165: Dragon Emperor's essence blood, the alliance is shaken

The earth-shattering battle in the Myriad Thunder Mountain Range, especially the demise of Soul Yan, one of the Hun Clan Four Demon Saints, was like a giant rock thrown into a calm lake, stirring up unprecedented monstrous waves among the high-level powers of the Central Plains and the Ancient Races!

The news, through the special channels of the Ancient Clan and the Thunder Clan, was transmitted back to their respective clans at the fastest speed, and quickly spread among the core layers of the major allied forces.

In the Ancient World, after Clan Chief Gu Yuan received the detailed intelligence from Gu Zhen, Great Commander, he remained silent for a long time before finally slowly uttering a sentence: "Void Ancient Dragon Emperor... and that Li Ao... the younger generation is truly formidable." His eyes gleamed, filled with both satisfaction at Soul Yan's demise and a re-evaluation of Li Ao, this variable, and the Dragon Clan's strength. "Issue an order, accelerate preparations for war, and closely monitor the Hun Clan's movements! At the same time, prepare to welcome Dragon Emperor Your Majesty and young friend Li Ao back with the highest protocol!"

At Starfall Pavilion, Xiao Yan, Elder Yao, and Wind Venerable were also deeply shaken upon hearing the news.

"Soul Yan... actually died?" Xiao Yan held the Jade Slip containing the intelligence, his fingers slightly white from gripping it tightly, his eyes filled with disbelief and a trace of surging excitement. He knew well the terrifying power of a Dou Saint expert, and for Li Ao to be able to participate and play a crucial role, his progress in strength was simply incredible.

"Good! Well killed!" Wind Venerable clapped his hands and laughed heartily, "With the Hun Clan losing a Demon Saint, let's see how they can still be arrogant!"

Elder Yao's ethereal face was also full of relief and solemnity: "With this, the Hun Clan will certainly not let it go, and a full-scale war might truly be brought forward. Yan'er, we must quickly improve our strength, and we must also strengthen our connections with the Pill Tower."

In the Yan Clan, Elder Huo Yun returned to the clan in a sorry state with his remaining team, reporting the encounter in the Flame Abyss and the news of Li Ao and others' disappearance (he was still unaware of what happened next), which had already caused a stir. Immediately after, the news of Soul Yan's demise arrived, and the entire high-level of the Yan Clan fell silent. Clan Chief Huo Yao immediately ordered: "Immediately activate the Alliance with the Ancient Clan and Starfall Pavilion, open up some resources, and provide full support! This war is now unavoidable!"

And the Pill Tower, which was a key target of the Hun Clan's "attention," breathed a long sigh of relief after receiving the news. The pressure on the President and others significantly decreased, and at the same time, their determination to stand with the Alliance became even stronger.

For a time, undercurrents surged in the Central Plains, and all forces were re-adjusting their positions and strategies. The Anti-Hun Alliance, centered around the Ancient Clan, Ancient Void Dragon Clan, Starfall Pavilion, Pill Tower, Yan Clan, and Thunder Clan, saw its cohesion unprecedentedly boosted due to Soul Yan's demise and Dragon Emperor Zi Yan's strong intervention, moving from secrecy to semi-public.

At this moment, Li Ao, one of the key figures who triggered this storm, followed Zi Yan to a secret stronghold of the Ancient Void Dragon Clan on the Central Plains continent—a Dragon Island located deep within the boundless sea.

On Dragon Island, the palaces were majestic, filled with an ancient and wild aura. Zi Yan directly brought Li Ao and the unconscious Medusa to the "Dragon Transformation Pool" at the core of Dragon Island. This was a pool of water emitting seven-colored auspicious light, containing a vast amount of Dragon Clan Origin Qi.

"Put Sister Medusa into the pool," Zi Yan instructed, then she cut her fingertip, forcing out three drops of essence blood that emitted terrifying energy fluctuations, like purple-gold gemstones!

Dragon Emperor Essence Blood! Each drop contained unimaginable vitality and Dragon Emperor Origin!

As the three drops of essence blood dripped into the Dragon Transformation Pool, the entire pool water instantly boiled, and the seven-colored auspicious light shot into the sky, forming a pillar of light that enveloped Medusa in the pool. The incomparably pure Dragon Emperor Essence Qi, mixed with the miraculous effects of the Dragon Transformation Pool, continuously poured into Medusa's body, nourishing her dry Bloodline and repairing her damaged Soul and Foundation.

Li Ao could clearly feel that Medusa's faint aura was rapidly becoming stronger and more stable at an astonishing speed, her pale complexion gradually regained its rosy hue, and even her Seven-Colored Sky Swallowing Python Bloodline within her body seemed to become purer and more active under the stimulation of this Dragon Emperor Essence Blood!

"With the Dragon Emperor Essence Blood and the Dragon Transformation Pool to nourish her, in at most half a month, not only will Sister Medusa's injuries be fully recovered, but her Bloodline might even benefit from this misfortune and advance further," Zi Yan said, looking at Medusa in the pool, a hint of satisfaction on her small face.

The heavy stone in Li Ao's heart finally fell, and he bowed deeply to Zi Yan: "Zi Yan, I will engrave this kindness in my heart."

