For a Seventh Grade Alchemist with the power of a high-level Dou Zong, refining a relatively common Heavenly Demon Puppet wasn't particularly difficult; it simply required following the steps to complete the task.
However, the process was somewhat tedious.
Thus, it took a full eight days for a brand-new Heavenly Demon Puppet, its arms glowing with brilliant silver, to finally appear before everyone.
Seeing the Heavenly Demon Puppet's familiar appearance, Zi Yan and Little Fairy Doctor were both slightly surprised.
"This Heavenly Demon Puppet is extremely similar to Chen Xiao's first one, about ninety percent alike!"
The Heavenly Demon Puppet on Chen Xiao had appeared many times, leaving a deep impression on Zi Yan and Little Fairy Doctor.
"Since they're both Heavenly Demon Puppets, it's not strange for them to look largely the same."
Little Fairy Doctor ruffled Zi Yan's hair, chuckling softly.
Zi Yan nodded slightly; it made a good deal of sense.
Chen Xiao chuckled, meeting the Grand Elder's gaze. He lightly bit his tongue, and a drop of blood containing a trace of his soul imprint slowly floated out, accurately landing on the puppet's forehead. It gradually seeped in, finally transforming into a thumb-sized dark red blood spot.
As this drop of blood entered the puppet's mind without obstruction, imprinting an indelible mark there, a faint, almost imperceptible spark of life slowly appeared in the puppet's empty black eyes.
At the same time, an invisible and intangible, yet definitely existing connection, formed between the person and the puppet.
The Grand Elder slowly withdrew the flames. It was then that the puppet twisted its still-stiff neck, faced Chen Xiao, and knelt on one knee, like a loyal guard.
This posture signified that the Heavenly Demon Puppet was complete!
"I didn't fail my mission. It's a pity my flames are only Beast Flames. Once Cao Ying grows a few more years and refines it with a Heavenly Flame, this Heavenly Demon Puppet could be even stronger!"
Looking at the stern puppet, the Grand Elder's slightly cloudy eyes held a hint of expectation.
For an alchemy family like the Cao Family, this kind of puppet was incredibly useful. Dealing with elixir lightning was just one aspect; it could also serve as a foundational asset.
One puppet could be passed down through many generations; even if the person was gone, the puppet would remain.
Moreover, it could continuously grow stronger by absorbing the power of lightning!
The slight regret was that the Heavenly Demon Puppet's upper limit depended on the refined body and the infused soul.
With the Cao Family's resources, it was quite hopeful to spend more effort and create a Heavenly Demon Puppet comparable to a high-level Dou Zun. However, if they wanted to go further, the probability was minuscule; they simply couldn't obtain a body and soul of that caliber.
"Thank you, Grand Elder."
Chen Xiao cupped his fists in thanks, then effortlessly placed the Heavenly Demon Puppet into his Storage Ring.
When he had initially advanced the Heavenly Demon Puppet, the subsequent condition was to slay the Earth Demon Old Ghost, which had already been completed.
However, Chen Xiao now understood the concept of advancing quite well. That advance was more like the previous advance of Foundation Establishment Spirit Liquid. Although the stipulated follow-up was completed, if he obtained the Foundation Establishment Spirit Liquid, he would still have to fill the suddenly appearing void.
The Heavenly Demon Puppet was likely the same.
Therefore, when Chen Xiao came to the Cao Family this time, he conveniently refined a Heavenly Demon Puppet.
If it was truly as he thought, he would use this puppet to fill the void. If he had miscalculated, having an extra Heavenly Demon Puppet was still a good thing.
"Hahaha, no need to be polite. If anyone should be thanking, it's my Cao Family who should be thanking you. I won't linger here as an eyesore; you young people are more comfortable together."
"By the way, this is a soul jade tablet, a relatively rare kind of strange jade. Inject a trace of your Soul Power into it. I've already arranged to contact the Void Ancient Dragon. If the person contacted is from Eastern Dragon Island, as you wish, I will crush the jade tablet, and you will sense it. Then, you won't need to conceal Miss Zi Yan's bloodline. If the person contacted is not from Eastern Dragon Island, I will keep the jade tablet safe. With the Pill Tower's protection, even if the ancient dragon race is domineering, they wouldn't dare do much."
The Grand Elder laughed heartily, taking out a jade tablet before leaving and saying.
