"As expected, such a rapid increase in cultivation always leaves the dou qi in the body somewhat unstable." In the valley, Gu He's consciousness swept through his body, and he shook his head helplessly.
Fortunately, he possessed the Divine Flame Tempering Body technique, which could refine the dou qi within him. Otherwise, Gu He wouldn't dare to recklessly boost his cultivation like this.
After finding a smooth bluestone, he cleaned it briefly before sitting cross-legged upon it.
With a slight movement of his mind, the Natal Divine Flame swiftly enveloped his entire body. Activating the Divine Flame Tempering Body technique, he began refining the unstable dou qi within him—a necessary step after every breakthrough.
Soon, his body was completely shrouded in violet flames, forming a purplish barrier around him.
Nearby, Xiao Jin had transformed into a small golden bird, silently standing guard, unwavering in his duty.
As time passed, the dark clouds over the valley gradually dispersed, and the usual tranquility returned.
…
Three Days Later…
Deep within the Magic Beast Mountain Range, the Amethyst Winged Amethyst Winged Lion King finally emerged from its cave, still shaken by the terrifying pressure from three days prior.
Its gaze flickered toward the valley, lingering fear evident in its eyes.
"Is that human gone? That powerful human…"
Seeing that the phenomenon above the valley had vanished, the Amethyst Winged Amethyst Winged Lion King let out a sigh of relief.
'It seems that human was merely passing through, using this place to break through.'
The thought eased Amethyst Winged Amethyst Winged Lion King's mind slightly. Enjoying the pleasant weather, it sprawled lazily at the cave entrance, basking in the sunlight.
But suddenly—Its eyes snapped open, sharp and alert, locking onto a distant presence.
A powerful aura was approaching its territory.
…
Outskirts of the Magic Beast Mountain Range
A figure clad in cyan robes streaked across the sky, heading toward the mountain range's depths.
The aura radiating from her marked her as a Dou Emperor powerhouse.
Sensing this, the Amethyst Winged Amethyst Winged Lion King's heart sank. It rose to its full height, eyes fixed on the approaching figure.
"Human! What business do you have trespassing in my domain?" With a thunderous roar, the Amethyst Winged Amethyst Winged Lion King shot into the sky, confronting the intruder.
The two faced off above the mountains—one a majestic beast, the other an elegant woman.
The cyan-robed woman was none other than Yun Yun, the Sect Master of the Misty Cloud Sect.
Her beauty was striking, her demeanor poised and graceful.
"I've come to request the Purple Spirit Crystal from the Amethyst Winged Lion King." Her voice was cool and melodious, like pearls falling upon jade.
"Purple Spirit Crystal?"
The Amethyst Winged Amethyst Winged Lion King sneered. "My kind sheds only a tiny fragment every twenty years. And you think you can just take it?"
"I'm willing to offer something in exchange." Yun Yun remained cautious—this was a rank 6 magical beast, not an opponent to provoke lightly.
"Exchange? Heh. Very well. I'm currently in my transformation phase. Bring me a Transformation Pill, and the crystal is yours." The Amethyst Winged Amethyst Winged Lion King's laughter boomed across the mountains.
A Transformation Pill—a rare treasure only a seventh-tier alchemist could refine.
For magical beasts, it meant the ability to fully assume human form, granting them a cultivation speed rivaling that of true humans.
Given their naturally long lifespans, a high-tier beast that successfully transformed could grow terrifyingly powerful over time.
Naturally, a mere Purple Spirit Crystal was nowhere near as valuable.
Yun Yun frowned slightly before shaking her head.
"I'm afraid no one in the Jia Ma Empire possesses such a pill. However, I can offer three fifth-tier magic cores and a high-tier Mysterious-class (Xuan) Dou Qi Method and Dou Technique in exchange."
"Not interested." The Amethyst Winged Lion King's massive head shook dismissively.
"Fifth-tier cores are abundant in these mountains. And your human dou techniques are useless to me. If you don't have the pill, leave."
Yun Yun exhaled softly.
'It seems negotiation is impossible.'
Her fingers tightened around the hilt of her sword as her voice turned frosty.
"If the Amethyst Winged Lion King refuses to bargain, then I'll have to take it by force."
"Hah! Humans—always so arrogant with a sliver of power."
The Amethyst Winged Lion King's roar shook the mountains as a monstrous aura erupted from its body, crashing toward Yun Yun like a tidal wave.
"You think just because you're a Dou Emperor, you can do as you please in the Magic Beast Mountain Range? If you dare strike, I'll ensure you never leave alive!"
Yun Yun's expression remained serene.
"Then let's settle this with strength."
With a flick of her wrist, dou qi surged in her palm.
A small cyan tornado materialized above the mountains.
At first, it was only two meters tall, spinning idly in the air.
But in the next breath—
Whoosh!
The tornado expanded violently, swelling into a monstrous whirlwind over ten zhang high (32 meters).
Trees were uprooted, shredded into splinters by the raging winds.
"Hmph! This is the Magic Beast Mountain Range—not your human territory!"
The Amethyst Winged Lion King's roar shook the mountain as the amethyst crystals on its body flared brilliantly.
In an instant, purple flames erupted from its form, coalescing into a towering pillar of fire that slammed into the tornado.
And thus—Above the Magic Beast Mountain Range, a fierce battle erupted between two Dou Emperor Realm powerhouses!
…
Enjoying the story? Get early access to 10 advanced chapters for just $3.
Your support helps me bring more translated content to you, faster.
patreon.com/DarkLord621