Battle Through the Heavens: Heavenly comprehension

Just as Xiao Yan began practicing his combat techniques, his extraordinary comprehension brought the process to an abrupt halt.

After completing Yao Lao's task of cultivating the Flame Splitting Tsunami Ruler, Xiao Yan started his own training.

He tidied up the cave, transforming it into a comfortable cultivation space, and took out materials he had purchased from the Mittel Auction House from his storage ring.

Yao Lao asked curiously, "What are you going to do with all that iron scrap?"

"Teacher, you don't think I'm going to spend the rest of my life making low-grade products like Blood Clotting Powder for the Mittel Auction House, do you? I'm planning to make some puppets to handle this repetitive, low-level work."

Xiao Yan released his Xuan Yellow Flame Dou Qi, smelting the materials while inscribing runes onto them.

At that moment, Yao Lao recalled the small iron puppets Xiao Yan used to make as a child.

"From making palm-sized trinkets to attempting alchemical puppets, this is quite the leap."

"If any puppet could refine pills, alchemists wouldn't be worth much anymore."

Xiao Yan shrugged. "Refining Blood Clotting Powder consists of two main steps: first, smelting the herbs to extract medicinal essence, and second, combining the essences. The entire process doesn't need to be done in one continuous sequence."

"It might be challenging for one puppet to manage the whole process, but if several work together, it becomes much simpler."

Glancing at the floating Yao Lao, Xiao Yan chuckled. "Teacher, why don't I make a puppet body for you? Floating around like a ghost all the time is quite creepy."

"Is this how you speak to your teacher?" Yao Lao scolded playfully before adding, "Even in my current soul state, with only twenty to thirty percent of my peak strength, I can still dominate this Jia Ma Empire."

"Save your iron scraps for those alchemy puppets," Yao Lao said with a dismissive shake of his head.

As an eighth-tier alchemist, Yao Lao refused to believe alchemical methods could be mastered by mere puppets. Refining low-grade powders might be acceptable, but as pill grades rose, such methods would undoubtedly fail.

Xiao Yan's dark eyes remained focused as he smelted the materials and inscribed runes. He then began assembling the components, completing the entire process seamlessly.

After more than two days, Xiao Yan finally completed his alchemy puppet team.

The team consisted of five puppets.

One puppet collected the refined medicinal essences and completed the final product, Blood Clotting Powder. Another merged the medicinal essences, while the remaining three handled the smelting of the herbs.

The puppets were identical in appearance.

Standing slightly over a meter tall, their chests were fitted with fire and wood attribute magic cores. The fire attribute cores were second-tier, while the wood cores were first-tier. They had purely metallic humanoid forms, inscribed with intricate patterns.

Seeing the finished puppets, Yao Lao was astonished and remarked with interest, "Try refining a batch of Blood Clotting Powder."

"Teacher, if I succeed, you'll have to accept a puppet body," Xiao Yan said with a sly grin.

Looking at the black skeleton-like puppets, Yao Lao shook his head. "Your puppets are too ugly. If you make them more aesthetically pleasing, then maybe."

"The one I prepare for you will naturally be different from these alchemy puppets—guaranteed to be exquisitely crafted," Xiao Yan said, rubbing his hands together.

Sensing Xiao Yan's mischievous intentions, Yao Lao changed the subject. "That's only if your alchemy puppets work."

"Just watch."

Xiao Yan snapped his fingers, producing a cauldron, a set of Blood Clotting Powder materials, and dozens of jade bottles. Clapping his hands, he gave the command:

"Alchemy puppets, activate!"

The magic cores in the puppets glowed, and their energy began circulating through the inscribed runes, activating all five puppets.

After scanning the cave, the puppets detected the materials and cauldron, promptly beginning their tasks in an orderly manner.

Watching the red glow of energy flowing through the puppets as they worked, Yao Lao's eyes narrowed sharply as the powder neared completion.

"Using runes with different wavelengths to generate flames of varying temperatures... As long as the energy follows the runes, these puppets can refine products with perfect consistency every time."

Xiao Yan nodded with a smile. Low-level alchemy was essentially a repetitive process.

This explained why alchemists like Liu Xi could barely meet the demands of a single marketplace. Once mastered, the process was exceedingly simple.

As the Blood Clotting Powder was sealed in jade bottles, Yao Lao had no choice but to admit that Xiao Yan had succeeded again.

