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**
In the darkness of the void, there was no real sense of time passing.
Wei Yang estimated that since he entered the magma until now, about three days had gone by. That faintly glowing bronze gate had become the only source of light in this dark world. Not far in front of the gate, Zi Yan was lying quietly, breathing steadily, sound asleep.
At this moment, the violent energy within her body had gradually begun to calm down. It was clear that the energy output and absorption inside her body were starting to form a delicate balance.
Whether it was the energy from the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit or the energy from the Dragon Seal, both had reached a point of equilibrium. Of course, all of this was thanks to Zhu Kun's guidance and control.
He sat cross-legged beside Zi Yan, holding her small hand, his mind constantly focused on the condition within the little girl's body, not moving an inch from her side. On his face was a trace of gentle affection.
He looked just like an ordinary middle-aged father—there was no trace of the majesty one would expect from the Dragon Emperor, a peak Nine-Star Dou Sheng expert.
Wei Yang was also seated nearby, softly recounting what he knew about Zi Yan's experiences over the years. He spoke of the Jia Nan Academy, then the Central Plains, and finally their return to the Academy—completing a full circle.
Zhu Kun listened quietly, his expression calm, yet in his eyes, that faint glimmer of guilt refused to fade.
"Senior, that's all I know." Wei Yang finished, smiling slightly.
"Mhm, thank you for your effort." Zhu Kun nodded, his tone polite.
Wei Yang chuckled.
"My daughter's absorption of the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit and my blood essence will not encounter any problems under my watch. Once she successfully refines all this energy, she should reach the Dou Sheng realm."
Zhu Kun continued, "But this process will likely take about three to four years. During that time, she must stay here. Wei boy, what are your plans?"
Hearing that, Wei Yang fell silent in thought.
Three or four years—it was quite a while.
But when he thought of those two Ban Shengs outside, he couldn't help but smile bitterly. After all, he had killed so many of their clansmen. They definitely hated him to the bone and were most likely waiting right outside for him to come out.
"Is there some difficulty?" Zhu Kun asked after noticing his expression.
"There's a little trouble, but it's nothing serious. I can handle it myself." Wei Yang shook his head lightly. "Actually, I was planning to go into seclusion for a while and attempt to break through to the Nine Changes stage. I'll trouble you to let me stay here for some time, Senior."
"You're planning to step into the Nine Changes stage, huh?" Zhu Kun didn't seem surprised.
Then, after a moment of thought, he immediately understood what Wei Yang's 'little trouble' referred to. The lizard clan outside, with their two Ban Shengs—of course he knew about them. Clearly, if Wei Yang wanted to leave, he couldn't avoid them.
Since Wei Yang wished to resolve it himself, Zhu Kun didn't interfere.
"This place is quiet, with no one to disturb you. Choosing to cultivate here is a wise decision," Zhu Kun said with a smile. "Though this place is lifeless, the energy here is actually quite abundant."
Wei Yang also smiled, reaching out casually. A strand of pure energy condensed in his hand, and he lowered his gaze to observe it.
This energy wasn't only pure—it also carried a faint trace of heat within. After all, this was the Tuo She Ancient God's Mansion. Energy was never in short supply here.
Since it was located deep within the magma, the energy's source was naturally connected to the boundless sea of molten lava outside. Thus, it was perfectly normal for the energy to contain a fiery attribute.
"With your current accumulation, stepping into the One-Change should be easy. It's just a matter of time," Zhu Kun said. "But after the One-Change, the energy required for each subsequent change will grow exponentially. Are your preparations sufficient?"
Wei Yang thought for a moment. He had twenty pieces of Dou Sheng Bone Marrow and seventeen Fire Beads of Dou Zun grade—ranging from low to high tier. His preparation was quite sufficient.
He nodded. "Not bad. I might not be able to reach Nine Changes right away, but getting to seven or eight shouldn't be too difficult."
"Seven or eight turns, huh? I didn't expect you to be so well-prepared." Zhu Kun's gaze flickered slightly. After hesitating for a moment, he let out a faint sigh.
He raised his right hand, his fingers forming a blade, and with a swift motion—slash!—he cut open his chest once again.
Wei Yang was instantly dumbfounded.
Senior, why are you self-harming again?!
