Chapter 94: The Six Decrees of the Holy Sect

After returning from the desolate mountain, Lin Ran immediately headed back to Black Seal City.

He had to ensure there would be no unexpected problems after consuming the pill. Therefore, the location for ingesting it had to be chosen with extreme caution.

As the future headquarters of the Holy Rain Sect, and with the recent Black Seal Auction incident, Black Seal City was currently the safest place in the entire Black-Corner Region.

After giving a few instructions to Lü Yi and the other two women, Lin Ran covered his room with Dou Qi and sat cross-legged inside. He then retrieved the Heavenly Spirit Dragon Blood Pill from his storage ring.

Staring at the blood-red pill in his palm, Lin Ran hesitated briefly before pulling out another pill from his ring.

This one glowed with dazzling golden light, and within it coiled a miniature golden dragon—it was the seventh-tier Yin-Yang Mystic Dragon Pill.

Without a second thought, Lin Ran opened his mouth and swallowed it in one go.

The pill turned into a warm current the instant it entered his mouth, flowing down his throat and into his body. Just like in the original novel when Xiao Yan swallowed the Yin-Yang Mystic Dragon Pill, there was no immediate reaction.

Despite the vast medicinal power of a seventh-tier pill, it was like water seeping into a sponge, silently integrating into his body and gradually dissipating without a trace.

Even Lin Ran himself couldn't help but marvel at the phenomenon.

After swallowing the Yin-Yang Mystic Dragon Pill, Lin Ran finally placed the Heavenly Spirit Dragon Blood Pill into his mouth.

'Hmm?!'

The moment the pill touched his tongue, it melted into a warm, surging energy that quickly infiltrated his body, merging into his meridians and bones.

It wasn't an unpleasant sensation—on the contrary, it felt like soaking in a hot spring.

However, just a few breaths later, Lin Ran suddenly felt a surge of pungent, bloody aura pouring out from his mouth and nose.

Next, the ferocious aura began attacking his body with a vengeance.

Skin, meridians, flesh, bones—every part of his body began to ache intensely.

Lin Ran furrowed his brows and tried to circulate his Dou Qi.

Compared to the gentle and silent Yin-Yang Mystic Dragon Pill, the Heavenly Spirit Dragon Blood Pill was like thunder and lightning—raging through his body with uncontrollable force.

With Lin Ran's physique, most energies couldn't shake him. His Pure Yang Dou Qi was a natural counter to such blood-evil energy.

Yet just as he prepared to counter the invasive energy, he found that his Dou Qi was completely unresponsive—as if it had been sealed away!

'As expected... there's a problem!'

Lin Ran's heart sank.

Fortunately, he had consumed the Yin-Yang Mystic Dragon Pill beforehand, giving him a safeguard against unforeseen events.

And fortunately, he hadn't taken the pill on the desolate mountain. If this had happened there, Han Feng and that old demon from the Earth Demon Sect would probably be grinning from ear to ear.

The boiling blood-evil aura continued to rampage through Lin Ran's body.

If Lin Ran's physique was a piece of refined steel, then the blood-evil energy was a hammer, relentlessly pounding it.

One or two strikes might not have an immediate effect.

But with time, even the hardest steel can be forged.

What was truly strange was that despite having the Pure Yang Body and the Green Lotus Core Flame—both natural counters to such evil energy—neither responded.

Helpless, Lin Ran had no choice but to grit his teeth and endure.

Through his internal perception, he could clearly observe what was happening inside him.

After merging into his flesh and blood, the pill's medicinal power made his body boil like molten lava, radiating intense heat.

That searing temperature spread through his meridians and bones, causing white smoke to rise from his body—like someone running a dangerously high fever with their immune system in overdrive.

But this was far beyond anything a fever could describe.

White steam poured from his body. Soon, tiny white blisters formed on his skin. When they burst, raw, red flesh was exposed underneath.

Thin cracks began to spread across his flesh until his entire body looked like a shattered porcelain doll—utterly terrifying.

His blood was boiling!

The powerful medicinal essence of the Heavenly Spirit Dragon Blood Pill was fusing into Lin Ran's body through intense heat.

Using beastly vitality to replenish human deficiency.

Heavenly spirit merges with blood—fierce as a dragon.

This was the Heavenly Spirit Dragon Blood Pill!

The surging blood aura battered Lin Ran's body. Though his skin appeared on the verge of collapse, just as it was about to rupture completely, a wave of emerald-gold Dou Qi surged up and repaired it.

That was Lin Ran's own Dou Qi—providing a last line of protection.

