BTTH: DISCIPLE CASHBACK SYSTEM Chapter 581: Investiture!
The effectiveness of this ninth-grade medicinal pill, specifically designed for healing, was astounding. Not only did it mend Zi Yan’s severe injuries, but its residual power even propelled her cultivation to a higher star level. Such was the potency of a ninth-grade pill.
Yet, at Zi Yan’s current cultivation stage, her physique possessed an acute sensitivity to medicinal energies. It was highly unlikely that another ninth-grade pill would yield a similar breakthrough, unless it was an exceptionally refined, higher-tier ninth-grade gold pill. Such premium elixirs could produce remarkable transformations in cultivators below the Dou Emperor realm.
“Thank you, Master, for healing me!”
Zi Yan, now fully cognizant of her improved condition after Gu He withdrew his natal divine flame, conveyed her profound gratitude.
“Zi Yan, you must never conceal such matters from your master again!” Gu He’s admonition was stern. The severe depletion of her blood and energy, had it not been properly addressed, could have irrevocably damaged her future cultivation path and hindered her ascent to supreme powerhouse status.
“I understand, Master,” Zi Yan responded with deep sincerity, internalizing his counsel.
“Zi Yan, the North Dragon King has already sustained grievous injuries from the Dragon-Slaying Sword. There is no immediate necessity to pursue him relentlessly. It is highly improbable he would dare to show himself before making a full recovery,” Gu He advised.
Gu He paused briefly before continuing his reminder. The Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan had maintained a discreet presence for many years. A large-scale mobilization across the Central Continent to hunt down the North Dragon King could inadvertently reveal the clan’s current vulnerabilities. If their weakened state became public knowledge, formidable powers, particularly their ancient adversaries, the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan, would undoubtedly take notice. The Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan might exploit the perceived decline of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan and the emergence of a powerful yet unseasoned new Dragon Emperor as an opportunity to launch a decisive strike.
Considering the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan’s present capabilities, even with Zi Yan’s advancement to the late-stage Four-Star Dou Saint realm, she would still be outmatched by Huang Tian, the leader of the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan, whose cultivation rested at the late-stage Five-Star Dou Saint level.
Beyond the Phoenix Clan, vigilance against the Soul Clan was also paramount. The Soul Clan harbored perennial ambitions. During the era of the previous Dragon Emperor, they had hesitated to act against the Ancient Dragon Clan. However, should news of Zi Yan’s awakened ancient Dragon-Phoenix bloodline disseminate, it would undoubtedly provoke decisive action from their leadership.
“Yes, I understand. Once our Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan is fully restored and I have cultivated to greater strength, I will personally settle the score with Zhu Bei,” Zi Yan affirmed with unwavering resolve.
“You can manage the remaining matters independently now. Oh, and take these along with you.”
Before his departure, Gu He produced two pills and two spatial jade talismans from his ring, presenting them to Zi Yan. These were a ninth-grade treasured pill and a ninth-grade mystical pill—both potent life-saving elixirs stocked as a precaution against future emergencies.
“Thank you, Master.”
Gazing at the items Gu He bestowed upon her, Zi Yan felt an overwhelming wave of warmth surge through her. Tears welled and cascaded from her eyes. In that moment, the regal bearing of a Dragon Emperor dissolved, replaced by the simple joy of a young girl receiving cherished gifts from an elder.
Witnessing her emotional display, Gu He’s expression softened. He gently stroked her head, his voice a low murmur, “There, there, no need for tears. You are the Dragon Emperor. What impression would your people have if they saw you like this?”
“Mm… Master, I am not crying. I simply feel incredibly fortunate to be your disciple,” Zi Yan managed to say, her voice thick with emotion.
“Haha, fortunate, are you?”
Gu He responded with a warm smile to her heartfelt words. He then turned, proceeding slowly towards the pulsating purple circular portal at the altar’s base.
“Take care, Master. Zi Yan will miss you!”
As the purple light of the portal intensified, Zi Yan recognized that Gu He was preparing to depart. She promptly stood and waved her delicate hand towards his retreating silhouette.
Upon entering the illuminated circle, Gu He initiated the Great Void Teleportation Technique, facilitating his departure from the Dragon Emperor Hall.
Following Gu He’s exit, Zi Yan also emerged from the hall not long after. Even the seal Gu He had meticulously placed offered no impediment to her egress.
...
“This… this aura… the Dragon Emperor has emerged!”
The very instant Zi Yan egressed from Gu He’s seal within the Dragon Emperor Hall, the formidable individuals residing on Ancient Dragon Island detected the resonance of her distinct aura.
Without delay, formidable cultivators such as Qingshan, Zhu Mo, Xi, and the South Dragon King—all powerhouses at the Dou Saint realm—converged to offer their congratulations on her recovery.
“Greetings, Dragon Emperor!”
“Greetings, Dragon Emperor!”
As this contingent of elite experts from the Ancient Dragon Clan materialized in the skies above the Dragon Emperor Hall, they offered respectful salutations to Zi Yan. Simultaneously, they perceived the palpable shift in her aura.
“How can this be… the Dragon Emperor’s cultivation has actually reached Four-Star Dou Saint! She is even more formidable than the North Dragon King was when he unleashed the Dragon Transformation Demon Array!” the Xi Dragon King thought, shocked.
“Four-Star Dou Saint… and it hasn't even been half a month. Is the ancient Dragon-Phoenix bloodline truly this terrifying?” the South Dragon King also whispered in astonishment.
Within the Ancient Dragon Clan, power reigns supreme. If Zi Yan were to hold the paramount title without sufficient strength, she would never attain the clan’s complete backing. However, her cultivation at the late stage of Four-Star Dou Saint now unequivocally established her as the most powerful among them.
A faint inkling of the reason behind her explosive increase in strength crossed the minds of Qingshan, Zhu Mo, and Zhu Li. They alone were aware of Zi Yan’s severe injuries and Gu He's subsequent arrival on the island. Witnessing Zi Yan not only fully regain her vitality but also ascend in cultivation, their reverence and esteem for Gu He grew significantly.
Gu He’s abilities had evidently surpassed their wildest imaginations. To them, Gu He was far more than the mere Two-Star Dou Saint he outwardly appeared to be.
“Elders, you may stand,” Zi Yan said with a gentle tone, raising her hand towards the kneeling dragon clan experts.
“Everyone, now that the dragon clan has finally achieved unification, the former members from the West, South, and North Dragon Islands shall be reassigned their respective duties,” she announced after they had risen.
“Qingshan, as the former Grand Elder of East Dragon Island—this emperor now designates you as the Clan’s Enforcer Elder, tasked with the crucial responsibility of overseeing all matters of punishment and justice.”
“Zhu Xi and Zhu Nan, I hereby bestow upon both of you the esteemed positions of Clan’s Supreme Elders!”
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