Chapter 1269: Gu Yuan

While Lin Feng was desperately scouring everywhere for medicinal herbs, in the deep mountains of the Ancient Clan, silhouettes floated in mid‑air; at this moment their gazes all simultaneously turned toward the space above the mountain range, their expressions somewhat complicated.

There, the Elders of the Ancient Clan's council, along with their own chief and the Xiao lineage descendant, Xiao Yan, were present.

They did not understand why their chief and the Elders would courteously invite Xiao Yan, whose strength is no more than a three‑star Dou Saint, and even bring him outside the Tian Mu.

However, everyone vaguely sensed that this matter might not be that simple!

But for some unknown reason, their young lady, unprecedentedly, did not arrive today.

"Xiao Yan, the Tian Mu opens once every twenty years; a few years ago you already entered it, so counting from then, there is still a considerable time before the natural opening."

At the mountain's summit, the Chief of the Ancient Clan Gu Yuan, about forty years old and looking like an ordinary middle‑aged man in plain robes, had his hands clasped behind his back and smiled.

After his words fell, his gaze immediately shifted from the nearby space to Xiao Yan beside him, saying, "In a moment I will forcibly tear a fissure in the Tian Mu so you can enter."

"But remember, you must not stay in the Tian Mu for more than a year; once you successfully advance, leave immediately, otherwise the Tian Mu will reject you and forcibly teleport you out, or you will remain there forever like the energy entities such as Xiao Xuan!"

"Junior respectfully notes, I only need to trouble Uncle Gu to act."

Hearing this, Xiao Yan immediately nodded, his expression extremely excited as he replied.

He was not very worried about the time; after all, if necessary he could first absorb a portion and then extract the soul's origin to absorb.

As long as the control of the Tian Mu is not in hand, I think even the old guys of the Ancient Clan would not dare act rashly.

After all, if the soul's origin is absorbed by many, it is hard to say whose hands the Tian Mu's control will ultimately fall into.

If it falls on someone of the Ancient Clan, it's manageable, but if it falls on him, the Ancient Clan would be like drawing water with a bamboo basket—nothing gained.

Without the Imperial Realm Soul, the son‑in‑law would also lose control of the Tian Mu.

When the other Elders heard Xiao Yan's words, another elder immediately stepped forward with a smiling face, rubbing his hands and saying, "Xiao Yan, you youngster remember our agreement: we don't care about the Tian Mu's soul, but the control of the Tian Mu must later be given to us."

"Of course, we won't take anything for free; if anyone dares to obstruct your marriage to the lady, we old men will firmly stand on your side!"

Before the first finished speaking, another Ancient Clan elder stepped forward and said, "Exactly, Xiao Yan, rest assured: as long as you can advance to the Imperial Realm Soul and hand the Tian Mu's control over to our Ancient Clan, I see no one who would dare block your marriage to the lady."

"Yes, I also support you."

"And we, Xiao Yan, rest assured, we will definitely support you then."

As the foremost elder spoke of the Tian Mu's control, the faces of those Ancient Clan elders instantly erupted with uncontrollable greed.

The Tian Mu is a top‑tier treasure that can affect the flow of time; which power or clan wouldn't want it?

After all, as long as one can control the Tian Mu, even allowing one's own descendants to enter once every five or ten years, the accumulated effect lets their cultivation speed far outpace that of their peers.

Such a contrarian treasure can grant one's own descendants an unearned five‑fold increase in cultivation time.

Its importance to a clan or faction is self‑evident.

Moreover, the Tian Mu contains energy entities; after those descendants enter, the Tian Mu's controller can help them obtain massive energy cores to accelerate cultivation.

Then it won't be just a simple five‑fold increase in cultivation time.

It's even possible that after a period, the Tian Mu could generate another Tian Mu soul, helping the Ancient Clan's members advance to the Imperial Realm Soul!

Thinking of this, the breaths of those Ancient Clan elders grew coarse in unison.

Compared with the Imperial Realm Soul, what they value more is the Tian Mu itself, forged by ancient Dou Emperor strongmen using the power that pierces the heavens.

After all, once they have this, they can essentially mass‑produce Dou Saint strongmen endlessly.

Well, it's not exactly mass production, but increasing the number of Dou Saints by a few more tens of percent is certainly doable.

