While in Battle Through the Heavens, one can pre-appoint oneself as an emperor.

Chapter 178 Update: A Guest Arrives from Afar

At this moment, Chen Xiao's eyes were closed, and a powerful aura emanated from his body, making him look as if he had been turned into a sculpture.

Others thought he was in some strange state, but little did they know that Chen Xiao had simply noticed a huge change in the pre-existing information in his mind.

Before this seclusion, he had already completed the follow-up work on the pre-requisite Heavenly Poison Scorpion Dragon Beast Demon Core, all for this moment.

[Currently available advance payment]

I. Spells and Techniques: (1/1)

• Rare and precious materials: (1/1)

General: (1/1)

As before, the advance information in his mind was exceptionally concise, but even just a few lines of information made Chen Xiao's heart beat faster involuntarily.

He had a premonition that after entering the Dou Zong realm, the pre-existing conditions in his mind would undergo a qualitative change, but he never expected such a pleasant surprise.

Even without checking them all, Chen Xiao could already see the changes clearly.

It seems that the number of times he made advance payments has increased from once to three!

Among them, the general one is easy to understand. It can be regarded as the kind of advance payment opportunity in the past. As long as it is within the upper limit of advance payment, combat skills, natural treasures, and many spiritual items are all within the scope of advance payment.

The newly emerging categories of magic and rare treasures can generally only be used to advance opportunities to obtain corresponding items.

For example, spells can only be used to advance martial arts techniques, combat skills, or secret techniques and movement methods.

Rare and precious materials can only be used to advance the purchase of items such as Bodhi seed essence and Bodhi seeds.

Based on his prior knowledge, Chen Xiao had already formed a general deduction.

However, whether it is as he thinks remains to be seen.

With a sudden inspiration, Chen Xiao immediately began to try them one by one.

"For magical techniques, can the Great Creation Palm be used in advance?"

The Great Creation Palm is a low-level Heavenly Rank combat skill.

Every time the advance payment information was updated, Chen Xiao would try it out.

It's not that I'm particularly obsessed with this fighting technique; it's just that its rank is just right, making it perfect for experimentation.

The Great Creation Palm technique cannot be used in advance.

"A general-purpose technique, the Great Creation Palm?"

[Advance payment not possible.]

Chen Xiao tried again, but got the exact same result.

In an instant, Chen Xiao had a guess.

Even after entering the Dou Zong realm, the upper limit of advance spending still hasn't reached the Tian rank.

This is not surprising, after all, Heaven-rank cultivation techniques and fighting skills are already at a very high level in the Dou Qi Continent.

If even combat techniques of this rank can be pre-approved, then 99% of everything on the Dou Qi Continent can be pre-approved. Moreover, even if you were given a Heaven-rank combat technique, it would be extremely difficult for a Dou Zong to actually use it, given his strength alone.

Heavenly-rank fighting techniques generally require reaching the Dou Zun level to use!

"The Three Thousand Thunder Illusions of the Wind and Thunder Pavilion?"

[Three Thousand Thunder Illusionary Body: High-level Earth-rank combat skill, requires the use of spells or universal pre-use attempts. Pre-use?]

As expected, when Chen Xiao switched to the high-level Earth-rank Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body, he received the answer he wanted.

In other words, after entering the Dou Zong realm, the upper limit of the advance for techniques and similar skills increased from the middle level of the Earth Rank to the high level of the Earth Rank!

The Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body is very attractive, especially since Chen Xiao has already fully mastered the Three Thousand Thunder Movement, and can seamlessly connect with it. If one could have this fighting skill, their combat power could instantly rise several levels.

However, Chen Xiao was not in a hurry to use the money in advance. He was immersed in joy at the moment and did not consider the whole picture. It would be better to wait until he fully understood the situation and calmed down before considering what he needed most right now.

For example, martial arts techniques.

The priority of using the pre-application technique must be above that of the Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body.

