149: A breakthrough during seclusion astonished everyone present.

Deep within the Pill Tower, inside a top-tier Cultivation Chamber protected by multiple Formations, which drew upon the power of earth-core fire and starlight.

Li Ao sat cross-legged in the center, his aura dense and concentrated, like a volcano about to erupt.

Before him were several top-grade, rank eight Medicinal Pills treasured by the Pill Tower, along with various Heaven And Earth Treasure containing immense energy.

These were personally allocated by the Pill Tower Master to assist him in charging towards the Dou Zun Realm.

Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian did not enter seclusion with him; instead, they served as Protectors outside the Cultivation Chamber.

The relationship between the two women was subtle yet harmonious; one was cold as the moon, the other gentle as water, and both watched over the figure inside the room.

"Let's begin."

Li Ao closed his eyes. The Burning Technique operated at full capacity, and the various Heavenly Flames within his body acted like loyal guards, rapidly refining and purifying the pure medicinal power and energy flowing into him.

His Fighting Qi surged violently like a rushing river through his Meridians, launching repeated assaults against that invisible barrier.

Simultaneously, his Soul Power was highly concentrated.

His Soul Realm of Spirit Realm Mid Stage allowed him to control every fraction of his strength with unparalleled precision, guiding his Fighting Qi for the most effective condensation and compression.

Deep within his brow, the black iron trembled slightly, emitting strange fluctuations that stabilized his Soul and suppressed his Heart Demon.

Charging into Dou Zun was not merely an accumulation of energy; it was a comprehensive test of one's own comprehension, Soul Power, and control over Fighting Qi.

Time quietly passed during the Cultivation.

One day, two days...

Outside the Cultivation Chamber, Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian could clearly sense the vast aura inside, which fluctuated like a tide but was constantly rising.

Both women had anticipation and a hint of nervousness in their eyes.

High-ranking members like the Pill Tower Master, Xuan Yi, and Tian Leizi also frequently sensed the area with their Soul Power, shocked by the enormous commotion Li Ao generated during his Breakthrough.

By the seventh day, the energy accumulated inside the Cultivation Chamber had reached a critical point!

"Boom—!!!"

A terrifying aura, far surpassing that of a nine-star Dou Zong Peak, suddenly erupted from the Cultivation Chamber, like a sleeping giant Dragon awakening, shaking the protective Formation of the entire Pill Tower headquarters!

Above the sky, the weather changed drastically, and vast Heaven and Earth energy frantically gathered, forming a massive energy vortex.

In the center of the vortex, lightning faintly flashed!

This was the Heaven and Earth phenomenon signifying entry into Dou Zun!

"Success!" Medusa's purple eyes lit up.

Xiao Yi Xian also clenched her fist, a joyous smile appearing on her face.

Inside the secret room, Li Ao suddenly opened his eyes, a sharp light bursting forth from them as if substantial.

He felt the brand new power surging endlessly within him like a vast ocean; an unprecedented sense of strength filled his entire body.

Dou Zun! He had finally stepped into this level!

Moreover, relying on his profound Foundation and his comprehension gained in the Ancient Domain of Extinction, the moment he completed his Breakthrough, he immediately stabilized at One-Star Dou Zun Peak, only a step away from Two-Star!

The might and purity of his Fighting Qi far exceeded that of an ordinary One-Star Dou Zun!

He slowly stood up.

The space around him slightly warped due to his powerful aura.

Every movement seemed capable of mobilizing Heaven and Earth energy.

"Congratulations." A cold voice sounded.

Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian had pushed the door open and entered.

Looking at him, their eyes were filled with joy and pride.

Li Ao smiled slightly.

Feeling the transformative change in his body, a heroic spirit instantly rose in his heart.

When Li Ao walked out of the Cultivation Chamber, the Pill Tower Master and the others were already waiting outside.

Sensing the mountain-like stability and ocean-like depth of Li Ao's aura, the knowledgeable Pill Tower magnates were deeply shaken.

"Good! Good! Good!" The Master said the word 'Good' three times, visibly delighted.

"To advance to Dou Zun at such a young age, and with such a solid Foundation, Young Friend Li's future is limitless!"

Xuan Yi and Tian Leizi also offered their congratulations, their gazes toward Li Ao filled with astonishment.

Everyone returned to the previous secret room.

Li Ao felt the surging power within his body and knew it was time to reveal more to gain deeper trust from the Pill Tower and pave the way for his subsequent plans.

He looked at the Pill Tower Master, his expression turning serious: "Master, Elders, this Breakthrough of mine benefited from the trip to the Dragon Domain, and also from some... new understanding of the Origin of my own power."

Seeing his solemn expression, the Master and the others restrained their smiles and waited for him to continue.

"What Junior is about to say next might be shocking, but every word is true, and it concerns our survival, and even the future of the entire Fighting Qi Continent," Li Ao said in a deep voice.

He paused slightly, seemingly organizing his words, and finally spoke slowly: "Junior... is not a native of this world."

These words were utterly shocking!

The secret room instantly fell silent.

