BTTH : From the beginning of the battle to the top

"Senior, I hope you can present all your collections of techniques and combat skills for me to choose from," Lin Yuan made a request.

"I don't have many high-level earth-grade techniques and combat skills on hand. Since you are so straightforward, I naturally won't be stingy and will let you choose," Yao Lao said generously. After all, if this transaction failed and the map fell into the hands of the ancient family, it would be nearly impossible to obtain it again.

Seeing the deal was struck, Lin Yuan seized the opportunity to seek the method for the poison pill. "That's great! Speaking of which, Senior, you are the continent's number one alchemist, so you must have a wealth of knowledge. I have something to ask."

"Oh? What is it?"

"Senior, do you know about the 'Cursed Poison Body'? Is there a way to resolve it?"

"The Cursed Poison Body? That's quite a nostalgic term. You don't seem to have it yourself, so I assume you have friends or family who do," Yao Lao said, showing a hint of nostalgia, likely recalling a Cursed Poison Body he had once defeated.

"A friend of mine."

"Seems like this is fate. I happen to have a scroll on the method for the poison pill, but the conditions to obtain it are quite harsh. If you need it, you can exchange it for the Earth Core Body Refining Milk," Yao Lao said, readily taking out the scroll for the poison pill. After all, this was merely a collectible for him, and exchanging it for something that could help Xiao Yan strengthen his foundation and refine his body was certainly worth it.

Moreover, if Lin Yuan's friend truly needed to implement the poison pill method in the future, they might require Xiao Yan's help, who could control various types of异火 (exotic flames). At that time, Lin Yuan could have Xiao Yan owe him a favor. Anyone who completed the poison pill method would surely become a strong individual, thus providing Xiao Yan with valuable connections.

"Alright, here is the Earth Core Body Refining Milk."

After Lin Yuan and Yao Lao finalized the transaction, they exchanged their items.

Yao Lao and Xiao Yan received the fragment of the demon fire map and the Earth Core Body Refining Milk.

Lin Yuan selected a high-level earth-grade fire technique, the "Heavenly Fire Classic," a high-level earth-grade technique with no attributes, the "Sky Profound Classic," a high-level earth-grade combat skill, the "Three Light Seal," a jade piece containing the legacy of an eighth-grade alchemist from a hundred years ago, and the scroll for the poison pill method from Yao Lao's collection.

Both parties were satisfied with the results.

After completing the transaction, Lin Yuan was in a good mood. This deal resolved many of his issues. He had obtained the high-level techniques to exchange with Qing Lin, the method for the poison pill to resolve Xiao Yixian's Cursed Poison Body, a template for studying how to draw on the energy of heaven and earth with earth-grade combat skills, and the legacy of an eighth-grade alchemist. When he returned to the academy next time, he could address the lack of high-level alchemy techniques in the alchemy department of the Jia Nan Academy. Moreover, Lin Yuan noticed Xiao Yan's eyes subtly scanning a nearby corpse of a magical beast that had been nailed to a tree, which looked like it had been dead for a long time.

After reaching an agreement with Lin Yuan not to leak Yao Lao's situation, Xiao Yan and Yao Lao left. Xiao Yan had just broken through to the first star and needed to engage in several exhilarating battles with magical beasts to hone his fighting spirit and solidify his cultivation.

After Yao Lao and Xiao Yan had left for a while, a hidden aura quietly followed Lin Yuan's spiritual perception. This aura was very concealed, but it was quite powerful even among Dou Huang (Fighting Emperor) level fighters.

"Is it Ling Ying? The dark attribute techniques are indeed exceptional in terms of concealment. Gu Xun'er really arranged for him to follow; she is quite attentive to Xiao Yan!" Lin Yuan understood, feeling a bit more alert towards Gu Xun'er. A girl who seemed somewhat yandere should be approached with extra caution.

Once the aura in his perception had moved away, Lin Yuan waved his hand, and a surge of fighting spirit swept through, bringing the corpse of the magical beast from the tree to his hand. Then, Lin Yuan removed the two eyes from the magical beast's corpse. Upon closer inspection, he found that these two eyes were actually two polished recording stones.

After checking, Lin Yuan confirmed that both recording stones had captured the scene of his transaction with Yao Lao and Xiao Yan, and he nodded in satisfaction.

"I have obtained the leverage against Gu Xun'er."

"With this, all my goals have been achieved."

