BTTH: DISCIPLE CASHBACK SYSTEM Chapter 5: Inheritance of the Devouring Soul Art, Yun Yun’s Visit

"Does the host accept the inheritance of the Devouring Soul Art?"

Upon Gu He's consciousness making contact with the dark scroll, the system's prompt tone chimed.

"I accept!"

Gu He chose without a moment's hesitation. In the ensuing moment, a wave of dizziness washed over him as a flood of information surged into his mind. Countless data streams pierced his consciousness like sharp blades, slicing into the depths of his intellect.

His eyes tightly shut, Gu He focused his mind, immersing himself within the torrent of knowledge. After a considerable period, a faint sheen of cold sweat beaded on his eyelashes, and a subtle yet discernible trace of excitement bloomed on the corners of his lips.

Gu He's chest heaved with rapid breaths until the very end, a clear testament to his overwhelming excitement at that juncture. Engrossed in the profound information now housed within his mind, Gu He remained utterly motionless. It was only after three long hours had elapsed that he slowly unfurled his eyes, his pupils, once dark, now radiating sheer excitement.

"The Devouring Soul Art actually allows for the direct consumption of others' souls to bolster one's own soul power!" Gu He's eyes gleamed with excitement as he recalled the intricacies of the Devouring Soul Art.

"Not only that, but as it devours another's soul, the Devouring Soul Art also grants me the ability to sift through their memories!"

"This capability is truly astonishing!"

Contemplating the extraordinary efficacy of the Devouring Soul Art, Gu He couldn't help but express awe at the potency of an Emperor-grade technique.

For any alchemist, the cultivation of soul power stands as the paramount concern. Compared to the nurturing of Dou Qi, strengthening soul power presents a far greater challenge.

Furthermore, as one ascends the cultivation path, bolstering soul power becomes exponentially more arduous. This is precisely why, across the vast Dou Qi continent, accomplished alchemists of the highest echelons are exceedingly rare.

Now, with the mastery of the Emperor-grade technique, the Devouring Soul Art, Gu He possessed the means to directly augment his soul power by absorbing the souls of others.

To fellow alchemists, this advantage was undeniably unfair. After a prolonged period, the fervent excitement within Gu He's heart gradually subsided, supplanted by a thoughtful expression clouding his gaze.

Despite the immense power of the Devouring Soul Art, its application could not be public. Exposed to the light of day, such a peculiar and unorthodox technique would inevitably draw unwelcome scrutiny. Even Gu He, a Rank 6 alchemist, might find himself unable to ensure his own safety.

Consequently, should Gu He choose to wield the Devouring Soul Art in the future, extreme caution would be an absolute necessity.

"I should stabilize my cultivation first." Given the significant leap in his cultivation base achieved through rapid advancement, Gu He harbored a slight concern about potential instability. He retired to his chamber to rest for a short duration.

"Elder Gu He..."

Just as Gu He was preparing to lie down and recover, a voice, clear and melodious like pearls cascading upon jade, suddenly resonated from beyond the alchemy room.

Upon hearing this familiar voice, Gu He's eyes widened in surprise, and an image of an elegant and noble figure materialized in his mind.

Yun Yun? What brings her here?

The memories of his past life, particularly his pursuit of Yun Yun, remained vividly etched in Gu He's consciousness. It was thus natural for him to immediately recognize the voice outside as belonging to Yun Yun, the esteemed Sect Master of the Yun Lan Sect.

Could it be that the aura emanating from my breakthrough just now managed to escape and alert Yun Yun? Such a possibility flickered through Gu He's mind.

This should not have occurred! According to Gu He's understanding, even if the alchemy room were to spectacularly detonate, its effects would remain entirely contained within the interior. There was no logical reason for his breakthrough aura to have leaked outwards.

Internally bewildered, Gu He understood he could not afford to disregard Yun Yun's presence. After all, she held the prestigious position of Yun Lan Sect Master and, moreover, was a formidable Dou Emperor-level expert.

Creak! Gu He rose deliberately, swiftly drawing open the chamber door, and addressed the figure outside. Instantly, a silhouette clad in green attire entered Gu He's field of vision.