Of course, initially they intended to take both the opportunity to advance to the Imperial Realm Soul and the Tian Mu's control.

However, that Xiao family member inside, even their strongest clan chief, seems unable to perceive the Tian Mu soul's ability.

Thus, reluctantly, they can only painfully give the chance to advance to the Imperial Realm Soul to Xiao Yan.

"These old things are truly shameless; the biggest obstacle to my marriage with Xun'er is you, isn't it!"

Seeing these old men's shamelessness, Xiao Yan couldn't help feeling disgust.

But recalling that they are Xun'er's kin, he forced a stiff smile and said, "Then junior thanks all the seniors here first."

"Xiao Yan, do you need me to send an elder to accompany you inside?"

Seeing Xiao Yan's conversation with his own Elders, Gu Yuan, after a long silence, immediately asked again.

"No, no, Chief, with Xiao Yan's current strength, inside the Tian Mu, aside from your own ancestor Xiao Xuan, no one could harm him. So let's forgo the accompaniment."

When they heard their chief wanted to send an elder to accompany Xiao Yan inside, the Ancient Clan elders' faces turned green, and they hurriedly waved them off.

"Yes, Chief, let's not waste time; please tear open the Tian Mu immediately and send junior Xiao Yan in."

"Exactly, Chief, we should act quickly so junior Xiao Yan won't have to wait longer."

Upon hearing that one of them would be designated to enter the Tian Mu to meet Xiao Xuan, everyone was terrified and hurriedly urged their chief to let Xiao Yan enter quickly.

After all, many of them were the very participants who once annexed the Xiao clan and hunted down its surviving strongmen for their inheritance.

One must know that their past deeds were more sinister than those of the Soul Clan; now being sent to the Tian Mu to face Xiao Xuan, they would never dare.

"Then, as the Elders said, Xiao Yan, let's begin."

Seeing the Elders grow increasingly fearful of entering the Tian Mu, Gu Yuan, helplessly, said no more.

As soon as his words ended, he raised his hand dramatically; energy between heaven and earth roared with his motion, and a faint sound of surging waves could be heard.

Accompanying his action, in Xiao Yan's shocked gaze, the void ahead suddenly surged violently.

The next moment, the pitch‑black fissure was slowly forced open by a massive force.

As soon as the fissure appeared, an unusually ancient and wild scent slowly wafted out.

"Xiao Yan, go quickly and return quickly!"

Staring at the torn spatial fissure, Gu Yuan's face grew solemn as he shouted gravely.

After all, tearing the Tian Mu is a huge drain for him as well; he cannot sustain it for long.

"Hmm."

Hearing this, Xiao Yan promptly nodded with firm resolve, then without further delay his form instantly surged, becoming a flash of light that plunged straight into the fissure under everyone's gaze, disappearing from sight.

"I promised in this pharmacopeia to help the teacher fulfill his wish, and all this hope now rests on the ancestors. I hope his old home can help me elevate my soul to the legendary Imperial Realm, and also boost my strength a bit. After all, without reaching a five‑star Dou Saint, forging a Nine‑grade Mysterious Pill is impossible!"

Thinking of the possible participants in this Medicine Classic and Elder Shen Nong's superb alchemy, Xiao Yan's eyes couldn't help but flash with an exceedingly solemn emotion.

Unlike the original, the current Xiao Yan has actually seen the Elder Shen Nong's method of forging pills.

Their transcendently skillful alchemy, even he can only humbly admit defeat.

After all, the Elder Shen Nong has been studying alchemy for several thousand years, naturally far beyond what a youngster like him can match.

Even half of that, Xiao Yan cannot possibly surpass.

Therefore, he can only forge a new path, relying on soul power and the crushing force of the alien fire.

After all, with the aid of Xiao San, the spirit of that alien fire, his alchemy can undoubtedly compensate for many shortcomings.

In fire control, even the Elder Shen Nong, who has wielded the Living Flame for millennia, still cannot match the fire spirit of the alien fire itself!

Of course, Xiao Yan does not know that in the original, he relied on the crushing power of the alien fire, plus others' assistance, to finally earn the title of the continent's top alchemist.