A mid-level Earth-rank cultivation technique is still sufficient for a Dou Zong level cultivator, but only a fool would settle for something better if they could use something better.

I tried several more high-level Earth-rank techniques and combat skills, and the results were the same: they could all be accessed through advance opportunities in either spell-based or general-purpose categories.

Chen Xiao nodded slightly in his heart, having gained an understanding of this matter, and immediately turned his attention to the rare and precious herbs.

"The Bodhicitta, can it be considered a rare and precious treasure?"

2

[Bodhi Mind: A rare and precious material that can help one achieve sainthood instantly, comparable to a ninth-grade elixir. It cannot be obtained in advance.]

A ninth-grade elixir is second only to the legendary imperial-grade elixir.

Just like Heavenly Rank combat techniques, they cannot be used in advance, which did not surprise Chen Xiao.

"What about the Purple Spirit Cold Qi and Frost Essence Crystal? These things should also be considered rare and precious materials."

A sense of anticipation welled up in Chen Xiao's heart.

Chen Xiao never gave up on improving the power of his battle aura.

Especially after experiencing the benefits of the cold weather, he became even more inclined towards it.

Just like when facing the three elders of Demon Flame Valley with their transformed fire, if it were an ordinary ice-attribute person, they would definitely be restrained.

In contrast, Chen Xiao's battle qi power was greatly enhanced after refining the Heavenly Frost Qi; far from being restrained,

Instead, they became the ones with the advantage.

However, it is worth mentioning that as his strength gradually increased, the battle qi in his body became more and more vast and powerful. Chen Xiao could vaguely sense that the power of the battle qi enhanced by the Heavenly Cold Qi seemed to have been diluted somewhat.

Chen Xiao was also helpless about this; such strange objects without an origin were bound to have this problem.

They may be able to suppress the strange fire at certain times, but they cannot suppress it indefinitely.

Because all strange fires have an origin and can continuously grow stronger, while the power of these strange objects remains fixed.

Unless they can win by sheer quantity and continuously refine this rare item to strengthen themselves, their advantage will eventually be completely lost.

"I was able to draw upon the Heavenly Cold Qi during the Battle of Spirits, but I haven't been able to draw upon the Purple Spirit Cold Qi and Frost Crystal Spiritual Crystal in advance. Their power should not disappoint me."

[Purple Spirit Chill: A rare ice-attribute item that can be used with rare and precious materials or general advance payment attempts.]

【Frost Essence Crystal: Also known as the Ice Soul Elixir, it contains extremely terrifying energy, comparable to a ninth-grade elixir, and cannot be used in advance.】

Looking at the advance information in his mind, Chen Xiao was somewhat surprised.

He knew a little more about the Purple Spirit Cold Qi. There were some clues in the notes left by the old demon. Judging from the information he had just received, it was indeed an ice-attribute spiritual object with effects similar to the Heavenly Cold Qi.

He knew very little about the Frost Crystal, and even the scroll that Xun'er had given him did not mention it much.

Chen Xiao originally thought this item was similar to the Heavenly Cold Qi, but now that he sees it, it seems to be a treasure that can directly enhance one's strength!

Silently elevating the status of this item in his heart, Chen Xiao looked at the purple spiritual cold energy that could be drawn in advance, and after a moment's consideration, decided to suppress it for the time being.

He hadn't forgotten the agony of refining the Heavenly Frost Qi. Xun'er's scroll also mentioned that this substance could not be stored in a storage ring at all, and would quickly evaporate once it left the extremely cold environment.

Therefore, if he were to receive the funds in advance, Chen Xiao would have no choice but to refine them immediately.

This Fallen God Abyss is clearly not a suitable place for refining.

"Yellow Springs Blood Crystal?"

[Yellow Spring Blood Crystal: Contains extremely strong Yin and cold power. Those with the corresponding attribute can directly absorb its Yin and cold energy to enhance their strength. It can also be used as a material to refine ninth-grade pills. Its value is between that of eighth-grade pills and ninth-grade treasure pills. It cannot be advanced at this time.]

