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**
Lin Feng clenched his fists tightly, feeling the unprecedented fullness of his Dou Qi.
He quickly calmed his mind and focused inward, observing the state of his Dou Qi cyclone.
At this moment, the cyclone had completely transformed from its original gaseous form into a liquid state.
Within it, more than a dozen drops of crimson energy liquid swirled slowly.
Each tiny droplet contained an immense amount of condensed power.
After a rough calculation, Lin Feng estimated that if he were still at the peak of the Nine-Star Dou Zhe level, all the Dou Qi in his body would have only been enough to form about three drops of this energy liquid.
Excitement flashed in his eyes as he stretched out both hands and clenched them tightly.
Instantly, a crimson Dou Qi aura surfaced on his body, forming a thin protective layer around him like armor.
This was the signature ability exclusive to Dou Shi—the Dou Qi Cloak!
"You've successfully broken through. Let's eat dinner first."
Just as Lin Feng was playing around with his Dou Qi Cloak, a sweet voice came from the entrance of the cave.
He turned to see Xiao Yixian stepping in gracefully.
Looking past her at the cave entrance, he noticed that the sun had already disappeared, replaced by an endless stretch of darkness.
High above the inky black sky, a silver moon hung brightly, its soft glow casting a mystical veil over the land.
"It's already nighttime? That was fast."
Stepping outside, he gazed at the serene night valley, sighing in admiration before following Xiao Yixian to their small makeshift kitchen to enjoy their dinner.
As Lin Feng ate happily, Xiao Yixian remained silent for a long time, her head lowered slightly.
After a brief hesitation, she finally spoke in a somewhat subdued voice. "In a few days… I plan to leave for the Chu Yun Empire."
Lin Feng's chopsticks froze midair.
"Didn't we agree to travel together?"
His brows furrowed as he slowly put down his bowl.
Xiao Yixian lifted her head abruptly and met Lin Feng's gaze with firm determination. "I've already made up my mind."
Seeing the unwavering resolve in her eyes, Lin Feng's heart sank.
After spending months together, he had come to understand her personality well—once she decided on something, convincing her otherwise was nearly impossible.
Thinking back on their time in the Magic Beast Mountain Range, where he often brought her along to hunt magical beasts, she had gained significant combat experience.
With her unique constitution, she could even handle peak-stage Dou Shi opponents.
Besides, he couldn't exactly tie her up and force her to travel with him, could he?
…Wait a minute. He wasn't even sure if he could beat her anymore!
After pondering for a moment, Lin Feng let out a sigh and finally nodded.
"Fine. But I'm giving you five years. No matter what happens, you must come back after five years."
Hearing his agreement, Xiao Yixian visibly relaxed.
Although she also wished to travel alongside him, she knew that heading to the Chu Yun Empire was the best choice for her right now.
Staying with Lin Feng would only bring him unnecessary trouble.
Secretly hiding the sleeping powder she had prepared in case he resisted, she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and asked softly, "How will I find you when the time comes?"
Lin Feng gazed at the vast night sky, thinking for a moment before replying, "By then, I should be at Jia Nan Academy. Of course, if you don't come looking for me, I'll return here and wait for you."
"Mm."
As dawn broke, atop a large boulder in the valley, Xiao Yixian nestled against Lin Feng's chest, inhaling deeply.
She gently placed a small bamboo whistle to her lips and blew softly.
A faint sound wave echoed into the skies.
Hearing the whistle's sound waves echo through the sky, a massive blue eagle swooped down, its wings stirring the air violently, causing the surrounding plants to flatten under the powerful gusts.
"Let's go."
Xiao Yixian took a graceful step forward, pressing her delicate body against Lin Feng's chest as she whispered softly.
Nodding slightly, Lin Feng wrapped his arm around her slender waist.
With a sudden push of his feet, their figures shot up into the air and landed steadily on the eagle's broad back…
"I hope you grow stronger quickly… Otherwise, the limitations on me will be too great."
On a distant hill, Lin Feng gently touched his still-warm lips, watching the eagle disappear into the horizon. He murmured to himself.
What he needed most now was a powerful backer, someone strong enough to protect him.
If he could find such a person, he could then leak a bit of information regarding a Heavenly Flame.
Xiao Yan, who was desperately seeking a Heavenly Flame to enhance his cultivation technique, would surely come running to him—begging for forgiveness and offering compensation.
As for whether Xiao Yan also had leads on Heavenly Flames?
Heh, so what? If Xiao Yan refused to pay a price for silence, then Lin Feng would make sure that the entire Northwest Region learned about his secret.
Of course, all of this was based on the assumption that he had at least a Dou Zong expert backing him.
Otherwise, Xiao Yan wouldn't bother reasoning with him.
Once he knew Lin Feng held crucial information on a Heavenly Flame, he would likely forcefully interrogate him—or even kill him outright.
"Sigh…"
Lin Feng let out a deep sigh, staring at the vast, dark sky. Then, spreading his wings, he took off toward Black Rock City, taking advantage of the dim light before dawn.
A Few Days Later
Standing before the familiar sight of Black Rock City, Lin Feng sighed emotionally.
"It really hasn't changed at all."
After half a year away, the city remained as bustling as ever.
Retrieving his Alchemist Apprentice badge, he pinned it onto his chest and strode confidently into the city.
Following the cobbled streets, he soon arrived at a more secluded area.
There, he donned a black cloak to conceal his true identity before heading toward the Mittel Auction House.
The Mittel Auction House was the largest and most widespread auction house in the Jia Ma Empire, owned by the wealthiest family in the region—the Mittel Clan.
With Dou Wang experts stationed to oversee security, and its immense financial resources, cases of customers being robbed were extremely rare.
Thus, in the Jia Ma Empire, conducting business through the Mittel Auction House was considered one of the safest ways to trade valuable items.
Before long, Lin Feng stood in front of a grand and luxurious golden building.
Under the wary gazes of the fully armed guards at the entrance, the cloaked Lin Feng walked inside without hesitation.
The moment he stepped into the auction hall, a refreshing coolness enveloped him, instantly dispelling the heat from outside.
The stark contrast between the two environments made it feel like stepping into a different world.
Just as he entered, a well-trained young maid gracefully approached him.
With a respectful bow, she spoke in a soft and pleasant voice, "Honored guest, how may I assist you?"
Lin Feng tugged his hood slightly lower and spoke in a deep voice, "I need a third-tier pill formula. Do you have any in stock?"
The maid's eyes lit up slightly upon hearing his request but quickly concealed her excitement.
Maintaining her professional demeanor, she replied, "Of course, sir. Please follow me to the VIP lounge for further discussion."
Pill formulas and pill cauldrons were incredibly valuable. Even the lowest-tier first-tier formulas rarely sold for less than a hundred thousand gold coins.
"Alright."
Lin Feng nodded and followed the maid toward the VIP lounge.
After they arrived, another attendant quickly served hot tea before quietly excusing herself.
Seated in an exquisitely carved sandalwood chair, Lin Feng calmly sipped his tea, waiting for the negotiations to begin.
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