Zhu Li's Transformation
"That's great! Lin Ming, you're the best!"
Upon hearing this, Zi Yan cheered, her spirits lifted completely, and she jumped for joy, clinging to Lin Ming's arm.
"Alright, although the Earth Dragon is strong, it's not a place to stay for long. Let's go back. I'll make some more Sugar Pill for you to keep on hand." Lin Ming felt relieved as he looked at Zi Yan, who had regained her vitality.
"Mmm! Refine more! I want to eat so much!" Zi Yan nodded vigorously, gripping the Jade Bottle tightly with one hand and pulling Lin Ming with the other, eager to head back.
Lin Ming smiled at this, waved his sleeve, and put the Ice Puppet and Frost Puppet standing to the side into his Storage Ring. Then he exchanged a glance with Xiao Yi Xian, and they both saw the smile in each other's eyes.
The three of them didn't linger. With a swift movement, they transformed into three streaks of light and left the high platform that had witnessed the rebirth of the Woeful Poison Body and the birth of two powerful Puppet, heading towards the VIP Pavilion.
Sunlight streamed down, elongating their shadows. The lingering chill and faint Medicinal Fragrance on the high platform were gradually enveloped by the rising Dragon Qi, finally restoring tranquility.
Only the invisible trajectory of their growing strength has been deeply imprinted, foreshadowing a broader sky that they will soar freely in the not-too-distant future.
Upon returning to the ancient yet grand VIP Pavilion, even before entering, Elder Yao keenly sensed a familiar and powerful aura.
Elder Yao stood with his hands behind his back in the courtyard, watching Lin Ming and the other two return together, a gentle smile on his face. After reshaping his physical body, his aura was restrained, but the profound and imposing presence of a peak expert still emanated from him.
"Hey! Elder Yao, you've been resurrected with a physical body!"
With her sharp eyes, Zi Yan immediately spotted Elder Yao's incredibly solid body, which was no different from that of an ordinary person. She instantly forgot about the Sugar Pill that hadn't completely melted in her mouth and exclaimed in surprise.
Although she knew that Lin Ming had been preparing for Elder Yao's resurrection, Zi Yan still found it very novel to see the old man, who had always existed in Soul Body form, truly come to life.
Upon hearing this, Elder Yao's smile widened even more. He nodded to Zi Yan, his voice strong and resonant, carrying the pride of a reborn spirit. "Hehe, yes, thanks to young Lin Ming, this old man of mine has finally come back to life."
Zi Yan circled Elder Yao twice, her large, amethyst-like eyes sparkling with curiosity. After carefully sensing his presence, she opened her mouth slightly and said in a slightly exaggerated tone, "Elder Yao, your aura after your resurrection is terrifying! It's more terrifying than many of the old men in the Ancestral Shrine, almost Zhu Li that of old man Zhu Li!"
The "old man Zhu Li" she mentioned is none other than the Third Elder of East Dragon Island. He is currently in charge of East Dragon Island and is a genuine Half Sage- saint.
Although Zi Yan was young, as Primordial Void Dragon, she had an extremely strong instinct to sense bloodlines and strength. She could clearly feel that at this moment, Elder Yao's aura was as vast as the sea and unfathomable. He had already surpassed many senior elders in the Dragon Island Ancestral Shrine and reached a level that made her feel a sense of unease. It seemed that he was really only one step away from the Half-Saint Realm!
Hearing Zi Yan's innocent yet insightful assessment, Lin Ming and Xiao Yi Xian exchanged a smile, feeling equally proud. Elder Yao's resurrection not only restored his full strength, but also, with the help of the Half-Sage Skeleton and the miraculous effects of the Bone-Growing Blood-Melting Pill, he had reached an even higher level, ascending to the Peak Nine-Revolution Dou Venerate! Such strength, even in the entire Middle Continent, would make him an absolute top-tier existence whose mere presence could cause an earthquake.
Elder Yao himself stroked his beard and chuckled, a hint of pride and satisfaction flashing in his eyes. Being able to be resurrected was already a remarkable achievement, but now he had not only recovered to a level far surpassing his previous peak, but had even touched the threshold of the coveted Half Sage, something he never dared to dream of when his physical body was destroyed.
"Come on, don't just stand at the door," Lin Ming said with a smile, and the group then stepped into the room amidst laughter and chatter.
The complete resurrection of Elder Yao and the perfect mastery of Xiao Yi Xian's Woeful Poison Body made the atmosphere of this small team more relaxed and joyful than ever before.
That night, everyone got a good rest and enjoyed the rare tranquility.
For the next two days, Lin Ming stayed home almost the entire time, focusing all his energy on making "medicinal Sugar Pill" for Zi Yan.
Lin Ming took out rare medicinal herbs collected from various places that were relatively mild in nature and rich in energy. He used his superb alchemy skills to refine and purify them, removing the bitter impurities that affected the taste. He then cleverly incorporated some auxiliary herbs that had a sweet aroma, and finally condensed them into round and crystal-clear Sugar Pill with a perfect blend of Medicinal Fragrance and sweet fragrance.
This process, though seemingly simple, is actually extremely mentally taxing. It requires a profound understanding and control over the properties of the medicine to perfectly improve the taste while ensuring that the efficacy is not affected or even slightly enhanced. Only a master like Lin Ming, with his exceptional Soul Realm and alchemy skills, can achieve such effortless mastery.
Zi Yan, like a little supervisor, would occasionally run over to take a look, watching Lin Ming magically transform those "bitter things" that she usually wouldn't even look at into tempting Sugar Pill, her big eyes filled with admiration and anticipation.
