In the stone cave, Aotian was unaware of what was happening outside; he was still focused on refining the immense medicinal power of the Triple Pill.
After circulating the medicinal power of the Triple Pill through his meridians for several cycles, only the purest essence remained, with all impurities nearly eliminated.
At that moment, the Heaven Devouring Seal in Aotian's Dantian suddenly emitted a force of absorption, quickly drawing the medicinal power of the Triple Pill into his Dantian.
Within Aotian's Dantian was a fist-sized Golden Energy Sphere, at the center of which faintly flickered a Dragon's Phantom.
As the medicinal power of the Triple Pill was absorbed by the Heaven Devouring Seal, it rapidly surged toward the Golden Energy Sphere.
After consuming the immense medicinal power from the Triple Pill, the Golden Energy Sphere became even more radiant. The Dragon's Phantom also grew increasingly solid, seemingly on the verge of transforming into a true dragon.
Subsequently, a powerful aura erupted from Aotian's body, filling the entire cave. The rubble within the cave was crushed to dust under Aotian's overwhelming presence.
Aotian slowly opened his eyes. Instantly, a flash of golden light flickered from his gaze, accompanied by a faint sound resembling a Dragon's Roar.
Feeling the surging power within him, Aotian couldn't help but reveal a look of ecstasy and murmured to himself:
"Just as I expected, the Triple Pill has elevated my cultivation by two levels."
Due to practicing the Dragon God Transformation Technique, the Triple Pill did not elevate Aotian's cultivation by three levels but rather by two.
However, at this moment, Aotian had already advanced from Innate Sixth Level to Innate Eighth Level, and his Transformation Technique had also significantly increased.
According to Aotian's estimation, he no longer needed to fear warriors from the Human Spirit Realm as he once did.
After glancing around the stone cave, Aotian couldn't help but frown slightly. He had not seen Niu Geng's figure.
While he was in the midst of his cultivation, Niu Geng would definitely be there to protect him. However, now he was nowhere to be found, which made Aotian feel a bit worried.
If Niu Geng had left for no reason, Aotian certainly wouldn't believe it. Their time together had made Aotian understand that Niu Geng was not that kind of person.
This meant that Niu Geng must have encountered some insurmountable problem and had to leave.
Suddenly, a low murmur of discussion came from outside the stone cave. Aotian was slightly taken aback and quickly walked out of the cave.
Outside the cave, upon sensing the aura released by Aotian, the Grand Protector looked at the cave with a serious expression, while four young men behind him also showed expressions of fear.
Niu Geng let out a heavy sigh of relief and then maliciously stared at the members of Azure Cloud Sect.
The Grand Protector took a deep breath and fixed his gaze on Niu Geng, saying, "Friend, the one inside the cave is probably not an ordinary Inner Academy Student, right?"
Niu Geng chuckled and replied, "My boss is ranked fourth on the Inner Courtyard Rankings."
The Grand Protector was suddenly taken aback. As a true high-ranking figure of Azure Cloud Sect, he knew very well how formidable the Inner Academy Students of Xuantian Academy were.
The Inner Courtyard Rankings was a highly prestigious list; those who made it onto it were all talented individuals in cultivation. To be among the top ten on the Inner Courtyard Rankings meant being among the elite of geniuses.
Now hearing Niu Geng say that his boss is actually the fourth in the Inner Courtyard Rankings, how could the Grand Protector not be shocked?
"Grand Protector, what should we do?" a young man behind the Grand Protector asked in a low voice, but there was a hint of fear in his tone.
Clearly, this young man was very afraid of Aotian in the stone cave.
A cold glint flickered in the Grand Protector's eyes; he had a bad premonition that he had been played by this seemingly honest and straightforward guy in front of him.
"Let's wait and see. If these two really dare to pull any tricks, I'll make them realize they are still too inexperienced," the Grand Protector's voice was extremely deep.
Upon hearing the Grand Protector's words, the fear in the hearts of several disciples from the Azure Cloud Sect was replaced by excitement.
As disciples of the Azure Cloud Sect, they were well aware that the Grand Protector's strength was exceptionally formidable. Even the Second Elder might not necessarily be able to defeat the Grand Protector.
"Niu Geng, what happened while I was cultivating? Who are these people?" A curious voice echoed in everyone's ears.
Then, a figure that appeared quite thin yet upright came into view.
"Boss, you broke through?"
Upon seeing the newcomer, Niu Geng exclaimed in surprise.
Aotian smiled and nodded, saying, "Yes, I managed to break through by chance. By the way, Niu Geng, who are these people?"
Aotian's puzzled gaze turned towards the members of the Azure Cloud Sect.
Niu Geng quickly approached Aotian and whispered to him about what had happened earlier.
After listening, a hint of amusement appeared in Aotian's eyes as he quietly observed the people from the Azure Cloud Sect.
