Amidst the lush, verdant mountains, where human footprints are rare, the occasional roar of a beast stirs countless birds from their perches, sending them into a flurry of panic. As they take flight, a cascade of white silhouettes fills the sky, creating a magnificent spectacle. Within this endless range of mountains stands a towering peak that rises straight into the heavens. Though not particularly large, the peak is exceptionally steep, almost rising in a straight line. Without the ability to fly, ordinary beasts would find it nearly impossible to scale. At the summit, where mist swirls gently, a young man sits cross-legged. Beside him, a silver figure stands upright, motionless, his gaze steadily sweeping the surroundings. Any being—human or creature—that approaches the peak's airspace is instantly cut down, as if serving as the most perfect guardian. After maintaining this posture for approximately two hours, the young man finally lifts his eyes slowly, and the pallor of his face gradually gives way to a rosy hue. "Little one, your strength is still weak, but fortunately your body is quite sturdy—otherwise, you wouldn't have been able to withstand the infusion of my spiritual power." As Xiao Yan opened his eyes, a voice smiled warmly within his mind. Xiao Yan smiled and asked, "Master Yao, what level of strength have you now regained?" "It's roughly at the level of an Eight-Star Spirit Sovereign. From here on, it will be difficult to improve further. If you wish to return to the Spirit Sovereign rank, you'll need a body that has an exceptionally high harmony with your spirit." The Tianhuo Sovereign pondered for a moment, then chuckled with a touch of cunning, "Hehe, though, little one, you did promise earlier that you'd help me resolve the matter of my body." Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan couldn't help but smile. The Tianhuo Sovereign was a tremendous asset—should he regain his Spirit Sovereign strength, it would undoubtedly bring great benefits to Xiao Yan himself. Naturally, he would do his utmost to assist. "The harmony between the original body and soul is the most perfect; if one merely occupies a random body, the results may not be very effective. Therefore, it must be specially crafted." Xiao Yan spoke softly. He had once heard from the Elder of Medicine about the method of crafting a body. As long as suitable materials were found, with his current skill level, he should be able to produce one. "Then I shall entrust the crafting of this body to you. Remember, make it the very best—do not cut corners. Though I have never crafted a body myself, I know well that the strength of the materials is the most crucial factor, determining one's future achievements." Tian Huo Master smiled. "Master Yao, please rest assured. Xiao Yan will certainly craft the finest body for you." Xiao Yan smiled in reply. "Heh, that's settled. Young one, rest easy—until you have successfully crafted my body for me, I shall ensure that you face no life-threatening concerns." "Master Tianhuo laughed heartily. He truly felt grateful toward Xiao Yan. Had it not been for the latter who brought him out of that molten world, he would have long since vanished into nothingness, and there would be no glory as he is today. Moreover, perhaps he might even regain his own body one day and once again experience the beauty of being a human. Hearing this, Xiao Yan smiled in return. With such a master at his back, he now had more security and confidence as he traveled throughout the Central Plains. "Yet even with this protective shield, the most crucial and essential thing remains: continuously strengthening one's own power. After all, it would be impractical to rely on others' strength every single time." His smile softened slightly as he pondered. With a gentle motion of his hand, an emerald-colored jade vial appeared in his grasp. As he tilted the mouth of the vial, a pill the size of a dragon's eye rolled out, instantly releasing a distinct fragrance that uplifted the spirits of all around. This pill, naturally, was one of the Huangji Pills crafted by Xiao Yan—specifically, the finest among them. He had not put it up for auction, but kept it as a reserve, and now, it has finally found its purpose. The Huangji Pill enhances a Douhuang-level warrior's strength by one or even two stars, though this depends on luck. Still, it's not uncommon for a person to take the pill and see no improvement in power. In fact, the unfortunate aspect is that even if the first dose fails, the second one usually yields no effect either. Thus, most people who take the Huangji Pill often pray that they never encounter such misfortune. The pill slowly rolled in the palm of his hand before, after a while, Xiao Yan finally exhaled