Hearing this, Chen Xiao and the others were all somewhat surprised.
This kind of soul jade tablet had a similar effect to Cai Lin's method of maintaining contact with the Snake-People Race, allowing for many things to be done.
"The Grand Elder is very considerate."
Chen Xiao praised lightly, then injected a trace of Soul Power into the jade tablet.
The Grand Elder nodded slightly, put it away, and immediately left without further delay, waving his sleeve as he departed.
"Chen Xiao, now that things are settled, can we go explore other places?"
Perhaps realizing that she might have to return to her clan not long from now, Zi Yan grew a little impatient.
"Zi Yan, it's late now. Let's set off tomorrow morning. I'll leave with you both tomorrow morning."
Cao Ying walked in from outside the courtyard, saying with a light laugh.
Chen Xiao and the others needed to continue honing themselves and improving their strength.
As for her, she also had to return to the Pill Tower for further study to improve her alchemy skills.
Now, with only six or seven years until the thirty-year Pill Gathering, she was determined to win the championship!
Zi Yan looked at Chen Xiao, who nodded slightly.
Seeing this, Zi Yan obediently agreed.
Night fell.
Chen Xiao sat cross-legged alone in his room, summoning the newly refined Heavenly Demon Puppet from his Storage Ring.
Moonlight streamed in through the window, illuminating the Heavenly Demon Puppet's brilliantly silver arms, making them even more dazzling.
However, this moonlight seemed to possess an erosive magic. Under its illumination, the Heavenly Demon Puppet's body gradually blurred, completely vanishing within a few breaths, leaving not a single trace, as if it had never existed.
Chen Xiao closed his eyes and sensed carefully; even the soul imprint he had placed inside the Heavenly Demon Puppet had completely disappeared.
"Just as expected..."
Chen Xiao muttered to himself as he opened his eyes.
This outcome was well within his expectations.
He let out a soft breath, not dwelling on the matter, and pulled out a map to examine it.
The map was large and one he had drawn himself, encompassing all known regions of the Dou Qi Continent, including the Northwest Continent, Central State, Northernmost Continent, Southern Continent, Eastern Sea Coast, and more.
The Northwest Continent was detailed most extensively, down to its many empires, while other regions were comparatively generalized.
However, what was unique was that each of these regions had markings—some resembling flames, others profound ice, or various other symbols—representing the opportunities found in those places.
"Before reaching Dou Zong, it's all just child's play. Only by entering Dou Zong does one truly join the ranks of the strong on the continent. It's time to visit these places."
Having made up his mind, Chen Xiao took out a red pen and began planning his detailed route after leaving the Pill Domain.
His goal was simple: in the shortest time, travel the shortest distance, and obtain the most opportunities!
...
A new day dawned.
As the eastern sky began to lighten, a considerable crowd had already gathered at the Spatial Wormhole Plaza in Vast Sea City.
These individuals were all prominent figures from the Cao Family, rarely seen in public.
Their purpose in gathering here was simple: to bid farewell to those about to depart.
This included Chen Xiao and his two companions, as well as Cao Ying, who was returning to Holy Pill City.
After prolonged pleasantries, just as they were about to set off, Cao Ying finally handed a Storage Ring to Chen Xiao.
"Inside are two spare Sect Breaking Pills and some elixirs useful for the Dou Zong stage, all refined by the elders in recent years, of excellent quality. There are also some elixirs I personally refined to replenish Dou Qi. Take more with you on your travels; it's always good to be prepared. The next time we meet, I'll definitely be able to refine any elixirs you need!"
Chen Xiao nodded and accepted it. Under the direct gaze of many eyes, he couldn't say much, only earnestly stating, "We'll definitely be back before the Pill Convention."
After a brief exchange with Cao Ying, Chen Xiao turned to the Cao Family elders.
"Elders, Uncle, Aunt, we'll meet again!"
"Everyone, farewell." Little Fairy Doctor also bid a simple goodbye.
Zi Yan waved her small hand and was the first to step into the Spatial Wormhole.
Chen Xiao and Little Fairy Doctor followed close behind.
Watching the three depart, Cao Ying immediately stepped forward.
"Ying'er, I know you love alchemy, but from now on, you must also pay more attention to your cultivation, understand?"
Before the enchanting girl left, her mother gently advised her.
