In a small valley to the north of Luoshen Gully, a thick mist of poison curled through the air, making it difficult to see clearly within the valley. As the view came closer, a few figures could be seen standing inside—none other than Xiao Yan and the others who had successfully obtained the celestial toxic scorpion dragon's spirit core and essence. "According to Xinlan, I believe the strong warriors from Binghe Valley have already entered Luoshen Gully. Perhaps they'll find us soon," Xiao Yan said, his voice steady as the fire in the valley crackled and cast warm glows. "Indeed, among the warriors who have come this time, there are even those at the peak of the Douzong stage." Xinlan nodded, her expression serious. A Douzong peak—this level of strength surpasses even that of the celestial toxic scorpion dragon. Though Xiao Yan now has two Douzong warriors equivalent to eight-star rank, facing such a presence would still be challenging. After all, Douzong peak is generally considered the strongest among those below Douzung rank. The younger physician beside them, Tianhuo Master also gave a slight nod. They were well acquainted with this level of strength—despite the latter's pride, they had to admit that, in his current state, it was quite difficult for him to match a peak Douzong cultivator. "Therefore, before they found us, either Master Yao's body or the small physician's厄难toxin constitution must be resolved; otherwise, the situation would surely become dire," Xiao Yan said seriously. Upon hearing this, both the young physician and Tianhuo Master nodded in agreement. Should either of them manage to resolve the issue, their strength would significantly increase. In that case, even facing the Douzong peak cultivator from Binghe Valley, they would be capable of standing a strong chance. "I still believe it would be best to craft a physical form for Master Yao. He was once a Supreme Battle Sovereign, and even if he can't regain his peak strength immediately, he should still be able to advance to Supreme Battle Sovereign status. My Erenda Toxic Body has never been fully controlled before—though we don't yet know what will happen once it is stabilized. Therefore, I recommend that Master Yao be given priority." Xiao Yixian paused thoughtfully before speaking seriously. Xiao Yan nodded, finally making up his mind, and spoke firmly: "Then, let's first address Master Yao's matter. I'll begin preparing the Yin-Yang Life-Soul Pills right now. During this time, you all serve as protectors for me and stay close—don't venture out too much, or we might draw unnecessary attention..." With his decision settled, Xiao Yan no longer hesitated. He spoke and acted immediately. With a movement of his body, he appeared upon a massive stone in the valley. He raised his hand, and the Universal Beast Cauldron flashed into view, then settled steadily in mid-air. After carefully examining the herbs and finding no issues, Xiao Yan slowly closed his eyes, allowing the formula for the Yin-Yang Life-Soul Pill to flow through his mind like a steady stream. In that moment, he became thoroughly familiar with the key points of preparation. A short while later, he opened his eyes, took a gentle breath, and with a simple finger movement, a particularly vibrant flower drifted down. The flower was vivid in color, and strangely, at its heart, a face was clearly formed—eyes, nose, mouth—all lifelike, creating a deeply unsettling impression. "Ghost-faced flower..." Xiao Yan thought of the name. It was one of the primary ingredients for the Yin-Yang Life-Soul Pill, rare and hard to find. He had no idea where Xinlan had obtained it, but it was evident that she had indeed put considerable thought and effort into securing it. Gazing at the eerie bloom, he flicked his fingers, and the ghoulish face flower was instantly plunged into the cauldron. With a single roll of the emerald flames, it was fully enveloped. "Ah!" As the flower entered the flames, waves of dark mist surged forth from within, while at the same time, a piercing, infant-like wail echoed from the cauldron. Xiao Yan's brow furrowed, surprised by the flower's unusual nature—though strange, it offered no resistance under the power of the strange fire. With a mental focus, he directed his aura to cover his ears, silencing the cries. Then, grasping his palms, he surged the flame's temperature dramatically! As the flame temperature surged dramatically, the black vapor emanating from within the ghost-faced flower rapidly lightened and eventually vanished entirely. Without the protection of the black vapor, the ghost-faced flower withered swiftly, and its facial features gradually sagged. After about ten minutes, it finally burst open, transforming into a mass of dark powder. Upon the appearance of the powder, Xiao Yan did not immediately extinguish the flame. Instead, he repeatedly heated and roasted the powder until it developed a metallic luster, then, with a sudden