It was a slow and painful process, but Lin Ran could clearly sense his vitality growing stronger, richer by the moment.

The emerald-gold Pure Yang Dou Qi began to flow once more. His head, previously numb with pain, gradually cleared, filled with a cool and calming sensation.

The medicinal power of the Heavenly Spirit Dragon Blood Pill was finally being fully absorbed. Now that it had merged with his bloodline, the worst had passed.

What followed... was harvest.

Lin Ran sat cross-legged. With time, his damaged skin was restored. The blood-streaked cracks healed, forming scabs that fell away quickly—leaving not a single scar.

The dried skin peeled off in layers like a snake shedding, revealing fresh, pale skin underneath. It was as smooth as a woman's, yet its defense and sensitivity to natural energy were unimaginably strong.

The blood and essence of the pill had filled the gap in Lin Ran's Pure Yang physique. Now his body felt completely reforged—tough and flawless!

As the medicinal energy dispersed, Pure Yang Dou Qi once again flowed freely, and the Green Lotus Core Flame resumed burning.

At the same time, an invisible suction force spread from Lin Ran's body, pulling in all surrounding natural energy.

His aura began to fluctuate intensely.

Waves of vast Dou Qi flowed over his body like tides—rising and falling in an endless cycle.

Because of his blood deficiency, Lin Ran had stagnated for over a year. Only after devouring the Green Lotus Core Flame did he manage a small breakthrough.

Now that issue had been resolved, and his accumulated cultivation and foundation were finally surging forth.

The overwhelming energy fluctuations were clear signs of an impending breakthrough!

…

Jia Ma Empire.

Royal Palace.

Inside the grand imperial hall, Yao Ye sat behind a desk in full court dress, reading endless memorials from every region of the empire.

Her eyes, sharp yet weary, were shadowed with fatigue. Her brows had been furrowed all day without relaxing.

Her father had died young, so she was raised by her great-grandfather, Jia Xingtian, who always intended to groom her into an empress.

She had never disappointed him—whether in temperament or talent.

But before her grooming could finish, chaos erupted within the empire.

Pill King Gu He led a force of strong Jia Ma experts, along with Misty Cloud Sect's Yun Yun and alchemists from the Cloud Empire, to seek a Heavenly Flame in the Tager Desert.

But they failed. Not only did they not retrieve the flame, they also enraged the newly evolved Queen Medusa. Aside from Gu He and Yun Yun, the rest of the group was annihilated in the sands!

Following that, Misty Cloud Sect's former sect master broke through to Dou Zong and held a grand celebration.

Cloud Empire's alchemists demanded compensation, were refused, and in rage began a scorched-earth campaign.

Ten thousand soldiers and hundreds of thousands of civilians at the Ghost Gate Pass were slaughtered. The national gates stood wide open.

Now Cloud Empire, Mulan Empire, and Falling Goose Empire all watched greedily—and had already begun invading.

The empire faced internal and external crises. The court wanted to send troops—but had no one to send!

Jia Xingtian had no choice but to personally lead troops to the borders, leaving domestic affairs entirely to Yao Ye.

But right after Jia Xingtian departed, Yun Shan began expanding Misty Cloud Sect in all major cities—recruiting disciples aggressively.

Jia Ma plunged into turmoil and disaster!

'Great-grandfather… what should I do now…'

Yao Ye massaged her aching temples.

'Report!'

A eunuch suddenly rushed in, panting. 'Your Highness! Urgent news! Hai Bodong—the Ice Emperor—has returned to the Mittel Family!'

'What?!'

Yao Ye's pupils contracted as she leapt up, face darkening.

Aside from the royal family, three major clans existed in Jia Ma: the Mu Clan, Nalan Clan, and Mittel Family.

The Mu Clan had always been loyal to the royals. The Nalan Clan supported Misty Cloud Sect. The Mittel Family remained neutral.

With the empire in chaos, Yao Ye had hoped to secure their help, intending to pressure them with royal might if needed.

After all, their strongest fighter was only a Four-Star Dou Wang. And the royal family, aside from Jia Xingtian, still had a sixth-rank magical beast. If it came to force, Yao Ye had confidence.

But now, with Hai Bodong back, everything had changed.

'What is Ice Emperor's stance?'

'Unclear,' the eunuch said softly. 'But reports say he returned with someone else—someone he treats with great respect. The Mittel Family treats this person as they do Hai Bodong himself.'

Such deference shocked Yao Ye.

Who could make the Ice Emperor—once a renowned Dou Huang—so respectful?

The eunuch hesitated. 'Our sources believe... the man might be Xiao Yan of the Xiao Clan from Wu Tan City.'

