Battle Through the Heavens: Harmony of Flame and Shadow

Listening to Jiang Yun's praise, Zi Yan immediately raised her head proudly, her nostrils flaring. "Of course, let me tell you."

As Jiang Yun listened to Zi Yan recount her experiences in the Magic Beast Forest, he skillfully manipulated the flames to refine the medicinal herbs into pellets that suited Zi Yan's taste. He felt a sense of tranquility within. Suddenly, the Holy Heaven Demon Flame in his body gave a fleeting, mild tremor.

An inexplicable expression flashed across Jiang Yun's eyes as he continued to refine the herbs for Zi Yan. Despite his somewhat limited knowledge as an alchemist, his skill in refining herbs had greatly improved thanks to Zi Yan's continuous "feeding."

As the eastern night gradually gave way to dawn, Jiang Yun finally finished refining the last medicinal pellet. Although he had worked through the night, he appeared energetic and showed no signs of exhaustion; such a workload was child's play for him.

Looking at Zi Yan, who was sleeping soundly with her arms wrapped around his leg like a sloth, Jiang Yun let out a gentle smile. Last night, when Zi Yan grew tired of talking, she had fallen asleep on his leg. Jiang Yun reached out to wipe the drool from her mouth, wondering what sweet dreams she might be having.

Jiang Yun took out a fragrant medicinal pellet and placed it near Zi Yan's mouth. Sensing the familiar aroma, Zi Yan's brows furrowed in her sleep, her nose twitching slightly. A small tongue darted out, pinpointing the pellet in Jiang Yun's hand with precision.

With a few quick bites, the pellet was swallowed. Zi Yan then woke up, her bright eyes shining like violet gems.

"Jiang Yun, are you done?"

"If I hadn't, my pants might not survive," Jiang Yun said with a smile, handing a storage ring to Zi Yan.

Noticing the drool on Jiang Yun's pants, Zi Yan's face turned slightly red, and she loudly retorted, "Your pants aren't worth as much as my drool. I may not be an ordinary magic beast, maybe my drool has medicinal properties too. Consider it a gift for your experiments!"

Zi Yan nodded seriously, praising her own wit.

Jiang Yun looked at the 'nonsensical' Zi Yan in amusement; this time she might actually be right. He knew Zi Yan's true form was the supreme Ancient Void Dragon of the magic beast realm, making her drool essentially dragon saliva!

Who knew what applications dragon saliva might have in the Dou Qi Continent? If he developed it, he could make a fortune. Watching Zi Yan gulp down her food, Jiang Yun brushed aside his strange thoughts and said with a smile, "You can study it yourself. I'm not interested in researching other people's drool."

As he spoke, Jiang Yun took out a jade bottle from the storage ring. The bottle was warm to the touch, and the liquid inside emitted a faint white glow, seemingly alive.

"Zi Yan, where did you find this?" Jiang Yun asked, holding up the jade bottle.

The liquid inside was no ordinary substance; it was Geocentric Body Tempering Milk, the rare substance that even Zi Yan couldn't acquire in the original story due to the protective magic beast.

"But now, with Zi Yan's formidable strength, defeating a Snow Demon Ape that could temporarily reach a five-star Dou Wang wouldn't be difficult," Jiang Yun thought.

"Oh, this stuff is tasty!" Zi Yan stopped eating for a moment, nodding her approval as she looked at the jade bottle. "As for where I found it, let me think..."

This rare item had left a strong impression because it didn't need to be refined to taste good. Zi Yan had brought some back to share with Jiang Yun.

"Ah—, I remember now, it's that big ape's thing!" After a moment, Zi Yan clapped her hands excitedly.

Geocentric Body Tempering Milk: A product of the purest earth energy condensed over centuries into mist and then into liquid. The highest quality of this substance has miraculous effects, such as refining marrow and forging bones. It is a treasure coveted by countless Dou Ling practitioners, increasing their chances of breaking through to Dou Wang and greatly benefiting those advancing from Dou Wang to Dou Huang.

"Shall we go again?" Jiang Yun smiled, his eyes lighting up. Geocentric Body Tempering Milk could help him quickly surpass the level of a Dou Shi and reach Dou Ling—an opportunity not to be missed.

"But I've already finished it," Zi Yan said, looking embarrassed.

"Trust me," Jiang Yun said, leading Zi Yan by the hand as they walked outside.

Trusting Jiang Yun, Zi Yan allowed herself to be led. However, they encountered some trouble on their way out. A tall, somber man stood before them, causing Jiang Yun to sigh inwardly. Had they not just dealt with the small fry, and now the big fish had come?

"And you are?" Jiang Yun asked the man.

"Feng Wuhen," the man replied calmly. He was the second-ranked in the academy's Strong Ranking, close to becoming a Dou Wang.

"Here to avenge Xue Zhen?" Jiang Yun asked, recalling the relationship between the two.

