In Martial Universe, Signed in at the Start with Yao Lao's Ring

Lin Yan carefully observed the old man before him and quickly came to a conclusion.

This Yao Lao likely had not met Xiao Yan yet.

Otherwise, there would be no reason for him to thank me.

The only explanation was that the system had saved him at a critical moment. In a way, that made me his benefactor.

With this realization, Lin Yan's mind began to formulate a plan.

"No need for thanks, Senior Yao Lao," Lin Yan said with a smile, cupping his fists.

"Although I wasn't originally from the Dou Qi Continent, I have long heard of your legendary name in my homeland."

"The Medicine Sovereign, Yao Chen. It is an honor to finally meet you."

Yao Lao raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.

"Oh? From what you just said... you are not a native of this land?"

Lin Yan nodded.

"The way I arrived here is quite similar to yours, Senior. However, the "ability" belongs to me."

Yao Lao gave Lin Yan a deep look.

"I see… Little friend, it seems your fate is truly extraordinary."

He did not doubt Lin Yan's words.

More importantly, he had no malicious intent toward him.

Yao Lao was a man of loyalty and righteousness. And strangely, after being brought into this world by the "ability" (system), he had a faint feeling that he must not become enemies with this young man.

It was as if some unknown force would punish him if he did.

"So, little friend, what are your plans?" Yao Lao finally asked.

He was most concerned about what Lin Yan intended to do with him.

Would he treat him as an enemy?

Would he try to control him?

Until he knew the answer, he could not be at ease.

Lin Yan grinned.

"I would like to make a deal with you, Senior Yao Lao."

"Although summoning you here was not entirely my intention, I believe this situation has turned out quite well."

"I know that Senior Yao still has an unresolved blood feud in your homeland. Right now, you are nothing but a disembodied soul."

"So here's my proposal—"

"In the future, once I have grown strong enough, I will help you refine a new physical body and assist you in returning to the Dou Qi Continent."

"In exchange, all I ask is that until then, you use your knowledge and power to help guide me in my cultivation."

"Senior Yao, what do you think of this deal?"

Lin Yan's gaze locked onto Yao Lao, waiting for his response.

Yao Lao fell silent for a moment.

Then, with a nod, he said,

"In that case… I shall entrust my future to you, little friend."

Lin Yan smiled in satisfaction.

"Senior, it is I who should be relying on you!"

With that settled, Lin Yan put the ring away, dressed himself, and left the small stone pool.

As they walked, Lin Yan and Yao Lao discussed many things.

Lin Yan shared stories of his "native world" or "native realm", while Yao Lao explained the Martial Universe's power system.

Listening to Lin Yan's tales, Yao Lao couldn't help but sigh.

"If I hadn't experienced this firsthand, I would never have believed such things existed…"

When the conversation turned toward the power levels of this world, Yao Lao stroked his beard thoughtfully.

"Hmm…"

"It seems that this world's cultivation system is quite similar to ours."

"This realm calls it Tempered Body, while we called it Dou Qi Cultivation. But in essence, there is little difference."

At that moment, Yao Lao turned his gaze toward Lin Yan.

"Little friend, I must say… your current physique is truly weak."

"If I am not mistaken, you have only reached the second layer of the Tempered Body stage, correct?"

Lin Yan rubbed his nose awkwardly.

"Yeah… I just got here, after all."

Yao Lao nodded in understanding.

Then, with a grin, he said,

"In that case, would you like to try a method from my homeland?"

Lin Yan's eyes lit up.

"You mean… alchemy?"

Yao Lao laughed heartily.

"Little friend, you are indeed sharp!"

"However, this time, we won't be using pills, we will be using a special medicinal liquid."

"After all, your body is still too weak. If you recklessly consume high-grade pills, you might not be able to withstand their effects."

Lin Yan instantly understood what Yao Lao was talking about.

'So it's that Body Tempering Medicinal Liquid he used on Xiao Yan?'

'Never thought I'd get to use it myself…'

Lin Yan cupped his fists respectfully.

"Then I must trouble you, Senior Yao."

Yao Lao shrugged casually.

"Think nothing of it."

With that, the two of them began searching for herbs in the Lin Clan's back mountain.

Although it was called a back mountain, it was still a vast wilderness, rich in medicinal plants and even some low-level demonic beasts.

"Hmm, found it! Purple Leaf Orchid."

"It might be called something else in this world, but the plant itself is the same."

Lin Yan carefully plucked the herb according to Yao Lao's instructions and stored it away.

Along the way, they encountered several other useful herbs, all of which Lin Yan collected.

After searching for quite some time, they finally found another key ingredient.

"Bone-Washing Flower! This should be the last medicinal herb we need!"

Yao Lao smiled in satisfaction.

But then, they noticed something nearby.

A massive panther-like demonic beast was prowling near the Bone-Washing Flower.

Seeing this, Yao Lao's eyes gleamed.

"Well, well… What a stroke of luck!"

"This medicinal liquid requires a Wood-element Demon Core from a First-Grade Demonic Beast."

"And wouldn't you know it? That beast over there is exactly what we need!"

However, Lin Yan felt a bit troubled.

He had just arrived in the Martial Universe and was still adjusting to combat.

On top of that, his strength was still weak—only at the second layer of the Tempered Body stage.

Fighting that demonic beast? He had no confidence at all.

Yao Lao noticed his hesitation and chuckled.

"Haha, no need to worry, little friend."

"A mere low-grade demonic beast like this? I'll handle it."

With a flick of Yao Lao's finger, a thin streak of white flame shot forward.

Bone-Chilling Flame!

The cold, eerie flame moved at blinding speed and latched onto the panther's body.

Before the beast could react, it was already engulfed in Yao Lao's flame, its life instantly snuffed out.

The only thing left intact… was its precious Wood-element Demon Core.

Yao Lao walked over, retrieved the Demon Core, and carefully plucked the Bone-Washing Flower before returning to Lin Yan.

"Alright, little friend."

"Let's find a safe place… and begin refining medicine!"

Lin Yan grinned and nodded.

As they made their way back home, his heart was filled with excitement.

'If I'm not mistaken…'

'The strength Yao Lao just displayed was similar to when he fought Yun Shan back in the Misty Cloud Sect...'

'Doesn't that mean I now have a Dou Zong-level powerhouse protecting me?!'

'This… is way too amazing!'