Chapter 61: Earth Core Pill!

At this moment, Qing Ming seemed to feel something as he looked toward Jiang Yun, the corners of his mouth curving into a smile, his eyes full of gratification.

"Boom——"

At this moment, in the underground magma space, a burst of energy suddenly erupted out of nowhere, causing the energy in this world to ripple violently.

With a resounding boom, the surrounding energy seemed to be drawn by some unseen force, rushing madly towards the two figures sitting cross-legged.

As the tremors in this world grew more intense, waves of rich energy permeated from the surroundings, continuously surging towards Jiang Yun and the other person.

Simultaneously, the two's auras skyrocketed wildly. From a distance, it seemed as though the entire underground magma space was enveloped in a riotous, colorful energy, forming two massive energy vortexes—an awe-inspiring sight.

As the Heart Flame Sea was refined, resonance occurred between the clone and the original body, channeling a vast, pure energy into Jiang Yun's body, enhancing his cultivation at a rapid pace.

The energy of the alien fire was immense. Even though the Heart Flame Sea had already been refined once by Han Feng, it still served as a decent 'supplement' for Jiang Yun, who was at the Dou Wang level.

Six-star Dou Wang, seven-star Dou Wang, eight-star Dou Wang... Jiang Yun's soaring cultivation finally began to stabilize at the nine-star Dou Wang level.

Suddenly, two similar figures simultaneously shot their eyes open, bursting with fire. At this moment, Jiang Yun and his alien fire clone had both reached the nine-star Dou Wang pinnacle.

Though only a little short of a breakthrough to Dou Huang, the power required for a Dou Wang to break through to Dou Huang was still too vast. The second-hand Heart Flame Sea wasn't enough to push Jiang Yun's strength a step further.

Feeling the power within, Jiang Yun stood up and looked at Yun Yi beside him: "How do you feel?"

"No anomalies. The Heart Flame Sea has completely turned into nourishment for the Holy Sky Demon Flame," Yun Yi, who was of one mind with Jiang Yun, shook his head, expressing his feelings.

The Holy Sky Demon Flame absorbed alien fire in a way completely different from the Burning Formula. The Burning Formula was more like a container that fused various alien fires, retaining their original properties.

On the other hand, the Holy Sky Demon Flame was incredibly domineering. By using one fire to cultivate ten thousand flames, it completely devoured the opponent to enhance itself, forging the strongest flame.

"That's good!" Seeing this, Jiang Yun sighed in relief. Unlike the Fallen Heart Flame from last time where many years of accumulated energy were merely devoured, this time, the Heart Flame Sea was thoroughly refined.

The difficulty between the two was a bit different. Jiang Yun was worried that something might go wrong, but fortunately, the Holy Sky Demon Flame didn't disappoint.

"We've been in seclusion for quite some time. We should head out, or Zi Yan will get anxious!"

Looking up at the spatial barrier above, Jiang Yun seemed to think of Zi Yan's worried expression, a softness flickering in his eyes.

Yun Yi, expressionless, nodded: "Let me know when you're ready to start the plan, and I'll come out!"

Yun Yi was a unique fire spirit with some of Jiang Yun's memories, but he didn't possess Jiang Yun's emotions. Jiang Yun certainly didn't want to become a 'cuckold' in any sense.

When creating Yun Yi's consciousness, Jiang Yun had deliberately infused it with his darker side, making him an absolutely rational 'Jiang Yun.'

After these words, Yun Yi's figure flashed into a jet-black flame, returning to Jiang Yun's Dantian.

Qing Ming witnessed the entire exchange between Jiang Yun and Yun Yi, and chose not to comment on Jiang Yun's actions. Time would tell.

"If anything comes up, call me!" Leaving these words, Qing Ming's figure slowly turned to nothingness, finally dissipating completely.

The surroundings reverted to the eternal silence. Jiang Yun looked at the black token in his hand, contemplated for a long time, and his eyes gradually showed resolve.

"Soul Hall."

Bang!

A sound of breaking through the air alerted the two elders guarding beside the magma well.

The two elders, initially startled, let out a sigh of relief upon seeing it was Jiang Yun. However, sensing Jiang Yun's deepened aura left them both gasping in astonishment.

