Chapter 611 Zhu Li's Visit

The back mountain of Lingyue Peak is shrouded in clouds and mist all year round due to its terrain and environment. The mountain breeze blows through the ancient and majestic pines, and the sound of pine waves is accompanied by the sound of cold springs on the cliff.

The vines hanging down from the cracks in the rocks are dotted with blue fireflies, flickering in the twilight, like a galaxy hanging upside down in the human world.

Passing through the narrow mountain path covered by vines, a platform made of ink-black black stone suddenly appears. The stone surface is carved with ancient flowing cloud patterns, and each pattern flows with a vague spiritual charm, which makes people feel peaceful at a glance. It is obviously arranged intentionally.

In the center of the platform, Xiao Ling was wearing a moon-white robe, his long hair tied under a jade crown, and a faint silver halo of spiritual power lingered around him.

A flaming alchemy furnace made of strange fire was now suspended three inches in front of him. The nine dragons carved on the furnace body were lifelike. As Xiao Ling injected his fighting power into it, the dragons' eyes actually emitted a faint red light.

Xiao Ling lightly twisted the fingertips of a magic formula, and a strange fire rose from his palm like a leaping fire lotus, casting swaying light and shadows on the entire platform. The air was gradually filled with the refreshing fragrance of medicine, which intertwined with the mountain mist.

As time slowly passed, just at the critical moment when the pill was about to take shape, Xiao Ling suddenly stopped.

He frowned slightly, keenly aware of the tiny ripples in the space around him, as if a stone had been thrown into a calm lake, which immediately made him alert.

Then, Xiao Ling hurriedly activated his mental power, and with his ten fingers flying, he quickly cast out a series of spells to firmly suppress the restless strange fire in the alchemy furnace and stabilize the progress of pill refining.

At the same time, the silver mental power around him shone brightly and condensed into an invisible barrier in front of him. He looked vigilantly in the direction where the breath came from.

Just as Xiao Ling was on high alert, a crisp "swish" sound suddenly came from the void, and a dark crack appeared like a hideous wound.

The crack continued to expand, and in an instant it turned into a void passage that flashed with faint blue light.

Then, a burly figure in a purple robe stepped out.

Every step that man took carried a steady pressure, dark patterns flowed on his purple robe, the jade pendant hanging from his waist glowed with a mysterious luster, and the power of space flowed around his body, as if he could merge into the surrounding space with just a thought.

However, the moment he saw the person's face clearly, Xiao Ling's tense back suddenly relaxed, but his face quickly fell again.

He removed the silver protective shield that was surrounding his body, wiped the sweat off his forehead, and raised his eyebrows in mock anger at the man in purple:
"Haha, Senior Zhuli, your appearance is truly thrilling..."

Before he finished speaking, the furnace suddenly made a muffled sound. Xiao Ling quickly turned around and pressed down the furnace cover that was about to explode. The spiritual power that flowed out of his fingertips condensed into fine runes on the surface of the furnace, stabilizing the situation inside the furnace.
"Look, I almost lost control of the pill I just made and the furnace exploded."

After hearing Xiao Ling's complaints, Zhu Li's dragon eyes, which had always been cold and fierce, actually flashed a trace of embarrassment.

This usually majestic semi-saint touched the back of his head with his broad, rough palm. His hearty laughter broke through the mist in the mountains and startled a group of night owls perched on the ancient pines:

"Haha! Xiao Ling, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! There were some special circumstances. I rushed here in a hurry and forgot to say hello. It was really a bit presumptuous! If your furnace of pills really explodes, I will compensate you for the materials of ten furnaces!"

Xiao Ling waved his hand, temporarily putting the matter of alchemy behind his mind, and his expression became solemn: "We'll talk about the medicinal materials later. Senior, you just mentioned that the situation is urgent, what exactly is the situation..."

He frowned, staring at Zhu Li, "Did something happen on Ancient Dragon Island? Or is it that Zi Yan..."

Before he finished speaking, he looked at Zhu Li carefully. He saw that although the other party looked hurried, he did not look overly anxious. He was in the mood to apologize to him. He thought that even if there was a problem, it should not be serious.

Seeing Xiao Ling's sharp gaze asking, Zhu Li's expression instantly returned to seriousness, and his wide sleeves moved without wind.

He narrowed his eyes slightly, as if he was considering his words, and after a moment he spoke in a deep voice: "Although this matter involves a lot, it is not a matter of life and death. It's just that when Her Highness the Princess absorbed the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit under the guidance of the old Dragon Emperor's consciousness, she encountered some obstacles."

