were neatly arranged, each containing a high-grade medicinal herb of excellent quality. Among them was a "Crimson Phoenix Blood Ginseng" that was entirely crimson and shaped like Fenghuang spreading its wings. It was the main ingredient for refining many Tier 8 Medicinal Pills and was priceless.

The second jade plate contained several Magic Core of different colors and with restrained energy, the lowest being Sixth Order. One of them, an earth-yellow Magic Core, exuded an aura as heavy as a mountain, and was actually an Eighth Order Earth Attribute Magic Core!

On the third jade plate was a Purple Sandalwood Box. Wu Cheng opened it and found a purple-gold card inside, with tiny spatial runes inlaid along its edges.

"This is the Supreme VIP Card of the Wu Family's Merchant Association. With this card, you can enjoy the highest discounts on all purchases at any of the Wu Family's properties. Furthermore, it already contains 50 million Gold Coin. This is just a small token of my appreciation, a token of my gratitude for your assistance this time. Please do not refuse!"

This gift of gratitude is undeniably generous! Medicinal herbs, Magic Core, a huge amount of Gold Coin, and ore delivered in the afternoon—it encompasses almost every aspect a powerful cultivator needs for cultivation, and all of them are top-quality items. It's clear that the Wu Family has truly gone to great lengths this time, demonstrating their gratitude and desire to establish a friendship.

Lin Ming glanced at the gifts and nodded slightly in approval. The Wu Family certainly knew how to conduct themselves; these gifts would be quite useful to him, Xiao Yi Xian, and Zi Yan. At his level, accepting these gifts would actually put their minds at ease. Therefore, Lin Ming did not feign reluctance to refuse.

"Patriarch Wu Family, you are too kind." Lin Ming waved his hand, putting all the gifts into his Storage Ring, and said frankly, "In that case, I, Lin, will accept them without hesitation. If the Wu Family encounters any difficulties in the future, they can use this Jade Slip to send a message to me."

With a flick of his finger, a simple Soul Jade Slip flew towards Wu Cheng. This was not a promise to serve him, but a gesture of goodwill was enough to bring the Wu Family many intangible benefits in the future.

Wu Cheng was overjoyed to have found such a treasure. He accepted the Jade Slip with both hands, his face flushed with excitement. "Thank you, Master! Thank you, Master!"

After exchanging a few more pleasantries and expressing his determination to serve Master Lin Ming to the best of his ability in the future, Wu Cheng took out two Storage Rings and placed them on the table, saying they were for Xiao Yi Xian and Zi Yan. After putting them down, he led the satisfied elders away from the courtyard with profuse thanks.

As soon as everyone left, Zi Yan immediately dropped the ore and picked up the one that had been given to her from the two Storage Ring left by the Wu Family, and began to examine it.

Afterwards, Xiao Yi Xian also inspected it and said softly, "The Wu Family is quite generous; the items inside this Storage Ring are rather extraordinary."

Upon hearing this, Lin Ming nodded. His impression of the Wu Family improved considerably.

As night deepened, Lin Ming gazed towards the direction of Blazing Flame Valley, his eyes filled with anticipation. Tomorrow, he would be heading to that ancient sect renowned for its mastery of fire.

The next morning, as dawn broke.

Elder Chi Yun was already waiting outside the courtyard. Today, he had changed into a more solemn robe of the Blazing Flame Valley elder, and his aura was deep and composed.

Lin Ming arrived on time with Xiao Yi Xian and Zi Yan.

"Young friend Lin Ming, did you rest well? Shall we set off now?" Elder Chi Yun asked with a warm smile.

"Thank you for waiting, Elder. We are ready to depart at any time." Lin Ming nodded.

Without further delay, the group, under the respectful gaze of Wu Cheng and other high-ranking members of the Wu Family, transformed into several streaks of light and soared into the sky, speeding towards the eastern part of Crimson Flame City, towards the continuous volcanic cluster.

His target was the secret technique that could dramatically increase one's strength in a short period of time— the Heavenly Fire Three Xuan Transformations!

"Heavenly Fire Three Xuan Transformations, here I come!" Lin Ming's heart was filled with anticipation.