"I hope that kid can truly bring out control of Tian Mu; after all, once we have that thing, our Ancient Clan might swiftly push Xiao Xun'er to my level. Then, with our clan's two Peak Dou Saints, even if the Soul Clan and other ancient races unite, we would not be frightened at all, comfortably sitting at the continent's top, even able to annihilate the Soul Clan and completely clear the obstacle that prevents our Ancient Clan from dominating the Dou Qi continent!"

Seeing Xiao Yan vanish into the spatial rift, Gu Yuan swept his palm across the void; the rift gradually faded away, and then an inexplicable light flickered in his eyes.

To be honest, the greed for the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade is not limited to the Soul Emperor.

Gu Yuan, one of the only two openly recognized Peak Dou Saints on the Dou Qi continent, surely also longs to break through that barrier and step into the legendary realm that vanished ten thousand years ago!

Alas, the Ancient Clan's overall strength is insufficient to eliminate the other seven great families one by one and gather the eight Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jades needed to open Gu Di Dong Fu.

Therefore, Gu Yuan could only adopt an indifferent attitude when the Soul Clan began exterminating the Spirit and Stone clans.

Actually, in his mind he was scheming to let the Soul Clan offend the other major families, then later present himself as a benevolent elder, using that as an excuse to unite the remaining families and defeat the Soul Clan in one stroke, monopolizing Gu Di Dong Fu.

Otherwise, would anyone really think Gu Yuan's mind is dim, that he only idles all day, while the Spirit and Stone clans are wiped out and no one knows who the culprit is?

After all, there are only two Peak Dou Saints on this Dou Qi continent; would he truly be unaware that the Soul Clan eliminated those two clans?

Yet he is also extremely unwilling, desiring to obtain the embryonic pill inside Gu Di Dong Fu to attempt breaking through that legendary realm.

Otherwise, when the Soul Clan originally besieged the Xiao family, he wouldn't have covertly let the Soul Emperor in, truly believing that a Wu Nie Tun Yan of Eight-Star Dou Saint rank could drag him and the Ancient Clan's top forces there forever?

Excluding others, just one Peak Dou Saint, plus the Ancient Clan's three Immortals and the then-unbroken Black Nie King—four Seven-Star Peak Dou Saints—five people could in an instant make a Wu Nie Tun Yan of Eight-Star Dou Saint rank shout "Dad!"

Not to mention that back then Wu Nie Tun Yan hadn't reached Nine Stars; even a current early Nine-Star Dou Saint Wu Nie Tun Yan would still have to kneel and sing of conquest!

It is precisely because of this that Gu Yuan deliberately courted the Flame Clan and pushed the Thunder Clan out.

After all, because of Xiao Yan's past actions, Gu Yuan had already offended the Thunder Clan to death.

If the Thunder Clan stays, their clear grudges and vengeful nature would surely give the Ancient Clan a hard time during the decisive battle.

Then the damage to the Ancient Clan would be even greater!

Actually, this time Gu Yuan didn't misjudge: after Xiao Yan defeated his peer Lei Dong in the original, Lei Ying, the proud head of his clan, immediately showed his shameless habit of bullying juniors.

At the final showdown with the Soul Clan, the Thunder Clan might even instantly turn their guns, forcing the Ancient Clan to answer for them.

"Alas, now Wu Nie Tun Yan has advanced to Nine-Star Dou Saint, the situation is complex, I don't know who will ultimately claim victory; I can only increase my side's strength as much as possible. Xiao Yan, I hope you won't disappoint me!"

Upon learning that the small worlds of the Spirit and Stone clans had vanished silently, followed by the eerie disappearance of all their members, Gu Yuan immediately guessed that Wu Nie Tun Yan was behind it.

After all, in this world, those skilled at this are, aside from the Tai Xu Ancient Dragon Clan with their special spatial talent, only the Wu Nie Tun Yan famed for its devouring power.

However, considering that the Tai Xu Ancient Dragon Clan has lost all its strong members, leaving only a few big and small cats within the clan, it is clearly impossible.

So it follows that only the Soul Clan's Wu Nie Tun Yan remains.

But a Wu Nie Tun Yan from a thousand years ago could not devour an entire small world without being discovered.

So even with his toes he knows that the guy must have broken through to Nine-Star Dou Saint!