If they remembered correctly, Jiang Yun had just broken through from six-star Dou Wang not long ago. How had his strength increased so rapidly in just four months?

Were the youth nowadays all so extraordinary? How were old-timers like them supposed to live?

"Elder Li, Elder Wen, thank you for your hard work," Jiang Yun greeted, recognizing the elders guarding the entrance.

"Did you break through?"

"By sheer luck."

Facing the two elders' stares, Jiang Yun nodded, causing them to gasp once more.

After his greeting, Jiang Yun bid the two elders farewell, soon returning to his dormitory.

Back in the courtyard, Jiang Yun followed an aura to Zi Yan's room. Inside the room, dense purple light shone, with a charming figure sitting cross-legged on the bed. On her fair skin, patches of sharp, heavy purple-gold scales appeared.

The densely layered scales, resembling metallic armor, exuded a powerful aura than none would doubt their strength and defense.

The scales covered half of her alluring, heroic face, adding a sense of noble dominion.

Seeming to sense something, Zi Yan slowly opened her purple eyes, seeing the visitor and flashing a joyful look before it turned into anger. Remembering this guy had left her alone for so long, a grudge surged in her heart, turning into a coquettish shout.

"Jiang Yun, take my punch!"

Jiang Yun's smile froze. He sensed the violently agitating spatial energy within the room. In a flash, a figure arrived before him.

"Void Severing Dragon Claw!"

Purple light flickered. Zi Yan's white arms transformed into a pair of purple-gold dragon claws, glimmering with cold light. The long claws looked sharper than any divine weapon.

The surrounding space began to crack slightly, with tiny fissures spreading before him.

Jiang Yun had no doubt that, with Zi Yan's physical strength, this claw would leave no survivors below a five-star Dou Huang.

"Playful!"

Suddenly, Jiang Yun's eyes narrowed, a hint of a smile appearing. His palm shot out quickly, space power swirling around, precisely grasping Zi Yan's wrist.

"Boom——"

A loud noise echoed. Jiang Yun felt a huge force surge from his hand and couldn't help but step back.

At this moment, a mischievous grin flashed in Zi Yan's eyes.

"Buzz——"

In Jiang Yun's perception, the power of these blades wasn't large, just enough to tear some clothing. Evidently, Zi Yan only wanted to embarrass him!

But how could Jiang Yun let her succeed?

Seeing the amusement in Zi Yan's eyes, Jiang Yun chuckled, "I've been waiting for you!"

With these words, the space around him distorted. The energy blades Zi Yan unleashed changed direction inexplicably and scattered.

"Sizzle!"

Tiny cracks appeared on the surrounding walls. Zi Yan's triumphant expression froze, frustration gleaming in her eyes. She shook off Jiang Yun's hand, pouting: "Not fun, not fun. Little Yun doesn't even let me win!"

"I waited so long for you. You heartless man!"

Hearing this, Jiang Yun couldn't help but laugh, "Alright, alright, it's all my fault for making our Zi Yan wait so long." Saying this, Jiang Yun reached out to pat Zi Yan's head.

Feeling the smooth hair gliding through his fingers, he couldn't help but enjoy the sensation.

Zi Yan's cheeks flushed at the touch. Now that she had partially awakened her bloodline and broken through to Dou Huang, she roughly looked like a sixteen or seventeen-year-old human.

At fifteen years, Jiang Yun, already tall, had reached about 1.7 meters, almost the same height as Zi Yan. Gazing up, she saw the doting look in his eyes, eliciting warmth and unease in her heart.

"Since you're out now, can we set off?" suppressing the unusual feelings, Zi Yan asked excitedly.

Jiang Yun shook his head, causing disappointment in Zi Yan's eyes. Slowly, he said, "Indeed we should leave, but before we do, I have a gift for the Great Elder!"

Hearing this, Zi Yan's disappointment vanished, and her eyes sparkled. She nodded seriously, "Old Su really has worked hard these years. What are you giving him?"

Seeing the curious look on Zi Yan's face, Jiang Yun smiled without answering, holding her hand and heading towards the Great Elder's residence.