The puppets operated smoothly, producing flawless Blood Clotting Powder—an otherworldly money-making machine!

Using materials supplied by the Mittel Auction House, Xiao Yan left the puppets to continue working as he stretched and removed the Bone Flame Ring from his hand.

"Teacher, you lost the bet. Time to make your puppet body."

"Make it exquisite," Yao Lao said, retreating into the ring with a final touch of pride.

Xiao Yan tapped the storage ring, producing an elegant puppet. With a flick of his finger, he inserted the Bone Flame Ring into the puppet's torso.

"Teacher, release your soul force and give it a try."

The puppet shuddered slightly, its eyes emitting a pale white glow as Yao Lao tested the new body.

"Didn't expect your puppet-making skills to be this good—it feels just like a real body."

Yao Lao nodded in satisfaction.

Then he froze, a sense of unease creeping over him. Summoning a reflective flame mirror, he stared at the elegant hummingbird-like puppet in its reflection.

Moments later, Yao Lao flew into a rage, pecking furiously at Xiao Yan. "This is the puppet body you prepared for me?!"

"Didn't you ask for something exquisite? Every feather on this puppet was painstakingly crafted by me—it's the finest work I've ever made!" Xiao Yan said, laughing as he dodged.

Landing on Xiao Yan's shoulder, Yao Lao sighed. "Fine, I'll accept it. A human-like body would attract too much attention anyway."

Chapter 50: Yao Lao's Puppet Body, Epiphany of the Three Thousand Flames

"You stay and rest in the cave; I need to get some fresh air." Flapping his wings, Yao Lao flew out of the cave.

Gazing at the starry sky, Xiao Yan rubbed his temples. Creating puppets was no easy task. Fortunately, with his current strength, he avoided the risk of collapsing from exhaustion.

At that moment, Xiao Yan blinked and suddenly looked up at the vast night sky.

"The power of the stars, the Three Thousand Flames, the Immortal Body!"

A sudden flash of inspiration struck him, causing his thoughts to surge like a fountain.

Due to various limitations, the alchemy puppets had to complete the refining of the Blood Coagulation Powder in separate steps.

Wasn't it possible that he should also take a phased approach in comprehending the Heavenly Flame, which was a much greater endeavor?

Trying to replicate the epiphany he had with the Mysterious Yellow Flame would be extremely difficult.

After all, not every Heavenly Flame provided a gentle boost to cultivation.

Sitting cross-legged at the entrance of the cave, bathed in the starlight, Xiao Yan began his comprehension.

Since the introduction of Burning Formula 2.0, its cultivation method had undergone a drastic transformation.

The most significant change was that Xiao Yan's fire-attribute Dou Qi needed to evolve to the level of a Heavenly Flame.

Moreover, through continuous growth, it had to reach the level of an Emperor Flame and ultimately surpass it.

The twenty-two Heavenly Flames on the Heavenly Flame Ranking each had unique abilities, and merely fusing them into an Emperor Flame would be wasteful.

Xiao Yan himself aimed to become the Emperor Flame while preserving all twenty-two Heavenly Flames.

Additionally, the method of advancing his technique had become more diversified.

Apart from fusing beast flames and Heavenly Flames to upgrade the technique, self-enlightenment and innovation of new techniques were also possible methods of advancement.

Lastly, Xiao Yan had a specific vision for the preserved twenty-two Heavenly Flames—

They would embark on their own cultivation journeys, develop flame spirits, and grow independently.

Even the ancient Emperor Tuoshe was once just a weak Heavenly Flame. It was through cultivating Burning Formula that he became a legendary Dou Emperor.

Xiao Yan had absolute confidence in his exceptional talent.

With a Heavenly Flame perfectly suited to his technique, his achievements would not fall short of Emperor Tuoshe.

However, for now, he had yet to break through.

—

After flying out of the cave, Yao Lao, with his seasoned temperament, was naturally not just getting fresh air.

Using his spatial power, Yao Lao's figure vanished from the valley and reappeared at the Xiao Clan residence.

After identifying his location, he slipped through a small hole in a rock formation with ease and dived deep underground, reaching a secluded cultivation chamber known only to a few in the Xiao Clan.

Ever since his brush with death, Xiao Lin had abandoned any ambitions of leading the family to greatness.

He had chosen to stay in the ancestral homeland of Wutan City, determined to live as long as possible and act as the Xiao Clan's final safeguard to ensure his grandson's growth.