"Xiao Xuan, the thing you couldn't accomplish a thousand years ago, this time let me, Gu Yuan, handle it. As for the Soul Emperor, humph, you still think that without my covert assistance you could have easily eliminated those Peak Dou Saint strongmen a thousand years ago?"

Thinking that the Soul Clan is now advancing according to its own plan, Gu Yuan couldn't help but let a smile appear on his face.

Although the Soul Emperor must have sensed his thoughts, so what?

He has the patience to keep waiting; if that truly fails, he can have his own daughter complete this step for him.

But, given your Soul Emperor temperament, can you keep dragging it out with him?

Or, would you be willing to stalemate with him in this big‑eye‑staring‑small‑eye standoff?

Thinking of this, Gu Yuan silently recited in his mind: "The Soul Clan has a Peak Dou Saint Soul Emperor, an early Nine‑Star Wu Nie Tun Yan, together forming four Demon Saints that are slightly stronger than my Ancient Clan's three Immortals, plus some other mid‑low‑rank Dou Saint strongmen."

"And my Ancient Clan has me, a figure equal to the Soul Emperor, the Black Nie King, an early Eight‑Star Dou Saint, the three Seven‑Star Peak Dou Saints of the Ancient Clan; if Xiao Yan can succeed, and my clan sacrifices some resources to cultivate, we could add another strength comparable to an Eight‑Star Dou Saint. After all, his mortal enmity with the Soul Clan means no fear of betrayal. Later, once the Flame Clan is tied to me in the same carriage, our combat power will be secure."

After analyzing both sides' combat power, Gu Yuan concluded that even if he cannot annihilate the Soul Clan, his side can still hold steady without losing.

After all, although the Soul Clan's Wu Nie Tun Yan is formidable, as long as Xiao Yan can successfully break through the Imperial Realm Soul, he will surely, under the pretext of his daughter causing trouble, push through opposition and grant Xiao Yan some top‑tier cultivation resources, ideally elevating him to a Five‑Star, even Six‑Star Dou Saint.

Thus, combined with Xiao Yan's Imperial Realm Soul, even the heads of the Flame and Thunder clans would not dare claim they could easily defeat him.

Then, Xiao Yan cooperating with the Flame Clan chief should be able to hold off that Wu Nie Tun Yan for a while.

Moreover, during this period he can also intensively train his daughter, hopefully raising her to a Six‑Star, even Seven‑Star Dou Saint.

In that case, his daughter, wielding the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame, could even help the Ancient Clan's three Immortals slay the Soul Clan's four Demon Saints.

By then, he could unite the clan's strongmen to cast a grand formation, repel the lone Soul Emperor, and seize the Imperial‑grade embryonic pill breakthrough!

As for the Medicine Clan, hehe, I reckon after this Medicine Classic is held, they'll be gone.

After all, the Soul Emperor has dispatched spies lurking in his own household, and they've been far from honest lately!

"Seeing it like this, later we should find a suitable reason to let the Soul Clan take our clan's and the Flame Clan's Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jades. After all, Xiao Yan's ancient jade, seeing how that kid cares so much about his family, the Soul Emperor can definitely threaten Xiao Yan through Xiao's battle and his two sons to make him hand it over. But our clan and the Flame Clan aren't allies, so it's not that easy to get."

Thinking of this, Gu Yuan's mind couldn't help but become animated.

As for the guy who hasn't immediately taken over Gu Yang's body, does he really think this Peak Dou Saint and Imperial Realm Soul holder just lives on dry rice?

With his setup, if he can't even monitor the situation in the Ancient Realm, he might as well go to the outer continent, find a place to self‑detonate, and give the continent's people a show of smoke. That way, at least he'd be contributing to the Dou Qi continent, rather than staying here and disgracing the Ancient Clan.

"But I don't know how Xiao Xun'er learned there was a traitor inside the Ancient Clan, but don't announce it publicly. Isn't that affecting your father's plan to become Emperor?"

Thinking of his constantly troublesome daughter, Gu Yuan couldn't help feeling a bit weary.

Had he known it would turn out like this, he wouldn't have impulsively sent his daughter to the Xiao family to experience life.

Now it's too late; the daughter who should have been his capable aide on the path to becoming Emperor has ended up making him unable to even share his plans with her.

Otherwise, I reckon even before nightfall that kid Xiao Yan would already know.

