Life-Devouring Pill

Half a quarter of an hour later, looking at the jade slip in his hand inscribed with the method for condensing the poison pill, Ning Chen felt quite satisfied.

I bet Yao Chen is secretly guessing right now whether I'm some Dou Sheng powerhouse who has been living in seclusion for years... Ning Chen thought to himself, the corners of his mouth curling up in a way even an AK couldn't suppress.

When dealing with clever people like Yao Chen and Xiao Xun'er, the strategy is simple.

Appear stronger, more mysterious, and more knowledgeable than they could ever imagine.

In this way, he could harvest a massive amount of "Surprise Points" while firmly keeping the initiative in conversations and transactions in his own hands.

Anyway, with the original plot in his head and the "Wu Wu Kai" system as his two greatest cheats, even if Hun Tiandi himself arrived today, he, Ning Chen, was confident he could bluff the man into a daze.

When you're out and about, your identity is whatever you say it is.

I say I'm a Dou Sheng, so I am. What? You're not convinced?

"Alright, you two master and disciple can continue your chat."

With that, Ning Chen put away the jade slip and left without looking back, leaving only Yao Chen and Xiao Yan staring at each other in confusion.

It wasn't until Ning Chen's figure completely disappeared at the end of the mountain path that the cliff top returned to silence, with only the mountain wind wailing.

After a moment of silence, Xiao Yan scratched his head, looked at the strange old man in front of him, and asked, "Hey, old man... what you just said, about taking me as your disciple... were you serious?"

"Cough, cough... My word is gold, naturally I am serious." Yao Chen regained his airs as a Dou Zun powerhouse, "Kid, although you've wasted three years, your temperament has been tempered well, your foundation is decent, and especially that unyielding spirit of yours... it really suits my fancy. How about it, consider it? Take me as your master, I guarantee you won't lose out."

Xiao Yan rolled his eyes and retorted, "Suits your fancy? If it suited your fancy, you would suck away my Dou Qi for three years? Three years! Do you know how I spent those three years?"

"Tsk, enough nonsense, just tell me if you're going to learn or not!"

"I'll learn, I'll learn!"

After returning to his residence, Ning Chen did not immediately examine the poison pill condensation method handed over by Yao Chen. He had only asked for this item to prepare for the future matter regarding Little Fairy Doctor, so there was no rush.

"System, open the panel."

With a thought, the system panel appeared before his eyes.

Ning Chen opened the shop and scrolled through the pill category. Before long, a top-tier Grade 7 pill appeared in his view.

"Life-Devouring Pill."

The Life-Devouring Pill was a top-tier Grade 7 pill that had shocked the entire Dou Qi Continent many years ago. As long as one consumed it, a Da Dou Shi could be elevated to the realm of a Dou Wang.

But there is always a trade-off; the consequence of such heaven-defying power was that the user would only have three years of life remaining.

There were only two ways to survive.

First, break through to the Dou Huang realm within three years to elevate one's life level.

Second, consume pills that extend one's lifespan.

And this was the pill Ning Chen had prepared, which was far better than the Three-Pattern Green Spirit Pill.

With the system in hand, even if he couldn't break through to Dou Huang within three years, he could simply exchange for life-extending pills to keep himself alive.

"Price: 15,000 Surprise Points. Not expensive at all, as expected."

For a proper top-tier Grade 7 pill to cost only 15,000 Surprise Points, Ning Chen was not surprised. After all, the side effects were too heavy; the strong didn't need it, and the weak wouldn't live long enough after using it.

"System, exchange for one Life-Devouring Pill," Ning Chen said in his mind.

As 15,000 Surprise Points were deducted, a blood-red pill slowly emerged from the system panel.

This pill looked extremely mysterious; at a glance, it appeared like a transparent orb filled with blood.

Adjusting his state, Ning Chen narrowed his eyes, pinched the Life-Devouring Pill, and swallowed it without hesitation.

Two and a half days later.

"Hoo—"

Ning Chen exhaled a long, scorching stream of air and slowly opened his eyes.

A flash of crimson gold seemed to flicker in his pupils, and an incomparably powerful aura swept out uncontrollably, causing the doors and windows to rattle with a bang.

