In the dense little forest, a faint white energy flow seeped out of the air and continuously surged into Xiao Yan's sleeping body.

  Looking at Xiao Yan, who had almost become a source of energy, Xun Er was slightly surprised and quietly retreated some distance away, vigilantly guarding the surroundings. At this time, if Xiao Yan were to be startled out of his cultivation state, he would likely miss another opportunity to advance.

  Xiao Yan's promotion this time can be said to be as smooth as water flowing into a ditch. As the Dou Qi continuously surged in, the faint fatigue on Xiao Yan's face also slowly disappeared. His clear and delicate small face emitted a faint white glow, looking like warm jade.

  In the small forest, the fluctuation of Dou Zhi's aura lasted for more than an hour before slowly subsiding.

  When the last wisp of Douzhi's energy entered Xiao Yan's body, Xiaomilin returned to its calm state once again. The scorching sunlight also continued to shine down.

  Looking at Xiao Yan, whose eyes were tightly closed but breathing extremely steadily, Xun Er let out a soft sigh of relief and whispered: "Finally the ninth segment, perhaps in another half year's time, Brother Xiao Yan will be able to condense his Dou Qi vortex and become a true Dou Zhe."

  Xun'er smiled lightly and jumped onto a bluestone, sitting cross-legged with her small hands supporting her cheeks, quietly waiting for Xiao Yan's awakening.

  ……

  When Xiao Yan woke up from his sleep, the sky had gradually darkened. He blinked his eyes in confusion and after a slight daze, he slowly came back to himself. He lifted his head and looked at Xun Er who was sitting on the bluestone, with the golden sunset casting a thin veil over her. His gaze met her bright and sparkling eyes, and he couldn't help but smile slightly.

  "Xiao Yan brother, you're awake?" Xun Er smiled sweetly as she gazed at Xiao Yan who had just woken up.

  Smiling, Xiao Yan nodded and got up, twisted his sore neck, lazily stretched out a lazy waist, and a series of cracking sounds came from his body that had just exercised.

  Dazed by the filling sensation that can only be felt after advancing, Xiao Yan clenched his fist and slightly opened his mouth, lifting his face with some hesitation and uncertainty: "That... I think I've reached the ninth stage?"

  Looking at Xiao Yan's interesting appearance with a head full of misty water, Xun Er couldn't help but lose her smile and nodded while smiling.

  Seeing Xun'er nod, Xiao Yan's mouth twitched, and his heart was filled with surprise and a hint of embarrassment. Last time it was during sleepwalking that he broke through, this time he actually broke through directly while sleeping, this kind of breakthrough method is simply too ridiculous.

  Huo Yuhao's rapid punches stirred up the air, and he felt his fighting spirit increase several times over what it was a few hours ago. Xiao Yan couldn't help but let out a hearty laugh.

  After venting out the surprise in his heart, Xiao Yan finally noticed the gloomy sky and smiled apologetically at Xun Er, knowing that this little girl must have been waiting here all along.

  Xiao Yan hastily grabbed his shirt and put it on, then smiled playfully at Xun Er: "Not leaving yet? Today's a festive day, I'll treat you to a good meal in Wutian City."

  "Hehe, I want the most expensive one..." Upon hearing this, Xun Er smiled sweetly and lightly tapped her foot on the bluestone, landing softly beside Xiao Yan. The clear, crisp sound of her silver bell spread throughout the lush green forest.

  ……

  To thank Xun Er for waiting for him in the afternoon, Xiao Yan specially took Xun Er to stroll around Wutian City for a long time before parting ways with her at the Xiao family.

  Dragging his still somewhat excited footsteps back to his own room, Xiao Yan heavily collapsed onto the bed, hugging the soft quilt and smiling with narrowed eyes as he softly murmured: "Finally about to become a fighter once again..."

  "Hey, this time you got promoted, and that little girl still took a lot of credit for it." A hoarse laughter suddenly came out from the room.

  He raised his eyelids and looked at Yao Lao, who had appeared unknowingly, and asked with a frown: "Is it related to Xiu Er?"

  "Hmm, indeed there is a connection. Otherwise, you probably won't be able to break through until at least a week later." Yao Lao's transparent body floated above the chair, saying lightly.

  With a helpless shrug, Xiao Yan buried his head in the quilt and muttered: "It's already been nine months, wanting to break through to Dou Zhe level, it'll probably take another half year or so..." As he spoke, his voice suddenly paused, Xiao Yan lifted the quilt, his small face suddenly turned gloomy, with a hint of coldness in his soft tone: "More than a year has passed, but I still haven't become a Dou Zhe. At this rate, three years later...I'm afraid I'll still be unable to catch up to Nalan Yanran."

  At these words, Yao Lao raised an eyebrow without confirming or denying anything.

  "Nalan Yanran can be cultivated as the next generation's sect master by Yunlan Sect, and her talent is absolutely not weak. Moreover, Yunlan Sect has a strong foundation, and within the sect, there is also Dan Wang Guhe, a powerful alchemist... If he wants to help Nalan Yanran, I'm afraid her promotion speed won't be slower than mine." Xiao Yan said to himself.

  Yao Lao glanced at Xiao Yan, only to see that the latter was staring at him with sparkling eyes. He couldn't help but chuckle, but refused to speak.

  Looking at Yao Lao who didn't respond, Xiao Yan could only helplessly roll his eyes. This conversation was a waste of effort...

  "Cough..." After a long silence, Yao Lao finally coughed slowly and stood up, taking slow steps, with a scornful smile: "That Gu He is just a sixth-grade alchemist, how can he be called the King of Dan? Compared to alchemy, what is he?"

  Listening to Medicine Old Man speak like this, Xiao Yan's face suddenly had a few more smiles. He knew that his mysterious teacher was finally going to make a move again...

  "Tomorrow, I'll go buy the materials. Humph, isn't it just gathering and dispersing energy? I'll refine it for you to eat like beans... I don't believe that Nalan Yanran would receive such treatment!" With his hands clasped behind his back, Yao Lao proudly sneered.

  I had something to attend to earlier and today's update is a bit late, I'm really sorry.