Chapter 93: Heavenly Spirit Dragon Blood Pill Complete, Little Glutton Zi Yan!

Lin Ran didn't know whether it was a misstep in his cultivation path or some other reason, but ever since breaking through to Seven-Star Dou Zong, his progress had come to a standstill. Despite using the Joyous Zen Sutra to absorb his cauldron's cultivation, it was no use—his Dou Qi stagnated.

After much frustration and a thorough examination by his master Tian Xiezi, the conclusion was that Lin Ran had progressed too quickly in his early stages. His blood vitality couldn't keep up with the surging yang energy, leading to a deficit.

The only remedy? A tier-seven pill—the Heavenly Spirit Dragon Blood Pill.

Normally, such a pill wouldn't be too rare for a peak Dou Zun powerhouse like the Scorpion Demon Three Ghosts. After all, Lin Ran knew they weren't lacking in tier-eight pills—in fact, in the original story, they even brought out a Nine-Colored Thunder Pill, the pinnacle of tier-eight pills, second only to tier-nine. Its value was unimaginable.

Given their foundation, a mere tier-seven pill like the Heavenly Spirit Dragon Blood Pill should've been trivial to produce. Its materials might be rare to ordinary people, but to the Scorpion Demon Three Ghosts, it was nothing.

Yet, even after telling Lin Ran the solution, they didn't offer to refine it for him. Instead, they used the excuse of re-establishing Cloud Rain Sect in the Central Plains to reject him, telling Lin Ran to gather the materials himself. It was also a way to train him and prepare him in case their return to the Central Plains failed—they needed backup.

After all, Lin Ran was a Seven-Star Dou Zong. A tier-seven magical beast that produced a tier-seven magic core was equivalent in strength to a Dou Zong. And in terms of alchemy, Lin Ran was just one step away from becoming a tier-seven alchemist himself. So, they also wanted to temper him through this experience.

Lin Ran had no choice.

One cannot twist an arm stronger than one's leg. Since the master had spoken, he could only obey—and so he came to the northwest region.

After nearly a year of effort, he finally gathered all the materials.

"Let's hope this Heavenly Spirit Dragon Blood Pill actually works..."

Taking a deep breath, Lin Ran waved his hand. The Green Lotus Core Flame emerged and merged into the pill cauldron.

With another gesture, herbs began to float from his storage ring and hovered mid-air.

After carefully examining the herbs and confirming there were no issues, Lin Ran waved again. Twelve jade bottles appeared on the other side, accompanied by three magic cores brimming with Dou Qi, all levitating quietly.

Everything required for refining the pill was ready.

Lin Ran double-checked every ingredient, then slowly closed his eyes. The entire refining process of the Heavenly Spirit Dragon Blood Pill played through his mind like a flowing stream—every step and detail fresh and vivid.

Moments later.

Lin Ran opened his eyes and exhaled. With a flick of his fingers, twelve streaks of energy shattered the jade bottles.

At once, twelve clusters of magical beast blood floated in the air, radiating a thick, feral aura.

Lin Ran gave them a quick glance, then split his attention three ways. With three flicks, flames enveloped the herbs, beast blood, and magic cores respectively.

Following standard procedure, he refined the herbs first, then purified the beast blood, and finally shattered the cores to extract and cleanse their energy.

Tier-seven magic cores contained immense energy. The moment they cracked, a surge of Dou Qi erupted, violently shaking the cauldron and emitting a constant hum.

Fortunately, Lin Ran had already wrapped the entire room in Dou Qi. Without that protection, the residual shockwaves alone could've leveled the building.

Time passed.

Seven days later.

The room, still shrouded in Dou Qi, was filled with an intoxicating medicinal aroma—the sign that the pill was nearing completion.

The process of refining the Heavenly Spirit Dragon Blood Pill wasn't too complicated. After extracting all necessary components, it was mainly a matter of merging them. The only real challenge lay in fusing the vast Dou Qi within the magic cores into the final liquid blend.

