Chapter 752 The Ancient Clan's Prince Consort, the Resurrection Pill

"what?!"

Upon hearing this, a collective gasp filled the hall. The elders, who had previously been hesitant, suddenly straightened up, their hesitation vanishing instantly in shock. Their pupils contracted, filled with disbelief and horror.

The realm of Dou Sheng! That is the pinnacle that countless cultivators on the Dou Qi Continent may not be able to reach, even if they exhaust their entire lives and grow old!
Xiao Ling is only twenty years old, yet he has already reached such a level. Such heaven-defying talent is unheard of and unseen throughout the entire history of the continent!

What truly convinced the elders and dispelled all their doubts was a seemingly accidental but actually carefully considered sparring session a few days later.

At Gu Yuan's invitation, Xiao Ling moved to the ancient clan's martial arts arena to face off against a veteran Dou Sheng elder of the clan.

That elder's cultivation had been at the late stage of the One-Star Dou Sheng realm for many years. His Dou Qi foundation was as profound as an abyss, and his aura was as solid as a mountain. He even showed faint signs of breaking through to the Two-Star realm, and his strength should not be underestimated.

At first, the elders watching the battle had a somewhat detached, "junior trying his hand" mentality, thinking that even though Xiao Ling had become famous at a young age, he had not been cultivating for long enough and might not be able to fully grasp the mysteries of the Dou Sheng realm.

But as soon as the fight began, the elder sensed something was wrong. He saw that Xiao Ling's body was filled with golden battle qi that was as solid as a substance. His moves showed no trace of immaturity or impetuosity, but rather a composure and experience far beyond his years. His every move also revealed the decisiveness and sharpness of someone who had been through many battles.

The two figures clashed and moved swiftly on the training ground, the sound of their battle qi colliding making the surrounding air buzz. After a fierce battle, Xiao Ling emerged victorious with a steady and methodical approach.

However, Xiao Ling's victory was not easy. He not only revealed his trump card, but also activated a secret technique that could temporarily boost his combat power. He deliberately withdrew his talisman master skills and relied solely on his soul power to sense the battle and predict the offensive. Under such restrictions, he barely managed to defeat the ancient clan elder.

After all, that elder was no ordinary Dou Sheng. His cultivation was a genuine late-stage one-star Dou Sheng, and his Dou Qi foundation, accumulated over nearly a hundred years, was incomparably profound. He had also learned several Heaven-rank techniques and high-level Dou skills from the ancient clan. In his youth, he was a renowned genius of the ancient clan, and his combat strength was unfathomable.

This is precisely why Xiao Ling's strength is so impressive, and it completely dispelled the last doubts of the elders watching the battle.

After this battle, the way the elders of the ancient clan looked at Xiao Ling was completely different.

These are all old foxes who have lived for hundreds of years. They have long seen through human relationships and the advantages and disadvantages of their own clans. They have their own accurate scale of judgment in their hearts. The strength and potential that Xiao Ling just showed have already been fully taken into consideration by them.

For Xiao Ling to have already steadily entered the Dou Sheng realm at such a young age is an extraordinary talent. Everyone knows that with his aptitude, it's not impossible for him to not only reach the peak of Dou Sheng, but also touch upon even higher realms in the future.

Then look at Xun'er, who possesses the highest divine bloodline of the ancient clan and is the hope for the future of the clan.

Xiao Ling possesses unparalleled talent, and Xun'er has exceptional bloodline. Their union is no longer just a simple expression of affection between lovers, but a true alliance of powerful forces.

Moreover, the two have been together since childhood, and their friendship has deepened over the years. It is no exaggeration to say that such a fate is a match made in heaven.

More importantly, the Xiao clan has long since declined. Before the Xiao clan was truly rebuilt, Xiao Ling had a deep connection with the ancient clan due to his relationship with Xun'er, and was almost like half a family member of the ancient clan. There was no conflict of interest or estrangement between the two sides.

If this marriage can be arranged, Xiao Ling will gain the additional identity of "the consort of an ancient clan." At that time, there will be no need for deliberate efforts to win him over; he will naturally join the ancient clan's camp and become one of their most reliable allies in the chaotic world.

Such a marriage was considered a godsend for the ancient tribe.

It can not only bind Xiao Ling to the ancient clan, forming an unbreakable bond of life and death, but also bring the clan a once-in-a-millennium opportunity for development. With Xiao Ling's heaven-defying potential combined with Xun'er's divine bloodline, their future offspring will surely be exceptionally talented, ensuring the clan's continued success.

Once Xiao Ling's cultivation reaches another peak, the ancient clan will have an additional, unbreakable barrier even when facing a terrifying enemy like the Soul Clan, giving them more confidence in the chaotic world.

The elders in the clan who had previously opposed the marriage between the young lady and another clan now had all their dissatisfaction and concerns vanished, replaced by undisguised joy and complete approval.

