Two months passed quickly as I focused on my practice.
Lin Yan devoted almost all his attention to breaking through the level 30 bottleneck. He tried various methods: in-depth cultivation of the Supreme Purity Breathing Technique, trying to capture that faint opportunity; increasing the intensity of physical training, hoping to unleash his potential under extreme pressure; and even concocting some mild medicinal liquids to help condense Soul Power. However, that seemingly thin barrier was exceptionally tough. Every time the torrent of Soul Power rushed against it, it was like a mud ox entering the sea, only causing the barrier to tremble slightly, but it could never be penetrated.
As the last rays of the setting sun streamed through the window, bathing the room in a golden hue, Lin Yan slowly dispersed the Soul Power gathered around him, exhaling a long, stale breath. He opened his eyes, a hint of undisguised disappointment flashing deep within them, but more so a resolute "I knew it" attitude.
"It still won't work in the end..." He sighed softly, his voice unusually clear in the quiet room. Feeling the Soul Power within his body that was already full to the limit but could not go any further, as if it were bound by invisible shackles, Lin Yan completely gave up the idea of breaking through in a short time through his own hard work.
The innate limitations of the Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul were even more stubborn than he had anticipated. Even with the nourishment of Thousand-Year Soul Ring, crossing the level 30 barrier remained extremely difficult.
If he keeps grinding, he can definitely break through, but time doesn't allow it. Lin Yan Lin Yan n't know how long it will take to break through to level 30, and he can't afford to wait.
Thirteen years later, according to the original timeline, it would be the Battle of the Two Gods. At that time Douluo Continent, without some strength, one could only become cannon fodder.
If the conventional path is blocked, then we must seize and fight for unconventional opportunities!
Target: The Yin- Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well and the Immortal Herb!
The spiritual essence of heaven and earth gathered there, along with those heaven-defying immortal herbs, is the fastest and most effective way to solve his current predicament. The extreme cold and heat power of the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and the Infernal Delicate Apricot will temper his body, further enhancing his physical attributes. In addition, the Immortal Herb will further stimulate the potential of his Martial Soul, allowing him to attempt Ten Thousand Year Soul Ring for his Third Soul Ring.
However, the Yin-Yang Well of Ice and Fire was not unclaimed; it was possessed by the Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo. This titled Douluo, renowned throughout the world for his poison, was eccentric and reclusive, and doted on his granddaughter, Dugu Yan. To directly ask for the immortal herb was tantamount to seeking a tiger's skin—a dead end.
The only breakthrough lies with Dugu Yan.
According to the description in the original novel, Dugu Yan should be studying at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy at this moment.
To get close to Dugu Yan and thus have a chance to meet Dugu Bo, joining the Heaven Dou Royal Academy seems to be the safest way at present. It would also prevent Dugu Bo from thinking that Lin Yan was deliberately getting close to him with ulterior motives.
However, the Heaven Dou Royal Academy has extremely high entry requirements, and only those with noble status can enter. Lin Yan came from a commoner background. Although he had accumulated some fame and wealth in Nuoding City through the Hundred Herbs Hall, this foundation was far from enough in the noble circles of the Heaven Dou Empire.
"Noble status... or a sufficiently influential introduction." Lin Yan tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, his mind racing with calculations.
Soon, a figure appeared in his mind—the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, Xue Qinghe.
This Crown Prince, known for his benevolence, wisdom, and respect for scholars, is undoubtedly the most suitable "stepping stone" at present.
Lin Yan knew very well that Xue Qinghe's true identity was Qian Renxue, the daughter of the Pope of the Spirit Hall, in disguise. She had been infiltrating the Heaven Dou Empire for many years, painstakingly building her power, with the aim of dismantling the Heaven Dou Empire and paving the way for the future of the Spirit Hall. Such an ambitious infiltrator had an extraordinary enthusiasm for recruiting talent.
Lin Yan, on the other hand, happens to have the qualities that make him valued by "Crown Prince Xue Qinghe ".
First, at less than twelve years old, he already possessed a peak level 29 Soul Power (although he was currently facing a bottleneck, his cultivation level was already quite impressive), coupled with two Soul Ring that exceeded the limits (I can reveal some information about this if necessary), making him undoubtedly a genius Soul Master. Second, and most importantly, he was the founder of " Hundred Herbs Hall "!
Today, Hundred Herbs Hall, with its sales network spanning multiple provinces, its well-known brand reputation, and its stable and reliable supply of medicines, has become a formidable commercial force. For Xue Qinghe, who intends to control the empire, this is quite attractive, whether in terms of economic influence, public opinion, or potential intelligence networks and material channels.
On the other hand, Hundred Herbs Hall and the Spirit Hall have a cooperative relationship, and Lin Yan believes that in Qian Renxue's eyes, this cooperation can become part of her future resource integration. Even if she is cautious and doesn't deeply court them for the time being, simply providing an opportunity to enter the Heaven Dou Royal Academy is nothing more than a small favor for her, yet it can earn her a good relationship and make her happy to do so.
Conversely, if it were the real Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, he would probably be wary of a genius merchant Soul Master with close ties to the Spirit Hall and might not be willing to offer help.
Having figured out the key to it, Lin Yan no longer hesitated. His goal for this trip to Heaven Dou City was clear: to gain access to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy by meeting with Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, thereby getting closer to Dugu Yan, and ultimately to contact Dugu Bo and obtain the Immortal Herb within the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well!
With the plan finalized, Lin Yan decided to proceed without further delay.
After making all the preparations, Lin Yan didn't carry much luggage. He only deposited most of his Gold Soul Coin into a soul coin card that was universally accepted on the continent. He also carried some necessary medicines, dry food, and a change of clothes in his storage bracelet before embarking on his journey to Heaven Dou City.
As the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire, Heaven Dou City is located in the northern part of the empire's center, a long distance from Nuoding City in the Fasinuo Province. Lin Yan did not choose to hire a carriage, but instead relied on his own stamina and speed as a Soul Master to travel. This was both a test of his endurance and a way to better manage his time.
He traveled north, traversing vast plains and rolling hills. Along the way, he passed through several cities of varying sizes, where he would make brief stops to observe the operations of the local Hundred Herbs Hall branches. Occasionally, he would venture into the edge of the Soul Beast Forest to spar with some low-level Soul Beasts, maintaining his combat skills and continuing to hone his Soul Power.
After Lin Yan's finely crafted iron sword broke, he didn't have it remade because ordinary iron swords were no longer suitable for his combat needs. Unless he could find better materials and a more skilled blacksmith, Lin Yan planned to make a trip to Gengxin City from time to time to find a master craftsman to forge a longsword that might meet his combat requirements.
Braving wind and rain, traveling day and night, after nearly a month of arduous journey, the outline of an incomparably magnificent and imposing city finally slowly emerged on the distant horizon.
The towering city walls, like a winding mountain range, stretch as far as the eye can see. The Lou Gao, and flags flutter in the wind. Even from a distance, one can feel the overwhelming grandeur and bustling atmosphere. That is Heaven Dou City, the center of power and wealth of the Heaven Dou Empire.
Lin Yan stood on a high slope, gazing at the giant city, his eyes surging with emotion.
" Heaven Dou City, here I come." He murmured to himself, took a deep breath, and strode resolutely toward Heaven Dou City.