While Alchemists held esteemed status, in this world, strength ultimately reigned supreme.
Just like Little Fairy Doctor, though not an alchemist, during her time in the Cao Family, even the Honored One Kuyi, whom they regarded as a guest elder, would treat her with courtesy and respect.
Therefore, improving one's strength was always beneficial with no downsides.
No matter what one competed for, having greater strength provided more confidence.
Cao Ying nodded firmly, waved goodbye to her family, and stepped into the Spatial Wormhole.
Looking at the Spatial Wormhole, which had returned to stillness, several Cao Family elders couldn't help but sigh.
"One an ancient race, one a Void Ancient Dragon—compared to them, our Cao Family seems insignificant."
"That's how it is now, but it doesn't mean it will always be so. Ying'er's talent is exceptional; it's highly possible she'll become a giant of the Pill Tower in the future."
"We need to put more pressure on the young ones in the family when we get back. The family's future can't rely entirely on Ying'er."
"Good idea!"
...
Two and a half days later, Falling God Ravine.
This place was located north of the Pill Domain, with an unusually bizarre topography.
The entire area here looked as if it had been repeatedly hacked by an ancient giant axe, with ravines crisscrossing everywhere, each fissure extending for thousands of feet.
Within these mountain ravines, it was unfathomably deep and permeated with deadly poisonous mist. Countless venomous creatures resided there, and the harsh natural environment made it a notoriously dangerous place within the Pill Domain.
Under normal circumstances, very few people would come to Falling God Ravine, except for those with specific needs.
However, at this moment, three figures were rapidly approaching from the distant horizon. As they drew closer, their identities became clear.
This combination of one man, one woman, and one child was none other than Chen Xiao and his two companions, who had come from Vast Sea City.
The three slowly descended onto a towering peak, gazing into the distance. A vast and boundless plain of chaotic rocks stretched before their eyes, seemingly without end.
On the ground, grotesque dark fissures spread like a spiderweb, or like the gaping, fanged maw of a demon erupting from the earth, extending all the way to the horizon. The fissures were hazy, filled with bone-chilling cold, making one feel awe and a shiver down their spine at the sight.
"Chen Xiao, are we going to cultivate in seclusion here?"
Jumping down from Chen Xiao's back, Zi Yan surveyed the infamous deep ravine, showing no fear of it.
The reason for her bravado was probably because she was riding on someone else's coattails.
After all, having a Three-star Dou Zun by your side was incredibly reassuring.
No matter how dangerous the Falling God Ravine was, there were only recorded cases of Dou Zong perishing there; there was never any mention of it being inaccessible to Dou Zun.
"This place is rarely visited, so it's a good spot for isolated cultivation. But before we break through, there's a small matter we need to take care of," Chen Xiao said with a nod and a smile.
In Central State, there were actually many ways to advance to Dou Zong.
You could cultivate in seclusion, or you could take a Sect Breaking Pill.
Alternatively, there were strange places like the Heavenly Mountain Blood Pond in the Heavenly Eye Mountain Range in the northern region of Central State, which also had the effect of aiding breakthroughs.
However, these places all had one thing in common: they weren't always open.
Take the Heavenly Mountain Blood Pond, for instance; it only opened once every three years.
As luck would have it, when Chen Xiao and the others arrived in Central State, the Heavenly Mountain Blood Pond had just opened once, so that place was destined to be out of their reach.
Therefore, if they wanted to break through to Dou Zong, they either had to take a Sect Breaking Pill to increase their chances of success or find other fortuitous locations.
Given this, Chen Xiao immediately decided to first try taking a Sect Breaking Pill.
"What matter?"
"First, we deal with the threats. There's more than one Seventh-tier Magical Beast in the Falling God Ravine, including a Seventh-tier Heavenly Poison Scorpion Dragon Beast. It's our target for this trip."
Upon hearing this, Little Fairy Doctor's heart stirred.
The name Heavenly Poison Scorpion Dragon Beast was all too familiar to her.
"Leave it to me. You've already delayed too long because of my matters. There's no need to waste more time with it."
"Alright, we'll go straight in and find it."
Chen Xiao nodded in agreement, immediately picked up Zi Yan, and led the way into the ravine.
When their strength was insufficient, they had to be cautious. Now, with the Dou Zun-level Little Fairy Doctor accompanying them and knowing that there were no Eighth-tier Magical Beasts in the Falling God Ravine, the three simply chose to fly directly through.
