"Ying Ying!"
A sharp and tender cry suddenly pierced the quietness of the Shenglong Mountains.
In Xiao Ying's lava-like eyes, excitement flashed, as if it had discovered something new and fascinating.
It extended its small, delicate hands, and with a light grasp at the void in front of it, the energy in the heavens and earth seemed to be drawn by some mysterious force, rushing wildly towards its palm.
At first, it was only faint strands of energy, barely visible, but soon, they converged into a massive vortex.
The vortex spun faster and faster, its diameter expanding continuously, eventually covering hundreds of feet.
The surrounding trees shook violently under the powerful suction, leaves scattered everywhere.
Some younger trees were even uprooted, sucked into the terrifying vortex.
Gu Fei and the others stood at a distance, watching in astonishment. Even with their level of cultivation, they couldn't help but be shocked by the terrifying suction Xiao Ying exhibited.
In just a short time, the enormous energy vortex condensed into a multicolored energy crystal.
The surface of the crystal shimmered with brilliant light, as if containing endless energy.
Without hesitation, Xiao Ying swallowed the energy crystal in one gulp.
As it swallowed, Gu Fei could clearly feel pure energy surging into his body.
It felt as though someone was continuously pouring energy into him, making him feel indescribably comfortable.
"Well done!" he couldn't help but praise.
Xiao Yi Xian and Cai Lin exchanged glances, their beautiful eyes filled with surprise.
"Could this be the legendary Nihility Devouring Flame's power?" Xiao Yi Xian asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"Exactly," he nodded, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Xiao Ying not only successfully digested a strand of the Devouring Flame but also perfectly inherited its terrifying devouring power."
"This is an incredible opportunity!" Cai Lin exclaimed, her eyes full of envy.
As a Nine-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, she understood better than anyone how terrifying devouring power could be.
If one could perfectly control this power, it would undoubtedly push Xiao Ying's strength to a new level.
"However…" Gu Fei's tone suddenly shifted, and his brow furrowed slightly.
"What do you mean?" Xiao Yi Xian asked curiously.
"While this power is strong, it's also extremely dangerous," he explained. "If an ordinary person were to wield it, they could be consumed by it. It might not only devour their Dou Qi but also their life force."
"Moreover, the energy absorbed through devouring is chaotic and cannot be directly utilized by the human body."
Upon hearing Gu Fei's explanation, both Xiao Yi Xian and Cai Lin gasped in shock.
Only now did they realize that behind this seemingly powerful ability lay such a terrifying danger.
"However," he continued with a smile, "Xiao Ying is different. It was born with the ability to purify, perfectly solving this problem."
At this, both Xiao Yi Xian and Cai Lin showed expressions of realization.
"In that case, should we head back?" Cai Lin suggested, "After all, you still have a Ninth-Tier Mysterious Pill to consume."
"You're right," he nodded. "We've seen all there is in the mountains. It's time to do what needs to be done."
The group quickly returned to the Gu Clan.
At this moment, Gu Fei was preparing to consume the pill.
This pill was unlike ordinary ones.
As a master alchemist, he knew the terrifying potency of the Ninth-Tier Mysterious Pill. If taken recklessly, even someone as strong as him risked being overwhelmed.
Thus, he spent a great deal of time carefully preparing dozens of potions to balance the violent energy of the pill.
Finally, after ten days of meticulous preparation, he felt ready.
Gu Fei entered a secluded chamber, where strange runes covered the walls.
The runes glowed mysteriously, forming a powerful barrier that seemed capable of isolating all external interference!
Indeed, nothing could be allowed to disturb him now!
Outside the chamber, Xiao Yi Xian and Cai Lin watched the door with tense expressions.
"Don't worry," Cai Lin comforted. "With Xiao Ying and the potions he prepared, everything should be fine."
Inside the chamber, Gu Fei took a deep breath and swallowed the crystalline Ninth-Tier Mysterious Pill.
Instantly, an indescribable and terrifying energy exploded inside him.
The energy surged through him like a massive tidal wave, wreaking havoc as if it intended to tear his body apart.
His face changed drastically, his body trembling violently. Even though he had mentally prepared, the pill's potency was far beyond what he had imagined.
Just then, Xiao Ying's small figure appeared beside him. It formed seals with its hands, and mysterious runes flew from its body, enveloping Gu Fei.
With its help, the violent energy gradually calmed down.
He felt a steady stream of pure and gentle energy flooding his limbs, nourishing every inch of his body.
Time passed, and his aura steadily increased.
From the late stage of Six-Star Dou Saint, it surged all the way to the early stage of Seven-Star Dou Saint, then to the mid-stage.
The entire process took a full ten days.
When Gu Fei opened his eyes, a terrifying pressure erupted from him.
The pressure was so immense that everyone in the Gu Clan could feel it clearly.
"Is this real…? This is… the aura of a Seven-Star Dou Saint!"
"Oh my god, the Young Clan Leader has broken through to Seven-Star Dou Saint!"
"Incredible! His talent is truly beyond belief!"
Within the clan, countless experts gasped in amazement.
The entire Gu Clan was left in awe, their faces filled with disbelief.
After all, Seven-Star Dou Saint was an immensely powerful realm.
Even within the clan, only a handful had reached this level.
For Gu Fei to achieve it at such a young age, his talent was nothing short of miraculous.
"A Seven-Star Dou Saint…"
"Now, within the clan, only the Clan Leader and Black Submerged King can rival the Young Clan Leader!" Elder Gu Xiong murmured, tears of excitement welling in his eyes.
Other elders also nodded in agreement.
"Indeed!"
"With such a genius, the entire continent will one day witness our glory!"
At that moment, the elders were filled with excitement.