Battle Through the Heavens: Heavenly comprehension

Xiao Yan's talent was so extraordinary that even Yao Lao, an eighth-tier alchemist, was left in utter shock after witnessing Xiao Yan's abilities one after another.

Whether it was Dou Qi cultivation, Dou Techniques, or alchemy, Xiao Yan demonstrated an unparalleled aptitude. His first attempt at alchemy had already shown such mastery that he handled it as if it were second nature.

But what truly astounded Yao Lao was the way Xiao Yan neutralized the painful side effects of Burning Blood, a fourth-tier medicinal liquid.

This level of terrifying insight pushed Yao Lao to the brink of disbelief.

It wasn't as though Xiao Yan had only just encountered the Burning Blood formula. However, deducing the effects of the medicinal liquid merely from examining its ingredients and briefly inhaling its scent—and subsequently devising a way to counteract its flaws—all in such a short time, only served to highlight his monstrous talent.

Such brilliance was the final straw for Yao Lao.

With his body's strength rapidly increasing, Xiao Yan's ability to absorb heaven and earth energy also surged dramatically.

The power of a five-star Dou Practitioner was once again on the brink of a breakthrough...

Watching the growing influx of energy gathering around Xiao Yan, the four maids—Chun Ying, Xia Ying, Qiu Ying, and Dong Ying—covered their mouths in astonishment.

After exchanging glances, the four placed the empty jade bottles on the bedside table and quietly exited the room, their steps light and deliberate.

The next morning, Xiao Yan felt invigorated as he practiced his Star Shift Technique and Reincarnation Calamity in the courtyard.

However, as he alternated between the two vastly different styles, he realized something was amiss.

The Star Shift Technique, with its focus on concentrated explosive power, was too rigid. After delivering a single powerful strike, it left a temporary window of vulnerability. If the initial attack failed, it would leave one open to counterattacks.

In contrast, the Reincarnation Calamity, which relied entirely on borrowing the opponent's strength, was overly soft. If an opponent's attack was either overwhelmingly powerful or exceptionally fast, it would exceed the technique's ability to redirect force, rendering it ineffective.

After contemplating all night, Yao Lao had finally gained some insight.

Previously, he was baffled by Xiao Yan's automatic cultivation abilities and couldn't figure out what kind of constitution Xiao Yan possessed.

Although Yao Lao still didn't know the exact nature of Xiao Yan's body, he had begun to understand some of its unique properties.

Xiao Yan's aptitude—his comprehension—was simply otherworldly!

His genius was beyond measure, allowing him to grasp profound truths from seemingly insignificant details.

Thinking back, Yao Lao realized that any plan to make Xiao Yan suffer through adversity was simply unrealistic.

Through the spirit connection of the Bone Flame Ring, Yao Lao glanced at Xiao Yan, who was once again enjoying the company of his maids. With a heavy sigh, he muttered, "The times… have changed."

In his day, becoming a Dou Sovereign was a grueling process, fraught with numerous life-and-death crises.

While there had been many geniuses among his contemporaries, few reached the pinnacle without undergoing immense trials. Most either fell along the way or faded into obscurity.

"Dou Practitioner, six-star!"

Xiao Yan clenched his fists, his eyes brimming with excitement.

It had only been a few days since he officially began cultivating his new technique, yet his progress was astonishing.

He was confident that, when the time came to face the Green Lotus Core Flame or the Fallen Heart Flame, he would handle them with ease.

"All thanks to the effects of the Burning Blood," he murmured.

After the maids left, Yao Lao's voice echoed in Xiao Yan's mind.

"It's only because of my Burning Blood that you've made such progress."

Xiao Yan chuckled. "Teacher, don't flatter yourself."

"If I hadn't sensed the volatile energy within the Burning Blood and guided its power using my years of Dou Qi cultivation experience, the Xiao Clan would've been kept awake all night by my screams."

Damn! This kid's comprehension really is insane! Yao Lao couldn't help but curse inwardly.

"I was merely testing you," Yao Lao replied, clearing his throat. "Without enduring some hardship, how else will you surpass your peers? And how else will you be able to merge with Heavenly Flames in the future?"

Xiao Yan merely smiled without responding. While it was true that fusing with a Heavenly Flame at the Dou Practitioner level was nearly suicidal, what if he waited until he reached the Dou King or Dou Emperor levels?

With his strength vastly increased, coupled with his body refinement technique, an improved Burning Technique, and more potent support tools, he was confident in his success!

After some discussion, Yao Lao said, "You've used up all the Burning Blood. If you want to maintain this level of cultivation speed, you'll need to acquire new materials."

"With the Coagulating Blood Powder I refined yesterday, that won't be a problem. I was just about to visit the Mittel Auction House," Xiao Yan said with a faint smile.

"Why not sell it through the Xiao Clan's marketplace?" Yao Lao asked, puzzled.

"The Xiao Clan can help me gather materials for the Burning Blood, but they're powerless when it comes to rarer items like Beast Flames," Xiao Yan replied.

He added silently to himself: When I ascend to the Dou Emperor rank, the bloodline effects will elevate the Xiao Clan as a whole. There's no need for them to fight and struggle now—they can live a peaceful and prosperous life.

Moreover, Xiao Yan was aware that the Soul Hall had likely already extended its reach into the Jia Ma Empire. He was already drawing enough attention as a prodigy; there was no need to further provoke the Soul Hall.

The Xiao Clan's tragedy would never repeat itself.

After refining his strategy with Yao Lao, Xiao Yan made his way to the Mittel Auction House.

Moments later, in the reception hall of the auction house,

Rows of neatly arranged jade bottles filled the room, each containing Xiao Yan's refined Coagulating Blood Powder.

The medicinal paste, a rich crimson hue, emitted a dense, aromatic fragrance that uplifted the spirits of those who caught its scent.

Gu Ni, a second-tier alchemist, examined the jade bottles with astonishment.

"What an extraordinary healing salve! The quality is remarkable."

Even though the product's value wasn't astronomical, the sheer quantity and high quality of these Coagulating Blood Powders represented a considerable profit for the Mittel Auction House.

"The old gentleman's alchemy skills are truly impressive," Gu Ni said, his admiration genuine. "To produce such a large quantity of high-quality medicinal paste in just one day is a feat even comparable to some fifth-tier alchemists."

(End of Chapter)

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