Luckily, Lin Ran had just refined the Corpse Soul Puppet. His technique and rhythm were at their peak.

This refinement went surprisingly smoothly, as if flowing naturally without error.

It spared Lin Ran from having to seek out another set of ingredients.

As medicinal energy surged, Lin Ran opened his eyes. His gaze fell upon the Heavenly Spirit Dragon Blood Pill swirling within the Solar Cauldron. He inhaled deeply, then exploded his pure Yang Dou Qi and wrapped it around the cauldron.

In the next instant, Lin Ran and the cauldron vanished from the room.

They reappeared in a remote mountain wilderness.

As the dense Dou Qi surrounding the cauldron dispersed, a powerful medicinal fragrance erupted skyward. Drawn by the scent, thick storm clouds quickly gathered overhead.

"It's coming."

A flicker of joy lit up Lin Ran's eyes.

Not every tier-seven pill triggered pill lightning. Only those with potent effects did. The Merged Blood Pill he once refined for Medusa had summoned lightning, but the Transformation Pill he made in the Black-Corner Region hadn't.

The denser the medicinal energy, the higher the chance of lightning—and the stronger the lightning would be.

Judging from the storm's scale, this was even more intense than the one summoned by the Merged Blood Pill!

Lin Ran's lips curled into a satisfied smile.

But he didn't immediately confront the pill lightning. Instead, he turned toward a large boulder nearby and spoke calmly.

"We've met before. Why be so afraid of me?"

"…"

After a long silence, a small figure in white cautiously peeked out from behind the rock.

A little girl in white, barely reaching his waist. She looked twelve or thirteen, with light purple hair cascading down her back. Her complexion was porcelain fair, and her big black eyes blinked at Lin Ran, revealing an embarrassed but polite smile.

"H-hello..."

"This is our second meeting. Aren't you going to introduce yourself?"

Lin Ran smiled softly. But that same smile—which charmed countless girls—made Zi Yan shudder as if facing a monster.

Startled, she straightened up nervously.

"G-greetings, sir. My name is Zi Yan. I live at Jia Nan Academy. We met once before."

"I'm Lin Ran."

Watching Zi Yan's flustered reaction, Lin Ran couldn't help but chuckle.

Was he really so terrifying? How was it that the fearless Zi Yan from the original story was scared stiff of him?

Seeing Lin Ran's smile, Zi Yan forced a smile that was half-cry, half-nervous grin.

She had sensed spiritual treasures ripening in the mountains and came here looking for food. But instead of treasure, she found an overwhelming medicinal fragrance.

The source? Lin Ran refining pills!

This man not only possessed monstrous strength that intimidated even two Nine-Star Dou Zong elders—but he was also a high-tier alchemist!

To summon pill lightning, this had to be at least a tier-seven pill. Meaning Lin Ran was a tier-seven alchemist!

Too insane!

Zi Yan was stunned—then annoyed.

Seriously, bro?

You just conquered Black Seal City and couldn't refine pills there? Had to come to some random mountain?

She wanted to run but didn't dare.

She had seen this boy's strength firsthand. The terrifying Dou Technique he unleashed was unforgettable.

"Here, eat this."

Lin Ran had planned to talk more with Zi Yan. Her identity was extraordinary—possibly second only to that girl in Jia Nan Academy.

But the thunderclouds were already fully formed. Lightning flashed and roared—it wasn't a good time for small talk.

He casually tossed a few pills from his storage ring to Zi Yan, then turned toward the sky to face the coming tribulation.

"Eh?"

Zi Yan clumsily caught the jade bottle.

It wasn't sealed. Though Lin Ran terrified her, the aroma was overwhelmingly tempting.

Even more so was the scent from the pill forming inside the cauldron—it made her stomach rumble uncontrollably.

The Heavenly Spirit Dragon Blood Pill was crafted using beast blood and magic cores. For an untransformed magical beast like Zi Yan, it was even more alluring than a Transformation Pill.

Just a few whiffs and her belly was growling.

"S-so good..."

Zi Yan gulped, but knew she couldn't touch the main pill.