Although he had assimilated the memories of his prior existence, preserving a profound mental image of the woman's appearance, encountering her in person still evoked an involuntary sense of profound admiration.

The woman was adorned in a simple yet elegant robe that alluringly accentuated her graceful physique. Her hair, meticulously styled with a phoenix-themed ornament, complemented her beautiful and tranquil countenance, which exuded an air of refinement and nobility that her modest attire could not conceal.

Dressed in a white gown, her raven-black tresses flowed like a silken waterfall, cascading down to her slender waist. Her exquisite features, reminiscent of a celestial being untouched by worldly concerns, possessed an ethereal tranquility that bore no hint of haughtiness.

While Gu He was observing her appearance, Yun Yun was also studying him intently. "Senior Gu He, why does your demeanor seem slightly altered from before?" As her gaze swept over Gu He, who was exceptionally handsome and exuded charm, Yun Yun felt a flutter in her heart.

"Senior Gu He, are you feeling unwell?" Shortly thereafter, noticing his prolonged stare, Yun Yun's eyebrows furrowed slightly, a subtle dissatisfaction coloring her bright eyes. At her words, Gu He was jolted from his musings, a faint blush of embarrassment appearing in his eyes.

Damn, this is rather awkward... Cough cough...

He cleared his throat, masking his inner turmoil, and redirected his attention to Yun Yun before softly asking, "Sect Master Yun, what is the purpose of your visit today?"

Observing Gu He avert his gaze and recalling her reason for coming, Yun Yun's expression relaxed. She parted her crimson lips slightly and explained, "Senior Gu He, I have come to seek your esteemed assistance in refining a Gathering Qi Pill."

With that said, Yun Yun extended her fair hand, presenting a storage ring in her palm. "Herein lie the materials required for the refinement of two Gathering Qi Pills. I sincerely apologize for troubling you, Senior Gu He."

Upon hearing this, Gu He expressed his surprise, "Refining Gathering Qi Pills?"

So, this lady had come seeking alchemical services. Wait a moment... Gathering Qi Pills! Suddenly, a thought surfaced in Gu He's mind. Could it be true?

To confirm his suspicion, Gu He offered a subtle smile, his tone laced with inquisitiveness, "Sect Master, the primary function of the Gathering Qi Pill is to enable a Ninth Stage Dou Qi practitioner to flawlessly condense their Dou Qi into a whirlwind, achieving a perfect success rate, is that not correct?"

"I recall that Yanran has already advanced to the Dou Practitioner level, so why is it..." Gu He paused, his gaze shifting to Yun Yun with a hint of bewilderment. Hearing his question, a spark of annoyance flickered within Yun Yun, finding Gu He's inquiry somewhat intrusive regarding matters outside his purview.

However, considering the significant contributions Gu He had made to the Cloud Mist Sect over the years, Yun Yun paused briefly before deciding to elaborate, "As you are aware, Yanran is still bound by an engagement. Her betrothed is merely a Third Stage Dou Qi practitioner, and she harbors no affection for this union. Her intention is to journey to Utan City to annul the engagement."

"While nullifying an engagement may appear unseemly, I endorse her decision to ensure Yanran's tranquility in her cultivation journey." "Consider this Gathering Qi Pill a form of compensation for that young man." Yun Yun's voice carried a note of regret.

After all, the act of breaking an engagement was not the most honorable path the Cloud Mist Sect typically followed.

Just as he had surmised! Upon hearing Yun Yun's detailed explanation, Gu He's understanding clicked into place. The Gathering Qi Pill he was tasked to refine was intended for Xiao Yan. In the near future, Nalan Yanran would utilize this Gathering Qi Pill to forcibly terminate the engagement ceremony at the Xiao Clan located in Wu Tan City.

Consequently, the pivotal narrative arc of "Battle Through the Heavens" would commence with Nalan Yanran's resolute decision to sever ties.

Due to Nalan Yanran's firm stance, Xiao Yan would discover the impetus to cultivate and grow stronger, ultimately thwarting Hun Tian Di's insidious plot. It was perhaps unimaginable for Hun Tian Di that his ultimate downfall would be instigated by Xiao Yan's broken engagement.