'Xiao Yan? The one with the three-year engagement to Nalan Yanran?'

Yao Ye blinked, the memory of that notorious event resurfacing.

'It's not confirmed, but it's possible,' the eunuch said nervously. 'With Ice Emperor involved, we dared not probe too deeply.'

'It's probably him. At such a time, who else would dare use that name in the imperial capital?'

Nalan Yanran was the Nalan Clan's jewel—and Yun Yun's personal disciple.

If someone really shared Xiao Yan's name, they'd have changed it out of fear. Only the real one would be bold enough to show up.

'It must be for the three-year engagement... Hai Bodong's attitude means we might be able to win Xiao Yan over.'

Yao Ye mused aloud, then ordered, 'Prepare Xiao Yan's dossier.'

'Yes, Your Highness.'

Soon, the eunuch returned with the file.

Yao Ye scanned it, her expression shifting from curious to surprised, then finally focusing on one line:

'Second-Tier Alchemist.'

'At his age, already second-tier... If I remember correctly, the Alchemist Conference is in seven days?'

'Yes. But Xiao Yan hasn't signed up. Should I extend an invitation?'

'No need. He clearly doesn't intend to attend the guild event. Instead, let's host a royal pill appraisal. Send him a formal invitation.'

'Yes, Your Highness.'

'Also, send him intelligence on the Nalan Clan and Nalan Yanran.'

'Understood.'

Even if the Mittel Family already provided him such intel, the royal court had to show sincerity if they wished to win him over.

Watching the eunuch leave, Yao Ye sighed deeply.

'With Misty Cloud Sect on the rise, even Ice Emperor can't protect Mittel alone. Under the crushing weight of their might, cooperation with the royal family will be their only path.'

'Let's hope this works...'

She sat down again—but before opening the next file, another eunuch burst in.

'Terrible news, Your Highness! Mulan and Falling Goose Empires have launched a surprise attack on the southeastern border!'

'What?!'

…

Black Seal City, Holy Rain Sect.

While Lin Ran was in seclusion, Lü Yi had led Xiao Yixian and Qing Lin to establish the sect's basic structure.

Using the original Eight-Gate Hall as a base, they had smoothly absorbed all its properties and resources in Black Seal City.

The sect's core hall was even being rebuilt atop the ruins of the Black Seal Auction House.

'Looks like Master's retreat will take a while,' Lü Yi said with a sigh outside Lin Ran's inn, her face showing concern.

It had been half a month since Lin Ran entered cultivation with no sign of movement. If not for sensing his steadily rising aura, she would've feared something had gone wrong.

She wasn't as strong as Lin Ran, but she knew well: the stronger one was, the harder the breakthrough.

'Little Doctor Fairy's aura is stable,' Lü Yi commented, then turned to Qing Lin. 'Why don't you cultivate too? I'll keep watch.'

'No need, Sister Lü Yi. You have your hands full,' Qing Lin said softly. 'The sect is just getting started and needs you to handle things. Especially now—many people want to join. Even if core disciples require Master's approval, you could at least collect promising ones as outer members for now.'

'I'll take care of things here. If anything serious happens, I'll call you.'

'You're not worried at all, huh?'

Lü Yi smiled and patted Qing Lin's head.

Since Lin Ran retreated, she and Xiao Yixian had kept watch. But four or five days ago, Xiao Yixian went into seclusion after a sudden insight—aiming for Five-Star Da Dou Shi.

Meanwhile, Qing Lin, who'd just broken through to Da Dou Shi, didn't seem worried at all.

But Qing Lin knew herself best.

Her Green Snake Three-Flower Pupils still lacked bound magical beasts. The strongest was that Two-Headed Flame Spirit Serpent. Once she bound more, her growth would soar, and catching up to Xiao Yixian would be a matter of time.

'Very well. I'll leave it to you.'

Lü Yi departed briskly.

Building a sect required a leader's involvement, but Lin Ran had vanished into seclusion and left it all to her.

Territory, resources, personnel—it was a massive undertaking.

Watching her leave, Qing Lin felt Lin Ran's growing aura and smiled sweetly.

She waited quietly outside.

Three days passed.

On the fourth, violent energy erupted from Lin Ran's room. Strands of energy swirled above, forming a vortex and funneling into him through the crown of his head.

It lasted mere seconds before vanishing. Then—his eyes opened.

A powerful aura exploded from him. Without the Dou Qi barrier, it might've blown the room apart.

'Young Master!'

Qing Lin's eyes lit up with joy.