"Oh, I told you not to keep thanking me," Zi Yan waved her hand, then looked at Li Ao, her purple-gold eyes carrying a hint of curiosity and scrutiny, "It's you, boy, this time you benefited from misfortune, breaking through to Three-Star Dou Zun, and your aura is still so strange. It seems you've gained quite a bit."

Li Ao nodded, not hiding anything, and briefly explained how he had comprehended "Rebirth from Death" in a desperate situation, allowing his Nirvana Origin to transform.

Zi Yan's eyes sparkled with astonishment as she listened, marveling: "Life contained within Nirvana? The meaning of Reincarnation? Your power is truly becoming more and more interesting. It seems that ordinary Dou Zuns are probably no longer your match."

She pondered for a moment, then suddenly said: "Since you've recovered and even made a Breakthrough, it's perfect. I have a place here that might allow you to stabilize your Realm faster, and even advance further."

"Oh? What place?" Li Ao's heart stirred.

"My Ancient Void Dragon Clan's 'Dragon Phoenix Blood Pool'," Zi Yan said proudly, "Although it can't compare to a true Ancient Heavenly Phoenix Blood Pool, it also contains a trace of Dragon Phoenix power, which has miraculous effects on tempering the Physical Body, enhancing the Bloodline, and comprehending the essence of power. Even within my clan, only core members who have made great contributions are qualified to enter. I specially permit you to soak in it for a few days!"

Dragon Phoenix Blood Pool! Li Ao's eyes burst with brilliance. His Physical Body had already been strengthened through Nirvana Rebirth, and if it could be further tempered by the Dragon Phoenix power, it would undoubtedly lay a more solid Foundation, greatly benefiting his Impact to higher Realms!

"In that case, I will not decline!" Li Ao did not refuse; he urgently needed to improve his strength now.

"Follow me!" Zi Yan turned and led Li Ao towards the depths of Dragon Island.

As they walked on Dragon Island, the Ancient Dragon clansmen they encountered along the way, upon seeing Zi Yan, all respectfully bowed and called her "Dragon Emperor Your Majesty." And when they saw Li Ao beside Zi Yan, their gazes were filled with curiosity and a hint of awe. Clearly, the news that Dragon Emperor Your Majesty had personally brought back a human, and that their relationship seemed to be extraordinary, had already spread throughout Dragon Island.

Soon, the two arrived outside a valley sealed by a powerful Restriction. Mist swirled at the valley entrance, and faint sounds of Dragon roars and Phoenix cries could be heard, emanating a heart-palpitating pressure.

Zi Yan cast several incantations, and the Restriction opened. A rich, extreme energy, mixed with Dragon might and another noble, fiery aura, surged towards them!

In the center of the valley was a pool only ten zhang square. The pool water was a strange golden-red color, as if liquid flames and thunder flowed within it. On the surface of the pool water, tiny Dragon shapes and Phoenix shadows occasionally condensed, intertwining and soaring.

It was precisely the Dragon Phoenix Blood Pool!

"Go in. How much you can absorb depends on your own ability," Zi Yan said, crossing her arms, standing at the valley entrance, "I'll guard you."

Li Ao took a deep breath, removed his upper garment, revealing his strong physique, and stepped into the golden-red pool water.

"Hiss—!"

As soon as he entered the pool, an indescribable sharp pain came from every pore of his body! The Dragon Phoenix power contained in the pool water, like billions of red-hot steel needles, frantically pierced into his body, burning his flesh, Meridians, and bones! This was not just an infusion of energy, but a tempering that was almost destructive!

Li Ao let out a muffled groan, his veins bulging on his forehead, but his eyes were incredibly firm. He immediately activated his Cultivation Technique, and at the same time, activated his Nirvana Origin, not to resist, but to actively guide the violent Dragon Phoenix power to merge into his Nirvana body, undergoing deeper tempering and Fusion!

Destruction and Rebirth, Dragon Phoenix power and Nirvana Origin, reached a delicate balance in this pool water, constantly forging his body and power.

Days passed one after another.

Outside Dragon Island, the Central Plains saw shifting tides. The Alliance forces were meticulously preparing, while the Hun Clan fell into a temporary silence, but everyone knew this was the calm before the storm.

Half a month later, the auspicious light in the Dragon Transformation Pool retracted, and a seven-colored brilliance shot into the sky, accompanied by a clear snake cry! Medusa slowly rose from the pool, her aura majestic. Not only were her injuries fully recovered, but her cultivation also took this opportunity to Breakthrough to Two-Star Dou Zun! Her Seven-Colored Sky Swallowing Python Bloodline became even purer, and as her purple eyes opened and closed, her prestige surpassed that of the past!

She scanned the surroundings, not seeing Li Ao, and looked at Zi Yan, who was guarding nearby.

Zi Yan giggled: "Sister Medusa, you're awake? Don't worry, that kid is soaking in the Dragon Phoenix Blood Pool. He won't die, and he might even give you a surprise when he comes out."

And just as Medusa awoke, a powerful energy fluctuation suddenly erupted from the valley where the Dragon Phoenix Blood Pool was located!

A figure slowly stood up from the golden-red pool water, his blood Qi like a Dragon, and beneath his skin, golden-red and grey-white light seemed to flow. A powerful aura, far exceeding Three-Star Dou Zun, explosively erupted!

Four-Star Dou Zun!

Li Ao successfully emerged from seclusion!