The next day, after finishing a night of cultivation, Lin Yuan glanced at the strands of white hair that had appeared due to the Life Devouring Pill, then left his small courtyard and headed toward the Alchemy Department.
Upon arriving at the Alchemy Department, Lin Yuan successfully found Elder Huo in the rear mountain, where he was conducting experiments and deducing pill-flame techniques.
When Elder Huo saw Lin Yuan, he instinctively swept him with his Soul Power, only to be startled when he found himself unable to discern Lin Yuan's true aura. He could not help but ask in astonishment,
"Lin boy, it's only been a few days—what happened? I can't even probe your true cultivation level anymore."
Watching Elder Huo disperse the flame in his hand and walk toward him, Lin Yuan revealed a bitter smile. He then stopped restraining his aura altogether. Instantly, a powerful aura belonging to a Dou King burst forth from his body.
Sensing Lin Yuan's Dou King aura, Elder Huo was utterly shocked.
"Dou King?! Th-this… what is going on? Didn't you only just break through to Dou Grandmaster? How did you suddenly become a Dou King?"
After saluting respectfully, Lin Yuan replied,
"Master Huo, the details are as follows…"
He then explained to Elder Huo how he had consumed the Life Devouring Pill to break through to Dou King. Most of what he said was true, with only slight modifications—for example, claiming that the Life Devouring Pill had been obtained by chance during a Law Enforcement Team mission, and that he had been forced to consume it while being hunted, in order to break the deadlock.
After hearing the explanation and seeing the white strands mixed into Lin Yuan's long hair, Elder Huo sighed deeply.
"Life Devouring Pill… Life Devouring Pill… To think it's the legendary seventh-tier peak pill. I really don't know whether to say you're lucky or unlucky, boy."
Lin Yuan returned a bitter smile, then clasped his fists and said, "Master Huo, please advise me. I can clearly feel that after taking the Life Devouring Pill, I only have three years of lifespan left, just as recorded in the texts."
Elder Huo pondered for a moment, then made a decision. He beckoned Lin Yuan over.
"Come with me. This is no small matter—we need to see the Vice Dean."
As he spoke, scarlet flame wings unfolded from his back and he flew into the distance. Lin Yuan likewise spread his azure flame wings and followed.
After reaching the core area of the Outer Academy, Lin Yuan met the Vice Dean and several other elders. After Lin Yuan and Elder Huo explained the situation, Hu Gan could not help but sigh.
"Without the Life Devouring Pill, given your talent, you could have advanced to Dou King within five years. Now you've become an exceedingly rare fifteen-year-old Dou King on the continent but the price you've paid is far too heavy."
Hu Gan then turned to Elder Huo and asked, "Huo old man, you're the expert in alchemy. Is there any solution?"
Elder Huo sighed softly.
"There's very little I can do. A seventh-tier peak pill is far beyond my level, especially a long-lost miraculous pill like this. The only solution I can think of for now is to obtain medicines that extend lifespan and replenish vitality. I know of a mid-tier fifth-grade pill called the Vital Restoration Pill—it can extend one's life by two years. However, I'm missing part of the ingredients. This will require the Academy's support. If Lin boy takes it, he'll have five years to seek another solution."
Hu Gan exchanged glances with the other elders present, then made a decision.
"Lin Yuan is a direct-line Successor of Jia Nan Academy and a key figure in the Elite Forging Plan. This incident occurred while he was executing Law Enforcement Team duties, and he has indeed become a Dou King. He deserves a reward. I propose that the Academy grant him a mid-tier fifth-grade pill. Any objections?"
"No objections!"
"Agreed!"
"I concur!"
"What Old Hu says makes sense!"
Seeing everyone's stance, Hu Gan nodded in satisfaction, then said to Elder Huo,
"Huo old man, the alchemy is up to you. Take whatever materials you need directly from the medicinal treasury."
He then turned to Lin Yuan and said warmly,
"Lin boy, with five years, I believe you'll find a way to resolve this. My intuition tells me your future is still very long—don't lose heart."
Moved, Lin Yuan bowed deeply to Hu Gan, Elder Huo, and the assembled elders.
"For Lin Yuan to have reached this point, it is all thanks to the Academy's nurturing. Though I am still young, having received such great kindness, I also wish to do what I can for Jia Nan Academy."