Using the fragment of the Pure Lotus Demon Fire to exchange for techniques sufficient to cultivate to Dou Zong (Fighting Sovereign) and the legacy of an eighth-grade alchemist was something Lin Yuan had decided long ago. The key focus of this operation was how to maximize the benefits of this transaction without drawing excessive attention from Gu Xun'er too early. Lin Yuan believed he had basically achieved the latter. After all, through the Sky Network centered around the Bi She San Hua Tong (Green Snake Three Flower Eyes), it appeared that Xiao Yan and Yao Lao had merely encountered him by chance, and from the outside, it was impossible to see his calculations.

As for the former, these two recording stones were a significant gain.

In this Dou Qi continent, there were many powerful individuals interested in the Pure Lotus Demon Fire, and the images Lin Yuan possessed were enough to attract some of them to take action. After all, the strong in the Dou Qi continent valued strength over reason. If they had doubts, they wouldn't mind taking matters into their own hands to confirm through coercion. The allure of the Pure Lotus Demon Fire was immense, enough to compel these individuals to act.

Given Xiao Yan's obsession with异火 (exotic flames), it was inevitable that he would not give up the fragment of the Pure Lotus Demon Fire. Thus, the information that he possessed the fragment would become a significant vulnerability for him for a long time. Once leaked, it could lead to life-threatening consequences.

With the images in hand, Lin Yuan had grasped Xiao Yan's vulnerability for a long time.

Considering Gu Xun'er's feelings for Xiao Yan, his life and future were undoubtedly her top priority. In this situation, Lin Yuan, who held the leverage over Xiao Yan's vulnerability, had ample room to negotiate or strategize with Gu Xun'er. Even the two maps divided by Hai Bo Dong could serve as excellent bargaining chips when necessary. As the imperial daughter of the ancient clan, one of the top forces in the Dou Qi continent, Gu Xun'er could offer far more valuable items than Xiao Yan. Once the demon fire fragment was in Xiao Yan's hands, this trading channel would be opened.

Watching the direction in which Xiao Yan and Yao Lao departed, Lin Yuan's gaze was deep.

"Xiao Yan, that fragment will be kept in your hands for now. You must guard it well for me. What role will you play in the grand scheme of things in the future? I look forward to it!"

Lin Yuan held no ill feelings towards Xiao Yan; in fact, he even admired him a bit. However, for Lin Yuan, Xiao Yan could potentially become a rival on his path to the throne, a pawn in his various schemes, or perhaps an inconsequential peripheral figure. All of this would have to wait for time to validate. Nevertheless, this did not prevent Lin Yuan from valuing Xiao Yan in the present and expressing his respect through his prior planning and calculations.

"The tasks here have been completed; it's time to return to the valley and continue cultivating my techniques." After confirming that nothing was overlooked, Lin Yuan spread his wings and flew towards the valley where Qing Lin was.

Upon returning to the valley, Lin Yuan landed lightly. He waved his hand in front of him, and the flesh on his face shifted, returning to his original appearance.

To be cautious, Lin Yuan had still worn a disguise during his meeting with Xiao Yan and Yao Lao, using a face that was different in appearance but similar in age. This way, even if Gu Xun'er wanted to investigate him, it would be much more difficult. After all, Ling Ying would not be able to detect his异火, and even if she wanted to investigate, she could only use his appearance at that time as the main clue.

After Lin Yuan landed, Qing Lin immediately approached him, her face beaming with a smile. "Young Master, welcome back."

Lin Yuan understood; after spending quite some time together, Qing Lin's expression now reflected her inner desire for praise.

Upon closer inspection, Lin Yuan noticed that Qing Lin's cultivation had already reached four-star Dou Shi (Fighter), not far from five-star Dou Shi. After crossing the Dou Qi stage to become a fighter, the Bi She San Hua Tong seemed to have removed its limitations on her training speed, allowing her cultivation speed to further accelerate. In less than two months, she had advanced to four-star strength.

Gently running his hand through Qing Lin's smooth hair, Lin Yuan said with satisfaction, "Qing'er, you did very well this time. Not only have you made significant progress in your cultivation, but you also helped me greatly by controlling the Sky Network. I may need your assistance like this often in the future. Do you have any wishes? I will fulfill anything within my ability."

"Really?" Qing Lin's eyes lit up. As she looked at Lin Yuan, it seemed she thought of something, suddenly becoming dazed. Her face flushed, and she quickly averted her gaze to the ground, shaking her head vigorously. "Qing'er has no wishes; being able to help Young Master is Qing'er's wish."

Thank you all for your votes, rewards, collections, and support. We are at a crucial moment in the recommendation PK phase, so please don't just read; keep following the story. This is a critical period for the book's performance, and I kindly ask for your help.

(End of Chapter)