In the subsequent council meeting, the elders all echoed Gu Yuan's decision to get engaged, their words filled with approval and support for the marriage, and their gazes toward Gu Yuan were filled with genuine admiration.

The clan leader was indeed farsighted. Long before everyone had a clear understanding of the situation, he had already discerned Xiao Ling's boundless potential and seen through the profound significance of this marriage arrangement, which concerned the rise and fall of the clan. This foresight and decisiveness were truly admirable.

With this matter settled, Xiao Ling's status as the "Ancient Clan's Prince Consort" was officially confirmed, and the previous scattered opposition within the clan had long since vanished.

Later, when Xiao Ling and Xun'er visited the elders in the ancient clan as the consorts of the ancient clan, the scene was completely different from before. The previous aloofness and scrutiny were completely gone, replaced by warm smiles and words full of genuine enthusiasm and harmony.

They would either nod and greet him, praising Xiao Ling's abilities in their conversation, or chat with the two of them for a few minutes, their words revealing their satisfaction with the marriage.

Throughout the entire ancient clan, everyone was certain that this match made in heaven would become the source of their confidence.

With Xiao Ling and Xun'er, a pair of exceptionally talented individuals, in charge, the clan will surely be able to stand firmly in the future chaos and live for thousands of years without worry.

……

The green bamboo groves block out the sun, their dense leaves intertwining to form a natural dome. Sunlight filters through the gaps in the leaves, sifting down like scattered gold dust that falls onto the winding bluestone path.

The wind rustles through the treetops, carrying the refreshing scent of grass and trees, drifting over the bamboo curtain hanging at the corner of the pavilion, making one's heart itch.

A stone pavilion is hidden deep in this bamboo forest, with upturned corners and pillars covered in dark brown bamboo skin. The stone table and benches have been polished by time to a warm luster. On the table, a pot of freshly brewed pre-rain tea is steaming with wisps of white mist. The aroma of tea is mixed with the fragrance of bamboo, clear and lingering.

Xiao Ling and Xiao Yan sat facing each other, their fingertips resting on the rim of the warm teacups. Their gazes drifted over the swaying bamboo shadows outside the pavilion, and their conversation was filled with the relaxed feeling of a long-awaited reunion.

Suddenly, Xiao Yan put down his teacup, looked up at Xiao Ling, and a mischievous smile instantly appeared in his eyes. He then gave him a thumbs up, his tone full of teasing.

"Cousin, in just a few days, you've already become the consort of an ancient clan! Such ability is truly astounding!" Before he finished speaking, he deliberately raised an eyebrow, drawing out his words.

"Speaking of which, shouldn't I change how I address Xun'er when I see her in the future? I used to call her cousin, but now that you're the prospective son-in-law of the ancient clan, it's not proper to call her that anymore. I should respectfully call her sister-in-law. Don't you think that makes sense?"

Xiao Ling's smile deepened at Xiao Yan's teasing. He couldn't help but shake his head and wave his hand, his tone a mix of helplessness and gentle laughter: "You little rascal, you always tease me."

"It's too early for this to happen. We've only made an engagement with Xun'er for now. The real wedding ceremony will have to wait until things calm down a bit more."

He tapped the stone table lightly with his fingertips, his gaze sweeping over the swaying bamboo shadows outside the pavilion, and his tone softened, "As for changing my address to 'sister-in-law,' there's no rush. If we really want to call her that, it will be proper after we get married."

"Besides, I will be leaving the ancient clan tomorrow, and you will naturally be leaving with me. You will probably have little chance to meet Xun'er in the future. Your haste to change your address makes it seem as if you are afraid of not having the chance."

Upon hearing the word "leave," Xiao Yan's teasing smile vanished instantly, his expression turning serious. He looked up at Xiao Ling, his tone becoming more earnest: "Cousin, have you already arranged your departure?"

After he finished speaking, he nodded to himself, his fingertips tracing the cool rim of the teacup: "But you're right. We've been in the ancient clan for quite a while now. You stayed here before only to deal with your engagement with Xun'er. Now that everything's settled, there's really no need for you to stay any longer."

After a brief pause, Xiao Yan's gaze swept over the lush bamboo scenery outside the pavilion, and a hint of melancholy crept into his voice: "Speaking of which, this place in the Ancient Clan is truly wonderful. The mountains and rivers are beautiful, and it's peaceful and comfortable. Staying here makes one feel relaxed all over. I just don't know if, when chaos erupts in the future, there will still be such a peaceful place to stay."

This space was personally created by our ancestor, the Dou Di, and has been meticulously maintained by generations of Dou Sheng of the ancient clan over the years. Its profound foundation and abundant spiritual energy make it far superior to ordinary places outside.

Xiao Ling chuckled and nodded, taking a sip from the teacup. The refreshing aroma of the tea lingered on his tongue, and his tone grew even more gentle.
"But don't worry, there will definitely be other opportunities in the future. I still have a lot of things to take care of when I return to the ancient clan. Taking you along will just be a favor."