The Chief Guardian looked at Aotian with a serious expression. Clearly, the aura that Aotian had released in the stone cave had instilled fear in this Chief Guardian. At the same time, it made him realize that the two before him were not to be trifled with.
However, as the main person responsible for investigating Murong Qian's death, he knew that even if he was aware that the other party was formidable, he still had to confront them.
After all, if these two were indeed the culprits and he let them go, his good days in the Azure Cloud Sect would likely come to an end.
The Chief Guardian warily regarded Aotian and spoke:
"Friend, I am Chen Qiao, the Grand Protector of Azure Cloud Sect. Recently, a significant incident occurred within our sect; a Candidate for Sect Leader has died. I hope you can cooperate with our investigation. If the results show that I have wronged you, I will personally apologize."
Chen Qiao did not dare to be negligent towards Aotian. Firstly, this young man might possess strength at the Human Spirit Realm. Secondly, being ranked fourth in the Inner Courtyard Rankings of Xuantian Academy indicated that he was highly valued by the higher-ups of Xuantian Academy.
Thus, Chen Qiao naturally did not dare to act arrogantly in front of Aotian.
Aotian was no fool; he certainly would not willingly accept an investigation from Azure Cloud Sect. After all, Murong Qian had indeed been killed by him and Niu Geng. If he accepted their investigation, it would inevitably expose him. At that point, he would truly be buried within the territory of Azure Cloud Sect.
"What if I say no?" Aotian's expression was very cold. Clearly, he had no intention of cooperating with Chen Qiao's investigation.
Chen Qiao narrowed his eyes slightly, a dangerous glint flashing within them as he said:
"Friend, even if you are a Student of Xuantian Academy, this is still the territory of my Azure Cloud Sect. I ask for your cooperation!"
Chen Qiao's tone grew stern, clearly displeased with Aotian's attitude.
"You Azure Cloud Sect really have some nerve! Even a Candidate for Sect Leader has been killed, and yet you come to investigate me? Aren't you afraid I'll make you die here?!"
Even a clay figurine would be angry, let alone someone like Chen Qiao who had held power for a long time.
Upon hearing Aotian's words, Chen Qiao was immediately consumed by rage and shouted:
"I want to see what abilities you have to kill me here. Today, I will teach you a lesson on behalf of the elders of Xuantian Academy!"
With that, Chen Qiao stomped his foot hard on the ground. Instantly, a fierce force shot from the earth beneath him towards Aotian.
The violent force sent clumps of dirt flying into the air. From a distance, it looked as if an Earth Dragon was coiling towards Aotian.
Aotian's expression changed slightly upon seeing this, as he realized that Chen Qiao's cultivation was actually at the Human Spirit Realm.
The Human Spirit Realm and Half-Step Human Spirit are significant thresholds; countless people spend their entire lives without crossing them. This also indicates how formidable warriors at the Human Spirit Realm are.
Aotian did not dare to be careless. He suddenly extended a hand, and a vast Transformation Technique began to gather in his palm.
"Go!"
With Aotian's deep shout, the Transformation Technique surged forth like a tidal wave, crashing violently against the Earth Dragon.
"Boom"
A loud explosion echoed in everyone's ears.
Following that, countless clods of earth shot out in all directions, the force of the flying dirt seeming immense, as the surrounding air was directly shattered.
Meanwhile, Aotian's attack, along with the Earth Dragon, also turned into nothingness.
Chen Qiao's expression appeared quite serious; the previous clash made him feel that Aotian's power was not as robust as his own, but when his strength came into contact with Aotian's, it would directly dissolve.
This resulted in Aotian's power increasing significantly while his own diminished, ultimately leading to the current stalemate.
Aotian, however, was not surprised by this outcome. After all, he was merely an Innate Eightfold warrior, and there was still a considerable gap between him and the Human Spirit Realm.
If it weren't for his training in the Dragon God Transformation Technique and relying on the assimilation power of the Transformation Technique, he would likely be lying on the ground by now.
"This kid is strange; it's not wise to delay!"
A thought suddenly flashed through Chen Qiao's mind. He then quickly formed a seal, and a heavy, profound aura slowly spread from within him.
"Azure Mountain Suppression Seal!"
A small azure mountain suddenly appeared above Chen Qiao's head, and the air around it exploded under the mountain's influence.
Seeing this, Aotian's expression finally turned extremely grave.
The Azure Mountain Suppression Seal has been seen many times, so it is not unfamiliar. However, whether it is cast by Aoling or Azure Sky, it pales in comparison to the one cast by Chen Qiao.
After all, Chen Qiao is a genuine Spirit Realm Martial Artist, and he refines the Earth Attribute Mystical Power, which is known for its density.
As a result, the Azure Mountain Suppression Seal he casts becomes even more terrifying.
"Go!"
With a fierce shout from Chen Qiao, the Small Azure Mountain above him slowly pressed down towards Aotian.
The air along the way was directly shattered upon encountering the Small Azure Mountain, revealing a vacuum zone...
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