Chapter 108: Dou Zong
The gap between Dou Huang and Dou Zong is significant. Without opportunities, it's challenging for an ordinary Dou Huang to break through to Dou Zong. Xiao Tian had the Breaking Zong Pill, and with the added benefit of training in the Blood Pool, his chances of breaking through were greatly enhanced. However, he remained patient, continuing to accumulate strength.
"Boom!"
After three days of silence, a rumbling explosion erupted around the volcanic crater. The energy in the area began to surge violently, drawn towards the crater by an unseen force.
"What's happening?" Jin Shi appeared near the crater.
Soon, he saw a pitch-black hole forming in the Blood Pool, absorbing all the surrounding energy.
Another Dou Zong of the gold-eating rat clan said, "It looks like something at the bottom of the pool is absorbing energy like crazy!"
"It must be Xiao Tian," Jin Shi said slowly. "He's probably breaking through to Dou Zong."
He couldn't help but feel envious. "Those who possess different flames have it easy, not fearing the fire poison below."
As they talked, a vast aura emerged from the bottom of the Blood Pool, like a waking dragon.
"This... this aura isn't just a fresh Dou Zong; it's already at the one-star Dou Zong level!" Jin Shi and the other Dou Zong, Jin Gu, were both shocked.
Jin Shi thought for a moment and said, "Perhaps the aura peaked during the breakthrough and might drop afterward."
However, just as they finished speaking, Xiao Tian's aura surged again.
"Two-star?" Jin Gu exclaimed, "How did he break through to another level so quickly?"
The aura's spread enveloped not only the entire Tianmu Mountain but also nearby areas, catching the attention of many powerful individuals.
"That aura... someone is breaking through to Dou Zong!"
"The aura is coming from Tianmu Mountain. Could it be one of the gold-eating rats?"
"With such a treasure mountain, the gold-eating rat clan is growing stronger!"
Shortly after, the aura peaked but didn't reach the three-star Dou Zong level, although it came close.
"Whoosh!"
A figure emerged from the swirling vortex of the Blood Pool, exuding a terrifyingly powerful presence, like a sharp sword piercing the sky and shaking the heavens.
"Congratulations on advancing to Dou Zong, young friend!" Jin Gu and Jin Shi congratulated Xiao Tian as he appeared.
Although Xiao Tian's current cultivation was weaker than theirs, he was now in the same major tier as them. Moreover, Xiao Tian was much younger, with boundless potential for the future.
"This was all thanks to your help," Xiao Tian smiled. "Without this treasured spot, who knows when I would have broken through?"
"We just helped each other out," Jin Shi said, shaking his head. "Even I wouldn't dare stay at the bottom of the Blood Pool for long."
Xiao Tian asked, "Have you gathered the materials I requested?"
"Yes, we have," Jin Shi replied quickly. "The Tianmu Mountain Range is rich in herbs, and our clan has accumulated plenty over the years, so it was easy to gather them."
He handed Xiao Tian a low-grade storage ring. Xiao Tian took it and said, "Then please find me a quiet place. I'll start refining immediately."
"Alright." Jin Shi nodded and led Xiao Tian to a stone house halfway up the mountain, where the high-ranking members of the gold-eating rat clan lived. Xiao Tian entered a stone house and began refining.
A day later, Xiao Tian asked Jin Shi to prepare a large wooden basin filled with boiling water. "Step in directly, and don't use Dou Qi to resist," Xiao Tian instructed.
"Alright!" Jin Shi obediently entered the basin. Xiao Tian took out a jade bottle and dropped a single drop of fiery red liquid into the water.
"Bubble!"
In an instant, the water turned red, bubbling furiously. "Take this pill," Xiao Tian said, handing Jin Shi another jade bottle. Jin Shi swallowed the pill and felt an icy sensation envelop his body while the boiling medicinal power seeped into him.
As heat and cold alternated, droplets of foul-smelling gray liquid oozed from Jin Shi's pores. "I feel much better, much better," Jin Shi exclaimed. The fire poison had tormented him for years and would have consumed his life in three years if untreated.
"This fire poison is stubborn and can't be eradicated in one go," Xiao Tian said to Jin Shi and Jin Gu. "It will take two to three months to completely remove it."
Jin Shi bowed and said, "Thank you, young friend. If you need anything in the future, come to the Tianmu Mountain Range and find our gold-eating rat clan."
"You're too kind," Xiao Tian said, stopping him. "Actually, I do have a request."
"Speak freely," Jin Shi replied.
"I need to exchange some herbs with you. Don't worry, I won't take them for free. I can trade Dou Ling Pills, Huang Ji Pills, Breaking Zong Pills, Transformation Pills, and Qing Ming Pills," Xiao Tian offered.
Jin Gu was surprised, "You even have Qing Ming Pills to enhance Dou Zong's power?"
"Not on me, but I can refine them," Xiao Tian answered.
"Alright, write down the herbs you need, and I'll see if we have them," Jin Shi agreed.
...
In the following days, Xiao Tian devoted his time to treating Jin Shi's fire poison and refining various pills to exchange for the herbs he needed. Through this process, his alchemy skills improved rapidly, and he amassed a large quantity of herbs.
With Xiao Tian's help, Jin Shi's condition improved daily, and the clan's respect for Xiao Tian grew. Once all the pills were made, Xiao Tian approached Jin Shi and Jin Gu.
Handing Jin Shi the storage ring, Xiao Tian said, "I plan to leave now. This ring contains the pills I made for your clan, as well as the follow-up medicine and liquid for Elder Jin Shi. Continue the treatment for two to three months, and you'll be cured."
"Thank you, young friend Xiao Tian. If you ever need anything, come to Tianmu Mountain," Jin Shi said, somewhat reluctant to see him go. Over the past days, he had grown accustomed to having an alchemist's help, which was incredibly convenient. However, he knew his small clan couldn't contain someone as promising as Xiao Tian.
Xiao Tian cupped his fists and said, "Elders, until we meet again."
With that, he flew into the sky, leaving Tianmu Mountain behind.
(End of Chapter)
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