"By the way, Chief, not long ago we received information from the Yao Clan that things have been unsettled lately, with both the Spirit Clan and the Stone Clan getting into trouble. For this Yao Compendium, they want to invite a strong member of our Ancient Clan to stabilize the situation. Ideally, it should be one of the Three Immortals of the Ancient Clan. What do you think?"

Just as Gu Yuan was feeling depressed, an Ancient Clan elder immediately stepped forward and whispered.

"Three Immortals of the Ancient Clan."

Upon hearing that, Gu Yuan's eyes narrowed instantly.

However, he quickly turned his head and said, "These recent incidents are nine or ten parts Soul Clan‑related, so I must devote this period to closely monitoring the Soul Clan's every move. As for our Ancient Clan's Three Immortals, I intend to keep them as a mobile force ready to respond to emergencies. Moreover, our ancient race has an agreement that Dou Saints above Four‑star Peak may not act arbitrarily. Our Ancient Clan must not easily break the rules, lest the Soul Clan find a foothold against us."

"However, the Yao Clan is also our ally; failing to show sincerity would inevitably upset the Yao and Yan clans. How about this: we send an elder who is a Four‑star Peak Dou Saint. That way, our Ancient Clan's prestige will intimidate the culprits, preventing them from acting rashly, and it will also allay the Yao and Yan clans' concerns about our ally's reputation."

At this point, Gu Yuan looked at the elder and asked, "How does this plan sound?"

"Chief, you make a sound argument."

Hearing those words, the elder also felt they were quite reasonable.

Immediately after, he stepped back and began whispering with several other clan elders.

In the end, most of them nodded in agreement, and the matter was considered approved.

However, when Gu Yuan saw this scene, a lingering gloom lingered between his brows.

He knew that this internal decision would likely mean losing another elder of Four‑star Peak Dou Saint rank.

But for his grand scheme, he still decided to use that elder's life to appease the Yan Clan.

After all, to surpass the Soul Heavenly Emperor, he must rely on some allies.

Meanwhile, while Gu Yuan was silently pondering his plan, Lin Feng was sprinting across the central region, visiting the Dan family, Cao family, and Ye family—three major clans of the Dan Tower.

His purpose, of course, was to obtain the ingredients for his continued Ninth‑grade Elixir, and additionally to help the ancestors of several major families commit suicide and be revived again, thereby strengthening them.

Naturally, with the Yao Compendium imminent and time pressing, Lin Feng had no time to wait to see whether the ancestors' revivals succeeded.

After completing the previous steps, Lin Feng left some flames to maintain temperature, then let the ancestors of the various families merge with the repeatedly burned and reborn flesh.

As for himself, he did not return to Dragon Island; instead, he immediately passed through a spatial portal and left the Central Plains, heading to the Northwest Continent's Gu Di Dong Fu to meet the Old Dragon Emperor.

After all, lacking confidence to conceal his Imperial Realm Soul from Wu Nie Tun Yan, he thought it better to go to the Northwest Continent to seek the Old Dragon Emperor's cover.

When he reached the bottom of the magma, the Old Dragon Emperor, shocked by Lin Feng's strength, also acted to conceal him, stating that unless one is a Dou Saint peak plus Imperial Realm Soul holder like himself, no one could discern Lin Feng's true soul realm.

Of course, this is on the condition that Lin Feng does not voluntarily employ soul power exceeding the Heavenly Realm Great Perfection Soul level.

"What? Husband, you want to take those maidservants as concubines!"

Half a day later, in a newly built loft atop a peak on Dragon Island, Cao Ying and the other women, after hearing Lin Feng's weary account, were shocked and their gazes turned hostile.

That guy, none of them could keep an eye on, and he wants to take over sixty concubines—simply detestable!

Hearing that, Lin Feng, who had just returned to Dragon Island, instantly showed a trace of helplessness on his face.

He had long anticipated the women's reaction.

But alas, the Soul Clan's plan is now at its final stage, time is tightening, and he cannot afford not to do it!

Otherwise, given his status, if he wants only a few women, which woman couldn't he obtain? Is there any need to take those maidservants, most of whom are not virgins?

But facing the enraged women, especially the murderous Cai Lin, Lin Feng could only helplessly explain, "I don't want this either, but the situation forces me. Moreover, I am now half a step into Eight‑Star Dou Saint strength, and most heavenly treasures and elixirs are no longer useful to me."