gently and, with a slight opening of his mouth, swiftly pressed it into his mouth. As soon as the Huangji Pill touched his tongue, it dissolved, releasing a warm, powerful stream of medicinal energy that surged rapidly into his body. As the vast, pure medicinal energy surged in, Xiao Yan's lips slightly trembled—thankfully, his meridians were quite resilient, otherwise it would have been difficult to swallow such a powerful influx of energy in one go. When the medicinal energy rapidly flowed into his meridians and began circulating, Xiao Yan took a deep breath, focused his mind, and then the L琉璃 Lotus Heart Fire erupted violently from every part of his body, surging into his meridians, swiftly enveloping the massive energy and then forcibly guiding these wild, untamed streams along the pathways prescribed by the Burned Technique, slowly circulating them. As the medicinal energy surged within Xiao Yan's body, the space around him also experienced intense fluctuations, with waves of energy rising and converging into a vortex above his head, gradually seeping into his body through his forehead. With his unique fire, refining these somewhat fragmented energies from the heavens and earth was not particularly challenging for Xiao Yan—whatever amount came, he could seamlessly absorb and transform it. As the medicinal power within him gradually evaporates, everything begins to slowly stabilize. With the capabilities he currently possesses, the substantial power of the Huangji Pill, though significant, does not overwhelm or unsettle him—everything unfolds smoothly and seamlessly. As for whether this Huangji Pill will elevate him by one or two stars, that will only be known upon observing the final results. The Fenglei Pavilion is divided into four pavilions—east, south, west, and north—with the eastern pavilion serving as the main one, while the southwest and north pavilions acting as supporting branches. The eastern pavilion is the strongest, with the other three slightly less so. Nevertheless, any one of the three secondary pavilions possesses the qualification to rank among the top-tier forces in the Central Plains region, and when the four pavilions unite, they can rival some of the very leading powers, standing as a major force in the northern region of the Central Plains. This towering spire, soaring straight into the clouds, is known as the Northern Thunder Tower, its entire structure shimmering with brilliant silver. Faint rumbles of thunder can be heard emanating from within. It is the sacred training ground of the Wind-Thunder Northern Pavilion, and only those who demonstrate exceptional merit are granted access to train here. On the highest level of the Northern Thunder Tower stands a spacious hall. Currently, several figures sit within, radiating powerful presences that send the guards at the hall's entrance trembling with awe. "The soul-thunder stele of Cloud Elder has shattered..." A silver throne stands at the center of the hall, with gentle streaks of lightning spreading out from its four sides. Upon it, a figure dressed in silver robes leans gently against the back of the chair, his silver-gray eyes slowly scanning the assembly below. Though his voice is not particularly resonant, it carries an unmistakable sense of weight and authority, compelling all present to pay close attention. With these words, three elderly men in robes of differing styles beneath the hall suddenly grew pale. They recalled clearly the Soul Lightning Stele—within it, a trace of their own spiritual imprints was preserved. Should any of them不幸pass away, the Stele would shatter and vanish. Thus, Shen Yun... "Is there anyone daring to strike at our Wind and Lightning North Pavilion members in the Central Plains' northern region? Could it be the Ten-Thousand-Blades Pavilion?" said an elderly man in black robes, adorned with two long silver brows, his voice grave. "We don't yet know for certain. Was Cloud Elder accompanying Hong Chen to the Heavenly North City this time? Wind, Lightning, and Thunder Elders—move now and investigate what has transpired. Regardless of who initiated the attack, whether it be the Ten-Thousand-Blades Pavilion or anyone else, we must first capture them. Our Wind and Lightning North Pavilion members are not easily vanquished." The figure seated on the throne, dressed in silver robes, spoke slowly. "Yes!" Three elderly figures immediately rose, bowed respectfully, and then moved with a single motion, transforming into streaks of light before vanishing swiftly. As the three elders disappeared, the hall once again became empty and quiet. After a while, the figure on the throne slowly stood up, gently brushing aside their robe, and at that moment, a deep, resonant thunder echoed throughout the hall.