Though she couldn't sense his full power, her soul told her one thing—Lin Ran had made a massive breakthrough.

But something felt... off.

'Urgh!'

Before she could react, the space before her twisted. Lin Ran appeared, his fiery red eyes locking onto hers.

'Young Master…'

Qing Lin froze briefly. Seeing his blazing eyes, she understood.

She didn't resist. Instead, she leaned into his burning embrace and closed her eyes shyly.

'Please be gentle… Young Master…'

…

Gentle? Hardly.

Perhaps the Heavenly Spirit Dragon Blood Pill's energy was too overpowering. Even after full absorption, Lin Ran's blood was boiling with surging yang energy.

And poor Qing Lin…

She had just broken through to Da Dou Shi. There was no way she could endure Lin Ran's ferocity. If he hadn't come to his senses and given her pills midway, she might not have survived!

Even Queen Medusa, with her Dou Zong power and beast body, had struggled under Lin Ran's berserk state.

How could Qing Lin endure?

…

One day later.

At the dining table, Qing Lin blushed deeply as she lovingly served Lin Ran.

On the other end, the newly advanced Five-Star Da Dou Shi, Xiao Yixian, sulked and poked her food listlessly.

'She was here first. She was the first to serve Master. So why did Qing Lin beat her to it?'

'Damn that untimely breakthrough! If only she'd waited a bit longer…'

She grew more and more frustrated.

'Now that Master's blood is restored, chances like this won't come again… and I missed it!'

…

'That's the situation, Master—no, Sect Master.'

Lü Yi explained solemnly, 'I've absorbed all of Eight-Gate Hall's forces as outer members. I also selected many promising youths as reserves. However, the final decisions await your judgment.'

'Also, news of the Holy Rain Sect has spread. Many factions are watching us. I hope you'll make a public appearance to ease future challenges.'

'One more thing—we still lack techniques and Dou Skills…'

Lin Ran listened calmly, occasionally nodding in approval.

Lü Yi hadn't let him down. In such a short time, she had laid the foundation of a great sect.

'The Holy Rain Sect must rise as a top-tier force, so the structure must be impeccable.'

'You didn't recklessly accept random people, but kept them as outer forces. That's exactly what I wanted.'

He smiled, then took out three jade tokens and handed them to Qing Lin, Xiao Yixian, and Lü Yi.

As they curiously studied them, Lin Ran activated a soul transmission that sent vast information into their minds.

The three women felt their minds pause—and knowledge flowed in.

'Holy Rain Sect—Six Decrees of the Holy Sect.'

'There are six decree levels: Wood, Iron, Copper, Silver, Gold, and Jade. Only twelve Jade Decrees exist; 128 Gold; 365 Silver.'

'These three are forged by the Sect Master himself and reserved for inner sect disciples.'

'Copper, Iron, and Wood have no set limit and are used by outer disciples. They are crafted and distributed by inner disciples—limited only by crafting rank.'

'Jade Decree holders can forge Copper, Iron, and Wood Decrees, and may apply for Gold and Silver.'

'Gold Decree holders can forge Iron and Wood. Silver holders may only forge Wood.'

'The sect is built on contribution points. Points can be exchanged for techniques, pills, monster cores, and other treasures…'

The message wasn't long but laid out the sect's structure and principles clearly.

'You know I'm from Central Plains, and I won't stay in the Black-Corner Region long. But this is our first base and future headquarters—it must be built well.'

'I'm not obsessed with power. A sect can't be built by one person alone.'

Lin Ran looked at them and said softly, 'The future of the sect depends on you.'

The three exchanged glances. A sense of duty surged in their hearts, and they bowed deeply.

'We will not disappoint you, Sect Master!'

'Don't feel too pressured,' Lin Ran chuckled. 'Holy Rain Sect isn't a mere sect—it's more of an alliance.'

He thought of Yun Yun and the serpentine beauty.

'Soon, you'll have help. But for now, you must bear the brunt of the work.'

'I'll also be clearing the way—laying the foundation.'

Lü Yi's eyes sparkled. 'You mean…'

'The auction cleared out a lot of trash, but this place still harbors filth

.'

'Han Feng has likely made his moves by now, rallying the old monsters. Saves me the trouble of hunting them down one by one.'

'So now, I'll play the janitor of the Black-Corner Region.'

Lin Ran smiled faintly—his words calm, yet brimming with confidence.

'A joke, really. With my blood restored and power soaring…'

'I, Lin Ran, stand at the peak of Dou Zong. In this region, who can challenge me? Who dares stand in my way?'

(End of Chapter)