The liquid, however, vanished into Zhou Yan's body immediately after he swallowed it, causing him no harm.
He then sat down cross-legged and began to frantically circulate his cultivation technique.
"Boom~"
Above Zhou Yan's head, a blazing sun slowly materialized. Golden flames incessantly rained down from the sky, enveloping Zhou Yan's body.
These golden flames seemed to possess the power to incinerate all things in the world. Where they passed, the void itself ignited.
The impurities surrounding Zhou Yan were directly vaporized by these golden flames, eventually transforming into flame runes that merged into Zhou Yan's body.
These flame runes were refined from the medicinal liquid.
The flame runes contained formidable spiritual energy.
They circulated incessantly within Zhou Yan's body, constantly tempering his physique.
An hour later.
"Buzz~"
Zhou Yan opened his eyes, a smile gracing his face. "As expected of this cultivation technique, the efficiency is simply too high. It's countless times better than immortal cultivation techniques, and the effect is extremely potent, even more powerful than I anticipated!"
"This cultivation technique is a 'Fire Attribute' technique, a top-grade third-rank technique, but it can only be cultivated to the second level."
"Currently, I have reached the peak of the late Foundation Establishment stage. In about half a month, I should be able to attempt to break through to the Core Formation stage."
"However, before forming a core, I need to break through to the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment. This time, I plan to reach the Core Formation stage, so that I can at least protect myself even in Xuanwu City!"
With this thought, Zhou Yan decided to continue his secluded cultivation, aiming to break through to the Core Formation stage within a short two months.
Following this decision, Zhou Yan entered a state of deep cultivation within the cave dwelling.
This period of seclusion lasted a full three months.
"Hoo! Finally, I've broken through to the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment. I'm getting closer and closer to the late Foundation Establishment stage. After a few more days of consolidation, I should be able to attempt to reach the Core Formation stage!"
Feeling the surging power within his body, Zhou Yan smiled.
"Hoo~"
Taking a deep breath, Zhou Yan emerged from the cave dwelling.
"Kid, how are you?"
The moment Zhou Yan stepped out, Zhou Yan grabbed his arm and asked with concern.
"Father, my cultivation has broken through to the Great Perfection of Core Formation, and I've gained some other benefits!" Zhou Yan said joyfully.
"Oh, you've broken through to the Great Perfection of Core Formation so quickly? Haha, good! Good! That's truly excellent news!" Zhou Yan said with a laugh.
"By the way, where are the disciples of our Zhou family? Why haven't I seen any Zhou family disciples during my seclusion? Could they have been robbed?" Zhou Yan asked, puzzled.
"This..." Zhou Yan looked embarrassed.
He dared not hide the truth from Zhou Yan. After all, if Zhou Yan remained ignorant of the situation, he might fly into a rage, potentially leading to a bloody conflict.
Therefore, to avoid putting Zhou Yan in danger, Zhou Yan explained the whole story.
Upon hearing this, Zhou Yan's expression instantly turned incredibly grim.
"Damn it, how dare someone be so audacious as to rob even our Zhou family disciples? Are they tired of living?" Zhou Yan said angrily.
"However, I've already sent people to investigate. I believe we'll find out who's responsible soon. No matter who provoked our Zhou family this time, I will not let them off!"
With that, Zhou Yan turned to Zhou Yan and said, "Xiao Yan, let's go for a walk together!"
Zhou Yan nodded and walked out of the cave dwelling with Zhou Yan.
The weather outside remained gloomy.
Zhou Yan and Zhou Yan, father and son, stood at the entrance of the cave dwelling, gazing at the dark, oppressive sky outside. Both felt exceptionally restless, their hearts filled with anger.
Just then, Zhou Yan's expression shifted. He turned his head to look at the distant horizon and exclaimed in surprise, "Someone is coming!"
"Huh?" Zhou Yan blinked.
Immediately, he felt the true essence within his body surge forth, rushing through his limbs and bones, then converging in his eyes, projecting outwards.
His gaze pierced through the clouds, transcending countless distances, and locked onto the distant void.
That patch of void, like a calm lake into which a stone had been thrown, instantly rippled.
Within the ripples, a flying boat slowly descended.
"Whoosh~"
Subsequently, figures emerged from the flying boat.
The person was thin and frail, clad in a white robe, with a sallow complexion and a pungent, fishy odor clinging to him. It was none other than Young Master Chen.
"Heh heh, isn't this Brother Chen? You've finally emerged from seclusion?"
Upon seeing Young Master Chen, Zhou Yan's expression faltered slightly.
Young Master Chen was quite well-known within their circle, so as soon as Zhou Yan saw him appear, he recognized him.
"So it's Young Master Zhou Yan! A pleasure to meet you!"
Young Master Chen glanced at Zhou Yan and then put on a look of sudden realization, smiling and saying, "No wonder I saw a group of Zhou family disciples gathered here on my way. It turns out Young Master Zhou Yan has emerged from seclusion."
"Brother Chen, where have you been? I heard from the clan leader that you've been cultivating in your room these past few days?" Zhou Yan asked.
"I was refining some elixirs. By the way, Young Master Zhou Yan, a major event has occurred in our Xuanwu City recently. It is said that on that night, someone trespassed into the Zhou family and killed over a thousand members of the Zhou family!" Young Master Chen said with a cold snort, grinding his teeth.
"What?" Hearing Young Master Chen's words, Zhou Yan's expression turned slightly shocked. "You must help me seek justice in this matter, Young Master Zhou Yan!" Young Master Chen said with a mournful face.
"Don't worry, I will not let the culprit off," Zhou Yan said in a deep voice.
"Indeed! Then I shall await good news from Young Master Zhou Yan!" Young Master Chen said quickly.
Zhou Yan nodded slightly and said, "Brother Chen, let's go eat first! After we've eaten, I will immediately dispatch people to investigate the events of that night!"
"Alright!" Young Master Chen nodded and agreed.
Soon, the two of them left the Zhou family and headed towards a restaurant near the Zhou family.
In the restaurant.
"Come, Young Master Zhou Yan, let's have a drink!" Young Master Chen picked up the wine pot in front of him and offered it to Zhou Yan.
Zhou Yan took Young Master Chen's wine pot, clinked it against Young Master Chen's, and then tilted his head back, draining the wine in the cup.
After a bowl of wine, Zhou Yan felt a warmth spread through his belly, his spirits lifted, and he felt supremely refreshed.
"Haha! Excellent, excellent!" Zhou Yan laughed heartily.
"Young Master Zhou Yan, you are a prodigy among the younger generation of the Zhou family. After this period of training and experience, your strength must have improved considerably. Your increased strength means that our Zhou family's strength has also increased!" Young Master Chen said with a smile.
"Indeed!" Zhou Yan smiled and nodded.