After escorting Lin Yuan through the spatial barrier, Queen Medusa hurriedly left.
Earlier, she had been discussing matters with several commanders of the Snake-People Tribe. Sensing that the spatial barrier she had set up was being disturbed, she immediately put aside her affairs out of concern and rushed over to Lin Yuan.
Once she brought him out, she promptly returned.
With a thought, Lin Yuan released his Spiritual Strength to survey the surroundings. He discovered that the number of people in the Snake-People Holy City had noticeably decreased compared to over ten days ago. It seemed that Queen Medusa had accelerated the tribe's migration.
"My Queen really is decisive and efficient."
Letting out a light chuckle, Lin Yuan strode toward the palace where he had sensed Qing Lin earlier.
For this trip to Jia Ma Holy City, Lin Yuan planned to bring only Qing Lin with him, while Queen Medusa and Zi Yan would remain as mobile support.
When Lin Yuan arrived at Qing Lin's palace, her main body was seated with eyes closed in cultivation, emitting the aura of a Seven-Star Dou King. Meanwhile, her clone was studying a scroll.
Upon closer inspection, it was the Heavenly Illusion Spiritual Insight True Eye scroll.
"She's already mastered the Shadow Clone? That's faster than I expected," Lin Yuan murmured in slight surprise. "Not only has her cultivation broken through to Seven-Star Dou King, but she has also successfully cultivated the Shadow Clone. Qing'er's talent exceeds even my expectations."
Sensing Lin Yuan's arrival, Qing Lin immediately stopped cultivating and opened her eyes.
"Young Master, you've finished?"
She rose and walked over to him, her eyes filled with anticipation.
"Mm." Lin Yuan understood at once. He gently patted her head and smiled. "Well done, Qing'er. Your Shadow Clone has reached the initial stage of mastery. From here on, it will come naturally. As your cultivation and Spiritual Strength increase, the number of clones you can create will also grow."
Qing Lin rubbed her head lightly against his hand, her face blooming with a bright smile.
"By the way," Lin Yuan suddenly recalled a key point and asked in a serious tone, "can your clones use the power of the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils?"
"Mm…" Qing Lin touched her forehead thoughtfully before answering, "Some abilities can be used, while others cannot. Specifically, I can't use the abilities related to subduing or releasing the energy avatars of my subordinates. However, communication with them is still possible."
"I see." Lin Yuan pondered briefly before continuing, "Then is there any difference in the maximum communication range between your clones and your subordinates compared to your main body?"
"No. The communication range is the same," Qing Lin shook her head.
Hearing this, a trace of delight flashed through Lin Yuan's eyes. If so, the operational range of the Sky Network would be greatly expanded.
By turning clones into intermediary nodes, the original structure of Qing Lin's main body–subordinate could be optimized into main body–subordinate–clone–subordinate, effectively tripling the network's range.
This would not only allow information exchange across a much wider area but also greatly enhance Qing Lin's personal safety while using the Sky Network.
After thinking for a moment, Lin Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly.
"In that case, the only limiting factors for the Sky Network are the number of clones, their range, and their duration."
"I've already found solutions to the range and duration issues through research on the Soul Hall envoys we captured. As for the number of clones, that will naturally improve as Qing'er's cultivation increases."
"With this change, it seems the previous plan can be adjusted."
With that thought, Lin Yuan looked at Qing Lin seriously. "Qing'er, I need your help with something."
He then explained his plan to take her to Jia Ma Imperial Capital.
"Only you and I are going?" Qing Lin asked after a brief pause. "Understood, Young Master. But before we leave, I'd like to visit a place. Could you accompany me?"
"Of course." Lin Yuan nodded without hesitation.
"Thank you, Young Master."
"There's no need for thanks between us."
Shi Mo City, a quiet courtyard.
"As expected it's here." Standing behind Qing Lin, Lin Yuan glanced at the surroundings and sighed inwardly. "This place truly holds special meaning for her."
This courtyard was where Lin Yuan and Qing Lin had lived together for half a month after they first met.
Qing Lin gazed at the familiar courtyard. Her petite figure leaned slightly back into Lin Yuan's warm embrace, her eyes filled with nostalgia.
Shi Mo City held many unpleasant memories for her. But this small courtyard carried some of her most precious and cherished ones.
Now, Qing Lin had returned in glory, already a powerful Seven-Star Dou King. Looking back, she realized that many of the scars in her memories had quietly healed.
Those who once insulted her, she could now end their lives with a mere wave of her hand. Yet, her heart no longer felt even the slightest ripple.