"The bloodline power gathered from the Stone Clan and the energy within them, I intend to reserve to break through to Nine‑star Dou Saint. After much thought, this is the only way to advance to Eight‑Star Dou Saint."

When he said that, the women were instantly frozen in place.

After all, as her man said, with him now half a step into Eight‑Star Dou Saint, the vast majority of heavenly treasures on the Dou Qi Continent have already lost their effect on him.

Thus, Lin Feng's current decision truly is the fastest and best way to boost his strength.

But Cai Lin still felt a bit unwilling and said, "Then you could take Ninth‑grade Mysterious Elixir to ascend. Nowadays, Ying'er and the others can jointly forge this grade of elixir. If one doesn't work, try two; if two don't work, three. I don't believe that so many Ninth‑grade Mysterious Elixirs still can't promote you!"

"Well then, let the husband take concubines for dual cultivation; we don't mind now."

Upon hearing Cai Lin's words, the three beauties of the Dan Tower instantly changed expression, then frantically waved their hands and said.

After all, compared to forging Ninth‑grade Mysterious Elixir, they still thought it better for their man to take concubines for dual cultivation.

Because Ninth‑grade Mysterious Elixir, the continent's top‑tier elixir, is not that easy to forge!

Earlier, after their craftsman forged a Ninth‑grade Mysterious Elixir for Xiao Yixian here, the heaven‑and‑earth energy of Dragon Island has not yet recovered.

If they try to forge another, they can't find a place that can draw enough heaven‑and‑earth energy.

Even the domain of the Heavenly Demon Phoenix, because they helped Phoenix Tian forge a Ninth‑grade Mysterious Elixir, has had its heaven‑and‑earth energy completely drained.

Now, if they still hope to have a chance to forge a Ninth‑grade Mysterious Elixir, there is no place with sufficient heaven‑and‑earth energy; it's simply impossible!

"You three."

Seeing the three Dan Tower beauties repeatedly gesturing in support of their man taking concubines, Cai Lin's temper instantly flared.

But thinking of the difficulty of forging Ninth‑grade Mysterious Elixir, she sighed again.

When the three women previously forged Ninth‑grade Mysterious Elixir, she herself was present and understood the difficulty of crafting such a grade of elixir.

Now letting them forge Ninth‑grade Mysterious Elixir, the failure rate is not even less than a hundred percent; at best it's ninety‑five percent.

Thinking of this, Cai Lin finally ground her silver teeth, glared fiercely at Lin Feng, and warned, "Those women are best kept as concubines; if you dare place them on the same level as us, you'll be doomed!"

"Yes, exactly. They can only be concubines for your dual cultivation; if you dare rank them equal to us, you are doomed!"

As soon as Cai Lin finished speaking, Xiao Yixian, Cao Ying, Dan Chen, Ye Xinlan, Yun Yun, Feng Er, and Zi Yan all instantly nodded in strong agreement.

Now is a matter of life and death; you may take them as concubines for dual cultivation, but if you dare treat them as wives, you'll be doomed!

As for Qing Lin, after looking back and forth, she finally lowered her head in frustration.

She, together with the previous women, said she didn't dare for her young master, but if those dead fox spirits occupied her young master, she felt unwilling.

Thus, indecisive, she ultimately could only choose to act like an ostrich.

And Lin Feng, seeing this, did not hesitate, pounding his chest and saying, "Rest assured, I take them as concubines out of compulsion; I won't betray and discard them, but I will never stand on equal footing with you."

He truly meant those words; unless forced, he would certainly continue to allocate resources to boost the women's cultivation levels.

But alas, the matter is simply impossible!

Hmph, you'd better be like that.

Hearing that, Colorful Scale let out a cold snort and then fell into silent contemplation.

As for the other few women, their expressions were much the same.

Lin Feng could only shrug helplessly at this.

But immediately after, he spoke, "There isn't much time left before the Yao Clan's Medicine Classic; I have to leave. As for Ying'er, Xin Lan, and Chen Er, you should each keep an eye on the resurrection results of your respective clan elders; I simply don't have that time now."

Speaking of that, Lin Feng helplessly spread his hands and looked toward the three beauties of Dan Tower.

"Hmm, we understand."

