[Does the host accept the Soul Devouring Art?]
As Gu He's consciousness came into contact with the black scroll, the system's notification sounded.
"Of course!" Without hesitation, Gu He made his choice immediately.
In the next moment, Gu He felt a slight dizziness as a torrent of information flooded his mind. The sheer volume of information was like a sharp blade, cutting through his consciousness and embedding itself deep within his soul.
With his eyes tightly closed, Gu He focused his mind, immersing himself in the overwhelming stream of knowledge.
After what felt like an eternity, a thin layer of cold sweat formed on his eyelashes, and a faint smile of satisfaction appeared at the corner of his lips.
By the end, Gu He's chest heaved rapidly, his excitement palpable. He remained motionless, fully absorbed in the profound secrets now etched into his mind.
It wasn't until three hours later that he finally opened his eyes, his dark pupils gleaming with exhilaration.
"The Soul Devouring Art can actually devour the souls of others to enhance my own soul power!" Recalling the details of the Soul Devouring Art, Gu He's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Not only that, but it also allows me to access the memories contained within the devoured souls!"
"Such an ability is truly terrifying!" As he contemplated the heaven-defying effects of the Soul Devouring Art, Gu He couldn't help but marvel at its power.
This was indeed a god-grade technique, a treasure beyond measure.
For alchemists, the cultivation of soul power was of utmost importance.
Unlike the cultivation of battle qi, which could be honed through rigorous training, the growth of soul power was far more challenging.
The higher one's level, the more difficult it became to advance. This was why high-tier alchemists were so rare on the Dou Qi Continent.
But now, with the Soul Devouring Art in his possession, Gu He could directly enhance his soul power by devouring the souls of others. For other alchemists, this would be akin to cheating.
After a while, the initial excitement in Gu He's heart gradually subsided, replaced by a flicker of caution.
Although the Soul Devouring Art was immensely powerful, it was not something he could use openly.
If others were to discover this bizarre and sinister technique, even Gu He, as a sixth-tier alchemist, might find himself in grave danger.
Therefore, he resolved to use the Soul Devouring Art with utmost discretion in the future.
"First, I need to stabilize my cultivation." Thinking of the rapid increase in his cultivation level, Gu He worried that his foundation might become unstable. He decided to return to his bedroom to meditate and consolidate his gains.
"Elder Gu He..."
Just as Gu He was about to begin his meditation, a clear and melodious voice, like the sound of pearls falling onto a jade plate, echoed from outside the alchemy room.
Hearing the voice, Gu He was momentarily startled. An image of an elegant and noble figure flashed through his mind.
'Yun Yun?'
'What is she doing here?' As one of Yun Yun's suitors, Gu He had a deep impression of her.
He immediately recognized the voice as belonging to the Sect Master of the Yunlan Sect, Yun Yun.
Could it be that the aura from my breakthrough earlier leaked out, and Yun Yun sensed it?
Gu He considered this possibility but quickly dismissed it.
'That shouldn't be the case!' According to Gu He's understanding, even if an alchemy furnace were to explode within the alchemy room, it wouldn't affect the outside world.
There was no reason for the aura of his breakthrough to have leaked out.
Though puzzled, Gu He didn't dare to keep Yun Yun waiting. After all, she was the Sect Master of the Yunlan Sect and a Dou Emperor powerhouse.
'Creak...'
Gu He rose slowly and opened the door. Standing before him was a figure clad in blue.
Even though he had inherited the memories of his past life and had a vivid impression of Yun Yun's appearance, seeing her in person still left Gu He momentarily breathless.
The woman before him had a graceful and delicate figure, draped in a simple yet elegant dress. Her black hair was tied up in a noble phoenix hairstyle, and her serene, beautiful face exuded an air of grace and nobility that even plain clothes couldn't conceal.
She wore a white robe, her ink-black hair cascading like a waterfall down to her slender waist. Her stunning features gave her the appearance of a celestial being, untouched by worldly concerns.
Her eyes were calm and deep, devoid of any competitiveness, radiating a sense of tranquility that seemed to penetrate one's very soul.
Of course, what caught Gu He's attention the most were her... assets.
As he gazed at the peerless beauty before him, a single thought crossed Gu He's mind: Magnificent!
While Gu He was admiring Yun Yun, her beautiful eyes were also studying him.
"Elder Gu He, you seem... different from before."
Yun Yun's heart stirred slightly as she observed Gu He's extraordinary demeanor and striking appearance.
"Elder Gu He, is something the matter?" Noticing Gu He's intense gaze, Yun Yun frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure flickering in her bright eyes.
Hearing this, Gu He quickly snapped out of his daze, a trace of embarrassment flashing across his face.
'This is so awkward...'
"Cough..." Clearing his throat to mask his discomfort, Gu He looked at Yun Yun and asked softly, "Sect Master, what brings you here today?"
Seeing that Gu He had averted his gaze, Yun Yun's expression softened slightly. She parted her red lips and said, "Elder Gu He, I've come to ask for your assistance in refining a Qi Gathering Pill."
As she spoke, she extended her jade-like hand, revealing a storage ring in her palm.
"Here are the materials needed for the Qi Gathering Pill. I apologize for the trouble, Elder Gu He."
Gu He was slightly taken aback. "Refining a Qi Gathering Pill?"
'So, she's here to request a pill. Wait a minute...' Suddenly, Gu He seemed to recall something, and an idea formed in his mind.
'Could it be...?' To test his theory, Gu He smiled slightly and asked tentatively, "Sect Master, the Qi Gathering Pill is used to help a ninth-stage Dou Disciple form a Dou Qi vortex with a 100% success rate."
"As far as I know, Yanran has already broken through to the Dou Practitioner level. Why would she need this...?" Gu He looked at Yun Yun with a hint of confusion.
Hearing this, Yun Yun felt a slight pang of dissatisfaction, thinking that Gu He was meddling in her affairs. However, considering his contributions to the Yunlan Sect over the years, she hesitated for a moment before explaining.
"As you know, Yanran is still bound by a marriage contract. Her fiancé is merely a third-stage Dou Disciple, a... waste. Yanran does not approve of this marriage and wishes to dissolve the engagement in Wu Tan City."
"Although breaking off the engagement is somewhat improper, I support Yanran's decision so that she can focus on her cultivation without distractions."
"This Qi Gathering Pill is meant as compensation for that boy." As she spoke, Yun Yun's tone carried a hint of apology.
After all, the Yunlan Sect's actions in this matter could be seen as bullying, and it was somewhat disgraceful.
"Ah, I see!" After hearing Yun Yun's explanation, Gu He immediately understood everything.
'This Qi Gathering Pill was being refined for Xiao Yan.'
'Soon, Nalan Yanran would take this pill to the Xiao family in Wu Tan City and forcefully dissolve the engagement.'
'And thus, the story of Battle Through the Heavens would begin with Nalan Yanran's annulment.'
It was this very act of breaking off the engagement that would ignite Xiao Yan's determination to grow stronger, ultimately leading to the downfall of Hun Tiandi.
Perhaps even Hun Tiandi himself never anticipated that his defeat would stem from Nalan Yanran's decision to dissolve the marriage.
…
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