One-star Dou Wang!

"So this is the power of a Dou Wang..."

Ning Chen felt the brand-new, surging power within his body, and a satisfied curve tugged at the corners of his mouth.

If perceiving the energy of heaven and earth while he was a Da Dou Shi was like looking through frosted glass—blurry and strenuous—then at this moment, that barrier seemed to have been completely shattered. Everything was crystal clear, even giving him the feeling that all things in heaven and earth were within his grasp.

However, these were just illusions caused by a massive breakthrough in his realm.

"Dou Qi Wings..."

With a thought from Ning Chen, a crimson light emerged from his back, condensing into a pair of magnificent wings about a zhang wide, formed from pure flame Dou Qi.

With a gentle flap of his wings, his body lifted off the ground, hovering in the air as a sense of freedom from the shackles of the earth welled up within him.

"After advancing to a Dou Wang, at least I don't have to worry about the hassle of traveling."

"Otherwise, no matter how well I pretend, people would inevitably grow suspicious. It's one thing not to walk on air, but how could I not even use Dou Qi Wings, instead choosing to trudge along on foot like a commoner?"

Ning Chen retracted his Dou Qi Wings and landed steadily. After scanning the room to ensure he hadn't left anything behind, he pushed the door open and stepped out.

There was nothing left in Wutan City that required his intervention; it was time to leave.

Upon learning that Ning Chen was about to depart, Xiao Zhan personally saw him off. His expression was complex, yet he offered few words to persuade him to stay.

He knew clearly that with the current scale of the Xiao Clan, they could not accommodate a Buddha as unfathomable as Ning Chen.

Forcing him to stay would be useless; it was better to foster goodwill, as there might be a chance to meet again in the future.

The two exchanged brief farewells at the gates of the Xiao Clan, and Ning Chen turned away with a carefree air, heading toward the Mittel Auction House.

Just as he reached the grand entrance of the auction house, a charming, delicate voice filled with pleasant surprise drifted over.

"Mr. Ning, your arrival is an honor. Please forgive Ya Fei for not welcoming you sooner."

Ya Fei, dressed in a red gown, was already waiting inside the entrance.

Her makeup was even more exquisite today, and her eyes sparkled with every glance, blending allure and capability perfectly. As she hurried forward to greet him, she brought with her an intoxicating fragrance.

"Miss Ya Fei is well-informed." Ning Chen nodded slightly.

"Sir is the most distinguished guest of our auction house; naturally, Ya Fei must pay close attention to your whereabouts."

Ya Fei smiled radiantly and stepped aside to lead the way.

"This is not a place for conversation. Please follow me, sir. The matter you entrusted to us has reached a result."

She led Ning Chen into an extremely quiet and luxurious private room on the top floor, personally poured him a cup of fragrant tea, and dismissed the attendants.

"Seeing you like this, it seems you are about to leave Wutan City?"

Ya Fei brought it up as if it were a casual remark, yet her beautiful peach-blossom eyes quietly observed Ning Chen's reaction.

"Yes, my business here is finished. It is time to see other places." Ning Chen sipped his tea and replied indifferently.

Ya Fei's heart stirred.

He really was leaving! For a figure like him, Wutan City was indeed merely a place for a brief stopover.

Her thoughts raced: how could she establish a more solid connection with this mysterious powerhouse?

Not to mention the benefits for the Mittel Clan, for her own sake alone, if she could forge even the slightest relationship with this mysterious expert, her status would be transformed.

Opportunities were fleeting; perhaps this was the only chance in her lifetime.

Ya Fei's smile remained unchanged as she naturally followed the topic.

"With your abilities, sir, the world is vast and yours to roam. First, I must congratulate you. The Three-Pattern Green Spirit Pill and the top-grade Qi Recovery Pill you entrusted to us for auction have sold for astronomical prices at our branches in the Jia Ma Holy City and the Chu Yun Empire. Per your request, we did not accept gold coins, but instead exchanged them entirely for goods."

She clapped her delicate hands, and an attendant entered carrying a silver tray covered in brocade, upon which two items rested.

A pale purple scroll and a jade slip containing information.

"After much searching and selection, these two items might catch your eye, sir."