Soul Condensing Pill

Zhou Yuan's Courtyard

The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a soft glow over Zhou Yuan's courtyard. 

Zhou Yuan sat in a lotus position on his bed, his mind consumed by thoughts. A wry smile played on his lips as he recalled  about the incident that had unfolded just a few hours ago.

Earlier, Zhou Yuan had managed to successfully remove Zhou Ling from his courtyard. After that, Zhou Jing'er had relentlessly probed him for answers, determined to uncover the method he used to defeat Zhou Ling without Spiritual Qi. 

Initially, Zhou Yuan had hoped to evade her questioning, but her tenacity had almost worn down his defenses. Thankfully, she had relented when he finally told her it was his own little secret. Zhou Jing'er, despite her brusque demeanor, was not one to pry deeply into people's secrets. 

Instead she made Zhou Yuan promise that he would play the "Whispers of the Willows" anything she asked for. Evidently, it seems that she had really grown addicted to it. Without hesitation, he nodded, agreeing to her terms. Zhou Jing'er then spent the next few hours recounting to him about her adventures outside the Xue Empire. 

As the hours slipped away, the sky darkened, and nightfall blanketed the scene. It had only been a few short minutes since Zhou Jing'er bid her farewells, vanishing into the mysterious embrace of the night.

Inside the dark room, Zhou Yuan lifted his right hand, revealing a black ring on his middle finger. At first glance, it appeared simple, but upon closer inspection, mysterious runes were engraved onto it. This ring was a space-type spiritual artifact, known as a storage ring. Its function was as straightforward as its name - it could store items. 

While storage rings were rare, the Zhou Clan possessed a few. Zhou Yuan had previously owned another storage ring given by his grandfather, but it was destroyed during that ambush three years ago.

Zhou Yuan received this storage ring as a gift from Yang Jin. Prior to leaving the Xue Capital, Zhou Yuan had sought out Yang Jin for two purposes. Firstly, to bid farewell, and secondly, to purchase treasures that could enhance his soul power. Despite his doubts, Yang Jin readily offered his assistance without hesitation.

Yang Jin, being an elite member of the Golden Dragon Commerce, showcased his exceptional efficiency. Within a matter of hours, he successfully obtained a pill that fulfilled all the requirements Zhou Yuan had specified. Although the price of this pill significantly depleted Zhou Yuan's fortune, he deemed it a worthwhile investment. As a parting gesture, Yang Jin even gave him this 2nd Rank storage ring, typically utilized by cultivators in the Spirit Lake Realm.

Zhou Yuan directed his focus towards the black ring, and in an instant, a jade box materialized in his hands. As he opened the box, a potent medicinal fragrance permeated the room. Fortunately, the secluded nature of his courtyard shielded him from prying eyes within the Zhou Clan.

Zhou Yuan couldn't help but remark, "Having influential connections truly makes a difference at times." In the Heavenly Origin Realm, where strength held utmost importance, power could manifest in various ways. Relationships, too, possessed their own form of strength.

This pill's name was the Soul Condensing Pill, a high-grade 4th Rank pill, can enhance the soul power of individuals below the Soul Transformation stage. Unlike other similar pills, its effects are gentle and subtle, avoiding any overwhelming sensations that may leave negative effects. 

The Soul Condensing Pill was a small, exquisite pill with a captivating appearance. Its surface is smooth and glossy, shimmering with a faint, ethereal glow. Even though Zhou Yuan couldn't see the Soul Condensing Pill, he could "see" the energy in it. 

Judging from the amount of energy inside it, Zhou Yuan estimated his soul power would be elevated to the level equivalent to that of a 3rd Rank Spirit Lake Realm cultivator.

Zhou Yuan decided not to think about anything else and swallowed it. As Zhou Yuan swallowed the Soul Condensing Pill, he closed his eyes and a gentle warmth spread throughout his body, starting from his core and radiating outward. It felt as if a soothing breeze was caressing his soul, infusing it with a renewed vitality. The energy within the pill seemed to awaken dormant aspects of his spiritual essence, causing a subtle but profound change within his soul.

A sense of clarity washed over Zhou Yuan's mind, sharpening his focus and heightening his awareness. He could feel his soul power surging, expanding and strengthening with each passing moment. It was as if his soul was being refined and condensed, becoming more potent and resilient.

Simultaneously, a surge of tranquility and inner peace enveloped him, as if the pill's essence was harmonizing with his own spiritual energy. The sensation was both invigorating and serene, filling him with a profound sense of balance and harmony.

Inside Zhou Yuan's soul sea, a wondrous scene unfolded. The vast expanse of his soul sea stretched out before him, shimmering with an ethereal light. The energy from the Soul Condensing Pill coursed through his soul sea, infusing it with a vibrant and pulsating aura.