The hazy toxic mist obscured their vision, making it difficult for the three to see the scene within the ravine. They could only rely on their Soul Power to discern direction.
Along the way, the three didn't fly very fast. Occasionally, they could hear the roars of Magical Beasts, bringing with them a foul wind that swept towards them.
But Little Fairy Doctor only needed to slightly reveal her aura to make these Magical Beasts turn back, retreating three paces faster. Only some unintelligent poisonous insects fearlessly lunged towards the sky.
In response, whether it was Chen Xiao or Little Fairy Doctor, a single strike was enough to obliterate a large number of them, posing no threat whatsoever.
In this state, after spending more than an hour, Chen Xiao finally, relying on his heavily restricted Soul Power, found their target.
"We're here! This is it!"
Landing on a mountainside, the three looked up into the distance. Through the dense toxic mist, a massive white stone fortress was dimly visible.
The closer the three got, the more they could feel the majestic grandeur of the stone fortress. It covered dozens of feet in area and was equally tall, standing on the mountainside like a crouching ancient beast.
"This poisonous scorpion sure knows how to enjoy itself," Zi Yan muttered softly, observing the stone fortress.
*Roar!*
It was also at this moment that the ground beneath their feet suddenly vibrated violently. Immediately, an earth-shattering dragon's roar erupted from within the stone fortress, sweeping out like a gale and sending all the loose stones on the ground flying!
"Hahaha, foolish human ants! How dare you trespass into my king's territory? Are you here to die?"
As the dragon's roar echoed, a booming laugh, like rolling thunder, also emanated from the stone fortress, then spread out like ripples.
After the laughter subsided, a sharp whooshing sound was heard. A blood-red figure flashed out of the stone fortress like lightning. A pair of dragon wings, ten Zhang in size, extended from its back, and behind it was a blood-colored scorpion tail, over ten meters long, with a sharp, cold glint at its tip.
Its figure hovered in the sky, wings spread, poisonous tail like a snake, howling towards the heavens, its toxic aura overwhelming!
A Seventh-tier Heavenly Poison Scorpion Dragon Beast, its strength was no less than that of a high-level Dou Zong, making it the undisputed overlord of this place.
This Heavenly Poison Scorpion Dragon Beast could be described as terrifying. However, looking at the figure with spread dragon wings in the sky from afar, and feeling that overwhelming aura, the three had not a trace of fear in their eyes, only a hint of curiosity.
Because of Little Fairy Doctor's Woeful Poison Body, the name Heavenly Poison Scorpion Dragon Beast was already deeply ingrained in their minds.
But it wasn't until this very moment that they finally got to see a Heavenly Poison Scorpion Dragon Beast.
And a living one at that!
"Oh, there's a little beauty! Your body… no, could it be that you possess the Woeful Poison Body? Hahaha, excellent! If that's the case, then obediently stay and become my woman. This king will make your Woeful Poison Body bear the most perfect, purest-blooded offspring for me!"
The Heavenly Poison Scorpion Dragon Beast hovered high in the sky, its gaze sweeping over the three. It instantly ignored Chen Xiao and Zi Yan, directly locking onto Little Fairy Doctor, its eyes filled with endless greed.
Hearing the poisonous beast's words, Little Fairy Doctor felt disgusted. Her beautiful eyes looked at Chen Xiao, and noticing his killing intent becoming increasingly solid, she couldn't help but smile.
Little Fairy Doctor tugged on Chen Xiao's hand. When he looked at her, she shook her head slightly and chuckled.
Then, she took a step forward, raised her delicate hand, and spoke softly.
"Spatial Strangulation!"
As her voice fell, Little Fairy Doctor's delicate hand suddenly clenched.
In an instant, the space in this area violently fluctuated. The space where the Heavenly Poison Scorpion Dragon Beast was located rapidly distorted, and even spatial wrinkles subtly appeared.
*Crack!*
As soon as the wrinkles emerged, a dark rift appeared directly in that space, and the Heavenly Poison Scorpion Dragon Beast's body was forcibly cut apart by the space, bringing with it a rain of blood that splattered down from high in the sky.
In a single breath, a Seventh-tier Magical Beast, comparable to a high-level Dou Zong, had perished.
Dou Zun experts were truly terrifying!
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