realization, caused a flame to gently encircle the dark powder, suspending it at one corner of the medicinal cauldron. After completing the refinement of the ghost-faced flower, Xiao Yan then retrieved a red fruit the size of a clenched fist, from which a steady stream of cold, eerie qi continuously radiated out. "The Revivifying Spirit Fruit... This rare fruit is exceptionally beneficial for restoring spiritual energy. I believe we should stock up on more, just in case. As I gaze upon this crimson fruit, I flick my fingers and gently place it into the medicinal cauldron. With each passing moment of my alchemical work, more herbs gradually descend into the cauldron. This time, I have been especially cautious—knowing that if the Yin-Yang Life-Soul Pill fails, the resurrection of the Heavenly Fire Master will be delayed once again. Now, with such great threats looming, we simply cannot afford further delays or additional setbacks. Throughout my entire process, the Little Physician and the others remain at a distance of over a hundred meters, silent and undisturbed, so as not to interfere. Moreover, all toxic beasts within a kilometer of this small valley have been completely driven away or eliminated by the efforts of the Little Physician and the Heavenly Fire Master. Their protective duties have been truly outstanding." Meanwhile, as Xiao Yan closed himself off to refine the elixirs, time flew by swiftly—within just two days, the passage of time had passed. At the southern part of Luoshen Gully, the very area where the Heavenly Venom Scorpion Dragon had once resided, now stood silent and still. The once pervasive venomous atmosphere had vanished entirely, and the grand stone fortress now appeared notably empty and desolate, lacking the commanding presence it had once held when the Heavenly Venom Scorpion Dragon dwelled there. A few kilometers beyond the fortress, sudden gusts of wind abruptly broke the stillness. Moments later, a number of white silhouettes swiftly materialized and landed upon the open plain outside the fortress. "Snake Elder, the energy fluctuations we detected two days ago originated precisely from this location," said an elder, scanning the surroundings of the fortress before respectfully addressing the elderly man who held a serpent staff beside him. "This place has lost all traces of vitality," the elder known as the Snake Elder remarked, his gaze lingering on the fortress, his voice calm and measured. "As far as I know, this should be the Scorpion Domain, governed by a Scorpion Dragon Beast of eight-star Douzong strength. But now it seems..." The other elder slightly furrowed his brows, saying. "The Scorpion Dragon Beast of eight-star Douzong strength..." The serpent elder's eyes gently narrowed, then slowly added, "There's still residual corpse energy here. If my assessment is correct, then that creature must have been eliminated..." "What? That beast possesses eight-star Douzong strength—rare indeed, even within the Luoshenjian region. Who could have possibly defeated it?" Upon hearing this, the others all exclaimed in astonishment. "Besides the corpse's lingering essence, the ground itself shows clear traces of intense heat and baking—undeniably indicating a master of fire control. From the fragmented souls of those ice river valley disciples, I identified one young disciple who wielded a particularly powerful flame. As I anticipated, it was precisely that individual—likely one of the group. The grass in my hands crumbles to ash with a mere press of the palm..." "Was it indeed their doing? So strong?" The other three white-robed elders exchanged glances, their faces instantly drawn. After all, they were all Eight-Star Battle Sect Masters. "Could anyone easily defeat the three ice-spirit disciples and fight on par with Eight-Star Battle Sect Masters? That should not be surprising at all." "The serpent elder smiled faintly, slowly rising to his feet, his gaze shifting toward the northern reaches of Luoshen Gorge, a strange smile playing on the dry surface of his face: 'Yet the air still carries the lingering essence of the Heavenly Poison Scorpion Dragon Beast. I suspect they've taken its magical core. Following this trace should lead us to them.'" "Indeed, the elder is wise," the three white-robed elders exclaimed, visibly pleased. The serpent elder waved casually, then, with a steady pace, began walking northward toward Luoshen Gorge, a soft, gentle laughter drifting softly behind him. "Growing more curious about these people each day. Not only have they absorbed the calamitous Poison Maiden, but they've also come here without any apparent reason to capture the Heavenly Poison Scorpion Dragon Beast—remarkable indeed." Behind him, the three elders exchanged a glance, then quietly chuckled to themselves. It was truly remarkable that the serpent elder found such interest in them—was it a matter of fortune, or simply a stroke of bad luck for these individuals?