After a brief pause, as if thinking carefully, Lin Yuan continued, "My cultivation is still far inferior to that of my seniors. The only thing worth mentioning is my alchemy. I have already broken through to fourth-grade, and during my breakthrough to Dou King, my Soul Power improved significantly. I believe I'll soon be able to refine fifth-grade pills. If there is anywhere I can contribute, please say the word."
Hu Gan could not help but praise him repeatedly.
"Good! Truly worthy of being a direct-line prodigy of Jia Nan Academy. Since you have such intent, the Academy will support and reward you. Huo old man."
As if in tacit understanding, Elder Huo continued,"Since your alchemy has reached this level, I hereby announce, as the head of the Alchemy Department, that Lin Yuan is appointed as an Honorary Elder of the Alchemy Department. He is granted access to all pill formulas of fifth grade and below, and will undertake part of the Academy's pill reserve tasks."
Hu Gan thought for a moment, then added,
"Though this was a stroke of fortune, you've already completed the objectives of the Elite Forging Plan ahead of schedule. Becoming an elder is no issue, but you're still young. I hope you'll first go to the Inner Academy for further training and experience the true foundation of Jia Nan Academy on the continent. You can still refine pills there. What do you think?"
Lin Yuan thought for a moment, then replied, "This student also wishes to cultivate in the Inner Academy for a period of time. Does that mean I need to enter the Inner Academy by passing the Inner Academy Selection Tournament two months from now?"
Hearing this, Hu Gan could not help but laugh helplessly. "You brat already has the strength of a Dou King. Wouldn't it be bullying to participate in that kind of competition? That tournament is meant as a selection and trial for ordinary students. For a special case like you, forget it. I'll give the Inner Academy a heads-up—you can go there directly."
"Well…" Lin Yuan hesitated, his expression revealing a trace of indescribable emotion.
Seeing this, Hu Gan instantly understood the key point. A strange smile appeared on his face, and his tone carried a hint of teasing. "Heh heh, you're thinking about the rewards for the top five in the tournament, aren't you? Don't worry, you won't be shortchanged. Come find me in two days. For today, you can head back first."
"Many thanks to the Dean and all the Elders. This student will take his leave!" After that, Lin Yuan departed as instructed, flying back toward his small courtyard.
After everyone else left, only Hu Gan and Elder Huo remained at the spot. Hu Gan asked Elder Huo with a somewhat meaningful tone, "Old Huo, what do you think? About this child, Lin Yuan?"
Elder Huo waved his hand. "What do I think? Naturally, I admire him. I've watched Lin Yuan grow up—his talent is high, his temperament is good, he acts steadily and with restraint, knows how to judge situations, and understands gratitude and repayment. Though his thoughts are a bit deep, in this world where the strong prey on the weak, having deeper thoughts is the only way to go far."
After a pause, Elder Huo's tone carried a hint of envy. "Come to think of it, this kid's fortune is truly remarkable. A seventh-grade peak pill—this old man has been refining pills for so many years and has never even seen one, yet he obtained such an item at such a young age."
Hu Gan nodded upon hearing this. "Indeed. I have a feeling that the Life-Devouring Pill won't be able to stop this kid. It seems our Jia Nan Academy is about to produce an extraordinary genius!" He paused, as if recalling something, and a trace of amusement appeared in his voice. "If this child could become my granddaughter's husband in the future, that would be even better. Hahaha…"
Elder Huo shot Hu Gan an annoyed glance. "You old fellow, can't you be serious for once? If Hu Jia heard that, she'd rip off all your beard hairs." With that, he turned and left.
Hu Gan did not take it to heart and slowly walked toward the Inner Academy.
"It's time to arrange Lin Yuan's entry into the Inner Academy, and while I'm at it, discuss with the First Elder the specific arrangements for him there."
At the same time, back in his small courtyard, Lin Yuan let out a long breath.
"All the objectives have basically been achieved—the life-extending pill, early entry into the Inner Academy, the qualification to enter the library. I originally thought there would be some twists and turns. Jia Nan Academy…"
"If Lin Yuan does not die, the favor of Jia Nan shall one day be repaid a hundredfold!"
Pulling his thoughts back together, Lin Yuan began to consider his next steps.
"Next objectives: within half a year, temper my foundation in the Inner Academy using the Fallen Heart Flame; stabilize and advance my alchemy through refining pills for the Academy. And most importantly—Zi Yan."