"Although your highness's cultivation is strong now, it is still weak compared to the vast energy in the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit. Even with the guidance of the old Dragon King's consciousness, it will be difficult to completely refine it in a short period of time if you absorb it rashly. It may even cause hidden dangers due to energy overload."

Hearing Zhu Li's words, Xiao Ling narrowed his eyes immediately.

He was very clear about the enormous energy contained in the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit. In the original timeline, Zi Yan, whose cultivation level was only seventh level at the time, broke through to the Fighting Saint realm after taking this fruit. The power of the fruit was evident.

Previously, he had brought Zi Yan to the underground magma world of Canaan College to look for Zhu Kun, hoping that this knowledgeable old Dragon Emperor could help Zi Yan when she was absorbing the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit.

But judging from Zhu Li's tone at this moment, could it be that something unexpected has happened?

However, Xiao Ling quickly calmed down and thought to himself: At worst, it will be the same as what happened in the original timeline, with crystallization caused by excessive energy.

At that time, he would only need to use the strange fire to help Zi Yan refine and compress the energy. With the current means, it should not be a too troublesome matter.

However, before Xiao Ling could say anything, Zhu Li paused for a moment and then spoke again:
"However, the old Dragon Emperor is knowledgeable after all. After analyzing your current situation, he asserted that if you can find a rare material to assist, it will not only resolve the current hidden dangers, but also allow your Highness to fully utilize the effect of this Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit. At that time, your Highness will definitely be more efficient in absorbing energy, and it will also be of great help to your Highness's future practice."

When Xiao Ling heard this, he immediately came back to his senses from his deep thoughts. He said directly without beating around the bush:
"In that case, what exactly is the thing you need? If I have it, no matter how precious it is, I will give it to Zi Yan. Even if I don't have it, I will do my best to help Zi Yan find it."

Seeing Xiao Ling's solemn expression, every word he said was full of unquestionable seriousness, Zhu Li could not help but nod with satisfaction, his eyes full of admiration, and he could not help muttering to himself in his heart,
"As expected, the old Dragon Emperor has a unique vision. Those who can gain his recognition are indeed extraordinary. Xiao Ling's affection for Her Royal Highness the Princess is truly rare!"

Stopping the thoughts in his mind and not delaying any longer, Zhu Li's expression became serious and he spoke directly:
"According to the calculations of the old Dragon Emperor, in order to help Her Royal Highness the Princess successfully absorb the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit, a key item is needed, and that is the magic core of a demon beast with the bloodline of the ancient Sky Phoenix. And looking at the current Douqi Continent, the most suitable one is the magic core of the Sky Phoenix clan."

He paused, his eyes solemn, "Moreover, given Her Royal Highness the Princess' current condition, what she needs this time must be at least an eighth-level magic core. If she can find a higher-level and better-quality one, it will be of greater help to Her Royal Highness the Princess in absorbing the energy of the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit." After listening to Zhu Li's explanation, Xiao Ling's eyebrows unconsciously raised slightly.

He lowered his eyes in deep thought, secretly thinking in his heart that the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit gathered the tremendous energy of the ninth-order ancient sky phoenix and the ninth-order Taixu ancient dragon, and it was a rare treasure in the world.

Now that Zi Yan is blocked in the absorption process, if there is something that can resolve the dilemma, it must be something that also contains the power of the ancient Sky Phoenix bloodline, which can resonate with it and harmonize the violent energy within. Thinking this way, it makes sense.

Xiao Ling's eyes flickered slightly, and he looked up at Zhu Li: "Senior Zhu Li, are you leaving the Ancient Dragon Clan this time to find the magic core of the Sky Demon Phoenix?"

Facing Xiao Ling's question, Zhu Li nodded solemnly and said in a deep voice: "Yes, I came here this time under the order of the First Elder and the Second Elder to go out and search for a high-level Heavenly Demon Phoenix Demon Core."

He paused, his tone full of helplessness, "After the split of Dragon Island, many of the ancient dragon elders fled far away into the void. Now the island lacks high-end combat power. The first and second elders need to look after Her Royal Highness the Princess at all times to ensure that she is in seclusion and safe. They really can't get away. As the top powerhouse left on East Dragon Island, I accepted the order and went out."

At this point, Zhu Li sighed slightly, with a trace of reminiscence and regret in his eyes: "If the Ancient Dragon Clan was still at its peak, why would we need to go through so much trouble? The elders of the clan would definitely attack the Sky Demon Phoenix Clan and easily take the magic core from those mixed-haired birds. There would be no need for such trouble."

Then, he suddenly raised his eyes, his gaze fell on Xiao Ling, and asked in a hopeful tone, "Xiao Ling, as an alchemist, you deal in precious medicinal materials and rare items, and you are wealthy. I wonder if you have a stock of this high-level Heavenly Demon Phoenix Demon Core?"