Chen Xiao suddenly realized that he had a clearer understanding of the upper limit of this advance payment.

Combat techniques can be used to advance to levels below the Heavenly Rank.

The elixirs that can be prepaid have also increased from grade seven to grade eight.

"If that's the case, then wouldn't I be able to get the lost recipe for the Spirit-Nourishing Powder Pill in advance?"

Suddenly, Chen Xiao had a flash of inspiration and remembered the Spirit-Nourishing Powder he had used before.

Nurturing Spirit Powder is a special type of Grade 8 elixir, the recipe of which has been lost since ancient times.

The function of this thing needs no further explanation. If one could master the method of refining the Spirit-Nourishing Powder, Chen Xiao's breathing became slightly heavier after just a moment's thought.

Thanks to the wonderful uses of the Spirit-Nourishing Dust, with such a large population, there is a chance that many people can reach the Spirit Realm!

If the other party is an alchemist, it means that they have passed the threshold of entering the eighth rank.

Conversely, even if one is not an alchemist, the power of a soul skill can be no less than that of a high-level Dou Zong, thanks to the spiritual soul!

Chen Xiao was increasingly amazed as he thought about it, but he also realized that if the news of such a precious pill formula were leaked, it would probably trigger a bloody battle in an instant.

After all, the alchemist who created the Life-Devouring Pill serves as a cautionary tale.

If the Life-Devouring Pill is already so powerful at only the seventh grade, then the Spirit-Nourishing Powder Pill formula, which has no side effects and would make countless alchemists envious, is even more so.

[Pregnancy Elixir Formula: Rank 8, can be advanced using general advance payment options.]

[Follow-up to the advance payment: Proceed to the Northern Central Plains, to obtain it from the Tianbei Ruins.]

【Do you want to advance payment? 】

"no!"

Without hesitation, Chen Xiao directly refused.

This thing is a hot potato. Even ancient races would probably be tempted by it. Without the strength and resources of the eight ancient races, they simply cannot handle it!

Therefore, even if funds are advanced, their effectiveness cannot be maximized in a short period of time, and may even lead to unforeseen disasters.

Even with strict precautions, there is still a risk of leaks if it is spoken aloud.

Currently, Chen Xiao does not have an alchemist by his side whom he can absolutely trust and who is capable of refining eighth-grade pills.

Therefore, this matter must not be rushed.

In contrast, it was the Tianbei Ruins that piqued Chen Xiao's curiosity.

This is yet another relic that was never mentioned in the original timeline, and it never appeared until Huo Huo became Emperor and left the Dou Qi Continent.

The fact that it was hidden so well, and that it contained such a precious item as the Spirit-Nourishing Powder Pill Formula, suggests that this relic must be extraordinary, definitely no weaker than the relic of the Creation Saint in the Beast Domain.

"Such a vast continent, no one can know how many secrets it holds. We must pay more attention to Tianbei in the future."

Having secretly made a mental note of this, Chen Xiao slowly opened his eyes.

Now that we have a general understanding of the changes in advance payment information, it is time to carefully consider how to make the best use of these three advance payment opportunities.

Upon seeing Chen Xiao awaken, Little Fairy Doctor, who was some distance away, appeared before him in a flash.

"Xian'er, how much time has passed?"

"Less than four months, one hundred and fifteen days."

Little Fairy Doctor replied softly, her gentle gaze fixed on Chen Xiao, as if she were observing his changes.

Chen Xiao nodded slightly. Spending so little time to reach the Dou Zong level was within his acceptable range.

What's the situation like outside during this time?

+

"Nothing major happened. The only interesting thing is about Sister Cao Ying and Dan Chen from the Dan family. A month ago, Dan Chen went to Saint Pill City to take the seventh-grade alchemist exam. During the exam, he had a competition with Sister Cao Ying. As a result, Cao Ying refined a mid-grade seventh-grade pill, while Dan Chen refined a low-grade seventh-grade pill. This competition has been widely known recently," Little Fairy Doctor said with a light laugh.