Whenever a batch of Sugar Pill came out of the oven, she was always the first to taste them, her satisfied and contented expression making it seem as if she possessed the whole world.
Happy times are always fleeting.
On the morning of the third day, two guests arrived at the VIP Pavilion – Elder Zhu Li and Hei Qing.
Upon seeing Zhu Li again, Lin Ming could clearly sense that this elder of the Ancient Void Dragon Clan was much more peaceful and solemn than when he first arrived at East Dragon Island.
Although Zhu Li was quite polite to Lin Ming because of Zi Yan, the pride and aura of a superior from the Primordial Void Dragon Clan still inadvertently showed through his actions.
But at this moment, Elder Zhu Li wore a gentle smile, and deep in his eyes was even a hint of unspoken equality. Lin Ming was well aware of this change.
Firstly, it naturally comes from Elder Yao! A Peak Nine-Revolution Dou Venerate, with one foot in the Half Sage level, is a tremendous force that cannot be ignored, no matter where he is placed.
Even among the Ancient Void Dragon Clan with its profound heritage, Half Sage level being is definitely a core high-level member. The resurrection of Elder Yao instantly made Lin Ming's small team much more significant.
Secondly, there is the terrifying potential that it itself has demonstrated.
At such a young age, to be able to summon Three-color Pill Lightning to refine Tier 8 Medicinal Pill is a prodigious talent in alchemy. Given time, it is by no means impossible for him to advance to the Tier 9 Grandmaster Alchemist.
A future Tier 9 Grandmaster Alchemist possesses enough power and influence to command respect from any force, including the Ancient Void Dragon Clan, who would dare not offend him lightly.
Thirdly, and most importantly, is Zi Yan's unreserved dependence on and closeness to Lin Ming.
Zi Yan is the only bloodline of the Dragon Emperor and is destined to rule the entire Ancient Void Dragon Clan in the future. The bond between her and Lin Ming has invisibly connected Lin Ming closely with the Ancient Void Dragon Clan. For both public and private reasons, Zhu Li must show Lin Ming sufficient respect.
A combination of factors led even Half Sage like Zhu Li to completely abandon his Dragon Clan arrogance and communicate with Lin Ming on a truly equal footing.
"Young friend Lin Ming, have you been resting well these past few days?" Elder Zhu Li with a smile, his tone gentle.
"Thank you for your concern, Elder. Everything is fine." Lin Ming returned the greeting with a cupped hand, neither humble nor arrogant.
After a few pleasantries, Elder Zhu Li explained his purpose, "I've come today to take Zi Yan back to continue receiving the clan's inheritance. Zi Yan's Dragon Emperor Bloodline has not yet been fully activated, and there are still many ancient inheritances and memories that she needs to familiarize herself with and master as soon as possible."
As expected, they came for Zi Yan. Lin Ming understood. Allowing this little guy to come out for three days was probably the biggest concession Elder Zhu Li could make, considering that Zi Yan was the future Dragon Emperor.
Sure enough, when Zi Yan heard that they had to go back, her face immediately fell, her lips pouted, and she tightly gripped Lin Ming's clothes, shaking her head like a rattle. "I'm not going back! That food is awful and boring! I want to stay with Lin Ming!"
Elder Zhu Li's face showed a hint of helplessness upon seeing this.
Lin Ming crouched down, gently patted Zi Yan's small hand, and softly advised, "Zi Yan, listen to me. Elder Zhu Li is doing this for your own good. Only by completing the inheritance as soon as possible can you truly control your power and become stronger. When you're strong enough, I'll cling to your Dragon Emperor's leg and we'll go plunder all over the Middle Continent!"
Upon hearing about the robbery, Zi Yan immediately became excited, blinking her big eyes as she looked at Lin Ming. However, she then glanced at Zhu Li Zi Yan, her little face filled with struggle.
Although playful, Zi Yan knew Lin Ming was right. After hesitating for a moment, she seemed to have made up her mind, raised her head, and made a condition to Elder Zhu Li: "Then... then from now on, all the 'things' I'm given to eat must be refined by Lin Ming before I eat them! Otherwise, I won't go back!"
As she spoke, Zi Yan shook Lin Ming's arm forcefully again. "Lin Ming, quickly tell this old man that yours is even better!"
Lin Ming smiled helplessly and looked up at Elder Zhu Li to explain, "Elder, I do indeed have some knowledge of the art of harmonizing medicinal properties. Through my refining, not only can some impurities in the medicinal materials be removed, making the medicinal power purer, gentler, and easier to absorb, but most importantly... it will make Zi Yan willingly take it. I think this is better than her being resistant and affecting the efficiency of the inheritance, right?"
Elder Zhu Li pondered upon hearing this. He was well aware of how "touching" the original flavors of those Inheritance Medicinal Herbs were, and Zi Yan's resistance was understandable. If Lin Ming Mingzhen could improve the taste without affecting the efficacy of the medicine, or even slightly enhance it, it would undoubtedly be the best of both worlds.
He had considered asking Alchemist to handle it, but Alchemist of Lin Ming's caliber who was also deeply trusted by Zi Yan was nowhere to be found.
After a moment's thought, Elder Zhu Li finally nodded slowly. "Since young friend Lin Ming is so confident, then let's do as Zi Yan says. From now on, I'll have to trouble you to take care of Zi Yan's Inheritance Medicinal Meal."
For the smooth growth of the Dragon Emperor Bloodline, Zhu Li could still make this compromise.
"Elder Zhu Li, rest assured, this junior will do his best." Lin Ming cupped his hands in response.
With the terms agreed upon, Zi Yan, though still somewhat reluctant, could only pout and walk towards Elder Zhu Li's side, turning back every few steps.