"Haha, that's true!" Xiao Yan slapped the stone table, his eyes full of laughter. "Cousin, when you and Xun'er hold your wedding, it will definitely be in the Ancient Clan. As your cousin, how could I not come to the wedding feast? There will naturally be plenty of opportunities to set foot here again."

He said that he assumed Xiao Ling's mention of "returning to the ancient clan" referred to the upcoming wedding ceremony.

Xiao Ling listened, but simply shook his head with a faint smile and did not reply. He knew in his heart that Xiao Yan should think this way, and there was no need to point it out.

After all, the things he had to deal with were far more than just marrying Xun'er.

The situation on the mainland is currently turbulent and unpredictable, with the shadow of the Soul Clan looming ever closer. There are countless important matters to attend to, and there is still no definite date for the actual wedding with Xun'er.

The matter that Xiao Ling mentioned, which he needed to return to the ancient clan to handle before marrying Xun'er, was by no means trivial. It had nothing to do with the soul of the Heavenly Tomb, nor with the trivial matters of the clan. Rather, it was a long-awaited system draw opportunity that he had unlocked after breaking through to the Dou Sheng realm.

The object extracted this time, seemingly ordinary, actually contains an astonishing mystery: it is a pill called "Resurrection Pill".

Although the name of this elixir is simple, its origin is extremely astonishing. According to the system, it was refined by an Emperor-level alchemist in the ancient era of the Dou Qi Continent, who devoted his entire life to its creation. Its miraculous effects are even more unbelievable.

As long as a trace of the deceased's will remains, or an unresolved obsession or a lingering remnant of consciousness, this elixir can be used as a catalyst to help their shattered soul reassemble and reappear in its original form.

Those who meet the conditions for using this Resurrection Pill are not ordinary people in life, but the requirements are not considered harsh. Even some powerful Dou Zong cultivators with profound cultivation can leave behind a trace of their consciousness or obsession at the moment of life and death by relying on their tenacious will.

Xiao Ling had seen this before, having personally experienced it several times. Back in the Dou Sheng Ruins, the skeleton of that Creation Saint could only move with the help of his instinctive will and had no complete consciousness. However, with the miraculous effect of the Rejuvenation Pill, that wisp of remaining will could help his shattered soul recombine and regain its complete consciousness.

This power, which is almost able to reverse the cycle of reincarnation and control life and death, can be described as a heaven-defying pill that is hard to find in the Dou Qi Continent throughout the ages. Its quality has already transcended the category of ninth-grade pills. Even ordinary Dou Di would probably go crazy for it.

In Xiao Ling's mind, the best place for this Soul-Returning Pill was undoubtedly the energy body of Xiao Xuan in the Heavenly Tomb.

That energy body was originally formed from the remnants of Xiao Xuan's soul essence before his death. Although it possessed unparalleled and terrifying strength within the Heavenly Tomb, it was also firmly bound by the rules of the Heavenly Tomb, and was unable to set foot in the outside world for the rest of its life.

However, with the miraculous power of this Rejuvenation Pill, the situation would be entirely different. It could completely repair Xiao Xuan's damaged soul essence, helping him to reassemble a complete spiritual consciousness.

At that time, all Xiao Ling needs to do is find a suitable body and use a secret method to refine and fuse it, and this ancestor of the Xiao clan, who once dominated the Dou Qi Continent, will be able to truly break free of his shackles and stand again between heaven and earth.

Although Xiao Ling knew that with Gu Yuan's current strength, he had the means to forcibly open the Heavenly Tomb and pave the way for him to enter it, he did not seek help from his future father-in-law immediately after obtaining the Soul-Returning Pill.

After all, the matter of the Resurrection Pill was too important, concerning the return of Xiao Xuan's ancestor and involving heaven-defying secrets. It could not tolerate the slightest negligence or mistake. He had to think carefully and consider all potential risks thoroughly.

Although Gu Yuan was a close prospective father-in-law to him, his core identity was ultimately that of the clan chief. As the head of a clan, his actions must be based on the interests of the clan.

Xiao Ling wasn't sure if Gu Yuan would have any different thoughts about the future of the Gu clan after learning about the miraculous effects of the Rejuvenation Pill.

He also knew that such speculation might be somewhat overthinking, and that Gu Yuan's magnanimity and vision might not be limited to such matters.

However, this matter is of great importance, involving Xiao Xuan's only chance to return, and cannot be taken lightly. Any possible accidents must be avoided in advance.

Therefore, Xiao Ling had already made up his mind that when the time was right, he would find another suitable excuse to ask Gu Yuan to let him enter the Heavenly Tomb.

Once Gu Yuan opens the Heavenly Tomb passage and he successfully enters, he will then inform Xiao Xuan's ancestor about the existence and miraculous effects of the Rejuvenation Pill.

This roundabout and thorough arrangement not only avoids the risk of prematurely revealing the secret, but also ensures that the Resurrection Pill exerts its maximum effect, so as to ensure that the matter is foolproof and without any mistakes. (End of this chapter)