Facing Zhu Li's question, Xiao Ling spread his hands, with a slightly regretful look on his face, "To be honest, Senior, although I got a Sky Phoenix Demon Core by chance before, it was only at the peak of the seventh level, and had not yet reached the eighth level. In addition, I had already used that Demon Core elsewhere, so I don't have any ready-made ones to use now."

After a slight pause, Xiao Ling's expression became extremely serious and firm again, and he spoke in a resounding voice:

"However, since I know that Zi Yan needs this Heavenly Demon Phoenix Magic Core, how can I sit back and do nothing? Don't worry, senior. I will do my best to find a high-level Heavenly Demon Phoenix Magic Core for Zi Yan as soon as possible! Also, senior, don't worry about this. I have already figured out the matter and will definitely give you a satisfactory answer."

Upon hearing Xiao Ling admit that there was no ready-made Heavenly Demon Phoenix Demon Core, a trace of obvious regret flashed in Zhu Li's eyes.

He sighed secretly. Given his current situation, it would be extremely difficult for him to obtain a high-level Heavenly Demon Phoenix Core.

The Ancient Dragon Clan was once so powerful that during their heyday, they did not take the Sky Demon Phoenix Clan seriously at all and even treated the Sky Demon Phoenix as prey.

However, things are different now. After the ancient dragon clan split, various forces within the clan have been in constant conflict and internal friction is extremely serious.

Most of those top-notch warriors who once shocked the world have fled to the depths of the void and no longer care about the affairs of the clan.

The strength of the Ancient Dragon Clan today is no longer what it used to be. It is a blessing in disguise that they can barely avoid being bullied by the Sky Demon Phoenix Clan, let alone taking the initiative to obtain the magic cores of the powerful members of the other clan.

However, after hearing Xiao Ling's firm assurance, Zhu Li's weathered eyes suddenly lit up.

He stared at the figure in front of him. Although he was not tall and strong, he had an aura as steady as a mountain.

For some reason, the thin figure made him feel at ease, as if as long as this person opened his mouth, there was nothing he couldn't accomplish.

Coming back to his senses from that special feeling, Zhu Li's expression flashed with embarrassment, and he sighed and shook his head: "Speaking of which, I am ashamed that I have to rely on Xiao Ling's help now."

He straightened his back, a fierce dragon aura rose from his body, and his eyes were as sharp as torches: "However, with your promise, if you need my help in the future, please don't hesitate to ask! After this matter is settled, if you need help, Ancient Dragon Island will do its best to help you."

Facing Zhu Li's solemn statement, Xiao Ling smiled heartily and waved his hand casually: "Senior, you are too polite! Zi Yan and I are like brothers and sisters. Why should we be so formal with each other?"

"Even if you didn't tell me today, I would still go to Ancient Dragon Island to visit Zi Yan in a few days. When I know about this, how can I just stand by and watch? Helping her solve her problems is my job!"

The originally somewhat solemn atmosphere also quietly melted away during the conversation between the two.

However, at this moment, the alchemy furnace in front of Xiao Ling suddenly vibrated.

The next second, a bright beam of energy broke through the restriction and soared into the sky like a dragon.

The sudden violent vibration instantly interrupted the conversation between Xiao Ling and Zhu Li. They turned their heads almost at the same time, their eyes fixed on the violently vibrating alchemy furnace.

All I saw was a dazzling beam of energy rising into the sky and piercing the clouds.

The originally gloomy sky suddenly changed color, and the rolling dark clouds gathered frantically from all directions as if they had received an order. Deep in the clouds, thunder flashed and hummed.

Seeing this, Xiao Ling's eyes flickered slightly, and then he turned his gaze to Zhu Li, and said in a brisk tone: "I'm sorry, Elder Zhu Li, the pill is almost ready. I still have to resist the pill thunder later. As for the matter of the Sky Demon Phoenix Demon Core, I will discuss it in detail after I deal with the troubles at hand."

Zhu Li laughed heartily, and the dragon power around him surged, shaking the surrounding space slightly distorted: "Haha! What's the big deal? I'm just bored, you can collect the pills at ease, and I will take care of the pill thunder!"

Before he finished speaking, he turned into a purple light and soared into the sky. His body gradually became larger and larger, revealing the true form of the Taixu Ancient Dragon. The dark purple dragon scales glowed coldly in the lightning, and he faced the nine-colored pill thunder that fell from the sky.

A smile flashed across Xiao Ling's eyes, and he did not refuse. With the help of this top expert from Ancient Dragon Island, resisting the pill thunder was naturally a piece of cake, and he could also save some energy. Then he watched leisurely from the side.

(End of this chapter)