Hearing that, the three beauties of Dan Tower lightly nodded, indicating they understood.

After all, they knew time was tight, and their own man certainly didn't have time to stay here waiting.

Seeing that, Lin Feng promptly tossed a Binding Ring to Cao Ying and then explained, "Inside are the pills and formulas needed to revive those concubines. Zhao Sister is currently refining medicine; if she exits the seal later, have her turn all the ingredients inside into pills. After the Medicine Classic, I'll immediately begin the Dual Cultivation Plan."

"Alright."

Looking at the flying Binding Ring, Cao Ying lightly inclined her head and replied.

And as soon as Lin Feng finished speaking, he continued, "Azure Scale, Feng'er, Zi Yan, remember that in a little over half a month you should, together with Senior Candlefire and the others, enter the Yao Clan and ambush at the designated spot on the Ancient Clan Road. As for the contents of this Binding Ring, they are items needed to set up a formation that can suppress a person's Soul Power."

As soon as the words left his mouth, he tossed another Binding Ring toward Azure Scale.

"Very well, Young Master."

Hearing the command, Azure Scale instantly cast aside the distracting thoughts in his mind, obediently nodded, and took the Binding Ring.

After completing these, Lin Feng flicked his palm again, and a streak of light zipped from his body, transforming into a delicate girl dressed in a black dress.

At the same time, Lin Feng said, "Xiao Ling, for this Medicine Classic the Wu Nie Tun Yan of Nine‑Star Dou Saint rank might appear, so you shouldn't go. After all, not long ago you used the energy of that Void Child Fire to break through to the mid‑stage of Seven‑Star Dou Saint. Such a powerful alien‑fire spirit's attraction to the Wu Nie Tun Yan likely exceeds that of an Imperial Realm soul, so stay away, lest we become a tool that draws fire for Xiao Yan."

"Nine‑Star Dou Saint?"

Hearing that, Xiao Ling was instantly startled, then quickly stood straight and said, "Master, rest assured, Xiao Ling guarantees that during the time you are away, even if the sky falls, I will not leave Dragon Island a single step!"

"This little coward really hasn't changed."

Seeing Xiao Ling's deathly cowardly demeanor, Lin Feng and the other women helplessly placed a hand on their foreheads and said.

"Fine, I won't bother you any further; I'll head to the Yao Clan first, you all act according to the plan. As for Xiao Ling, during this time give Azure Scale some Soul Essence to strengthen her Soul Power. Also, give me a few Alien Fire Essences; without alien fire it would only raise suspicion."

Saying that, Lin Feng plucked several Alien Fire Essences, including Pure Lotus Demonic Fire, from Xiao Ling's body.

As for that girl, with those Alien Fire Essences leaving her body, her aura dropped significantly.

Seeing her master had business to attend to, she could only stare helplessly at everything, fearing she'd be beaten again.

Lin Feng ignored the cowardly girl; after that alien fire, his figure swiftly vanished.

"Um, Young Master, you haven't told me the magnitude of your Soul Power. You let me use the Soul Essence, so how will you break through the Imperial Realm soul in the council?"

Seeing the former leave in such haste, Azure Scale muttered softly.

However, after hearing Lin Feng's orders, Colorful Scale and the others immediately seemed to sense something amiss.

The next moment, they all simultaneously looked at Xiao Ling's innocent face and asked, "Xiao Ling, what realm is your master's Soul Power at now?"

"Imperial Realm, didn't the master tell you?"

Hearing that, Xiao Ling pinched her own head and replied blankly.

"What!?"

Upon hearing Xiao Ling's answer, Azure Scale was instantly stunned, standing dumbfounded.

As for Colorful Scale and the others, they wore expressions of "just as expected."

After all, when their own dogged man refused Soul Essence and instead let Xiao Ling give it to Azure Scale, they vaguely sensed some truth.

As for why they hadn't noticed, and why that guy hadn't mentioned it earlier.

Probably someone helped him conceal the Imperial Realm soul trace, and with their man rushing to the Yao Clan for the Medicine Classic, he simply forgot to mention it.

"Huh? Why do you all have that expression?"

As for the still confused Xiao Ling, she stared blankly at the women before her.

These humans and beast‑women truly are baffling, leaving fire perplexed. (Chapter End)