Although she was protecting Chen Xiao and Zi Yan, she wasn't idle for so long. Occasionally, she would leave Luoshen Gorge to gather information in the surrounding cities.

With the spatial barrier and two seventh-tier magical beasts protecting them, Chen Xiao and Zi Yan will not be disturbed in any way.

Moreover, she lives in a nearby city, such a short distance, that she could arrive in an instant should an accident occur.

Chen Xiao nodded slightly: "It seems that Ying'er has made considerable progress in the past few months."

That demoness was already a genius, and now with the help of the Spirit-Nourishing Powder, her growth is undoubtedly even faster.

In the original timeline, Cao Ying and Dan Chen were evenly matched before the Dan Conference began. It wasn't until the Dan Conference that Cao Ying managed to gain a slight advantage over Dan Chen.

But now, the situation is completely different.

"Has Zi Yan shown any unusual behavior recently?"

Putting aside his distracting thoughts, Chen Xiao looked into the stone fortress.

The soul perception spread out and immediately saw the little dragon sleeping soundly with her head sprawled out, drool still hanging from her mouth. All the commotion earlier hadn't been able to wake her.

Upon hearing this, Little Fairy Doctor shook her head slightly and smiled, "These past few months, Zi Yan has only done two things: eat and sleep, sleep and eat. However, each time she falls into a deep sleep, the time she spends in it is getting longer and longer. When she first went into seclusion, she would wake up once every three to five days, but recently, it has been ten days to half a month. Right now, it has been sixteen days since she last woke up."

Chen Xiao and Little Fairy Doctor both knew about Zi Yan's situation; this girl's current state was a sign that she was about to reach the next level.

This is a good thing, so Little Fairy Doctor is not worried.

"Her true form is the Ancient Void Dragon. The energy required for her advancement is far greater than what we need to advance to the Dou Zong level. It would be a bit of a stretch to have her go into seclusion with me to break through. Normally, it would be best for her to enter her current state before going into seclusion."

Upon learning of Zi Yan's condition, Chen Xiao appeared somewhat helpless.

He didn't know how long it would take for Zi Yan to reach the basic level.

"Let her continue sleeping. I just advanced to the Dou Zong realm and need some time to adjust. These two magical beasts outside can be used for practice. Hopefully, this girl will finish soon—"

As they were talking, Chen Xiao's expression suddenly froze.

Just now, he sensed that the Cao family's eldest elder had crushed the soul jade tablet!

According to the previous agreement, this means that they have made contact with Donglong Island.

"What happened?"

Seeing the change in his expression, Little Fairy Doctor immediately stopped smiling.

Chen Xiao shook his head slightly and smiled, "It's not a bad thing. The Cao family's Grand Elder crushed the Soul Jade Tablet."

Little Fairy Doctor looked down at the stone fortress.

If that's the case, then it means that the time for Zi Yan to return to her clan is very close.

Having spent so much time with this girl, the thought of not having her chattering away by my side in the future fills me with a sense of reluctance.

Chen Xiao was the same, but he didn't show it on his face.

"This day has finally come. However, it's also a good thing. Donglong Island can be trusted. If Ziyan goes back sooner, she can grow up faster. Given that girl's personality, she probably won't stay on Donglong Island for long before sneaking out."

Little Fairy Doctor smiled, and after thinking about it for a moment, she realized that this really did seem like something Zi Yan would do, and her reluctance to part with her dissipated somewhat.

"With that bloodstain there, how can the people of Dragon Island find this place?"

?

2

"I don't know. Let Ziyan get a good night's sleep. There's no rush. We can remove the blood seal when she wakes up."

We just need to wait for the people from Dragon Island to arrive.

Little Fairy Doctor nodded.

Unbeknownst to the two, before the people from Donglong Island arrived, two figures had already quietly arrived outside Luoshen Gorge.