Over the past eight years, with his innate talent, Xiao Lin had made significant progress in cultivation, advancing to the rank of a Three-Star Dou King.

"Who goes there?!" Like a lion awakened from slumber, Xiao Lin opened his eyes, and green Dou Qi condensed on his face, quickly forming a ferocious lion head.

"Your perception isn't bad, but your cultivation technique is holding you back," Yao Lao commented.

Seeing a talking bird, Xiao Lin was startled but soon recognized the power gap between them. He respectfully asked, "Senior, may I ask who you are?"

"You have a good grandson and decent luck," Yao Lao flapped his wings, sending three beams of light before Xiao Lin.

Upon seeing the three items, Xiao Lin took a sharp breath.

"High-grade Earth-class technique, Heavenly Wind Rift Technique, high-grade Earth-class skill, Storm Dimensional Rift, and Dou King cultivation and breakthrough insights!"

Each of these treasures would spark a frenzy among the strongest experts in the entire Northwestern region, let alone the Jia Ma Empire.

"Are you my grandson Xiao Yan's teacher?" Xiao Lin did not reach for the treasures but stood up and cupped his fists respectfully.

Yao Lao smiled and said, "Your daughter-in-law must have told you. The Xiao Clan has truly produced an outstanding disciple for me."

"Her talent is excellent, and with a suitable technique, she has far surpassed you. In the Jia Ma Empire, few can rival her."

Xiao Lin nodded with a hint of embarrassment. In truth, the Xiao Clan's strongest individual had changed years ago.

However, the family remained low-key, and few outsiders were aware of it.

Yao Lao spoke solemnly, "Xiao Yan cannot stay in this remote city forever. Sooner or later, he will leave the Jia Ma Empire. The continent is in turmoil, and being my disciple means facing many formidable foes."

"There is still a long period of peace. You must cultivate diligently to become his support in the future. With your talent and my guidance, you should reach the Dou Ancestor level within three to four years."

Xiao Lin's expression turned serious. "Thank you for your guidance, senior. I will not let you down."

Xiao Lin harbored no resentment towards Yao Lao for bringing trouble to the Xiao Clan. Instead, he earnestly studied the cultivation technique.

He knew that his grandson was an extraordinary talent. While the Xiao Clan could protect him in the Jia Ma Empire, they could not provide the rare resources needed for his cultivation.

Yao Lao's arrival perfectly filled this gap.

Seeing Xiao Lin's dedication, Yao Lao nodded in satisfaction and flew out of the underground chamber with a somewhat heavy heart.

If Xiao Yan were just an ordinary genius, even with seven years of pure Dou Qi nourishment, his soul power wouldn't have recovered significantly.

Many things, even if he wished to intervene, would be beyond his ability.

However, Xiao Yan's exceptional talent, coupled with seven years of uninterrupted nourishment, had restored his soul power to its peak.

Before returning to the Central Plains, he was determined to establish a formidable force.

Even a child in the Central Plains knew about the continent's power structure: One Hall, One Tower, Two Sects, Three Valleys, and Four Pavilions.

Compared to the Soul Hall, the Falling Star Pavilion was merely an oversized ant.

Relying on Feng Xian and himself would only buy time; only by giving Xiao Yan ample cultivation time could they protect the Falling Star Pavilion and defeat the Soul Hall.

—

Under the starlight, Xiao Yan gradually sensed the uniqueness of this celestial energy.

[Through years of cultivation and extraordinary soul perception, you have achieved enlightenment. You have comprehended the secret technique: Three Thousand Star Technique.]

[Three Thousand Star Technique: Absorb star power to nourish the body and ultimately refine the Three Thousand Flames within the Dou Qi whirlpool.]

Xiao Yan had initially expected his next enlightenment to be related to Yin-Yang Flames or the Ten Thousand Beast Spirit Flame.

Unexpectedly, this sudden inspiration led him to comprehend a technique that enhanced his Mysterious Yellow Flame Dou Qi with the effects of the Three Thousand Flames.

Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yan changed his hand seal, and his body trembled slightly as silvery light particles gathered from the air, entering his body.

These silver specks, highly concentrated star power, flowed through his meridians.

For the first time absorbing star power, Xiao Yan felt an energy gentler than Dou Qi itself.

As the star power circulated through his meridians, the fatigue from crafting puppets for days vanished completely.

No wonder the Three Thousand Flames could grant an "Immortal Body"!.

(End of Chapter)

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