Recalling those fading memories, Qing Lin felt a gentle sense of reflection.
"Just as Young Master said, once you become strong, many things from the past become nothing more than insignificant dust in life."
Lin Yuan sensed her complex emotions but said nothing, simply wrapping his arm around her.
Under the starlit sky and gentle night breeze, their hearts drew a little closer in the quiet night.
At dawn the next day.
Two streaks of light, one azure, one green shot out from Shi Mo City toward Jia Ma Holy City.
Two days later, they arrived.
At the outskirts of the Holy City, two figures descended from the sky, it was Lin Yuan and Qing Lin. After a day and night of flight, they had finally reached their destination.
"We've finally arrived. Qing'er, let's go," Lin Yuan said with a smile as he retracted his Dou Qi wings.
"Yes, Young Master!" Qing Lin replied cheerfully.
She folded her wings and walked beside him, wrapping her arm around his, smiling brightly. "Let's go, Young Master."
"This girl has become much more proactive lately has something happened?" Lin Yuan wondered inwardly. "Well, no need to overthink it. It's nice to see her more lively."
The two walked hand in hand toward Jia Ma Holy City.
Jia Ma Holy City, Mitel Family Headquarters.
Mitel Family steward Jia Bi held a report as he walked toward Mitel Tengshan's study, preparing to deliver his findings.
Soon, his steady voice echoed within the study.
"Patriarch, the information you requested about Yan Xiao has been confirmed. This is everything we could find related to him."
He handed over the dossier.
"Oh? So it's been verified? Let me see." Tengshan took the file and read through it carefully. A hint of intrigue appeared in his eyes. "So Yan Xiao is actually Xiao Yan—one of the protagonists of the Three-Year Agreement. To reach Dou Grandmaster and become a Third-Grade alchemist in just three years truly a heaven-defying talent."
"Patriarch, how should we proceed?" Jia Bi asked.
Tengshan stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Do everything possible to befriend him and the Xiao Family. Since he and Ya Fei are acquainted and on good terms, have Ya Fei interact with him more. Tonight's banquet, have her invite him."
"A hero cannot resist beauty, especially a young man like him."
After a moment of thought, Tengshan added, "Inform our people in Wu Tan City to maintain good relations with the Xiao Family as well."
At that moment, Jia Bi recalled something he had recently heard.
"Patriarch, regarding the Xiao Family, I've heard that the imperial family has appointed the Xiao Family Patriarch as the City Lord of Wu Tan City."
Hearing this, a sharp glint flashed in Tengshan's eyes.
"The imperial family moves quickly. They must have also discovered that Yan Xiao is Xiao Yan. That's why they appointed his father as City Lord."
After a brief pause, he continued, "Jia Bi, handle another matter. Review the eligible younger members of our family and see if there are suitable candidates for marriage alliances with the Xiao Family, especially those who could marry Xiao Yan's father or brothers."
"Patriarch, you mean—?"
"You understand. Dismissed."
"Yes, Patriarch! I will handle it immediately." With that, Jia Bi withdrew from the study.
After Jia Bi left, Mitel Tengshan looked at the report in his hand and clicked his tongue in amazement. "Who would have thought that the Xiao Family, which declined after Xiao Lin's death, would produce such an outstanding junior? If things between him and Ya Fei can succeed, that would be excellent."
"'Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river' this saying is quite interesting. Heh, Nalan Jie is going to regret this."
As he spoke, his tone carried a hint of schadenfreude.
Before long, hurried footsteps sounded from outside, interrupting his thoughts.
"Patriarch, those two distinguished guests have returned." The voice of Fei Lei, who had previously received Lin Yuan and Qing Lin, rang from outside.
Mitel Tengshan's expression changed as he quickly stood up and walked out. "Fei Lei, is this true?"
"Yes, Patriarch. They have already arrived at the courtyard where they stayed last time," Fei Lei replied.
Hearing this, Mitel Tengshan said, "Fei Lei, that guest does not like being disturbed. Seal off the news. I'll go find Hai Lao. Understood?"
"Yes, Patriarch!" Fei Lei responded respectfully.
Not long after, Hai Bodong and Mitel Tengshan arrived together at a secluded courtyard.
As the two reached the entrance, the courtyard gates slowly opened, and a familiar figure appeared before them. It was Lin Yuan. He was still dressed in a simple green robe, but there was now an added sense of composure and calm in his demeanor.
Seeing them, Lin Yuan smiled faintly and stepped forward.
