Yin Zhang himself did not understand alchemy, so he had handed the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower and the Fire Phoenix Pill formula to Dugu Bo.
Now that Dugu Bo wished to obtain the Dragon Flame Venerable Furnace, it was not impossible to give it to him.
No matter how precious the Fire Phoenix Pill was, it could ultimately only enhance the cultivation and aptitude of a single person.
But the Dragon Flame Venerable Furnace was different.
It was an artifact—calling it a supreme treasure was no exaggeration. Not only could it be used as an alchemical furnace, it also possessed formidable defensive power, capable of withstanding even the attacks of a Titled Douluo.
Passed down through generations, it could become the foundation of an entire family.
Yin Zhang smiled and nodded.
"Since you've said so, Brother Bo, let the Dragon Flame Venerable Furnace serve as your reward. If you have any needs in the future, feel free to come to me."
Dugu Bo waved his hand and laughed heartily.
"With those words from you, Xiao Zhang, I can truly rest easy."
"As for needs—if the Dugu Family ever encounters trouble we cannot resolve, I will certainly come to you for help. And if you ever need anything, just give the word. After all, the lives of my entire family were saved by you. Whatever you ask, we will do without hesitation!"
"Hahaha!"
The two looked at each other and laughed.
After Dugu Bo departed, another figure arrived.
It was Yue Guan.
"Elder Yue," Yin Zhang said, somewhat surprised, smiling as he nodded in greeting.
Yue Guan returned the smile, though his heart was filled with complicated emotions.
Although he had already accepted the reality that Bibi Dong had left Spirit Hall and Yin Zhang was about to ascend as the new Supreme Pontiff, seeing it with his own eyes still felt unreal.
Walking through the gates of the Supreme Pontiff Palace, seeing Yin Zhang seated upon the Supreme Pontiff's throne atop the nine steps—
It felt like a dream.
Eight years ago, the one sitting there had been Bibi Dong.
Back then, Yin Zhang had stood below, looking up—just as Yue Guan was doing now.
Eight years had passed.
Yue Guan himself had cultivated from Level 93 to Level 95 during that time, but over the past two years, he had clearly sensed a bottleneck.
Whether he could ever break through to Level 96 was unknown.
After all, the gap between Level 95 and Level 96 was a massive divide. Cross it, and one could enter the Hall of Worship; fail, and one would remain outside forever.
"Your Highness," Yue Guan said respectfully, "I have come this time regarding the Soul Hunting Plan."
The Soul Hunting Plan had been proposed by Bibi Dong, and preparations had been underway for years.
For example, Spirit Hall had already placed covert agents within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect.
Even now, the agent within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School remained in place—only his handler had changed. He had been informed that he was now serving the new Supreme Pontiff, and that there was no danger, since the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School had already become a vassal of Spirit Hall.
Even if he were exposed, Spirit Hall could easily push the blame onto the "previous Supreme Pontiff."
Yin Zhang nodded calmly.
"The Soul Hunting Plan was prepared by the former Supreme Pontiff over many years. She simply didn't have the opportunity to carry it out before leaving Spirit Hall. Are all our arrangements still intact?"
"Yes," Yue Guan replied. "Including the agent within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. As for the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect, the agent is Yu Luomian."
"He is Yu Yuanzhen's younger brother. For reasons unknown—perhaps ambition or personal grievances—he defected to Spirit Hall. I'm not sure how Your Highness wishes to handle him."
Yu Luomian?
Yin Zhang let out a cold laugh.
He still remembered the Elite Tournament in Heaven Dou City, when Yu Luomian had suddenly jumped out and attempted to attack him.
If Dugu Bo and Tang Zhen hadn't intervened, he might have actually suffered serious harm.
And now he was being told that Yu Luomian was a mole?
Yin Zhang asked indifferently,
"Does Yu Luomian know that I am about to become the Supreme Pontiff?"
Yue Guan paused, suddenly remembering the grudge between the two.
"I'm not certain," he said. "The news of Your Highness's ascension spread half a month ago. Even if he doesn't know yet, he likely will soon."
Yin Zhang nodded.
"Then cut off all contact with Yu Luomian from this moment on. Spirit Hall no longer needs him."
"Even if he leaks information about Spirit Hall taking action against other sects, it doesn't matter."
"The fact that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School has become a vassal of Spirit Hall is not widely known. When the time comes, allowing Ning Fengzhi to ambush the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect is also an option."
"At the very least, Spirit Hall has over a dozen Titled Douluo. Sending just a few would be enough to drag the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect into the abyss."
"As for the other sects—win over those that can be won over. Those that cannot, ignore them."
"When the Heaven Dou Empire surrenders, a purge must be carried out among the noble families and sect forces within its borders."
"At that time, I hope Elder Yue and Gui Mei will lead teams to help Spirit Hall eliminate all remaining obstacles."
Yin Zhang's gaze was sharp and resolute.
Yue Guan had no reason to refuse.
This was also an opportunity for him and Gui Mei to establish merit under the new Supreme Pontiff and secure their positions. Otherwise, no matter how strong they were as Peak Level 95 Titled Douluo, being sidelined by the Supreme Pontiff would inevitably weaken their standing within Spirit Hall.
"Please rest assured, Your Highness," Yue Guan said solemnly. "Old Gui and I will certainly give everything we have."
After Yue Guan left, Yin Zhang finished handling the remaining affairs and returned home.
Qiangu Yunying was not there, so Yin Zhang went back to his room alone.
He took out a pill bottle and poured out the Fire Phoenix Pill.
Without hesitation, he sat cross-legged, swallowed the pill, and began refining its medicinal power.
It took about an hour.
When Yin Zhang clenched his fist afterward, he felt a pleasant surprise.
His spirit power had risen directly from Level 77 to Level 78—more precisely, to the critical threshold between Level 78 and Level 79.
It was as though a thin membrane existed within his body. Once pierced, he would break through to Level 79.
"This is the sign before a breakthrough," Yin Zhang thought.
"At this rate, I should be able to break through to Level 79 within a few days. After another month or two of cultivation, I can reach Level 80, absorb Xiao Wu's hundred-thousand-year spirit ring, and in one go break through to Level 82—or even higher."
Afterward, Yin Zhang found Qiangu Yunying and took out another Fire Phoenix Pill.
"What's this?" Qiangu Yunying asked curiously.
Yin Zhang smiled and explained the pill's origin, effects, and medicinal strength in detail.
He then pressed the pill bottle into her hand.
"Sister Yunying, this Fire Phoenix Pill was refined today. It's best to absorb and refine it immediately. Go on—take it."