So she turned her attention to the ones in her hands, glanced at Lin Ran, then quickly popped one in.

"Delicious..."

Three bites, and she'd eaten the whole pill. Her eyes lit up as she licked her lips, clearly unsatisfied.

These pills were far more potent—and tastier—than anything she'd had at the academy.

"So you're a real glutton, huh?"

Watching her munch eagerly, Lin Ran was reminded of his old pet Hakimi, back before he transmigrated—eyes wide whenever it saw fish snacks or cat food.

This little girl was technically a magical beast. Keeping her like a pet didn't sound too bad...

That thought startled him.

Her bloodline was terrifying. If he ever brought her to the Central Plains, magical beasts would instantly recognize her.

Forget him as a mere Eight-Star Dou Zong—even Cloud Rain Sect would be wiped out overnight!

After all, her bloodline was the most noble among all magical beasts!

But if he didn't take her to the Central Plains...

Heh.

Suddenly, Zi Yan sneezed and felt a chill down her spine.

Before she could think further, a deafening rumble shook the skies. An overwhelming pressure descended from above.

BOOM!

The lightning tribulation had arrived. Silver serpentine bolts tore through the heavens and slammed down.

"S-so scary!"

Zi Yan trembled. Though powerful, she was only around Dou Huang level—and this lightning was easily mid or even high-tier Dou Zong level!

Yet Lin Ran remained unshaken. No matter how fiercely the lightning struck, he absorbed it all.

The thunderstorm continued. Zi Yan turned pale with fear.

Meanwhile, the spectacle drew countless powerhouses from across the Black-Corner Region.

Sensing the lightning's force and the potent medicinal aroma, they rushed over. Even before the tribulation ended, the area around the mountain was packed with observers.

"Such terrifying lightning! Someone's refining a tier-seven pill!"

"Definitely. And a high-grade one at that! When did we get a tier-seven alchemist in the Black-Corner Region?"

"Could it be the Medicine Emperor? No—he went into seclusion after the auction and hasn't emerged."

More and more murmurs filled the area. Greed began to flicker in many eyes.

They didn't dare act, though. A tier-seven alchemist was a sacred existence, far beyond ordinary reach—even Dou Huang-level experts didn't dare intervene.

And with lightning tribulation still raging, even Dou Zong cultivators were wary.

Some began retreating, pale-faced from the overwhelming pressure.

Hidden among the crowd were several shadowy figures. One man, eyes gloomy, sneered coldly.

"A tier-seven alchemist... and a Dou Zong. Han Feng, you really picked the wrong opponent."

The speaker was a blood-haired elder in a skull-embroidered yellow robe. Thin and skeletal, he resembled a walking corpse. His sunken eyes glowed with eerie ghostlight.

He floated mid-air, surrounded by faint spatial ripples—proof of his powerful Dou Qi.

His gaze held obvious dread as he watched the thunderclouds.

"He offended me? That brat violated the rules of the Black-Corner Region!" Han Feng snapped, face grim.

"He's strong, sure—but he killed three elders of my Demon Flame Valley! If I don't kill him, how can we show our face here again?"

"Don't try to provoke me," the elder sneered. "That kid's power rivals mine. If you think I'll fight him alone, forget it. He didn't even come after you after the auction, did he?"

"You—!"

Han Feng's face twitched. This old geezer really was as shameless as the rumors said. He could endure the deaths of three peak Dou Huang elders without flinching.

No wonder he had survived this long.

Known as the Earth Devil Ghost, he was a peer of Jia Nan Academy's former dean. While the others had perished or left, he had simply endured and survived.

"Relax. I've already contacted someone. Once we confirm the target, and they send powerhouses, with your help—he's dead for sure!"

Han Feng's voice was icy. "Remember, during the auction, that boy bought everything. The value of that loot is beyond imagination."

When he mentioned the auction, even the Earth Devil Ghost's eyes gleamed with greed.

"Heh. Bring in a couple of Dou Zong, and I'll play along. But I want that Bodhi Body Transformation Saliva."