"Hai Lao, Patriarch Tengshan, it has been a while." His voice was calm and gentle, yet carried an innate confidence.
Hai Bodong and Mitel Tengshan exchanged a glance, both seeing the shock in each other's eyes.
They could clearly sense the vast aura emanating from Lin Yuan, the presence of a Five-Star Dou Emperor. In just over a year, he had advanced from the peak of Dou King to Five-Star Dou Emperor. Such speed was beyond anything they could imagine.
"Little friend, your strength…"
Hai Bodong could hardly conceal his astonishment. He knew better than anyone how difficult it was to advance even one star at the Dou Emperor level, yet this young man…
Lin Yuan chuckled softly. "I merely obtained a few fortunate opportunities and gained some strength by chance. There's no need to envy me. Hai Lao, you will soon return to this level as well."
Hearing this, Hai Bodong's eyes lit up, his expression turning excited. "Little friend, you mean…?"
"As you think. I said before that I would help you resolve this matter, that was no joke." As he spoke, Lin Yuan took out an exquisite jade bottle from his storage ring and handed it to Hai Bodong. "Hai Lao, this is the Purple Restoration Pill I refined for you. After taking it, the strength you lost due to the seal will be fully restored."
Hai Bodong carefully received the jade bottle. Looking at the purple pill inside, a surge of uncontrollable joy appeared on his fierce face.
He quickly suppressed his excitement and said in a deep voice, "I am not good with words. There is no need to express my gratitude with speech. Tengshan…"
Hai Bodong turned to Mitel Tengshan. Understanding his intent, the latter stepped forward.
"Young friend Xu—"
"'Xu An' was only an alias. The two of you should have already guessed that." Lin Yuan's voice interrupted him as he looked at them.
Neither of their expressions changed, clearly indicating they had long since realized it.
Lin Yuan nodded slightly and clapped his hands lightly. "This was an unspoken understanding between us. By saying this now, it means I acknowledge the two of you and the Mitel Family. As a gesture of sincerity, I will tell you a name that can be considered my true identity."
"You may call me Tianshu or Tianshu Star Lord."
Hearing this, a trace of joy flashed through Mitel Tengshan's eyes. It meant that this mysterious figure had, to some extent, truly accepted the Mitel Family as his own.
Suppressing his excitement, he said solemnly, "Yes, Tianshu Star Lord. These are the items we have collected over the past year according to your list."
As he spoke, he handed over two storage rings and a list.
Lin Yuan's gaze swept across the list. Numerous rare treasures, cultivation techniques, and Dou Skills came into view.
When his eyes landed on the name of a particular medicinal ingredient, a hint of joy appeared.
"Flame Heart Fruit they actually managed to obtain it? Excellent. This means the materials for the Fire Emperor Pill are now complete."
Continuing to scan the list, Lin Yuan found many ingredients he had been lacking.
"As expected, collecting materials through a faction is far more efficient than searching alone. The most troublesome part for high-tier alchemists is gathering ingredients. Having others handle it greatly improves efficiency."
With that thought, Lin Yuan looked at Mitel Tengshan seriously.
"Patriarch Tengshan, your ability to handle matters is exceptional. Over the past year, whether it was collecting medicinal ingredients, gathering intelligence, maintaining communication lines, or transmitting information, you have done all of it very well."
"Therefore, I am willing to give you an opportunity, a chance to go further."
As he spoke, Lin Yuan took out a booklet from his storage ring and handed it over.
"Take this back and review it with Hai Lao. Consider it carefully and weigh your decision. Whether you wish to join, give me your answer within three days."
Mitel Tengshan accepted the booklet. On its cover were the words: "Seven-Star Affiliation · Tianshu Star Subordinate Regulations."
"Additionally, as part of my sincerity, I can also let you see this." Lin Yuan's clear voice sounded.
Hai Bodong and Mitel Tengshan instinctively looked toward him.
Lin Yuan raised his hand and brushed across his face. Instantly, a youthful visage appeared before their eyes.
"T-Tianshu Star Lord you…" Mitel Tengshan's voice trembled, unable to express his shock.
Hai Bodong was equally shaken. Looking at the young face before him, waves surged within his heart.
Lin Yuan smiled faintly, his gaze deep as he looked at Mitel Tengshan.
"Patriarch Tengshan, there's no need for surprise. We will have many more opportunities to interact in the future. Now, could you brief me on the situation in the Imperial Capital?"
"Especially that renowned genius, Yan Xiao."
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