The heavens and the earth were created by Allah in six days, according to Surahs 7:54, 10:3, 11:7, and 25:59; but it took eight days, according to Surah 41:9-12.
Say: Is it that ye deny Him Who created the earth in two Days? And do ye join equals with Him? He is the Lord of (all) the Worlds. (41:9)
He set on the (earth), mountains standing firm, high above it, and bestowed blessings on the earth, and measure therein all things to give them nourishment in due proportion, in four Days, in accordance with (the needs of) those who seek (Sustenance). (41:10)
Moreover He comprehended in His design the sky, and it had been (as) smoke: He said to it and to the earth: "Come ye together, willingly or unwillingly." They said: "We do come (together), in willing obedience." (41:11)
So He completed them as seven firmaments in two Days, and He assigned to each heaven its duty and command. And We adorned the lower heaven with lights, and (provided it) with guard. Such is the Decree of (Him) the Exalted in Might, Full of Knowledge. (41:12)
My expalanation…
41:9 explains that the earth was created in 2 days
41:10 explains the earth and the filling of earth in 4 days = 2 days earth creation + 2 days filling the earth
41:11 explains the process of putting together the earth and heaven (smoke)
41:12 explains that the heaven was created in 2 days
so creation of earth (2 days) + filling the earth (2 days) + creation of heaven (2 days)
in total is 6 days…
41:10 does not start with the word 'then' or 'after that' or 'and' or ‘so’... but a repetition of description on the process of creating earth by constructing mountains which is part of the earth and finally bestowed blessings on it... then only He mentioned the word 'and' as an indication of another process...