"You can have it. I only want his life!" Han Feng declared.

He knew they would demand a heavy price. Even if they killed Lin Ran, he might not get much of the loot.

But it didn't matter.

The Bodhi Saliva, the Sky Demon Phoenix corpse—he could let those go.

But the fragment of the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame... he must have!

"Let's go!"

Casting one last look at the thunderclouds, Han Feng's killing intent burned hotter.

"I thought he was just a tier-six alchemist. Turns out... he's tier-seven. He better be a Protector of the Soul Hall. Otherwise—hmph!"

...

Though fierce, the lightning tribulation couldn't penetrate Lin Ran's Dou Qi barrier.

It lasted over ten minutes before finally fading.

A rich medicinal scent filled the wilderness. A blood-red pill hovered silently within the Solar Cauldron.

With a flick of his hand, Lin Ran summoned the pill.

"So this is the Heavenly Spirit Dragon Blood Pill...?"

It was about the size of a longan, glowing crimson and perfectly round. It felt warm to the touch and exuded an exotic, slightly bloody fragrance.

"S-so fragrant..."

Zi Yan stared at the pill, drooling slightly.

"You're not getting this one. It's mine. Here, have these instead."

Lin Ran laughed, pulling out several more jade bottles and tossing them to her, storing the dragon blood pill in a jade vial.

He didn't plan to consume it immediately.

It wasn't because he feared side effects—but he didn't know what might happen after taking it. He had sensed all the powerhouses gathering during his alchemy and knew Han Feng and the Earth Devil Ghost were among them.

Not because of some ultra-powerful soul sense, but because Lin Ran had secretly marked Han Feng long ago.

A hidden brand that let him sense Han Feng's presence the moment he approached.

"Th-thank you, big brother."

Zi Yan clutched the jade bottles and stammered.

"I-I've been out for a while now. Elder Su Qian might worry. I should head back to the Inner Academy..."

As if afraid of being misunderstood, she quickly added, "It's not that I don't like you, big brother—I just don't want Su Qian to worry..."

You're scared I'll do something to you, aren't you?

Lin Ran shook his head, amused.

"Go on then. You're only at Dou Wang level. This region is full of danger—even Dou Huang and Dou Zong roam freely. Best not wander alone."

"Oh, and that Transformation Pill you got at the auction? I refined it. But since you've already used Transformation Grass, it won't help much. Better focus on cultivating and break through to Dou Zong."

"Got it, got it! Thanks, big brother—you're such a good guy!"

Zi Yan nodded furiously, stashing the pills into her ring before turning to leave.

But after just a few steps, she spun back around, eyes shining.

"What now?" Lin Ran asked, puzzled.

"Well... big brother, when I finish these, can I come back for more...?"

Her voice trailed off shyly. "I know where lots of rare herbs grow. You're an alchemist—you'll need them, right? I can show you where to find them!"

Her large eyes sparkled with hope.

"..."

Lin Ran rolled his eyes, half-laughing.

This gluttonous girl—terrified of him, but too food-driven to stay away.

"Alright, alright."

He sighed and tossed her a jade token.

"If you want more, bring that to Black Seal City and find me."

"Yay!"

Zi Yan beamed, hugging the token tightly.

No more awful-tasting herbs—she was thrilled. In her heart, Lin Ran was no longer a terrifying killer, but a powerful and kind big brother.

She bowed deeply, clutched the token, and ran into the forest—vanishing from sight.

Watching her go, Lin Ran shook his head.

Such a sweet, innocent girl... who would've guessed her true identity was so terrifying?

"Forget it. I'll keep her fed for now."

"The priority is to take the Heavenly Spirit Dragon Blood Pill and restore my blood vitality!"

The Black-Corner Region was full of enemies. Even with a Heaven-tier Dou Technique, his Eight-Star Dou Zong strength was still not enough.

If he wanted to claim that girl Gu Xun'er as his own, he had to become a Dou Zun!

In other words—

He couldn't afford to stay stuck anymore!

(End of Chapter)