With Liu Xi's soul in the intermediate spiritual realm, the spiritual power and spiritual energy required to ascend to the upper world would be colossal.
Instantly, the celestial phenomena in the Wanyao Mountains underwent strange changes, and streams of spiritual energy invisible to ordinary people converged on the mountain peaks.
The source of all this was Liu Xi, who had begun his spiritual cultivation in the Xiong Zhan Cave House.
Xiong Zhan Cave House, Herbal Plaza.
Cao Ying's slender, alluring face was distorted with astonishment. As a high-level alchemist, she knew that this was a sign of spiritual advancement.
However, Liu Xi had always been at a slightly higher spiritual level than her. How could he be on the verge of advancing so quickly?
This moment dealt Cao Ying a heavy blow. She was already at a disadvantage, and now Liu Xi's spiritual growth had weakened her even more.
This threw Cao Ying into confusion, her beautiful face alternately expressing disappointment, determination, and finally admiration.
"If I have already been called a demoness, then what about Lord Liu Xi? Such talent far surpasses Cao Ying."
At the other end of the herbal plaza, Xiong Zhan stood with his hands behind his back, looking deep in thought. Not being an alchemist, he was usually unable to sense spiritual energy.
But at this moment, he sensed an unusual aura in the air. Perhaps it was the legendary substance needed for the Spiritual Realm's Soul.
"Is this spiritual energy? It is necessary for alchemists to reach the Soul Realm of the Spirit Realm and beyond."
"Master, your accomplishments are limitless. Now that you have reached the Soul Realm, you cannot be disturbed…"
Xiong Zhan turned and looked at the space outside the cave. His expression was solemn, and there was a sense of power in it. He gave a stern order:
"Is this an order? From now on, no human or animal is to come near me. Anyone who disobeys within a hundred feet of the cave will be killed!"
"Yes, the king's order!" Two voices echoed from outside the cave, respectfully responding.
Then the whistling sound of the wind could be heard, presumably spreading Xiong Zhan's order.
Meanwhile,
The Earth Core Soul Essence that Liu Xi had absorbed passed through his body and reached his forehead, fusing with his soul and continuously increasing its strength.
Furthermore, this surge of spiritual power fueled his cultivation of the Soul Tempering Technique, a seemingly endless supply of spiritual energy that steadily propelled Liu Xi toward the higher realms of the Spiritual Realm.
This was accompanied by a tearing pain in the depths of his soul as spiritual energy began to fill him.
Liu Xi frowned, his face slightly gloomy, and his body trembled slightly. The soul-rending pain was not a pleasant one.
Fortunately, he could feel his soul becoming more and more resilient and strong, and this thought was comforting.
That day, the strange celestial phenomenon finally changed again. It was as if the rain had stopped in an instant, the sky had cleared up, the wind and sun were shining brightly, and the accumulated spiritual energy was slowly dissipating.
And in the cave, a violent spiritual power was spreading, which made Zi Yan, Xiong Zhan, and Cao Ying feel despondent.
It was as if a flood or a beast was looking at them. This oppressive feeling came from the depths of the soul, and even Cao Ying was not immune to it.
This shocked Cao Ying even more. Cao Ying knew that she also had a spiritual soul, but Liu Xi was still suppressing it.
It was clear that Liu Xi's spiritual power had reached a terrifying level.
This spiritual power appeared and disappeared, and in the blink of an eye, it completely concentrated.
After many days, Liu Xi finally opened the door and walked out of the room with a smile on his lips and an indifferent expression on his face. His eyes shone like stars, radiating endless attraction.
"Brother, you are out."
As soon as Liu Xi left the room, Zi Yan, who was guarding the door, immediately spoke up. Her small face showed surprise and joy.
"Well, Zi Yan,
thank you for your hard work. I have been in seclusion for so many days now.
I hope I have not been absent for too long." Liu Xi nodded with a smile and reached out to stroke Zi Yan's head with a natural and intimate touch. Zi Yan narrowed her eyes, enjoying Liu Xi's touch. After a moment, she slowly said,
"It has been seven days. The Alchemy Realm will close in two days. I can take Senior Brother with me, but we will not be able to participate in the Alchemy Conference. Senior Brother woke up just in time."
"Ah, I see…"
Liu Xi let out a sigh of relief. If he didn't exceed the allotted time for the Alchemy Conference, that would be good. If he broke through to the Soul Realm but still couldn't participate in the Alchemy Conference, that would be a defeat.
"Well then, I'll head to the exit of the Alchemy Realm. What about you, Zi Yan and Xiong Zhan?"
Liu Xi lowered his hand, turned around, and walked out, turning to look at Zi Yan.
Zi Yan's face was beaming with pride as she ran to catch up with Liu Xi, jokingly:
"Of course, I'll go with Big Brother. Once we reach the exit of the Dan Realm, I'll take the big guy and leave first. The ruined little world won't hold me back."
Hearing Zi Yan's words, Liu Xi was overjoyed. After Zi Yan Realm had grown stronger, the spatial abilities of the Ancient Taixu Dragon Clan had gradually developed.
The Ancient Taixu Dragon that could freely roam the void would be an ideal mount. However, given the strength of the Ancient Taixu Dragon Clan, who would dare to use the Ancient Taixu Dragon as a mount?
Liu Xi dared!
Of course, not as a mount. Given Liu Xi's relationship with Zi Yan, it was clear that allowing Zi Yan to carry him through the void would not be a problem.
Liu Xi praised, "Yes, Zi Yan is becoming more and more reliable. With Zi Yan, there is no place in this world that we cannot go to."
Hearing Liu Xi's praise, Zi Yan became inexplicably excited. She put her hands behind her back, raised her snow-white chin and said:
"Of course, I will escape even from Ancient Dragon Island. Where else would I be trapped..."
Liu Xi: ...
(Considering the difference between Zi Yan and Elder Zhu Li, Liu Xi would never believe that Elder Zhu Li did not release the sea...)
Upon reaching the herbal plaza,
Liu Xi looked around in surprise. Where were the medicinal herbs that were previously scattered all over the plaza? How could it be so empty?
At this moment, Xiong Zhan and Cao Ying walked over. A smile crossed Xiong Zhan's stern face as he said,
"Congratulations, sir. You have taken another step forward. You will definitely go even further in the future."
Cao Ying smiled sweetly, but did not ask about Liu Xi's spiritual development. Everyone has their own secrets. She simply said,
"Sir, you have been in seclusion for quite some time. The Alchemy Realm will close in two days. Since you have appeared, we should leave as soon as possible."
Lu Xi was somewhat surprised to see Cao Ying patiently waiting for him for seven days. But Cao Ying's words were reasonable, and he nodded,
"Indeed, we should hurry to leave the Alchemy Realm. If we lose the right to participate in the Alchemy Conference, it will be very unpleasant."
"By the way, sir, this is for you!"
Before leaving, Xiong Zhan suddenly handed Liu Xi an emerald green ring. His expression showed reluctance, but he did not hesitate.
Liu Xi looked from the hesitant Xiong Zhan to the envious Cao Ying and realized what was in the ring.
After a long silence, Liu Xi finally accepted the ring, but slowly said:
"Sorry for refusing. If Brother Xiong needs any elixirs in the future,
please ask. Liu Xi will not refuse a friend's request!"