Zhu Kun's mind stirred, and a ball of blood the size of a fist emerged from his heart. Immediately after, the flesh around his wound began to regenerate rapidly—at a speed far faster than before—healing completely in the blink of an eye.
"Considering Zi Yan's sake, I'll give you a little advantage this time." Zhu Kun cast Wei Yang a faint glance, then his hands began to form a series of mysterious seals. Waves of vast energy surged into that floating mass of blood.
By the time the final seal was formed, the blood had condensed into a thumb-sized crystal of purple-gold, suspended in midair, radiating a gentle halo of light.
"Take it."
Before Wei Yang could react, the purple-gold crystal transformed into a streak of light and shot toward him, stopping right before his chest.
"Senior, this is—!" Wei Yang's eyes widened in shock.
This has to be… your heart's blood again, right, Zhu Kun? Seriously? You're just handing out heart's blood like it's nothing?!
Though astonished, Wei Yang didn't hesitate. He quickly reached out and caught the blood crystal with practiced efficiency.
This was the heart's blood of a peak Nine-Star Dou Sheng Ancient Void Dragon. No way was he going to waste even a second—hesitating would've been an insult to Zhu Kun himself.
Seeing Wei Yang's delighted expression, Zhu Kun said calmly, "It's not as precious as the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit, but it should be more than enough to help you reach the peak of Nine Changes. Consider it a small repayment for the favor I owe you."
"Senior, you're too polite," Wei Yang replied with a cheerful grin.
"If you ever need to leave, you can," Zhu Kun continued. "I can tell your physique is extremely strong—comparable to our Ancient Void Dragon Clan. You can place this blood crystal near your heart.
When the critical moment comes, activate it, and the energy will flow through your body, temporarily granting you the power of a high-level Ban Sheng.
Your body won't collapse from the strain, at least for a short time. With that strength, even if you can't defeat those two Ban Shengs outside, you should at least be able to escape."
"Thank you, Senior." Wei Yang cupped his hands respectfully. "For now, I'll stay here in seclusion."
"As you wish." Zhu Kun closed his eyes and withdrew his attention, turning his focus entirely to Zi Yan once more. He had done everything he could.
Whatever Wei Yang chose to do next was his own business.
Seeing that, Wei Yang wisely took his leave, moving some distance away before sitting cross-legged. He began circulating his cultivation technique, adjusting his condition in preparation for officially stepping into the One-Change.
Run away? Impossible.
That would be a complete waste of the blood crystal's energy. Besides, there was nothing urgent outside. Seclusion was seclusion—what difference did it make where he did it?
Once he reached the peak of Nine Changes, he could leave whenever he wanted. So what if there were Ban Shengs waiting?
The dark void once again fell into deep silence.
Zhu Kun remained by Zi Yan's side, never leaving, carefully guiding and assisting her in refining the medicinal power within her body.
According to ancient records, the energy contained within the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit was vast enough to push the Ancient Void Dragon bloodline directly to the Dou Sheng realm. Every time Zhu Kun thought of this, his heart filled with joy.
Though the Ancient Void Dragon Clan was immensely powerful, attaining sainthood was still a nearly impossible feat. Even with Zi Yan's pure and royal bloodline, achieving the Dou Sheng realm was far from easy.
Without sufficient opportunity, this single step could take countless years of slow accumulation. After all, achieving the Heaven Soul Realm was no simple task. Even with the support of bloodline power to nourish and strengthen the soul, it remained extremely difficult.
This bottleneck—the Soul Realm—was what trapped most Dou Zun and Ban Shengs, preventing them from ever breaking through. From a distance, after adjusting his condition, Wei Yang glanced over silently.
Compared to the original course of events, Zi Yan's current situation was far superior. Her bloodline power would be awakened to an unprecedented degree.
With Zhu Kun's help—his heart's blood and the Dragon Seal assisting her—Zi Yan's strength after refining the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit would far surpass the original.
Perhaps when she returned, she could effortlessly quell the Four Islands conflict and unify the entire Ancient Void Dragon Clan.
Hoo~
Exhaling softly, Wei Yang smiled faintly.
"I've got to work hard too. Otherwise, if I fall too far behind that girl, she'll never let me hear the end of It." he muttered under his breath.
One-Change.
Let's begin!
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