"Hmph! All mysterious and secretive!" Not getting an answer, Zi Yan pouted but quickly regained her cheerful demeanor, holding Jiang Yun's arm and striding forward.

"Leaving already——"

Su Qian looked wistfully at the young couple before him. The kids who were once little are now strong contenders on the continent. How time flies!

"Eaglets must soar high, Great Elder, you should be happy for Zi Yan and me. If we stayed in the Inner Academy, wouldn't you find us eyesores?"

The parting sorrow was lessened by Jiang Yun's teasing words!

Su Qian pointed at Jiang Yun, scolding with a laugh: "You rascal, hurry and leave, go cause trouble elsewhere. Ever since you two arrived, even the mice in the warehouse have disappeared—what a disaster!"

"Oh please, I didn't eat that much!" Su Qian's words caused Zi Yan to protest. Did she really eat that much?

"Hehe!" Su Qian's knowing look made Zi Yan feel a bit sheepish.

Feeling his hand being pinched, Jiang Yun knew it was time to intervene. He hadn't expected this girl to have such moments of humility.

"Before we leave, I have a gift for the Great Elder!"

"Oh? What is it?"

Jiang Yun's words piqued Su Qian's curiosity. Considering how valuable Jiang Yun's previous items had been, he couldn't help but feel a bit expectant.

Facing Su Qian's gaze, Jiang Yun handed him a scroll. Su Qian opened it suspiciously. Upon understanding the contents, he stood up excitedly, his voice shaking.

"You, you can refine it?"

"My soul power saw a minor breakthrough during this seclusion, giving me a fair amount of confidence to succeed!"

Seeing the confidence on Jiang Yun's face, Su Qian resisted the urge to refuse. 

"What materials do you need? The academy will prepare them for you!"

"No need. Our Medicine Emperor here is quite wealthy. We have enough materials for two sets. Just wait for the results, Great Elder!"

Here, it has to be mentioned that Han Feng's legacy was extensive. Decades of accumulation made Han Feng's foundation on par with veteran seven-grade alchemists.

"Can I invite the students to watch?"

"Of course!"

Jiang Yun agreed immediately. After all, this gesture was a small way to repay the academy.

This time, Jiang Yun intended to help Su Qian by refining an Earth Core Pill, a seventh-tier high-level pill that could flawlessly elevate a Dou Zong by one star level.

After breaking through to the spiritual realm in soul power, Jiang Yun theoretically could refine eighth-grade pills. However, his experience was lacking, and he didn't have the necessary materials.

But for seventh-tier pills, Jiang Yun was confident!

In just one night, the news of Jiang Yun refining a seventh-tier pill spread like wildfire throughout the Inner Academy.

Under the impact of this shocking news, the Inner Academy was immediately thrown into an uproar. A seventh-tier pill!

In this place where fourth-tier pills were the pinnacle, the arrival of a seventh-tier pill was utterly astounding.

Even students from Central Plains were left dumbfounded. In their families, seventh-tier alchemists were revered guests.

They would go out of their way to flatter them. Now you tell me a fellow student can refine seventh-tier pills? How can it not be shocking?

They were considered geniuses in their cities; otherwise, they wouldn't have been admitted to Jia Nan Academy. But compared to a seventh-tier alchemist, they were like eggs hitting a stone—vastly inferior, like the difference between heaven and earth.

Moreover, although the name Jiang Yun was somewhat familiar, the person was relatively unknown.

Thanks to explanations from knowledgeable bystanders, they finally learned about this senior named Jiang Yun.

He was the first new student to break through the Fire Energy Capture Tournament, defeating an eight-star Dou Ling as a Da Dou Shi, and many other achievements. He advanced to a fifth-tier alchemist within just a year.

Countless tales about Jiang Yun emerged, but the more they listened, the more skeptical they became. It sounded like bragging.

Could such a prodigious person truly exist?

Balancing cultivative and alchemical expertise, did he have so much energy?

As tales of Jiang Yun's feats grew more exaggerated, the upcoming alchemy session drew even more attention. Finally, this highly anticipated alchemy session began the next day.

(End of Chapter)