"No," Feng Wuhen shook his head, surprising Jiang Yun. "He's not skilled enough to warrant my intervention. I'm here to see the famed genius of the Inner Academy."

"And?" Jiang Yun asked.

"Your reputation is deserved," Feng Wuhen replied after a pause. "I'll be waiting for you in the Strong Ranking Tournament."

Suddenly, a powerful and domineering aura exploded from Feng Wuhen, targeting Jiang Yun directly.

"Hey—, you big oaf, are you done? Jiang Yun and I are going to find some good food. If you don't move, I'll beat you up!" Zi Yan, annoyed by the delay, declared, not giving Feng Wuhen any time to react.

"Hmm?" Feng Wuhen's aura faltered as he frowned at Zi Yan. Wasn't this the infamous little girl who dared to shout at the academy elder? She seemed so... unremarkable.

"I don't like the way you're looking at me," Zi Yan said coldly, cracking her knuckles. "If you want to challenge Jiang Yun, you have to get past me first."

With that, Zi Yan rushed at Feng Wuhen with incredible speed and explosive force. Feng Wuhen's pupils contracted as she swung her fist.

"Boom—"

Feng Wuhen took a step forward, golden Dou Qi bursting from him as he raised a fist to meet Zi Yan's.

Despite being a top-tier fighter close to becoming a Dou Wang, Feng Wuhen found himself easily overpowered by the physical might of Zi Yan, who hadn't even used her full strength. He was sent flying.

"Dou Wang..." Feng Wuhen muttered, clutching his arm, which was now numb and bleeding.

"So what if I'm a Dou Wang?" Zi Yan said arrogantly, clenching her small fist.

Realizing that Zi Yan hadn't even used Dou Qi, Feng Wuhen understood her strength was far beyond ordinary Dou Wangs.

"No wonder the elder values you so much. Compared to you, we are nothing," he said, a hint of despair in his voice. He walked away, disheartened.

"What's wrong with him?" Zi Yan asked, puzzled.

"Maybe you struck a nerve," Jiang Yun replied with a smile, ruffling her hair.

"Is that so? I didn't even use my full strength. He's really nothing special. I fought for my food against much tougher magic beasts and never gave up!" Zi Yan boasted, recounting her past struggles.

Jiang Yun felt a deep affection for the lively and resilient girl. Despite her royal lineage, she had endured a harsh childhood yet remained upbeat and strong.

"Don't worry, I'll always be here to protect you. Let's start by exploring the Magic Beast Forest," he said, holding her hand as they walked into the forest.

"Humph, I'm stronger than you. I'll protect you instead. Those beasts out there are no match for me," Zi Yan retorted, feeling warm inside but too proud to admit it.

As the morning sun spread its light, their shadows merged into one, gradually disappearing into the vast, endless forest, ready to face new adventures together.

This place, deep within the endless forest surrounding the Inner Academy, was home to many powerful magic beasts. Even a Dou Ling warrior could easily encounter danger here. A figure cloaked in purple Dou Qi wings landed on a small hill, carrying another slightly larger figure.

Jiang Yun shamelessly stepped out of Zi Yan's embrace and surveyed the terrain. "Are you sure this is the place?"

"I never forget a place with good food!" Zi Yan replied indignantly.

Nodding, Jiang Yun examined the gorge before them. It was a bottle-shaped valley at the foot of a small mountain.

"Shall we go meet your old friend?" Jiang Yun asked with a smile, sensing something with his soul power.

Following Jiang Yun, Zi Yan clung to his sleeve as they reached the valley's end. Inside a ten-meter-high cave lay a snow-white figure. The Snow Demon Ape, nearly three to four zhang long, exuded cold energy, snoring as it slept with each breath like two jets of white smoke.

Its long arms boasted black iron-like claws, each the size of two human heads. Even in sleep, its unconscious swipes generated gusts of wind that shattered nearby rocks into pieces.

"Want to say hello?" Jiang Yun asked, smiling at Zi Yan.

"The big ape is cunning but no match for me," Zi Yan replied seriously. Though she knew she could defeat it, she wanted to ensure Jiang Yun's safety.

Sensing something, the Snow Demon Ape's nostrils flared as it sniffed the air. Its blood-red eyes snapped open, locking onto Zi Yan.

"You again." Recognizing Zi Yan, the ape trembled before snarling at Jiang Yun. "A human? You brought a human to my territory, you traitor to the magic beast clan!"

Standing up, the Snow Demon Ape's towering figure radiated fierce energy. Its blood-red eyes burned with rage as it glared at Jiang Yun and Zi Yan. If not for Zi Yan's overwhelming strength, it would have torn them apart by now.

"You dare insult me!" Zi Yan's ponytail bristled with anger. "It seems you didn't learn your lesson last time. Watch how I discipline you!"

(End of Chapter)