He had gained much from killing Chu Ao Nan, for the Spirit Gathering Pill was far more potent than any of his spiritual artifacts.
Zhou Yan closed his eyes, activating the "Spirit Gathering Technique" and greedily absorbing the spiritual energy contained within the Spirit Gathering Pill.
The spiritual energy from the pill surged towards Zhou Yan like a flood, permeating every inch of his muscles and bones, tempering his body and meridians, and increasing his potential.
Zhou Yan's cultivation was climbing at a rapid pace.
"This trip was not in vain!"
A satisfied smile graced Zhou Yan's lips. Chu Ao Nan, in his attempt to steal a chicken, had ended up losing the rice, perishing in the process.
The effects of the Spirit Gathering Pill lasted for three full months before slowly fading.
Zhou Yan opened his eyes, a glint of excitement in them. The pill's efficacy had surpassed his expectations, not only improving his cultivation but also strengthening his bones and sinews. This journey had been incredibly worthwhile!
"I'll give all of this to you!" Zhou Yan said with a chuckle.
He then produced several hundred low-grade spirit stones and placed them on a pile of materials. "Here are five hundred low-grade spirit stones. Each of you take half, and then leave Cloud Sea City. I trust none of you will speak of this matter, or you will face my ruthlessness!"
"This..."
The crowd hesitated. While they were greedy, they were not so foolish as to betray their friends for such a paltry sum of spirit stones.
"What, do you think my words carry no threat?"
Zhou Yan's voice turned cold, a chilling killing intent erupting from him, causing everyone present to shiver.
"No... no..." they stammered, their faces etched with fear. They knew all too well the terrifying extent of Zhou Yan's power; if he wished, he could slaughter them all in an instant.
Zhou Yan's words were merely meant to intimidate, and he had no intention of truly acting on them. After all, the price of a Spirit Gathering Pill was exorbitant, equivalent to ten thousand-year-old spiritual herbs. Zhou Yan was not so foolish as to spend such a fortune just to replicate the pill's effects.
Seeing their fearful expressions, Zhou Yan nodded with satisfaction. "Since you've agreed, be on your way quickly. I have many matters to attend to."
"Understood, Brother Zhou. Rest well. We'll come find you after we're gone!"
...
News of Chu Ao Nan's demise quickly reached his loyal followers. They wasted no time, summoning the most powerful individuals in the family for a late-night deliberation.
An elder from the Chu family, a cultivator at the peak of the late Foundation Establishment stage, scowled. "To think that this brat is responsible for Chu Ao Nan's death! He's incredibly audacious, not only killing Chu Ao Nan but also the Chu family patriarch. We must settle this score with him."
The others nodded in agreement, unwilling to let the matter rest. Zhou Yan had killed Chu Ao Nan and taken his storage ring, leaving them utterly disgraced. All of this was because of Zhou Yan!
...
"Zhou Yan, you're dead today! You will surely perish here!" the Chu family patriarch roared, his voice filled with venom. He had resolved to dismember Zhou Yan once captured.
Following Chu Ao Nan's death, the most outstanding talents in their family had already departed. The clan was now devoid of any true contenders. Their only hope rested on the Chu family's Foundation Establishment grandmaster.
"Patriarch, regardless of Zhou Yan's background, he has committed a capital offense by killing Chu Ao Nan. We absolutely cannot let him go!"
"I agree with the Patriarch's sentiment. We must kill him!"
"Patriarch, I have already requested assistance from nearby forces to help us hunt down this brat."
...
Everyone nodded in agreement. Despite Zhou Yan's strength, he was sure to fall under their combined assault!
The Chu family members' faces were filled with ruthlessness, their eyes flashing with icy killing intent, as if Zhou Yan were already a corpse lying before them.
...
As the Chu family members departed, a cold smile flickered across Zhou Yan's face.
"I do enjoy seeing a bunch of fools rush to their deaths for me!"
Zhou Yan muttered to himself, aware that the Chu family would surely be investigating the matter further. He intended to use this time to enhance his own strength.
"For now, I shall lie low and await an opportunity to annihilate the Chu family."
With this thought, Zhou Yan immediately consumed two more Spirit Gathering Pills. The clashing effects of the two pills plunged him into unconsciousness.
...
Meanwhile, in a certain inn in Cloud Sea City, a young man in white, fanning himself leisurely, strode forward with an air of grace. A hint of melancholy clouded the young man's brow, as if he were burdened by worry.
"Master, must you truly do this?" the young man in white murmured to himself as he walked. The master he spoke of was the City Lord of Cloud Sea City, and the head of the Bai family, Bai Tian Ming.
Bai Tian Ming, the City Lord of Cloud Sea City, possessed a late Foundation Establishment cultivation. Despite his formidable power, his path was not without its obstacles. Many individuals in Cloud Sea City were his equal, and some even surpassed him. While Bai Tian Ming held himself in high regard and disdained associating with such people, he had to admit that some individuals were beyond his reach.
Bai Tian Ming arrived at the door of a luxurious private room and pushed it open. Inside, a young man was seated. The man was adorned in opulent attire, his hair tied up in a topknot, with an exquisite jade hairpin. A strand of silk-like hair dangled from the hairpin, swaying gently.
"Greetings, Young Master Bai!" Bai Tian Ming said respectfully, cupping his fist in salute.
The man glanced at him indifferently and asked, "What is your opinion on Ao Nan's death?"
Upon hearing this, Bai Tian Ming's face contorted with anger. "Patriarch, this matter must have been the work of that little bastard. However, we lack evidence. We can only detain him and interrogate him slowly. We cannot let him escape."
"Ao Nan is dead. There is no need to dwell on this matter further," the man stated, then continued to sip his tea.
Bai Tian Ming looked perplexed. "Patriarch, why are we not investigating further? Shouldn't we at least ascertain this brat's background?"
"He is merely an outsider, of no real importance. Once we uncover Zhou Yan's identity, it will be time enough to deal with him!"
"Patriarch, you mean...?" Bai Tian Ming's heart leaped, sensing a powerful killing intent and feeling a tremor of fear.
"We could lure him into our Chu family's territory and let him know that those who dare to harm the Chu family must pay a price," the man said coldly.
"But, what if he truly has a powerful backing?" Bai Tian Ming hesitated.