Lin Yu landed at the ruins of Lanruo Temple, tossing Peng Wudi's corpse to the ground before summoning the God-Eating Cauldron.
"Cauldron Lord, devour him quickly! If the药力(medicinal power) from that potential-stimulating pill fades, his cultivation will drop to Myriad Manifestations Grade Six—we'll lose big!" Lin Yu urged after祭出 (summoning) the cauldron.
"Don't rush. The药力 (medicinal power) won't fade so fast. If I act now, I can refine the spiritual energy stored in the remaining药力. This might even help you break through to Grade Eight!" The Cauldron Lord chuckled as starlight ripples emerged, enveloping Peng Wudi's corpse and drawing it into the cauldron.
"Good, good! He died by your hand almost immediately after taking the pill, so most of the pill's spiritual energy remains." The Cauldron Lord was satisfied with the harvest. "Their pills use demonic qi as a catalyst to unleash a cultivator's potential,疯狂 (frantically) absorbing spiritual energy for a short-term power surge. The price? A drop in cultivation once the药力(medicinal power) fades."
"What are you getting at, Cauldron Lord?" Lin Yu asked, confused.
"Hehe! If I devour more such pills, I can refine one that removes demonic qi, boosts strength, and causes minimal harm afterward." Improving the Demon Blood Devouring Pill was child's play for it.
"Easy. I'll buy pills sometime—guarantee you'll taste all on the market. If not, we'll raid the Zhou royal treasury," Lin Yu smiled, eager for the promised丹药 (pills). A pill that boosted strength without reducing cultivation afterward would be his greatest trump card. Even at Grade Eight, he'd face Void Formation cultivators with confidence.
"Not yet. Wait until you reach Grade Eight," the Cauldron Lord said.
Lin Yu stowed the cauldron and flashed back to the hostage manor.
In the following days, news that the Great Zhou's National Protector had slain a Myriad Manifestations Grade Eight from a hidden sect spread like wildfire across Zhou and beyond. The dynasty rallied, with noble families and sects that had once stood apart now swearing loyalty to the royal family.
Meanwhile, the mastermind—Lin Yu—hid in the overlooked hostage manor, cultivating day and night with the spiritual energy from the Cauldron Lord's devouring of Peng Wudi, pushing for Grade Eight.
Days later, as rumors of Zhou having a Grade Seven cultivator swept through the Divine Continent and reached hidden sects in their paradises, many sent disciples to verify the news. Zhou became a hub for nobles, sect members, and even hidden sect disciples, all seeking the legendary National Protector. But after slaying Peng Wudi, the protector vanished without a trace.
As everyone searched, Lin Yu quietly broke through to Myriad Manifestations Grade Eight in the manor. This advancement made his spiritual energy control so proficient that no more uncontrolled spiritual storms erupted.
"Kid, how do you feel after the breakthrough?" the Cauldron Lord asked.
"Grade Eight—spiritual energy flows like an endless river. If I face another Peng Wudi, I can slay him with a single wind intent, no need for the Great Sun Demon-Slaying Sword." Lin Yu smiled confidently.
"Naturally. With a Saint Emperor Sword Body, failing to leapfrog enemies would be a disgrace." The Cauldron Lord stated the obvious. "At your current strength, you can match Void Formation cultivators but can't kill them yet."
"Now that I'm Grade Eight, it's time to visit the capital and collect pills for you," Lin Yu grinned. While he couldn't kill Void Formation yet, once the Cauldron Lord refined harmless power-boosting pills, slaying Void Formation wouldn't be impossible.
"Third Uncle! Third Uncle!" Chu Chu's voice came from outside.
Lin Yu opened the door to see Chu Chu in a cyan dress, carrying a sword—gone was the sickly girl, now a graceful warrior.
"Chu Chu, why are you here?" Lin Yu asked, pleased.
"Third Uncle, don't you know anything?" Chu Chu looked surprised, pouting. "The servants here are too arrogant—they hid all news from you! I'll see the Zhou Emperor and ask how he treats a Han prince!"
"I've been busy. Tell me, Chu Chu." Lin Yu smiled.
"Since Zhou announced a Grade Eight cultivator, forces have sent disciples to investigate. Except hidden sects, everyone's stance depends on the truth—Grade Eight is no joke!" Chu Chu sighed. "I visited Zhou before and am a Han princess, so my sect sent me to verify."
"Where's the Seventh Princess?" Lin Yu asked.
"Aunt is busy cultivating. I came straight to you, Third Uncle. Accompany me to explore the capital and gather news!"
"Good. I need to buy some丹药," Lin Yu agreed, leading her out.
"D丹药(pills)...?" Chu Chu eyed him curiously. "What kind? Have you recovered your cultivation and want to boost it with pills?"
"My丹田气海 (dantian) is like a leaky kettle—it can't hold spiritual energy. I'm just interested in丹药 and want to study them," Lin Yu lied, hiding his recovered cultivation.
"Third Uncle, maybe I can help you recover and cultivate again," Chu Chu said seriously.