Since Xiao Yan broke through to the Origin Emperor, his Spiritual Strength has also improved. Although he can be considered a Tier Six Alchemist, this is still just a general statement. To date, Xiao Yan has not refined any sixth-order pills, so the authenticity of this identity still needs to be verified. Although he has now collected all the medicinal materials needed to refine the Soul-Forging Pill, Xiao Yan still chooses to improve his strength first, just in case.
The improvement in cultivation level will naturally increase Xiao Yan's chances of successfully refining the Soul-Forging Pill. At this time, absorbing the energy of heaven and earth from the Supreme-Grade Spirit Stone will not only provide some assistance, but also allow him to use this time to consolidate his cultivation. Otherwise, if he were to continue refining Supreme-Grade Spirit Stone after devouring the Heavenly Flames without fully consolidating his cultivation, the results would inevitably be diminished. Therefore, absorbing the energy from the Supreme-Grade Spirit Stone at this time is the most appropriate.
Inside the quiet room, the bright sunlight streaming through the window cast dappled shadows on the floor. Xiao Yan sat cross-legged on the bed, his eyes closed, his hands forming cultivation hand seals. The Flame Mantra Technique was circulating rapidly within his body. With each breath, strands of pure energy flowed from the top- Supreme-Grade Spirit Stone lying quietly in his arms, entering his body through his nostrils. After a simple refining process, the energy condensed within his Xiao Yan vortex.
Compared to the High-Grade Spirit Stone Xiao Yan had used before, the Supreme-Grade Spirit Stone were truly different. The energy they contained was exceptionally pure, reaching a level where they could be directly absorbed. Moreover, the energy of heaven and earth within the Supreme-Grade Spirit Stone was far greater. With just this one stone, Xiao Yan was confident enough to break through to the third star. If he were to absorb and refine both Spirit Stone, his cultivation would surely reach the fourth star, and it wouldn't be impossible for him to even reach the Five-Star Origin Emperor.
Upon thinking of this, Xiao Yan's emotions flared up, and he became even more eager to refine and absorb the Spirit Stone.
As the Flame Mantra Technique within Xiao Yan's body rapidly circulated, streams of pure and immense energy surged wildly into his body. The massive energy flooded his meridians, causing Xiao Yan's body to tremble involuntarily. After a while, he gradually became familiar with and adapted to it. With a thought, the immense energy began to circulate and be mobilized in an orderly manner. After circulating along the Flame Mantra's pathway for one cycle, it merged into the Qi Cyclone Space, becoming a part of Xiao Yan himself.
The immense energy coursing through his body caused Xiao Yan's breathing to quicken slightly. Fortunately, the energy was not violent; although pure and abundant, it was relatively gentle. Under this endless refining and absorption, Xiao Yan's aura rapidly rose, causing the surrounding void to fluctuate violently.
Under Xiao Yan's refining process, the Origin Qi within his body gradually increased, and everything slowly began to get back on track. With Xiao Yan's current cultivation level, although the energy contained in the Supreme-Grade Spirit Stone was enormous, it was not enough to cause him any panic. Everything proceeded smoothly, like flowing water. As for what stage he could reach after absorbing and refining both Spirit Stone, that would depend on the outcome.
After Xiao Yan entered a slow refining state, the courtyard where he was located became a forbidden area of the Heavenly Cloud Manor. Outside, Bai Hua and Lian'er continued to patiently guard the ice coffin. Although Li Bingrui was stubborn, her unyielding heart, which had remained frozen for millennia, was eventually slightly touched by Luo Jin's feelings. Meanwhile, on the other side...
At the summit of the Woeful Mountain Range, Xu Zhen sat cross-legged. As the last wisp of energy in his body merged into the vortex, he slowly opened his eyes, his brows furrowed and a hint of resentment in his eyes.
He clenched his fist, sensing the power within his body that hadn't changed much, and a dark glint flashed in his eyes.
"It's been two months. Although my injuries have fully healed, my cultivation level has shown no improvement, and I'm still quite a distance from reaching the Yuan Zong."
Two months had allowed Xu Zhen to fully recover from his previous severe injury. Although his cultivation had improved slightly, it was negligible. Furthermore, the fact that Xiao Yan was still alive only fueled Xu Zhen's dissatisfaction.
"Hehe, what's the rush? Now that your cultivation has reached this level, breaking through to the Yuan Zong is just a matter of time. As for that Xiao Yan, he narrowly escaped death last time, but next time, we must ensure he has no way out!"
In the void beside him, Yu Du's figure slowly emerged. He patted Xu Zhen's shoulder lightly, and a sinister look appeared in his gloomy old eyes. He didn't notice the faint, cold light that flashed in the depths of Xu Zhen's eyes when he looked at him.
"Teacher, how about I find another prey? Once our cultivation breaks through to the Yuan Zong, we can go and kill Xiao Yan again. I refuse to believe that someone will sacrifice themselves for him this time!"
Xu Zhen smiled coldly, a bloodthirsty glint in his eyes. He clenched his fist, the ferocious force of which shattered the void beneath his grasp—a truly terrifying Yu Du. However, upon seeing this, Yu Du's expression instantly changed, and he hurriedly shouted in a deep voice:
"Absolutely not! You know about the Poison-Transforming Hand; it can indeed help you improve your cultivation, but if you want to break through your bottleneck with it, do you not want to live? You are my only disciple. If something happens to you, what will become of all the skills I have acquired throughout my life?"
Upon hearing this, Xu Zhen's expression tightened, his brows furrowed slightly, and he quickly apologized:
"I was so eager for revenge that I spoke such impulsively, Master. Please forgive me. However, I only wish to improve my cultivation as soon as possible so that I can settle the old score for you..."
"Very well, I understand your thoughts. But you must remember that cultivation is a gradual process, and you must not be too hasty. As for Xiao Yan, it's not too late to kill him later. What's most important for you now is to cultivate steadily."
After giving a brief reprimand, Yu Du patted the latter's shoulder lightly to comfort him. The latter bowed his head respectfully, rested briefly, and then entered a meditative state again.
Seeing this, Yu Du nodded slightly, took a slow breath, glanced at Xu Zhen's calm face, and a slight glint appeared in his gloomy old eyes. Then, he twisted his body and transformed into a beam of light, returning to Xu Zhen's body.