The Pill Tower Master, Xuan Yi, Tian Leizi, and even Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian stared at him in astonishment.

Not a native of this world? What did that mean?

Li Ao did not give them much time to digest this and continued: "In my understanding, the Hall of Souls is merely a pawn placed on the surface.

The true mastermind behind it is one of the Ancient Eight Clans—the Hun Clan!"

The Hun Clan! This name struck the hearts of the few people like a heavy hammer.

Ancient races, even for a power like the Pill Tower, were synonymous with mystery and strength.

"The Hun Clan's goal is definitely not just to dominate the Central Plains," Li Ao said, his gaze sharp and his pace quickening.

"They have been plotting for ten thousand years.

Their objective is to collect the scattered Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade, open the Ancient Emperor Cave, and obtain the opportunity to become a Dou Di!

To this end, they do not hesitate to ignite continental wars, destroy other races, and collect Soul Origin!

The calamity of the Xiao Clan back then was their doing!"

The Xiao Clan! The Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade! The opportunity to become a Dou Di!

One earth-shattering secret after another poured from Li Ao's mouth, leaving the Pill Tower Master and the others dizzy, their minds trembling!

Even they had mostly only heard fragmented legends of this information, never before had it been connected so clearly!

"How... how do you know all this?" the Master asked, his voice dry and filled with disbelief.

Even he didn't fully know these secrets!

Li Ao pointed to his head, his tone carrying an indescribable trace of solemnity: "Perhaps it is because my Soul comes from another world, carrying fragmented historical imprints and... fragments of foresight.

I know this is hard to believe, but the threat posed by the Hun Clan far exceeds your imagination.

If they succeed, the entire continent will fall into eternal night, and all living beings will become stepping stones and resources for them to climb to the Peak!"

He looked at the shocked crowd and presented his final objective: "We cannot fight the Hun Clan alone.

We must unite all forces that can be united!

The Gu Clan, the Yan Clan, the Lei Clan... all Ancient Races that harbor enmity with the Hun Clan, or who do not wish to see the continent enslaved by them, are our potential allies!"

Inside the secret room, the silence was absolute.

The Pill Tower Master and the others exchanged glances, seeing shock and contemplation in each other's eyes.

Li Ao's words were too astonishing, but upon careful thought, they subtly aligned with the Hall of Souls' various strange actions and some unknown secrets of the continent.

Especially his mention of the Xiao Clan and the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade—these were definitely not things an ordinary young person could fabricate.

Furthermore, the extraordinary things Li Ao had demonstrated—the mysterious Nirvana Origin, the terrifying speed of his Cultivation, and his ability to associate with figures like the Ancient Void Dragon Clan and Xiao Yan—seemed to provide some supporting evidence for his claim of an "otherworldly Soul."

After a long while, the Pill Tower Master let out a long breath of turbid air, a hint of determination flashing in his cloudy eyes: "Young Friend Li, what you have said is truly too shocking.

This old man needs time to process it, and also needs to discuss it with the other core members of the Tower."

Changing the subject, his gaze became sharp: "However, resisting the Hall of Souls and protecting the continent's peace is fundamentally the duty of my Pill Tower!

If the Hun Clan truly is the mastermind behind all this, as you say, then my Pill Tower will absolutely not stand idly by!"

"As for uniting the other Ancient Races..." the Master pondered.

"This is no small matter.

The Ancient Races have always remained aloof and rarely interfere in continental affairs.

However, this old man does have some acquaintance with an Elder of the Gu Clan, and we might be able to attempt contact.

Furthermore, since Young Friend Xiao Yan is a Disciple of Yao Chen and has a close relationship with the Gu Clan, that might also be a viable route."

Hearing this, Li Ao felt reassured.

He knew it was unrealistic to expect the Pill Tower to fully believe him and act immediately, but as long as they started considering it and were willing to attempt contact, it was the first step toward success.

"Master is truly insightful," Li Ao said, cupping his hands.

"This matter indeed requires careful deliberation and cautious execution.

For now, we still need to focus on dealing with the threat of the Hall of Souls and accumulating strength."

He re-emphasized his alliance with Xiao Yan and the Ancient Void Dragon Clan, and suggested utilizing the Pill Tower's intelligence network to closely monitor the Hall of Souls and any unusual movements across the continent.

This time, the Pill Tower Master and the others accepted completely, without hesitation.

The strength and knowledge Li Ao had displayed had earned him a higher level of importance and trust from them.

A secret meeting, confined to the highest echelons of the Pill Tower, concluded in an atmosphere of extreme shock and solemnity.

Li Ao knew that the seed had been planted.

Next, he just had to wait for the right moment and continuously strengthen himself, allowing this seed to take root, sprout, and eventually grow into a colossal tree capable of shaking the towering Hun Clan in the coming storm!

And just as the Pill Tower began secretly making arrangements, a deadly conspiracy targeting Li Ao and the Pill Tower had quietly commenced at the Hall of Souls headquarters.

A powerful expert, highly respected even within the Hun Clan, had received orders and was heading toward the Pill Domain, carrying the Hun Clan's "generous gift."

The storm is coming!