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When Qi Yuan learned about the situation of the women in Tiannan, his thoughts became clearer, and his cultivation progressed rapidly. His understanding deepened, making his practice smoother and more efficient.
Seven years had passed, and his cultivation had advanced from the early stage of Jindan to the middle stage. His spiritual awareness had also reached the early stage of Yuanying. If others knew about this, they would be shocked beyond belief.
His body, nourished by the white mist emitted by the golden elixir, had reached the hardness of a magical weapon. Ordinary magic weapons could no longer harm him. As he continued refining pills and crafting magical artifacts, his skills in alchemy and artifact refinement improved significantly.
Now, when refining elixirs for the Jindan stage, he could do so effortlessly. Crafting magical instruments and treasures was no longer an issue. If he wished, he could refine an ordinary magic weapon and use it as his own magic treasure.
Yan Ruyan continued traveling between Tiannan and Luanxinghai, upgrading the treasures she traded from the Qi training stage to the foundation-building stage. Every trip, she returned with a full load of spirit stones, thanks to the high demand for magic tools and elixirs in war-torn Tiannan.
Even though Xin Ruyin and Xiaomei lacked natural talent, their cultivation had reached the level of false elixir due to their constant intake of pills. They were now preparing to enter seclusion to break through to the Jindan stage.
Xiaomei's situation was relatively simple. With her stable foundation, she could achieve the breakthrough within two to three years. However, Xin Ruyin's Dragon Roar Body posed a challenge. It caused frequent energy explosions, making prolonged meditation difficult. If these interruptions persisted, they could severely hinder her cultivation.
Qi Yuan searched through the Fire God's Treasure Records for Extreme Yin and Extreme Cold Pill recipes and selected one for the Ice Heart Pill. He planned to refine twenty to thirty bottles to suppress the effects of the Dragon Roar Body. However, one key ingredient, Tongxinlingcao, was missing, delaying the process.
This spiritual herb grew in the depths of the terrifyingly dark deep sea, specifically in the alien sea. The outer sea was home to countless powerful sea monsters, some reaching levels eight or nine in strength—equivalent to the Nascent Soul stage. Even with careful navigation, there was no guarantee of avoiding such formidable creatures. This dilemma gave Qi Yuan a headache.
The Ice Heart Pill was the best option for counteracting the intense yang energy of the Dragon Roar Body. If it could not be refined, he would have to settle for an alternative remedy.
Once Xin Ruyin and Xiaomei reached the Dan-formation stage, they could no longer stay in Tianxing City. They would need to find a more suitable place for secluded cultivation. Yan Ruyan, who had recently formed her golden elixir, was already declining invitations from various factions. If two more cultivators reached this stage, the Xinggong elders might raid his residence overnight.
Meanwhile, Yuan Yao and Yan Li had also made significant progress, both reaching the foundation-building stage. Yuan Yao, practicing the ghost path cultivation method, advanced quickly due to her naturally compatible physique, surpassing Yan Li in cultivation.
A voice interrupted Qi Yuan's thoughts.
"Sir, Fan Zuoshi from Miaoyin Sect is outside asking to see you."
Yan Li's slender waist swayed rhythmically as she approached, her fragrance filling the air. She smiled warmly, her expression gentle yet alluring.
Qi Yuan put away his book, glanced at Yan Li, and nodded. "Let her in."
A moment later, a female cultivator in a purple robe entered. She was in the early stage of foundation building.
"Jingmei greets Master Qi. Sect Master Wang invites you over for a discussion. He has news about the Five Elements Heavenly Star Stone."
Fan Jingmei, the left emissary of Miaoyin Sect, stood with careful restraint. She knew that the man before her had reached the Jindan stage and was closely connected to the sect master and his wife. Offending him was out of the question.
"What? There is news about the Five Elements Heavenly Star Stone?" Qi Yuan's eyes lit up. In an instant, he disappeared from the spot.
Seven years had passed without any progress in his search for the Five Elements Heavenly Star Stone. He had begun considering other options for his natal magic weapon.
He reappeared outside the familiar courtyard of Miaoyin Sect in Tianxing City. The female disciple guarding the entrance immediately recognized him and respectfully welcomed him in. They had been instructed by Fan Zuoshi that Qi Yuan was an honored guest and should be treated with utmost respect.
Inside the hall, Wang Heng greeted him with a bright smile. "Madam, I told you my second brother would come the moment he heard the news."
He left his seat, his elegant demeanor unchanged, and stepped forward. However, as he sensed Qi Yuan's presence, his expression shifted to one of disbelief.
"Only seven years have passed, and he's already in the middle stage of Jindan? Could it be that my second brother is a true genius?"
Beside him, Zhou Yuan, with her gentle eyes, looked Qi Yuan over carefully. When she confirmed his cultivation level, she covered her lips in astonishment.
Qi Yuan met their gazes and spoke calmly. "Brother, I heard you have news about the Five Elements Heavenly Star Stone. Is that true?"
Wang Heng smiled warmly, pleased that Qi Yuan had proven his judgment right. "Not long ago, my eldest brother received information and rushed to Tianxing City to inform you. We wanted to surprise you, but it seems you've given us an even bigger surprise instead. Truly unexpected."
Qi Yuan responded modestly. "My state of mind has improved over the years, which has aided my cultivation. But I am still far from the late stage of Jindan."
Zhou Yuan spoke softly, "Enlightenment of the mind is a rare and invisible opportunity. You are truly fortunate."
"Thank you for the kind words, sister-in-law," Qi Yuan replied with a smile.
Zhou Yuan, dressed in an elegant purple robe, had become even more graceful over the years. Her eyes held both the authority of a superior and the tenderness of a mother. The effects of practicing the Nine-Layer Miaoyuan Gong gave her an enchanting presence, one that could captivate any man. Yet, Qi Yuan remained calm, which impressed her greatly.
The three of them sat down as host and guest.
Wang Heng cleared his throat and got to the point. "The news came from our Miaoyin Sect disciples stationed at Changying Island in the Outer Sea. Unfortunately, the person who originally discovered the Five Elements Heavenly Star Stone was killed in a battle before he could provide details. So, while we have a lead, we don't know the exact location or the risks involved."
Qi Yuan pondered for a moment. "The Outer Sea, Changying Island. It looks like I'll have to investigate myself. Perhaps I can also find the Spiritual Communication Grass while I'm there."
He recalled that Biling Island was rumored to contain top-grade spiritual stones. He made a mental note to explore it when the opportunity arose.
"It's better to have some news than none at all. I'll investigate Changying Island personally."
He then took out a storage bag and handed it over. "Brother, you've spent years helping me search for the Five Elements Heavenly Star Stone, consuming resources and manpower. Please distribute this as compensation to the disciples."
Zhou Yuan chuckled softly. "I know my brother-in-law well. If you give it directly, he will refuse. You'll have to find another way."
The three of them exchanged smiles as their discussion continued.
(End Of Chapter)